The Saga of String
31 December 2016 (updated)
Mariah Avix's podcast of String-Driven Thing for 600 Second Saga has gone live. She has done a marvellous job, really bringing out the characters' voices. If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and review it, e.g. on iTunes or 600 Second Saga's YouTube channel.
String-Driven Thing originally appeared in Nature Futures (2009).
Mariah Avix's podcast of String-Driven Thing for 600 Second Saga has gone live. She has done a marvellous job, really bringing out the characters' voices. If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and review it, e.g. on iTunes or 600 Second Saga's YouTube channel.
String-Driven Thing originally appeared in Nature Futures (2009).
An Honorable Peace
29 December 2016
I'm delighted to announce that my micro-story Peace on Earth has received an Honorable Mention in 200 CC's Christmas Contest. You can read it – and the other successsful entries – here.
I'm delighted to announce that my micro-story Peace on Earth has received an Honorable Mention in 200 CC's Christmas Contest. You can read it – and the other successsful entries – here.
Happy Holidays!
23 December 2016
Here's wishing all my readers and visitors a very Merry Christmas and/or Happy Holidays.
Here's wishing all my readers and visitors a very Merry Christmas and/or Happy Holidays.
Shortly At Your Service!
20 December 2016
From 3 January 2017, I will be offering a (paid) critiquing service for short fiction in the speculative genres. If you are interested in making use of this service, please read this page first before contacting me.
Please note that I will be running an introductory offer during January.
I look forward to reading and critiquing your short stories!
From 3 January 2017, I will be offering a (paid) critiquing service for short fiction in the speculative genres. If you are interested in making use of this service, please read this page first before contacting me.
Please note that I will be running an introductory offer during January.
I look forward to reading and critiquing your short stories!
Stars in Your Ears
19 December 2016 (updated)
I'm thrilled to announce that Paul Cole has loaded a podcast including my SF story Stars in Her Eyes onto Beam Me Up. The reader, Ron Huber, has done an excellent job of voicing the story's trio of characters, so if you fancy a pre-Christmas treat...
Elsewhere in the podcast, Paul talks about John Glenn, the final phase of the Cassini mission to Saturn, and some classic SF novels. My story starts about 13 minutes into the 'cast.
I'm thrilled to announce that Paul Cole has loaded a podcast including my SF story Stars in Her Eyes onto Beam Me Up. The reader, Ron Huber, has done an excellent job of voicing the story's trio of characters, so if you fancy a pre-Christmas treat...
Elsewhere in the podcast, Paul talks about John Glenn, the final phase of the Cassini mission to Saturn, and some classic SF novels. My story starts about 13 minutes into the 'cast.
Cheap and Cheerful Sons
12 December 2016 (updated)
(Promotion has now ended.)
To spread some pre-Christmas cheer, I've reduced the price of my Sons of the Earth Kindle ebook at Amazon.co.uk (£0.99) and Amazon.com ($0.99) until midnight on 11 December.
These thirteen SF and fantasy stories were originally published in Interzone, Daily Science Fiction, Nature, and Postscripts, among others. Several have not been published in ebook form before.
(Promotion has now ended.)
To spread some pre-Christmas cheer, I've reduced the price of my Sons of the Earth Kindle ebook at Amazon.co.uk (£0.99) and Amazon.com ($0.99) until midnight on 11 December.
These thirteen SF and fantasy stories were originally published in Interzone, Daily Science Fiction, Nature, and Postscripts, among others. Several have not been published in ebook form before.
String Exported to Poland
30 November 2016
I'm delighted to announce that my SF short-short String-Driven Thing has been translated into Polish and published on-line by Szortal magazine. My thanks, in particular, go to translator Aleksander Księżopolski. This is my third story to appear in Szortal and my fourth to be translated into Polish.
String-Driven Thing was originally published in Nature Futures (2009).
I'm delighted to announce that my SF short-short String-Driven Thing has been translated into Polish and published on-line by Szortal magazine. My thanks, in particular, go to translator Aleksander Księżopolski. This is my third story to appear in Szortal and my fourth to be translated into Polish.
String-Driven Thing was originally published in Nature Futures (2009).
Tuning In to the Beyond
24 November 2016
One Step Beyond is now on sale at iTunes.
Purchase at iTunes (UK) for £0.99
Purchase at iTunes (USA) for $0.99
These prices will be increased in the near future.
One Step Beyond is now on sale at iTunes.
Purchase at iTunes (UK) for £0.99
Purchase at iTunes (USA) for $0.99
These prices will be increased in the near future.
