Monday, March 16, 2015

Interview and Giveaway: The School of Night: The William Shakespeare Detective Agency, Book One

02_The William Shakespeare Detective Agency-The School of Night_Cover
Publication Date: October 7, 2014
Cool Gus Publishing
Formats: eBook, Paperback
Pages: 168

Series: The William Shakespeare Detective Agency
Genre: Historical Mystery

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"My name is William Shakespeare. No, not that Shakespeare; and no jests please, I’ve heard them all. I’m the other one, the ne’er do well cousin, the loafer, known to family and friends as the dunce, the one who could not recite Cicero or Horace, who could never be as good as his clever cuz, the one who has just come to Bishopsgate from Stratford with silly dreams in his head and a longing to make something more of himself than just a glover’s handyman.”

What he finds in London is Lady Elizabeth Talbot, who is willing to pass a few shillings to this blundering brawler if he will help her find her husband. Poor William does not realize the trail will lead to the truth behind the death of Shakespeare’s great rival, Christopher Marlowe - or to a lifelong love affair with a woman far above his station.

Each book tells the story of William’s adventures as England’s first gumshoe, set against turbulent Elizabethan politics; of his romantic pursuit of the impossible Elizabeth Talbot; while charting the career of his up and coming dramatist cousin, the bard of Stratford, but just Will to his family.

Buy the Book

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Amazon UK
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Interview with Colin Falconer 
What inspired you to write this book?

I’ve always been fascinated with Shakespeare’s life - but writing directly about his life ... we don’t know enough about him to really write a definite tale. So making him peripheral while still a major character - that works. And I also wanted to do something that was fun. The William Shakespeare Detective Agency is a lot of fun, and still describes in great detail the times in politics and in the London theatre.

What was the research process like?

I read as much as I can get my hands on. But it’s not a history lesson. I find what I need and build it around the story. Not the other way round.

What is your daily writing schedule?

I get up at six and write till lunchtime. Most days. I have a schedule for each stage of the book and I keep to it.

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor or inspiration?

Hemingway. When I was 16 I liked the idea of having four wives, going to bull fights and growing a beard. Fortunately that stage passed.

Also, the guy who invented Classics Illustrated Comics when I was 8. Most of all Basher Briggs, my English teacher when I was 15.

Who are your favorite authors?

Ken Follett. Ian McDonald Fraser. Lyndsey Davis. Hilary Mantel.

What do you like to do when you're not writing?

Travel. Play guitar. Do indoor rock climbing. Learn tango. Spent time with my daughters - not that easy, one’s in London, one’s in Java.

What is your next writing project?

I’m working on the sequel to ISABELLA and then i want to do books three and four in this Shakespeare series. 

About the AuthorColin Falconer

Born in London, Colin first trialed as a professional football player in England, and was eventually brought to Australia. He went to Sydney and worked in TV and radio and freelanced for many of Australia’s leading newspapers and magazines. He has published over twenty novels and his work has so far been translated into 23 languages.

He travels regularly to research his novels and his quest for authenticity has led him to run with the bulls in Pamplona, pursue tornadoes across Oklahoma and black witches across Mexico, go cage shark diving in South Africa and get tear gassed in a riot in La Paz.

He currently lives in Barcelona.

For more information please visit Colin Falconer’s website. You can also find him on Facebook or follow on Twitter.

Giveaway

The prize is one paperback, open to US only. 

Rules:
– Must be 18 or older to enter.
– Giveaway is open to US residents only.
– Only one entry per household.
– All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspect of fraud is decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion.
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The School of Night Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, March 16
Interview & Giveaway at View From the Birdhouse

Tuesday, March 17
Excerpt at I Heart Reading
Spotlight at Genre Queen

Wednesday, March 18
Review at 100 Pages a Day
Spotlight at Caroline Wilson Writes

Thursday, March 19
Interview at Becky on Books
Spotlight at What Is That Book About

Friday, March 20
Spotlight at To Read, or Not to Read

Monday, March 23
Review & Giveaway at The True Book Addict
Spotlight at Historical Fiction Connection

Tuesday, March 24
Review at It's a Mad, Mad World

Thursday, March 26
Review at Quirky Book Reviews

Friday, March 27
Review at Griperang's Bookmarks

Tuesday, March 31
Review at Svetlana's Reads and Views

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24 comments:

Anonymous said...

Colin Falconer writes such an eclectic range of books; if the one you have just read was not quite to your liking, choose another. Historical fiction is my favorite genre.

Vicki said...

Ooooh, this looks like a good read! I haven't read anything by Colin Falconer, but this looks like a great place to start, being a huge fan of historical fiction! :)

traveler said...

This novel sounds fascinating and unique. Thanks for this great feature and giveaway. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

beckie said...

looks intriguing

katja9_10 said...

This looks very interesting. I have never read any books by this author, but he sounds like a very creative writer. I would love to share this with my daughter.

Les Johnson

Julia @ Pennies & Paper said...

This book sounds super interesting! I love Shakespeare, and Shakespeare-inspired works :)

Megan S said...

I'm fairly obsessed with Shakespeare, so this looks like a book I really have to read!

Mary Hill said...

I really didn't like Shakespeare plays. I know sacrilegious I like the sound of this series though. Thanks for the chance to win a copy. ;)

Melissa B. said...

Very unusual story. Sounds intriguing, though.

Kristie said...

I don't usually read mysteries because they frustrates me but I think I could make an exception for this one! *grin* kristiedonelson(at)gmail(dot)com Thank you.

Lisa said...

I love love love mysteries!!

toastersareflying said...

This looks like great book. I love the idea of a mystery involving Shakespear.

Madonna said...

I love Shakespearian England and mysteries so this sounds like a fun read.

clynsg said...

This is definitely an interesting premise, and sounds like a thoroughly interesting story.

Connie Hill said...

I have never read anything by this author, and it looks interesting. Thank you for hosting the giveaway

Nancy said...

This sounds like a unique and interesting book.

Nancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com

Unknown said...

I've read some historical fiction, and I'm really looking forward to reading this. It sounds like a real page turner! Heck, his life sounds like fun too!

pmj said...

The historical fiction looks like a very interesting story.

Unknown said...

i love mystery books

Holly said...

This sounds awesome! I never used to like history, but i love history mystery!!!!!

Melissa B. said...

This is definitely a new way of looking at Shakespeare.

Anonymous said...

This is an interesting way of looking at Shakespeare.
Melissa B.
melissa(dot)snoopy(at)yahoo(d0t)com

Unknown said...

My son would like this interesting way to learn more about Shakespeare!

Candie L said...

Love the different twist on this. Thank you

candieluster(at)gmail(dot)com