RUBBERHEAD
OUT NOW
4th February 2021
NEW NOVEL
Kindle & Paperback
1977. From Folkestone to Miami via Dublin and Stranraer. If there's a botched bank job, a suspect with no memory of the hit or the heist and a beautiful woman directing the traffic, then this must be "Rubberhead."
Three underworld bosses bent on "respect" and profit have hitmen across the map and they will need all of them.
When nobody can trust anybody, every gun is loaded and the conversation is smoother than Motown on a Saturday night, things can go awry.
Can Joe regain his memory in time to save his skin? Can he really get the girl AND the money? Is Jane already his wife? Is Charlie cooler than Bruce Lee? Is it better to be Apache or buffalo and what exactly does Lloyd have against fly fishing?
"Rubberhead," fast, violent and dangerously amusing.
Crime comedy with a dash of panache.
From the writer of "Get Stupid!" Amazon Kindle Best Seller "Dogs Chase Cars" and "Moscow Drive."
GET READING!
Get Stupid!' - a crime noir novella is published in e-book format today and available through Amazon. 21/9/15.
Lou Casper is wanted for murder. His twin brother Ed and wife Francine are trying to find him before the cops do. Trouble is, there are plenty of people who don't want him found.
Socialite Elizabeth Stanton seems to have taken her husband's death in her stride. After all, when rich people die there's a lot of money to go around.
Is her affair with Lou an indication of guilt or not?
Why does Ed feel like his twin has something to hide?
Can Ed and Francine catch-up with Lou and clear his name before he disappears for good?
And just what is it with guns and women?
Dark Regions publish Joe R. Lansdale's horror novella, Prisoner 489 today in a variety of formats to suit every taste.
I have long been a fan and admirer of Joe and was lucky enough to be sent a copy of the book for review purposes.
The review can be found in the 'Blog' section of this site.
The book is illustrated wonderfully by world renowned Santiago Caruso and continues a fruitful relationship with Dark Regions.
Joe is famous for his variety of genre choice and also for his excellent 'Hap and Leonard' series.
His book 'Cold In July' was recently turned into a film.
For further information and to obtain a copy, head over to www.darkregions.com
Countdown To Stupidity...
'Get Stupid!' is the third publication from Mark Porter, following 2011's 'Dogs Chase Cars' and 2012's 'Moscow Drive.'
This novella is the first release written as a straight crime drama without the use of comedy.
This novella is the first release written as a straight crime drama without the use of comedy.
One Road Home
New short story 'One Road Home' has been added to the site and can be found in the 'more' section, next to 'Sea Song.'
Please feel free to send me your comments.
MP- 20/4/14
New short story 'One Road Home' has been added to the site and can be found in the 'more' section, next to 'Sea Song.'
Please feel free to send me your comments.
MP- 20/4/14
Next instalment of 'Three Moons Blind' now online
The latest instalment of 'Three Moons Blind' is now online, under the 'more' heading of the site.
This is a Victorian adventure to the New World in the 'Steampunk' tradition, although the novella is primarily a comedy.
This is an ongoing project that I have been working on alongside each of my other novels since 2011 - hence the infrequent updates.
MP - 15th April
Moscow Drive FREE for limited period...
The e-book of 'Moscow Drive' (for Kindle/smart phones etc) is now free from Amazon.co.uk until midnight on the 15th April.
This crime-comedy set in Liverpool, London, Leeds, Rhyl and elsewhere will revert back to normal price 16th April.
This offer is to mark the upcoming publication of third novel 'Get Stupid!'
The e-book of 'Moscow Drive' (for Kindle/smart phones etc) is now free from Amazon.co.uk until midnight on the 15th April.
This crime-comedy set in Liverpool, London, Leeds, Rhyl and elsewhere will revert back to normal price 16th April.
This offer is to mark the upcoming publication of third novel 'Get Stupid!'
News Update
14th December
Work is coming to an end on the first draft of 'Get Stupid!' and the book will soon be with Andrew Oberg at Drugstore Books. I traditionally tend to get through a lot of writing over Christmas each year and anticipate one or more short stories appearing on site before the end of the month.
Kick Starter Campaign - Joe R Lansdale & Black Labrynth
Some weeks ago, my attention was drawn to a Kick Starter campaign on behalf of Chris Morey's brilliant Black Labrynth/Dark Regions Press publishing company to team Champion Mojo Storyteller Joe R. Lansdale "his ownself" with amazing artist/illustrator Santiago Caruso for an exciting illustrated horror novella.
I'm hoping it is not too late to get involved, due to moving house, I have been without internet access for a couple of weeks. Please follow the link http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/chrismorey/black-labyrinth-book-ii-joe-r-lansdale to find out more. Regular visitors to my site and readers of my work will know how important Joe's writing is to me. I don't think I have ever given an interview without name checking the great man.
I'm hoping it is not too late to get involved, due to moving house, I have been without internet access for a couple of weeks. Please follow the link http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/chrismorey/black-labyrinth-book-ii-joe-r-lansdale to find out more. Regular visitors to my site and readers of my work will know how important Joe's writing is to me. I don't think I have ever given an interview without name checking the great man.
20/7/13 - Third Novel in final stages... Update next week
Iain Banks Away The Crow Road
Iain Banks 1954-2013
The news was not unexpected since Iain Banks made the announcement that he was "officially very poorly" back in April but the Scottish author known for "The Wasp Factory" and "The Crow Road" in addition to 'The Culture' science fiction series as Iain M. Banks passed away today. Iain was known for his vast imagination, originality and dark ideas as well as quirky humour. I met him at a book signing in Wood Green, London in 2000. He was and remains a huge influence. The publication of Iain's final novel 'The Quarry' had been brought forward to 20th June so that he would have a greater chance of seeing it.
