Celebrating one year of ‘In the Shadow of Marc Bolan’

Yes, a year has already passed since the release of my seventh novel, ‘In the Shadow of Marc Bolan’.

It’s been selling steadily, indeed, it’s already my second-best seller, only behind my debut, ‘The Asylum Soul’.

Shortly after its publication, the novel hit a Top 20 spot on Amazon for its genre and has since received some excellent reviews on Amazon, Goodreads, and across other social media platforms. I’ve also received some superb feedback in person and via email.

Last summer, the book was featured on the Glamtastic glam rock radio station in the United States, and was mentioned in dispatches at a number of Marc Bolan/T.Rex related events in the UK.

In January, I had the pleasure of signing copies at a packed venue in Knaphill, near Woking in Surrey.

Mal with the musician Andy  Ellison

On Saturday, 12 July, I attended the ‘Celebrate Summer’ 2 event at Winnersh near Reading, and I was pleased to donate a copy of ‘In the Shadow of Marc Bolan’ as a raffle prize. Around £2,500 was raised for the Donkey Sanctuary.

Appearing at the event was Danielz of the T.Rex tribute band, T.Rextasy, and Andy Ellison, who played with Marc Bolan in John's Children, Marc's band before he formed Tyrannosaurus Rex/T.Rex.

You can get your paperback, hardcover or Kindle copy @ 

AMAZON

(Remember, the book is already FREE on Kindle Unlimited!

Death of a Football Club

 

My poem, Death of a Football Club, appeared in the Verses United anthology, which was published by County Durham Books, supported by Northern Arts and edited by Ian Horn in 1993. The poem records the demise of the old Aldershot F.C. in 1992. Now sadly out of print, the book also includes poems by Atilla the Stockbroker, Tony Harrison, Tom Pickard, Wes Magee and the renowned Liverpool poet, Adrian Henri, plus many more. Also included is an introduction from TV presenter Lord Melvyn Bragg and a foreword by the late England football manager Sir Bobby Robson. Death of a Football Club was also published in 90 Minutes football magazine and the Aldershot News.

Death of a Football Club

(Aldershot F.C. 1926-1992)

 

As an old faithful
he’d been here for every game.
Sixty solid years
and then this grief
that brings a harsh, ensuing wind
around the ground
as men in reluctant suits
prepare his coffin.

More proud undaunted ghosts
glide across the pitch
towards the East Bank stand.
Memories of Melia, Howarth.
A courteous shroud
hovering where the floodlights
gleamed and flickered. Memories
of Charlton, Best. The Shots one up!

Dads who came as children
with their dads
mourning their lost Saturdays
and a thousand other friends.
Reality forms its own cortege,
a climate no one
wished to comprehend.

But now just as we feared
there is an end,
a bitter tear that reaches from the heart
at this strange funeral.
A moment
when the stillness is complete
and all that’s left
is memories.

(Note: This was my last poem to be published under the pseudonym Mal Cielsak)

Aldershot F.C. following a 3rd Round FA Cup replay win against Huddersfield Town
during the 1969/70 season. Incidentally, my first season supporting Aldershot.    

A definitive selection of Mal's poetry, entitled Songs Without Music, 'The Wedding', is available HERE 
 

Characters and Assassinations

 

Since I wrote my first novel, ’The Asylum Soul,’ creating my characters, especially their names, has been an enjoyable part of the writing process.

Dreaming up a character and imagining their appearance, dress sense, and mannerisms is always a thrilling experience. Of course, I must translate the clarity and personalities into the finished article as best I can.

Some readers have asked me how I manage to derive a character. A perfect example is Harry Horlock from ‘The Asylum Soul’. He’s the ageing fire chief who lives at the North Lodge on the edge of the asylum grounds. Indeed a very cantankerous individual. In real life, I knew two very similar gentlemen, both sadly no longer with us. The trick was to merge them into one person and produce my desired result. Des Horlock and Harry Sale became Harry Horlock, and they matched the personality I wanted to create.

