Artefact of the Abyss

Stephen sent me a lovely email today offering to shout me a bottle of champagne next time I am in Dulwich and the book is actually at the printers. His view that: ‘I thought you were mad to attempt it when you took it on in such terrible circumstances... it’s a testament to you that you managed to pull this thing together without destroying yourself in the process’ is pretty much how I feel about it in retrospect. I am not sure how I managed to do it, but I know that without the support of Stephen and a handful of others I never would have got the rough beast to Bethlehem.

Both Stephen and Surreal Girl advised against doing the book and they were right to do so. Ninety-eight times out of a hundred, I would have listened to them. This makes Global Gangland the rarest of exceptions in that not only did I ignore their good advice, but despite doing so, it actually turned out OK. (I really hope using that phrase is not tempting fate).

I am still a long way from actually wanting to have a launch for the book, (if there is one, I am thinking Murder One in Charring Cross Road), but I will feel the need for champagne and a little celebration when it hits the streets. It might not be the most important book in the annals of crime writing, it might not be my career-defining work, but I am starting to realise for me it is a big personal achievement.

If nothing else, Global Gangland is an artefact of the Abyss. It will always remind me that even when the world turns to ash there is a point in refusing to give in, that hope can be found in trying to create in the face of destruction. More than anything, Global Gangland is my Green Lantern book. Even in blackest night, it should let me know what I can potentially do with will, imagination and good friends backing me up.