MP - 9th June 2013
MP - 9th June 2013
Get Stupid! first 20,000 words free on site from 30th May
From 30th May the first 20,000 words of novella 'Get Stupid!' will be available free on site.
The book is set for publication later this year.
Lou Casper is wanted for murder. His twin brother Ed and wife Francine are trying to find him before the cops do. Trouble is, there are plenty of people who don't want him found.
Socialite Elizabeth Stanton seems to have taken her husband's death in her stride. After all, when rich people die there's a lot of money to go around.
Is her affair with Lou an indication of guilt or not?
Why does Ed feel like his twin has something to hide?
Can Ed and Francine catch-up with Lou and clear his name before he disappears for good?
And just what is it with guns and women?
Short Stories & 'Get Stupid!' Updates...
Two more short stories from 'This Machine Floats' and an update to noir novella 'Get Stupid!' will be uploaded within the next week. Also a reminder that second novel 'Moscow Drive' is now available through Amazon as an e-book. 19th May 2013
First Story from 'This Machine Floats' collection is online
'Sea Song' a short story from the ongoing collection 'This Machine Floats' is available to read for free on the site now (see toolbar).
The collection consists of a variety of short fiction.
The book should see publication at the end of 2013, making this year a busy one.
The next free example to be uploaded will be 'Robots,' at some point in February.
Sea Song is a story about unfamiliar places, passing through, local legends and the unexpected magic of childhood.
It is very different in feel from the usual violent comedy of my novels and all of the pieces in 'This Machine Floats' explore different genres and themes.
If you like it, please point someone else in this direction.
Many thanks
MP - 22nd January
The collection consists of a variety of short fiction.
The book should see publication at the end of 2013, making this year a busy one.
The next free example to be uploaded will be 'Robots,' at some point in February.
Sea Song is a story about unfamiliar places, passing through, local legends and the unexpected magic of childhood.
It is very different in feel from the usual violent comedy of my novels and all of the pieces in 'This Machine Floats' explore different genres and themes.
If you like it, please point someone else in this direction.
Many thanks
MP - 22nd January
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas to all readers and visitors to this website.
2012 has been a busy year in terms of writing and a frustrating year in terms of formatting and release schedules!
Happily, 'Moscow Drive,' is finally available as an e-book through Amazon and at £1.54 for 328 pages, I reckon it represents pretty good value!!
2013 will see the release of noir novella 'Get Stupid!' and hopefully either the sequel to 'Moscow Drive' or another novel 'No Sure Cure,' which has been in the early stages of writing for a number of months.
2012 has been a busy year in terms of writing and a frustrating year in terms of formatting and release schedules!
Happily, 'Moscow Drive,' is finally available as an e-book through Amazon and at £1.54 for 328 pages, I reckon it represents pretty good value!!
2013 will see the release of noir novella 'Get Stupid!' and hopefully either the sequel to 'Moscow Drive' or another novel 'No Sure Cure,' which has been in the early stages of writing for a number of months.
Moscow Drive e-book is now available through Amazon
Tim Dorsey Interview
I am excited and very surprised to have been able to secure an interview with Florida Crime-Comedy guru, Tim Dorsey.
Tim is best known for his hilarious Serge Storm novels (Hurricane Punch, Florida Roadkill, Atomic Lobster etc).
I will provide background information with the interview for those yet to be initiated. Suffice to say, this is a MAJOR coup for me. Please visit Tim's website and have a look around in the meantime;
www.timdorsey.com
Tim is best known for his hilarious Serge Storm novels (Hurricane Punch, Florida Roadkill, Atomic Lobster etc).
I will provide background information with the interview for those yet to be initiated. Suffice to say, this is a MAJOR coup for me. Please visit Tim's website and have a look around in the meantime;
www.timdorsey.com
MOSCOW DRIVE RELEASE....
Moscow Drive will be released in e-book format via Black Door Books on 24th December 2012. The paperback is proposed for 26th February 2013.
13th November
MOSCOW DRIVE e-book available before Christmas
If you are one of the millions signing up to the e-book revolution, 'Moscow Drive' will finally be available before Christmas through Black Door Books. The scheduled release date for the paperback is now February 2013.
'Moscow Drive' is a violent crime comedy set mostly in Liverpool.
When Alex's best mate McIver 'ponces off' to London and gets himself murdered, Alex and Mo - The Ice Cream Cowboy - set off in search of a man who knows a man who killed a man...
5th November
Can't get enough CROW BLACK CHICKEN at the moment. Brilliant first album ELECTRIC SOUP. Head to the website at www.crowblackchicken.com Irish rock-blues.
14th October
Apologies for the delay in news and updates. The reasons are two-fold. Firstly, continued computer-related problems with 'Moscow Drive,' have led to further delays. The book WILL appear soon and a third novel is in progress, unrelated to 'DCC' or 'MD.'
The second distraction has been playing bass with Andy Hall and writing blues songs for a (hopefully) forthcoming CD.
9th April
I can now be followed on facebook -
http://www.facebook.com/markporter.writer
7th April
I've added a short note in the blog section on the unique Harry Crews who I'm sorry to say I just discovered passed on 28th March. Harry, along with Barry Hannah and Larry Brown takes his place amongst the immortal Southern State writers. From Twain to Faulkner and onwards, this is one hell of a tradition.
3rd April
The first 13,000 words of website site only novel Get Stupid are now on the site. I am uploading two chapters behind the first draft as it is written. This is a 4,000 word addition from yesterday. With Moscow Drive now completed, progress on Get Stupid is about to gain momentum.
