That was the year that blog
Smashing Stories
24 December 2017
A delay in the aforementioned family matters means that I have a moment to mention that Smashwords is holding a post-Christmas promotion. You'll find my two collections are half-price (Moondust Memories and Sons of the Earth, voucher codes: SEY50) and my newest ebook is free (Reeves Indeed!, voucher code: EY100). The promotion runs from 25 Dec to 1 Jan. My Smashwords author page is here.
A delay in the aforementioned family matters means that I have a moment to mention that Smashwords is holding a post-Christmas promotion. You'll find my two collections are half-price (Moondust Memories and Sons of the Earth, voucher codes: SEY50) and my newest ebook is free (Reeves Indeed!, voucher code: EY100). The promotion runs from 25 Dec to 1 Jan. My Smashwords author page is here.
Seasonal Greetings
18 December 2017
Urgent family matters mean that I won't be posting any further news this year.
Here's wishing all of you who celebrate Christmas a merry one and let us all hope for a peaceful and successful 2018.
Urgent family matters mean that I won't be posting any further news this year.
Here's wishing all of you who celebrate Christmas a merry one and let us all hope for a peaceful and successful 2018.
Charitable Cat
14 December 2017
I'm delighted to announce that my fantasy short story Brown Cat Blues has been reprinted in The Second Christmas Book of Ghosts published by The Other Side Books. This book is raising money for the Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland charity. Other writers contributing stories to the anthology include Jo Walton, Jim Steel, Jon Arnold, and Neil Williamson. It looks like a cracking Christmas read to me!
I'm delighted to announce that my fantasy short story Brown Cat Blues has been reprinted in The Second Christmas Book of Ghosts published by The Other Side Books. This book is raising money for the Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland charity. Other writers contributing stories to the anthology include Jo Walton, Jim Steel, Jon Arnold, and Neil Williamson. It looks like a cracking Christmas read to me!
Post Your Brain Soon!
12 December 2017
Past Deadline
I am co-curating one of Virtual Futures' Near-Future Fiction events with Stephen Oram in 2018. The theme is "Post-Brain":
As technology gets smarter and smarter, the human brain is forced to reflect on itself in the mirror of the future and question what value it will have in a world in which wet tech, cerebral hacking and commodified consciousness could reign. A world not of enhancement or augmentation, but replacement. We implore you to enquire what the future of our most precious organ will be, while you still have one.
For more information, including other themes and details of how to submit a piece, click here.
The deadline for submissions is 21 December. Get writing!
Past Deadline
I am co-curating one of Virtual Futures' Near-Future Fiction events with Stephen Oram in 2018. The theme is "Post-Brain":
As technology gets smarter and smarter, the human brain is forced to reflect on itself in the mirror of the future and question what value it will have in a world in which wet tech, cerebral hacking and commodified consciousness could reign. A world not of enhancement or augmentation, but replacement. We implore you to enquire what the future of our most precious organ will be, while you still have one.
For more information, including other themes and details of how to submit a piece, click here.
The deadline for submissions is 21 December. Get writing!
Festive Sons and Moon
3 December 2017
If you're looking for the perfect SFF present to give the avid SF reader in your life this Christmas, then why not buy them a double dose of my short stories? My collections Moondust Memories and Sons of the Earth represent excellent value (according to the reviews) whether in paperback or ebook formats. Both collections are available from Amazon, Smashwords, iTunes, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and other on-line bookstores.
If you're looking for the perfect SFF present to give the avid SF reader in your life this Christmas, then why not buy them a double dose of my short stories? My collections Moondust Memories and Sons of the Earth represent excellent value (according to the reviews) whether in paperback or ebook formats. Both collections are available from Amazon, Smashwords, iTunes, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and other on-line bookstores.
One for Christmas?
2 December 2017
Third Flatiron Press has just published their Best of 2017 ebook, which I think would make a very nice Christmas gift for someone who appreciates clever SF short stories. It includes my short story One Is One, which originally appeared in Third Flatiron's well-reviewed Cat's Breakfast anthology.
Third Flatiron Press has just published their Best of 2017 ebook, which I think would make a very nice Christmas gift for someone who appreciates clever SF short stories. It includes my short story One Is One, which originally appeared in Third Flatiron's well-reviewed Cat's Breakfast anthology.
Time to Post Your Brain
15 November 2017
I am co-curating one of Virtual Futures' Near-Future Fiction events with Stephen Oram in 2018. The theme is "Post-Brain".
As technology gets smarter and smarter, the human brain is forced to reflect on itself in the mirror of the future and question what value it will have in a world in which wet tech, cerebral hacking and commodified consciousness could reign. A world not of enhancement or augmentation, but replacement. We implore you to enquire what the future of our most precious organ will be, while you still have one.
The other NFF themes are The (Dis)ease of the i-Mortal, E-Me’s, and Tomorrow’s Battles.
For more information, including details of how to submit a piece, click here.
Please note that the deadline for submissions is 21 December. Get writing!
I am co-curating one of Virtual Futures' Near-Future Fiction events with Stephen Oram in 2018. The theme is "Post-Brain".
As technology gets smarter and smarter, the human brain is forced to reflect on itself in the mirror of the future and question what value it will have in a world in which wet tech, cerebral hacking and commodified consciousness could reign. A world not of enhancement or augmentation, but replacement. We implore you to enquire what the future of our most precious organ will be, while you still have one.
The other NFF themes are The (Dis)ease of the i-Mortal, E-Me’s, and Tomorrow’s Battles.
For more information, including details of how to submit a piece, click here.
Please note that the deadline for submissions is 21 December. Get writing!
The Cat is Back!