Beyond the Verdict
23 November 2016
An Amazon customer praises One Step Beyond:
"A nice collection of bite-sized sci-fi stories. These stories avoid the obvious tropes, with rich worlds and fun twists. A really fun read." (****)
An Amazon customer praises One Step Beyond:
"A nice collection of bite-sized sci-fi stories. These stories avoid the obvious tropes, with rich worlds and fun twists. A really fun read." (****)
Buyer Further Beyond
22 November 2016
The charity anthology One Step Beyond is now on sale at the Kobo and Barnes & Noble on-line stores.
Purchase at Kobo (UK) for £0.80
Purchase at Barnes & Noble (Nook) for $0.99
We're still waiting on iTunes.
These prices will be increased in the near future.
The charity anthology One Step Beyond is now on sale at the Kobo and Barnes & Noble on-line stores.
Purchase at Kobo (UK) for £0.80
Purchase at Barnes & Noble (Nook) for $0.99
We're still waiting on iTunes.
These prices will be increased in the near future.
Buyer Beyond
17 November 2016
The charity anthology One Step Beyond is now on sale at Amazon and Smashwords. The eight reprinted SF and fantasy stories included in this anthology were written by members of the One Step Beyond writers' group. This ebook was edited and produced by me.
Published by Tower of Chaos Press, all profits from this anthology will go to the English PEN charity, which works to defend and promote freedom of expression, and to remove barriers to literature. The anthology's authors, editor and cover artist will not receive any money from sales.
Purchase at Amazon (USA) for $0.99
Purchase at Amazon (UK) for £0.99
Purchase at Smashwords for $0.99
These prices will be increased in the near future, so if you're interested in reading this anthology please purchase it soon!
The charity anthology One Step Beyond is now on sale at Amazon and Smashwords. The eight reprinted SF and fantasy stories included in this anthology were written by members of the One Step Beyond writers' group. This ebook was edited and produced by me.
Published by Tower of Chaos Press, all profits from this anthology will go to the English PEN charity, which works to defend and promote freedom of expression, and to remove barriers to literature. The anthology's authors, editor and cover artist will not receive any money from sales.
Purchase at Amazon (USA) for $0.99
Purchase at Amazon (UK) for £0.99
Purchase at Smashwords for $0.99
These prices will be increased in the near future, so if you're interested in reading this anthology please purchase it soon!
Digital Touch
6 November 2016
I'm pleased to announce that the editor at Digital Fiction Publishing has accepted my SF short story Invisible Touch for reprinting in QuickFic, a web-based publication.
Invisible Touch was originally published in Daily Science Fiction (December 2015).
I'm pleased to announce that the editor at Digital Fiction Publishing has accepted my SF short story Invisible Touch for reprinting in QuickFic, a web-based publication.
Invisible Touch was originally published in Daily Science Fiction (December 2015).
Dark Inside Estonia
5 November 2016
Estonian SF magazine Reaktor has reprinted my Nature Futures story from 2010 Dark They Were, and Strange Inside. If you read Estonian, please click on this link.
Estonian SF magazine Reaktor has reprinted my Nature Futures story from 2010 Dark They Were, and Strange Inside. If you read Estonian, please click on this link.
Stepping to Order
3 November 2016
One Step Beyond, an ebook anthology of SF and fantasy stories written by members of the writers' group of the same name and edited by me, is now available to pre-order from Amazon and Smashwords. Published by Tower of Chaos Press, all proceeds from this anthology will go to the English PEN charity.
Order at Amazon (USA) for $0.99
Order at Amazon (UK) for £0.99
Order at Smashwords for $0.99
One Step Beyond, an ebook anthology of SF and fantasy stories written by members of the writers' group of the same name and edited by me, is now available to pre-order from Amazon and Smashwords. Published by Tower of Chaos Press, all proceeds from this anthology will go to the English PEN charity.
Order at Amazon (USA) for $0.99
Order at Amazon (UK) for £0.99
Order at Smashwords for $0.99
An Oral History of String
3 November 2016
I'm pleased to announce that my SF story String-Driven Thing will be podcast by 600 Second Saga in the near future.
String-Driven Thing originally appeared in Nature Futures in 2009.
More details to follow in due course.
I'm pleased to announce that my SF story String-Driven Thing will be podcast by 600 Second Saga in the near future.
String-Driven Thing originally appeared in Nature Futures in 2009.
More details to follow in due course.
Time to Build Castles
1 November 2016
I'm pleased to announce that a reprint of my story 'Time to Play' will appear in Sky Castles: An Anthology of Diverse Worlds, which is being edited by Jasmine Shea Townsend.
More details in due course.
I'm pleased to announce that a reprint of my story 'Time to Play' will appear in Sky Castles: An Anthology of Diverse Worlds, which is being edited by Jasmine Shea Townsend.
