Muso friends realise dream of co-authoring a gritty suspense novel
Hexadecagon: A City on its Knees forms part of authors Sean and Craig's first instalment of a two-part gritty crime novel, which for the past three years pushed the creatives' to write about what they describe as a 'hybrid virtuous villain who comes across as playful and likeable'.
The life-long friends and Forfeit Thee Untrue (FTU) band members collaborated on the project, spearheaded by Sean.
'I have always dreamt of trying my hand at storytelling and dabbled with various storylines,' said Sean.
'But due to work/life commitments, many manuscripts have been doomed to gathering dust.
'In 2022 it was as if a veil had lifted and the plot for Hexadecagon: A City on its Knees started swirling. Having a clear idea of how I wanted the plot to play out, I called on Craig and his background as a psychologist to help in building characters of substance.'
Celebrating the July 7 release of their novel, Sean and Craig sip on Americanos, detailing how the project not only gave life to complex characters but how it serves as a legacy project which will immortalise their names as readers share their work.
'Neither of us can be described as avid readers,' joked Craig.
'We have probably read six books, most of which were setworks at school.
'This is probably not the best start for aspiring authors, but I think it does give us a bit of an edge.'
Laughing, he explained that without having any reference about what has been done before, their project was not at risk of being influenced nor becoming a genre cliché.
'Throughout the book we remained committed to leading the reader on a journey where they will experience the internal and external conflicts of each character,' said Sean.
'I believe it will appeal to the senses and that the well-timed humour, horror and shock will keep readers invested in the storyline.'
At only 218 pages, the duo wanted to create a suspense novel which can be easily read from cover to cover, without leaving their audience fatigued.
Synopsis
Set in New York, in the 1980s, Detective Charles William Coffey, an average investigator, finds himself thrust into the centre of a chilling manhunt for a methodical and enigmatic killer known only as Michael.
The pursuit of Michael becomes more than just a case. The novel is as much a character study as it is a psychological crime thriller.
It is a story where loyalty is fragile, the mind is a battlefield and the most dangerous truths are the ones we hide from ourselves.
In the end, it's not just a serial killer that Charles must find; he needs to confront the man he is becoming.
Hexadecagon: A City on its Knees is now available on Amazon, https://share.google/mfg2T5ENODID3eTT1
Bibliophiles who prefer getting their hands on a physical copy can order theirs on all social media platforms by searching Towsen&Palmer or email [email protected].
ALSO READ: Bonaero Park author's books available at local shopping centre
ALSO READ: BOOK REVIEW: Local author deep dives into adulthood
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
3 days ago
- The Citizen
Muso friends realise dream of co-authoring a gritty suspense novel
Avoiding the stereotypical characteristics of a serial killer story, Sean Towsen (Atlasville) and Craig Palmer (Westdene) have successfully penned their first novel, which will leave readers with feelings of empathy towards the antagonist. Hexadecagon: A City on its Knees forms part of authors Sean and Craig's first instalment of a two-part gritty crime novel, which for the past three years pushed the creatives' to write about what they describe as a 'hybrid virtuous villain who comes across as playful and likeable'. The life-long friends and Forfeit Thee Untrue (FTU) band members collaborated on the project, spearheaded by Sean. 'I have always dreamt of trying my hand at storytelling and dabbled with various storylines,' said Sean. 'But due to work/life commitments, many manuscripts have been doomed to gathering dust. 'In 2022 it was as if a veil had lifted and the plot for Hexadecagon: A City on its Knees started swirling. Having a clear idea of how I wanted the plot to play out, I called on Craig and his background as a psychologist to help in building characters of substance.' Celebrating the July 7 release of their novel, Sean and Craig sip on Americanos, detailing how the project not only gave life to complex characters but how it serves as a legacy project which will immortalise their names as readers share their work. 'Neither of us can be described as avid readers,' joked Craig. 'We have probably read six books, most of which were setworks at school. 'This is probably not the best start for aspiring authors, but I think it does give us a bit of an edge.' Laughing, he explained that without having any reference about what has been done before, their project was not at risk of being influenced nor becoming a genre cliché. 'Throughout the book we remained committed to leading the reader on a journey where they will experience the internal and external conflicts of each character,' said Sean. 'I believe it will appeal to the senses and that the well-timed humour, horror and shock will keep readers invested in the storyline.' At only 218 pages, the duo wanted to create a suspense novel which can be easily read from cover to cover, without leaving their audience fatigued. Synopsis Set in New York, in the 1980s, Detective Charles William Coffey, an average investigator, finds himself thrust into the centre of a chilling manhunt for a methodical and enigmatic killer known only as Michael. The pursuit of Michael becomes more than just a case. The novel is as much a character study as it is a psychological crime thriller. It is a story where loyalty is fragile, the mind is a battlefield and the most dangerous truths are the ones we hide from ourselves. In the end, it's not just a serial killer that Charles must find; he needs to confront the man he is becoming. Hexadecagon: A City on its Knees is now available on Amazon, Bibliophiles who prefer getting their hands on a physical copy can order theirs on all social media platforms by searching Towsen&Palmer or email [email protected]. ALSO READ: Bonaero Park author's books available at local shopping centre ALSO READ: BOOK REVIEW: Local author deep dives into adulthood
