5,000 people were abjucted by pirates on the Mediterranean island of Gozo in 1551. Their souls cry for revenge but wait until one of their descendents unknowingly meets the descendent of one of the pirates. The novel, Xaghra’s Revenge, and my US agent suggests I ask famous fantasy writer, Ramsay Campbell, for his endorsement. I wouldn’t expect him to read all 103,000 words but a sample, synopsis, etc. His agent, John Jarrold, was kind enough to ask on my behalf but replied that as Ramsey is writing a new novel he is too immerssed and busy to glance at mind. Note I’d spent time reading his short story, The Hand, and gave it a positive review when it appeared in The Horror Zine anthology below this post.
Understandable to get into the heads of your characters and keep with an intricate plot. I can understand that. It is why I am grateful to write much of the time undisturbed – apart from being mad of mind. The irony is that Ramsey is appearing in my home town of Chester on a money-making gig to speak to the Society of Authors in April. Not worth the £22 entry fee though cos if I sat in the audience I’d be holding up placards with excerpts of my Xaghra’s Revenge – haha.
Seriously, good luck with your new novel, Ramsay. I get it wrong – spend too much time critiquing other folk’s writing instead of getting on with my new novel and short stories.
