READERS' COMMENTS - 12

"This is a great story ... a page turning thriller. The characters were well defined, well created and each was very disitinct. They were believable and immediately became very real in my head, which to me is a sign of creating a good strong character. I thought the storyline and pace were good, and didn't feel any lulls in the plot. It was intriguing and I felt compelled to read on. The style you write in I feel complements the genre you have chosen very well.
... I was very impressed at the level of knowledge displayed in the historical parts. If the writer is comfortable with a subject it always shows, as it did here. Altogether I thought these were very good and extremely well written chapters."

READERS' COMMENTS - 11

"I have to admit that this is not the sort of thing I usually read but nonetheless I found it engaging and very well described as well as written. The language and dialogue fitted the story perfectly and the characters and settings were believable and even tangible. It flowed very well too although the odd sentence did seem a bit abrupt and short; however, this did not detract from the story. If anything it made it better, particularly in the beginning where it gave the plot a snappy pace. It maintained a believable and constant pace throughout. I'll say it again, although not my favourite sort of literature, I found this thoroughly enjoyable."

READERS' COMMENTS - 10

"This is a taut and well-written story which has mystery, drama and authenticity. You have an eye for detail and great knowledge of the subject, background and settings.

Overall this is a professional piece of work and I could see it as a good holiday read."

READERS' COMMENTS - 9

"This is my kind of story, I am extremely impressed. You are an excellent and accomplished writer who has that wonderful capability of convincing the reader that the characters, locations and plot are all authentic."

READERS' COMMENTS - 8

" ... like something Greg Isles or Peter James would write and I think this is a very captivating story with interesting characters ... it works very well. The settings are interesting and you seem to know a lot about Spain and Spanish customs/food etc.
All in all an entertaining read."

READERS' COMMENTS - 7

"What a great story! It unfolds quite nicely whilst keeping twists to lead you off on another track. Your knowledge of Spain is obviously an important part of your theme, and it gives it the colour that adventure stories need. The start had me believing I was in the plane and having just completed a confrontation, then the switch in time of Chapter One brings things alive.
The impatience of the surveillance team gives feeling to the frustration of the job. The mystery of the characters and their role in the search for the paintings is well held.
This story held me throughout ... making a very good novel. The snippets of comedy serve us to recall the skills of Ian Fleming's style ... An excellent piece of work."

READERS' COMMENTS - 6

"This started off at a cracking pace and I loved the surprise 70-year jump to the present.
The characters were engaging and convincing and I could picture the scene on the boat perfectly. The subject matter is interesting too, as I don't know much about illegal art trafficking and this was an eye-opener. The author has done a lot of research, it seems, and has all the elements of a fine international thriller here. The conversation with the sadistically surgical exposure of X's [redacted] past, the train scene, Cotelo's remembering his dead daughter, for me were highlights of a really enjoyable and satisfying read. The many well-observed details of everyday life impinging on the adventure, like Juan's impatience to finish on time to avoid his girlfriend's wrath, are the important ingredients that make and season a good thriller. I thought this was excellent and a great read."

READERS' COMMENTS - 5

"This is an exciting extract that I enjoyed reading. Straight in from the opening sentence - BANG - literally - which I feel is probably essential for a novel of this genre.

The narrative is slick and well developed which adds to the pace and unfolding of the story. There are lots of characters, switching here and there, but the author has structured this so well, and in such a way, for there to be no doubt or confusion in the mind of the reader as to what is happening. The writing is dialogue heavy in places, but in my opinion this works well also. Most impressive were the descriptions of Spanish cities, clearly the author is a lover of, and is very knowledgeable about, the country. On the whole, a cracking opening."

READERS' COMMENTS - 4

"I enjoyed reading these chapters immensely. The story, right from the onset is gripping and very well written ... You've got a superb story here Mr Phillipps. The characters are well drawn, nicely varied and convincing. The Spanish Civil War introduction sets the scene perfectly for things to come. Art heists are a winner ... intrigue and eccentric interesting characters ... many finely phrased metaphors. The English art-historian being tailed on the train; Otto Krafft's will sending his granddaughter Sabine on the quest to Spain; Franz Kepple; the N-27 organization - all the makings of a superb thriller."