More details in due course.
Step This Way
1 November 2016
One Step Beyond, an ebook anthology of stories written by members of the writers' group of that name, will be published on 17 November by Tower of Chaos Press. This anthology will raise money for the English PEN charity.
The cover is by my good friend Tony Hughes.
More details soon!
One Step Beyond, an ebook anthology of stories written by members of the writers' group of that name, will be published on 17 November by Tower of Chaos Press. This anthology will raise money for the English PEN charity.
The cover is by my good friend Tony Hughes.
More details soon!
Spam, Spam, Spam...
20 October 2016
Manawaker Studio has uploaded their podcast of The Last Botnet. I think it's an excellent rendition of my story.
The Last Botnet was originally published in Nature Physics Futures in 2008.
Manawaker Studio has uploaded their podcast of The Last Botnet. I think it's an excellent rendition of my story.
The Last Botnet was originally published in Nature Physics Futures in 2008.
Sons Spotted
18 October 2016
My new ebook, Sons of the Earth, is now on sale!
This collection of thirteen short stories is available to purchase as a Kindle edition for only $2.99 from Amazon.com and £1.99 from Amazon.co.uk (for other Amazon marketplaces, click here).
These short stories originally appeared in Interzone, Postscripts, Nature Futures and other fine venues.
My new ebook, Sons of the Earth, is now on sale!
This collection of thirteen short stories is available to purchase as a Kindle edition for only $2.99 from Amazon.com and £1.99 from Amazon.co.uk (for other Amazon marketplaces, click here).
These short stories originally appeared in Interzone, Postscripts, Nature Futures and other fine venues.
Equality For Moon and Sons
7 October 2016
I've reduced the Amazon UK price of the Kindle edition of my first short story collection, Moondust Memories, so that it matches that of my new collection, Sons of the Earth. Both now cost £1.99 to purchase.
I've reduced the Amazon UK price of the Kindle edition of my first short story collection, Moondust Memories, so that it matches that of my new collection, Sons of the Earth. Both now cost £1.99 to purchase.
Lunar Seaside
6 October 2016
I'm delighted to announce that Shoreline of Infinity will be publishing my short story The Last Moonshot. This will be my 33rd short story to see publication
Shoreline of Infinity is a relatively new SF magazine published out of Scotland. Having read an issue and been impressed with its quality, I am particularly pleased to have a story forthcoming in this magazine.
More news on this in due course.
I'm delighted to announce that Shoreline of Infinity will be publishing my short story The Last Moonshot. This will be my 33rd short story to see publication
Shoreline of Infinity is a relatively new SF magazine published out of Scotland. Having read an issue and been impressed with its quality, I am particularly pleased to have a story forthcoming in this magazine.
More news on this in due course.
Building Books No More -- Redux
3 October 2016
Following the closure of AnthologyBuilder, I have reorganised this site's Books & Stories area to include pages devoted to each of the anthologies I created on that wonderful site. Covers, story listings, introductions -- you'll find everything here.
Following the closure of AnthologyBuilder, I have reorganised this site's Books & Stories area to include pages devoted to each of the anthologies I created on that wonderful site. Covers, story listings, introductions -- you'll find everything here.
Keep Watching The Skies
30 September 2016
I've just received some excellent news about a short-story acceptance, the details of which I'll reveal once contractual matters have been dealt with, hopefully next week.
In the meantime, why not set yourself up to read some of my previously published stories? My new collection, Sons of the Earth, will be published in Kindle format on 18 October. It is available to pre-order now at Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk and other Amazon stores.
I've just received some excellent news about a short-story acceptance, the details of which I'll reveal once contractual matters have been dealt with, hopefully next week.
In the meantime, why not set yourself up to read some of my previously published stories? My new collection, Sons of the Earth, will be published in Kindle format on 18 October. It is available to pre-order now at Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk and other Amazon stores.
Order Your Sons
23 September 2016
The Kindle edition of my second collection of my published short fiction is now available to pre-order. Sons of the Earth collects thirteen of my published science fiction, fantasy and mystery stories. Four of these stories have not previously appeared in ebook form.
Sons of the Earth will be published on 18 October, but is available to pre-order now, from Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk and other Amazon stores.
The Kindle edition of my second collection of my published short fiction is now available to pre-order. Sons of the Earth collects thirteen of my published science fiction, fantasy and mystery stories. Four of these stories have not previously appeared in ebook form.
Sons of the Earth will be published on 18 October, but is available to pre-order now, from Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk and other Amazon stores.