Another example is Roger Saliant, a flamboyant and utter rascal of a policeman who appears in ‘Jude & Bliss’, which is set in Victorian England, specifically Woking and London. I once knew a guy named Roger who loosely suited the description of the person I was trying to create. The surname Saliant is the name of a passenger boat that used to be moored by Blackfriars Bridge on the River Thames.

One of the negatives is being slapped on the wrist by readers for killing some of my popular characters off, which is an occupational hazard for any writer. That said, it means the character's creation has worked, and a reader has inadvertently taken them to their heart. Such feedback undoubtedly makes me happy! 

AI ... Do I use artificial intelligence to create characters? As some of you have seen, I have made a few retrospective images that match a few of the characters I have created… You can see for yourself below!   

On the left is DI Sue Grendel, a main character in 'The Story of Virna Babineaux'. She also appeared briefly in my latest novel, 'In the Shadow of Marc Bolan'. The surname Grendel is the title of one of my favourite Marillion songs. Centre is Nathaniel Bream, an eccentric forensic psychologist who has appeared in three of my stories, including 'Fluke's Cradle'. He's a fishy character (Bream), and I plucked Nathaniel from H.G. Wells' classic, 'The War of the Worlds'. To the right is Virna Babineaux herself. Her name is an amalgamation of two very pretty French girls I used to know in my teens.

My Instagram page has images of other characters, including Maisie from 'The Asylum Soul' and Brother Allen from 'In the Shadow of Marc Bolan'.  

Of course, readers will always build up their own image of a character; it's part of the joy of reading, and that's something that should never give way to the recent intrusions of AI. 

To find out more about my novels, go to my website at www.malfoster.co.uk 

Seasons Greetings'!

Well, what an exciting year it’s been for being an author. The publication of my latest novel, ‘In the Shadow of Marc Bolan’ has proved very pivotal for me as it has attracted many new readers to my work.

As with my other books, a number of lovely souls assisted me with its production, and I would once again like to thank Zoe Hatfield, Jane Johnson, and Vivienne Lang for their help. A massive thanks also to Tracy Clark at Publish Nation for ensuring the book’s release was smooth and enjoyable.

Thanks again to avid Marc Bolan fans Steve Moriarty, Richard Parrish and Barry Smith-Hills, who took the time to fanfare the book in the lead-up to publication. This really helped to get the word out. Barry also kindly and unexpectedly mentioned the book at Marc's memorial service at Golders Green Crematorium on 16 September, the 47th anniversary of the talented singer's death.

Thanks also to the official Marc Bolan Fan Club and Danielz of the tribute band, T Rextasy, for their wonderful support. Their kind actions are just what an independent author like myself values as we struggle to market our titles.

I must not forget those of you who have read the book and taken the time to leave your kind words on Amazon, Goodreads and on social media. It really is appreciated. If you have read and enjoyed the book and haven't done so already, please leave a nice little review. It all helps!

‘In the Shadow of Marc Bolan’ is available in paperback, hardcover and Kindle formats at Amazon 

Of course, I also have six other titles available, including my debut, ‘The Asylum Soul’. You can find out all about these on my website at www.malfoster.co.uk

Enjoy the Festive Season!

 

Mal 

The All Author Interview

Can you share your journey from being a local journalist to a published author? - What inspired you to make that transition? 

Becoming a journalist came late in my working career, even though it was something I wanted to be when I was at school. I left school at fifteen in 1972, so I obviously didn’t have the necessary qualifications. In the end, it was life experience that finally got me the job. I’ve always been grateful to news editor Rachel Saker for giving me the opportunity. The transition from journalist to published author happened naturally, despite the difference between the two disciplines. 

What inspired the story and characters in, In the Shadow of Marc Bolan? Are there any personal experiences or observations that influenced the narrative? 