READERS' COMMENTS - 3

"This was an intriguing read from the very start, it kept my interest and I read it all in one go. Short parts of the story, like pieces of a jigsaw were quickly put into context and given ‘realism’ and depth. All linked to one central theme, the two works of art by Goya. The plot was developed by using the different characters to give different perspectives. There was a good balance between character development and setting the scene. These were only developed enough to whet your appetite and then moved on to the next. This gave the story a good pace.
The background/backdrop to the story seemed to be well researched and added ‘colour’ and realism to the setting for the story. I really do want to see how the ‘jigsaw pieces’ will fit together. I would buy this book to find out. Great!"

ART & ARTISTS

Not surprisingly there are a good few references to art and artists in After Goya.

Here's a list of artists you'll find referenced in the text:

• Hieronymous Bosch (1450-1516)
  

• Georges Braque (1882-1963)
  

• John Sell Cotman (1782-1842)
  

• John Robert Cozens (1752-1797)
  

• Giorgio de Chirico (1888-1978)
  

• El Greco (1541-1614)
  

• Thomas Girtin (1775-1802)
  

• John 'Mad' Martin (1789-1854)

• Fredric Marès (1893-1991)
  

• Joan Miró (1893-1983)
  

• Edvard Munch (1863-1944)
  

• Bartolomé Estebán Murillo (1617-1682)
  

• Pablo Picasso (1881-1973)
  

• Nicolas Poussin (1594-1665)
  

• Julio Romero de Torres (1874-1930)
  

• Joseph Mallard William Turner (1775-1851)

• Jan van Eyck (? 14th century)
  

• Diego Rodriguez de Silva Velázquez (1599-1660)
  

• Francisco de Zurburán (1598-1664)
  

Specific works referenced:

• Guernica – Picasso

• The Cudgel Fight – Goya

Art Movements referenced:

• Expressionism
• Futurism
• Constructivism
• Superrealism.
  

There are also hidden references, or more accurately, allusions, to artists and works inserted within various phrases throughout the text – but those are for me to know and for you to find.

READERS' COMMENTS - 2

"This is a strong thriller. It’s tautly written, has good pace, good dialogue and an intriguing plot. The prologue is gripping and hooks the reader into the story. From then on the narrative moves at a cracking pace. I like the way you regularly switch between scenes. It’s done smoothly and injects pace into the novel. Characters are all well drawn ... You write well — this is a smooth and easy read. Dialogue is consistently good. I couldn’t find any places where it seemed stilted. The dialogue helps to move the plot forward and injects pace. The basic plot seems a good and intriguing one. Settings are fine. The bombing at the start is atmospheric and the bit at the start of Chapter Four about Madrid adds to the novel’s Spanish feel."

The Colossus or The Panic

When writing the description of one of the two missing Goya miniatures (the Córdoba Goya), this is the image I had uppermost in mind, combined with a recollection of John 'Mad' Martin's The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.

The untitled painting on the left, often referred to as The Colossus or The Panic, is now not thought to have been painted by Goya.
(If you click on the images you'll be able to see much more detail)

You can read the story behind the re-attribution at the Times Online here. There's also a follow up opinion piece here, and Ben Macintyre shares his take on the issue of authorship here. All interesting stuff.

I don't why the story took so long to appear in the UK, I recall reading about the re-attribution in the Spanish press in, I think, May 2008 -- a good six or seven months before mention in The Times.

I visited the Prado a few weeks after the announcement, in July 2008. The painting was still on view and still atrributed to Goya, but, as the attendant patiently explained, was in the process of being re-appraised.

And here's John 'Mad' Martin's The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, which can be viewed at the Laing Art Gallery in Newcastle.

READERS' COMMENTS - 1

"An excellent piece of writing. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this extract. Your characters jumped out of the page at me and the plot pushed forward with perfect pace. Just enough information was delivered to pique my interest without labouring too much.
I definitely want to read more of this, wonderful page turning quality, and I'm intrigued at what will happen next and what happened in the past. I'm sorry this review doesn't have any constructive criticism for you; it simply doesn't need any. I felt like I had picked this off the shelf in a bookshop rather than reading unpublished work. Your are clearly very competent in this genre and I'm sure you'll achieve great things with this work."

