In April 2022, medical oncologist turned author Craig Mulhall achieved huge success with his book The King of Rhye, his written ode to the band Queen, having its own music and cartoon characters created by international artists.
Now after just over two years of what Craig jokingly calls his spare time and plenty of late and early hours, dedicated to producing a worthy follow up, he is ready to share the next book – The King of Rhye Metropolis.
Craig said he submitted the new manuscript to the publisher in February this year, so the last few months had been spent refining the finished product that he was more than ready to share with readers, anticipating it will drop over the next two months.
“As a sequel, Metropolis picks up right where The King of Rhye left off and readers will find themselves amongst familiar friends, but in very much a new world, with a change in feel and a brand-new set of obstacles, arguments, and even love interests,” Craig said.
“My inspiration for this saga remains the iconic music of Queen.
“This time around, I moved away from the fairy kingdoms of early 1970s’ prog rock, and focused instead on what Queen did next.
“It provided a challenge, but also allowed more freedom; the result is what happens when you build a fantasy world from some of classic rock’s greatest hits.
“Some wonderful themes and backdrops emerged – think the Roaring Twenties, the Jazz era, pulp adventure serials like Flash Gordon and the threat of atomic warfare.”
For Craig, he only ever wanted to write a book with his name on the front and to pay homage to some of his favourite music.
“The response from readers – here in Bundaberg, but also in Australia and abroad has astounded me.
“There’s a following out there now, keeping an eye on the social media pages, but that only makes me want to do better.
“To produce the best ’thing’ that I can, for people who have come to believe in what I’m doing.
“There are also the collaborators who have helped to produce art, music, merchandise and even a French translation, I’ve got a lot to be thankful for.
““Work and home life have only gotten busier since The King of Rhye as my wife and I welcomed our second child into the world as I was writing; you can imagine that did not make the process any easier.
“But producing this fantasy saga continues to provide a vital counterpoint to the clinical pressures of work, and the grounded reality at home.
“Each facet is just as important as the others.”
When Metropolis is released, Craig will share it on his The King of Rhye social media, with books available online through print-on-demand platforms and he will also be taking delivery of copies so locals will be welcome to meet him and buy directly.
While he hasn’t planned a launch party yet, he is excited to have been invited back to the First Draft Festival at Shalom College in August, so that will form part of a release celebration.
“I’ve also found amazing support through places like The Book Boutique Bundaberg, so the wonderful Danielle and her crew might be able to spare me a nook to do signings, once my stock arrives.”
