2012- A pretty good year- 2013 will be better.

Just thought I'd post a little run down of my work over the past year.

I've pushed on with my novels this year and to my delight I've managed to get three published. I've not done many short stories although I did publish a collection that I had ready to go in various anthologies for the Library of the Living Dead Press until they hit the rocks. So, I'll give a little run down of each and a summary of how they are doing.

Meta-Horde, a collaboration with the great Sean Page, published by Severed Press. I'm really proud of this book, its an old fashioned "ripping yarn" set a few years after the zombie uprising. When just as they started to believe things couldn't get any worse they make a shocking discovery. It has been very well received by the critics although I'm slightly disappointed by the sales, not being big headed but I thought this would be a huge seller. Even so its ticking along and hopefully it will really kick off soon as word gets around.





Escape from Dead City, published by Severed Press. Set in the first 24 hours we follow two sisters, in real time, as they try to escape London and the ever growing hordes. This has been by far my best seller but strangely hasn't received many reviews.It's been in the top 100 for Horror/Occult on Amazon.uk for most of the past month.






Pyramid of the Dead, again published by Severed Press, this is I hope a very different take on the zombie genre. Set in the 16th century its another take on the historical mystery of how a few hundred Spanish Conquistadors defeated the mighty Incan Empire. Sales have been pretty grim, maybe its just a little too different? Not sure but I'll be giving it a big push next year.







Children of the Plague, a short story collection, self published on Amazon. I released this as part of an experiment as I'd never done self-pub before and I'm fairly happy how it turned out. Most of the stories revolve our younger people and are over a few genres, zombie, vampire, werewolf and sci-fi.






Next year, looking like January 15th, Post Mortem Press will publish my supernatural thriller Fallen Angel. This a long way away from my usual work and I'm really looking forward to how its received,  Currently I am working on the follow up to Escape from Dead City which is called The Last Hope, this is about half done. And the follow up to Fallen Angel called Rise of the Valkyrie, this has been a challenge, I was over half done then chucked most of it away- it was pretty rough to be honest- I've changed the whole story line and unfortunately this has put it back to only about 25% done.

I also want to get back to some short stories- I think another collection.

Most importantly next year Pam and I are eventually getting married. Now that IS something to look forward to :-) I've got lots of family coming down from Scotland for the big day so there should be plenty of fun!

Fallen Angel- another update

Edits all done and dusted for my latest book- Fallen Angel- being published by the wonderful folks over at Post Mortem Press. This one is quite a bit different from my usual work, really looking forward to seeing what people think. Due for release January 15th.
More details to come...

Here's a blurb from the publisher-
"Fallen Angel demonstrates our continued efforts to broaden the audience for our books. One part Dan Brown, one part William Peter Blatty, one part James Patterson - John McCuaig's Fallen Angel will entertain mystery, suspense, and supernatural thriller readers alike."

Win a copy of Escape from Dead City on Goodreads

Here's the chance to win a copy of my novel, Escape from Dead City. London is falling. An unknown virus races through the city, killing its victims and reanimating them into mindless beasts with an insatiable hunger for human flesh. As the army fights, and fails, to control order, two sisters and their partners realise that their only hope for survival lies in leaving the city. They learn of one last train heading for the coast, one last chance to escape before the city is consumed. No matter the dangers out on the streets they need to get aboard. But this is no ordinary train, the army will protect it and its mysterious passengers at all costs. Set in real time, Escape from Dead City follows the first 24 hours of the outbreak, the secrets and lies, loyalty, trust and sacrifice.

 
 

    Goodreads Book Giveaway
 

   

       
   

   

     

          Escape from Dead City
     

     

          by John McCuaig
     

     

         
            Giveaway ends December 29, 2012.
         

         
            See the giveaway details
            at Goodreads.
         

     

   

   

      Enter to win

The Next Big Thing

"The Next Big Thing, authors tagged, questions answered..."

