Bongo Fury 2 Review and Giveaway

In November I told you about a book Mommy had been reading. It was the first book in the Bongo Fury series and now I can tell you about book two. Mommy has been enjoying this book series and a happy Mommy is much more agreeable and makes a happy Peachy. If you’re looking for something to read, perhaps Bongo Fury is for you.

In book one of the Bongo Fury series we were introduced to Jimmy Black. While in the midst of turning his life around and doing his best to take care of his family, an innocent favour for a friend takes an unexpected turn. Just when it seems that his life has found the balance he has been looking for, Jimmy finds himself catapulted back into the lifestyle he has been trying to leave behind.

The second book in the series is a real page turner. Jimmy’s life quickly becomes intertwined with the mysterious crimes he had been reading about in the newspapers. With the police sniffing around, friends unwilling to talk, and family members displaying suspicious behaviours, Jimmy finds himself trying to unravel a conspiracy. Will he be able to stay out of trouble and keep those he loves safe from harm?

The Bongo Fury series was written by Simon Maltman. He is a best selling crime fiction author from Northern Ireland. I’ve been working with Simon for a couple of months now and he’s a great guy and a very pleasant person. Simon has agreed to do an interview with me. Allow me to formally introduce Simon Maltman.

1. When and why did you decide to be a writer?

I have always written and in the past it was more songwriting with various bands. About five years ago I started trying my hand at Crime Fiction short stories. It all came from there and a year or two later an agent asked me to try my first novel.

2. Is writing your full time profession or a part time interest?

I’m doing it full time at the minute while being also a stay home Dad to two lovely girls. Previously I was a social care manager. I also still do some music gigs.

3. How long does it take you to write a book?

It’s hard to say! This year I’ve released a novel, a short story collection and two novellas- but I didn’t write them all this year! I’d say a novel takes me about eight months, maybe, while working on a few other projects.

4. Do you prefer to write on paper or at a keyboard?

I do all the prose on a keyboard, but when I first get ideas and am working out the story, I do all of that in a little notebook.

5. Do you find the writing process energizing or exhausting?

It’s really enjoyable and fun and satisfying. Also it can be a hard slog and there are times something is just not working or times you just don’t feel like getting stuck in, but need to push on through. Sometimes the scale of knowing you’ve got another forty thousand words or something like that still to write is daunting!

6. Which writers do you find most inspiring?

My favourite writers include Raymond Chandler and Richard Stark. There are also lots of wonderful crime writers coming out of my Northern Irish home country right now.

7. Do you have any advice for aspiring writers who are just getting starting on their first book?

I would say to keep at it and don’t worry too much about the first draft. You just need to get it down and chip and chip away at it through many edits. I think starting off creating short stories is a good way to begin also.

8. Do you have any marketing tips for writers who just completed that first book?

I think you need to look at all the options and see what works best for you in publishing. Think about self publishing but also try small presses. I have a publisher but have also self published. Whatever you choose- being active on social media is key these days.

9. If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?

I’d probably tell him to start writing earlier! In saying that I think it took me to be thirty to have the life experience to be able to write the stories that I have.

10. What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

I enjoy spending time with my family, going out to cafes, museums and walks. I love playing and listening to music and collecting records. In the evening I usually binge on whatever series I’m into at the time.

I would like to send out a big thank you to Simon for doing the interview and giving mommy and I the opportunity to learn more about him and his work. Simon’s other books include Return Run, A Chaser on the Rocks, and More Faces: Crime Short Stories from Belfast. If you’re looking for more information you can visit Simon on Facebook or on Twitter.

Simon and I are once again giving you the opportunity to win your own copy of his book. This time we are giving away copies of Bongo Fury book 2. One lucky winner will receive the grand prize of a signed copy of Bongo Fury, while five runner-up winners will get their very own ebook. That’s a total of six winners! You don’t want to pass this up.

Click here to enter.

Open worldwide. Must be 18 years of age or older. Winner will be notified by email. Accepting entries until January 31, 2018.

We were given a digital copy of Bongo Fury 2 for the purpose of this review. All opinions are honest and our own.