PETER COOKE – Author and Publisher

To compliment the new second adventure, I have produced a revised version of The Glass Dagger.  There were a number of reasons for this.  Firstly, as a result of events in the second book, it was necessary to make some changes.  I have previously mentioned that the book had been critiqued by Martyn Bedford.  As a result of his suggestions, I made a number of changes that involved major changes to several chapters.  Because of this, it was necessary to bring the book out under a new ISBN number.  For technical reasons I have also increased the size of both books.

I hope that readers will find them easier to read as a result. One important benefit from this is that the books have now been approved by Waterstones and I hope that readers will go along and buy from them.

As I promised, here is the latest news on my submission to Literary Intelligence.  The critique was carried out by Martyn Bedford, award winning author of The Houdini Girl, among others.  He has been a teaching fellow in creative writing at the University of Leeds since January 2008.  I must admit that I had very mixed feelings when I received the critique and I took a very deep breath before reading it.  Having read it in detail, I am delighted with Martyn’s comments and helpful criticisms.

Like many historical writers, it is always difficult to know when to stop giving the reader information.  I did an enormous amount of research for the series, since I plan to write four books.  Fortunately, Martyn feels I stay on the right side of the line, mostly.  He did outline some cases of what he calls info. dumping.  There were other points raised, but overall I was very buoyed by Martyn’s comments.  I have made the necessary corrections to the manuscript and have begun the arduous task of finding an agent.

In his conclusion Martyn wrote that  the novel has “a fascinating , original historical content  and that the insight into the world of glassmaking is interesting.  Likewise the backdrop of the story’s setting-Venice and London-and the times will all be a key part in its appeal to readers  and therefore, to agents and publishers.”

I have to say that from the first return from an agent it hasn’t proved to be so, but it’s early days yet.  Nil desperandum.  Watch this space for further updates.

One of the things an author values above all, at least this one anyway, is feedback. I have been very flattered by some of the enthusiastic responses I have received. I’m delighted that most people seem to like the book and I am regularly getting queries asking when book two will be available. See January post The Crystal Ship.

From several questions that have been asked, it appears that the prologue in some respects fails to provide sufficient information as to why my hero, Giam, is so widely hated by the ruling families in Venice. One reviewer also said the prologue is rather B-movie. Personally I rather like B-movies, well some of them anyway. However, I did take the point about setting the scene seriously and have written a new prologue. I have also decided to sent this and an extract of the book to a literary consultancy. I hope to have their reply in about eight weeks. I will keep you posted as to what happens.

The book is still selling steadily, albeit in the restricted area of West Yorkshire. I am hoping that if I can get an agent and a pubisher, the book will be available to a wider audience.

At long last, I have finished the draft of the above.  Now comes the hard work.  Since my dose of lurgy over Christmas and the New Year, it has been difficult to concentrate on anything.   That and other problems have limited the time I’ve been able to work.

I have decided I will not self-publish The Crystal Ship for the moment.  I am actively looking for an agent at present and have sent submissions out.  Now comes the wait.  From past experience, I would do well not to hold my breath.  Previoius attempts with book one, took anything up to four months to come back and in one case just over six.

I will keep you posted how events unfold.

Book One – The Glass Dagger, Published August 2007; Reprinted November 2007.

Synopsis

When Giam Bellini, rising star of Murano glassmaking falls in love with Lady Maria Morisini, it lights the fuse of an explosive tale of betrayal and intigue. This encompasses the corrupt sixteenth century world of Venatian politics and the court of Queen Elizabeth I.

A fugitive from Venetian law, after being falsely accused of treason, Giam changes his name to Jacob Bell and becomes the Master of the Crouched Fiars Glas-works in London. His partner hopes he will become Glassmaker to the Queen in competition with the Glass-Sellers Association. Sir Richard Urie the leader oif the Glass-Sellers has Jacob’s partner assassinated and he vows revenge.

Recruited by Sir William Cecil, Principal Secretary to the Queen, Jacob uncovers the Maldini Plot that aims to assassinate Queen Elizabeth and put Mary Stuart on the throne. A desperate race begins to thwart the Maldini plotters. Jacob strives to rescue Maria from the clutches of his archrival and betrayer Adrian Ragazoni, the Venatian Envoy and Sir Richard Urie, allies of Maldini.

Book Two – The Crystal Ship, Scheduled for publishing September 2007, by Petan Publishing ( see Blogroll)