ME & MY BIG MOUTH - A quick flick review

"An intelligent thriller based around the discovery of two lost Goya paintings, Haarlson Phillipps' After Goya is as good, if not better, than a lot of the so-called blockbusters I used to have to read at Waterstone's. It is, I think, self-published, or at least it will be soon, and it surprises me that it hasn't found a mainstream publisher."

So says Scott Pack over at Me and My Big Mouth.

Welcome if you've landed here via Scott's blog - you may want to check out the After Goya website here.

Well, what to say? Thanks to Scott for taking the time to read the novel and giving it such a positive plug. And thank you for taking the time to make your way here.

I'm obviously very pleased by Scott's plug. I check into his blog every day, and have done so for the past couple of years, so I'm aware his blog is widely followed and well regarded by readers, writers, book sellers and people in the book trade.

The Guardian once referred to Scott as "the most powerful man in UK publishing" when referring to his role as Head Buyer at Waterstone's. Scott is now a publishing director at The Friday Project, a HarperCollins imprint.

Self-published? Well, no, in fact, at the moment of writing, it is not published at all, and is still available to any mainstream publisher to pick up. All I have is an ARC (Advance Reader Copy) of a project I had planned to publish through YouWriteOn's botched POD (Print On Demand) scheme.

I forwarded a print-ready PDF and cover, prepared by professional book designer Xavier Peralta, to YouWriteOn in October last year. I deliberately elected to not opt for the so-called distribution deal with ISBN attached. The idea was to get a proof for limited private circulation to a few trusted readers to help identify typos and any potential structural problems and get feedback on the cover design.

Then the plan, step by careful, considered step, was to put the corrected book back into production, again without an ISBN, for circulation to other writers for endorsements, which could be featured on a re-designed cover; to bloggers and reviewers to build pre-publication awareness; and potential English language book distributors and retailers in Spain (I'm convinced there's a market for the book among English speaking expats in Spain). Then, and only then, all being well, would I then sign up for an ISBN and go at selling the book like crazy through UK and Spanish bookshops and online.

That was the plan. I spent many, many hours developing a marketing strategy in preparation for a proposed April launch. (To coincide with Sant Jordi - the national book day here in Catalunya). I even planned a reception-launch at the Ateneu in Barcelona, the prestigious intellectual gymnasium (and host to the largest school of creative writing in Europe).

That was the plan.

However, despite receiving notification that the book would be ready around about December 10th (I booked a flight to the UK ), I never heard anything again. Days, weeks, months passed with no word. It seemed there were quite a few pissed off writers in a similar position.

Then, in March-April, with no apology or explanation offered, I received an email telling me that Legend and YWO had formed a new imprint called New Generation. Thinking I could get the plan back on track I re-submitted the book. I received four copies in July.

Then Scott Pack, Me and My Big Mouth, put up a post about self-published covers and I sent him a jpeg of the cover for After Goya. He straightaway responded with a few incredibly useful suggestions, and in passing, offered to review the book. I sent him a copy.

Then I heard YWO and Legend had parted company, hardly encouraging, and I began thinking "here we go again". As a friend wisely advised, it is not a good idea to be in the middle of someone else's divorce. It seemed After Goya was doomed to be an orphan.

But then I received a few more very positive reports from readers of the typescript, including feedback from a reader for Spanish publishing giant Planeta, who is confident the book would sell well in Spanish translation. And work on a second novel, Heavensfield, was going well. This combined to encourage me to take one last spin on the UK agent/publisher merry-go-round.

So that's where I'm at now; I have a proof copy marked up with 290 minor corrections; a couple of positive quotes I can use for the cover; a website (still being developed); a UK agent looking at the full manuscript on an exclusive basis until November 6th; and a second novel well on its way to completion.

I very much want to see the book in Spanish translation, but without representation that seems impossible. I've yet to hook up with a Barcelona based literary agent, but I'll be on the case very soon.

So, if you're an editor looking to augment your list with a commercial "intelligent literary thriller" then please get in touch, and I'll put you in touch with the agent currently considering the full MS.

If you're a reader and would like to read a copy of After Goya then I'm sorry to disappoint you, but you can leave an email address on the website, or here in the comments, and I'll contact you when the book is finally available.

