** Strangely Heroic Review **
27 December 2021
Andrew Hook has reviewed the recent No More Heroes anthology (from PS Publishing) on Goodreads. He had this to say about my story A Stranger Shade: "My two favourite stories, however, were the bonkers 'Motorhead On The Orient Express' by Gavin G Smith, and Vaughan Stanger's 'A Stranger Shade' (Steve Strange), both of which fully encapsulated a nostalgic yet relevant feel for their respective subject matter, with the latter story especially hitting the right emotional tone. Perfect."
Andrew Hook has reviewed the recent No More Heroes anthology (from PS Publishing) on Goodreads. He had this to say about my story A Stranger Shade: "My two favourite stories, however, were the bonkers 'Motorhead On The Orient Express' by Gavin G Smith, and Vaughan Stanger's 'A Stranger Shade' (Steve Strange), both of which fully encapsulated a nostalgic yet relevant feel for their respective subject matter, with the latter story especially hitting the right emotional tone. Perfect."
** Merry Christmas! **
23 December 2021
See you in a few days. Stay safe and well in the meantime.
See you in a few days. Stay safe and well in the meantime.
** The Ghost at Your Table **
9 December 2021 (updated)
I'm delighted to announce that my short story Laying the Table has been reprinted in The Other Side Book of Ghosts, an anthology of ghost stories edited by Michael S. Collins, which is raising money for Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland. This book contains 17 spooky tales. I think it would make the perfect Christmas present for anyone who enjoys ghost stories.
This is what the editor Michael S Collins wrote about my story in his introduction to the anthology:
"Three pages, two talking characters, and it damn near ruined me. I've read books that couldn't tell you anything in half a million words. Stanger tells us everything in under a thousand."
I'm delighted to announce that my short story Laying the Table has been reprinted in The Other Side Book of Ghosts, an anthology of ghost stories edited by Michael S. Collins, which is raising money for Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland. This book contains 17 spooky tales. I think it would make the perfect Christmas present for anyone who enjoys ghost stories.
This is what the editor Michael S Collins wrote about my story in his introduction to the anthology:
"Three pages, two talking characters, and it damn near ruined me. I've read books that couldn't tell you anything in half a million words. Stanger tells us everything in under a thousand."
** Catalan Corpses Climb High **
6 December 2021
I'm delighted to announced that Catalan magazine Revista Catarsi has reprinted my SF story The English Dead in its 29th issue. That's the ninth foreign language for my fiction. The English Dead was translated by Edgar Cotes, to whom my particular thanks go.
The English Dead originally appeared in Hub (2007). It has previously been translated into Italian.
I'm delighted to announced that Catalan magazine Revista Catarsi has reprinted my SF story The English Dead in its 29th issue. That's the ninth foreign language for my fiction. The English Dead was translated by Edgar Cotes, to whom my particular thanks go.
The English Dead originally appeared in Hub (2007). It has previously been translated into Italian.
** Beach Bunnies Ahoy! **
2 December 2021
I'm delighted to announce that award-winning Scottish SF & Fantasy magazine Shoreline of Infinity has accepted my short story Dust Bunnies for publication. This will be my second story to appear there.
I'm delighted to announce that award-winning Scottish SF & Fantasy magazine Shoreline of Infinity has accepted my short story Dust Bunnies for publication. This will be my second story to appear there.
** Good News Cloak Engaged **
18 November 2021
I've received a couple of acceptances for previously unsold stories in the last few days. I'll have to keep them under wraps until contracts have been signed (a formality).
I've received a couple of acceptances for previously unsold stories in the last few days. I'll have to keep them under wraps until contracts have been signed (a formality).
** Collecting the Hard Stuff **
6 November 2021
My three collections of SF and fantasy short stories are now available in hardback editions on Amazon. I reckon they'd make rather good presents....
Moondust Memories
Sons of the Earth and Other Stories
The Last Moonshot and Other Stories
My three collections of SF and fantasy short stories are now available in hardback editions on Amazon. I reckon they'd make rather good presents....
Moondust Memories
Sons of the Earth and Other Stories
The Last Moonshot and Other Stories
** Another Table Laid **
24 October 2021
I'm pleased to announce that my short story Laying the Table has been accepted for inclusion in Other Side Books' forthcoming charity anthology of ghost stories.
