Gritty and brutal. This was epic, Daniel! You did an amazing job of developing a super interesting and complex MC in the relatively short span of this first part. And while you're tapping into classic themes, you've written unique and unconventional characters that feel fresh and interesting. I really enjoyed this and am looking forward to reading part 2.
I love Glasgow. Ten happy years in and around Glasgow Uni 1998-2008, with plenty return visits after that. Mostly in that leafy West End (if Woodlands and Partick count) apart from a couple of years in Dennistoun. I always enjoy reading about the city, even when it's the dark underbelly -- I can picture exactly those back lanes off Buchanan St! Shaping up to be a great story.
Like I mentioned on a few of the other comments, it’s messages like these that really make me happy, as I wanted the story location to seem authentic and only folks who know Glasgow can tell me that for sure, so I really appreciate it 👍🏼
In 1998 I was working up in Park Gardens. I would get the train into Queen Street and trudge all the way up Sauchiehall Street come rain, sun or snow. So I was kind of on the edge of the west end for a few years. And then in 2002 we moved home to Scotstoun and I spent many a weekend up Byers Road and Ashton Lane which was good fun
It’s a great city and one I’m looking forward to my son properly discovering when he starts at the university in September 👍🏼
See, it was the locals that I was most worried about because if the setting didn’t ring true then the story wouldn’t hold together, so I’m delighted it all worked for you 👍🏼
I have to say that parts 2 and 3 are very different so hope you enjoy them too 😁
Superb writing, Daniel. I have passed a lot of time in Glasgow, and every setting here rang true. My introduction to the criminal element of Glasgow, and its hierarchy, was through the TV series, Shetland (Season 3) I was so naive!
Ironically that was the part I was most nervous about. I know people like Stephen Duffy and Chris Patrick are based on the west coast of Scotland, so they would know Glasgow well, and I wanted it to seem authentic to the locals as well as those unfamiliar with the city
When were you in Glasgow? You can spend a lot of time around the city and not see the rougher side. Like a lot of places it can sometimes be hidden in plain sight! Luckily, the west end, where my son is going to stay, is quite safe and secure for his first venture away from home!
I have traveled across to Scotland 17 times in my life and feel like I know the terrain, the natural history ( and the early political history ) as well as any native. My travels took me from Wick and Orkney in the north to Galloway in the South and out to the Western Isles.. It is such a fascinating country to me, and like a second home. As far as Glasgow goes, I have mostly experienced the lovely, cultured side, the safe parts. Except for a trip out to the Gorbals, and two or three unsettling incidents around the bus station (!) I was never in any real danger, but it definitely has a seamy, hard-scrabble side with a lot of addiction and crime. ( as any large metropolis has). I always preferred to stay in the smaller towns like Ft. William, Stirling, Inverness. Goodness! I miss it. And I do recommend you watch season 3 of Shetland which exposes the criminal element, the gangs, around the streets of Glasgow.
I think you’ve seen more of Scotland than me, Sharron! I currently live in North Ayrshire on the west coast and have travelled around a fair bit, but certainly not enough. There’s so much more to see
Yeah, the Gorbals can be a bit rough. I’m heading over that way soon. There’s a legend of the Gorbals Vampire so want to get my geography right before starting a story on that
My mum was from Shetland and I’ve always wanted to visit but haven’t managed it yet, so I was interested in the TV show. Unfortunately, I haven’t got around to watching it. I’m on dad taxi duty tonight so might try and catch it on BBC iPlayer whilst I sit awake into the wee small hours 😁
Great job. Good to see one of the clan succeeding in business.
I thought you’d like that Scott 😁
Thanks for the kind words 🙏
Gritty and brutal. This was epic, Daniel! You did an amazing job of developing a super interesting and complex MC in the relatively short span of this first part. And while you're tapping into classic themes, you've written unique and unconventional characters that feel fresh and interesting. I really enjoyed this and am looking forward to reading part 2.
Thanks very much Shane 🙏
I’m so glad you enjoyed it 👍🏼
Fantastic opening, Dan. Lots of background and info, but delivered in a believable and natural manner.
