A bit about
STEPHEN BUGÉ 

How the Book Began

I wrote Order of Succession during Covid, originally as a screenplay, because I had never written a book before. When I gave it to a close friend—an experienced, much-published writer—for appraisal, he insisted it was really a novel. That advice became the starting point for the book.

From Screenplay to Novel

Fortunately for me, there was still nowhere to go and nobody to see, as lockdown continued far longer than anyone expected. With all the planets aligned, the screenplay slowly became a book. To my surprise, writing the story itself came remarkably easily; the rewrites and editing were the hard part.

My second and third instalments were easier to write, though they are still being edited. Now a fourth and final story has come to me—one that ties up JC Page’s life.

A Love of Film

As a movie lover and former cinema owner, I began my writing journey with original screenplays. Eleven scripts later, I finally stopped—not because I had run out of ideas, but because of the current state of the film industry. It often feels as though cinemas are being cut out of the equation altogether, with more and more product made primarily for streaming.

Even so, I still live in hope. I would love to see at least one of my stories produced for the big screen.

The Challenge of Getting Noticed

Agents, directors, and distributors who accept unsolicited manuscripts or screenplays are now almost non-existent. At the same time, the variety of films available to the general public seems to be slowing to a trickle—unless, of course, you love blockbusters and major franchises.

I keep reminding myself that J.K. Rowling was rejected twelve times before a small publisher, who didn't even fully understand the work, recognised its possibilities.

So, if any of you know someone who might take a chance on a newbie, please let me know.