Shakespeare Vs Cthulhu on Pornokitsch

I thought you might like to know that Shakespeare Vs Cthulhu features on Pornokitsch* today.

 

I wrote a Friday Five piece last year to promote the publication of SHARKPUNK, in which I waxed lyrical about famous sharks on the silver screen, but this time I've imagined my own Shakespeare/Cthulhu mash-ups. It's just a bit of fun, but hopefully it will get more people talking about the book.

 

And just in case you'd forgotten, Shakespeare Vs Cthulhu launches tomorrow, Saturday 13th August, at 1.00pm (GMT),  at the Forbidden Planet Megastore in London.

* If you don't already know, Pornokitsch is a website that champions geek culture. Indeed, their mission statement is "to treat geek culture seriously and examine it thoroughly, for better or for worse." It is completely SFW. 

Sharkpunk on Pornokitsch

Today, Pornokitsch - the geek culture championing website - has played host to my SHARKPUNK-related ramblings, allowing me to submit my five favourite sharks from the silver screen for their weekly Friday Five.

You can check out my list, and add your own suggestions, here.

And don't forget, the official SHARKPUNK launch is taking place on Saturday, at Forbidden Planet in London, at 1.00pm. And there may be cake...

FIGHTING FANTASY FEST around the Internet - Part 4

More on FIGHTING FANTASY FEST from the World Wide Web.

Fighting Fantasy was the focus of the Friday Five on Pornokitsch on Friday (funnily enough)...

On Saturday, backers of the YOU ARE THE HERO Kickstarter got the first look at Martin McKenna's wraparound cover art for the book...

And on Monday, this guest blog post went live on SFX.co.uk...

Pax Britannia: Time's Arrow

Look what arrived in the post today!

 Woohoo!

 

It might not be officially released until this November, but I now have in my possession a print copy of Pax Britannia: Time's Arrow - and very pleased with it I am too.

From Pye Parr's stunning cover (that simply screams steampunk) to the fabulous quotes from SFX magazine, Graeme's Fantasy Book Review and Pornokitsch, I'm really pleased with what the team at Abaddon Books and myself have achieved. There's even some bonus content in the form of an Author's Note and my SFX interview reproduced in full.

"The reader feels like the cozy universe of Pax Britannia is truly, irreversibly changing."

If you've not read the story in digital form yet, and you're a fan of the series, I can't wait to hear what you make of the epilogue!

Roll on November!

FantasyCon 2012 - The Aftermath

This morning I find myself feeling a little tired, with aching legs and a strange sense of displacement... Ah, yes, it was FantasyCon this past weekend. That'll explain it...

I arrived at Friday lunchtime in time to have a pint* practically put straight into my hand and then it was off to the 'How Important Are Blogs?' panel, which due to the vagaries of people's travel plans meant it became dubbed the 'Angry Robot How Important Are Blogs?' panel. The general consensus of opinion was that blogs are important**, although Emelyn Rees isn't a fan of author blogs****.

Straight after the Angry Robot panel it was time for 'Blurring Genre Boundaries' which was the first FantasyCon panel I've sat on. It was moderated my m'editor Jonathan Oliver and was a really fun panel, with a great atmosphere****. It is always pleasing when other well-known writers and editors attend panels and on this occasion is was Joe Abercrombie who came up with a great question from the floor.

The rest of the day became a blurring of catching up with old friends and making more new ones. (Just don't search for #JonCon on Twitter, whatever you do!) But the main event was yet to happen.

Saturday was, to use the vernacular, 'full on'. The day began with a very necessary hearty breakfast and then it was straight off to 'What Makes A Good Short Story?' with m'colleagues Cavan Scott and Mr Kit Cox. During the course of the panel I'm pleased to say that my one-time roomie Simon Bestwick was recommended as a master of the horror short.

The rest of the day involved various book launches - Angry Robot as well as the already legendary Solaris/Abaddon Give-Away, the launch of the new Solaris anthology Magic - not meeting James Herbert in the bar, not meeting Mark Gatiss in the bar, and making plans for a new anthology...

At the Solaris/Abaddon Give-Away.

Now that's Magic!

The Angry Robot's less angry meat-slaves.

Then it was time for 'Is Steampunk Here To Stay?' my second panel of the con, moderated by Jared Shurin, and with Yours Truly as the only author on the panel who seemed happy to have his work described as steampunk. To sum up the panel Kim Newman thinks steampunk has had its day and is on its way out, I think it's here to stay, and Eastern literature may be the source of its salvation.

Can you feel the tension in the room? I could!

After going for dinner with friends, there's not really very much to say about Saturday evening other than...

DISCO!

Gollancz challenged the FantasyCon attendees (which included writers, editors and publishers, as well as book-bloggers and other fans of the genre) to drink their free bar dry. After about half an hour that challenge had been met.

Pimms, you say? Why thank you, sir! That's my five-a-day sorted anyway.

I have to say there's nothing quite like a room full of authors and the like dancing (and shouting along to) The Beatles' Paperback Writer.

Need I say more?

There's also nothing quite like doing a reading at 10.30am on the Sunday morning after the disco with very little voice but I'm delighted to say that despite being up against the BFS AGM and the Sunday Morning Hangover, including myself my reading's attendance made double figures. Thanks again for those who came to listen (including David Tallerman) and for the kind comments afterwards.

Yes, that is a throne I'm sitting upon.

Congratulations to all involved in the organisation of the event and a big thank you to Marie O'Regan, Paul Kane, Alex and Emma Davis in particular. Here's to World FantasyCon 2013!


* The first of many.