Laying the Table was originally published in Flash in a Flash 124 (2020).
I'm pleased to announce that my short story Laying the Table has been accepted for inclusion in Other Side Books' forthcoming charity anthology of ghost stories.
Laying the Table was originally published in Flash in a Flash 124 (2020).
** Wait No More For Heroes **
17 September 2021
The hardback edition of the No More Heroes anthology, edited by the inestimable Ian Whates, has now been published by PS Publishing. It contains my story A Stranger Shade, which was inspired by an encounter on a train with Steve Strange -- one of the most important figures in the New Romantic movement -- while I was returning home from a work meeting.
The hardback edition of the No More Heroes anthology, edited by the inestimable Ian Whates, has now been published by PS Publishing. It contains my story A Stranger Shade, which was inspired by an encounter on a train with Steve Strange -- one of the most important figures in the New Romantic movement -- while I was returning home from a work meeting.
** Punk Rock is Back! **
12 August 2021 (Updated)
I'm pleased to announce that new publishing venture Simily has reprinted my SF story I Think We Need to Hear That Again. This is a pay-to-view online library. Writers receive a small royalty for each view.
Story link
This story originally appeared in A Punk Rock Future (Zsenon Press 2020).
I'm pleased to announce that new publishing venture Simily has reprinted my SF story I Think We Need to Hear That Again. This is a pay-to-view online library. Writers receive a small royalty for each view.
Story link
This story originally appeared in A Punk Rock Future (Zsenon Press 2020).
** Today's Writing is Flash **
13 July 2021
I'm delighted to announce that my first "Reeves" story, Writing on the Wall, has been reprinted in today's Flash in a Flash newsletter, which you can subscribe to here. It's free and you can unsubscribe at any time, if a twice-weekly dose of flash fiction proves to not be your thing.
Writing on the Wall originally appeared in Daily Science Fiction (2011). The entire Reeves series is available in Reeves Indeed!, which is available to buy as an e-book or paperback from Amazon, or as an e-book from Smashwords and other online markets.
I'm delighted to announce that my first "Reeves" story, Writing on the Wall, has been reprinted in today's Flash in a Flash newsletter, which you can subscribe to here. It's free and you can unsubscribe at any time, if a twice-weekly dose of flash fiction proves to not be your thing.
Writing on the Wall originally appeared in Daily Science Fiction (2011). The entire Reeves series is available in Reeves Indeed!, which is available to buy as an e-book or paperback from Amazon, or as an e-book from Smashwords and other online markets.
** Janine Plumbs New Depths **
9 July 2021
I'm delighted to announce that my story Sky High With Janine will appear in Orchid Lantern's forthcoming anthology Abyss: Stories of Depth, Time and Infinity, which is scheduled for publication in early 2022.
(Yes, Janine is back....)
I am so delighted to be working with editor C R Dudley again. She published my story Dreamtime in Orchid Lantern's first anthology, Vast, which was very well received.
Also, Sky High With Janine is my fiftieth story to be accepted. When I set out on this writing lark, way back in 1997, I never expected to reach double figures never mind my half-century. Onwards and upwards!
I'm delighted to announce that my story Sky High With Janine will appear in Orchid Lantern's forthcoming anthology Abyss: Stories of Depth, Time and Infinity, which is scheduled for publication in early 2022.
(Yes, Janine is back....)
I am so delighted to be working with editor C R Dudley again. She published my story Dreamtime in Orchid Lantern's first anthology, Vast, which was very well received.
Also, Sky High With Janine is my fiftieth story to be accepted. When I set out on this writing lark, way back in 1997, I never expected to reach double figures never mind my half-century. Onwards and upwards!
** Returning to the High Street **
26 June 2021
The official video of the second Tales from the CyberSalon event ("A New High Street") is now available to view. My reading of The Little Shop That Could begins at 8m40s, but please don't miss the other readings, also the fascinating discussions instigated by the panel of experts.
The official video of the second Tales from the CyberSalon event ("A New High Street") is now available to view. My reading of The Little Shop That Could begins at 8m40s, but please don't miss the other readings, also the fascinating discussions instigated by the panel of experts.
