On May 10, the new Murray Whelan novel Sucked In was launched with all due pomp and circumstance in the luxurious ambience of Paddy's Bar at the Trades Hall in Melbourne. Angelo Agnelli - impersonated by the alleged actor Mick Molloy - cut the ribbon. Several hundred members of the chattering class were were kind enough to turn up and chatter, the Drinkmore Sparkling Shiraz flowed like wine and the resolution was passed unanimously on a show of hands.
Reviews for Sucked In have been positive, sales are terrific and so far nobody has asked for a refund, so it looks like I've escaped my just deserts yet again. If you would like a sneak preview of the first chapter, click on the link on the Home page or Books page for an obligation-free sample.
Click here to read the Sydney Morning Herald review
Bouyed by a succesful launch, I embarked on a national promotional tour. Two cities in two days. Brisbane and Sydney. At Gleebooks in Sydney I had an 'in conversation' with Wendy Harmer - described by Wendy as 'chick lit meets apparachik lit' - and a jolly good time was had by all. The crowd included a well-groomed, well-read Golden Retriever. I applaud Gleebooks for letting its customers bring their animal companions into the shop.
Over the next few weeks I've got a steady slate of bookstore appearances, library talks, literary dinners and sundry other shameless trumpet-tootling activities. So check the sidebar for details, come along, buy a book and I'll be happy to sign and personalise it.
If you can't make it to any of the events, Text Publishing has some signed copies at its Melbourne office (22 William Street) for the regular retail price. If you'd like to pick up a copy, best to ring first and get them to hold one for you ( 03 86104500 ).
Sucked In has been reprinted twice since its launch and most of the first edition has already been sold. Luckily, I managed to snaffle a box before they ran out and I'm able to offer some for sale as signed first editions.
This will be my first venture into e-commerce (apart from that Nigerian thing and the online Bulgarian Viagra) and I do not have credit card facilities, so payment will have to be by EFT or cheque. I'm thinking maybe $50 a pop, what with the postage and handling and whatnot.
If you're interested in purchasing a signed and/or personalised copy, please write to me at sm@shanemaloney.com and we'll wing it from there.
This book is an ideal gift for all the family. Makes excellent nesting material. Looks nice on the bedside table. Non-stick surface. Easy-to-read typeface. Manufactured from only the finest Tasmanian old-growth hardwood chips.
Readers wishing to contribute to the online discussion of Sucked In at The Age Bookclub should expect long delays before the appearence of their posts. Fairfax management is encountering an ongoing problem getting its head around these fangled 'blobs' or whatever the damned things are called. Based on current indicators, these temporary teething difficulties should be resolved within twelve to fifteen years.