13 November 2017
I'm delighted to announce that my short fantasy story Brown Cat Blues will be reprinted in a Christmas horror/ghost anthology coming soon from The Other Side Books. This book will be raising money for Chest Heart and Stroke in Scotland. Other writers contributing stories to the anthology include Jo Walton, Jon Arnold, and Neil Williamson. I'm in great company there!
More news when I hear it.
I'm delighted to announce that my short fantasy story Brown Cat Blues will be reprinted in a Christmas horror/ghost anthology coming soon from The Other Side Books. This book will be raising money for Chest Heart and Stroke in Scotland. Other writers contributing stories to the anthology include Jo Walton, Jon Arnold, and Neil Williamson. I'm in great company there!
More news when I hear it.
Sons Soon Cost More
8 November 2017
Promo deal ended
My second collection of SF&F stories, Sons of the Earth, is currently available to purchase at Smashwords, iTunes UK, iTunes US, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo for only $0.99. This introductory price ends on 15 November, when it will revert to $2.99.
Sons of the Earth has received a fantastic 5* review on Amazon, from which the following quote is taken: "Great stories wrapped in a clear and elegant prose style; good value for money, each story is thoughtful and surprising...If you are a fan of SF then you owe it to yourself to try this anthology out."
Promo deal ended
My second collection of SF&F stories, Sons of the Earth, is currently available to purchase at Smashwords, iTunes UK, iTunes US, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo for only $0.99. This introductory price ends on 15 November, when it will revert to $2.99.
Sons of the Earth has received a fantastic 5* review on Amazon, from which the following quote is taken: "Great stories wrapped in a clear and elegant prose style; good value for money, each story is thoughtful and surprising...If you are a fan of SF then you owe it to yourself to try this anthology out."
Confessions of a Serial SF Writer
7 November 2017
The writers among you (and perhaps some of my readers too) may be interested to learn how my 'Reeves' series of linked short stories came to be....
To find out more click here.
The writers among you (and perhaps some of my readers too) may be interested to learn how my 'Reeves' series of linked short stories came to be....
To find out more click here.
Reeves Is Indeed Silly
29 October 2017
The first on-line review for Reeves Indeed! is a cracker!
"Funny. Quirky. It's a cross between Monty Python and Douglas Adams." (5* on Amazon.com)
Reeves Indeed!, which features the post-apocalyptic adventures of a robot butler, is now on sale (for $0.99 or equivalent in other currencies) from Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk, iTunes (US), iTunes (GB), Smashwords, Kobo, and Barnes & Noble.
The first on-line review for Reeves Indeed! is a cracker!
"Funny. Quirky. It's a cross between Monty Python and Douglas Adams." (5* on Amazon.com)
Reeves Indeed!, which features the post-apocalyptic adventures of a robot butler, is now on sale (for $0.99 or equivalent in other currencies) from Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk, iTunes (US), iTunes (GB), Smashwords, Kobo, and Barnes & Noble.
Italian Not Dead
20 October 2017
I'm delighted to announce that my SF mountaineering story The English Dead has been reprinted in Italian translation in Quasar 3 (published by Edizioni Della Vigna). This is the first time one my stories has been translated into that language.
The English Dead originally appeared in Hub 36.
I'm delighted to announce that my SF mountaineering story The English Dead has been reprinted in Italian translation in Quasar 3 (published by Edizioni Della Vigna). This is the first time one my stories has been translated into that language.
The English Dead originally appeared in Hub 36.
One Is Resurrected
17 October 2017
I'm delighted to announce that Third Flatiron Press will be including my short story One Is One in their Best of 2017 collection, which is scheduled for release as an e-book in November. This story originally appeared in their well-reviewed Cat's Breakfast anthology.
I'm delighted to announce that Third Flatiron Press will be including my short story One Is One in their Best of 2017 collection, which is scheduled for release as an e-book in November. This story originally appeared in their well-reviewed Cat's Breakfast anthology.
Smashing Sons
14 October 2017 (updated)
My second collection of SF&F stories, Sons of the Earth, is now available to purchase at Smashwords for just $0.99. This introductory price will not last long.
Sons of the Earth will soon be available from other on-line retailers, including iTunes UK, iTunes US, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo, etc. (I will add links here as the book becomes available.)
Sons of the Earth recently received a fantastic 5* review on Amazon, from which the following quote is taken: "Great stories wrapped in a clear and elegant prose style; good value for money, each story is thoughtful and surprising...If you are a fan of SF then you owe it to yourself to try this anthology out."
My second collection of SF&F stories, Sons of the Earth, is now available to purchase at Smashwords for just $0.99. This introductory price will not last long.
Sons of the Earth will soon be available from other on-line retailers, including iTunes UK, iTunes US, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo, etc. (I will add links here as the book becomes available.)
Sons of the Earth recently received a fantastic 5* review on Amazon, from which the following quote is taken: "Great stories wrapped in a clear and elegant prose style; good value for money, each story is thoughtful and surprising...If you are a fan of SF then you owe it to yourself to try this anthology out."
Gloved Up
10 October 2017
I'm pleased to announced that Uprising Review has reprinted my SF short story Hand in Glove.
This story was originally published in Midnight Street #16 in 2011.
I'm pleased to announced that Uprising Review has reprinted my SF short story Hand in Glove.
This story was originally published in Midnight Street #16 in 2011.
Beyond Numbered
8 October 2017
I'm pleased to announce that my Mars-set SF story First and Third has been reprinted in the latest issue of Outposts of Beyond (Alban Lake Publishing).
First and Third was originally published in Postscripts 26/27 "Unfit for Eden" (PS Publishing).
I'm pleased to announce that my Mars-set SF story First and Third has been reprinted in the latest issue of Outposts of Beyond (Alban Lake Publishing).
First and Third was originally published in Postscripts 26/27 "Unfit for Eden" (PS Publishing).