Sean Timarco Baggaley RIP
19 September 2016
I was deeply saddened to hear over the weekend of the untimely death of Sean Timarco Baggeley. Sean was one the attendees at Liz Holliday's One Step Beyond workshop for new writers in 1998, also a founding members of the writers' group of the same name. Sean was a fine writer of humourous short SF, among his many other talents. A thoroughly nice guy, he left this world much too soon.
I was deeply saddened to hear over the weekend of the untimely death of Sean Timarco Baggeley. Sean was one the attendees at Liz Holliday's One Step Beyond workshop for new writers in 1998, also a founding members of the writers' group of the same name. Sean was a fine writer of humourous short SF, among his many other talents. A thoroughly nice guy, he left this world much too soon.
Building Books No More
19 September 2016
Nancy Fulda has announced that AnthologyBuilder.com will close on 30 September 2016, as she's been unable to find a buyer for the site.
I found the idea of building bespoke anthologies from a library of stories and cover pictures an absolute delight. You can see some examples here.
Nancy Fulda has announced that AnthologyBuilder.com will close on 30 September 2016, as she's been unable to find a buyer for the site.
I found the idea of building bespoke anthologies from a library of stories and cover pictures an absolute delight. You can see some examples here.
First Contact Tomorrow!
12 September 2016
(Post edited because of breaking news.)
I'm delighted to announce that Indie Authors Press have accepted two of my stories for reprinting in their forthcoming SF anthologies.
Stars in Her Eyes will appear in First Contact. This story was originally published in Postscripts #17 (PS Publishing, 2008).
Family Tree will appear in Issues of Tomorrow. This story was originally published in Helix #7 (2008).
(Post edited because of breaking news.)
I'm delighted to announce that Indie Authors Press have accepted two of my stories for reprinting in their forthcoming SF anthologies.
Stars in Her Eyes will appear in First Contact. This story was originally published in Postscripts #17 (PS Publishing, 2008).
Family Tree will appear in Issues of Tomorrow. This story was originally published in Helix #7 (2008).
Bursting Forth
6 September 2016
My SF story POD People has just been published in the debut issue of Speculative 66.
Each story contains only 66 words, yet is beautifully illustrated. Editor L. L. Madrid has done a lovely job.
My SF story POD People has just been published in the debut issue of Speculative 66.
Each story contains only 66 words, yet is beautifully illustrated. Editor L. L. Madrid has done a lovely job.
Racing Along Route 66
22 August 2016
I'm delighted to announce that my SF story POD People has been accepted for publication in Speculative 66, a new on-line 'zine that specialises in publishing stories containing exactly 66 words.
POD People will appear in the debut issue, due for release on 6 September.
I'm delighted to announce that my SF story POD People has been accepted for publication in Speculative 66, a new on-line 'zine that specialises in publishing stories containing exactly 66 words.
POD People will appear in the debut issue, due for release on 6 September.
Talking of Spam
11 August 2016
I'm delighted to announce that my SF story The Last Botnet has been accepted for podcasting in Manawaker Studio's Flash Fiction Podcast. This will be my second story to appear there. More details to follow.
The Last Botnet was originally published in Nature Physics Futures in 2008.
I'm delighted to announce that my SF story The Last Botnet has been accepted for podcasting in Manawaker Studio's Flash Fiction Podcast. This will be my second story to appear there. More details to follow.
The Last Botnet was originally published in Nature Physics Futures in 2008.
Moon Drops
21 July 2016 (edited)
From today, the Kindle edition of my SF collection Moondust Memories costs only $0.99 at Amazon.com and £0.99 at Amazon.co.uk (commencing 06:00 PST and GMT respectively). This deal ends at 12:00 on 28 July. However, if you subscribe to Kindle Unlimited you can obtain this ebook for nothing.
Moondust Memories is also available as a paperback from Amazon and Createspace.
Fellow author, Ian Laville had this to say about Moondust Memories:
"In summary, 'Moondust Memories' is a rewarding read in the best possible way. A wonderful collection of thought-provoking and challenging stories that you will enjoy whether you're a fan of sci-fi or not."
From today, the Kindle edition of my SF collection Moondust Memories costs only $0.99 at Amazon.com and £0.99 at Amazon.co.uk (commencing 06:00 PST and GMT respectively). This deal ends at 12:00 on 28 July. However, if you subscribe to Kindle Unlimited you can obtain this ebook for nothing.
Moondust Memories is also available as a paperback from Amazon and Createspace.
Fellow author, Ian Laville had this to say about Moondust Memories:
"In summary, 'Moondust Memories' is a rewarding read in the best possible way. A wonderful collection of thought-provoking and challenging stories that you will enjoy whether you're a fan of sci-fi or not."
