I'm not a Robot!
01: Greetings; New Book Update; Fab on Jimmy Hornet; Bandit; The Screen, Reads & Tunes
Greetings!
I created a Substack after following one of my favourite authors here and becoming increasingly disenchanted with social media. My fault, really. I spent too much time building up the profile after the release of my first book, Bandit or Priest, and then realised I could be doing better things (like writing for one). I was also surprised by the low visibility of my posts; Facebook and similar platforms prioritise creators spending money on advertising over allowing followers to see posts. Who would have thought . . .
Anyway, enough of that, but needless to say I’m happy to be writing here and hopefully the folks who want to will stop by and have a read.
New Book Update
I finished the last draft (please God let it be so!), and this time I’ve been fortunate to have early readers run their eyes over the manuscript. Other perspectives have been invaluable and led to a re-framing of the entire middle section of the book amongst some other great advice. And so, without further ado, the title of my new book is (drum role) - The Order of Methuselah.
It’ll be a trilogy and blends all of my favourite genres (fantasy, horror, historical fiction, and some hard-boiled crime thriller themes to boot). I’m thrilled with the result and can’t wait to share, but timing for a release is hard to say as it’s off to the editor next. I’ll share more updates and sneak peaks here on
.Fab on Jimmy Hornet
Jimmy Hornet is a cool, print only magazine published out of Richmond in Melbourne. It’s a gorgeous glossy coffee table magazine, and I was stoked they published my article (Who Stole the Mona Lisa) that I wrote especially for the latest edition. More power to them, as there’s not much else like it in Australia at present. Check it out here.
Bandit or Priest
Sales are trickling in, but it’s a tough gig with a distribution deal only. That said, we are now setting our sights on getting the book picked up for the screen, and you just never know what’s around the corner. Flynn, O’Callaghan and The Doctor on a limited series, I can just see it now!
So give it a review if you haven’t, and for anyone who is still yet to read it, head here (or search it up) and strap yourself in for one hell of a ride.
The Screen, Reads & Tunes
What a treat seeing SE7EN at the Astor Theatre in its 30th year anniversary screening. The film is a David Fincher classic and one I’ve enjoyed over the years since its release back in 95 . . . Never have I been so blown away as reliving it this time around in all its 35mm glory! Tears welled in my eyes as they did in Brad Pitt’s Detective Mills as he grasps what the F@% is in the box during the stunning denouement of the film. Just has to be one of the GREAT endings in modern cinema.
I recently finished ‘No Country For Old Men’ and again, the master storyteller didn’t disappoint. I’d seen the movie back in the day, but long enough ago to be fairly sketchy (I’m not a Robot!) so I could immerse myself without too many spoiler moments. There’s a reason Cormac is regarded as one of the great modern American authors - 10/10.
Current Read: A Game of Thrones - George R. R. Martin (re-read)
Current Audio Book: To Kill a Mocking Bird - Harper Lee
The sad news of Val Kilmer’s passing inspired us to watch the Doors movie starring Val and has also led me back to their exceptional catalogue . . . They are far more than their ‘Greatest Hits’ records. In fact, some of their album tracks are just as good in their own right. Have to say, Jim gets most of the attention, but man, that band could play.
The end
Well, almost!
I was racking my brains for the title of this little newsletter, but to no avail. Then, right before I drafted this, google hit me with its “I’m not a robot” prompt - perfect I thought!
And you know, whatever the art you love, remember to support it, because yeah, AI has its place, but that shouldn’t be at the expense of the human mind which through experience, perseverance and organic inspiration brings forth the creative magic we all love.
No matter how bleak things can seem, there’s always joy to be found in art.
Happy reading and all the best until next time.







that first paragraph about social media and how trying to curate it for advertising your novel led you to despise it even more than before? i felt that on a personal level. has led me to substack as well and so far it is actually giving me a similar feeling to what forums used to feel like in the olden days. i like that. looking forward to reading more of your writing!
It’s been a long time since I’ve seen SE7EN. I need to rewatch.
We watched Real Genius to honor Val Kilmer. The Doors would be a great watch too.