Reeves Brought to (E-)Book
Updated 4 October 2017
Now on sale!
Initial sales of Reeves Indeed! have been fairly brisk, with the e-book making the top 40 of Amazon UK's SF anthologies and collections chart. The higher it goes, the more copies it will sell to casual buyers, so if you're planning to purchase it, don't delay!
--
My e-book collection of 'Reeves' all-dialogue SF stories, Reeves Indeed!, which features the post-apocalyptic adventures of a robot butler, is now on sale (for $0.99 or equivalent in other currencies) from Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk, iTunes (US), iTunes (GB), Smashwords, Kobo, and Barnes & Noble.
Reeves Indeed! includes the conclusion to the series, Speak for Yourself, which I wrote especially for this collection. None of the other stories have appeared before in ebook format.
Now on sale!
Initial sales of Reeves Indeed! have been fairly brisk, with the e-book making the top 40 of Amazon UK's SF anthologies and collections chart. The higher it goes, the more copies it will sell to casual buyers, so if you're planning to purchase it, don't delay!
--
My e-book collection of 'Reeves' all-dialogue SF stories, Reeves Indeed!, which features the post-apocalyptic adventures of a robot butler, is now on sale (for $0.99 or equivalent in other currencies) from Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk, iTunes (US), iTunes (GB), Smashwords, Kobo, and Barnes & Noble.
Reeves Indeed! includes the conclusion to the series, Speak for Yourself, which I wrote especially for this collection. None of the other stories have appeared before in ebook format.
Sons of Praise
1 October 2017
My second collection of SF&F stories, Sons of the Earth, has received a fantastic 5* review on Amazon, from which the following quote is taken:
"Great stories wrapped in a clear and elegant prose style; good value for money, each story is thoughtful and surprising...If you are a fan of SF then you owe it to yourself to try this anthology out."
If you are a member of Amazon Prime, you can download Sons of the Earth for free, but only until 12 October, when it exits that programme so that it can also be purchased from other on-line stores (Smashwords, iTunes, etc).
My second collection of SF&F stories, Sons of the Earth, has received a fantastic 5* review on Amazon, from which the following quote is taken:
"Great stories wrapped in a clear and elegant prose style; good value for money, each story is thoughtful and surprising...If you are a fan of SF then you owe it to yourself to try this anthology out."
If you are a member of Amazon Prime, you can download Sons of the Earth for free, but only until 12 October, when it exits that programme so that it can also be purchased from other on-line stores (Smashwords, iTunes, etc).
The Moon At Last
29 September 2017
I'm delighted to announce that Scottish SF magazine Shoreline of Infinity has published by short story The Last Moonshot in its newly released issue 9. It is available to purchase in various formats from here.
In my opinion, this excellent, well-edited magazine is well worth your time and money -- and I don't say that just because I have a story in it!
I'm delighted to announce that Scottish SF magazine Shoreline of Infinity has published by short story The Last Moonshot in its newly released issue 9. It is available to purchase in various formats from here.
In my opinion, this excellent, well-edited magazine is well worth your time and money -- and I don't say that just because I have a story in it!
Setting Sons
Updated 28 September 2017
PROMOTION ENDED
There not much time left to take advantage of the final price promotion on Amazon for my second collection of SF and fantasy stories, Sons of the Earth. This Kindle ebook contains 13 previously published stories, several of which have not appeared in this format before. You can purchase it for only £0.99 from Amazon.co.uk (until 23:59 GMT on the 27th) and $0.99 (+sales taxes) from Amazon.com (until 23:59 PST on the 27th). The price returns to normal afterwards.
From mid-October, this ebook will also be available to purchase at other online stores.
PROMOTION ENDED
There not much time left to take advantage of the final price promotion on Amazon for my second collection of SF and fantasy stories, Sons of the Earth. This Kindle ebook contains 13 previously published stories, several of which have not appeared in this format before. You can purchase it for only £0.99 from Amazon.co.uk (until 23:59 GMT on the 27th) and $0.99 (+sales taxes) from Amazon.com (until 23:59 PST on the 27th). The price returns to normal afterwards.
From mid-October, this ebook will also be available to purchase at other online stores.
Post Your Brain
22 September 2017
I'm delighted to announce that I will be co-curating one of Virtual Futures Near-Future Fiction events with Stephen Oram in 2018. The theme of event I'm co-curating is "Post-Brain":
As technology gets smarter and smarter, the human brain is forced to reflect on itself in the mirror of the future and question what value it will have in a world in which wet tech, cerebral hacking and commodified consciousness could reign. A world not of enhancement or augmentation, but replacement. We implore you to enquire what the future of our most precious organ will be, while you still have one.
The others themes -- The (Dis)ease of the i-Mortal, E-Me’s, and Tomorrow’s Battles -- look equally intriguing.
For more information, including details of how to submit a piece, click here.
I attended three of the NFF events last year and saw my Nature Futures story Bee Futures read at the first. They were great fun as well as intellectually stimulating. If you live within reach of London and write flash-length fiction on any of the four themes for 2018, it is well worth submitting something.
I'm delighted to announce that I will be co-curating one of Virtual Futures Near-Future Fiction events with Stephen Oram in 2018. The theme of event I'm co-curating is "Post-Brain":
As technology gets smarter and smarter, the human brain is forced to reflect on itself in the mirror of the future and question what value it will have in a world in which wet tech, cerebral hacking and commodified consciousness could reign. A world not of enhancement or augmentation, but replacement. We implore you to enquire what the future of our most precious organ will be, while you still have one.
The others themes -- The (Dis)ease of the i-Mortal, E-Me’s, and Tomorrow’s Battles -- look equally intriguing.
For more information, including details of how to submit a piece, click here.