Much of my writing comes from personal experiences and observations. Childhood, adolescence, relationships, marriage, travel, and bereavement for instance. Write what you know is always a good rule of thumb! 

Mal pictured in 2015 following the publication
of his debut novel. 'The Asylum Soul'

How has your background in journalism shaped your writing style and approach to storytelling? 

Firstly, you become aware of the acute difference between fiction and non-fiction. Many authors use the springboard of fact to unleash their fiction writing. It’s no real surprise to me that readers are often confused. My protagonists, Jack Compton (Fly Back and Purify and An Invisible Nemesis) and Daniel Blue (The Story of Virna Babineaux) are both journalists. I quite often use my journalistic skills to add newspaper articles to my storylines. 

You ‘dabble’ in poetry—how does poetry influence your prose, and do you incorporate any poetic elements into your narrative? 

I’ve been writing poems and prose since I was fifteen and was fortunate enough to have quite a few pieces published soon after. Yes, there are poems in a couple of my novels. I have woven a few into the narrative of my latest book, In the Shadow of Marc Bolan, for instance. 

How do you go about developing your characters? Are they based on real people, or do they emerge purely from your imagination? 

The characters themselves are born out of my imagination. I then think of real people I may or may not know in an attempt to give them substance. For example, I often use two such people to create one character. Harry Horlock, a prominent character in my debut novel, The Asylum Soul, was created using two people I knew, Harry Sale and Des Horlock. Both individuals had very similar personalities. Sadly, both have since passed on. 

What themes do you explore in ‘In the Shadow of Marc Bolan’, and what messages do you hope readers take away from the book? 

The death of Marc Bolan is the nucleus of the novel. His premature death affected me immensely. It all came at a time when, as a young man growing up in the seventies, I couldn’t really show my true emotions. Others I know were in the same boat, and they had their own personal stories to tell. I hope readers will identify with the storyline as they compare it to their own experiences following Bolan’s death. Because the storyline has a strong background in mental health, I also hope those less familiar with Bolan and T. Rex will identify with the book. 

Can you describe your writing process? Do you have any rituals or habits that help you stay focused and productive? 

I like to write in the small hours when everything is quiet. An inner spirit seems to take over my body. I often sit back after each writing session and wonder how and why the f*ck did I write that! It’s quite a good feeling actually. 

What challenges have you faced, and how did you overcome them? 

Researching and writing a book are the easy parts of the process. Editing is less so, as it can be quite arduous. I have learned to use a good proofreader and a couple of independent readers before submitting my manuscripts for publication. The other massive challenge is book promotion. There are a lot of sharks out there, including fake agents, who only want your money for little or nothing in return. I spend a lot of time marketing and promoting my books myself. 

How does the setting of Camberley and Woking influence your writing? Does the local culture and environment play a role in your stories? 

Camberley, where I grew up, is a town I still call home, even though since my childhood, its heart has been ripped out by developers. The old place is hardly recognisable now from the one I grew up in. However, I love including it in my books as much as possible. My fifth novel, Fluke’s Cradle is a perfect example of this. On the other hand, Woking is a drab town near the village of Knaphill, where I now live. That said, it’s handy as a hub for most of my stories. 

What kind of reception have you received for In the Shadow of Marc Bolan? - Have any particular reader responses stood out to you? 

On the whole, the reception has been great. The book has been embraced by many Bolan fans, including the Official Marc Bolan Fan Club, The T.Rex Action Group and Danielz, the lead singer of the official tribute band, T.Rextasy. In the Shadow of Marc Bolan has also received some great reviews/ratings on Amazon and Goodreads, with even more on my social media and via email.  

Are you currently working on any new projects or books? If so, can you share a bit about them? 

I don’t consider myself an author unless I’m currently writing. At present, I’m at a crossroads, although some possibilities are floating around in the grey matter. One such idea is that I may bring back D.I. Sue Grendel, a character in The Story of Virna Babineaux. She also appeared briefly in In the Shadow of Marc Bolan.  Perhaps she could be the protagonist in a future title. Time will tell!  