Thanks for your patience, and thanks to everyone who have freely given their support and encouragement thus far in this tortuously long journey to publication.

LINGO BINGO

The surest way to lose a reader is to make them feel stupid.

I received another reader's report over the weekend. It wasn't glowing. 'Far too much Spanish,' was one comment. They're probably right - I found 300 instances in the text where I've used Spanish - individual words like sí and a couple of complete phrases such as: 'De primero: salmorejo, y de segundo: pollo. Postre no, tomaré una manzana.' Translation: 'For my first course I'll have cold tomato soup, Córdoba style, and for my second course I'll have chicken. No dessert, I'll have an apple.'

Tricky. A good many readers enjoyed the references to Spanish food and drink, reporting it added another layer to the novel's authenticity.

Using a Spanish word like carajillo - a coffee with a splash of brandy or rum, whisky, vodka or whatever - is more economical than spelling out a coffee with a splash of brandy.

In general English is a much more specific language than Spanish. However, when it comes to food and drink Spanish is much more specific, often using one word where English would use three or more. Viz. bacalao - salted cod; melindros - sponge fingers; calimacho - Coke and cheap red wine; cortado - espresso coffee cut with either hot or cold milk; soave - coffee and Coca-Cola with ice; sangria - a summer punch made from red wine, fruit, ice, etc etc.

'I know what sangria is,' I hear some readers say. 'I don't need you to spell it out for me.'

But, what about a clerico? A sangria type drink made with white wine or cava.

'I know what a paella is.' Are you sure? Go visit the Paella Professor.

So, now I'm sat here with a few sheets of paper filled with strings of page and line numbers, like some arcane version of bingo, as I review, amend or not, and tick off each instance of Spanish language.

How much knowledge of other languages, and other customs, should a writer presume a reader has?

Should writers play safe and trot out the usual suspects: sangria, paella, vino, cerveza etc and risk reinforcing stereotypes? Or, should writers tell it like it is, using context as far as possible to reveal meaning, and push readers just a little beyond their comfort zone?

SIGNIFICANT DATES

You'll notice that the last post on the blog was dated July 17th.
A significant date. The Army uprising against the Spanish government began on July 17th, 1936, when rebel forces seized command of military bases in North Africa. Go to La Cucaracha here to find out more.

And today, July 26th, is also a significant date. As well as being Mick Jagger's birthday (66 today), it is also the date of Castro's guerilleros attack on the Moncada barracks, in Cuba, in 1953.

Though the attack failed the attempt birthed the movement which finally overthrew Batista. The name of the movement: The July 26th Movement (Movimiento de Julio 26 or M-26-7 or M-J-26). The date is celebrated every year in Cuba.

Wonderful coincidence don't you think, M-J-26 and Mick Jagger? Speaking of whom ... one of the reasons for Che Guevara's popularity among young people in the late 60s and early 70s is that during the free concert the Stones staged in Hyde Park (you remember - the one when Mick wore one of Marianne's frocks) Mick recited a poem (Adonäis) by Shelley in tribute to the recently deceased Brian Jones. However, because of Mick's strong London intonation, the name Shelley sounded very like .. yes, you guessed ... Che.

My daughter was born on the same day as Che's 'official' birthday - June 15th.

And on July 26th, 1936, only nine days after the uprising began, Hitler made the decision to actively support the rebellion. Three days later the Condor Legion was born.

You'll find a few significant dates among the pages of After Goya - February, 23rd; 11-M, May 1st and November 19th, 1936. And, you'll find a good many allusions to significant dates: 26437; N-27, Room 507 etc. All artfully placed to heighten your reading experience.

Happy birthday Mick -- hope you found some satisfaction en route to 66.

Today is also my son's 18th birthday -- a very happy birthday Harls!

Readers' Comments

Here is a selection of genuine comments from genuine readers.
I do not personally know any of the reviewers.
They are all genuine comments and only lightly edited.
I've only corrected spelling and typos where necessary and clipped out sections which either refer to technical problems in the writing which have subsequently been fixed, or which gave away too much of the story, and thus spoil your enjoyment of After Goya.