I attended three of the NFF events last year and saw my Nature Futures story Bee Futures read at the first. They were great fun as well as intellectually stimulating. If you live within reach of London and write flash-length fiction on any of the four themes for 2018, it is well worth submitting something.
Lunar Smash and Grab
23 August 2017
The ebook of my first SF collection Moondust Memories is currently half-price (i.e. $1.49) at Smashwords. It is price-matched at Amazon and (shortly, I presume) will be sold at that price at other online stories. This offer will end in a few days, so if you want the epub version, please click quickly!
The ebook of my first SF collection Moondust Memories is currently half-price (i.e. $1.49) at Smashwords. It is price-matched at Amazon and (shortly, I presume) will be sold at that price at other online stories. This offer will end in a few days, so if you want the epub version, please click quickly!
Invisibly Spoken
18 August 2017
I couldn't announce this at the time as I was on vacation, but The Centropic Oracle has podcast a marvellous version of my flash-length story Invisble Touch, which was originally published in Daily Science Fiction. Major kudos go to Rob Gillespie for doing an excellent job of the character voices.
I couldn't announce this at the time as I was on vacation, but The Centropic Oracle has podcast a marvellous version of my flash-length story Invisble Touch, which was originally published in Daily Science Fiction. Major kudos go to Rob Gillespie for doing an excellent job of the character voices.
Hand Raised
18 August 2017
I'm delighted to announce that the editor of Uprising Review has accepted my SF short story Hand in Glove for reprinting. This story was originally published in Midnight Street #16 in 2011.
More news in due course.
I'm delighted to announce that the editor of Uprising Review has accepted my SF short story Hand in Glove for reprinting. This story was originally published in Midnight Street #16 in 2011.
More news in due course.
Squid on the Menu
1 August 2017
Delicious Served Cold, the fourth of my 'Reeves' all-dialogue stories, goes live on Space Squid today!
And something else to look forward to: on 4 August, The Centropic Oracle will be podcasting Invisible Touch.
Delicious Served Cold, the fourth of my 'Reeves' all-dialogue stories, goes live on Space Squid today!
And something else to look forward to: on 4 August, The Centropic Oracle will be podcasting Invisible Touch.
Digital Glass
31 July 2017
I'm delighted to announce that the editor of Digital Science Fiction has accepted my short story Star in a Glass for reprinting. This story was originally published in the Music for Another World anthology from the sadly now-defunct Mutation Press.
More news in due course.
I'm delighted to announce that the editor of Digital Science Fiction has accepted my short story Star in a Glass for reprinting. This story was originally published in the Music for Another World anthology from the sadly now-defunct Mutation Press.
More news in due course.
One Cat Gets Praise
27 July 2017
Third Flatiron's Kurt Vonnegut tribute anthology Cat's Breakfast has been reviewed at Tangent Online, largely favourably. Needless to say, I was pleased to see my story, One Is One, receive a positive verdict.
Cat's Breakfast is available to purchase at Amazon.
Third Flatiron's Kurt Vonnegut tribute anthology Cat's Breakfast has been reviewed at Tangent Online, largely favourably. Needless to say, I was pleased to see my story, One Is One, receive a positive verdict.
Cat's Breakfast is available to purchase at Amazon.
Moondust Sprinkled Everywhere
25 July 2017
The epub edition of my first SF collection, Moondust Memories, is now available to purchase for $2.99 at Smashwords, iBooks, and Barnes & Noble. This ebook should also be available to purchase (as opposed to pre-order) within a day or two at Kobo and other on-line book retailers.
The epub edition of my first SF collection, Moondust Memories, is now available to purchase for $2.99 at Smashwords, iBooks, and Barnes & Noble. This ebook should also be available to purchase (as opposed to pre-order) within a day or two at Kobo and other on-line book retailers.
Delicious Squid!
24 July 2017
I'm delighted to announce that the editor of Space Squid has accepted my short story Delicious Served Cold for publication.
Delicious Served Cold is the fourth story in my Reeves series of all-dialogue humorous flash fiction. The earlier episodes were published in Daily Science Fiction and Plasma Frequency Magazine. You can find links to them here.
More news on this in due course.
I'm delighted to announce that the editor of Space Squid has accepted my short story Delicious Served Cold for publication.
Delicious Served Cold is the fourth story in my Reeves series of all-dialogue humorous flash fiction. The earlier episodes were published in Daily Science Fiction and Plasma Frequency Magazine. You can find links to them here.
More news on this in due course.
The Changing Phases of the Moon
Updated 7 July 2017
My first SF collection, Moondust Memories, will be available to buy at Smashwords, iBooks, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo from 27 July. But if you would rather pre-order it now, please click the appropriate link.
If you've signed up for Kindle Unlimited please note that Moondust Memories, which is currently available for free to members, will disappear from the KU catalogue on 25 July. After that, the Kindle edition will cost $2.99 (or the equivalent) on Amazon.
My first SF collection, Moondust Memories, will be available to buy at Smashwords, iBooks, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo from 27 July. But if you would rather pre-order it now, please click the appropriate link.
If you've signed up for Kindle Unlimited please note that Moondust Memories, which is currently available for free to members, will disappear from the KU catalogue on 25 July. After that, the Kindle edition will cost $2.99 (or the equivalent) on Amazon.
Cat Gets One Breakfast
15 June 2017
Third Flatiron's Kurt Vonnegut tribute anthology Cat's Breakfast is now available to purchase at Amazon. It includes my SF story One Is One. That's my thirty-seventh story to see publication.
If you're interested in supporting Third Flatiron, their patreon page is here.
Third Flatiron's Kurt Vonnegut tribute anthology Cat's Breakfast is now available to purchase at Amazon. It includes my SF story One Is One. That's my thirty-seventh story to see publication.