IOL News
03-07-2025
- IOL News
Sean Combs: music pioneer, entrepreneur
US producer-musician Sean "Diddy" Combs Image: ANGELA WEISS / AFP Even during his federal criminal trial in New York, the descriptions of Sean Combs were frequently those of awe: one former assistant called him "a god among men." "Larger than life," said witnesses over and over -- his accusers included. And that he was, until it all came crashing down. The music and entertainment titan known for his legendary A-list "white parties" had multiple mansions, a private jet, a business empire and scores of accolades. Then in September 2024, he was arrested on sweeping charges including running a criminal ring that allowed him to commit harrowing sexual abuse. And after a two-month long courtroom saga, a jury of 12 New Yorkers on Wednesday found him guilty of two prostitution-related counts -- but acquitted him of more serious allegations of racketeering and sex trafficking. The outcome was not what prosecutors had hoped for -- a decisive conviction for grave crimes that could have kept him incarcerated for life. Nevertheless, even before the blockbuster proceedings began, Combs's reputation was in tatters. The 55-year-old still faces dozens of civil lawsuits in which he is accused of lurid abuse. And even his own team's defense came back to haunt him: the federal judge denied Combs bail as he awaits sentencing, reading back his attorneys' words in which they conceded again and again that he has a record of violence. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Rebrands upon rebrands Combs, the founder of Bad Boy Records whose proteges included the late Notorious B.I.G. and Mary J. Blige, was known as a high-flying, smooth-talking kingpin who ushered hip-hop from the underground to bottle-service clubs. He was continuously rebranding -- his monikers include "Puff Daddy," "P Diddy" and, more recently, "Brother Love." Court proceedings revealed a much seedier side, casting him as a violent, domineering boss whose inner circle helped him live life with impunity. Even before his arrest, the mushrooming accusations and legal action left many of his businesses reeling. There were symbolic measures as well: the city of New York had rescinded the honorary key they had bestowed upon him. But as was clear outside the courthouse throughout the proceedings, he still has a loyal fan base, especially in the city where he made his name. Party boy and hip-hop mogul Born Sean John Combs on November 4, 1969, in Harlem, the artist entered the industry as an intern in 1990 at Uptown Records where he eventually became a talent director. He gained clout as a party planner, which would remain central to his brand. In 1991, he promoted a celebrity basketball game and concert at the City College of New York that ended in a stampede, leaving nine people dead. The event was over-capacity by the thousands and resulted in a string of lawsuits, with Combs blamed for hiring inadequate security. He was fired from Uptown, and founded his own label, Bad Boy Records. Thus began his quick ascent to the top of East Coast hip-hop. The Notorious B.I.G. became the genre's king following the release of his landmark debut album "Ready to Die" in 1994, up until his shock murder in 1997. Combs boasted a number of major signed acts and production collaborations with the likes of Blige, Usher, Lil' Kim, TLC, Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men. He was also a Grammy-winning rapper in his own right, debuting with the chart-topping single "Can't Nobody Hold Me Down" and his album "No Way Out." The smash hit single "I'll Be Missing You" was a tribute to Biggie. His other major tracks included "It's All About The Benjamins" and "Been Around the World." He built an image as a brash hustler with unapologetic swagger, a major producer who also ventured into Hollywood, reality television and fashion. He was known as a ladies' man -- he had a high-profile relationship with Jennifer Lopez. Next chapters As recently as 2023, Combs was still on top of the world -- releasing a new album and taking a victory lap as he accepted lifetime honors including a "global icon" award from MTV. But his star plummeted rapidly in November of that year, when his former partner of 11 years, Casandra Ventura, filed a civil suit with a litany of allegations including a 2018 rape. Combs settled the suit almost immediately, but months later, it became clear that federal investigators were trailing him. His mansions were raided and many possessions seized. Then came his arrest and, nearly eight months later, his high-stakes federal trial. Combs's defense conceded that he committed brutal violence. But they insisted that those instances did not amount to the extensive charges he faced -- and won.
The Herald
01-07-2025
- The Herald
'It's sacred territory,' says Denis Villeneuve, director of next Bond movie
'I'm a diehard Bond fan. To me, he's sacred territory. I intend to honour the tradition and open the path for many new missions to come. This is a huge responsibility,' Villeneuve said. The upcoming Bond movie will be the first under Amazon's MGM Studios, which took creative control of the franchise under a new joint venture with longtime rights holders Michael Wilson and Barbara Broccoli earlier this year. The franchise is yet to name a new lead actor following Daniel Craig's departure after No Time to Die in 2021, which earned nearly $800m (R14.09bn) in global box office collections. Inspired by Ian Fleming's novels, the Bond franchise has spanned more than 60 years, grossing more than $7bn (R123.33bn) at the global box office, making it one of the most successful ever. Amy Pascal and David Heyman will produce the next Bond movie. Reuters