How do you balance your interests in both prose and poetry? Do you see yourself focusing more on one genre in the future? 

I do. Although I’ve concentrated heavily on my novels over the last ten years, my interest in poetry/prose and even music lyrics has never gone away. I aim to write a lot more before I pop my clogs. 

Who are some of your literary influences? Are there any authors or poets whose work has particularly inspired you? 

One man stands out: the late, great Leonard Cohen. His novel The Favourite Game and, of course, his songs and poetry are all I needed to inspire me.

Mal Foster was talking to Mady Joshi of the US based ALLAuthor website. 

Tragic Rock Star Bolan Haunts New Novel - Woking News & Mail

A Knaphill man has published a novel about a man obsessed with the glamrock star, Marc Bolan... 

In the Shadow of Marc Bolan is the seventh novel by semi-retired journalist and poet Mal Foster. His latest work revolves around Marc Abela, who was born on 16 September 1977, the day Bolan died in a car crash in Barnes, southwest London.

The book is predominately set in a Surrey psychiatric unit where Marc, 46, is refusing to speak after being sectioned under the 1983 Mental Health Act. His mother was a dedicated Bolan/T.Rex fan, who took her own life when he was five and he has always been in the shadow of the late glamrock star. A team of psychologists examines whether there is a link between Marc’s condition, past events, and some sort of spiritual influence from Bolan.

Reviewer Fiona Browne described In the Shadow of Marc Bolan as “lyrical, thought-provoking, and, at times, quite heartbreaking. I know this book will appeal to all those valiant souls who still live and breathe the music of their late 70’s glamrock idol and I suspect it will also attract the attention of many outside the sphere of Marc Bolan/T.Rex fandom. A truly brilliant read,” Fiona said.

The novel has already had numerous five-star reviews or ratings on Amazon and Goodreads. It has attracted praise from various UK official Marc Bolan fanbases and from Danielz, lead singer of the T.Rextasy tribute band. It has also been featured on Glamrock Radio in the US.

Mal’s first novel, The Asylum Soul, was published in 2015. It was followed by Fly Back and Purify, An Invisible Nemesis, Jude & Bliss, Fluke’s Cradle and The Story of Virna Babineaux.

In the Shadow of Marc Bolan is available in paperback and ebook from Amazon.

Courtesy: Woking News & Mail 17 October 2024

Is it time to Boogie?

Firstly, I would like to thank everyone who has shown interest in and/or bought a copy of my new novel, In the Shadow of Marc Bolan. The book was published following a ‘tentative' soft launch on 12 July. Its publication is something I am very proud of and I'm relieved to say that early feedback suggests the storyline has caught the imagination of many discerning Marc Bolan/T.Rex fans. I've also been staggered by the number of people who weren't even born while Marc was enjoying his heyday who said they have read and really liked the book.  

Just before publication, to help spread the word about the book, I engaged with people I considered to be Bolan aficionados, and I’m pleased to say I’ve had some great interactions with all of them. 

Indeed, Barry Smith-Hills, who steers the group looking after the Marc Bolan Memorial Bench at Golders Green Crematorium, Fee Warner of the T.Rex Action Group (TAG), who maintains Marc’s shrine in Barnes South West London, and Danielz of the official tribute band, T.Rextasy, have all taken a healthy interest in the book itself. Thanks also to Steve Moriarty and Tony Parrish, whose moral support has been phenomenal. (Please excuse the name drops!)

Barry recently informed me that the bench at Golder’s Green is known to deteriorate due to weather conditions and constantly needs attention and regular maintenance. It is definitely not neglected, as my book’s main character, Marc Abela, might lead some to believe. 

In pristine condition - The memorial bench at Golders Green Crematorium. 

