Frequently, we hear back from clients who had an initial TLC assessment some years ago, which they have used to go back to their work, make strategic edits, and sometimes secure agents and subsequently publishing deals. Just as heartening to us are stories of writers who have set their novels aside, then completely re-configured them, or have found the confidence through their report to forge ahead with new work. There are a multitude of stories, and we are pleased to play some part in the writing journey of each of our writers.
We are delighted to share news from Andy Rumbold, a former TLC client whose report led him to make revisions, following which he found representation with literary agent Andrew Lownie. This year, his TLC-assessed book The Last Fiesta is being published by Red Door Publishing. The book has also been shortlisted for Susan Hill’s Lane Books First Novel Award. The book is available to order here direct from the publisher.
‘When I submitted ‘The Last Fiesta’ to TLC the editor made me see the book in a new light. He said I could either go away and leave it and it would be a reasonably good book, but he urged me to find the real book within my book. It took a lot of hard work, but I am so pleased I followed TLC’s excellent advice. Thank you so much for helping me discover the book I didn’t know was there!’ Andy Rumbold
Synopsis:
It’s summer 1995 and Dan Willis is living in Santander, northern Spain, trying to get his life back on track, when he receives an unexpected call from an old school friend and Gulf War veteran, Billy Wyatt, who wants to visit him. Unbeknown to Billy, Dan invites two other school friends to join them. It’s a decision that will change their lives forever.
The Last Fiesta follows the friends’ hedonistic journey through the stunning Basque country, up into the Picos de Europa and finally to Pamplona, for the running of the bulls. But under the blistering Spanish sun, dark truths from the past emerge, and dreadful revelations entwine their lives in a way that will ultimately lead to disaster.
Author biography:
Andy Rumbold was born in London. After graduating from Birmingham University, he decided to spend six months in northern Spain, but stayed for four and a half years. He is now back in England, teaching English and Spanish at a school in Surrey, and working on his second novel. He travels when he can, nowadays mainly to Colombia, where his wife’s family live.
Endorsement:
‘A stunning debut novel…I cannot overstate how impressed I am.’
Andrew Crofts on The Last Fiesta
