Dougsbookblog

I'm back.
My excuse for the prolonged absence is that I've been struggling for a while with family and work commitments, but hopefully this is the start of regular contributions again. I plan to do a series on my favourite parts of my books, why and what I felt...

One skill many writers find difficult is turning their brilliant idea into a synopsis that will grab the attention of a publisher or an agent. So this is one for the authors among you who are interested in being published by the traditional route, although...

Martha Lea, the unworthy me, Catriona McPherson and Nicola Upson
I've been neglecting my blog again. I try to post every couple of weeks, or at worst once a month, but sometimes things go so mad that it just gets forgotten.
In August, I finished the first draft of Enemy of Rome, started my next Jamie Saintclair book, had Sword of Rome and Excalibur of Rome published, and organised the launch party. I've also been preparing for Bloody Scotland, Scotland's crime writing festival...

And then there were six ...
First copies of my new Valerius adventure Sword of Rome arrived today and I think it looks fantastic.
'The story I now commence is rich in vicissitudes, grim with warfare, torn by civil strife, a tale of horror even during times of peace.' Tacitus, The Histories...