If you're interested in supporting Third Flatiron, their patreon page is here.
Quick! A Botnet...
5 June 2017
(I somehow managed to miss this one, a few weeks back!)
Digital Fiction Pub has reprinted my SF short-short The Last Botnet in its QuickFic series. It's my second story to appear there.
This story first appeared in Nature Physics, as part of the 'Futures' series, in 2008.
(I somehow managed to miss this one, a few weeks back!)
Digital Fiction Pub has reprinted my SF short-short The Last Botnet in its QuickFic series. It's my second story to appear there.
This story first appeared in Nature Physics, as part of the 'Futures' series, in 2008.
Moonset
1 June 2017
The promotional price for the Kindle edition of my first short story collection, Moondust Memories ends tomorrow (2 June) at 23:59 GMT. Around the end of July, I will be publishing this ebook on other platforms, so it will no longer be exclusive to Amazon. Therefore, if you wish to buy the Kindle edition for the lowest possible price (£0.99 / $0.99+sales tax), now's your final chance for the foreseeable future.
The promotional price for the Kindle edition of my first short story collection, Moondust Memories ends tomorrow (2 June) at 23:59 GMT. Around the end of July, I will be publishing this ebook on other platforms, so it will no longer be exclusive to Amazon. Therefore, if you wish to buy the Kindle edition for the lowest possible price (£0.99 / $0.99+sales tax), now's your final chance for the foreseeable future.
Newsworthy Writer
28 May 2017
My talk to the Thurrock Writers Circle even made it into the local news...
For the sake of historical accuracy, I ought to point out that the arcticle does contain one inaccuracy, in that although my "book" did win a school contest it is not true that it was published, except in the sense that I cheekily wrote "published by" the name of my school inside the front cover of the exercise book I wrote it in (aged 13)!
My talk to the Thurrock Writers Circle even made it into the local news...
For the sake of historical accuracy, I ought to point out that the arcticle does contain one inaccuracy, in that although my "book" did win a school contest it is not true that it was published, except in the sense that I cheekily wrote "published by" the name of my school inside the front cover of the exercise book I wrote it in (aged 13)!
Thurrock Tales Told
25 May 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed the experience of talking about my short fiction to The Thurrock Writers' Circle yesterday evening, which was a first for me. My audience was very enthusiastic and asked lots of interesting questions. I'm hugely grateful to everyone who attended, but especially Cindy Mannering, who organised the event. As part of my talk, I performed readings of Sons of the Earth, Bee Futures, and Peace on Earth, also read brief excerpts from a story I wrote while at senior school (aged 13) and my PhD thesis on X-ray astronomy (from 1985, much of which reads like fiction now, so rapidly has the field developed since then).
I thoroughly enjoyed the experience of talking about my short fiction to The Thurrock Writers' Circle yesterday evening, which was a first for me. My audience was very enthusiastic and asked lots of interesting questions. I'm hugely grateful to everyone who attended, but especially Cindy Mannering, who organised the event. As part of my talk, I performed readings of Sons of the Earth, Bee Futures, and Peace on Earth, also read brief excerpts from a story I wrote while at senior school (aged 13) and my PhD thesis on X-ray astronomy (from 1985, much of which reads like fiction now, so rapidly has the field developed since then).
Thurrock Tales
24 May 2017
This evening, I will be giving my first ever talk about my short fiction, to The Thurrock Writers' Circle. To say that I'm looking forward to this event is putting it mildly!
To celebrate this event, I've dropped the price of my latest short story collection, Sons of the Earth (Kindle edition), to £0.99 / $0.99. The price reverts after seven days.
This evening, I will be giving my first ever talk about my short fiction, to The Thurrock Writers' Circle. To say that I'm looking forward to this event is putting it mildly!
To celebrate this event, I've dropped the price of my latest short story collection, Sons of the Earth (Kindle edition), to £0.99 / $0.99. The price reverts after seven days.
One Cat Ordered Breakfast
18 May 2017
Third Flatiron's Kurt Vonnegut tribute anthology Cat's Breakfast is now available to pre-order at Amazon. It includes my SF story One Is One. The line-up looks great and I love that cover!
If you're interested in supporting Third Flatiron, their patreon page is here.
Third Flatiron's Kurt Vonnegut tribute anthology Cat's Breakfast is now available to pre-order at Amazon. It includes my SF story One Is One. The line-up looks great and I love that cover!
If you're interested in supporting Third Flatiron, their patreon page is here.
Collapsing Onto Site
9 May 2017
Since the sad demise of Cracked Eye, my story Collapsing Into Life has not been available to read. Well now it is! I have reprinted it here on my website with the kind permission of the publisher (The Other Publishing Company Limited).
Since the sad demise of Cracked Eye, my story Collapsing Into Life has not been available to read. Well now it is! I have reprinted it here on my website with the kind permission of the publisher (The Other Publishing Company Limited).
Bees Caught on Camera
8 May 2017
Tom Chisholm's reading of my story Bee Futures at the Virtual Futures Near-Future Fictions Salon Vol. 01 can be viewed here. There are lots of other readings from the first three events on this YouTube channel.
Bee Futures was originally published in Nature Futures (2013).
Tom Chisholm's reading of my story Bee Futures at the Virtual Futures Near-Future Fictions Salon Vol. 01 can be viewed here. There are lots of other readings from the first three events on this YouTube channel.
Bee Futures was originally published in Nature Futures (2013).
Bees Caught on Camera
8 May 2017
Tom Chisholm's reading of my story Bee Futures at the Virtual Futures Near-Future Fictions Salon Vol. 01 can be viewed here. There are lots of other readings from the first three events on this YouTube channel.