My lovely twin sister Margot McCuaig tagged me for The Next Big Thing so it's my turn to have a go at answering some questions and tag some of my favourite authors. 

And of course my sister might have been a bit biased but if family can't sing your praises then who can.

Here goes!

What is the working title of your next book?

I'm working on a couple at the moment but I'll say Rise of the Valkyrie

Where did the idea come from for the book?

This is actually a follow up to Fallen Angel which will be released by Post Mortem Press in January. Although I usually write post apocalyptic horror I've always wanted to do a supernatural thriller.

I've often wondered if evil could somehow travel through time and take advantage during times of war and conflict, hopefully this book will show that and the reasons how and why.

What genre does your book fall under?

Supernatural Thriller

What actors would you choose to play the part of your characters in a movie rendition?

For the hero Maggie Maguire then that would have to be Helen Mirren, you wouldn't want to mess with her. For Lucas, her partner, then I'd go for Viggo Mortensen, he always looks like he's got a hidden past that he wants to keep secret.

What is the one sentence synopsis of your book?

Throughout history tales have been told of mysterious warriors coming to collect the dead. Now that history is here, and it's not just the dead they seek this time.

Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?

It will be published by the fantastic folks over at Post Mortem Press

How long did it take you to write the first draft of the manuscript?

The first draft is not quite finished and I've been a bit delayed with the planning of my wedding but my novels seem to take anywhere between 6 and 12 months.

What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?

Nothing springs to mind but the first book has been described by my publisher as a mix of The Da Vinci Code, The Exorcist and Law & Order. No pressure then!

Who or what inspired you to write this book?

It was not only my pretty long term desire to write this type of book I also think I needed a wee break from horror. I love horror, and will always go back to it, but I needed something fresh to get my teeth into.

What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?

I like strong female characters, far too many are there just as victims or for a touch of romance, Maggie is not a Hollywood style, ass-kicking kung-fu expert but deep down she shows real steel. I have lots of strong willed women in my life, my mother, sisters, partner and step-daughter and to be honest, I nick a bit from all of them for some of my characters.

Here are some writers that are dedicated to their craft and embrace the joy of storytelling.

I was a big fan of Sean Page even before we got together to co-write a novel and now I hope I can also call him a friend. His zombie books are the best you can get from the British market. Please have a look at his mad-cap site- Ministry of Zombies

Emma Ennis is a prolific writer of short stories who runs a great little blog. Originally from Ireland she now lives in Norway. Samples of her work are available here- Emma Ennis Blog

Rebecca Besser writes about my favourite beasties- Zombies. Her novella Undead Drive-Thru is one of the best stories of it's kind. I'm sure she has a big future- Rebecca Besser

Another great zombie writer is Vincenzo Bilof- His novel Nightmare of the Dead is without doubt one of the best novels from the other side of the pond and he has also got over twenty short stories published. Catch up on his work here- Vincenzo Bilof

And last but definitely not least is Rad Lewandowski, he helps run the fantastic Scares that Care site which raises fantastic money through horror related products. My hat goes off to this man. Please pop over to this site- Scares That Care

My twin sister

Please have a look over at the blog of my wonderful twin sister Margot

http://mjmccuaig.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/the-next-big-thing.html

Win a copy of Pyramid of the Dead on Goodreads

 
 

    Goodreads Book Giveaway
 

   

       
   

   

     

          Pyramid of the Dead
     

     

          by John McCuaig
     

     

         
            Giveaway ends November 26, 2012.
         

         
            See the giveaway details
            at Goodreads.
         

     

   

   

      Enter to win

Pyramid of the Dead

It's here- just released on the Kindle with the paperback to follow shortly.

My new novel based on a true story. In the 16th century a few hundred Spanish Conquistadors landed on a Incan beach and within months the mightiest empire in the world was obliterated. Even now no one is sure exactly what happened, my take

on the story involves greed, vengeance, black magic and an army raised from the underworld.
As a devastating force threatens to destroy all, two sets of enemies must join forces to fight back, when their only hope of survival is to strike at the very heart of evil, The Pyramid of the Dead.
Out now from Severed Press

 

Click here for the Amazon page 

 

 

Another novel signed up!