MOSCOW DRIVE -cover art revealed...
The cover art for second novel Moscow Drive has been chosen. The book marks a departure from the style of debut novel Dogs Chase Cars. Moscow Drive is a crime comedy too but it is violent, bruising and profane.
Here is the cover blurb;
"Take a small time professional boxer, an ice cream man who believes he is Wyatt Earp’s representative in the modern world and a whole shed full of drugs and laundered money and place it against a back drop of revenge.
Mix in one body that turns up unexpectedly and out of the blue and another that is more ‘hands on’ and things start to get complicated.
Set in Liverpool with characters as colourful as the city itself, Moscow Drive checks in at Leeds and Rhyl to visit an undertaker who does not always ‘go through the books’ and London to find a man who knew a man who killed a man.
Alex’s boxing career is winding down; he works doors at the weekend and has been involved in a few scares and scrapes in his time. Now though, the stakes have grown considerably higher. His best mate McIver ponced off to London with a mouth even bigger than his plans and got himself murdered.
Maurice the ice cream man and Janey his coldly sarcastic beautician girlfriend are cluttering the house and Dutch is back out of prison and needs money.
Alex just wants to help and in return he wants some help to avenge his friend, murder just doesn’t sit well, doesn’t feel right, even when the victim is or was a gobshite.
Is Alex up to it? Is he in over his head? Can Maurice marshal a posse before it’s too late? Maybe, yes and possibly are just some of the answers but the questions, twists and laughs keep coming in a fast paced, darkly comic crime thriller that proves you don’t have to be Rebus to know when something just went tits up.
“Moscow Drive” is the first volume of the Rifkin & Whelan Mersey Mojo series.
The cover art for second novel Moscow Drive has been chosen. The book marks a departure from the style of debut novel Dogs Chase Cars. Moscow Drive is a crime comedy too but it is violent, bruising and profane.
Here is the cover blurb;
"Take a small time professional boxer, an ice cream man who believes he is Wyatt Earp’s representative in the modern world and a whole shed full of drugs and laundered money and place it against a back drop of revenge.
Mix in one body that turns up unexpectedly and out of the blue and another that is more ‘hands on’ and things start to get complicated.
Set in Liverpool with characters as colourful as the city itself, Moscow Drive checks in at Leeds and Rhyl to visit an undertaker who does not always ‘go through the books’ and London to find a man who knew a man who killed a man.
Alex’s boxing career is winding down; he works doors at the weekend and has been involved in a few scares and scrapes in his time. Now though, the stakes have grown considerably higher. His best mate McIver ponced off to London with a mouth even bigger than his plans and got himself murdered.
Maurice the ice cream man and Janey his coldly sarcastic beautician girlfriend are cluttering the house and Dutch is back out of prison and needs money.
Alex just wants to help and in return he wants some help to avenge his friend, murder just doesn’t sit well, doesn’t feel right, even when the victim is or was a gobshite.
Is Alex up to it? Is he in over his head? Can Maurice marshal a posse before it’s too late? Maybe, yes and possibly are just some of the answers but the questions, twists and laughs keep coming in a fast paced, darkly comic crime thriller that proves you don’t have to be Rebus to know when something just went tits up.
“Moscow Drive” is the first volume of the Rifkin & Whelan Mersey Mojo series.
News
2nd February
New short story Sea Song added to the site today. Please scroll toolbar. As always, comments are welcome.
26th January
Thank you to those who have contacted me regarding Moscow Drive. The first draft and edit is finished. It will be heading off to the publisher within the next week or so. I will update when I have more.
10th January
A belated happy new year to all readers, site visitors and casual browser's. My personal circumstances having been in a state of flux for a while, many projects have taken a backseat. However, I am pleased to announce that 'normal' service is resumed, so please look out for regular updates and new content. Meanwhile, thankyou to all who contiune to contact me. Pam Griffin - don't worry, the boy is alright!!!
23rd November
Just returned from Washington D.C. The photo above (by Andy Hall) was taken in Takoma Park, Maryland (setting for Dogs Chase Cars) and features Mark's Kitchen a small corner of the world that provides excellent food and great beers. It happens to be the watering hole of choice for Horatio Goodman, Lambert Windle and Reuben King.
14th November
Currently across the pond and staying in Washington D.C. Returned to Takoma (setting for DCC) last week and will post some photos soon.
UPCOMING
2nd October - Radio interview with Dan Jones on Preston FM.
3rd October - Guesting at Ormskirk Owls writing group - thank you to Sarah- somewhere exotic and carrying a rucksack.
12th September
I anticipate two novels being made available in the first half of 2013. One of those being 'The Lost Cause Collective' which is a sequel to 'Dogs Chase Cars' and the ONLY other novel that will feature Harry, Meg, Lambert, Reuben and the rest.
12th September
Stacey Yates has been in touch and confirmed that things will start rolling very soon for her photography/prose project 'Imagining Jane.' Stacey selected my written-to-order piece 'Bonfires' to appear in the book and the entire project is a marked departure for me.
1st August
A big thank you to Sarah Schofield for her review of Dogs Chase Cars, posted online today via the Lancashire Writing Hub -www.lancashirewritinghub.co.uk Sarah's review hits the heart of the book and I am always pleased when readers see past the 'mystery/crime' tags and understand that this is a novel about relationships and insecurities. Please visit Sarah at www.icallitresearch.blogspot.com
20th July
I have been out of the loop for a little while, taking stock of various projects and re-charging the batteries. The rest was overdue. Keep an eye out over the coming weeks for some fresh developments and new work to be uploaded to the site. Thanks to those who have contacted me, especially John Anderson - that made me laugh.
