Indie Author Interview with Mike Kingston, Author of A Candle for Consuela
The Book … The Author … The Interview
Congratulations to my latest author, Mike Kingston on the publication of his historical, political thriller, based on real-life, tragic events of 1989.
I’m so lucky I get the chance to work with authors who realise they’ve written something special and aren’t prepared to wait around for literary agents or mainstream publishers to get back to them on their terms. This book could easily have been snapped up by one of the big publishing names but thankfully, it wasn’t, and Mike’s retained full creative control. The result is amazing and I’m delighted to say this is the first in this quartet. Looking forward to the next books!
The Book: A Candle for Consuela
THE FIRST BOOK IN THE OMEGA FILES QUARTET
…A shocking political thriller inspired by true events – the tragic murder of six innocent Jesuit priests in El Salvador on 16th November 1989 – a murder that echoed around the world…
CONSUELA FLORES is damaged.
Though her wounds are well hidden, they sometimes emerge to drag her to a place she never wants to visit again. Having fled for her life from El Salvador, she trailed through the US, France and Britain before finding safety and work in St Mary Magdalen’s Catholic Church in London.
FATHER JOHN DOYLE, the devout priest at St Mary’s makes Consuela feel secure after years of turmoil, and they grow close as they work on the ‘Mission to the Homeless’.
When he meets SENOR ADOLFO GUZMAN at the church, however, Consuela sees him arrive. Memories of death, torture and loss consume her as the sanctuary of the church is snatched away from her.
When Father Doyle discovers why Consuela fears for her life, the evil truth about Guzman, and the tragic murders of six Jesuit priests at Universidad Centroamericana José Simeón Cañas in San Salvador, on 16th November 1989, a murder that echoed around the world, he is determined to make the right decision. Will he find the courage to stay true to his heart?
Will Consuela give way to the desperate feelings of revenge that consume her?
Find out in this gripping, disturbing political novel which explores a strong woman’s rage and her quest for revenge, forbidden love and a tortured romance, a gay priest who finds love and an explosive story where love triumphs over religion.
The Author: Mike Kingston
Mike Kingston has spent much of his career carrying out investigations throughout the world for many organisations – from worldwide media companies to multi-national corporations and global law firms. He has been reporting on and investigating corruption, espionage and conspiracy for more than 30 years.
His books reflect events he has encountered and the amazing characters, both courageous and depraved he has met along the way. Underlying his words is an enormous respect for the resilience of the human spirit in surviving heartbreaking situations and managing to live meaningful and fulfilling lives, often in desperate circumstances.
The Interview: Self-Published Author
Congratulations, Mike! Your book is now available on the Amazon bookstore. How did it feel to see it there for the first time?
Elation. Pleasure. Delight. Satisfaction. Jubilation.
Can you tell us a little bit about A Candle for Consuela and why you wanted to write it?
The book is a memory of a part of my life that is impossible for me to ignore. The characters are a distillation of people who both inspired and disgusted me. A rough draft stayed in a drawer for many years before I summoned up the grit to confront those difficult times.
Have you always been a writer / wanted to become an author?
I have always written. To be an author seemed an unattainable and mysterious goal until very recently.
What made you take that leap and publish your book?
Pressure from family. It also seemed about time to stop prevaricating and get the words down.
Have you any more book plans in the pipeline?
Yes, three more in The Omega Files Quartet.
What advice would you offer other aspiring authors who want to self-publish their books?
Take the plunge.
Thanks very much, Mike! All the best with your fantastic book!
Find out more about A Candle for Consuela here.
Are you an aspiring author who needs help to self-publish on Amazon (and beyond…)?
Then get in touch. I’d love to help.
Michelle Emerson
Self-Publishing Services UK