Great hook and great ending to Part !
Thanks very much Nathan 🙏
I really enjoyed writing this one 👍🏼
Part 2 is quite the step change 😁
I love Glasgow. Ten happy years in and around Glasgow Uni 1998-2008, with plenty return visits after that. Mostly in that leafy West End (if Woodlands and Partick count) apart from a couple of years in Dennistoun. I always enjoy reading about the city, even when it's the dark underbelly -- I can picture exactly those back lanes off Buchanan St! Shaping up to be a great story.
Thanks very much Caitriana 🙏
Like I mentioned on a few of the other comments, it’s messages like these that really make me happy, as I wanted the story location to seem authentic and only folks who know Glasgow can tell me that for sure, so I really appreciate it 👍🏼
In 1998 I was working up in Park Gardens. I would get the train into Queen Street and trudge all the way up Sauchiehall Street come rain, sun or snow. So I was kind of on the edge of the west end for a few years. And then in 2002 we moved home to Scotstoun and I spent many a weekend up Byers Road and Ashton Lane which was good fun
It’s a great city and one I’m looking forward to my son properly discovering when he starts at the university in September 👍🏼
Oooh, this is excellent, Dan. Setting the scene for Lucifer's Lieutenant! Looking forward to part 2!
Thanks very much Alexander. Part 2 coming later today 🙏👍🏼
This is awesome - so compelling! I used to live in Glasgow, so loved seeing such familiar names. I can't wait for part 2!
Thanks very much Nicole 🙏
See, it was the locals that I was most worried about because if the setting didn’t ring true then the story wouldn’t hold together, so I’m delighted it all worked for you 👍🏼
I have to say that parts 2 and 3 are very different so hope you enjoy them too 😁
Superb writing, Daniel. I have passed a lot of time in Glasgow, and every setting here rang true. My introduction to the criminal element of Glasgow, and its hierarchy, was through the TV series, Shetland (Season 3) I was so naive!
Thanks very much Sharron 🙏
Ironically that was the part I was most nervous about. I know people like Stephen Duffy and Chris Patrick are based on the west coast of Scotland, so they would know Glasgow well, and I wanted it to seem authentic to the locals as well as those unfamiliar with the city
When were you in Glasgow? You can spend a lot of time around the city and not see the rougher side. Like a lot of places it can sometimes be hidden in plain sight! Luckily, the west end, where my son is going to stay, is quite safe and secure for his first venture away from home!
I have traveled across to Scotland 17 times in my life and feel like I know the terrain, the natural history ( and the early political history ) as well as any native. My travels took me from Wick and Orkney in the north to Galloway in the South and out to the Western Isles.. It is such a fascinating country to me, and like a second home. As far as Glasgow goes, I have mostly experienced the lovely, cultured side, the safe parts. Except for a trip out to the Gorbals, and two or three unsettling incidents around the bus station (!) I was never in any real danger, but it definitely has a seamy, hard-scrabble side with a lot of addiction and crime. ( as any large metropolis has). I always preferred to stay in the smaller towns like Ft. William, Stirling, Inverness. Goodness! I miss it. And I do recommend you watch season 3 of Shetland which exposes the criminal element, the gangs, around the streets of Glasgow.
I think you’ve seen more of Scotland than me, Sharron! I currently live in North Ayrshire on the west coast and have travelled around a fair bit, but certainly not enough. There’s so much more to see
Yeah, the Gorbals can be a bit rough. I’m heading over that way soon. There’s a legend of the Gorbals Vampire so want to get my geography right before starting a story on that
My mum was from Shetland and I’ve always wanted to visit but haven’t managed it yet, so I was interested in the TV show. Unfortunately, I haven’t got around to watching it. I’m on dad taxi duty tonight so might try and catch it on BBC iPlayer whilst I sit awake into the wee small hours 😁
Great opening Dan 👏 👍
Thanks very much Jason 🙏
I’m really glad you enjoyed it 👍🏼
Excellent stuff Daniel. Enjoyed this. - Jim
Thanks very much Jim. Coming from someone who is an expert in this genre that means a lot 🙏👍🏼