by Ken Scott

Created on: May 08, 2008

As a writer, the meaning of life is quite simple, to get your book in print.

Sadly, the death of a great writer cannot teach us anything. Colin Doran was a Libros International author, an undoubted talent, one of the shining lights of the publishing company, and destined for a successful career as a writer. Colin's first book, 'Casting Two Shadows,' was gratefully received by the Libros International reading panel and overwhelmingly voted in by 100% of the final selection panel. Tragically, two weeks before his first book was due for publication he died suddenly.

His family and friends and Libros International have a simple wish: We want as many people as possible to sample Colin's work. It was Colin's dream to be published and for as many people as possible to enjoy his books. Please help us to help Colin to fulfill his dream. His book is now on Amazon and if you are a member we would ask you to add Colin's book to your shopping basket the next time you make a purchase. It makes sense; the shipping costs are substantially reduced. Alternatively call in at your local bookstore. All royalties from the sale of the book will be paid into a fund set up for his son Devin. As a gesture of goodwill Libros International have increased the royalties originally agreed with Colin. The first part of Colin's dream has come true; with your help we can complete it. Please take the time and purchase his book. If you haven't got an Amazon account it's easy to set one up. We would also be grateful if you could take the time to post a review after you have read it. See my own review copied below, we aren't asking for charity, just appealing to you as a writer to buy a good book.

I was kindly sent the galley proofs for Colin Doran's debut novel by my publisher Libros International in early February 08. The book was just about ready to go. The idea is that a published recognised author blurbs the book with something complimentary that catches the eye of the book buying public when it's on the shelf.

I took the book to bed on a Saturday night after a nice half bottle of Rioja and amazed myself at still being wide awake furiously turning each page until around five the next morning. I caught up on a few hours sleep and managed to finish the book late on Sunday evening. Casting Two Shadows is what I call a 24 hour read, that rare occurrence when a book must be read in preference to anything else, including any work or chores, writing, reviewing, eating, football and dare I say even a little cuddle with Mrs Scott.

Doran's characters are wonderfully woven into a well crafted book that can't really be pushed into any particular genre. He tantalises the reader at every turn, especially the reader that likes to figure out the final twist of the book. (You won't!) The character Wilson Hallow, a beer swilling drunken man's man, an alcoholic, is quite a superb literary creation and the book moves forward at such a pace it makes you want to finish it quickly and yet savour written word.

Sadly Colin Doran died suddenly on Wednesday February 15th aged 31, just a few weeks before his book was due to be published. I have the deepest regret that I wasn't able to discuss Colin's front cover blurb with him and tell him what a wonderful book he had penned. I am so saddened at the early demise of a very talented young author but my biggest frustration is that I will not be able to read another novel by Colin Doran.

You could also copy and paste this article to your own e-mail contacts. For more info on Colin and his book visit librosinternational.com

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