I’ve just pressed order on the first set of paperback proofs for my next book. Whilst I’ve done this many a time with my previous books, this time it felt different.

It’s because this is a series that I only started writing back in 2019 – less than three years ago, and now it’s a paperback. It’s the fastest I’ve gone from draft to paperback and I’m far more used to writing books that take nearly decades to perfect. However, when you’re ready, you’re ready, right?

Also, it’s because this is a three book series, which means I’m going to have to commit to it for the next few years. It’s easier to imagine it’s not real when it’s in a word document or an ebook format, but now it’s an actual paperback that’s going to sit beside my others on the shelf, it means there’s no turning back. This book and these characters are officially real.

Another reason I think I was so nervous to hit ‘order proofs’ is because this book takes my writing into a whole new direction. Dare I say it but this series is far darker and grittier than anything I’ve written, but it’s also my first delve into satire. Once again, I’ve written a series that defies genre, making it hard to categorise, but it’s a direction I’m really excited to share and pursue. I think at some point as a writer, you start to realise the kind of books you want to write, not necessarily based on genre, but just based on what you want to put out there into the world, the stories you want to spend your life telling. That’s how I feel with the books I’ve written – whilst they may not all be the same genre, you’ll notice the thread running through them all. So I suppose in a way, they’re a genre in themselves.

Once the proofs arrive, it’ll be time to get some other people to read it, which is always daunting – especially knowing what’s inside those covers. Wish me luck with that one. And then once that’s all done – it’s time for promotion. I’ll keep you up to date on how this series is going and when I’m kicking off the official lead up to launch. I’ll imagine it’ll sneak up on me and then once you readers know about it, it’ll definitely become very real.

But I’m pleased to say the next stage is finally here. Bring it all on, again!

The Signs Are Coming and The Luke Bright Series are out now! Check the links to the side to grab your copies. Thank you for taking the time to read this blog post.

N.A.K.