The Maleficent Seven

Ah, Tanith...

Who would have thought you'd be the star of your own book, six years after I had the White Cleaver stab you through the back? Not I, certainly. When I first started writing, I had no plans for you beyond that fight scene. But fate— and my agent— intervened, and you stayed alive, and I am so glad you did.

Now here you are, heading up The Maleficent Seven, going on sale today (in the countries where it IS going on sale, obviously). I had envisioned this as a tiny little book, just a fraction longer than The End of the World, which would keep my precious Minions from gnawing their own arms off in anticipation of the next Skulduggery instalment. But yet again, things did not go according to plan. Yet again, you surprised me. And when I looked up, TMS had morphed from a novella into a book. It's still pretty short, as books go, but it's a lot more substantial than originally intended.

Now then, what public engagements do I have before me to celebrate this launch? Well, this afternoon, between 5 and 6, I have a, er, "twinterview"... is that what they're calling it? Seriously? Anyway, I'll be answering a load of questions that came with the hashtag #AskDerek. Apparently.

Then on Friday I'll be heading into RTE in the morning for the show Elev8, where I'll be talking with the beautiful Diana. And a bloke.

Then on Saturday I have signings in Easons in Blanchardstown at 11 and Easons Dundrum at 3.

On April 5th, there's a public signing in WHSmith in Guildford at 1PM, and my only EVENT at the Stratford Picture House at 5.

On the 6th, I'll be signing in WHSmith in Brent Cross at 11, and Waterstones in Bury St Edmunds at 5.

On the 7th, there is a signing in Waterstones in Norwich at 12.

And that's it. I'm not really sure where the proposed Milton Keynes signing went. Dammit.

Over the next few months I'll be making appearances in Derry, the Hay Festival, Leeds, Wicklow, and Dublin. Further details will be announced closer to the time.

Let's see... anything else...? Oh! Those of you signed up for the newsletter should be receiving a very cool email shortly. For those of you who aren't, keep an eye on the snazzy new Skulduggery website. Pay attention to a little competition called Exquisite Corpse.

I have to get back to work now. This book will not write itself— no matter how much I might want it to.

PS The Comment Section on THIS post is the ONLY Comment Section where you can discuss TMS! As usual, try not to be TOO spoilery when it comes to details. If you liked a certain bit, don't mention names or EXACT details- anyone else who has read the book will know what you're talking about. Remember that there are always oddball Minions who will read the spoilers before they read the book, and then get really, really mad with you for spoiling it...