De-blog

First up, sorry if you're feeling a bit like "Yeah, yeah, Deb, I know! You've got a book out today." With so many authors, so many books and the velocity of social networks, I have to send out the message on as many channels as possible. Hence, the overkill some of you might experience. Conversely, you might be thinking "Oh, I'm glad I saw this blog post or I wouldn't have known you had a new book out." In which case, my work here is done. :) Sooo... Tabula Rasa is out today! (June 21st, 2018) Tabula Rasa  is book two of the Gray Fisher trilogy (you can get book one - The WAG and The Scoundrel - for 99c if you're quick - links on the Beaten Track page ). This series is a spin-off from Hiding Behind The Couch - you don't need to have read any of the main series to make sense of the Gray Fisher books. The stories feature Gray Fisher and Rob Simpson-Stone, who were in the police together. The series is contemporary fiction with ...

To celebrate the release of Tabula Rasa (Gray Fisher #2) on June 21st, The WAG and The Scoundrel (Gray Fisher #1) ebook is available for 99c (or thereabouts. Amazon, you know... Usual price is $3.99). Buy The WAG and The Scoundrel (Gray Fisher #1) : Beaten Track • Amazon • Barnes and Noble Smashwords • Kobo • iBooks • GooglePlay Preorder Tabula Rasa (Gray Fisher #2 ): Beaten Track • Amazon • Barnes and Noble Kobo • iBooks

WIPpet numbers for 1st November, 2017: 11 paragraphs from Tabula Rasa WIPpet Context: Another snippet from Tabula Rasa  (Gray Fisher #2). I'm into the final quarter of the novel, and I’m still not entirely convinced I’ve nailed the ‘crime’ element. Hey-ho. This novel follows on from The WAG and The Scoundrel , featuring two former undercover police officers, Gray Fisher and Rob Simpson-Stone. Their investigations relate to white-collar crimes (fraud, embezzlement, etc.), and there are also romantic relationship story arcs (however, not between Gray—who is gay, and Rob—who is straight). This WIPpet snippet is from a bit further into the novel, which is a bit of a shambles at present. In this scene, Rob is having dinner with his mum and Harvey—his mum’s partner. * * * * * Rob watched on, hawk-like, vaguely aware of his phone vibrating in his pocket and with no intention of answering. Right at that moment, all he cared about was his mum’s curry chicken. “Most of ...

WIPpet numbers for 25th October, 2017: 25 sentences from Tabula Rasa WIPpet Context: Another snippet from Tabula Rasa  (Gray Fisher #2). I'm into the final quarter of the novel, and I’m still not entirely convinced I’ve nailed the ‘crime’ element. Hey-ho. This novel follows on from The WAG and The Scoundrel , featuring two former undercover police officers, Gray Fisher and Rob Simpson-Stone. Their investigations relate to white-collar crimes (fraud, embezzlement, etc.), and there are also romantic relationship story arcs (however, not between Gray—who is gay, and Rob—who is straight). This WIPpet snippet follows on from previous snippets . Rob is with his grown-up niece, Lois; they’re spending the afternoon together, at the park. Amber is Lois’s younger sister. * * * * * “D’you remember the last time we did this?” Lois asked. Rob nodded. He remembered it vividly, but he stayed quiet, hoping she’d tell the tale. “You were home on leave… I used to loved that—s...

WIPpet numbers for 18th October, 2017: (18x10)/17=11(rounded to a whole number) paragraphs from Tabula Rasa WIPpet Context: Another snippet from Tabula Rasa  (Gray Fisher #2). I'm into the final quarter of the novel, and I’m still not entirely convinced I’ve nailed the ‘crime’ element. Hey-ho. This novel follows on from The WAG and The Scoundrel , featuring two former undercover police officers, Gray Fisher and Rob Simpson-Stone. Their investigations relate to white-collar crimes (fraud, embezzlement, etc.), and there are also romantic relationship story arcs (however, not between Gray—who is gay, and Rob—who is straight). This WIPpet snippet follows on from previous snippets . Rob’s with his grown-up niece, Lois; they’re spending the afternoon together. Lu (Lucas) is Rob’s son; Amber is Lois’s younger sister. * * * * * While they hadn’t consciously made the decision to go to the park, they ended up there anyway, bypassing the playground, which was teeming wi...

WIPpet numbers for 11th October, 2017: 11 paragraphs for the 11th :) from Tabula Rasa WIPpet Context: Another snippet from Tabula Rasa  (Gray Fisher #2). This novel follows on from The WAG and The Scoundrel , featuring two former undercover police officers, Gray Fisher and Rob Simpson-Stone. Their investigations relate to white-collar crimes (fraud, embezzlement, etc.), and there are also romantic relationship story arcs (however, not between Gray—who is gay, and Rob—who is straight). This WIPpet snippet follows on from the previous snippet . Rob’s with his grown-up niece, Lois; they’re spending the afternoon together. * * * * * “I’m gonna take you out somewhere special while I’m here,” he said. “Belated birthday treat—” “You don’t have to,” Lois interjected. “I want to. Not tonight, though.” “Why? What are you up to tonight?” “Only the pub. You can tag along if you like.” “On one of your lads’ nights out? Think I’ll give it a miss, thanks.” “Your...

