Hello Summer!

It’s summer—and oh, how I’ve been waiting for you! The last several months have felt like a Game of Thrones winter, with me standing atop the wall the entire time.

This past year has been the most challenging of my writing career. So, to see sunshine for several days in a row and enjoy those quintessential summer activities—ones I often take for granted—feels great.

A New Beginning: Shorte’s Story

I’m thrilled to announce I have a new book in the works for 2025! While I don’t yet have a publication date, I want to share some key details with you:

It’s not a Dan Calder story! That’s right, I’ve ventured into completely new territory
The working title is Shorte’s Story. I’m rather fond of it, and it might just make it to the final cover
The story features a whole new cast of characters based in California, with the FBI tracking a South American cartel’s operatives. There’s even a connection to animal skulls with fire opals for eyes!
What excites me most isn’t just the plot or the setting—it’s the change in my writing style. This time, I’ve focused on dialogue over description, and I can’t wait to hear what you think. Adopting this approach helped me complete the first draft in just 49 days!

I’ll keep you in the loop as Shorte’s Story progresses through editing and as we get closer to locking in a publication date. Be sure to check my website and social media for updates.

Sneak Peak of the Cover

Designing book covers is always a fun and creative process, and Shorte’s Story is no exception. A couple of early ideas have made it onto my laptop’s art creator. While I can’t say for sure if these drafts will resemble the final cover, I thought you might enjoy a sneak peek into the process!

From My Bookshelf

As well as writing, I do try to read too. At the moment, my early summer read is a little different from my norm. 'The McMaster's Guide to Homicide. Murder your Employer.' by Rupert Holmes.

Firstly yes, it is that Rupert Holmes! of the Pina Colada song fame. I never knew he went on to be a very prominent writer for Broadway, as well as writing a couple of best selling books. The book is quirky but I do like the style of writing. It's definitely a step up from that terrible song, which is currently an unwelcome resident in my head. Note to Rupert though, the one thing I don't like and almost made me give up on page 1 is the tiny text.

Research Adventures and Future Travels

Another happy result of writing this book is through my research, I've become acquainted with some great people in California and Colorado, in particular the areas around Santa Rosa and Georgetown respectively. I'm definitely not wishing our summer away yet, but I may well look into a trip Stateside once the warm weather here has gone again.

While I’m enjoying our Kiwi summer so far, I’m already thinking about a trip Stateside once the warm weather here fades. Who knows? I might just explore the real-life locations that inspired this book!

Author Insights: Q&A with Ian

In this new feature, I’m opening up the floor to you! Every month, I’ll be answering your questions - whether it's about my writing process, upcoming projects, or anything else that’s on your mind. Have a question you’ve been dying to ask? Send it in, and it might just be featured in the next edition!

Question:

How do you research your books?

Q - How do you research your books? I've just finished Bonded (great by the way!) The details about the stamps, the airport and St Louis were really good and I was wondering how it came about.

A - A lot of my research is a result of building on personal experience. In my Police service here in NZ, I spent time at Auckland Airport and when it came to doing the research immediately before writing Bonded, I contacted the Airport Police Station and the Inspector there helped me with advice, information and also a guided visit. I'd been to St Louis and used my knowledge for some of the details, but I also contacted the Mayor's Office and got a great deal of help from the staff there.

So far as the Plate 77 stamps go, that was all internet research apart from one very useful phone call to a rare stamps expert in London who I got to know through social media.

Your Reviews Make a Difference!

I’m happy with how many books I’ve sold on Amazon over the years. (Of course, there are some Amazon-related frustrations, but let’s save those for another time!) However, the number of reviews I’ve received is, frankly, embarrassingly low.

Did you know it takes just two clicks to leave a review?

Once you’re on the page, you can simply click a star rating—1 to 5—and you’re done. It takes less than 10 seconds! Of course, I’d love 5 stars if you think I’ve earned them. If you’ve got a few extra seconds, you can leave a line or two about what you enjoyed.

Your reviews and ratings make a huge difference. They boost my visibility on Amazon and help more readers discover that this Austin bloke can tell a pretty decent story.

Review Man.Made.

Thanks for reading, I’m grateful for your continued support, and I’m excited to share more about Shorte’s Story in the coming months. Until next time,

Ian x

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