“Everything that has ever happened in the entire history of the universe, every cause and effect and chain of events, has led you here — now.” — The Guardian, ‘Eladria’
I’m really pleased to announce that today is the official release date of my first published novel, Eladria. Although Amazon has dispatched preorders early, today is the day it’s finally available not just in paperback format, but in a very affordable ebook edition (on Kindle, iBooks, Nook, etc). If you enjoyed the first three chapters which I’ve posted this week, I’m certain you’ll be eager to find out what happens after that cliffhanger ending, and now you can!
The Story Behind the Book
This has been quite a journey. I began writing Eladria almost 4 years ago, in the Summer of 2009. It took a whole year to complete the first draft, then another 2 years to complete countless successive drafts. It wasn’t always an easy task writing this book, I came against some stumbling blocks and almost gave up on it more than once! But I’m glad I stuck it out, because it eventually paid off big style.
Eladria is the first instalment in a series called ‘The Alanar Ascendant’ which I’ve been working on for years…and years…and years! It’s a supremely epic tale and whilst Eladria can be read as a more or less self-contained book, it also leads into the next book in the series, The Key Of Alanar, which will hopefully be published next year. Maybe sooner, who knows…
The Writer’s Journey
I’ve always been a storyteller. I’ve been writing since I was a teenager, and even before that I spent most my spare time drawing comic books and creating all kinds of stories. When I was a kid I used to walk my dog after school, a boxer dog named Cleo, and while I was walking I’d be imagining and playing out all kinds of adventures in my head, and there was always an overarching storyline, with distinct sets of characters. I loved retreating into my imagination, for I found the worlds in my head far more interesting than the comparatively drab ‘real world’. In time I learned to balance the two a little more, and appreciate all the richness and beauty of this world as well! Part of this ‘bridging’ of worlds was finding the means to share these stories with others, and to refine them and be clear about the purpose and meaning behind them.
I studied the craft of writing, learning how to properly structure stories, to develop characters and to weave narratives, with depth, meaning and themes. I realised that the true purpose of literature is not just to entertain, but to raise questions, explore ideas and help us make sense of ourselves and our journey through life. A good story shouldn’t just entertain you, it should inspire you and change you in some way. That sounds quite deep, and may be off-putting to some, but I hasten to add that Eladria is a fast-paced book that’s written in a highly accessible and readable style. It’s up to the reader what level of depth they wish to take from it. For some it’ll simply be an adventure, with a solid emotional core and some startling twists and turns (as far as I’m aware, no one has managed to predict the big twist at the end yet!).
Coming Next!
Over the next week I’m doing a BLOG TOUR! Lots of interviews. I’ve been given some really cool and thought-provoking questions and I’ve done my best to provide interesting answers. I’ve gone into some depth about the creative process and why and how I write. I’ll be posting and reblogging them here. It’s been a crazy busy time, but immense fun 
I look forward to sharing this with you.
Free Soundtrack Album!
Last but not least, I have just released my first music album! It’s the soundtrack to Eladria, an hour of original music based upon key sections from the book. It’s an epic, very atmospheric electronic/ambient/orchestral album, which I think captures the balance of the book very well. Incidentally, you don’t really need to be interested in or know anything about the book in order to enjoy the album. It’s a free gift to everyone, so check it out.
It’s now available as a FREE MP3 DOWNLOAD! Click here for more details and to download now. I’ve also created music videos featuring music from the soundtrack, which I will be posting soon (you’ll find them on the page I just linked to).
Everything you could ever want to know about the book is on my website — click here to visit the Eladria site!
I worked very hard designing the entire site myself and I think it’s one of the most comprehensive and full sites for a book I’ve ever seen. It has information about the world and its characters, the entire first three chapters, music videos, artwork, reviews, free short stories and an online media kit. Have a look and let me know what you think
Incidentally, here’s the book trailer. Someone asked me today who did it and how much it cost. I actually did it myself, but I guess that means I must have done a pretty good job
Eladria is now available to purchase from a wide range of online stores, including Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk, Barnes & Noble, Waterstones, Book Depository (free international postage!), Apple iBooks and more. I’m also selling signed copies from my website — which include a free CD copy of the soundtrack and bookmark.
Thanks for reading and being part of the journey.