WIPpet numbers for 4th October, 2017: Pfft. Clutching… Four emdashes. :D from Tabula Rasa WIPpet Context: Another snippet from Tabula Rasa  (Gray Fisher #2). In my mission to procrastinate to the max this week, I designed the cover for the third book…even though I haven’t finished writing the second one and have loads  of other stuff to do. It’s about as close to a holiday as I’m getting this year. This novel follows on from The WAG and The Scoundrel , featuring two former undercover police officers, Gray Fisher and Rob Simpson-Stone. Their investigations relate to white-collar crimes (fraud, embezzlement, etc.), and there are also romantic relationship story arcs (however, not between Gray—who is gay, and Rob—who is straight). I’m switching back to Rob this week. In this snippet, he’s meeting up with his niece, Lois, who is in her twenties and lives ‘up north’ (Rob lives in London). * * * * * “I’m not sure how I feel, coming second to my sister.” Loi...

WIPpet numbers for 27th September, 2017: 2017 / 9 - 27 = 197 (rounded to a whole number) words from Tabula Rasa WIPpet Context: Another snippet from Tabula Rasa  (Gray Fisher #2). This novel follows on from The WAG and The Scoundrel , featuring two former undercover police officers, Gray Fisher and Rob Simpson-Stone. Their investigations relate to white-collar crimes (fraud, embezzlement, etc.), and there are also romantic relationship story arcs (however, not between Gray—who is gay, and Rob—who is straight). The snippet is from Gray’s point of view: he’s on his way to Will’s house, via the woods, when he meets up with Will and his dogs. Kenny is a dog who uses wheels to get around. (P.S. I’m really sorry I didn't get over to everyone’s blogs last Wednesday. The time got away from me. I’ll do better.) * * * * * Gray winced as Kenny hit a raised root and flipped upside down, wheels spinning in the air. Without a second thought, Gray dashed to his aid and go...

WIPpet numbers for 20th September, 2017: (20 + 9) / 17 = 2 (rounded to whole numbers, yeah, yeah, I know…) paragraphs from Tabula Rasa It’s  #BiWeek ! Awesomely, Will is bisexual, so no need for a change of story to snip from, which is one cool thing. Another cool thing is that my books with bi main characters (including  The WAG and The Scoundrel ) are half price this week. For this and other bi books, and a giveaway, visit  beatentrackpublishing.com/bivisibility . So, here’s another snippet from Tabula Rasa  (Gray Fisher #2). WIPpet Context: This novel follows on from The WAG and The Scoundrel , featuring two former undercover police officers, Gray Fisher and Rob Simpson-Stone. Their investigations relate to white-collar crimes (fraud, embezzlement, etc.), and there are also romantic relationship story arcs (however, not between Gray—who is gay, and Rob—who is straight). This snippet follows  last week’s (last two lines included ...

WIPpet numbers for 13th September, 2017: 13 (+1 shh ) paragraphs from Tabula Rasa WIPpet Context: Another snippet from Tabula Rasa  (Gray Fisher #2). This novel follows on from The WAG and The Scoundrel , featuring two former undercover police officers, Gray Fisher and Rob Simpson-Stone. Their investigations relate to white-collar crimes (fraud, embezzlement, etc.), and there are also romantic relationship story arcs (however, not between Gray—who is gay, and Rob—who is straight). This snippet is from a bit later in the story, because of spoilers and…I’m having issues, all of them minor (but enough for me to contemplate not posting today) and requiring little more than for me to stop faffing with the internet and write the bloody story!  I get a serious case of CBA every time I hit a scene that requires any work beyond tapping the keyboard in the correct order, so…yeah. I’m on it. When I’m not on Facebook or Goodreads or Twitter or Amazon or… The snipp...

WIPpet numbers for 6th September, 2017: 9-6=3 paragraphs from Tabula Rasa WIPpet Context: Another snippet from Tabula Rasa  (Gray Fisher #2). This novel follows on from The WAG and The Scoundrel , featuring two former undercover police officers, Gray Fisher and Rob Simpson-Stone. Their investigations relate to white-collar crimes (fraud, embezzlement, etc.), and there are also romantic relationship story arcs (however, not between Gray—who is gay, and Rob—who is straight). This snippet follows on from the previous snippets  and is from Chapter Two, which is from Gray’s perspective. Gray is on his way out to Rob’s leaving do. * * * * * Gray hadn’t set out to mislead Will, but somewhere along the line, he’d had a bit of a wobble and implied going to Rob’s leaving party was a chore he could do without—hence Will’s offer to go with him. It would’ve been a first for them—accompanying each other on a work night out—but that wasn’t why he’d put Will off. P...