I have visited the bench a couple of times to pay my respects and did the same at Marc’s shrine at Barnes back in June. They were very poignant and spiritual visits. Each time, it felt like Marc was watching over me, hence the inspiration for a couple of storylines in the book. Note: Donations for the upkeep of the bench, and the shrine at Barnes are always welcome!

A definition of fiction...

Since my first novel, The Asylum Soul, was published in 2015, I have often been amazed by how many people appear unaware of the difference between fiction and nonfiction. 

My understanding of fiction is that it is created from the imagination and, perhaps, except for dates and locations, is not presented as fact. Fiction can be inspired by or based on a true story or situation, but it is ultimately made up. In other words, ‘contrived’. The purpose of fiction is to entertain and inspire readers by introducing them to the imaginary world(s) of an author’s character(s).

All that said, novelists, myself included, often use a piece of fact to trigger the fiction which may create the so-called grey area that has the potential to confuse some readers. 
 

Fee Warner of TAG enjoying her review copy

Profit, what profit?

Some people have asked me how many books have sold. Mm…interesting. Writing is my hobby. I’m an independent author. It costs around £1k to get each title out there, so obviously, I’m not in the story-writing game for the money. With a royalty of only a small percentage of the retail cost of each book, breaking even with any of my titles is simply a welcome bonus. 

Reviews & Ratings...

Lastly, In the Shadow of Marc Bolan has received some great early reviews on Amazon, Goodreads, and elsewhere, including on my social media and via email. If you have enjoyed the book, please leave a positive review/rating on Amazon. These are priceless to authors like me; as they say, ‘every little helps’.  

Is it time to Boogie? - Well, probably not just yet!

*KALMIYH*

Buy paperback or ebook from Amazon

*Signed copies are now available at just £9.99 inc p&p direct from the author.
Please email malfoster1956@gmail.com with delivery address for PayPal Link

 

All good things! 

Mal

The Woking Writers' Collective - One Last Hurrah!

On Friday 6 July, I made the difficult decision to take The Woking Writers' Collective, offline after a three-year stint. The blog was created to enable local authors to promote and showcase their latest titles.

I would like to thank all who participated, especially those of you who were kind enough to reciprocate and help support and promote the work of their fellow local authors.

L to R: Sunny Angel, Lelita Baldock, Mal Foster (Blog Admin), Sue Mackender, Greg Freeman

Archive...

Following our first online Woking Writers’ Week in May 2021, we were able to meet for the first time in person on Sunday 3 October, outside the Lionsheart Bookshop which is kindly stocking a number of our books 

~ as featured in Writing Magazine ~

 February 2022 edition! 

"The Covid-19 pandemic had brought about restrictions for us all and for those of us who write, it became obvious we needed to explore alternative angles by which we could promote our work," writes Mal Foster.

"Almost by accident, Writers at the Gate (now The Woking Writers' Collective), a small group of Woking-based independent authors, was born.

The whole thing started with the blog which carries the same name, allowing us to showcase our latest titles and share stories of our various routes to publication and ideas for future books.

The blog also includes guest posts by invited authors, including Judith Cranswick, Carol Hedges, and Deborah Swift, to name but a few.

Over the last few months, the group has gone from strength to strength, with a healthy number of authors submitting work to our online Woking Writers’ Week in May.

Since Covid restrictions were lifted, many of us have now had the opportunity to meet in person while becoming good friends in the process.

We’re also fortunate enough to have our titles stocked and displayed by an independent bookshop in the town in its prominent ‘local authors’ section.

Further initiatives are being planned. These will include a series of book signings as new books are published. Any other independently published or soon-to-be-published writers from the Woking area are always welcome to join us."

Article reproduced, courtesy: Writing Magazine

Joint book signing event at the Lionsheart Bookshop in Woking, Saturday 23 July 2022
Greg Freeman, Mal Foster, Saj Hussein (Mayor of Woking) Lelita Baldock, JRC Cox

The Kathy Kelso Interview #2

27 March 2024

Catching up with my old friend and confidante, Mal Foster, is always a delight. He is the epitome of the teenage dream. “Think like a kid, and you will stay young,” says the boyish sixty-seven-year-old who was born in Surrey in December 1956.

