To NaNoWriMo... or not to NaNoWriMo?

Image: 236/365 by Fuschia Foot

After I completed National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) in 2011, I swore, never again. Yes, I enjoyed the challenge; yes, I enjoyed the writing and yes, I had a fully written novel of 50,000 words at the end of it—not withstanding the obligatory editing process, but at the end of it I was also a complete wreck! 

On burnout, I was so mentally exhausted after NaNoWriMo, that it took me around nine months to find the motivation and enthusiasm to be able to write anything more imaginative than a shopping list. Despite a real hankering to create, I just couldn’t make my ideas work or see any project through to fruition. So I said to myself and the world in general--through an article in the Writer’s Beat Quarterly: NaNoWriMo was a great experience, but it wasn’t something I would be repeating.


Except… here I am nearly two years later, a completed novel due to be published in December and the second in the series—in fact the novel I wrote for NaNoWriMo 2011—going through a stringent review and edit for publishing next year, and I find myself wondering if NaNoWriMo 2013 is perhaps just the vehicle I need to get a third in the series all lined up.

The series in question is, of course, my beloved Soul Takers; a collection of characters that have been with me for years and growing in numbers with each new plot I create. They are the imaginary friends I spend most of my time with, who I’ve got to know incredibly well and would be lost without.

And like any paranormal romance series worth its salt, each tale is founded on an underlying blueprint, which provides the framework for me to create the story. All I need to do is choose which characters I want to write about and give them the where and why to come together.

Currently there are two couples who are strong contenders; and I’m equally eager to realise both of their stories: I have an unsuspecting, fiery and passionate duo who will blaze a trail and be a blast to write, or I have a gentle, but no less passionate couple, who are deserving of some happiness and who will make me feel guilty if I don’t bring them together soon.

And although sitting down to write in my house is an almost daily occurrence, with my paid job and my unpaid housewife and mother role, writing is often disturbed or cut short due to other things going on around me. For those who don’t know, I currently have no designated writing space and create my workstation on the dinning room table, when it’s not in use for other things, like dining.

Taking part in NaNoWriMo 2013 would guarantee I would always find the time to write. The competitive animal within, once committed, would be unable to walk away from the challenge. So I would sit and write everyday, watching my word count grow on the personal tracker. I want my Soul Taker series to develop; to see it out there along side my idols, like J.R. Ward and Kresley Cole would be a dream come true. And as much of a slog as it would be, you don’t achieve anything in this world without a lot of hard work.

Guest Feature - Lena Winfrey Seder

Hi everyone, yet another talented author drops by to take part in my Guest Feature.  I'm delighted to introduce the very talented, multi-genre writing, Lena Winfrey Seder:

Please tell the viewers at home who you are and what you do?

I used to teach English, and I have taught all levels from KG through university. I taught both in the US and overseas, so I have experience teaching English as a second language.

Currently, I am a freelance writer.  I also do a lot of volunteer work at my kids’ school, and I am involved in a local movie group; I have been script supervisor on the last three projects as well as learning to storyboard. I am building my skills, and I always enjoy learning new things.

What’s the name of your latest work, can you tell us a bit about it?

I actually have multiple projects going on at the same time. My published novel is an autobiography called The Metamorphosis of a Muslim, which was published in Spring 2011.  It follows my spiritual quest as well as my world travels.  I have lived and travelled to parts of Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Europe.

However, currently I am working on a paranormal that I plan to make into a trilogy. It is set in my hometown, and it will have a lot of unusual elements including werewolves, vampires, witches, shape shifters and later in the series I will introduce demons into the town. I have been researching native American legends and beliefs in relation to this area. Also, I want to place some of the ‘mountain culture’ into the book.

I write all genres. I used to be a newspaper reporter for a short period of time. I write poetry, short stories and screenplays, too. I am planning to publish a humorous science-fiction short story soon as an ebook, which is titled “Evolution or Revolution?”.

How did this particular work take shape?

Going back to my current paranormal novel, it started out as a novella that I was planning to put in an anthology with some other writers. I was pushing for the deadline, and the story was not finished, so I changed my mind and decided to turn it into a novel. Then, I got the idea to make it a trilogy, as I have now created a basic outline for all three so that I  have some idea where the story is going.

This series is called The Clara Walker series. The first novel, which is close to finish, is called Between Bite and Might.

How long did it take to create the first draft?