** Amazonian Christmas Discounts! **
19 December 2021
I've reduced the prices of my Amazon Kindle short-story collections to match their counterparts on Smashwords (wherever possible) for the festive period, at all online stores. I've also reduced the price of the paperback and hardback editions on Amazon to their minimum levels, in case anyone needs some Christmas present ideas!
Moondust Memories
Sons of the Earth & Other Stories
The Last Moonshot & Other Stories
Reeves Indeed!
Merry Christmas to all my readers!
I've reduced the prices of my Amazon Kindle short-story collections to match their counterparts on Smashwords (wherever possible) for the festive period, at all online stores. I've also reduced the price of the paperback and hardback editions on Amazon to their minimum levels, in case anyone needs some Christmas present ideas!
Moondust Memories
Sons of the Earth & Other Stories
The Last Moonshot & Other Stories
Reeves Indeed!
Merry Christmas to all my readers!
** Smashing Christmas Reductions! **
17 December 2021
Smashwords is holding an end of year sale, starting today and ending on 1 January. So there's no better time to purchase one of my short story collections, whether as a present for yourself or for one of your loved ones.
Moondust Memories ($0.99)
Sons of the Earth & Other Stories ($0.99)
The Last Moonshot & Other Stories ($0.99)
Reeves Indeed! (free!)
Merry Christmas to all my readers!
Smashwords is holding an end of year sale, starting today and ending on 1 January. So there's no better time to purchase one of my short story collections, whether as a present for yourself or for one of your loved ones.
Moondust Memories ($0.99)
Sons of the Earth & Other Stories ($0.99)
The Last Moonshot & Other Stories ($0.99)
Reeves Indeed! (free!)
Merry Christmas to all my readers!
** Smashing Reductions! **
3 July 2021
Smashwords is running a one month sale on e-books (1-31 July). I've reduced the price of my three short story collections to $0.99. Here are the purchase links:
The Last Moonshot & Other Stories
Moondust Memories
Sons of the Earth & Other Stories
Smashwords is running a one month sale on e-books (1-31 July). I've reduced the price of my three short story collections to $0.99. Here are the purchase links:
The Last Moonshot & Other Stories
Moondust Memories
Sons of the Earth & Other Stories
** Spoken On This Day **
18 June 2021
I'm delighted to draw your attention to CB Droege's superb performance of my SF story On This Day, which is featured in the latest podcast produced by The Centropic Oracle. I really am a very lucky writer to have such talented people voicing and producing my work.
On This Day was originally published in Nature Futures in 2020.
I'm delighted to draw your attention to CB Droege's superb performance of my SF story On This Day, which is featured in the latest podcast produced by The Centropic Oracle. I really am a very lucky writer to have such talented people voicing and producing my work.
On This Day was originally published in Nature Futures in 2020.
** Old Star Renewed **
17 June 2021
I'm delighted to announced that my SF story Star in a Glass will be reprinted in online magazine InterNova. Editor Michael K. Iwoleit originally accepted this story several years ago, but adverse circumstances forced the 'zine into hiatus. Now it's back!
Star in a Glass originally appeared in Music from Another World (Mutation Press, 2010).
More details in due course.
I'm delighted to announced that my SF story Star in a Glass will be reprinted in online magazine InterNova. Editor Michael K. Iwoleit originally accepted this story several years ago, but adverse circumstances forced the 'zine into hiatus. Now it's back!
Star in a Glass originally appeared in Music from Another World (Mutation Press, 2010).
More details in due course.
** Talking About the High Street **
3 June 2021
The four original short stories to be read at the second Tales from the CyberSalon event ("A New High Street") are now free to read on Medium. My story is The Little Shop That Could. The other (excellent) stories are by Jane Norris, George Jacobs, and Stephen Oram.
The event itself will be held on 8 June (18:30 BST). It is free to attend but you must register to do so. On the night, an illustrious panel of domain experts will discuss the stories in the context of their visions of the future of the high street. There will the opportunities for members of the audience to ask questions and to participate in instant polls. It should be a highly interesting and stimulating event.
The four original short stories to be read at the second Tales from the CyberSalon event ("A New High Street") are now free to read on Medium. My story is The Little Shop That Could. The other (excellent) stories are by Jane Norris, George Jacobs, and Stephen Oram.
