Excitement Builds as My Debut Novel Keepers of the Crossing: The Dark Friars Approaches Release

I can hardly believe that Keepers of the Crossing: The Dark Friars will finally be released on 5 November 2024, just two weeks away! What started as a long-held dream during my college days is now a reality, and the response so far has been incredible.

Love letter to Salisbury

Recently, I’ve had the pleasure of being featured in Salisbury Journal and Salisbury Radio, both of which shared my journey of bringing Sarumbourne, a fictional version of Salisbury, to life. For me, Sarumbourne is more than just a backdrop for the story - it's a love letter to Salisbury's rich history and folklore. I wanted to create a world where magic and the supernatural collide with the everyday, and where diverse, strong characters could take centre stage.

Defying stereotypes

Writing this novel during the COVID-19 pandemic wasn’t easy, but it also gave me the space to focus on a project I’ve been passionate about since 2009. One of the most important things for me was to make sure that The Dark Friars didn’t just tell an exciting fantasy story but also reflected the diversity that I’ve always felt was missing in the genre. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I wanted to write characters that are truly representative of that world, with a protagonist, Liam O'Connor, who is both queer and strong - defying stereotypes that have been around for far too long.

Local support

The press coverage has been amazing, and I’m so grateful for the support from both local and LGBTQ+ communities. Wiltshire and Swindon Pride recently shared my news, and Salisbury LGBT+ has been spreading the word as well. Their enthusiasm means the world to me, as my goal has always been to challenge outdated perceptions and create stories where everyone can see themselves represented.

2 weeks to go!

With just 2 weeks to go until release, Keepers of the Crossing: The Dark Friars is available for pre-order from The Great British Bookshop, Waterstones, Foyles, Hatchards, and Amazon (Kindle edition). If you’re a fan of young adult fantasy with a twist, or if you’re looking for more inclusive stories, I’d love for you to join me in Sarumbourne this November!

Thank you for your support!