I thought it was about time I did an update on what’s going on in my life right now. You might not give a fig (LOL) but it’s nice to get it out there anyway. I’m told authors need to keep their profile fresh and ‘vibey’ so maybe this will help rekindle the love for my books and make me that million I’ve always wanted.
First on my list of bucket things to do was my recent trip to LA to meet my publisher, Boroughs Publishing Group, and writing partner, actor Nicholas Downs. I’m not going to say too much about it here because you can read all about here
https://www.divinemagazine.biz/my-la-experience-the-trip-of-a-lifetime/
Suffice it to say it was the best trip of my life and I intend having more of them. Hence the need to make that million.
I came away from that adventure with contracts for six books from now until the end of 2018. I hope to get back to publishing a new book every 3-4 months. I’ve slacked off with writing due to other pressures I’d had but now’s the time to pull up my big girl pants, stope eating and sleeping, forget I have a family and a day job, and get those words written.
Those books are the ninth Men of London book, ‘Survival Games’ featuring Kyle Tripper, Vegas croupier and nightclub manager, and Eric Kirby, paramedic, from Hard Climate. It’s the story of two survivors -one of spousal abuse, the other of losing a lover he couldn’t save.
Then there’s the eagerly anticipated ‘Living on Air’ (oh, is that just me? Right then…) This is a stand -alone novel depicting a psychotic paedophile priest (try saying that three times quickly), an abused youth turned man who finds solace in self-harming, and hides away as an aerialist in a circus, and a world-weary war photographer who wants to find the beauty in life again instead of cruelty and death. Bring these last two together and it’s a little like the witches’ boiling pot in Macbeth-
‘Double, double, toil and trouble, fire burn and cauldron bubble.’ Sparks will fly, blood will spill, emotions will run at fever point – oh and did I mention there’s clowns? Sorry to all you coulrophobics out there. I can give you some solace though -it isn’t IT.
Lastly for now, I’m writing a new spin off series from the Men of London book, ‘Feat of Clay’ featuring Clay Mortimer, former SAS operative, and Tate Williams, undercover DEA cop. Personally, I think this was one of my most under rated books. I adore this cover out of all my MOL covers, and the fact this was a story based on an existing relationship made it special to me. The chaps are coming back in a new series called Fetish Alley. It’s going to be sassy, funny, tongue in cheek madness with a mystery spin and of course, two hot men and their relationship. And yes, the word ‘fetish’ is exactly what it means. But you’ll have to stick around to find exactly what it’s all about. Tate’s education in weird is about to get very intense.
I’m also toying with the idea of a short Leslie and Oliver story, if I can stop breathing long enough to write it. (My take on this is that I’ve given up everything else and this is all I have left.) I want to write about Leslie and his new corset range with Debussy Fashion and how he makes Oliver his muse and model. Imagine Oliver in a corset and high heels. Teamed with the feisty Leslie, this would be one spectacular sight.
I’ve also been extremely busy with Divine Magazine well. Being Editorial Manager is a lot of hard work. I can say though that I‘ve been privileged to meet, speak to and interview some wonderful people like David Booher, whom I had the pleasure of having dinner with in LA, and Scott McGlynn, who has the most lovely Welsh accent. I’m also talking to Guillaume Sanchez who’s a fascinating character. All of these interviews will be featured soon.
As for The Being Me Campaign, of which I’m a Board Trustee, we’ve been busy behind the scenes building up what’s needed for 2017. I’m co-ordinating a wonderful charity anthology with Louis Harris from CoolDudes Publishing where sales of this book will benefit the charity. My story, ‘Strawberry Kisses’ has been submitted. I’d like to thank all the authors who are working with us on this for contributing their time and effort to help out the charity.
Jack L Pyke Heather C Leigh
Duncan Swallow Melissa Costa
J P Bilbao Amelia Faulkner
Louisa Mae Jennifer Slusher
Valynda King Violet Joicey-Cowan
Susan Mac Nicol Rhys Christoper Ethan
Melissa Costa Alex Jane
Sherri Jordan Asble Lane Swift
Heather C Leigh Dilo Keith
On a non-writing note, I’m off to South Africa with my husband and daughter to see family from 1-14th May. I’ll be in Cape Town and the West Cape so it’s going to be epic. Sun, sea, sand, wine, beer and family.
I’m at shiMMer in July, Brighton Pride in August, going to Dublin with a friend in September and hopefully then the travelling stops for a bit.
And I think I’ve said enough. I will leave you with this picture……I’m sure you’ll fit right in.
SUSAN MAC NICOL 