I wrote the initial draft in one month. That was quick, but I left it for a few months while doing extra research. Now, I am going back to add to it and to re-edit. I have decided to add two new characters into the mix as well as to change the pov.  So, it still needs quite a bit of work. Naturally I want to work on quality before it comes out.

How long was this book in the creating?

I started it a year ago in May 2012. I am also considering to leave it a bit as I might begin another novel that has come to mind. This requires less research, and I’m basing it on a flash fiction piece I have written; a friend of mine suggested I expand the story into a novel, and I have already begun to formulate a back story and more characters. It is flowing at the moment, so I might just continue with it and then come back to Between Bite and Might.

How long do you spend on revising your work prior to submitting/publishing?

This depends upon the work itself and the genre. Shorter pieces naturally are quicker to revise. My first published novel The Metamorphosis of a Muslim, after the initial writing, took one year to edit, rewrite, and add to. I published it through an overseas publisher (IIPH) who left me to do most of the editing while they made suggestions, and I went back and forth with them. Then, they sent me the final copy to review before publication.

Where can we get our hands on your works (include links)?

The Metamorphosis of a Muslim 


Two of my poems were published in an anthology in March 2013 for a charity; it is called Hope Springs a Turtle (available in US, UK and other places):

Hope Spring a Turtle - Amazon Kindle 
Hope Springs a Turtle - Amazon paperback 

Do you have any favourite characters in the book, can you tell us why?

This is a hard question. I love all of my characters in some way in Between Bite and Might. If I had to choose it is between three main ones:

·         David, who is the hero with a secret; he has a kind heart but his secret has caused him to sacrifice a lot in his life.

·         Clara, the main character who has gone through some very difficult situations in her life and is brought back to her hometown where she is reunited with David.

·         Old Widow Clark, who is a spunky good witch; she is spry for her age, stubborn, motherly and speaks with a strong mountain accent. She also knows David’s secret and years before had been close friends with his deceased mother.

How long have you been writing?

I started writing poetry in high school, and I used to write a series of very short stories with my best friend. As years passed, I realized that writing was not just a hobby but was a career.

Are there any writers/artists you particularly admire, and why?

I have a long list of writers that I enjoy reading for. It is hard to choose my favorites; however, I have always loved Ernest Hemingway; I have read most of his works.

I also like Janet Evanovich; she is really humorous! I like Dean Koontz, especially The Face.

And as far as some really talented Indy writers I enjoy reading for Norma Beishir, Mike Saxton, Shelly Arkon, Karla Telega, Cyn Bagley, Eve Gaal, and Lin Robinson. There are a lot of great books coming out these days in the Indy world. Some of them would translate well into movies. Also, I have recently discovered some great writings by Lorelei Bell and Lucy Pireel.

And I must mention Lorraine’s short story Big Red, which I reviewed. I really enjoy it tremendously. It was very different, unique and very entertaining.

Two other authors who have captured my attention this year with unusually powerful stories have been:

·         Brooklyn Hudson with Wishbone (which is being made into a movie)

·     Richard Long with The Book of Paul (which was very chilling, yet original and well-crafted; a hard book to put down and not for those under 18 or for those weak of heart).

Can you tell us a little about your typical day?

My day changes day by day according to my kids’ schedule (I have two sons and a daughter ages 13, 12 and 6). Most of the time I run the kids to school, and then I return to run on the treadmill. Then I have a small breakfast and start on some work. I usually check my emails quickly at first to see if there is anything pressing I should answer. Then, I try to blog, write or even network. Depending on whether the kids’ have after school activities that day, my day could extend longer. I also put cooking into the plans, as we eat at home more than eating out. It is healthier to cook from scratch. After picking up the kids, we have lunch/dinner and then some homework. I do a bit of cleaning, arranging and spending time with the kids. Sometimes I chill out with them. After they go to sleep, especially my daughter (and I must read her a bed time story every night), I will get back on the computer to work. I have a bad habit though to be a night owl; if it didn’t get enough done in the day, then I will do it at night, even if I’m up late. I really enjoy the quiet of the night.

How do you prepare to write, do you have an inspirational routine or location?

