Today sees the start of a new series of author question and answer sessions, and first up is Liverpool reviewer and writer Luca Veste.
Luca burst onto the scene in June of this year with his blog Guilty Conscience and he quickly became a fixture in the crime writing/Brit Grit community. Not only that, but he started writing, too. So far he has released two short collections, with no doubt more to follow. So without further ado - here's Luca to tell you about them.
Luca burst onto the scene in June of this year with his blog Guilty Conscience and he quickly became a fixture in the crime writing/Brit Grit community. Not only that, but he started writing, too. So far he has released two short collections, with no doubt more to follow. So without further ado - here's Luca to tell you about them.
Tell me about your books.
Liverpool 5 and More Liverpool 5, are both collections of short stories based in Liverpool, and each have five stories within. They've been described as Scouse Noir. Pretty bleak, dark, uncompromising ... but there's hope in each one. Which pretty much sums up the city of Liverpool to me!
What was your motivation for writing them?
Up until now, I was predominantly known as a reviewer. This is a chance to get my name known as a writer also. And it plays into my whole life ethos at the moment, which is just go for it. You want to start reviewing books, set up a blog. You want to write, write dammit.
Liverpool 5 and More Liverpool 5, are both collections of short stories based in Liverpool, and each have five stories within. They've been described as Scouse Noir. Pretty bleak, dark, uncompromising ... but there's hope in each one. Which pretty much sums up the city of Liverpool to me!
What was your motivation for writing them?
Up until now, I was predominantly known as a reviewer. This is a chance to get my name known as a writer also. And it plays into my whole life ethos at the moment, which is just go for it. You want to start reviewing books, set up a blog. You want to write, write dammit.
How do you feel about interviews?
I love them. Over on Guilty Conscience I've had the chance to interview some pretty big names so far. I love receiving the answers, they're always incredibly enlightening ... so it's nice to answer the questions for a change!
How do you feel about reviews?
Again, I love them. The reviews for Liverpool 5 have been overwhelmingly good so far, with one exception. But I loved the bad one as well. It means someone has read my stuff, and felt compelled to comment on it. Always a good thing.
What are you reading now?
Reading The Last Confession by Helen Fitzgerald, The Chosen by Arlene Hunt, and The Drop by Michael Connolly ... I read a lot, and many at the same time. Ridiculous way to read, but I'd never get through all the books I want to read otherwise!
What makes you keep reading a book?
Story. Plot. I like a good story first and foremost. And then that story to be told well. Thankfully, I read way more good ones than bad ones.
What are you currently working on?
Currently preparing Off The Record for release. This is an anthology of 37 short stories from writers in the UK and US, based on a prompt of Classic Song Titles. And it's all for charity! Some great names involved including Ray Banks, Neil White, Nick Quantrill, Helen FitzGerald, Matt C. Funk, Julie Morrigan, Heath Lowrance ... the list goes on and on!
I'm writing two things at the moment. A novella based around five characters, coming together by chance one night.
Also, I've made a start on a full length novel featuring my two characters Shooter and The Kid. I've written a couple of short stories starring these characters, and received good reactions to them. So, I'm giving it a go!
Other than writing/being published, do you have a claim to fame?
When I was 16, I was on a kids’ game show called 'North vs South', hosted by Dominik Diamond. I was team captain. We lost.
How can we keep up to date with your news?
I'm on the usual Facebook and Twitter things, but mostly you will find me at http://guiltyconscienceblog.blogspot.com or http://guiltyconsciencepublishing.blogspot.com
Thanks, Luca - and I wish you continued success with your writing career.
Luca's books are available from Amazon in the UK and US for just 86p/99c.
And there'll be more about Off the Record as things progress. It's an exciting collection for a very deserving cause.
Currently preparing Off The Record for release. This is an anthology of 37 short stories from writers in the UK and US, based on a prompt of Classic Song Titles. And it's all for charity! Some great names involved including Ray Banks, Neil White, Nick Quantrill, Helen FitzGerald, Matt C. Funk, Julie Morrigan, Heath Lowrance ... the list goes on and on!
I'm writing two things at the moment. A novella based around five characters, coming together by chance one night.
Also, I've made a start on a full length novel featuring my two characters Shooter and The Kid. I've written a couple of short stories starring these characters, and received good reactions to them. So, I'm giving it a go!
Other than writing/being published, do you have a claim to fame?
When I was 16, I was on a kids’ game show called 'North vs South', hosted by Dominik Diamond. I was team captain. We lost.
How can we keep up to date with your news?
I'm on the usual Facebook and Twitter things, but mostly you will find me at http://guiltyconscienceblog.blogspot.com or http://guiltyconsciencepublishing.blogspot.com
Thanks, Luca - and I wish you continued success with your writing career.
Luca's books are available from Amazon in the UK and US for just 86p/99c.
And there'll be more about Off the Record as things progress. It's an exciting collection for a very deserving cause.