Mal at the British Film Insitute (BFI) March 2024

We last spoke when his fifth novel, Fluke’s Cradle, was published in 2022. Since then, he has released The Story of Virna Babineaux and is about to unleash his seventh book, the much anticipated In the Shadow of Marc Bolan, his biggest project to date.

Mal and I have known each other since the mid-1970s. He was a massive T.Rex fan in those days, and I remember how desperate and devastated he was when Marc Bolan died before his time in 1977.

Mal says, “I was just twenty back then. Indeed, the events of ’77 made me feel completely numb for quite a long time. For a while, I couldn’t play any Bolan songs. Marc’s voice just set me off. I didn’t want to accept that he was gone. It wasn’t until one summer’s evening in 1982 that I could dig out all those vinyls again.”

And now you have written a book about it all?

“I was never going to write a book about Marc himself. The inspiration comes from those left behind who are still influenced by his music.”

Nearly fifty years since his death, Marc Bolan’s popularity is as strong as ever.

“Just look at social media”, says Mal. “There is a whole raft of stuff relating to Bolan. Books, films, some great tribute bands, and historical interviews. Most recently, a tribute album and the documentary Angel-Headed Hipster.

“Although a little apprehensive and nervous that there may have been parallels with my new book’s storyline, I enjoyed the recent release of Bolan’s Shoes, which included superb performances by Leanne Best and Timothy Spall. The film proved to me that everyone has their own unique story to tell.”

“Going back, I remember sitting in a smoky cinema in Camberley when Born to Boogie was released in 1972. I watched it around and around on a loop and stayed in the Odeon for at least seven hours that day.”

So, what eventually made you put pen to paper with this one?

“I’ve always wanted to write a book of fiction different from anything else I’d seen. Something that people could dip into at any time and find very lyrical. A book they would want to sing along to in some way! My regular readers will notice that the book is in a journal style, similar to my first novel, The Asylum Soul.

And what about the novel itself? Without giving away any spoilers, please do tell me more…

“Look, here’s an early synopsis,” says Mal, sheepishly passing over his phone…

‘In the Shadow of Marc Bolan’ is a sensitively written tale about a man obsessed with the spirit of Marc Bolan. The book’s protagonist is Marc Abela, who was born the same day Bolan died when a car driven by his girlfriend Gloria Jones crashed through a fence and hit a tree in Barnes, Southwest London, in the early hours of 16 September 1977. 

Marc Abela has always lived in the shadow of the late glam rock icon. Indeed, he had spent his first few years on this earth growing up against the backdrop of Bolan’s music. Marc’s mother, a devoted Bolan/T.Rex fan tragically died by her own hand when he was only five. 

The story is a powerful and plausible paranormal/psychological drama, predominately set in a Surrey psychiatric unit in the modern day. Now forty-six years old, Marc finds himself institutionalised and refusing to speak after being sectioned under the 1983 Mental Health Act. 

As they seek a diagnosis, specialists believe there could be a link between Marc’s current predicament and what had happened in his past. Could the spiritual influence of Marc Bolan be the real reason for what they believe is a ‘self-inflicted’ condition? Psychologist Hercules Brown and his colleagues pull out all the stops to find the answer. 

Marc Bolan - 1947-1977

So, what are your honest aspirations for this book?

“Honest? Ha, ha. Of course, I want the book to appeal to Bolan fans and those less familiar with his music and other work. I hope I have produced something which underlines the deep respect I have always had for him. Please remember, though, the novel itself is about the son of a T.Rex fan, and not Marc Bolan himself, although I must confess, the strong spiritual presence of Bolan does play its part.” 

To learn more about In the Shadow of Marc Bolan, visit www.malfoster.co.uk. Available in paperback and Kindle formats, the novel will be published in July.