It depends on what I’m writing. If it is a blog, then I jump on the computer, which is either in my office or if I’m in the mood I move to the dining table near the sunny window. I like brightness and space. In my office, I also feel cozy and enjoy looking at my shelf that has some of my dragon figurines on it. I love dragons! And my book shelf with my reference books are beside my desk, which makes it easier to reach whatever I might need (though these days most research is coming from the internet). I still have a habit with bigger works to write in a notebook and then type it into the computer, but definitely all the editing is done on the computer. I just like the flow of the pen on paper to get the story to flow out of me.

Occasionally, I get inspired more when I have some music playing. It will vary from 1980’s music to other styles. I like Evanescence, and actually I listened to them as I finished the last few chapters of Between Bite and Might.

A good cup of coffee or even tea can help push me on and brighten my mood, and adding a piece of dark chocolate really gets me going! Yum!

Do you get distracted from your writing by other things?  What are they and how do you find balance?

Only when my kids are home; I have learned to write my less serious things and correspondence while the kids are here. But my serious writing needs either quiet or a bit of music. Occasionally I can actually write while watching a movie or a series; I enjoy Supernatural, and I have actually been able to write while watching an episode. It depends on my mood and ability to concentrate that day. It fluctuates and depends also on my physical health and whether I slept well or not. Keeping hydrated with water helps a lot, too. 

What do you enjoy about writing?

Writing seems to free me and is my outlet of expression. I feel alive when I’m writing. I’m sometimes driven to write and on occasion when an idea ‘hits’ it is almost like receiving revelation or something. I just get inspired and know it has to be written down. I write for myself and also want to share my vision with others.

Is there any part of writing that you find tedious or frustrating?

Marketing and editing. Mostly marketing. I’d much rather curl up somewhere and write in a notebook or on my laptop than to market. But since it is necessary, I try to do it well as I can through networking and other means. Writing is the main goal and my main pleasure. Reading is second to that; I always enjoy a good book, and really to write well one must read a lot. Editing is OK with me; sometimes I actually enjoy it, but once you have read something that seems like a million times, you get a bit tired. Even the best editor still needs another editor to go over the text; it is tedious work, especially when done well, and though one might be a great editor, still something could get missed and it takes another set of eyes to catch it.

With the short story I am planning to put up, I shared it with five other people to take advice and opinions and I re-edited and still will edit again. Probably a short story gets edited by me at least 8 to 10 times. Of course, there is the other fear; one never wants to over-edit, but I don’t really believe that happens too often.

You’ve won the lottery!  Where would your ideal location be and why?

I think I’d like to own my own island and have a nice house there and some employees to help run it. I would want privacy and beautiful weather all the time. I would enjoy relaxing. Of course, who wouldn’t?

What do you feel makes a successful writer?

I don’t think success can be measured by money or even fame. A successful writer is one who gets the job done and is able to get their material out to the fans. And I think that if fans love the writer’s book, then he or she is successful. They have told a great story and done their job.

Do you have any advice for people who want to start writing?

Don’t ever give up. Success doesn’t happen overnight. If you are not able to succeed, stand back and look objectively at what you are doing. What is the problem? Is it marketing or the product (the book)? If there is any weakness in your writing or your marketing approach, then you need to find it and work on correcting it. Never feel that you know everything. No one does. It takes time to build yourself and to get your writing out there. If you need information or knowledge, then seek it. And if you need help, then go get it. Just keep pushing forward, even if daily you are writing one line at a time. If you don’t stop, eventually you will reach your goal. 

In writing, do you think grammar and spelling are important, or is it more important to be able to imagine the story and create engaging characters? 

Grammar and spelling are important, but not as important as engaging characters, having a great plot and using snappy dialogue. Grammar and spelling can be corrected and edited, and it should be. Even the biggest traditional publishers are not free from errors. If the mistakes are very minor and not many, then it should be no problem. However, if the mistakes distract from the story and impede understanding, then there is a problem. Before a manuscript is sent out, it really needs to be gone over and edited quite a bit to minimize this risk. It does irritate some readers. Quality is still important.

Do you think creativity is a gift or can it be taught?

Creativity is a gift. Certain elements of writing can be taught; raw talent cannot achieve success alone, and even the most gifted benefits from advice and instruction. However, a true writer/artist must have some innate ability that already exists and can be enhanced from training/mentoring.

As a reader, do you prefer e-books or tree books, why?

I love my kindle, but in the end I love tree books the best. I love the feel and touch of holding the actual book. I enjoy looking at the book in my shelf. I love the smell of crisp, new pages. I get more pleasure out of a tree book.