Intentionally Reduced
21 July 2016 (edited)
If you'd like to buy the ebook of Carol Hightshoe's Unintended Consequences anthology, which includes one of my stories, you can get 25% off at Smashwords (use Coupon Code LF75S).
The same discount applies to the paperback at Createspace (use Discount Code 9HW5GHYR).
Both discounts are valid until 15 August.
If you are interested in reviewing this anthology, preferably for an established reviews website, then please send me a message.
If you'd like to buy the ebook of Carol Hightshoe's Unintended Consequences anthology, which includes one of my stories, you can get 25% off at Smashwords (use Coupon Code LF75S).
The same discount applies to the paperback at Createspace (use Discount Code 9HW5GHYR).
Both discounts are valid until 15 August.
If you are interested in reviewing this anthology, preferably for an established reviews website, then please send me a message.
Unintentionally Dark Inside
19 July 2016
I'm delighted to announce that my SF short-short Dark They Were, and Strange Inside has been reprinted in Carol Hightshoe's Unintended Consequences anthology, which is published by WolfSinger Publications. The anthology is available to purchase in print and ebook formats from Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk and Smashwords, amongst others.
Dark They Were, and Strange Inside was originally published in Nature Futures (2010).
I'm delighted to announce that my SF short-short Dark They Were, and Strange Inside has been reprinted in Carol Hightshoe's Unintended Consequences anthology, which is published by WolfSinger Publications. The anthology is available to purchase in print and ebook formats from Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk and Smashwords, amongst others.
Dark They Were, and Strange Inside was originally published in Nature Futures (2010).
The Glorious Game Redux
14 July 2016
Sadly, Italy didn't reach the semi-finals (or further) of Euro 2016, so I didn't receive any winnings from the TTA Press Euro 2016 sweepstake. On the other hand, the royalties from my ebooks and paperbacks were fairly healthy during the tournament, so I have made a £10 donation to Oxfam UK.
Thank-you to everyone who bought my books.
Sadly, Italy didn't reach the semi-finals (or further) of Euro 2016, so I didn't receive any winnings from the TTA Press Euro 2016 sweepstake. On the other hand, the royalties from my ebooks and paperbacks were fairly healthy during the tournament, so I have made a £10 donation to Oxfam UK.
Thank-you to everyone who bought my books.
Buzzing in Your Ear
24 June 2016
I'm thrilled to announce that my SF story Bee Futures is now available in audio form, in Manawaker Studio's Flash Fiction Podcast 0122. The podcast lasts about seven minutes. It's well worth a listen!
Bee Futures was originally published in Nature Futures in 2013.
I'm thrilled to announce that my SF story Bee Futures is now available in audio form, in Manawaker Studio's Flash Fiction Podcast 0122. The podcast lasts about seven minutes. It's well worth a listen!
Bee Futures was originally published in Nature Futures in 2013.
Baltic Bees Now a Recognised Species
20 June 2016
(Edited 16:20 GMT: Not nominated as such, but rather eligible.)
I'm delighted to announce that my SF story Bee Futures is on the eligibility list for a Stalker (Estonian SF award) in the best translated SF short story category. This award is announced at the annual Estcon SF convention.
Bee Futures was originally published in Nature Futures in 2013, and reprinted in Estonian translation in Reaktor magazine (2015).
(Edited 16:20 GMT: Not nominated as such, but rather eligible.)
I'm delighted to announce that my SF story Bee Futures is on the eligibility list for a Stalker (Estonian SF award) in the best translated SF short story category. This award is announced at the annual Estcon SF convention.
Bee Futures was originally published in Nature Futures in 2013, and reprinted in Estonian translation in Reaktor magazine (2015).
The Glorious Game
10 June 2016
As usual during a major football tournament, I have entered the TTA Press Euro 2016 sweepstake. For better or worse, I have drawn Italy. If I'm lucky enough to win any money, I'll be donating it to Oxfam UK, but not before I've topped up the amount with any ebook (and other) royalties I earn during the duration of the tournament. So, there's an incentive to buy my books!
Forza Italia!
(No, that's not a reference to the political party of that name...)
As usual during a major football tournament, I have entered the TTA Press Euro 2016 sweepstake. For better or worse, I have drawn Italy. If I'm lucky enough to win any money, I'll be donating it to Oxfam UK, but not before I've topped up the amount with any ebook (and other) royalties I earn during the duration of the tournament. So, there's an incentive to buy my books!
Forza Italia!
(No, that's not a reference to the political party of that name...)
A View of Futures Past
26 May 2016
Fellow author John Blenkinsop has posted a very pleasing 5* review on Amazon (UK) of my Alternate Apollos ebook, which I've excerpted here:
"These are short stories in the true tradition. In a very small number of words they present us with fully realised characters and natural situations, beginnings, middles and ends that satisfy a reader's soul."
