Interview with Joseph V Sultana

Joseph V Sultana’s writing career was kick-started by losing a bet with a friend.  Now known as the ‘Accidental Author’, it wasn’t long before he was writing his first novel.  His book ‘Reapers Shadow’ is set to be made into a film.  Joe kindly took the time answer a few questions for me.

 

Can you tell me a bit about your new book please?

It’s a dark tale set in a future England that has been abandoned by the world after London was destroyed in a devastating nuclear attack in 2012. Scotland, Wales and even Cornwall have separated from the once centre of a mighty empire and all that remains is the corrupt marshal law in the form of enforcers and crime is a way of life for most.

 

How long did it take you to write?

It took about 11 months solid work but over a two and a half year period. I only had the time from my commute and lunch breaks you see.

 

Did you have to do any research for your novel?

I did.  I researched a lot on Scottish independence which took me to the Welsh independence quest and then finally the Kernow movement. A real fight from some of the Cornish people to breakaway from England. Also the layout of Launceston, couldn’t have done it without Google.

 

How do you feel about ‘Reapers Shadows’ being made into a film?

Oh I love the idea. I cannot believe how well received the book has been and the momentum that the film has picked up. The fact that stars like John Challis, Ray Quinn et al. plus the added amazement that Hollywood actors Michele Martin and Matt Wolf have signed up too. I have a couple more but not allowed to say who at this stage. Believe me when I say its amazing.

 

Would you like to be one of the actors?

Nope.  I can honestly say I have no drive for that at the moment, might do a sneaky cameo though.

 

Where do you do most of your writing?

Pret or any local coffee shop.

 

What are you currently working on?

The film production, the sequel book, audio book, graphic novel, audio drama, a possible computer game, a few short films and a couple of documentaries.

 

Does Percy the dog give good advice?

You know he is a dog don’t you?

 

Percy Publishing – The Story

Military secrets, hedonism and the dark London underworld may seem like it is lifted straight out of a movie script, but for the Authors signed to independent publishing house, Percy Publishing it’s all in a days work. Working under the premise of sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll, Percy Publishing are bringing a flavour of debauchery to the world of books and are fast developing a fan base with a taste for the aberrant. From twisted erotica to a violent military coup d’état, and featuring a character list jam packed full of mercenaries, prostitutes, businessmen and crime syndicates, the books guarantee to have everything that an avid reader of pulp-fiction truly needs.

With the main criteria for new authors being highlighted as action packed, fast paced and sexy manuscripts, it comes as no surprise to Managing Director Clifford Marker that the company is already gathering a lot of attention.

“I travel a lot for the engineering company that I own, and I spent a lot of time in airports looking for books that I wanted to read and finish over short trips away. A lot of these tended to be nice stories about romance aimed at young women going on holidays. I wanted something exciting that I could read from beginning to end and really get my teeth into.” Says Clifford. “Fast paced no nonsense action, that a bloke could read as well. Then I heard an old saying, ‘If you can’t find a book that you want to read, then write it,’ and it became my mantra. I thought to myself, ‘yes, that’s exactly what I will do.’ I went looking for some new unsigned writers that were writing the kind of stories that I like.”

The first book published was the cult read, “Unsceptred Isle: Three of a Kind” by an accidental new author Joseph V. Sultana, who wrote his first novel, purely as a bet with friends. Having already gained a cult fan base, the book is now being adapted for feature film release in 2015. It tells a surreal tale of a post-apocalyptic England, and gives an account of tortured souls, sex and violence that give this book a quintessentially British feel.

Being an ex-soldier Clifford soon found a military connection and had published authors from a similar armed service background. Jamie Fineran, a former Prince of Wales Regiment soldier has been shortlisted for literary awards and featured in National military magazines since the publication of his book series, “Sabre Six – File 51,” which follows Michael Fox, an ex-SAS soldier as he assists the MI5 in an important case, and “Ace of Spades – File 52,” which tells a tale of the Taliban and the lost control of the country’s opium fields.

John Marsh, an ex-Royal Corps Signaller offered a fictitious account of life in the army in his debut novel ‘Hearts of Green,’ gathering both notoriety and five star reviews for its brazen tale of sex and violence from the point of view of a twenty-two year serving soldier. Already the book has received reviews from ex-servicemen throughout the country and has been shortlisted for the People’s Book Prize.

“I didn’t imagine that setting up a publishing company would give me such a blast from the past.” Says Clifford, “But as an ex-soldier myself, I can understand the catharsis of putting things down onto paper. From my own perspective, I understand that the military lifestyle is one of explosive and vivid experiences that make it ideal as a work of fiction. As soon as I picked up the manuscript, I knew that it was exactly my kind of book.”

Following on from the military theme, Simon Chambers offers a true-life account of a ruthless mercenary joining the infamous Blackwater. Having been sent to Iraq, he soon finds that he is putting his own life on the line to get paid, with no questions asked.

“It’s another fast and intense read.” Says Ruth Killeen, Literary Agent for Percy Publishing. “I am also a fan of pulp-fiction and hard hitting stories, and working alongside Clifford, I have developed a clear idea of the type of books that he is looking for. We have expanded our catalogue of books now, and have different styles and genres with some of our new authors. It’s such a great team of people ranging from a celebrity tattooist to an ex-middle man for the London gangster scene. We also have a rock singer, an artist and a builder on our rosta, so you can see that we really are an eclectic bunch.”

Two of the books due for release next year are very much anticipated by the publisher. The first is already being cast for a biopic feature film. The casting have confirmed actors such as X-Factor finalist and Dancing on Ice winner Ray Quinn along with rumours of Ex-Eastenders stars also on the billing. The film will be directed by the notorious Mr. H, and tells the biographical story of an ex-gangster, who spent a long and lucrative career as a middleman in London. The second is a photo and sketchbook from the celebrity tattooist, Kevin Paul. The book is hugely exciting for Kevin who has already tattooed celebrities from TOWIE, as well as naming Harry Styles and Ed Sheeran amongst his friends.

“I had a tough time growing up. But I thought, if I can tattoo celebrities, hopefully I could give my family a better life.” Said Kevin, “Initially, it was hard work but I’m proud of what I have achieved. Now I want to use my own experiences to help others, and especially younger people who are dealing with difficult situations like I did. Hopefully the book will show those kids that it doesn’t have to end badly, and if I can make something of myself, then anyone can. I’m proud of my work and I’m excited to show some of it.”

Along with the military fiction and the autobiographical sections of Percy Publishing, new authors have been signed from the Crime, Mystery and Thriller fields. Builder, Colin Llewelyn Chapman, has seen his first novel, Cold Call, hit the shelves. Its seedy and racy story follows a wealthy entrepreneur, Robin Bradford finding another outlet for his energy while he waits for his business to recover from the financial strain, taking him down a very dark and lonely road while he attempts to juggle between his two lives.

While rock singer, DJ Priddle writes about an ex-detective in the MET, Jonas Brock, who has already served five years in Belmarsh for his protection racquets and prostitutes. Now free to live his life, but still entranced by the young prostitute, Selena that he has protected for over ten years, can Jonas use his new job as a private detective to solve a huge fraud case, worth millions of pounds.

With an ever-increasing fan base, that is hungry for these pulp-fiction style stories, the future looks bright for the independent publisher and their entire roster of creative talent.

 

For more information and a list of current titles please contact WeDo PR on either (01983) 241895 or news@wedopr.co.uk