7th June
Excited to announce that photographer/writer Stacey Yates is to include my short piece 'Bonfires' in her hardback collection 'Imagining Jane.' Nine short pieces have been selected to accompany photographs with an exhibition in London to follow. The concept of the work is an original one that captured my imagination and I am extremely pleased to have been able to contribute. I'm saying nothing further at this stage but will keep the site updated as and when Stacey makes the information public.
2nd June
Two videos have been been added to You Tube over the last 48 hours. The first is a Q&A with me, answering some common questions I have received from readers. Please search for 'Mark Porter Q&A' if interested.
The second is a trailer for Dogs Chase Cars and because I am not a utility company it can be found very easily by searching for 'Dogs Chase Cars trailer.' Cheers for the questions.
21st May
I have received a number of queries from readers and/or site visitors regarding 'Dogs Chase Cars' and the writing process. Instead of answering them on here, I decided to film a short excerpt to include on the site. This will be uploaded over the next few days.
Thank you to Andy Hall for filming the segment and Blue Coat Books in Liverpool for allowing us to use their brilliant book shop for filming.
21st May
Ian Paulyn is the name of a writer/editor putting together a new compilation of short stories for e-book publication, designed to showcase writers who are enjoying success with Kindle releases. "Slow Horses" is to be included along with a second title that I am currently writing.
16th May
'Mersey Mojo' exploring the origins of 'Moscow Drive' has been posted in the blog section of the site. This book has a much harder edge than Dogs Chase Cars, hopefully the blog explains the reasoning. Thank you to those who have already been in touch regarding 'Moscow Drive.'
News
15th May
The first three chapters of Moscow Drive will be added to the site over the coming week. This is my second novel and the first in the Rifkin & Whelan Mersey Mojo Series.
Moscow Drive
"Take a small time professional boxer, an ice cream man who believes he is Wyatt Earp’s representative on Merseyside and a shed full of drugs and laundered money and place it against a back drop of revenge.
Mix in one body that turns up unexpectedly and out of the blue and another that is more ‘hands on’ and things start to get complicated.
Set in Liverpool with characters as colourful as the city itself, Moscow Drive checks in at Rhyl to visit an undertaker who does not always ‘go through the books’ and London to find a man who knew a man who killed a man.
Alex’s boxing career is winding down; he works doors at the weekend and has been involved in a few scares and scrapes in his time. Now though, the stakes are considerably higher. His best mate McIver ponced off to London with a mouth even bigger than his plans and got himself murdered.
Maurice the ice cream man and Janey his bitingly sarcastic beautician girlfriend are cluttering the house and Dutch is back out of prison and needs money.
Alex just wants to help and in return he wants some help to avenge his friend, murder just doesn’t sit well, doesn’t feel right, even when the victim is or was a gobshite.
Is Alex up to it? Is he in over his head? Can Maurice marshal a posse before it’s too late? Maybe, yes and possibly are just some of the answers but the questions, twists and laughs keep coming in a fast paced, darkly comic crime thriller that proves you don’t have to be Rebus to know when something just went tits up".
News
14th May
Thank you to www.handheldbookreader.co.uk for this;
- Dogs Chase Cars by Mark Porter is a laugh out loud tale of disfunctional folks trying to make things work, and failing at much throughout. Mystery, sex and a whole lot of humour make this a great read.
I can't get that mysterious looking number one out of the text. The site listed me at number 2 on their recent 'cheap Kindle book list' of favourite mystery titles they would recommend.
Others on the list include The Company of Fellows by Dan Holloway.
News
Andy Hall
10th May
Looking to make some progress next week on graphic novel '1946.' This ongoing project is set around the Liverpool docks just after the end of WWII and features black market double crossing, smuggling and murder. Andy Hall is providing the illustration and we will be having a storyboard/planning session next week in Liverpool.
News
6th May
Q&A now posted under 'Author Q&A' with Andrew Oberg. In addition to writing 'Randolph's One Bedroom,' Andrew just happens to be the man behind Drugstore Books and also worked as the editor on my own novel 'Dogs Chase Cars.' His interview is full of interesting points, not least of which is the question of legacy. I have seen many variations of opinion on this matter, I love the purely artistic approach that Andrew takes to the question. Integrity is a RARE beast these days.
www.drugstorebooks.com
6th May
Thank you to all of you who helped me break the 200 UK sales barrier in April for the Kindle version of 'Dogs Chase Cars.' May is six days old and we're already just a few clicks away from 100 this month. The support is massively appreciated.
6th May
Good news from my Liverpool writing mate Neil Schiller. Neil has just gone through to the final of an event that will see his novel published if he wins. Having already blown my hat off with his brilliant collection of short linked pieces 'Oblivious,' I can't wait to read the results.
The final will be held from 7pm at The Leaf Cafe, Bold Street, Liverpool on 28th May. I'll be there pretending to have no real opinion on the matter.
Read more from Neil at -
www.neilschiller.wordpress.com
6th May
My experiment into noir dipped fiction will be entitled "GET STUPID" as per the vote results on this page. Thank you to all who voted.
3rd May
Good news from Texas. Received an e-mail from Tim Bryant yesterday, having sent him my first draft, first three chapters of our collaborative novel. Got a thumbs-up and the engines are running...
26th April
More Jarvis & Greene on the way... please check back for updates.
15th April - Update
The first draft of the noir novel is coming along and I am planning to post a sample on the site in the coming days. Unfortunately, I ran into some plot issues with the Jarvis & Greene story 'Lenny,' it is almost resolved but I'm not happy enough with it yet to post. There WILL be more from Ed and Mike, so keep checking back.