The good news keeps on coming in! Severed Press have agreed to publish my novel, Pyramid of the Dead. Set in the 16th century Incan Empire it tells another version of how a few hundred Conquistadors defeated the mightiest army in the world. More details to follow........

Interview with Zombie Zone News

http://www.zombiezonenews.com/archives/picking-brains-with-wednesday-lee-friday-john-mccuaig/

The wonderful Wednesday Lee Friday gave up some of her valuable time to interview me over at Zombie Zone News. I talk zombies of course, my present and future projects and the pros and cons of wearing a kilt! It was such fun and a huge thanks must go to Wednesday. Please pop over to their site and have a wee look.

Post Mortem Press to publish Fallen Angel

Now the contract has been signed I can reveal that Post Mortem Press will be publishing my new novel, Fallen Angel. I've been very impressed with my dealings with PMP so far and am so looking forward to getting this book out.

We are looking at an early February 2013 release- the same time as my birthday and my wedding!!

"On a cold, winters night in London yet another priest has been butchered. Inspector Maggie Maguire finds the crime scene all too familiar, no clues or any idea who could cause such carnage. There she meets a mysterious church envoy, Lucas Olsen, sent from Rome to carry out his own investigation, and he’s not the type for sharing information. Only when Lucas is badly injured, barely surviving an attack, does he have no choice but to confide in her, not only about his mission

but also his past.

He tells her of Lilith, one of Lucifer’s Fallen Angels, and how she is trying to return to Earth to take her revenge. Of how he is a member of a secret order, The Contengo, ex-military who are pledged to fight evil wherever it surfaces, and at whatever the cost.

She laughs at his story. Maggie’s faith has long since disappeared, months of watching her husband waste away in a hospital bed have put paid to that. Day by day it starts to dawn on her that he may be telling the truth and together they search for her and her followers.

As the true extent of how far Lilith’s influence reaches becomes clear, Maggie and Lucas realise the only have each other. Unable to trust the police or the Church, they must stop her before she gives birth and pure evil takes human form."

 

 

Fallen Angel- an update

I've been in contact with the publisher who is looking at my new novel "Fallen Angel". They said they liked it a lot but had a few issues to discuss before they took the decision to publish it or not.

Can't go into many details of those discussions or even the name of the publisher at this time but I think it went well and I've been promised a final decision by the end of the month.

Fingers crossed and of course I'll update you all when I hear.

MetaHorde has been released!

After almost 18 months of hard work from Sean Page and myself, our collab novel MetaHorde is finally here. I'm really proud of what we have achieved and I can't wait to hear what our readers have to say.

 
UK-  http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0098YSFBU
US- http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0098YSFBU

The year 2020 was a good one for the walking dead.

The initial reports of a mysterious plague reanimating corpses caused unbridled chaos and as the world descended into hell, nations turned on each other in the battle to survive.

Europe is devastated. The remnants of NATO managed to create safe zones within cities that still had the protection of medieval built stonewalls. Once again, these ancient bastions were a sanctuary from invaders, keeping back the dead legions.

The rest of the continent was a dead zone - populated by hundreds of millions of walking corpses.

The medieval fortress-city of Carcassonne, in Southern France, became the headquarters of the living but as the last pockets of human survivors rebuilt the fragile framework of a new society, one man discovers a terrifying secret. So far, what has happened is only the beginning. Humanity now faces a true extinction level event. The dead are clustering in massive numbers.

Mere walls can't defend against the overwhelming force of the meta-horde.

"Metahorde takes the zombie apocalypse to a realistic and terrifying level. Buckle up because once you start, there are no rest breaks."
- Suzanne Robb, Author of Z-Boat and Contaminated.

