In 2005 I began writing a book. It was a turbulent time in my life and the book was an escape into a new and exciting world. Over the next five years I picked it up and put it down again until finally in 2010 I signed up for National Novel Writing Month with the express purpose of finishing the damn thing! And finish it I did, much to my great surprise.After a brief foray into the world of trying to get published, I decided to self publish and in July 2011, The Chicken Thief hit the shelves. I spent the next eighteen months promoting my book whilst also promoting it to mainstream publishers. At the end of 2012 I received an offer from Penguin South Africa, which I was pleased to accept.
Se what happens now?
In line with my contract obligations, The Chicken Thief has been removed from sale from all outlets pending its rebirth under the Penguin brand - something I'm greatly looking forward to. In the meantime I'll be working with Penguin on edits, and also on the sequel - Tree of Revenge. And I'll still be here blogging about writing and living in Ghana, and things that strike me in the world, and occasionally climbing on my soapbox and shouting loudly!
You can also follow me on Facebook where I'm guaranteed to post lots of interesting links and updates.
And in case you're wondering what the book is about, here's the blurb:
Alois is the Chicken Thief, an intelligent young man struggling to find his way in a southern African country wracked by political unrest and a crumbling economy. A chance encounter gives Alois the opportunity to make some fast money, and hopefully improve his future. However, his assignment goes horribly wrong and he unexpectedly finds himself in the midst of a complicated and perilous struggle to rescue a war hero and transform the political landscape. Though something of an unlikely hero, Alois ultimately learns that both dreams and justice are within his grasp.
Described as a cross between Dan Brown and Alexander McCall Smith, The Chicken Thief reads at a cracking pace, is dramatic and colourful, and will appeal to lovers of quality fiction. The Chicken Thief is a highly engaging novel, with a gripping plot and a cast of characters that you will miss when the story ends.
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"The understated title of Fiona Leonard's The Chicken Thief belies the depth and power of the message that lies within." Booklover Book Reviews
"The Chicken Thief is a fascinating story of political intrigue, struggle for power, and family and friendship ties that extend over a quarter of a century." Bojan Tunguz, Amazon Top 100 reviewer
"This book was impossible to put down and drew me in from the first page" Amy McKie, Amy Reads
"The Chicken Thief is a wonderful example of a hidden gem lurking in amongst the plethora of self published works." Shelley Rae, Book'd Out
