I’m going to forewarn you. If you’re squeamish, especially around anything surgically related, then perhaps refrain from scrolling too far down. However, if you’re of a disposition where the sight of a few metal clips holding together a large incision will not put you off your cornflakes, then read on!
Are we good? Okay, then let’s begin…
First, this blog goes out a couple of days before that jolly fat guy in his red suit squeezes down your chimney to bestow a plethora of gifts that a) you probably didn’t want, and b) don’t need. But as the saying goes, it’s the thought that counts. And if that was true, telling your loved ones that you “thought” about buying them gifts, but decided instead to invest the money in a cinema ticket to see the new Matrix movie wouldn’t be cause for an argument, nor threats that the turkey won’t be the only thing getting stuffed this Christmas. All that said, it is a time for giving. And what better gift than an exclusive on the new Tom Nolan novel (see points A and B above for the correct reaction to that question)?
Back in 2020, I wrote a horror/thriller novel similar in style to movies and books like Se7en, The Silence of the Lambs, and Angel Heart. That book was titled Bad People. It had some favourable reviews on release, all of which prompted me to set about writing the sequel, Labyrinth of Dolls, which was released in the same year! Arthritic fingers? Yes, please! In late 2020, I began the third, and final, chapter in the Tom Nolan series, but gave up following some family issues that demanded time and emotion. I didn’t pick up the project again until around October. I had previously committed 20k words, 5k of which were terrible. And because I rarely outline my novels, I had to recall from memory the narrative I believed would work. I set a goal. Before the end of Christmas 2021, the last book would be done. I can tell you now, from October to November, writing about Nolan’s pursuit to bring down that crazy underground cult was akin to passing a kidney stone (or so I imagine). It was a slow, agonising venture. But around mid-November, something just clicked. All the pieces fell into place. I felt like Nolan, solving a grand mystery that has haunted me for a long time. Blood was shed in equal quantity to tears. Not mine, the characters in the book. Though I don’t mind admitting, I did tear up myself toward the end. On December 22nd, the first draft was complete. I had also found a title that fitted perfectly, albeit one my tongue struggled with, and one I’m sure I’ll regret during future interviews on podcasts.
I won’t go into too much detail about the plot in this letter, save to say this final book links all the other books together, and ties things up in a big, bloody bow. I will add this, if you’ve not already done so, read my other novel that was released in 2020 titled, Heart of Glass. It exists in the same world Nolan and the Brethren live within, and the more you know about its two main characters (Jack Glass and his girlfriend Prudence) the greater the experience will be when the new book is released.
So, are you ready for the artwork?
Yes? Good. Here you go…
For those curious, here’s the definition of Apotheosis. The examples given serve the narrative well.
1. The highest point in the development of something; a culmination or climax.
2. A formal statement that a person has become a god.
The artwork featured here is to offer a glimpse only into the book’s theme, and isn’t meant to represent the book cover. That’ll come later. What do you think? Let me know. I’m always thrilled when people get in touch. Drop me a message at paperbackwriter72@gmail.com
Thank you again for all your support. I hope you’re excited as I am to the release of Apotheosis, but for now, allow me to extend to you, and your family, my deepest best wishes for this imminent Holiday season, and remember, however bad that present is, just smile and exchange it in the sales.
Craig
Craig Wallwork 