"All the elements are here, Haarlson, and you reveal and assemble them with skill and ingenuity. You are clearly an old hand and write confidently, persuasively and fluently. You have given us a fast-moving and intriguing ‘quest’ story with exotic locations. What more could we ask? Let me know when the film is released."

"I enjoyed particularly the attention to detail and also the dialogue in the opening chapters. It gave a solid feel to both the story and the characters. You have obviously researched your subject well - although you were a litle unfair to Madrid I thought - I adore the city! Once we got onto the main plot with Cotelo I thought it flew along and was technically flawless. I was drawn into the story ..."

" ... a gripping story. It is very well-written and evokes the scene in Spain very well."

" ... like something Greg Isles or Peter James would write and I think this is a very captivating story with interesting characters ... it works very well. The settings are interesting and you seem to know a lot about Spain and Spanish customs/food etc.
All in all an entertaining read ..."

"Liked the pace of this piece and the themes and ideas. I think the pace is cracking ... All interesting stuff though and a highly enjoyable read."

"A fast, pacy read which had me eager to read on. The plot and characters moved forward well ... You clearly show you know your subject matter."

"Hi Haarlson, I was delighted to be assigned this piece [first five chapters]. I thought I'd enjoy something that combines the thriller genre and the art world, and I did. You have a particularly keen sense of place, which brought the settings to life. Your characters are promising and you have thrown in enough hints of back story to suggest that there are plenty of depths to mine. All in all, a cracking read."

"I have to admit that this is not the sort of thing I usually read but nonetheless I found it engaging and very well described as well as written. The language and dialogue fitted the story perfectly and the characters and settings were believable and even tangible. It flowed very well too although the odd sentence did seem a bit abrupt and short; however, this did not detract from the story. If anything it made it better, particularly in the beginning where it gave the plot a snappy pace. It maintained a believable and constant pace throughout. I'll say it again, although not my favourite sort of literature, I found this thoroughly enjoyable."

"Hi Haarlson, this was a great read. Well drawn and observed characters and locations. The story has a strong sense of movement which carries the reader along without being encumbered by too much detail and expostion. Where needed the exposition is well handled ... You have a literate but easy style ... In parts the extract is very cinematic - some would see this as a problem but not this reader. There are some wonderful moments ... the extract left me wanting to know more."

"This story has a fast-paced plot, well drawn characters, strong imagery and a good bit of tension to carry the reader along. The characters were believable and their motivations seemed genuine ... Overall, an intriguing and enjoyable read."

"This is excellent, an intelligent thriller nicely handled. Your description of Madrid was punchy, funny and spot on, your revelation through dialogue of the Englishman's past was very well done. As for criticism? Well, I love the spared style, right up my street, but the wealth of characters in the early pages did require some concentration. Otherwise, very well done. Congratulations."

"Haarlson, you're a bastard. I stayed up all night to read all 300 odd pages. I could not put it down. It really was that good. That's why I was nearly an hour late to work this morning. If a publisher doesn't pick this up then I'll know for sure there's no justice in this world."

"The story grips from the start and the jump from past to present works well. The level of detail is good and builds pictures and the description of Madrid I thought was particularly evocative and gave me a real sense of the place - both physically and of its people.
Characterisation is good and solid and the pace (mostly) moves well ...
Although crime thrillers are not really my thing, I enjoyed this story and think those who do enjoy a good thriller won't be disappointed."

"I thought this was very well done. Interesting cast of characters, lots of local color, a plot that zips along. A lot of jumping back and forth and characters to keep track of, but I guess that's the way of thrillers. Your writing is most accomplished ... The low-key style, by not calling attention to itself, permits the cogs of the story to turn efficiently."

"I would buy this book. Personally, this novel is interesting to me because it takes place in cities and regions I know: the Costa del Sol, Madrid. I know about art, and the Spanish Civil War, and, having lived in Eastern Europe, understand the Russians. The story was much better than I expected . . . the plot was sophisticated. The dialogue is realistic. The characters are compelling. I want to read more ... I am really impressed . . . and I read a lot."

"This begins with a lot of action and description, and you obviously know your subject well.
You ... appear to know the places you describe personally. This has been well proof read, and there are no corrections worthy of mentioning. You write well, about a subject you clearly know a great deal about, and bring a lot of pace into your tale."

