So the Edinburgh International Book Festival launched their 2017 programme the other day in town, and I have a cheeky wee event, with English author, poet and playwright Barney Norris on Friday 25th August at 2pm. A bit of blurb about it is here. There’s also, you know, a thousand other authors over two weeks in a beautiful location in central Edinburgh in the middle of the festival. So, all in all, good times.
I’m delighted to have a short story in this fine collection, due out in September. Dx
Absolutely thrilled to have this wee book out in the world, from my time as writer in residence at William Purves Funeral Directors last year. Lovely to see so many familiar faces at the launch tonight, at the company’s annual gathering. Good people doing good work. I hope the book does them justice.
I was up early this morning to go and get my picture taken in Stirling Castle along with a bunch of other crime writers and organisers of Bloody Scotland, which launched today.
I’ve just realised looking through the programme that I’m involved in SEVEN different events. How the hell did that happen? My events are:
Gala Opening including launch of Bloody Scotland short story anthology
Playing drums for the Fun Lovin’ Crime Writers after the quiz
Bloody Scotland football match
Bloody India: Abir Mukherjee, Monabi Mitra, Doug Johnstone and Lin Anderson
Building Plots: Bloody Scotland – Louise Welsh, Doug Johnstone and E.S. Thomson
Check out the whole programme here – loads of fantastic events over the weekend.
Dx
I’m doing a turn at Noir at the Bar in Edinburgh tonight, The Wash, 7pm, free entry. Loads of great writers, and a bar. Do come.
Crash Land is everyone’s favourite Orcadian plane crash twenty-first century update of Double Indemnity, and now it’s a Kindle Daily Deal over on Amazon!
Ciao! This is exciting folks – Hit & Run is published in Italy on the 9th of June by the lovely people at Casa Sirio! It has a well nice graphic cover and is called Colpisci e Scappa. I’m doing a wee tour of Italy in July, sorting out dates at the moment – watch this space, amici!
Dx
Fair people of Dundee! I am doing the do in your Waterstones tonight, 6.30pm, talking about Crash Land, or anything else you want to know. Come! I guarantee there will be views like this:
So I have some exciting news – I’ve just signed a two-book deal with Orenda Books! Orenda are one of my favourite publishers with many of my favourite writers, and Karen Sullivan is an absolute whirlwind publisher – I couldn’t be more excited to join Team Orenda! The first book, Fault Lines, is due out this time next year.
It’s announced in today’s Bookseller, but if you can’t access it, the text is below:
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‘Spine-tingling’ Scottish thriller to Orenda Books
Published May 3, 2017 by Natasha Onwuemezi
Orenda Books has signed Scottish crime writer Doug Johnstone in a two-book deal.
Karen Sullivan, publisher of Orenda Books, acquired world English language rights for two standalone thrillers by Johnstone from Phil Patterson of Marjacq Scripts.
Sullivan said: “This is a hugely exciting signing for Orenda Books, and Doug is an immaculate fit for our growing list. I’ve long been a fan of Doug’s work – his high-quality writing, exceptional ability to create memorable characters and to sensitively examine motivation and emotional vulnerability – and I could not be happier to publish his next two books.”
The first, Fault Lines, is a speculative thriller set in a post-volcanic Edinburgh. Sullivan said: “It is, quite literally, spine-tingling, with a tense, intricate plot, an intriguing and original premise, beautifully drawn characters who share a series of eerie and complex relationships, and a stunning ending.” It will be published in May 2018, with the second book to follow in 2019.
Patterson said: “I am thrilled that Doug will be published by Orenda Books. Karen and her team have impressed with their energy and commitment to their writers. I have no doubt Orenda will showcase Doug’s considerable talents.”
Johnstone added: “I’m very excited to be joining Orenda. I’ve been a huge fan of their diverse list since they started, and Karen is the most hard-working and enthusiastic publisher in the business.”
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‘An unnerving tale of what happens to ordinary lives when the wheels come off.’ Val McDermid
‘A gripping and thoughtful examination of how life can change in an instant.’ The Daily Mirror
‘Johnstone takes a classic film noir set-up and transposes it to a vividly portrayed Orkney. A treat.’ The Sunday Times
Cheers! Dx
Doug Johnstone 