Band Cramp Set to Re-release
Band Cramp, my general fiction written in 2015, is set to re-release in September 2026! The reason? Because I've set to release Band Cramp 2 shortly after, the long-awaited sequel. So, it made sense to start with re-releasing the first with a new cover and new edits (including my updated name). See it as the author's preferred text!
Band Books
Band Cramp sees troubled teen Gareth Firkins try to steal the local marching band's instruments. However, upon being caught, he is given a choice - either do time in prison, or community service with the very band he tried to steal from.
You can guess which one he chooses.
And so, Gareth sets out on a journey to right his wrongs as he learns about the drum and bugle corps, their individual members, and fights the upbringing that led him astray to begin with.
I wrote this back in 2015 originally, realising that there weren't many (if any) fictional books about the drum and bugle corps activity. This activity involves marching bands performing choreographed shows in competition against one another, with many in the USA also doing football games and half-time shows. In the UK, it's much more of an unknown activity. So, I set about to write a story from the UK perspective, with many events based on real stories that happened to me over the years.
Since then, several other band related books have been released, but none that focus on the activity from a UK perspective. In fact, many are more... romance-driven with band as more of a background. I would like to make it clear that Band Cramp is NOT a romance (that's not my forte), and band is front and centre. Don't worry if you don't know anything about band either - Gareth is new to the whole thing and it's written as such. You'll learn about the activity as much as Gareth does!
Sadly, since 2020, the activity has faltered quite heavily in the UK. DCUK, the UK circuit, following a massive hit from a certain global pandemic. The activity never really properly recovered. That actually makes Band Cramp unique in that it represents a time when that activity was flourishing in the UK.
Band Cramp 2
Band Cramp 2 has been in the works on and off for the past 6 years. I had a lot of other things going on in my lift that took focus, including going back to march with bands until 2025!
Armed with new experiences and an idea for how to continue Gareth's story in a meaningful way, I finally finished writing Band Cramp 2 for the world to read. It changed many times over those years too, but I'm very happy with the overall outcome.
Band Cramp 2 sees Gareth returning the band two years after the original. When a mysterious young woman turns up at his door bearing his surname, things get complicated... and kicks start an adventure to find his family and unify the failing band he joins. It's a character-driven narrative that features plenty of thrills, spills and humour. So, stay tuned for more info on that in the near future!
For now, enjoy the re-release of Band Cramp for 26th September 2026, available on Amazon in paperback, hardback and e-book!
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