As a writer do you think e-books increase your opportunities and in what ways?

Yes, I believe it does, especially with the new generation who are computer and techy savvy. Ebooks are also cheaper, in general, and encourage more people to buy them. Also, there is the quick aspect of getting the book delivered to your reading device within a minute or two. So, customers get to read the book while they are still in the mood to read it. However, I still believe there is a market for print books; some people will always love them.

Is your work published through a mainstream publisher, independently or both?

The Metamorphosis of a Muslim was published by IIPH, located in Saudi Arabia. They took care of most of the marketing and other aspects of the book. And they have distributed my book practically all over the world. I get emails from many different countries from fans who have loved my book, including from Russia, UK, Egypt, India, Jordan, Malaysia, Nigeria and even in the US.  That feels good. However, I have mostly had to market myself in the US. Of course, these days most publishers expect authors to be able to market themselves. 

Do you think there’s value in beta readers, proof readers and editors, or could a 

 person do it all themselves?

I think a person could do it all themselves, but I don’t recommend this. I think you should have some beta readers to gauge whether you book is working or not. You need proof readers besides yourself to catch mistakes you might not see. When you write something yourself, you know the story so well that you have it reading in your head as you write and re-read it; so you might unconsciously ‘hear’ it though it might not really be correct. Definitely another few sets of eyes could help. And if you are not good at editing, you definitely need a good editor. Just be careful with editors; you might need to get references and review them by word of mouth. Not everyone who says they are an editor is actually good at it or qualified. I won’t say I’m the best, but I’m pretty good at it. I have a MA degree in English Literature and a lot of experience editing; however, even with my qualifications and experience, I can still miss something. No one is perfect, so that is why you should have more than one person in the system like a beta reader, a proof reader and then an editor. And the editor should go over the text more than once, too.

What do you think the pitfalls of independent publishing are?

There are two main points. Sometimes Indies cannot afford to pay an editor and may try to do it on their own. If they are good at the work and take their time, they could pump out something with quality; never rush a good thing. However, this is not always the case.

The other point is that some people still look down on Indies as if their work is not as good as authors from traditional publishing houses. The word needs to get out that there are some really great Indie writers out there who do publish quality work. Some spend the time and the money to actually get editing done. There are a lot of great stories out there. And what the average person doesn’t always realize is that not all authors of the most famous books out there from traditional publishers came with ‘perfect’ books. Some of these authors works were very weak until the traditional publisher took care of the editing. Whether traditional or Indie, writers work hard to bring us stories; on both sides the writing process is filled with ‘sweat, blood, and tears.’ Both deserve respect. They are both writers. 

What did you find was the hardest part of the independent publishing process?

I am just beginning this route with the short story and my upcoming novel. The hardest part is the marketing and the distribution. That is what Indies miss most of the time, so they have to work really hard to cover this part.

Do you think independent publishing will someday overtake mainstream publishing?

Actually, it is already happening and the mainstream publishers are worried about it so much that they are racing to compete. More and more readers these days are willing to take a chance on an Indie book. And independent publishing gives more opportunities to more writers to actually get their work out there rather than having a ‘jewel’ lost in the big, complicated world of publishing.

Do you think mainstream publishers need to make it easier for writers to show up on their radar in order for them to compete with independent publishing?

I do. And I think if the mainstream publishers would realize that it is really not a competition thing. There is room in the world for both mainstream and independent publishing. It is giving the reader choices, and I think they should find some way to work together for the benefit of each other. Things are changing, and I hope for the better.

What’s next for you?

I want to get more writing done and in different genres. I want to concentrate on screenwriting, and I want to learn more about filmmaking. I am having a blast with my local movie group, and I hope one day to get into making my own movies. I am passionate about filmmaking and have tons of ideas. Though I am mainly a writer, I still want to learn more about the technical aspect of filmmaking. I was fortunate enough to have taken a course at Full Sail University a couple of years ago. I really learned a lot. Now, I’m learning day by day on my own and from opportunities to work on local film projects.

Do you have a blog or website where we can find out more about you and your works?

Here is a link to my blog  Pearldrops on the Page

Here is my Author Page on Facebook

Lorry: Thank you, Lena, for a brilliant Guest Feature, not to mention the mention of Big Red.  

Guest Feature - Glen Solosky

Please tell the viewers at home who you are and what you do?