 

-         Mal Foster was speaking exclusively to Kathy Kelso

Interview with Kathy Kelso

 KEEPING HIS FEET FIRMLY ON THE GROUND

Mal Foster, talks to Kathy Kelso, about his publishing journey so far, and a little about his superb new psychological thriller, ‘Fluke’s Cradle’…

Mal Foster, an author of the ordinary man? “Too bloody well right I am”, he says, grinning widely from behind his raised pint of rapidly disappearing Hells lager. Mal and I have known each other since we were teenagers. We used to indulge ourselves in contemporary poetry, Leonard Cohen, Hart Crane, Douglas Dunn, Jack Kerouac, Robert Service and the Mersey Poets, et al etc., whilst sipping long-lasting cappuccinos in an upstairs coffee lounge at the top of Camberley High Street. I’m delighted to say Galinis as it was known, has miraculously crept into Mal’s intriguing new book, ‘Fluke’s Cradle’ as part of its storyline. In those hurdy-gurdy days of the 1970s, a cappuccino was simply called frothy coffee and we both knew how to make it last, and for those of us who didn’t have two 5p pieces to rub together, it was a godsend.

While I gazed down onto the street outside, Mal would concentrate on scribbling fragments of poems in a little green notebook he always carried around in the inside pocket of a well-worn fake leather jacket. Often, he’d be found at his usual table, with three other budding writers, Alan Guest, Jez Goodwin, and Sean Duffy… all four poor misguided souls had their own ideas on how their writing could change the world. Fortunately, naivete eventually gave way to reality and they all moved on to negotiate the rest of their lives quite differently from one another.  Mal though is still in contact with Jez, who is now, a successful TV chef and food resource expert who resides in Houston, Texas in the U.S.

Fast-forward 50 years and Mal prides himself on his independent author status…“If I’d sent any of my manuscripts to a traditional publisher, they would still be gathering dust and would never have seen the light of day. Thousands of fiction books are published each year in this country alone. I soon realised that the self-publishing option was probably the best way of getting my books out there.

What, if any, are the benefits of self-publishing? "Firstly, the author is in complete control of the whole process, including the book's promotion. The key thing is, is not to let your expectations be too high. Any self-published indie author who exceeds sales of 200+ copies in all formats will probably celebrate even though they will never get their initial investment back – that sadly is commonplace with self-publishing, but it’s a small price to pay for something that is so rewarding. If you treat writing as a hobby, you have nothing to lose."

Keeping his feet firmly on the ground, Mal adds, "I’ve always written for my own pleasure, not the money, if I did, I would be bitterly disappointed. That said, when a book is published, there’s nothing more pleasing than someone stopping me in the street and asking about one of my characters. It proves that people really can immerse themselves in what I write.”

Are there any downsides? “Yes, of course. Whilst I enjoy researching and writing my books. I find the editing process quite arduous. It can also be a potential minefield. It's where the manuscript is most vulnerable. For instance, there is nothing more annoying than when something gets missed during the final proofreading phase. Although errors can easily be fixed, through a quick Amazon edit, a missing question mark or a stray apostrophe can bug the hell out of you... something I know all honest authors will admit they go through. Also, after publication, the first few weeks can be quite nerve-wracking until the first pieces of feedback filter through. Luckily, most reviews I've received have always been quite positive.”

This all brings me nicely back to Mal’s exciting new novel 'Fluke’s Cradle’, a paranormal/psychological thriller that has already been heralded by early reviewers as his best writing yet...

About the book…

Eddie Noble had always wondered who his father was. His mother had died shortly after childbirth, and those shielding him from life’s future challenges were not always forthcoming with any answers.

Following a mysterious medical episode whilst searching for his mother’s grave, Eddie becomes increasingly convinced he is the person he was in a previous life. He then undergoes an enforced period of regression therapy to aid his rehabilitation. 

