Writing is a journey.
Therefore it was appropriate that the one I am about to tell you about started as the train pulled out of Seán Heuston Station to take me to Cork.
It was 2006.
The writing process can be broken down into three parts:
Gathering
Shaping
Finishing.
By the time I was in the Rebel County I had gathered faster than the train had taken me to Cork.
I was there to research a book and I was being assisted by Pat Buckley, an undauntable man who is now a Sinn Féin TD.
By the time I shook Pat’s hand at Cork station all of the main characters existed and I had a fair idea of what I wanted to put them through.
The initial idea in my head was that it had to be a screenplay and that is how the initial “shaping” progressed.
I took it to a film director and he loved it.
The idea then progressed onto the “Step Outline” phase of a full screenplay.
It is, pardon the pun, a key step along the way to the document that is at the heart of every movie.
The step outline briefly details every scene of the screenplay’s story and often has indications for dialogue and character interactions.
When the director came back to he said: “what you’ve brought me here is the Irish Bourne Identity, but I can’t raise the finance”.
With that, I put the project on the shelf.
Shortly afterwards this blog started and, well, you should know the rest.
However, the unfinished project of The Squad annoyed me intensely.
The project remained on the shelf until the summer of 2016.
I was driving out of Westport after commemorating the 31 men who had been interned in Frongoch Camp when I told the Big Fella that I had to finish the book.
I had one of those tiocfaidh ár leabhar moments!
In some respects, the most difficult part was re-working what I had into straight prose.
My last summer the draft manuscript was completed.
It then was put into the editing process and, for the most part, it emerged unscathed.
I am told that this is rare and that I should take it as an accolade for a first-time novelist.
Then it was cover design and the publisher doing their bit.
Interacting with the bookstores etc.
From manuscript to bookshelf a novel usually takes twelve months.
I was surprised to learn this from my publisher, but he has over 25 years in the game.
Unsurprisingly, he was spot on.
The Squad is now ready for active service.
It is available for pre-order direct from Frontline Noir.
Free postage and signed copy from this fella.
By buying direct you support an independent publisher.
The book will be available from all mainstream outlets from 22nd June and out on Kindle shortly afterwards.
I hope you enjoy the journey.
It was a blast to write it.
Thanks Phil very humbled and looking forward to the launch remember to bring your pen! See you then Bucks the so-called Cork undauntable man!!!
That’s “The Squad” ordered Phil, look forward to a good read.
Many thanks
Any plans for an audio version for Audible ?
No.
No plans for that.
Print edition first, then out on Kindle.
Ordered! Can’t wait!
Bought a copy and one for my partner (or is that the other way around) … holiday reading sorted!
HH
Many thanks
ordered…, I’ve been following for a few years now, yet to be disappointed. Your best work for me so far..Downfall… I hope I am reading your work for years to come. HH.
many thanks
Now there are 6000 more STs available at Ibrox, will the debenture holders get their seats back?
The continuation myth must be quite an insult to the paid-up debenture holders who saw their seats discontinued in 2012.
You appear strangely obsessed about The Rangers…..
Are you a disgruntled debenture holder?
Let’s concentrate on Phils book and give the Rangers stuff a rest for this piece.
I’m obsessed by the corruption of sport
I’m obsessed by the corruption of the media
I’m obsessed by the corruption of regulatory bodies
I’m obsessed by the corruption of social, political and religious institutions
I’m obsessed by your obsession to protect Phil from my obsessions
Certainly not protecting Phil…..
Just failing to see the relevance to the story!
“You’re gonna need a bigger pen!”
Ordered.
Many thanks
Ordered my copy of The Squad. Looking forward to reading it. Keep up the good work on events in darkest Sevconia!
Thanks Brian
Copy just ordered.
Looking forward to reading it. I also don’t read much fiction, esp the SMSM.
Cheers Jim
Just ordered your novel Phil, looking forward to it. 8th vote exit polls show something thar looks like another great stride out of the Dark Ages. Little by little ………….
Many thanks
Congrats Phil. As ever I’m sure it will fly off the shelves and digital shopping basket’s. I shall purchase mine, post haste.
Many thanks
Phil,
Is there going to be an audiobook version. I spend many hours in the car and consume audiobooks at a great rate.
Scott
No plans for that.
Phil whats your view on the 8th? would love to hear you opinion, mostly as i hold it so highly although i think our motherland’s people will repeal.
The exit polls are saying a landslide for repeal.
The correct decision in my view.
Thanks Phil. fully agree. HH
PISH!
I see you haven’t lost your wonderful way with words….
Looking forward to reading this. Just one query ….. Could I/Do I forward my Kindle to you personally to sign 🙂
Hail Hail
Homer
Phil I said I would get the kindle version of your new book The Squad ,but having just looked it up via your link ,its only £9.99 and a dawdle to buy via Paypal ,there are some other good titles on offer there as well ,I would recommend everyone to at least have a look. looking forward to getting my signed copy ,cheers be lucky .
The £9.99 even covers postage to Canada! I had anticipated, and would have gladly paid, an additional postage charge but there was none.
Copy ordered (First Edition I hope) and signed to boot 😉 a canny wait
Book bought from Noir and look forward to reading it Phil.
Keep up the brilliant work, we really appreciate it!!!
Just ordered a copy of the new book ‘the sqaud’.keep the flame of truth burning phill.
Ordered a copy… Will post what I think about it if that’s OK…ordinary guy not a professor of literature or a reviewer for the Sunday papers. Would be interested to hear others views as well
Many thanks, I look forward to that.
The usual rule about no spoilers applies…
Hi Phil, Just purchased your book online from Frontline Noir. I don’t normally read fiction but wish to support you in this endeavour and wish you every success. p.s. Although it’s fiction I suspect I’ll learn a lot from reading it. Kind regards.
Sound great. Ordered.
I’ve just ordered my copy Phil and I had to put “Londonderry” in the county address line for the payment to be accepted. Oh, the irony of it!
Ordered Phil. All the best Mo Chara. UTR
Ordered a copy have already read your other books. Look forward to receiving my signed copy
The Squad – ordered and, after months of trawling some of the “better” bookstores in town (unsuccessfully), an order has been placed for both Downfall, and Minority Reporter. When I’ve finished with the latter two publications, they will be forwarded to friends in Greater London, where they are welcome to pass on to others so that they have a more realistic perspective of the shenanigans that went on/are ongoing at the Govan tax haven.
oh dear – rangers.co.uk is now telling the great unwashed that “Gerrard Inherits Good Players” – so I assume that means StevieG has no earthly use for a warchest overflowing with sporting advantage – how very ungrateful StevieG.
When DavieG promised transparency – perhaps what he really meant was – you’ll be able to see right through all our petty posturing and preposterous pony shit.
How strange that someone would manage to talk about Rangers….in the comment section of an article that hadnothing to do with them
Just thought the folks here would enjoy a bit of a laugh 🙂
But it seems you think The Rangers are beyond a joke 🙁
Just ordered a copy.
Hi Phil, any book launch dates for Donegal, a night in a local pub sounds good