Hello, my name is Glen Solosky, and I’m an illustrator and writer. I live in a small town in Pennsylvania. I’ve always loved science-fiction and fantasy.

What’s the name of your latest work, can you tell us a bit about it?

My first novel, The Abominable Sruvius, is a middle grade science-fiction/fantasy. I could probably try to tell you what it’s about, but I think the blurb from the back cover describes it best:

As legend has it, Ravma Sruvius built a secret weapon high in the loft of his mysterious laboratory, and used it to sink half the royal navy. He was captured soon after, but even dungeon walls couldn’t stop the rat-like villain from vanishing without a trace.

Now, twenty years later, after young Bergey Fenwick and his friends overhear a plot of invasion against their kingdom, they uncover a trail of clues leading to the only person who can save them—Ravma Sruvius himself. More powerful than ever, he now controls forces that make his last weapon look like a popgun by comparison.

But can Sruvius—callous, twisted, possessed of an overriding hatred for the king—be coerced into using his incredible scientific genius to save their kingdom, or is he bent on destroying it?

Or is it possible that he has an entirely different agenda—something that no one could ever have guessed?

Your novel's cover is very original and pretty fantastic.  Who created it?

I did it myself.  I thought a classical oil painting look would work well to capture the feeling of the book.

Do you have any favourite characters in the book, can you tell us why?

Sruvius is definitely my favourite. He’s a reclusive genius--one of an entire family of geniuses--who’s dedicated his entire life to science and mathematics. I like him because he’s a mysterious outcast, hated and feared--a fun character to write.

By the way, the idea for the Sruvius family came from the Bernoullis (best known for the famous Bernoulli principle). They were an entire family of geniuses, over a hundred of them and not a normal IQ in the lot.

A close second would be Mackey Brogan. He’s the kind of mentor every kid wishes he had. Someone who’s likeable, helpful, worldly and knowledgeable. The kind of person who’s always got your back, but knows when to step back and give you some room.

How long have you been writing and creating art?

I’ve been drawing ever since I was little. I’m an avid reader, and have always been able to think of stories, but I never considered writing until I began to read with a critical eye. It was then I began to understand how writers wrote, why they constructed sentences and scenes the way they did, and the tricks to telling a good story.

What do you enjoy about writing/drawing?

I love the sort of mind set you fall into when you are totally immersed in your work. It’s the same with art as with writing (at least for me)--the rest of the world seems to go away, and there’s only me and my work.

Is there any part of writing that you find tedious or frustrating?

I love to write action scenes. But of course you can’t have nothing but action. That would get a bit tedious after a while. You’ve got to build tension, give the reader a roller coaster ride. I find those transitional scenes a bit tedious to write.

Do you find marketing and promoting your work difficult or frustrating?

Extremely. I’d rather just create and leave the promotion to someone else. But I’m sure most artists and writers feel that way.

In writing, do you think grammar and spelling are important, or is it more important to be able to imagine the story and create engaging characters? 

I suppose that would depend on your readers. I can’t read a book with bad grammar and spelling. It becomes such an annoying distraction that I find myself unable to follow the story. That is if I know the mistakes aren’t intentional. Sometimes writers will ignore grammar deliberately for effect, as in Flowers for Algernon.

Do you think creativity is a gift or can it be taught?

It’s definitely a gift. But don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying that writers and artists are the only creative people. Creativity takes so many forms, everyone is creative in some way or another. You don’t have to be a writer or artist, or even right-brained for that matter. Mathematicians are creative, as are logicians, scientists, accountants, you name it.

As a reader, do you prefer e-books or tree books, why?

I was a bit resistant to the idea of e-books at first, but now I love it. I’ve downloaded a number of short stories that are less than twenty pages long. Not anthologies, but single short stories. You can’t do that with a tree book.

As a writer do you think e-books increase your opportunities and in what ways?

It used to be that if you wanted your work viewed by the public, it had to be accepted by a publisher first. That hurdle no longer exists. Indie publishers can reach the public directly.

Do you think there are any pitfalls of e-publishing, why?

The obvious downside is the flood of work by indie authors who may not be quite ready for publication. A traditional publisher acts as a filter. Also, the e-book market is limited to people who own e-readers.

Why did you make the choice to publish independently?

I had signed on with a small publisher, but they went out of business before the book came out. That’s when I decided to go indie.

Do you think there’s value in beta readers, proof readers and editors, or could a person do it all themselves?