Bee Futures was originally published in Nature Futures (2013).
Tom Chisholm's reading of my story Bee Futures at the Virtual Futures Near-Future Fictions Salon Vol. 01 can be viewed here. There are lots of other readings from the first three events on this YouTube channel.
Bee Futures was originally published in Nature Futures (2013).
Stories Circling Over Thurrock
5 May 2017
I'm delighted to announce that I will be giving a talk about writing short stories, which will include some readings of my own work, to The Thurrock Writers' Circle on 24 May. This is my first invitation to give a talk of this kind. Needless to say, I'm very much looking forward to it.
I'm delighted to announce that I will be giving a talk about writing short stories, which will include some readings of my own work, to The Thurrock Writers' Circle on 24 May. This is my first invitation to give a talk of this kind. Needless to say, I'm very much looking forward to it.
The Numbers Are In!
25 April 2017
I'm delighted to announce two acceptances today:
Third Flatiron have accepted my SF story One Is One for publication in their Kurt Vonnegut themed Cat's Breakfast anthology. I'm particularly thrilled about this news as I'm a big fan of Vonnegut, his earlier novels in particular.
and...
Alban Lake has accepted a reprint of First and Third for their Outposts of Beyond magazine. This Mars-set SF story was originally published in Postscripts 27/28 Unfit for Eden (PS Publishing).
More publishing details will follow in due course.
I'm delighted to announce two acceptances today:
Third Flatiron have accepted my SF story One Is One for publication in their Kurt Vonnegut themed Cat's Breakfast anthology. I'm particularly thrilled about this news as I'm a big fan of Vonnegut, his earlier novels in particular.
and...
Alban Lake has accepted a reprint of First and Third for their Outposts of Beyond magazine. This Mars-set SF story was originally published in Postscripts 27/28 Unfit for Eden (PS Publishing).
More publishing details will follow in due course.
Rising Sons
29 May 2017
Promotion ended
The promotional price-drop for the Kindle edition of my latest short story collection, Sons of the Earth, to just £0.99 / $0.99 on Amazon, ends tomorrow (30 June) at 23:59.
(You have a few more days to get Moondust Memories at the same price.)
Promotion ended
The promotional price-drop for the Kindle edition of my latest short story collection, Sons of the Earth, to just £0.99 / $0.99 on Amazon, ends tomorrow (30 June) at 23:59.
(You have a few more days to get Moondust Memories at the same price.)
Promos Paired
26 May 2017
As I have already announced here, I have dropped the price of the Kindle edition of my latest short story collection, Sons of the Earth, to £0.99 / $0.99 on Amazon. It reverts to the normal price on 3 June.
In addition, I will be decreasing the price of the Kindle edition of my first collection, Moondust Memories, to £0.99 / $0.99 on Amazon from 27 May to 3 June. Towards the end of July I will be publishing this ebook on iTunes, Kobo, Smashwords and other platforms, so it will no longer be exclusive to Amazon. If you want to buy the Kindle edition for the lowest possible price, then now's your last chance for the foreseeable future.
As I have already announced here, I have dropped the price of the Kindle edition of my latest short story collection, Sons of the Earth, to £0.99 / $0.99 on Amazon. It reverts to the normal price on 3 June.
In addition, I will be decreasing the price of the Kindle edition of my first collection, Moondust Memories, to £0.99 / $0.99 on Amazon from 27 May to 3 June. Towards the end of July I will be publishing this ebook on iTunes, Kobo, Smashwords and other platforms, so it will no longer be exclusive to Amazon. If you want to buy the Kindle edition for the lowest possible price, then now's your last chance for the foreseeable future.
Succinct Someone
Updated 24 April 2017
I'm delighted to announce that my micro-fiction Someone Else's Problem has been published in 50-Word Stories!
This is my 36th story to see publication, and my shortest ever.
I'm delighted to announce that my micro-fiction Someone Else's Problem has been published in 50-Word Stories!
This is my 36th story to see publication, and my shortest ever.
Fenn Lands Gong!
18 April 2017
Although the announcement was made several days ago at the Innominate convention, I am delighted to belatedly post the wonderful news that my good friend and fellow member of the One Step Beyond writers' group, Jaine Fenn, has won the the British Science Fiction Association's Award for Shorter Fiction (2016), for her story 'Liberty Bird'. I've known Jaine since 1998. She's a hard-working and talented writer who thoroughly deserves this award.
Go Jaine!
Although the announcement was made several days ago at the Innominate convention, I am delighted to belatedly post the wonderful news that my good friend and fellow member of the One Step Beyond writers' group, Jaine Fenn, has won the the British Science Fiction Association's Award for Shorter Fiction (2016), for her story 'Liberty Bird'. I've known Jaine since 1998. She's a hard-working and talented writer who thoroughly deserves this award.
Go Jaine!
PSA: No Way LJ
14 April 2017
Just for the record, I have deleted my LiveJournal, which has not been my primary social media account for a long time. I still have an account on the very similar Dreamwidth, but you probably won't read anything there that you can't get here.
Just for the record, I have deleted my LiveJournal, which has not been my primary social media account for a long time. I still have an account on the very similar Dreamwidth, but you probably won't read anything there that you can't get here.
Catch Sixty-Six
6 April 2017
Speculative 66 has just published my micro-flash SF story Gone Fishing in issue 7. This is my third story to appear there. There's a lovely illustration to accompany my words, all 66 of them!
Speculative 66 has just published my micro-flash SF story Gone Fishing in issue 7. This is my third story to appear there. There's a lovely illustration to accompany my words, all 66 of them!
Moonfall
4 April 2017
Promotion finished
I've reduced the price of the Kindle edition of Moondust Memories, my first collection of SF stories, to £0.99 at Amazon.co.uk and $0.99 at Amazon.com. This deal ends at Midnight on 5 April (GMT/PST).