"First of all I must say that I rarely read action or thriller type stories but I really enjoyed this - I loved the pace of it. There was plenty of action, and the opener especially wasn't too over the top. Frequently writers make the mistake of having something too dramatic happen in the opening sequence, thus losing the attention of the reader as the story progresses. However here, I feel you have the balance just about right. You write confidently with attention to detail - punctuation, dialogue, narrative flows well and your grammar is good. Well done, I wish I could suggest a few improvements but I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. I would definitely be interested in buying this!"

"I found this very enjoyable. I can see that you are putting together an engaging story. You launch the reader into a roller coaster of a bombing raid with poor Otto rattling around the plane before taking us into the rubble produced by the bombing. I thought it was a great start.
I enjoyed the switch to modern times ... I liked the way he [one of the principal characters] is determined to prove himself, and I loved the scene when the hotel receptionist arrived. You paint a wonderful picture of her. I thought the dialogue was pretty good throughout.
Lastly, only once did I question the accuracy of your information on Spain (where I live).
All in all, for me, a very good book in the making. Good setting … carefully thought out structure … a variety of characters … an innocent girl, a has-been English art expert and an ambitious policeman are all heading for Madrid … a sinister Russian behind it all …the makings are all there for a gripping tale."

"This is a very intriguing story with many plot throughlines. The characters are gritty and real and, although foreign, they can be related with. Good writing that overcomes language barriers. Your description is detailed and vivid, and you paint good images with your narrative. If I had the entire manuscript I would read on. Well done!"

"This is a great story and I feel there is a lot of potential for it to become a page turning thriller. The characters were well defined, well created and each was very disitinct. They were believable and immediately became very real in my head, which to me is a sign of creating a good strong character. I thought the storyline and pace were good, and didn't feel any lulls in the plot. It was intriguing and I felt compelled to read on. The style you write in I feel complements the genre you have chosen very well.
... I was very impressed at the level of knowledge displayed in the historical parts. If the writer is comfortable with a subject it always shows, as it did here. Altogether I thought these were very good and extremely well written chapters."

"I found your book to be excellent ... I enjoyed the story, the characters were interesting and the pace was great. I was compelled to read on and if it is available to buy, once I have finished my current title I think I will buy a copy! You have clearly spent a lot of time on research and the story is richer because of it. I liked Cotelo as a character and assume he is the main protagonist, lots of scope for more books with him I am sure. The dialogue was clean and snappy and felt very natural. Anyway, I really liked it, it felt a bit like The DaVinci Code or The Thirteenth Gospel, that sort of genre. If the rest of the book is this good, it deserves to be published ..."

"An exciting and intriguing thriller with such an involved plot! All the same, a cracking tale. Cotelo is really well characterised with all the descriptions of his passive style of information gathering, almost a Spanish Maigret.
... a really good read. Has all the makings of a page turner, Haarlson. Nice one."

"I don't know who wrote this, but whoever he or she is, I'd want, one day, to sit myself at a bar in Madrid and have them tell me stories all night long."

And, perhaps, I've kept the best one back 'til last:

"Phenomenal. Like Graham Greene, but more punchy."

Phew! I'm embarrassed, though really pleased that readers do seem to genuinely enjoy the novel.

I think it's important to know that all the above reviews were written by reviewers who did not know, prior to writing their review, what other reviewers had written.

Of course I've had a few (three in total, out of 65) reviews which were less than fulsome, but even those grudgingly admitted to the overall excellence of the writing.

Want to know what all the praise is about? Well, go here, click through to the Buy It Soon page, (or send me a message via the Contact page), leave your address and I'll let you know when After Goya is available.

The Paella Professor

While out and about on the net scouting for images to put in the After Goya website I came across the Paella Professor, a lovingly created blog on all things Spanish paella. If you like paella - and who doesn't? - go there and check it out. You'll find posts about Gwyneth Paltrow's encounter with a paella, some great recipes and a list of interesting books.

I'm on with creating a page for the After Goya website about food and drink as it appears in the novel - I'll more than likely embed a link to the Paella Professor.

Spotted

link and stuff re Spotted by locals re: BCN


Beethoven

http://open.spotify.com/track/4E3eoz0ZvwvV7zQB4tedLL