Meanwhile, steampunk novella 'Three Moons Blind' is taking a couple of months off, due to the volume of traffic floating around my head and the desk.
More Soon...
7th April
"Guns and Women" OR "Get Stupid"
You decide the title. Let me know which you prefer for the title of my noir-styled thirty day novel.
3rd April
I have entered into an experiment to see if I can write a hard boiled noir novel in the tradition of the great noir books and films of the 1940s onwards.
The catch is that I have set myself a target of thirty days.
I will then attempt to have it published down the traditional route via a niche publisher.
The best of these, in my own experience is Hard Case Crime, Charles Ardai's press based on Madison Avenue, New York. This is a hell of a target, if I can pull it off... well, it's early days. Hard Case have printed works by the likes of Lawrence Block, Donald E. Westlake, Jason Starr and even Stephen King.
This project is done as a fan of the genre and is intended very much as a one-off title.
So far the book has the title 'Guns and Women' and the time frame is around 1966. The title may yet change.
Win or lose, I'll update my progress here.
www.hardcasecrime.com
27th March
The sequel to 'Dogs Chase Cars' is 'The Lost Cause Collective'
Meanwhile, although it is very early days, I am in the early stages of finalising publication of 'Moscow Drive.' Two publishers have expressed interest in the book, which is the first in the Rifkin & Whelan Mersey Mojo series.
More news when I have it.
The sequel to 'Dogs Chase Cars' is 'The Lost Cause Collective'
Meanwhile, although it is very early days, I am in the early stages of finalising publication of 'Moscow Drive.' Two publishers have expressed interest in the book, which is the first in the Rifkin & Whelan Mersey Mojo series.
More news when I have it.
24th March - live appearance, book reading etc as guest of the Lancashire Writing Hub
news
23rd March
Just a reminder that I will be appearing at The Continental in Preston tomorrow evening as part of Lancashire Writing Hub's 'Being Human' bill.
Also, Pulp Metal Magazine have published 'Slow Horse.' Please see;
www.pulpmetalmagazine.wordpress.com
16th March
I will donate all proceeds received for Dogs Chase Cars between the dates of 17th-20th March to Comic Relief. The paperback is £7.99 and can be found at News From Nowhere, Liverpool... www.newsfromnowhere.org.uk www.drugstorebooks.com, www.amazon.uk, www.amazon.com, www.amazon.jpn, www.amazon.ca, www.barnesandnoble.com
The e-version is JUST 70p throughout March and can be found at the Drugstore and Amazon sites.
15th March
News From Nowhere, 96 Bond Street, Liverpool is now carrying paperback stock of Dogs Chase Cars RRP of £7.99.
www.newsfromnowhere.org.uk
[email protected]
0151 7087270
Thank you Kate.
15th March
Personal appearances are coming in well in advance. Confirmed this evening is a 13th June reading/Q&A with Preston Writers Inc. Thank you Carol. Any reading/writing groups can contact me via the 'Contact' form, listed under 'more' in the site tool bar.
14th March
I am receiving shocks and surprises on a fairly regular basis at the moment. I was interviewed this week for Kindle-Author Blog Spot. Lee Goldberg who has written, amongst others the Monk books (you may have seen the neurotic detective Monk on TV) left a comment at the end of the interview, thanking me for citing him as an influence. Now THAT is humble! www.leegoldberg.com
11th March
Just gave an interview to David Wisehart for Kindle Author Magazine. This will be posted in Porter Press and available via Kindle and all other e-formats shortly.
11th March
Drugstore Books - www.drugstorebooks.com ave posted part two of a two part interview. Please check the site link above if you are curious. Otherwise, I have added it to the 'Porter Press' section. Please take the time to visit Drugstore, anyway. Good people, great site.
10th March
Confirmed personal appearances for March;
24th - The Lancashire Hub, Word Soup - Preston
9th March
I might possibly be accompanied by Liverpool author Neil Schiller at the Word Soup event 24th March in Preston, other commitments allowing. Neil wrote the brilliant short story collection 'OBLIVIOUS,' that I am avidly devouring at the moment.
www.neilschiller.wordpress.com
8th March
Dogs Chase Cars can now be purchased via Barnes & Noble in the U.S. and is also listed by Book Barista at www.bookbarista.com
7th March
I am appearing with (amongst others) Mark Charlesworth and Chris Newton on the 24th March as part of the Lancashire Writing Hub's monthly Word Soup event.
This month's event focuses on 'Being Human.'
Jane Brunning of the Hub has kindly asked if I would review Mark and Chris' debut 'Life Begins at 40,' for the Lancashire Hub website. The review will appear, hopefully, by the end of this week.
For more on The Hub, please see:
www.lancashirewritinghub.co.uk
7th March
Steampunk novella Three Moons Blind has been updated with the addition of Chapter Three. Just why is Aubrey Mars attracting the attention of the female passengers to such a degree?
Follow the tool bar to 'more...' and click on the 'Three Moons Blind' header to enjoy this novella as it is completed.
Next update 10th April 2011.
This piece is a specific genre and is not in keeping with my usual work.
6th March
Dogs Chase Cars is set in Takoma Park, Maryland, USA. One of the venues featured and favoured by the characters is Mark's Kitchen in Takoma Park. Mark's Kitchen is a great bar/resturaunt/cafe with a cool, relaxed vibe.
In November, I will be doing a book signing in Mark's Kitchen. More when it comes.