Extracts from 5* reviews of Moondust Memories:
"The tell-tale sign of great speculative fiction is that you are still thinking about it days after you finish reading. This has been the case for me with Moondust Memories. Highly recommended." (Dylan Hearn)
"Intelligent and thought provoking short science fiction stories." (Deborah Walker)
Promotion finished
I've reduced the price of the Kindle edition of Moondust Memories, my first collection of SF stories, to £0.99 at Amazon.co.uk and $0.99 at Amazon.com. This deal ends at Midnight on 5 April (GMT/PST).
Extracts from 5* reviews of Moondust Memories:
"The tell-tale sign of great speculative fiction is that you are still thinking about it days after you finish reading. This has been the case for me with Moondust Memories. Highly recommended." (Dylan Hearn)
"Intelligent and thought provoking short science fiction stories." (Deborah Walker)
Hidden Oracle
26 March 2017
I'm very pleased to announce that I have received an acceptance from The Centropic Oracle for my flash story Invisible Touch. This is my first acceptance from this podcaster.
Invisible Touch was originally published by Daily Science Fiction.
I'm very pleased to announce that I have received an acceptance from The Centropic Oracle for my flash story Invisible Touch. This is my first acceptance from this podcaster.
Invisible Touch was originally published by Daily Science Fiction.
Service Provider Reminder
23 March 2017
If you're a writer seeking an experienced and objective view of one or more of your short story drafts, please note that I offer written critiques for pieces in the 500-10000 words range. If you're interested, please read the information here and then contact me.
If you're a writer seeking an experienced and objective view of one or more of your short story drafts, please note that I offer written critiques for pieces in the 500-10000 words range. If you're interested, please read the information here and then contact me.
A Tale of Bee Futures Past
Updated 9 March 2017
Yesterday's Near-Future Fictions Vol. 01 | Virtual Futures Salon was a great success, featuring excellent readings of a dozen flash-length stories. My thanks go to all the organisers, particularly director Luke Robert Mason who organised the event with great aplomb, Dr. Helen Marshall who gave a thought-provoking keynote speech, and Tom Chisholm, who read Bee Futures on my behalf. It's never easy to read someone else's work aloud, but Tom did a very good job.
As well as enjoying the readings, I got to chat with several of the authors and actors afterwards. I shall definitely attend more Virtual Futures events.
Update:
I've blogged about how Bee Futures came to be. If you would like to read the story for free or in one of my ebooks, you'll find the necessary links in that post.
Yesterday's Near-Future Fictions Vol. 01 | Virtual Futures Salon was a great success, featuring excellent readings of a dozen flash-length stories. My thanks go to all the organisers, particularly director Luke Robert Mason who organised the event with great aplomb, Dr. Helen Marshall who gave a thought-provoking keynote speech, and Tom Chisholm, who read Bee Futures on my behalf. It's never easy to read someone else's work aloud, but Tom did a very good job.
As well as enjoying the readings, I got to chat with several of the authors and actors afterwards. I shall definitely attend more Virtual Futures events.
Update:
I've blogged about how Bee Futures came to be. If you would like to read the story for free or in one of my ebooks, you'll find the necessary links in that post.
Well Stung!
7 March 2017
I hear that only a handful of tickets remain for Near-Future Fictions Vol. 01 | Virtual Futures Salon, which will be held at Lights of Soho in London tonight (18:30 GMT).
Avoid the sting of disappointment from missing an actor-reading of Bee Futures by purchasing a ticket now!
I hear that only a handful of tickets remain for Near-Future Fictions Vol. 01 | Virtual Futures Salon, which will be held at Lights of Soho in London tonight (18:30 GMT).
Avoid the sting of disappointment from missing an actor-reading of Bee Futures by purchasing a ticket now!
One That Got Away
4 March 2017
I'm delighted to announce that Speculative 66 will be publishing my micro-flash SF story Gone Fishing in their April issue. This will be my third story to appear there.
I'm delighted to announce that Speculative 66 will be publishing my micro-flash SF story Gone Fishing in their April issue. This will be my third story to appear there.
Bees Alight in Soho
2 March 2017
I'm delighted to announce that there will be a reading of my Nature Futures tale Bee Futures (by an actor) during the Near-Future Fictions Vol. 01 | Virtual Futures Salon, which will be held at Lights of Soho in London on Tuesday 7 March.
Tickets for this event can be purchased here.
I'm delighted to announce that there will be a reading of my Nature Futures tale Bee Futures (by an actor) during the Near-Future Fictions Vol. 01 | Virtual Futures Salon, which will be held at Lights of Soho in London on Tuesday 7 March.
Tickets for this event can be purchased here.
Quick Spam
2 March 2017
I'm pleased to announce that The Last Botnet has been accepted for reprinting in Digital Fiction Publishing's QuickFic. This story originally appeared in Nature Physics Futures (2008).
I'll post more details in due course.
I'm pleased to announce that The Last Botnet has been accepted for reprinting in Digital Fiction Publishing's QuickFic. This story originally appeared in Nature Physics Futures (2008).
I'll post more details in due course.
Paper Sons
22 February 2017
For those of you who prefer print to pixels, you'll find that my second collection of short stories, Sons of the Earth, is now available in a paperback edition from Amazon. I reckon it makes a good companion to my first collection (Moondust Memories) in terms of content and cover.
If you prefer ebooks, please note that the Kindle edition of Sons of the Earth will be discounted by at least 50% for seven days from 23 February (Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk only).
For those of you who prefer print to pixels, you'll find that my second collection of short stories, Sons of the Earth, is now available in a paperback edition from Amazon. I reckon it makes a good companion to my first collection (Moondust Memories) in terms of content and cover.
