Quintin Jardine's blog

For years now, I’ve had an unpublished manuscript sitting around on my desk-top. It’s a labour (or should that be Labour?) of love, drawn from my days in politics, not a crime novel of any sort, just a pure fantasy. Nothing autobiographical in it, ahem.

I’ve offered it to Headline several times, but they don’t want to break me out of genre. I’ve even thought of publishing it in book form myself, but I’ve never quite been able to commit the time.

So, step forward Amazon, and its new desktop publishing platform. Someone told me about it a couple of weeks ago. I didn’t believe it could be that simple, but it was, and as a  result, ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow‘ is now available, through the Kindle store on Amazon.com, for wireless delivery anywhere in the world.

This doesn’t mean that it’s only available to those with Kindle readers. There is free software available from Amazon, downloadable in minutes, that will let you access Amazon e-books, on PC, lap-top, Mac, iPhone, iTouch or iPad.

It’s up the flagpole at last; now let’s see who salutes.

Thanks. It’s good to have you flying the Saltire in New England.

I am indeed, as soon as I’ve finished this, and as soon as England are no longer involved in the Copa Mondial.

Thanks. I won’t enforce copyright on those, don’t worry. The king of the one-liners for me is Reginald Hill. ‘As unreadable as a footballer’s autobiography’ . . . wish I’d coined that one.

Yes, I recall your suggestion, but it takes a long time for these things to work through. In the meantime, I’ve forwarded your message to the chair of Borders Council, who’s a chum of mine.

Let me understand this. You’ve read 20 Skinners in three months? I’m astounded, and on his behalf, deeply flattered.

Thanks for that. It would help me follow it up if you could give me a few specifics.

I’m fascinated to hear of your debate. Truth is, Bob’s hardness has always shielded a soft and wounded centre, one which I’ll explore in Skinner 21. Pause? That’s a device, no more.

Hi all. Sorry I’ve been absent for a while, but I have a good excuse. I’ve just become a step-grandpa. Mia Abernethy Teixidor was born in Girona at 4:30pm on Tuesday June 22, to Frida and Dominic, and she’s absolutely guapa. It’s been ** years since I had such a close-up view of a new-born child, so she’s brought back a lot of memories. Mia’s her own little woman, though. She has two impulses, feeding and sleeping, and she’s very good at both. She has the added bonus of being her mother’s double.

When’s the next one due?!? I haven’t launched Rush of Blood yet! We’ll see what the future holds for those two, but before then, I have individual plans for Alex.

Normally Bob would not approve of rudeness, but those were exceptional circumstances. Glad you like the cover treatment. I’ll look out for that artist.

And thank you also.

Since my nation will be based in Scotland for this World Cup, my interest will not be 100%, but if I don’t watch all the games live, I’ll catch up on the highlights programmes. I suspect that the All Whites would struggle to beat the Thursday Legends, but if we can’t be there, I’m glad they are. My tip to hoist the trophy? I can’t see past Brazil, but if Spain don’t bottle it, they have a chance. The Germans and the Italians always do well, but nobody seems to be rating Argentina. Messi’s had a hard season in Spain, but he’s young and strong, and he’s the best on the planet at the moment. Any side with him in it must have a chance. England? They’re all tired, plus they’re relying too much on one player, as they always do. I can’t see them in the final without a very helpful draw. They may be capable of beating anyone but Spain and Brazil, but it’s highly unlikely they’d get all the way without coming up against one or the other.

Not quite on the border; around 45 minutes away. You should visit. Indeed everyone should visit St Marti, but not all at once.

No to your first question and yes to the second. See you there?

To be honest I don’t know ether. i have people who’re supposed to do such things for me. Time I banged the table, perhaps.

You Canadians have sharp eyes. Yes, I do know about it, bit every so often I like to set a test for readers. If authors can make mistakes then so can characters, and for that reason, I’m going to leave it.

Thanks for the thought. The name has been around for centuries; maybe it’s time I took a look.

I’ve just posted some updates and revised timings for the ‘Rush of Blood’ launch tour and for other dates. Check ‘Events’ for details.