The event itself will be held on 8 June (18:30 BST). It is free to attend but you must register to do so. On the night, an illustrious panel of domain experts will discuss the stories in the context of their visions of the future of the high street. There will the opportunities for members of the audience to ask questions and to participate in instant polls. It should be a highly interesting and stimulating event.
** A Little Shopping at the CyberSalon **
18 May 2021
I'm delighted to announce that I will be reading my short story The Little Shop That Could at the Tales from the CyberSalon event -- #2 A New High Street, to be held (virtually) on 8 June. The story will be published on the CyberSalon Medium page before the event.
More details in due course.
I'm delighted to announce that I will be reading my short story The Little Shop That Could at the Tales from the CyberSalon event -- #2 A New High Street, to be held (virtually) on 8 June. The story will be published on the CyberSalon Medium page before the event.
More details in due course.
** Travels Abroad On This Day **
11 May 2021
I'm delighted to announce that Helion SF online magazine has accepted my SF story On This Day for translation into Romanian. This will be my second story to be published in that language.
On This Day was originally published in Nature Futures (2020).
I'm delighted to announce that Helion SF online magazine has accepted my SF story On This Day for translation into Romanian. This will be my second story to be published in that language.
On This Day was originally published in Nature Futures (2020).
** We Can Mourn Heroes **
1 May 2021
I'm thrilled to announce that my story A Stranger Shade will be published in No More Heroes, an anthology about much-missed musicians, some famous, others relatively obscure. This hardback book is now available to order from PS Publishing.
My story was inspired by an encounter with Steve Strange -- one of the most important figures in the New Romantic movement -- while I was returning home from a work meeting.
I'd like to record my sincere thanks to editor extraordinaire Ian Whates, who showed great kindness in inviting me to contribute a story to this anthology. This was the first time I'd received such an invitation. It meant a lot to be invited, even more that he accepted my piece.
I'm thrilled to announce that my story A Stranger Shade will be published in No More Heroes, an anthology about much-missed musicians, some famous, others relatively obscure. This hardback book is now available to order from PS Publishing.
My story was inspired by an encounter with Steve Strange -- one of the most important figures in the New Romantic movement -- while I was returning home from a work meeting.
I'd like to record my sincere thanks to editor extraordinaire Ian Whates, who showed great kindness in inviting me to contribute a story to this anthology. This was the first time I'd received such an invitation. It meant a lot to be invited, even more that he accepted my piece.
** Flash Writing **
12 April 2021
I'm delighted to announce that editor Jason Brick has has accepted my SF story Writing on the Wall for reprinting in his Flash in a Flash newsletter. This will be my fifth story to appear there.
Writing on the Wall was originally published at Daily Science Fiction (2011).
I'm delighted to announce that editor Jason Brick has has accepted my SF story Writing on the Wall for reprinting in his Flash in a Flash newsletter. This will be my fifth story to appear there.
Writing on the Wall was originally published at Daily Science Fiction (2011).
** English Climbers Speak Catalan! **
10 April 2021
I'm delighted to announce that Catarsi magazine has accepted my SF story The English Dead for translation into Catalan. This will be my ninth foreign language.
The English Dead was originally published in Hub (2007).
I'm delighted to announce that Catarsi magazine has accepted my SF story The English Dead for translation into Catalan. This will be my ninth foreign language.
The English Dead was originally published in Hub (2007).
** A Day Much Spoken Of **
12 March 2021
I'm delighted to announce that The Centropic Oracle will be podcasting my SF story On This Day later this year. This will be my third story to by podcast by them.
On This Day was originally published in Nature Futures in 2020.
I'm delighted to announce that The Centropic Oracle will be podcasting my SF story On This Day later this year. This will be my third story to by podcast by them.
On This Day was originally published in Nature Futures in 2020.
** Smashing Spring Collections **
Updated 12 March 2021
One day remaining!
Smashwords is running a one-week sale (7-13 March). I've reduced the price of the e-book editions of my three short-story collections to $0.99. The purchase links are here:
The Last Moonshot & Other Stories
Moondust Memories
Sons of the Earth and Other Stories
One day remaining!
