I’m Back. Have you missed me?

I’m back, but first, a quick recap…

I first tested The Key to Chintak manuscript in schools in 2005. It was a success, but I couldn’t capture the attention of mainstream publishing. So, I decided to self-publish. Over the following 18 months, I received lots of press and encouraging feedback (see News & Reviews).

I sold over 14,000 books at that time and was stocked by all major bookshops. Despite having no publisher, social media, or marketing, The Key to Chintak became the second-best-selling children's paperback among small publishers in the second quarter of 2006. It was the only self-published book in the top 500 for the entire year (reaching 25). Additionally, it made it into the Children's Top 10 at Waterstones. Lastly, and most funly (yes, I know that's not a real word), I toured schools across the UK, engaging with countless kids about my book and journey.

And then, it all stopped. Despite performing well on a shoestring budget, I couldn’t afford to live off the income from book sales. With a young family and a mortgage, I had no choice but to return to my previous life as an IT consultant. That profession occupied the majority of my life since, along with some property maintenance.

Then, in 2022, something extraordinary happened. A Hollywood producer picked up my book and contacted me. He loved it and wanted to make a trailer with the goal of selling the rights to a major studio. The timing was perfect as I had just wrapped up all my business loose ends and was contemplating returning to writing. This time, thanks to money earned from my business, I had some savings behind me. Additionally, technology, the internet, and social media would be on my side. And so, I started writing again.

The Hollywood strikes and aftermath have been challenging, but the opportunity still exists for a major studio to pick it up and make the movie. At the time of writing, two studios have expressed interest and separate discussions with investors are ongoing.

Back in the real world, I refreshed The Key to Chintak, had it re-edited in the UK, and commissioned a USA edit. Additionally, I’ve had a new cover designed. This will be the Third Edition upon release.

I have also written the follow-up, The Molto Crystals. Apart from the final editorial touches, that book is ready to go. A cover has been designed for this too, as you will see on the website. It might not be the final released art, but you can see where I'm going with the design.

I have also half-written the final part of the trilogy, The Primary Amulet. A cover has been designed for this as well. Again, it might not be the final released art, but you can see where I'm going with the design.

Nothing will be released until I know where I stand with the film. But it’s been 19 years since The Key to Chintak, so what’s another few months or so? Seriously, sorry for the wait. I am older, wiser and creaking a bit around the edges, but let’s see what can be achieved this time around!!

Oh, and this is a new website with social media links and everything. Do you like it?