"A visceral gore fest done right. The constant tension and suspense leaves you gritting your teeth. I loved it. My kind of read."
- P. A. Douglas, author of Epidemic of the Undead

"Metahorde grips you from the beginning, dragging you through the doomed trenches of the gathering undead. It's exciting and terrifying -- humanity doesn't stand a chance."
 - Rebecca Besser, Author of Undead Drive-Thru and Nurse Blood.

 

Pyramid of the Dead- an update

Due to the unfortunate situation over at Twisted Library Press (formally Library of the Living Dead Press) I've had the rights to this novel given back to me. It is two years since it was accepted and with no end in sight I asked for it back, the publisher- Doctor Pus was as usual the perfect gentleman and offered me best wishes for the future. This is a shame and I really hope that things get back to normal soon over at the Twisted Library, they have been great to me over the years and in fact published my very first story.

A publisher has requested to see the book, after seeing the sample chapters on my website, and I'm going to give it another run through first before sending it off. Watch this space for updates.

Last Train now Escape from Dead City

Escape from Dead City has now been released on the kindle!!! Formally titled Last Train, the guys from Severed Press have done a fantastic job in such a small time to get it all ready and out there in the real world.

Very pleased how its all turned out, especially the cover design- now just waiting for some reviews to come in :-)

The paperback version should be out fairly soon- I'll post an update when that happens.

Last Train accepted for publication

Just got the great news that "The Last Train for Dover" and the unwritten follow up have been accepted by a fantastic publisher. I'll keep the name quiet for now until the contracts are signed- don't want to tempt fate!!

We may change the title to something else, something a bit more universal to the zombie genre. Need to get my thinking cap on, and get to work on the follow up!!

A great start to the day :-)

The cover for MetaHorde has arrived!

 

So here it is- the cover for the novel the great Sean Page and I have been working on for the past year or so.

 I must also take a little bit of time to thank all the beta readers, editors, reviewers et all who have helped us on this project- we hope that our readers appreciate all the hard work that has gone into this book. 

I must admit I'm really looking forward to holding this baby in my hands. We are just going through the final, final proofing and then we're ready to print- hopefully all will be done and dusted and it'll be on sale within the month.

MetaHorde- Proofed version is here

We've been delivered the proofed copy of the collab novel I've done with Sean Page- Meta-Horde will soon be here! We're really taking our time going through it to double check everything and trying our best to make it as good as we can. The chaps at Severed Press have done a great job and I'm sooooo looking forward to seeing this in print.

The mock up of the cover has also arrived and apart from a couple of minor changes we're delighted with what has been produced. Apologies but we can't show you a sneak peek until the finished version is done and the publisher gives us the okay.

Meta-Horde- off at the publisher

The zombie novel that Sean Page and I wrote together is now all polished up and off at the publisher being read right now. There's a slightly different take to normal zombie story, set many years after the outbreak people are beginning to rebuild some semblance of society. Living in medieval walled cities their defences seem to be holding until the undead start to swarm together in unimaginable numbers. As the cities start to fall in their wake a plan is hatched to save what's left of humanity.

I've really enjoyed working with Sean and I'm very proud of what we have created. With a bit of luck it'll be accepted and I'd love to see what other people think of our little creation. I'll update the blog when we get some word back from the publisher.

Pyramid of the Dead- edits back

I've just received the edits back for Pyramid of the Dead, my next novel from the Twisted Library Press. It's been a long time coming but so happy that they are finally here. Suffering from the flu at the moment so will wait until I'm feeling a little bit better before I give them a go.

In the 16th century a few hundred Spaniards land on the shores of the vast Inca Empire. Over the next few months events unfold that bring down one of the greatest civilisations the world has ever see. Pyramid of the Dead is a story about greed, black magic, betrayal and an army raised from the dead.

Oliver Spencer- our newest addition

Here's a couple of pictures of the newest addition to our family, our grandson Oliver. Pictured alongside him is my missus Pam, the very proud granny and our wonderful granddaughter Kaitlin.