Enter Marianne Borg, a beautiful psychic medium, Nathaniel Bream, a quirky psychiatric paranormal research scientist, and Professor Allan, a mental health specialist who all take a particular interest in Eddie’s plight.  

‘Fluke’s Cradle’ is out now and is available from Amazon in, hardback (£13.99), paperback (£8.99) and Kindle (£3.39) formats.

 

·         Publisher ‏ : ‎ Publish Nation (23 Mar. 2022)

·         Language ‏ : ‎ English

·         Paperback ‏ : ‎ 208 pages

·         ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8428566093

·         Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 15.24 x 1.19 x 22.86 cm

 

BUY NOW

60 Second Interview - Mal Foster talks to Sally Roast

Your latest novel, ‘Fluke’s Cradle’, has been available for a few months. How’s it going?

The book is somewhat experimental. On that basis, it’s really doing fine, even though, to be honest, it could do with a few more positive reviews and, of course, sales; that said, it's become a favourite among some of my regular readers. It’s the kind of novel I felt very comfortable writing.

Can you tell me more about the book and what inspired you to write it?

I’ve told the story in parallel with things I’ve experienced in my life. Things that I witnessed during my upbringing and adolescent years. Again, those things I observe even now on a day-to-day basis. The thought of writing really does set my imagination on fire. It’s now the whole reason I write.

The book itself tells the story of middle-aged Eddie Noble, who must come to terms with his demons. Eddie had always wondered who his father was. His mother had died shortly after childbirth, and those shielding him from life’s future challenges were not always forthcoming with any answers. Following a mysterious medical episode whilst searching for his mother’s grave, Eddie becomes increasingly convinced he is the person he was in a previous life. He then undergoes an enforced period of regression therapy to aid his rehabilitation. Enter Marianne Borg, a beautiful psychic medium, Nathaniel Bream, a quirky psychiatric paranormal research specialist, and Professor Allan, a mental health scientist who is interested in Eddie’s plight.  

What made you want to become an author? 

Initially, I had considered myself a poet since I was a teenager. Pretentious? Maybe! During those halcyon days of the 1970s, everyone I knew from my generation craved an identity. Poetry was my identity. You know, “Mal, the poet.” – “That guy over there, he’s a poet. He writes poems.” One problem with that, I never liked anyone reading my stuff! Later, I became aware that my poetry needed more substance. It was supposed to be the voice of my inner self. Eventually, something happened; maybe it was confidence. Certainly improvement. The first pieces of verse were published in anthologies, then small press magazines and newspapers until the internet became a major platform to showcase my work. Earlier, in the 1980s, I won three Young Poet awards. It was such a thrill to know people were starting to appreciate my writing during that time.

So what made you decide to self-publish your first novel, 'The Asylum Soul?' 

I never, ever thought I’d write a full-blown novel. I’d gone through most of my life without reading too much by other authors. I guess I was lazy. I always liked the idea of dipping into a book of poems by one of the top contemporary British poets. Seamus Heaney, Jeremy Robson, Tony Harrison and the Liverpool poets all spring to mind. I could just read a few lines that didn’t even reach the side of the page, let alone the bottom of it.

In 2014, the concept of my debut novel, ‘The Asylum Soul’ came to me. After the first few pages were written, there was no looking back. Before I knew it, I had inadvertently written a 330-page historical fiction novel. Since then, I’ve been absolutely hooked on storytelling.

Have you any more novels in the pipeline? 

Yes, a sixth novel, ‘The Story of Virna Babineaux’, should be published in the Spring. I am working on the final chapters before the editing process begins. I always get a special buzz at this stage, knowing that it’s not going to be too long before the book is available to the public.  

What advice would you offer aspiring authors who are thinking of self-publishing? 

Try and write what you know. It helps. Be true to yourself. Be ambitious, but always try to keep your feet on the ground. Success will come!

Interview by Sally Roast 03 01 2023

Courtesy: Independent Authors Online