Local author’s debut novel selected as a Fall 2009 Okra Pick

www.garnernews.net: “The Better Part of Darkness, a debut urban fantasy novel by Holly Springs author, Kelly Gay, has been chosen by the Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance, as one of their fall 2009 Okra Picks. Published by Pocket Books, a division of Simon & Schuster, “The Better Part of Darknes” will release nationwide on November 24. The novel was purchased in a two-book deal last year. “A long-time dream come true,” says the author, a 2006 recipient of an NC Arts Council fellowship grant in screenwriting. According to Kelly, “Getting the grant was a huge boost to my confidence as a writer and it kept me moving forward to my goal of becoming a published author.”

Publishers Weekly says of the “The Better Part of Darkness”, “Intricate world-building and richly complex characters mix with a fast-paced plot to create a standout start to a new series.” New York Times Bestselling author, Vicki Pettersson calls it “…so gritty, vivid, and original that it flaunts one of the greatest qualities of good fantasy: utter believability… This is the urban fantasy novel I didn’t know I was looking for.”

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Children’s author is tipped to rival Harry Potter for wizardry

www.bromleytimes.co.uk: A FORMER Times sports editor has written a children’s book that has been tipped to rival the Harry Potter series.

The Secret Potion, written by Tony Flood, is released this month introducing fantasy heroine Jody Richards who has been hailed as a possible successor to JK Rowling’s Harry Potter.

The book is the first story written by Mr Flood, formerly from Bromley and Sidcup but now living in Eastbourne, but it has already received recommendations by actress June Whitfield and author Jessica Duchen.

Ms Duchen said: “Readers pining for more magic post-Harry Potter need look no further: Tony Flood has conjured up all the wizards, witches goblins, pixies and spiders you could want and quite possibly the world’s worst monster.”

Mr Flood, 66, who now works as a sub editor for The People, said: “I want as many children – and adults – as possible to enjoy discovering how 10-year-old Jody goes off to the magic land of Tamila in search of her kidnapped brother James. She takes on the forces of evil as a cruel witch places a spell on her and an evil wizard turns her new found friend into a frog.”

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I like hearing about new authors with interesting ideas for books, and The Better Part of Darkness sounds good. 

Could The Secret Potion be as good as the Harry Potter series?