Alternate Apollos is also available from Amazon.com, iTunes, Kobo, and Smashwords.
Fellow author John Blenkinsop has posted a very pleasing 5* review on Amazon (UK) of my Alternate Apollos ebook, which I've excerpted here:
"These are short stories in the true tradition. In a very small number of words they present us with fully realised characters and natural situations, beginnings, middles and ends that satisfy a reader's soul."
Alternate Apollos is also available from Amazon.com, iTunes, Kobo, and Smashwords.
Talking of Bees
25 May 2016
I'm delighted to announce that Manawaker Studio has accepted my SF short-short Bee Futures for their Flash Fiction Podcast.
Bee Futures was originally published in Nature Futures (2013).
I'm delighted to announce that Manawaker Studio has accepted my SF short-short Bee Futures for their Flash Fiction Podcast.
Bee Futures was originally published in Nature Futures (2013).
Dark Inside Eridan
17 May 2016
My SF short-short Dark They Were, and Strange Inside has been published in issue 18 of Eridan magazine. My particular thanks go to Igor Rendić, who translated this story into Croatian. Eridan is a smart-looking e-zine, which I commend to writers looking to see their work appear in translation.
Dark They Were, and Strange Inside was originally published in Nature Futures (2010).
My SF short-short Dark They Were, and Strange Inside has been published in issue 18 of Eridan magazine. My particular thanks go to Igor Rendić, who translated this story into Croatian. Eridan is a smart-looking e-zine, which I commend to writers looking to see their work appear in translation.
Dark They Were, and Strange Inside was originally published in Nature Futures (2010).
Hitting the Heights
2 May 2016
Issue 58 of Abyss & Apex, which includes my SF story Insider Art, gets a fantastic review on the SFRevu website.
"The 58th issue of Abyss & Apex is as delightful as ever! All the stories are about people who come to life in a very real way. You should all buy this issue. You will not forget it."
Abyss & Apex is currently running an Indiegogo campaign to raise funds. Please consider supporting this highly regarded and long-running webzine.
Issue 58 of Abyss & Apex, which includes my SF story Insider Art, gets a fantastic review on the SFRevu website.
"The 58th issue of Abyss & Apex is as delightful as ever! All the stories are about people who come to life in a very real way. You should all buy this issue. You will not forget it."
Abyss & Apex is currently running an Indiegogo campaign to raise funds. Please consider supporting this highly regarded and long-running webzine.
Cracked Eye R.I.P.
30 April 2016
Due to very sad circumstances, Cracked Eye will be closing down on 5th May. I hope the publisher can find a new source of finance, but I'd guess the odds are against it.
If you haven't read my story Collapsing Into Life yet, don't delay. It won't be on-line much longer.
Due to very sad circumstances, Cracked Eye will be closing down on 5th May. I hope the publisher can find a new source of finance, but I'd guess the odds are against it.
If you haven't read my story Collapsing Into Life yet, don't delay. It won't be on-line much longer.
Darkness Falls in Croatia
23 April 2016
I'm pleased to announce that my SF short-short Dark They Were, and Strange Inside will be translated into Croatian for reprinting in Eridan magazine. This will be my first work to see translation into Croatian, and this story's fifth appearance in a foreign language.
Dark They Were, and Strange Inside was originally published in Nature Futures (2010).
I'm pleased to announce that my SF short-short Dark They Were, and Strange Inside will be translated into Croatian for reprinting in Eridan magazine. This will be my first work to see translation into Croatian, and this story's fifth appearance in a foreign language.
Dark They Were, and Strange Inside was originally published in Nature Futures (2010).
The Consequences of Darkness
14 April 2016
I'm pleased to announce that my SF short-short Dark They Were, and Strange Inside will be reprinted in Carol Hightshoe's Unintended Consequences anthology, which is forthcoming from WolfSinger Publications.
Dark They Were, and Strange Inside was originally published in Nature Futures (2010).
I'm pleased to announce that my SF short-short Dark They Were, and Strange Inside will be reprinted in Carol Hightshoe's Unintended Consequences anthology, which is forthcoming from WolfSinger Publications.
Dark They Were, and Strange Inside was originally published in Nature Futures (2010).
Insider Tip (no fooling)
30 March 2016
My SF short story Insider Art will appear in the Second Quarter 2016 issue (#58) of Abyss & Apex, which is due to be published on 1 April.
Abyss & Apex is currently running an Indiegogo campaign to raise funds. Please consider supporting this highly regarded and long-running webzine.
