WINTER 09/10

(click here to listen to an interview)

'City of Ghosts' was published on July 3rd 2009 and I've added a page about it under the Random House Books section. I'm delighted with the way it's turned out and can't wait to get on the road to promote it. It's a real change for me - a historical novel with elements of magical realism and ghosts too.To buy the book or to find out more about it, please click on the cover and other links.

 'Them & Us' is also now available, published by Barrington Stoke. It is my sixth book for them. The cover really does justice to the story and I'm hoping it will cause a bit of a stir. It's definitely challenging. Book number seven is also finished and will be out in 2010. It's called 'The Gun' and explores the friendship between three young men; a friendship which is destroyed when one of them finds a loaded gun. Both the new story and 'Them & Us' are gritty, realistic stories which I hope will appeal to those of you who loved 'The Crew', 'The Whisper' and 'The Last Taboo'.

 A big thank you to all the schools and colleges that I've visited since the summer. I always enjoy school visits, and after a break over Xmas and New Year I'll be back on the road, starting in Spain. If I come to your school or college please feel free to come and say hello.

I have also decided to change my next novel. Initially I was writing a diary novel but unfortunately it just didn't work out and I pulled the plug. These things can happen and I felt it was the right decision to take. I am now writing a more gritty story which deals with the effect of an 'honour' killing on one boy and his family. It will be told in the style of crime thriller and will be full of twists and turns hopefully. It's coming along nicely and I'll get more information to you when I can.

All four books in the Soccer Squad series are now available and I'm delighted with them. For those of you, male and female, who enjoy football, these books should be just what you want. I'm really enjoying talking about one of my favourite topics at schools around the UK and they were a joy to write. And with the 2010 World Cup approaching fast, I'm very tempted to write another four. And this time, England are in it!

And that's it for now. Keep checking back for more updates and keep reading.

bali.