Where to from here?

 

Eight novels under my belt, so where to now? Another novel? A new collection of poetry? Or maybe something else?

Shortly after publishing a book, there is a vacuum, a sense of helplessness as you wait for feedback, which, of course, as well as being constructive, you hope will be positive. How many of my regular readers can I keep hold of? How many new readers might my new novel attract?

The questions will continue until the next project wrestles its way into the grey matter. And this is where the helplessness sets in. All the time I’m writing, I feel I can truly identify as an author. As soon as each book is published, the void comes. I won’t feel like an author again until the writing process recommences.

As time passes, there is always a nagging doubt that I might never find the inspiration for another book. Of course, ideas come and go, but it is essential that I choose something I am comfortable with. Yes, I am looking to write something completely different from all my other titles. At present, I’m not sure where that journey will take me.

One day, hopefully, something will just click. The research mechanism will kick in, and the nucleus of something new will evolve into print. Until then, you can check out all my novels at www.malfoster.co.uk

Book Signing - Betrayal of the Soul - 24 July 2026

 

Many thanks to those who attended my book signing event at the Garibaldi in Knaphill yesterday. There was a steady flow of people during the two-hour slot, and it was great to meet both new readers and those who have read all my titles.

Thanks also to Martin Durrad, landlord of the pub, for helping to host the event.

Mal and Louise

Mal and Kay                                                Chris, Don, Mal

Maeva and Mal                                           Mal and Paul                            

Above are just a few of the valiant souls who attended. If for some reason you couldn't attend, books are available via Amazon HERE 

Publicity - Betrayal of the Soul

 

For the last few months, a guy called Stefan has been distributing a local online newsletter, The Woking Weekly which has been going from strength to strength.  I'm indebted to him for the following piece in this week's edition.

More information about 'Betrayal of the Soul' is available at www.malfoster.co.uk 

Is Betrayal of the Soul, an autobiography in disguise? asks Kathy Kelso

Well, here we are again. I’m with Mal Foster, talking to him about his forthcoming novel, ‘Betrayal of the Soul.’ Having read an early draft of the manuscript, I can confirm that Mal really does know how to deliver the WOW factor.

Mal, who has been revelling in the success of his previous book, ‘In the Shadow of Marc Bolan’, for the past two years, has somehow found the time to write something that is more than just profound. Something that is thought-provoking and definitely something people will talk about. Here’s the blurb…

Johnny Tinder is the epitome of being one's own worst enemy. Indeed, the handsome, yet ill-starred former local journalist and would-be private investigator wages a personal battle against himself amid a life of emotional turmoil, existential struggle, regrettable misdemeanours, and long-term despair. As with many other poor souls, Johnny’s life had been mapped out for him by negative events that occurred during childhood and throughout his adolescent years.

Now in his late forties, Johnny finally realises it is time to step back, reflect, and work out how to change his ways. He doesn't like the person he has become. Johnny has never forgotten Catherine, a girl he describes as ‘the love of my life’, whom he unceremoniously dumped some twenty years earlier. He wants to put things right, but he feels his long-lost love will almost certainly reject him if he attempts to re-enter her life. In a harrowing twist, he faces a situation far, far worse than that! 

So, Mal, what inspired you to write something that seems very personal?

“Firstly, I must emphasise that this is purely a work of fiction. It is a novel, after all. What made me want to write the story? I don’t know. Maybe there was something lurking in my subconscious, waiting to get out.”

I get the feeling ‘Betrayal of the Soul’ is your autobiography in disguise?

Ha, ha. You know me too well. I’ve said many times that I’ve always believed in the notion that I should write what I know. It’s always worked well for me, and it is the same advice I would pass on to any aspiring writers, still pondering the pros and cons of storytelling and seeing their work in print.

The book hits on some very sensitive subject matter. What on earth…?

Mal interrupts. “It does. Having reached the age I’m at, I now feel comfortable looking back and sharing some of my life’s experiences. Yes, some of them I have encountered myself. Other storylines are slightly exaggerated, and others are simply based on wishful thinking. All that said, the book is NOT about me. Well, not the current me. My protagonist, Johnny Tinder, is perhaps a younger version of myself, although when I was in my late forties, I think my own life had settled down a bit by then.”

How do you create your characters?

“I think of people I know, or used to know. I match their personalities. Sometimes I may merge two people into one. Zac Merrick, the hippie-type, in 'Betrayal of the Soul', is a perfect example. Back in the seventies and eighties, I used to know a Dave and a Paul. Zac has elements of both of them in his character.”

And how do you come up with character names?

“Sometimes I ask my readers for suggestions. Zac Merrick is one such example. Some people even ask to have a character named after themselves. Often, I think back to the street where I grew up in Camberley. I used to know the names of everyone who lived in every house. In many of my novels, I’ve mixed their first and last names to come up with a new character.”

