Steven Dunne

, Male

Derby

United Kingdom

Profile Information:

Hometown:
Derby
About Me:
I'm a first time self-published author of the crime novel REAPER which is set in Derby, England and came out in January 2007. The book's success has taken me by surprise. Waterstone's were so impressed they gave me my own account so I could get stock into several Midlands stores and things have mushroomed since. REAPER is now to be stocked across the country by Waterstone's and now Borders want to stock it. It's been quite a ride considering I couldn't find an agent or a publisher. Tiring but fun and I don't know of any other self-published books that have risen so quickly.
Website:
http://www.the-reaper.com
Books And Authors I Like:
The Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris
The Poet by Michael Connelly
Most of Henning Mankell's stuff
It's not a long list of crime thrillers, there's a lot of rubbish out there that still seems to have enormous advances thrown at it at the Frankfurt Book Fair.
Non-crime my favourite books/authors would be American, The Magus by John Fowles would be an exception otherwise it's Joseph Heller, Mailer, Vidal, Capote and Tom Wolfe.
Movies And TV Shows I Like:
The Sopranos, The Simpsons, NYPD Blue, The Shield, Law and Order etc. You can keep most of the cliched British stuff with its stilted dialogue and "personal relationships"

Comment Wall:

  • Meredith Anthony

    Hey Steven-- Congratulations on Reaper. Is it out in the States?

    Jun 16, 2007

  • Shirley Wells

    Hi Steven, and welcome!
    And let me just tell everyone that REAPER is a *brilliant* read.

    Jun 16, 2007

  • Dennis Venter

    Hey Steven

    Good to see your book's doing so well. Established wisdom appears to be to not self-pub novels. But there is always the exception and your books seems to be that. If the your success led to an offer by a traditional publisher, would you accept it, or would you stick to self-pubbing?

    Jun 19, 2007

  • Scarlett Dean

    I never had the dreaded second book syndrome. Can't say why. But I'm glad it skipped me.
    Good luck with your next one!

    Jun 26, 2007

  • Tom Cain

    Jusat seen your comment on Scarlett's page ... I totally relate to that second novel syndrome. Got to have mine done by the end of the year ... and it's driving me round the twist ...

    Jun 26, 2007

  • Steven Dunne

    The only thing worse than Second Novel Syndrome is First Novel Syndrome, Tom. At least we cleared that hurdle. But there are things you can take for it. Caffeine, tobacco and booze.

    Jun 30, 2007

  • Lynette Hall Hampton

    Thanks for the good luck wishes, Steven. My novel has found a home. A small publisher, but it is kind of a strange novel and I don't think it would fit with any of the bigger houses. I do have a sequel to my first novel coming out next month. I'm anxious to get my hands on it. I would love to see it do as well as your book has done. Congratulations. Is it available in the States?

    Jul 3, 2007

  • Evelyn David

    Thanks for stopping by. CONGRATS on your self-publishing success story. That's fantastic!
    Evelyn

    Jul 5, 2007

  • Krystal Waters

    Oh yes, and congrats on your book as well! So many go through the self publishing and regret it. You are an inspiration to those who have and maybe make a new market... who knows? Is it in the USA yet? Sounds like an interesting book.
    Kristine

    Aug 15, 2007

  • Rick Mofina

    Congratualtions Steve and beating all the odds. As for my awards, my book, Blood of Others (Pinnacle NEW YORK) set in San Francisco, won the 2003 Arthur Ellis Award for Best Novel, from Crime Writers of Canada. My short story Lightning Rider (concerns a Las Vegas armored car heist) published in the Michael Connelly edited Murder in Vegas, won the 2006 Arthur Ellis for Best Short Story. My novel, The Dying Hour, was a finalist - didn't win - for a 2006 thriller award from the International Thriller Writers, for Best Paperback Original.

    Aug 23, 2007

  • Krystal Waters

    Congrats on your book. I'll look for it. You just took a big step, now you'll need to take even bigger steps to ensure that your name get's out to the public and knows your book is there to buy. Get creative!

    Warm wishes,
    Kristine

    Nov 15, 2007

  • Krystal Waters

    I don't think my last comment went through, so here goes again. congrats on you book release. Remember to be creative in your marketing and be smart getting your name to the reader... *hint... public transportation is a great place for pamphlets. Swarm the town, your doctors office, everywhere you go! It's raining Steven Dunne!

    Warm wishes,
    Kristine

    Nov 15, 2007

  • Krystal Waters

    Hey Steven, there is a movie out, called the Reaper. Is that your work? It's about a girl, end times in bibical prophecy. I must say, it was a good movie. I thought of you and if it was your novel.

    Stay true to yourself. Keep your friends close.

    Have a great holiday season,
    Kristine

    Nov 17, 2007

  • Tom Cain

    I am so sorry not to have replied earlier to your message asking me how the sequel to Accident Man was going ... The answer is that I've been slaving over it like a lunatic the past couple of months, which is why I've hardly been on Crimespace at all and so didn't see your message until today. Anyway, I'm about three-quarters done, with the whole thing due by Jan 15. How about yours?

    Dec 7, 2007

  • Tom Cain

    Title? Aaaahhh... that's a secret!

    Dec 9, 2007