ALL A-QUIVER: WALKING THE STRAIGHT ’N ARROW

Word of the week: tangential \tan-ˈjen(t)-shəl\ (hear it!) - adjective - : of, relating to, or of the nature of a tangent; 2 : acting along or lying in a tangent; 3 a : divergent, digressive , b : touching lightly : incidental, peripheral, also : of little relevance - (Merriam-Webster Dictionary)

Indie Author of the Month: Come Meet . . . Pete Malicki

When Pete, owner and founder of Helm Publishing, came onto the scene at Writer's Beat writing community back in 2009, I was captivated by his wit, intelligence, and easy-going nature—a personality that matched his writing style—so when I had ever discovered Pete had written a book, well . . .

 
Eyes and Knives is an absolute thrill to read. Well-woven, multiple point-of-view tale that takes the reader on a roller coaster ride through secrets and intrigue, and through different levels of interconnection that the reader would never suspect. Plot-driven, fast paced, and edgy (open minds could read this novel oh-so-swimmingly).

But this Australian-born author and publisher has accomplished, and continues to accomplish, much more than the completion of his wonderful novel, Eyes and Knives.

So please, allow him to introduce himself and elaborate upon his talents . . .

Mr. Pete Malicki!

* * *

I had a revelation yesterday. After twelve years of writing quite seriously and trying to make a living from the arts, I am. Not quite in the way I expected but all the same, it’s happening.

After years of cheerful rejection letters I jumped the chasm and published one of my novels myself. An article in the local paper led to a job teaching Creative Writing. In turn, my volunteering at a theatre company led to me being asked to run a regular show, which in turn got me on board as the organisation’s Literary Manager. I now run the world’s largest short play festival, Short+Sweet Sydney, as well as doing work in editing, script consultation, teaching and theatre production.

As tangential to my real goal of making a living as a writer as this may seem, it’s having a major contribution towards that goal’s realisation. In Sep 2012 I had my first ever full length play, “Room,” produced in the Sydney Fringe Festival. Typically at the Fringe, shows disappear in the sea of other productions – there are 260+. We had a respectable overall audience of 400, largely thanks to my profile in Sydney theatre, but more importantly I got six amazing reviews, a publication offer, two translation offers and an award.

The goal now is to get “Room” produced around the world. Its setting and appeal is universal so little adaptation is needed. I’m looking at mainstream Australian theatres as well as those in the UK and US, and in Europe with the translations. I’ve knocked up a pretty flyer with reviews and production pics which I’m sending out to Literary Managers everywhere.

In 2012 I made about AU$1000 from my writing, in royalties, book sales and prize money. Hopefully that will grow to a figure big enough to pay off the yacht I just put a deposit on.

Pete Malicki – www.petemalicki.com 

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Excerpt from Eyes and Knives by Pete Malicki

(copyright: Pete Malicki)

 

Wednesday - Early Morning

‘Tickets please.’

A young man named Rory Henderson took a sharp breath. He clenched his jaw tight and his eyes darted around the carriage. There was no escape. He had to think of something quickly.

He leaned back and feigned sleep.

‘Sir, your ticket please. Sir? Sir!’

‘Huh? What’s up?’

Rory rubbed his bleary eyes and looked up at the young man standing before him. He was tall but his build was slight. A dark blue uniform and the badge in his left hand identified him as a transit officer, that is, a glorified ticket inspector. Rory was sure he could take him.

‘Can I see your ticket please sir?’

‘Shit, I must’ve fallen asleep. What station are we at?’

‘Almost Helm, sir. Your ticket?’

‘Helm? Damn, I’ve missed my stop.’

The inspector reached for his radio at the same time that Rory clambered to his feet. ‘I wouldn’t try to leave, sir. I’m going to have to write you a ticket.’

‘That’s not fair mate. I fell asleep and missed my stop!’

‘Can you show me your ticket?’

Rory looked at the man’s radio. Inspectors travelled in groups and it wouldn’t be wise to attack one of them. ‘I lost it. My wallet was stolen.’

The inspector smiled a humourless smile. ‘Was it really? You won’t be able to bribe me then, will you? What a shame.’

He started filling out one of the forms on his notebook, ignoring Rory’s bewildered look.

‘Bribe you, hey? You know, I might have a bit of money in my sock.’ 

Rory wasn’t sure if the inspector was being serious or sarcastic, so he kept his tone lightly jocular. Was attempting to bribe a rail inspector considered an offence? Could he end up owing the bloody government even more money?

‘Fifty dollars would do you fine. No pun intended.’

‘Fifty dollars,’ Rory repeated as he reached into his pants and pulled out his wallet.

‘I think that is a reasonable price, sir. It is a seventy-five percent reduction on the overall cost of the fine. You needn’t worry about your criminal record, either.’

The train was nearing Helm Station. ‘Is this a trick? Because you can’t make that kind of offer; it’s entrapment.’

‘Give me your name or your money, sir.’

Rory Henderson took a fifty dollar bill out of his wallet and handed it the inspector, who took it wordlessly and left the carriage. The train pulled to a stop at Helm and
the inspector alighted.

Rory looked out the window. Four burly transit officers were boarding the train. His jaw dropped as he watched the guy he’d just bribed run away at full speed.

*  *  *

Read more - Eyes and Knives - Available at www.petemalicki.com