My SF short story Insider Art will appear in the Second Quarter 2016 issue (#58) of Abyss & Apex, which is due to be published on 1 April.
Abyss & Apex is currently running an Indiegogo campaign to raise funds. Please consider supporting this highly regarded and long-running webzine.
Hive Mind Achieves Singularity
30 March 2016
Here's one I missed while attending Mancunicon:
My flash-length story Bee Futures has been reprinted in issue 3 of The Singularity. As with this magazine's previous issues, the cover is beautiful.
Here's one I missed while attending Mancunicon:
My flash-length story Bee Futures has been reprinted in issue 3 of The Singularity. As with this magazine's previous issues, the cover is beautiful.
Top Cat
29 March 2016
Charles Payseur has posted a lovely review of my fantasy short story Brown Cat Blues.
Charles is very positive about the whole issue, so why not support Plasma Frequency magazine? It's a great publication.
Charles Payseur has posted a lovely review of my fantasy short story Brown Cat Blues.
Charles is very positive about the whole issue, so why not support Plasma Frequency magazine? It's a great publication.
Cracking Up
18 March 2016
I'm delighted to announce that my mystery story Collapsing Into Life has been published today as a web exclusive at Cracked Eye.
Rachelle Meyer has produced some beautiful illustrations for this story, which you can read here.
I'm delighted to announce that my mystery story Collapsing Into Life has been published today as a web exclusive at Cracked Eye.
Rachelle Meyer has produced some beautiful illustrations for this story, which you can read here.
Cat Now Free and Easy
15 March 2016
My fantasy story Brown Cat Blues is free to read this week on Plasma Frequency Magazine's website.
(It was originally published in their Q1 2016 edition.)
My fantasy story Brown Cat Blues is free to read this week on Plasma Frequency Magazine's website.
(It was originally published in their Q1 2016 edition.)
Old-Timer's First Time on TV
14 March 2016
I'll be appearing on the "Little-Known British SF TV Shows of the 1950s to 1970s" panel at Mancunicon on Saturday 26 March (17:30-18:30 Room 6 Hilton Deansgate).
This will be my first ever convention panel!
(Luckily for me--and the audience--it's a topic I'm reasonably knowledgeable about...)
I'll be appearing on the "Little-Known British SF TV Shows of the 1950s to 1970s" panel at Mancunicon on Saturday 26 March (17:30-18:30 Room 6 Hilton Deansgate).
This will be my first ever convention panel!
(Luckily for me--and the audience--it's a topic I'm reasonably knowledgeable about...)
Dark Dates in Baltic States
3 March 2016
I'm delighted to announce that Dark They Were, and Strange Inside will be translated into Estonian for reprinting in the Reaktor ezine later this year. This will be my second story to appear there, after Bee Futures last year.
Dark They Were, and Strange Inside was originally published in Nature Futures (2010).
I'm delighted to announce that Dark They Were, and Strange Inside will be translated into Estonian for reprinting in the Reaktor ezine later this year. This will be my second story to appear there, after Bee Futures last year.
Dark They Were, and Strange Inside was originally published in Nature Futures (2010).
Moon First, Then Mars
Updated: 3 March 2016
*** DEAL ENDS SOON! ***
To celebrate StarShipSofa's podcast of First and Third, I've dropped the price of the Kindle edition of Moondust Memories, which includes this story, to £0.99 at Amazon.co.uk and $0.99 at Amazon.com. The deal ends at midnight** on 3 March (GMT/PST).
** Sorry, previously stated time was incorrect!
*** DEAL ENDS SOON! ***
To celebrate StarShipSofa's podcast of First and Third, I've dropped the price of the Kindle edition of Moondust Memories, which includes this story, to £0.99 at Amazon.co.uk and $0.99 at Amazon.com. The deal ends at midnight** on 3 March (GMT/PST).
** Sorry, previously stated time was incorrect!
Mars First, Last and Always
24 February 2016
My Mars-set SF story First and Third is featured on the weekly StarShipSofa podcast. Before that, there is a fascinating item on someone who participated in a Mars simulation mission.
Listen to the whole podcast here. My story begins at around 32 minutes into the podcast. Nikolle Doolin does a wonderful job of the narration.
To celebrate, I've made First and Third free to download as an epub from Smashwords. I'm hoping Amazon will price-match the Kindle version in due course. Also, there will be a week-long promotion (£0.99/$0.99) for the Kindle edition of Moondust Memories, which includes this story, on Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com, starting on Friday 26 February.
My Mars-set SF story First and Third is featured on the weekly StarShipSofa podcast. Before that, there is a fascinating item on someone who participated in a Mars simulation mission.
Listen to the whole podcast here. My story begins at around 32 minutes into the podcast. Nikolle Doolin does a wonderful job of the narration.
