Writing and publishing

There is a small problem with writing a sequel that happens before the first book. The Challenge of Writing a Prequel Small, in this case, means slightly ridiculous. Original Echoes follows Fractured Echoes, at least from the reader’s point of view. It comes after it on the shelf, after it in the series, and after it in the mind of anyone who has already read the first book. But inside the story, it is doing something less tidy. It reaches backwards. That sounds simple enough

Memory is not a neat filing system. That may be the first problem. It would be useful if it were. You open the right drawer, pull out the right folder, and there it is: the full truth, dated, stamped, and ready to use. Sadly, memory has never shown much interest in being useful. It drops things. It changes the order. It keeps hold of scenes you would rather lose and misplaces the names, dates, and reasons you need later. Which is probably why I keep coming back to it. Not bec

You expect noise. What you get, at first, is a room, a refresh button, and far too much time with your own thoughts. When I released Fractured Echoes last year, I anticipated it would make an impact. Not a grand celebration. I didn’t expect street decorations or a small brass band outside my house playing a tune that said, “Congratulations, you finally stopped editing chapter twelve.” Yet, I did expect something. Some indication that the book had transitioned from a private e

The Unexpected Joy of a Silver Medal My first novel, Fractured Echoes, won an award. Kind of. That is how I have learnt to say it. There is a fine line between sharing good news and sounding like the sort of person who starts a sentence with “as an award-winning author” while reaching for a velvet smoking jacket. To be precise, Fractured Echoes was named a finalist in the 2026 Next Generation Indie Book Awards. It was in the top ten for Best Debut Novel. I received a certific

Psychological thrillers possess a unique power to captivate the mind. They delve into the complexities of human nature, exploring fear, obsession, and deception. The best stories in this genre weave intricate plots that keep readers guessing until the very last page. These novels often unfold in atmospheric settings, where tension builds steadily and the unexpected lurks in every shadow. The appeal lies in the slow reveal of secrets and the unsettling exploration of the human

Psychological thrillers captivate with their intricate plots and deep exploration of the human mind. They weave tension and suspense into narratives that linger long after the last page. The genre thrives on atmosphere, character complexity, and the subtle unraveling of truth. In crafting such stories, certain key ingredients emerge as essential. These elements combine to create a gripping experience that challenges perceptions and evokes profound unease. The Atmosphere of Un