WIPpet numbers for 30th August, 2017: 30-8=22 short paragraphs (dialogue) from Tabula Rasa WIPpet Context: Another snippet from Tabula Rasa  (Gray Fisher #2). This novel follows on from The WAG and The Scoundrel , featuring two former undercover police officers, Gray Fisher and Rob Simpson-Stone. Their investigations relate to white-collar crimes (fraud, embezzlement, etc.), and there are also romantic relationship story arcs (however, not between Gray—who is gay, and Rob—who is straight). This snippet follows on from the previous snippets , moving on to Chapter Two, which is from Gray’s perspective. * * * * * “Do you want me to come with you?” Will yawned the question. Gray put down the iron and flipped to the next section of shirt, briefly glancing at Will’s face onscreen. “You, in a room full of police officers?” Gray picked up the iron again. “I’ve done it before.” “Have you?” “Hmm…it was a courtroom. But I was quite civil, I assure you.” Gray l...

WIPpet numbers for 23rd August, 2017: 23-8=15 sentences from Tabula Rasa WIPpet Context: Another snippet from Tabula Rasa  (Gray Fisher #2). I missed last week because I’m so overwhelmed by work just now I don’t know if I’m coming or going! Along with that, it was my birthday on Sunday—I actually took the day off!—and tomorrow is my eldest’s birthday (24…where does the time go?) All of that means I haven’t written a whole lot more of this story since the last time I posted. :/ This novel follows on from The WAG and The Scoundrel , featuring two former undercover police officers, Gray Fisher and Rob Simpson-Stone. Their investigations relate to white-collar crimes (fraud, embezzlement, etc.), and there are also romantic relationship story arcs (however, not between Gray—who is gay, and Rob—who is straight). This snippet follows on directly from the previous snippets —Rob has left the police and is on his way to his leaving do. This is the last section of Rob’s firs...

WIPpet numbers for 9th August, 2017: 9 sentences from Tabula Rasa WIPpet Context: Another snippet from Tabula Rasa  (Gray Fisher #2). This novel follows on from The WAG and The Scoundrel , featuring two former undercover police officers, Gray Fisher and Rob Simpson-Stone. Their investigations relate to white-collar crimes (fraud, embezzlement, etc.), and there are also romantic relationship story arcs (however, not between Gray—who is gay, and Rob—who is straight). This snippet follows on from directly the previous snippets —Rob has left the police and is on his way to his leaving do. The ‘them’ in the first line is Rob and Jock (see previous snippets ). * * * * * Given the way things were between them, there had to be an ulterior motive for the call—or else someone else would’ve made it—and Rob’s curiosity was threatening to get the better of him. For the time being, he put it out of mind and focused on his riding. Even though it was well past rush hour, t...

WIPpet numbers for 2nd August, 2017: 2 x 8 x 17 = 272 words from Tabula Rasa WIPpet Context: Another snippet from Tabula Rasa  (Gray Fisher #2). This novel follows on from The WAG and The Scoundrel , featuring two former undercover police officers, Gray Fisher and Rob Simpson-Stone. Their investigations relate to white-collar crimes (fraud, embezzlement, etc.), and there are also romantic relationship story arcs (however, not between Gray—who is gay, and Rob—who is straight). This snippet follows on from directly the previous snippets —the first line is Jock’s, who’s called Rob as he’s about to head out for the evening. * * * * * “Bollocks. My timing’s good as ever, eh?” “Why? What’s up?” “There’s a few of us getting together this evening for a pint and catch-up.” “Crap. If there was a way I could get out of it…” There wasn’t, or Rob would’ve been there like a shot. He hadn’t wanted a leaving do to start with, but would anyone listen? “How long are you ...

WIPpet numbers for 26th July, 2017: 20+17 – 26 = 11 paragraphs from Tabula Rasa WIPpet Context: Another snippet from Tabula Rasa  (Gray Fisher #2)—I’ve still got little idea of where the story is going. This novel follows on from The WAG and The Scoundrel , featuring two former undercover police officers, Gray Fisher and Rob Simpson-Stone. Their investigations relate to white-collar crimes (fraud, embezzlement, etc.), and there are also romantic relationship story arcs (however, not between Gray—who is gay, and Rob—who is straight). This snippet follows on from directly the previous snippets —the first line is Rob’s, and he’s taking a phone call from ‘Jock’. Just in case: bought a gaff = bought a house; still got flat feet? = are you still a police officer? * * * * * “How’re you doing, man?” Rob caught the microsecond pause before Jock—aka Corporal Harry ‘Jocky’ Wilson—answered, “Yeah, I’m doing all right. You?” “I’m doing great. I thought you were stil...

WIPpet numbers for 19th July, 2017: 19 - 7  = 12 short paragraphs from Tabula Rasa WIPpet Context: A first snippet from Tabula Rasa  (Gray Fisher #2), which so far consists of around three chapters. I started with the cover, and I have very little idea of where the story is going at this stage. This novel follows on from The WAG and The Scoundrel , featuring two former undercover police officers, Gray Fisher and Rob Simpson-Stone. Their investigations relate to white-collar crimes (fraud, embezzlement, etc.), and there are also romantic relationship story arcs (not between Gray and Rob). This snippet is the start of what is currently chapter one, but that may change. * * * * * Leathers over slacks and shirt, helmet in hand, Rob was at the door and ready to leave when his phone buzzed against his chest. Leave it, answer it, leave it… If it was important, whoever it was would call back. It stopped. Rob turned the catch and opened the front door a coupl...