Smashwords is running a one-week sale (7-13 March). I've reduced the price of the e-book editions of my three short-story collections to $0.99. The purchase links are here:
The Last Moonshot & Other Stories
Moondust Memories
Sons of the Earth and Other Stories
** Touching Dread Today **
11 February 2021
I'm pleased to announce that The Dread Machine has reprinted my SF story Touching Distance. I've slightly shortened it compared to the originally published version (in Postscripts 7), to maximise the dread!
I love the illustration accompanying the story. To read it in full, you will need to become a subscriber.
I'm pleased to announce that The Dread Machine has reprinted my SF story Touching Distance. I've slightly shortened it compared to the originally published version (in Postscripts 7), to maximise the dread!
I love the illustration accompanying the story. To read it in full, you will need to become a subscriber.
** Peace Studies 101 **
25 January 2021
Jason Brick's latest anthology of amazing flash fiction, Worth 1000 Words: 101 Flash Fiction Stories by 101 Authors, is now available to purchase on Amazon. It includes a reprint of my Christmas story Peace on Earth.
Purchase links:
Amazon.com
Amazon.co.uk
Jason Brick's latest anthology of amazing flash fiction, Worth 1000 Words: 101 Flash Fiction Stories by 101 Authors, is now available to purchase on Amazon. It includes a reprint of my Christmas story Peace on Earth.
Purchase links:
Amazon.com
Amazon.co.uk
** Moon Smashed **
21 January 2021
The Last Moonshot & Other Stories -- my third collection of previously published short stories -- is now available to purchase as a e-book from Smashwords and its affiliates (for only $1.99 or equivalent). Purchase links:
Smashwords
Apple iTunes (USA)
Apple iTunes (UK)
Barnes & Noble
Kobo
The Last Moonshot & Other Stories -- my third collection of previously published short stories -- is now available to purchase as a e-book from Smashwords and its affiliates (for only $1.99 or equivalent). Purchase links:
Smashwords
Apple iTunes (USA)
Apple iTunes (UK)
Barnes & Noble
Kobo
** Last Moon Launched **
20 January 2021
I'm very happy to announce that Emerging Worlds has reprinted my SF story The Last Moonshot. You can read it here.
The Last Moonshot first appeared in Shoreline of Infinity in 2017.
I'm very happy to announce that Emerging Worlds has reprinted my SF story The Last Moonshot. You can read it here.
The Last Moonshot first appeared in Shoreline of Infinity in 2017.
** Bees Flying Abroad **
20 January 2021 (updated)
I'm very happy to announce that my SF story Bee Futures appeared in the December issue of Bengali magazine Sahitya Subarno, which can be downloaded as a PDF from here. For now, my story is only available in English but the editor has told me that he is hoping to translate it into Bengali too.
Bee Futures originally appeared in Nature Futures.
I'm very happy to announce that my SF story Bee Futures appeared in the December issue of Bengali magazine Sahitya Subarno, which can be downloaded as a PDF from here. For now, my story is only available in English but the editor has told me that he is hoping to translate it into Bengali too.
Bee Futures originally appeared in Nature Futures.
** Quietly Brought to Book **
12 January 2021
I am delighted to announce that The Quiet Reader international literary magazine has published my short story The Book of Love in its newly released edition 2. Read it here.
I am delighted to announce that The Quiet Reader international literary magazine has published my short story The Book of Love in its newly released edition 2. Read it here.
** Moon Emerging **
5 January 2021
2021 has started in a happy way for me with today's news that Emerging Worlds has accepted my SF story The Last Moonshot for reprinting.
The Last Moonshot first appeared in Shoreline of Infinity in 2017.
2021 has started in a happy way for me with today's news that Emerging Worlds has accepted my SF story The Last Moonshot for reprinting.
The Last Moonshot first appeared in Shoreline of Infinity in 2017.
** Happy New Year! **
2 January 2021
Wishing all my readers and visitors to this website a happy and above all healthy 2021.
If you are interested in reading my summation of 2020 (from a writing perspective), you can find it here.
Wishing all my readers and visitors to this website a happy and above all healthy 2021.
If you are interested in reading my summation of 2020 (from a writing perspective), you can find it here.