If you prefer ebooks, please note that the Kindle edition of Sons of the Earth will be discounted by at least 50% for seven days from 23 February (Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk only).
Minimal Junk Here
6 February 2017
My micro-flash SF story Junk Lover can be found in Issue 5 of Speculative 66, which has just been published. This is my second story to appear there.
My micro-flash SF story Junk Lover can be found in Issue 5 of Speculative 66, which has just been published. This is my second story to appear there.
Promoted Sons
28 February 2017
Promotion finished
The Kindle edition of Sons of the Earth is just $0.99 from Amazon.com and £0.99 from Amazon.co.uk.
Sons of the Earth is my second collection of SF and fantasy stories, including work that originally appeared in Interzone, Postscripts, Daily Science Fiction and Nature.
This offer ends at midnight on Wednesday, 1 March.
Promotion finished
The Kindle edition of Sons of the Earth is just $0.99 from Amazon.com and £0.99 from Amazon.co.uk.
Sons of the Earth is my second collection of SF and fantasy stories, including work that originally appeared in Interzone, Postscripts, Daily Science Fiction and Nature.
This offer ends at midnight on Wednesday, 1 March.
Voting Matters
29 January 2017
If you are a member of the British Science Fiction Association and wish to vote in the second round of their 2016 Awards, you have until midnight on Tuesday, 31 January. There are four categories: novels, shorter fiction (ahem), non-fiction, and artwork. The results of this round of voting will determine the final shortlists, which usually contain four or five works.
If you are a member of the British Science Fiction Association and wish to vote in the second round of their 2016 Awards, you have until midnight on Tuesday, 31 January. There are four categories: novels, shorter fiction (ahem), non-fiction, and artwork. The results of this round of voting will determine the final shortlists, which usually contain four or five works.
Junk Spec
28 January 2017
I'm delighted to announce that Speculative 66 will be publishing my micro-flash SF story Junk Lover in their February issue. This will be my second story to appear there.
I'm delighted to announce that Speculative 66 will be publishing my micro-flash SF story Junk Lover in their February issue. This will be my second story to appear there.
Eclipsed Moon Ends Soon!
26 January 2017
Promotion finished
I've dropped the price of the Kindle edition of Moondust Memories, my first collection of SF stories, to £0.99 at Amazon.co.uk and $0.99 at Amazon.com. The deal ends at 12:00 AM on 26 January (GMT/PST).
Promotion finished
I've dropped the price of the Kindle edition of Moondust Memories, my first collection of SF stories, to £0.99 at Amazon.co.uk and $0.99 at Amazon.com. The deal ends at 12:00 AM on 26 January (GMT/PST).
The End of an Offer
24 January 2017
If you're interested in trying my critiquing service for short fiction, please note that the special offer for flash-length stories ends on the 31 January. Please contact me by then if you'd like to take up the offer.
I look forward to reading and critiquing your short stories.
If you're interested in trying my critiquing service for short fiction, please note that the special offer for flash-length stories ends on the 31 January. Please contact me by then if you'd like to take up the offer.
I look forward to reading and critiquing your short stories.
Partial Eclipse of the Moon
19 January 2017
I've dropped the price of the Kindle edition of Moondust Memories, my first collection of SF stories, to £0.99 at Amazon.co.uk and $0.99 at Amazon.com. The deal ends at 12:00 AM on 26 January (GMT/PST).
There are three 5* reviews of the collection here.
I've dropped the price of the Kindle edition of Moondust Memories, my first collection of SF stories, to £0.99 at Amazon.co.uk and $0.99 at Amazon.com. The deal ends at 12:00 AM on 26 January (GMT/PST).
There are three 5* reviews of the collection here.
Milford Might?
17 January 2017
Recently, my good friend and widely-acclaimed fellow SF writer Jacey Bedford suggested that I posted on the Milford SF Writers' Conference's blog about the prevalence of Milford alumni on this year's BSFA Awards longlists. So here is that post!
Recently, my good friend and widely-acclaimed fellow SF writer Jacey Bedford suggested that I posted on the Milford SF Writers' Conference's blog about the prevalence of Milford alumni on this year's BSFA Awards longlists. So here is that post!
Art Listed Inside!
9 January 2017 (updated)
I'm delighted to announce that my SF story Insider Art, which appeared in Abyss & Apex 58, has been nominated in the BSFA Awards (2016) Shorter Fiction category.
If you're a BSFA member and would like to read this story before considering whether to vote for it in Round 2 of the ballot, which closes on 31 January, you can find it here.
I'm delighted to announce that my SF story Insider Art, which appeared in Abyss & Apex 58, has been nominated in the BSFA Awards (2016) Shorter Fiction category.
If you're a BSFA member and would like to read this story before considering whether to vote for it in Round 2 of the ballot, which closes on 31 January, you can find it here.
Servicing Your Stories
4 January 2017
My critiquing service for short fiction in the speculative genres is now open. If you are interested in having your stories critiqued by "ace short story writer Vaughan Stanger"**, please read this page and then contact me.
There's an introductory offer for flash-length stories running throughout January!
I look forward to reading and critiquing your short stories.
** Postscripts editor Nick Gevers in the PS Publishing newsletter (10 July 2015).
My critiquing service for short fiction in the speculative genres is now open. If you are interested in having your stories critiqued by "ace short story writer Vaughan Stanger"**, please read this page and then contact me.
There's an introductory offer for flash-length stories running throughout January!
I look forward to reading and critiquing your short stories.
** Postscripts editor Nick Gevers in the PS Publishing newsletter (10 July 2015).
Happy New Year!
1 January 2017
I wish everyone a wonderful 2017!
I wish everyone a wonderful 2017!