5th March
Thank you to those who helped Dogs Chase Cars rise to number 17 in Amazon's fictional humour Kindle chart yesterday. Postscript: Make that 16.
4th March
The new issue of Writing Magazine includes a feature in the 'Writers News' section about me. The article has the headline 'Hot Dogs.'
3rd March
For a limited period the e-book version of Dogs Chase Cars is available through Amazon for 71p in the UK and 99 cents in the U.S.
This can be read on Kindle. Or if you don't have Kindle but you have a groovy phone, you can download the Kindle ap from Amazon for FREE and take advantage of the offer.
This is for a LIMITED period only and then the book will revert to normal RRP.
Meanwhile, if you just ran out of anything to watch/read/do, head over to www.drugstorebooks.com to read part one of a two part interview with... well, me.
1st March
One of the ways to mix things up when you're sat solo hammering out stories and need a distraction is to collaborate.
Quite apart from the speed with which a collaboration can pull a finished book together, it provides opportunities for development as a writer and fresh insight into how another writer works.
I am excited to formally announce that I have started a collaborative novel with Texan author and musician TIM BRYANT - (Dutch Curridge and the forthcoming Tencoats & Terrabone). I admire Tim's work greatly and the chance to collaborate is one that I am pulling the arms off.
We will be setting the book between Texas (I think) and Liverpool. It will be a crime/mystery with big belly laughs and great characters. Trust me, I've seen the plot and the characters are taking shape daily, this is going to be good!
Read Tim's interview on this site under Q&A Authors and check him out at:
www.bytimbryant.weebly.com
I am also hoping to work out future collaborations.
25th February
Another THANK YOU to everyone who has bought Dogs Chase Cars. The paperback is currently sitting at number 26 in the Amazon UK humourous fiction chart.
25th February
Chapter Three of Steampunk novella 'Three Moons Blind,' will be posted on site 8th March. Please see the 'more' drop down in the navigation bar. The book is set for release in paperback and e-book formats early next year and this is your chance to read it from the first draft onwards. The NEXT person to e-mail me regarding this piece can win the prize of having a character named after them, or given a name of their choice. Entries must reach me via the 'contact form' on this site by midnight 10th March 2011.
24th February
“You know, for a smart guy Riley, you can sometimes come over dumber than a duck’s dick.”
Slow Horse is the new short story of the month and it is on site now.
23rd February
I will be appearing as a guest of Lancashire Writing Hub on Thursday 24th March at the Continental pub on the banks of the River Ribble in Preston.
I will be reading from Dogs Chase Cars and possibly Three Moons Blind. Time permitting, Jarvis & Greene may even body slam someone.
I will be on hand to sell and sign copies afterwards/before hand and probably in the car park later. Hope to see some familiar (and new!) faces.
22nd February - JUST SIGHTED
News just in... on the horizon, peepers peeled for all new wholesome content right here on the home of fiction so tight, it'll split your pants;
'Greene & Jarvis' short #2 - "Lenny" -6th March
Stand alone short 'Slow Horse' - 7th March
Next instalmet of steampunk novella 'Three Moons Blind' -8th March
If that ain't enough to justify the BBC license fee, I'm throwing the wireless out.
21st February
Dogs Chase Cars now number 34 in the humorous fiction category on amazon.co.uk.
20th February
I'm still getting surprised on a daily basis about how people are reacting to Dogs Chase Cars. The paperback currently stands at number 55 in the Amazon.co.uk chart in the fiction/humour category. More retail stockists to be confirmed shortly. Meanwhile, keep your eyes peeled for a stand-alone short story on the site to be posted next week. 'Slow Horse,' stars a hitman by the name of Riley and is set in 1960s New Jersey. The eagle-eyed visitor may spot the title across the navigation bar of the site. If you click on there, the virtual cover art is online now. Illustration copyright is owned by Bryan Clompton.
Update - Dogs rose to number 47 a couple of hours after this post went live.
19th February
BUY DOGS CHASE CARS IN TEXAS
The book will also be available from the redoubtable and talanted Mr Tim Bryant at The Runaway Mule in Nacogdoches, Texas.
The Runaway Mule
203 E. Main
Nacogdoches
Texas
75961
936-645-9800
www.therunawaymule.com
19th February
BUY DOGS CHASE CARS IN LIVERPOOL
News From Nowhere will be stocking the book from mid March. This is one of the oldest independent book shops in Liverpool and I am proud to be associated with them.
News From Nowhere
96 Bold Street
Liverpool
L1 4HY
0151 708 7270
[email protected]
www.newsfromnowhere.org.uk
19th February
Summer Slammin' is on time and online in Pulp Metal Magazine this month. Read it and take a look at this brilliant crime magazine at
www.pulpmetal.wordpress.com
16th February
Please see Q&A Authors section for my interview with Tony Black. Tony is the acclaimed and best selling author of the Gus Dury and Rob Brennan crime novels. The interview covers the process of writing, tips to new authors, Scottish fiction and possible future experimentation away from the crime genre. Excellent eading and Tony, for all his best selling credentials has been an absolute gent.
www.tonyblack.net
15th February
Dogs Chase Cars is now available through amazon.co.uk in paperback priced at £7.19 (RRP £7.99) plus p&p. Showing as currently out of stock but orders can still be placed and ETA on delivery will apparently be given.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dogs-Chase-Cars-Mark-Porter/dp/1456554956/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1297773900&sr=8-7
15th February
Personal appearances, including radio, readings and signings in the pipeline. Will confirm when dates are finalised.
14th February
Perfect Valentine's gift? I'm glad you asked. Dogs Chase Cars Kindle edition £2.54. Download Kindle ap to PC or phone for free from Amazon.