Given the subject matter in the book. I get the feeling you needed to open up your heart and get something out?

“Most definitely. Men my age clam up. Too proud perhaps to share how they feel. Many of us have led lives of regret and keep those misdemeanours to ourselves. We tend to stew on our frailties. What I’ve done here is to expose my inner self through the protagonist. The book is mostly about honesty and opening up. Accepting all that has gone wrong before and apologising to those affected.”

Is there such a thing as a midlife awakening?

“Yes. More commonly known as a midlife crisis, I believe all men go through one at some stage. Mine came late. It’s when you look back on the past and think about what you could have done differently. You also think about what you should have done and what you should not have done. It’s also about the realisation that age is taking its grip, that it’s now too late to do certain things. Time is like a wrecking ball, and it's difficult to accept that certain elements of your life will, by default, change forever.”

Do you think the book will sell well?

“Put it this way. I hope people will enjoy the book and understand its sentiment. I’m not in novel writing for the money. It’s simply a hobby. With regards to sales, if I break even, that’s great. Anything else is a bonus.”

Whom do you write for?

“Originally, I would have said just myself. Some of my regular readers tell me that they don’t read that many books, so I try to keep my writing simple and relatable. I always write in the first person, something I learnt to do when I played the part of Lt Joe Cable in an amateur stage version of South Pacific as far back as 1983. I like to get into the character of my protagonists. That way, I feel I’m speaking directly to my readers through them.”

Many of your readers say that they always like to “fight the corner” of your protagonists. How do you feel about that?

“Mission accomplished. If you write something, you want it to create a reaction. Any reaction proves that someone has taken the time to read my book. If they actually come to you with some positive feedback afterwards, that really is the proverbial icing on the cake.”

'Betrayal of the Soul’ is published by Publish Nation and is due out towards the end of June 2026. It will be available in paperback and Kindle formats on Amazon. 

Mal Foster was talking to Kathy Kelso – 12 June 2026 

21st Century Boy

The following article appears in the December 2025 issue of Writing Magazine

"The adrenaline rush from a flash of inspiration and the injection of ideas for a new novel, and then finally putting the proverbial pen to paper, for me, is always a thrill. After that, it’s an enjoyable rollercoaster ride through the research and writing processes leading to publication. Once published, it’s then all about promoting the book effectively…"  says author, Mal Foster

"My latest novel, In the Shadow of Marc Bolan, was published in July 2024. It’s a paranormal and psychological tale about the son of a Marc Bolan/T.Rex fan, also called Marc, who just happened to be born on the same day as the glam rock singer, was tragically killed in a car accident in September 1977, just two weeks shy of his 30^th birthday.

I’ve been a massive T.Rex fan since the early 1970s, and there are many of us still about. Before publication, I contacted the Official Marc Bolan Fan Club, whose membership exceeds 2.2k followers and the T.Rex Action Group, who care for Marc Bolan’s shrine at Barnes in South West London. I also sent courtesy information about my upcoming novel to Danielz, the lead singer of the official T.Rex tribute band, T.Rextasy, and to many others I considered Marc Bolan aficionados.

The response was terrific, and the book has been very well received and endorsed by those I initially contacted. A successful book launch and several personal appearances at various functions followed. The book also received a great plug and was given away as a prize on a popular American glam rock radio station." 

In the Shadow of Marc Bolan is available in paperback, hardcover and Kindle formats from Amazon.

 

Website: www.malfoster.co.uk

Courtesy Writing Magazine, December 2025 issue.

 

Local 'Star' Mal Foster Is A Novel Success

Local author Mal Foster's In the Shadow of Marc Bolan was published in July 2024. It’s a paranormal and psychological tale about the son of Marc Bolan/T.Rex fan, also called Marc, who just happened to be born on the same day the glam rock singer was killed in a horrific car accident in September 1977, just two weeks shy of his 30^th birthday.

Like all of Mal's novels, the book is set predominantly in the Woking area. The protagonist, Marc Abela, has been sectioned under the Mental Health Act and is being treated at a fictional mental health clinic in Knaphill, Woking.

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.

The book has been very well received and endorsed by the Official Marc Bolan Fan Club and the T.Rex Action Group. The group look after Bolan's shrine in Barnes, SW London, near the spot where he sadly died. Among many others, Danielz, the lead singer of the official T.Rex tribute band, T.Rextasy, has also been very supportive of the book.

In the Shadow of Marc Bolan enjoyed a very successful book launch at the Garibaldi pub in Knaphill, back in January, and several personal appearances at various functions have since followed. Mal says, "I have also been fortunate enough to meet people who had a connection with the late glam rock icon during the early days of his career."

Courtesy: Round and About Magazine, October 2025 (Original Version)

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