I’m sure there are a lot of writers who could edit their own work. I’d prefer to have an editor do it. They see it with fresh eyes. I’ve been fortunate to have some really great editors.

What do you think the pitfalls of independent publishing are?

You’ve got to do everything yourself: finding an editor, doing the promotion. It’s a lot of work. Unless you really keep on top of the project from beginning to end, it could come across as amateurish.

Do you think mainstream publishers need to make it easier for writers to show up on their radar in order for them to compete with independent publishing?

No, but I think it will make them change the way they acquire talent. There are so many good indie authors out there. A lot of them go indie instead of wasting years trying to find a publisher. Readers have always trusted the publishing industry to weed out the good authors from the bad, but sites like Goodreads.com will probably take over that role. I’m sure the big publishing houses will start watching those sites more closely, ready to sign on anyone who catches their eye.

Looking ahead, what’s next for you?

A sequel to The Abominable Sruvius is in the works. After that, I have a few science-fiction book ideas.

Do you have a blog or website where we can find out more about you and your works?

Yes, my website for The Abominable Sruvius is at www.sruvius.com. I’ve got an excerpt from the book, chapter one of the sequel, The Sruvian Templex, and some other interesting stuff. There are also links to where you can get it in e-book and trade paperback.

Riddle in Stone - My Review

As I promised when Robert Evert took part in the Guest Feature, which you can reacquaint yourself with here, I said I would read his book and come back here to share my review with all of you. I'm delighted to say the book is simply brilliant. So here's my review, which you can also find on Amazon, Goodreads and Shelfari.


Riddle in Stone is the debut novel by Robert Evert. And what a way to make a debut! This is one of the best fantasy adventures I have ever read, and if the word fantasy puts you off, don't let it. Fantasy is not my genre of choice. But then we're not talking whimsical faeries and chipper little elves here.

Edmund is our anti-hero, overweight, balding, with a nervous stammer, and a love of books, he's never going to be anyone's first choice as an adventurer. The only adventure Edmund has ever been on has been through the pages of his beloved story books. However, striking a win for academics and readers the world over, when Edmund learns about a quest in the name of the king, he realises all those tomes he's read though the years have furnished him with the knowledge he needs to fulfil the quest. And in doing so Edmund hopes that the king's reward will help him win the heart and hand of Molly, the unrequited love of his life.

Setting out on his journey, Edmund has little thought for what he's leaving behind and even less awareness of what he's about to get himself into. Making some of the most memorable friends along the way, including Thorax, the bravest dog ever to have lived, and Pond Scum a prisoner with the sunniest outlook on life that you could ever hope to have, there are plenty of characters to root for. But don't settle back into the comfort of your armchair just yet! Edmund's adventure also brings you face to face with a monstrous troll, some rather devious and wicked goblins, and plenty of terrifying scenarios that will have you on the edge of your seat.

This totally absorbing and fast paced adventure is right up there with the likes of Tolkien's `The Hobbit`. It will make you happy, make you sad, make you laugh, make you cry and once or twice it might make you wince.

By the time you reach the end of the story everything has changed, especially Edmund, and while it's not a `happy ever after' scenario it certainly leaves you in a good place and utterly satisfied with what you've read. And' if like me, finishing a good books feels like losing a limb, don't be downhearted... In the Kindle version of this story there's a sneaky peak at the sequel: Betrayal in the Highlands.

Read and enjoy! Buy Riddle in Stone now on Amazon.co.uk

Book recommendation: The Way of the Weekend Warrior by Linton Robinson

In the cut-throat world of news and media a little hapless luck can take you a long way. So when self proclaimed Weekend Warrior, Wiley, and his colourful, ‘say it as I see it’ gift of the gab fall in the sh*t and end up on local TV news and he really comes out smelling of roses, it's bound to piss off one or two people.

Linton Robinson’s insider knowledge and personal experience working in public media is used to great effect in this novel about the politics of the press. No matter the motivation, whether it’s scheming, sleeping or slurring your way there, its proof there are many routes to reach the top of the tree and numerous reasons for taking part in the climb.

With more than a few vivid characters, all with a personal interest in making it to the end game, as a reader you'll never be short of someone to route for.

With a climactic ending that’s sure to put a smile on anyone’s face, even if you read this book for no other reason than to enjoy Wiley’s vividly insightful editorials on just about any topic under the sun, you won’t be disappointed.