[[ASIN:B004M8S53A Dogs Chase Cars]]
12th February
THANK YOU to those who have bought Dogs Chase Cars in the first week of release. The Kindle version has just cracked the Top 100 on Amazon.Co.Uk (500,000 titles) and currently sits at number 76.
11th February
Following on from their recent publication of my short story, Stark, Pulp Metal Magazine will be publishing The Greene & Jarvis D.C. Mojo short Summer Slammin in their next issue.
11th February
Posted today on the Drugstore Books website is a piece I wrote for their promotion of Dogs Chase Cars. Entitled 'My Journey,' it deals with the process of writing the book and the experiences that have come about as a result. The blog can be read here:
http://drugstorebooks.com/?p=588
11th February
Confirmed interviews for the site over the coming months are best selling Edinburgh author Tony Black, Andrew Oberg, Geraldine Evans and Ronald S. Barrios.
10th February
As a consoltaion for the late release of Dogs Chase Cars to the UK; here is a free download via Drugstore Books of my short story Checking Out in pdf format. Just click on the link and Bob's yer Uncle.
Meanwhile, if you really can't wait for a paperback and you DO happen to live in the UK, you can still order from Amazon.com but it will set you back £13.00 including postage. If you know me personally, give me a bell or an e-mail and I can get one for you for around £11.00. Otherwise, it is a case of waiting until all of the ducks are lined up and obliging. I know it is frustrating, it is my damn book. Grrrrr. If you don't know me, use the contact page in the 'more...' section and we will see what we can work out. If we can't get a book, we might get a beer. The other, MUCH cheaper option is to go to the Amazon site, download the Kindle ap for FREE to your PC or phone and buy the e version for £2.54. Happy hunting, amigos.
http://drugstorebooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Checking-Out-a-short-story-by-Mark-Porter.pdf
10th February
U.S. paperback edition of Dogs Chase Cars is now available. U.K. edition will be delayed slightly and may now be back to the original E.T.A. at the beginning of March. U.K. readers can order the book from Amazon in the U.S. but may wish to wait for the cheaper postage options at home. In the meantime, regardless of location the Kindle edition is available now and no trees died to facilitate it's release. At least, I don't think so. I haven't shot a tree for ages now.
8th February
Greene & Jarvis short story Summer Slammin' is now available as a Kindle download via Amazon.
This is the first in a monthly series. It is currently priced at 70p but I am trying to get this altered so that the story is available for free.
Summer Slammin' marks the first in a series of monthly shorts that will be uploaded. The stories will be available to download for one month and will then be removed from sale, replaced by the next story in the series.
Once this year's series is complete the whole thing will be issued as a collection in low priced e‐format under the title Summer Slummin,' Summer Slammin.' The March instalment, Lenny, will be available from the first week of March.
6th February
Interview with Matt Hadder is now posted to Q&A Authors. If you are looking for insight into the process of writing a novel and modern publishing, this is an extremely informative Q&A.
5th February
The e‐book version of Dogs Chase Cars is available TODAY. Paperback is now out NEXT WEEK. Please follow the link below.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dogs‐Chase‐Cars/dp/B004M8S53A/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1296890857&sr=1–1
Meanwhile, my short story Stark is published today with Pulp Metal Magazine. It is a noir flavoured flash fiction piece and can be found here; http://pulpmetalmagazine.wordpress.com/2011/02/05/stark‐by‐mark‐porter/
3rd February
Dogs Chase Cars spin‐off short story Summer Slammin' is on site NOW. It is a 5,000 word piece featuring homicide detectives Ed Greene and Michael Jarvis. As usual, it mixes crime, mystery and comedy and I'm getting a very positive response from those who have already seen it. Interesting fact about Ed Greene; he is an undercover homicide cop standing at 6'11." GET TO IT!!
2nd February
Look out for my forthcoming virtual sit down with Tony Black on the Q&A Authors section. Tony is a crime writer and creator of the Gus Dury series of novels. His already best selling titles include 'Gutted,' 'Loss,' 'Long Time Dead' and his new novel 'Truth Lies Bleeding.' If you are unfamiliar with Tony, please visit his site at:
http://www.tonyblack.net/
30th January
Just received word from Jason Michel, editor of Pulp Metal Magazine that my short story "Stark" has been accepted. Pulp Metal is a crime fiction website and can be found at: http://pulpmetalmagazine.wordpress.com/
30th January
Just received a review for Dogs Chase Cars from Matt Hadder, that will be posted on this site and Drugstore's site soon. Matt is an excellent writer from Albany, New York. His first novel, Seeing Crows is one of the best books I have read in some time. Along with Tim Bryant, Matt is a writer that I will be keeping a very close eye on, all of which means that his extremely positive review of Dogs means a lot to me. Thanks Matt! Matt's second novel is Twitch of the Death Camp and is part slasher/horror, part road trip.
28th January
As promised earlier this week, the first instalment of 'Q&A Authors' has now been posted. Please check across the tool bar and click on the drop down. First writer to pull up a virtual bar stool and pour some bourbon over ice is Tim Bryant. Here is the intro:
Tim Bryant, Texan author and musician can be found atwww.bytimbryant.weebly.com. His first novel Dutch Curridge creates an original, quirky and dark noir landscape, whilst avoiding many of the unsubtle cliches of the genre. His characterisations are deep and believeable and the dialogue sizzles. The pace somehow manages to steam along like a 1940s jazz band in full flight, whilst still invoking the lazy summer heat of the setting. Impressive stuff. The sequel to Dutch, Tencoats & Terrabone is due later this year.
