Urban Mythic Interview

Next month sees the publication of The Alchemy Press Book of Urban Mythic, in which you'll find my short story A Night To Forget. During the run-up to the launch, Alchemy Press are posting on their blog a series of short interviews with the contributors. This week it's my turn - there's a link to … Continue reading Urban Mythic Interview

“After Liff” by John Lloyd and Jon Canter

It's always a thrill to get something published. My latest appearance in print is especially important to me, despite the fact it comprises just eleven words. It's my humble contribution to After Liff, a book written by John Lloyd and Jon Canter and just published by Faber and Faber. Why do these eleven words mean … Continue reading “After Liff” by John Lloyd and Jon Canter

Solaris Books to Publish “Talus and the Frozen King”

I'm thrilled to announce I've just signed up with Solaris Books, leading UK publisher of science fiction, fantasy and horror fiction, to publish my new novel Talus and the Frozen King. The deal was agented by Dot Lumley of the Dorian Literary Agency. What's that? You want to know what the novel's about? Oh, if … Continue reading Solaris Books to Publish “Talus and the Frozen King”

“The Frozen King” – 2nd Draft

The Frozen King* is a novel I've been writing, on and off, for about eighteen months. I finished the first draft in the spring of 2012 and, thanks to my agent's tireless work, it soon found its way to the desk of an editor who, after reading it, returned it with a whole host of … Continue reading “The Frozen King” – 2nd Draft

Digging Up “Saturn 3”

If, like me, you like to read about how films are made, you'll know that movie disasters (as opposed to disaster movies) can sometimes be more interesting than success stories. One such disaster is the 1980 science fiction thriller Saturn 3. I had the misfortune to watch this dreadful film on its first theatrical release. … Continue reading Digging Up “Saturn 3”

“The Hole in the Hive”

I recently had the great pleasure of visiting Hucknall National Church of England Primary School, where I gave a presentation about writing to the Year Four children. The main theme of the morning was stories written from an animal's viewpoint. Part of the session was a workshop, during which we wrote a story together about … Continue reading “The Hole in the Hive”

Interview with a Weird Detective

I was in this bar called Medusa's, minding my own business. Outside, the rain was sheeting down. Dirty jazz seeped from even dirtier speakers and trade was so slow the barman had posted a BACK SOON sign. A man walked in. He was wearing a fedora and a tattered leather coat with bright yellow buttons. … Continue reading Interview with a Weird Detective

Mystery Women Magazine Reviews Black Star Crime

Mystery Women magazine has published a nice review by Radmila May of the entire launch selection from Black Star Crime, the short-lived crime imprint created by Harlequin last year. The six titles are: A Narrow Escape by Faith Martin Double Cross by Tracy Gilpin Murder Plot by Lance Elliott Lost and Found by Vivian Roberts … Continue reading Mystery Women Magazine Reviews Black Star Crime

Setting the Story Aside

This afternoon I finished writing a 7,500 word short story. And now I've got to set it aside. Tempting though it is to wrap up the manuscript and fire it off to my agent, I know that would be a mistake. Most of the story's still in first draft, you see. So, happy as I … Continue reading Setting the Story Aside

Locus reviews “Best Horror”

Congratulations to editor Ellen Datlow on another positive review of The Best Horror of the Year Volume One, this time in the December issue of Locus. According to the review: "The 19 horror stories and two poems Datlow has selected as her top picks for 2008 are as eclectic a mix as the contents she … Continue reading Locus reviews “Best Horror”