To celebrate, I've made First and Third free to download as an epub from Smashwords. I'm hoping Amazon will price-match the Kindle version in due course. Also, there will be a week-long promotion (£0.99/$0.99) for the Kindle edition of Moondust Memories, which includes this story, on Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com, starting on Friday 26 February.
No Quarter - Redux
9 February 2016
Sadly if unsurprisingly given last year's announcement, QuarterReads has finally closed.
I thought QuarterReads was a lovely concept, one which I was delighted to support by having eleven of my short stories and two memoirs reprinted there. I wish its founder, Ian Rose, all the best in his writing career and future projects.
Sadly if unsurprisingly given last year's announcement, QuarterReads has finally closed.
I thought QuarterReads was a lovely concept, one which I was delighted to support by having eleven of my short stories and two memoirs reprinted there. I wish its founder, Ian Rose, all the best in his writing career and future projects.
Fool's Art Inside
29 January 2016
Previously announced as an acceptance, I've now heard that long-standing SF and fantasy webzine Abyss & Apex will be publishing my story Insider Art in their Q2 2016 issue, which will be published on 1 April.
Previously announced as an acceptance, I've now heard that long-standing SF and fantasy webzine Abyss & Apex will be publishing my story Insider Art in their Q2 2016 issue, which will be published on 1 April.
Recommended with Reynolds
25 January 2016
It's always pleasing to be mentioned in conjunction with a popular and critically acclaimed author...
This excerpt comes from a Q&A with Jaine Fenn (a terrific author in her own right) on Jenny Barber's blog:
Q: What’s the appeal of short fiction for you and do you have any short fiction recommendations?
A: Short fiction is great if, like me, you have a hectic lifestyle and short attention span. More seriously, the short story is an art form which doesn’t get as much credit and coverage as it should; creating and develop compelling characters in a believable world whilst getting across your central idea in, say, five thousand words is quite an art. As for recommendations … there are some excellent short story writers out there, too many to mention, though I think short stories particularly suit hard SF ideas, and two recommendations for hard SF shorts would be Alasdair Reynolds and a newer writer, Vaughan Stanger.
(Fair disclosure: I know Jaine well, but she was definitely not obliged to mention me in the same breath as Alasdair Reynolds! Apparently ours were the first two names that popped into her head when she was thinking about hard SF short stories.)
It's always pleasing to be mentioned in conjunction with a popular and critically acclaimed author...
This excerpt comes from a Q&A with Jaine Fenn (a terrific author in her own right) on Jenny Barber's blog:
Q: What’s the appeal of short fiction for you and do you have any short fiction recommendations?
A: Short fiction is great if, like me, you have a hectic lifestyle and short attention span. More seriously, the short story is an art form which doesn’t get as much credit and coverage as it should; creating and develop compelling characters in a believable world whilst getting across your central idea in, say, five thousand words is quite an art. As for recommendations … there are some excellent short story writers out there, too many to mention, though I think short stories particularly suit hard SF ideas, and two recommendations for hard SF shorts would be Alasdair Reynolds and a newer writer, Vaughan Stanger.
(Fair disclosure: I know Jaine well, but she was definitely not obliged to mention me in the same breath as Alasdair Reynolds! Apparently ours were the first two names that popped into her head when she was thinking about hard SF short stories.)
Favouring Times Past
18 January 2016
Stephen Theaker has given my None of Our Yesterdays ebook a favourable review in Theaker's Quarterly Fiction #53, which is free to download in various digital formats from here.
"Two fine stories of alternative history in a nice little ebook," says Stephen, before going on to say a bit more about his reactions to these stories (on p95).
None of Our Yesterdays can be purchased from Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.com and iTunes, among others.
Stephen Theaker has given my None of Our Yesterdays ebook a favourable review in Theaker's Quarterly Fiction #53, which is free to download in various digital formats from here.
"Two fine stories of alternative history in a nice little ebook," says Stephen, before going on to say a bit more about his reactions to these stories (on p95).
None of Our Yesterdays can be purchased from Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.com and iTunes, among others.
Cat Out of the Bag
2 January 2016
Getting the new year off to a great start: Plasma Frequency Magazine has just published my fantasy story Brown Cat Blues in their Quarter 1 - 2016 issue. The magazine is available in print and ebook formats. Click the website link above for purchasing details.
Getting the new year off to a great start: Plasma Frequency Magazine has just published my fantasy story Brown Cat Blues in their Quarter 1 - 2016 issue. The magazine is available in print and ebook formats. Click the website link above for purchasing details.
Renewed
1 January 2016
Happy New Year to you all!
Happy New Year to you all!