26th January
Look out for a new page addition within the next week. Wherever I am when the subject of writing a novel comes up, invariably people ask about the process. The nuts and bolts and the reality of writing, what it takes and how it happens. What are the pitfalls and how do you go about publishing. Well, there have never been more avenues for writers and writers have never had a bigger say in how to drive their careers forward. With this in mind, I am introducing a Q&A Author page. Not with me, you understand. That would be boring for all of us. I am setting the questions and the interviewees will be authors of varying styles and pedigrees. First up will be the hugely talented and equally down to earth Tim Bryant, writer of the Dutch Curridge novel mentined here previously. Tim has already done the interview and there are some gems to mine. This is NOT a pro‐forma questionnaire, each interview will be relevant to each participant. As always, feedback and suggestions are welcome. If you have any serious interview/question requests, drop me a blog comment or an e‐mail and I will see what I can do.
news
24th January Just posted in the blog section, Champion Joe - King of Mojo in respect of Joe R. Lansdale (left)
The blog is my tribute to Joe and his work, especially the Hap Collins & Leonard Pine series. Later in the year my Mersey Mojo series will see the light of day. Read about Joe R.Lansdale (above) and how his work inspired me to get it done.
Copyright for the above photo of Joe remains the sole property of the originator.
news
23rd January
Just a quick note regarding Tim Bryant and his excellent book Dutch Curridge. When I created the links section recently, Tim didn't have a website. Now he does, so please visit www.bytimbryant.weebly.com to experience the tremendously different world of Alvin 'Dutch' Curridge. Hats off to Tim. Great musician, great writer and a top man to boot.
Just a quick note regarding Tim Bryant and his excellent book Dutch Curridge. When I created the links section recently, Tim didn't have a website. Now he does, so please visit www.bytimbryant.weebly.com to experience the tremendously different world of Alvin 'Dutch' Curridge. Hats off to Tim. Great musician, great writer and a top man to boot.
22nd January
Any book/reading/creative writing groups based in the North West of England and interested in obtaining copies of Dogs Chase Cars for a group discount, followed up by me attending a session with them, please contact me through the contact form on this site.
Any groups wishing to order five or more copies can contact me via the contact page in order to obtain a group discount.
21st January
For those who want a sneak preview... the good folks down at the drugstore have placed the first two chapters of Dogs Chase Cars in the book rack section of the site. Dip your toe in and see what you think. If that isn't enough to get you excited, well; today is Friday too!
http://drugstorebooks.com/
Any book/reading/creative writing groups based in the North West of England and interested in obtaining copies of Dogs Chase Cars for a group discount, followed up by me attending a session with them, please contact me through the contact form on this site.
Any groups wishing to order five or more copies can contact me via the contact page in order to obtain a group discount.
21st January
For those who want a sneak preview... the good folks down at the drugstore have placed the first two chapters of Dogs Chase Cars in the book rack section of the site. Dip your toe in and see what you think. If that isn't enough to get you excited, well; today is Friday too!
http://drugstorebooks.com/
News
19th January
Just received the final art work for Dogs Chase Cars (see above) and I'm really peased with the results. Despite the age old claims that we sould never judge a book by it's cover, we alway do!
ERIC UHLICH has done me proud! He offered me four alternatives initially and the end result is fantastic. Please see the link to Eric's site in my links section and take a look at the virtuosity of the man!
17th January
Dogs Chase Cars
Has officially been allocated an ISBN number today. That is the number that allows it to be published. It is also the number that means you can step into any book shop in the world and order it.
Needless to say, it's a big day for a first time novelist! Anyway, enough of my yabbering.
Here it is;
ISBN -978-1456554958
I will post here when the book is ready and the ISBN number will allow orders from all of the usual book stockists. Also, don't forget that it can be obtained directly from Drugstore Books at:
http://drugstorebooks.com/
Dogs will also be available in digital format.
15th January
Just in case you want to keep track of the progress of Dogs Chase Cars in isolation; it being a novel and all... I have set up a seperate blog site where anyone reading it can comment, query or just pass the time of day and any Dog specific news can be posted.
This can be found at www.dogschasecars.blogspot.com
13th January
Well - the facelift for the site seems to have worked. 148 visitors in the first two days, which for an unknown writer, about to publish debut novel is very gratifying. Thank you to everyone who has been on here recently. Please keep checking back as the site will be updated with new content on a regular basis.
11th January
The first instalment of Three Moons Blind is on site now. It is my tongue in cheek steampunk novella that will be updated here as I write it.
As always, feedback is welcomed through the contact page.
Just finished two interviews for Drugstore Books that will appear on the Drugstore site in the run up to the publication of Dogs.
www.drugstorebooks.com
Happy New Year to regular visitors and first timers alike.
2011 is set to be the year that 'Dogs Chase Cars' sees the light of day through Drugstore Books, hopefully before the end of March. Needless to say, I am excited at the prospect of my first novel being available.
I will be giving a couple of radio interviews once the book is ready for publication and will include details here when they come up.
Meanwhile, my second novel is virtually finished and should also see a release before the end of 2011 and in something of a departure, I am working on a short steampunk novella entitled Three Moons Blind that will be ready by the back end of the year and will most likely be made available as a download through the usual suppliers.
For now the focus is on Dogs Chase Cars and I am hoping to tie in some promotion in Takoma Park, Maryland (where the book is set) around November of this year.
Finally, I am looking to add shorts and blogs throughout the year to this site and will continue to blog through Drugstore Books.
It should be a busy time. If you want any further information, please use the 'contact' page on this site or e-mail me via the contact page at Drugstore Books and I will be happy to help, if I can.
MP
2nd January 2011