** Which was a relief, otherwise what's the point in me typing this first thing on a Monday morning?

*** I would have liked to have caught up with him later to discuss his comments and set out an argument for the defence but there just wasn't the time - it really was that busy.

**** At least I thought so.

FantasyCon 2012 - Day 2

So... Saturday... Day 2 of FantasyCon 2012.

Today you'll find me on the 'Is Steampunk Here To Stay?' panel (5.00-6.00pm in the Russell Room) alongside such genre luminaries as Mr Kim Newman and Ms Kim Lakin-Smith. The panel is being moderated by Jared Shurin (of Pornokitsch fame) so it should be a lot of fun all round.

Other highlights of the busiest day of the Con, as far I'm concerned, include the James Herbert signing, the Abaddon/Solaris Giveaway, the Mark Gatiss interview (with Mark Morris), the Media Tie-ins panel, and the Disco (of course).

Also hoping to catch up with a few friends throughout the course of the day, so if you see me in the bar (or wherever) do pop over and say hello.

30 books in 30 words

The guys over at Pornokitsch have put together a great set of book reviews on their website.

The challenge: Review a book in thirty words.

The fun part: Do it thirty times.

To read their reviews, click here.

The Kitschies' Gothic Evening - The Morning After

If you were reading this blog yesterday, you'll know that last night Blackwell's Charing Cross Road hosted the Kitschies' Gothic Evening. It followed a similar format to the Steampunk Evening that took place back in December only this time focusing on Gothic in art and literature. John Courtenay Grimwood read an extract from his new book and Christopher Fowler and Marcus Hearn then chatted about Hammer Horror's legacy and recent revival (or should that be resurrection?) of the gothic genre on celluloid.

There were also sorts of writers and creators there - including artist-author John Kaiine and photographer Joel Meadows - and the usual friends, enthusiasts and literary literati. I wasn't there as a guest this time but that didn't stop Den Patrick making sure I earned my Kraken Rum for the night!

Den's Pen was put to good use on the night.

Amongst those in a attendance (and who I spent all too little time talking to) were Tom Pollock, Will Hill, Jenni Hill (no relation), Sarah Pinborough (who I actually managed to say more than two words to), Philip Reeve (who I failed to speak to at all), Jon Oliver, David Moore, Bex Levene, James Wallis, Magnus Anderson, Lou Morgan, Scott Andrews, James Long, Emily Banyard, Celeste Sharp, Tom Hunter, Sophia McDougall and a whole host of others... apologies to anyone I've left off the list.

I was excited to meet author Tanith Lee. (Can you tell?)

Once the bookshop shut, proceedings moved across the road to the pub where Lavie Tidhar very sweetly tried to be my agent, brightly coloured drinks were drunk and generous offers of free editing expertise were made. Not to me, but a friend of mine. (I can't think why.)

Esther getting better acquainted with Abaddon Dave.

Thanks of course, must go to Jared and Anne of Pornokitsch who (along with Den) organised the evening, and Kraken Rum for keeping the conversations well oiled. Jared flattered me by saying that the twist ending of the story I have in the forthcoming Stories of the Smoke surprised even him - and that's saying something!

Anne in suitably Gothic bat earrings.

Should grown-up drinks really be this colour?

The Usual Suspects.

The Kitschies' Gothic Evening

On Thursday evening, I shall be at Blackwell's on Charing Cross Road for the Kitschies' Gothic Evening. To find out more about this event, click this link.

Happy Birthday, Mr Dickens!

Today is the bicentenary of Charles Dickens' birth. Naturally there are all sorts of celebrations taking place in and around London, and across the media to mark this momentous occasion, throughout the year.

My own tribute will appear in Stories of the Smoke, to be published by Pandemonium Fiction in April. This anthology also features tales by Adam Roberts, Archie Black, Sarah Lotz, Rebecca Levene, Aliette de Bodard, David Bryher, Alexis Kennedy, James Wallis, Sarah Anne Langton, Jenni van der Merwe, David Thomas Moore, Lavie Tidhar, Kaaron Warren, Michelle Godlsmith, Esther Saxey and Glen Mehn. Not to mention an introduction by Christopher Fowler and illustrations by Gary Northfield.

Stories of the Smoke is edited by Anne C. Perry and Jared Shurin. A portion of the proceeds from all sales of Stories of the Smoke is donated to English PEN, and you can pre-order your limited edition hardback now.

Hell Train launch

So, on Thursday evening I popped along to Foyles for the launch of Christoper Fowler's Hell Train (published by Solaris Books). The event kicked off with Chris in conversation with Jon Oliver (Editor-in-chief of both Abaddon and Solaris Books), with the audience then being invited to ask questions afterwards, and finally there was a chance for Mr Fowler to sign some books.

Jonathan Oliver and Christopher Fowler in conversation.

My copy of Hell Train, signed by Chris.

Chris is a fascinating man with an amazing past - he was the guy who came up with the tag line 'In space, no one can hear you scream' - and I could have sat an listened to him talk all night. Fortunately I got to go for a drink with him afterwards and got to hear a few more of his, no doubt many, anecdotes. Chris was celebrating, having literally just finished his tenth Bryant and May book that afternoon, and Jon and David were celebrating because Abaddon/Solaris won Publisher of the Year in the This is Horror 2011 awards.

Was it something I said?

At the local alehouse I also got the chance to catch up with champion of geek culture Anne Perry (of Pornokitsch and The Kitschies fame), fellow Abaddon scribe Bex Levene and David Moore of Abaddon/Solaris. I tell you, any fans of the Pax Britannia series out there would have loved to have been able to eavesdrop on the conversation we were having.

I also got to chat to Will Hill properly for the first time (he of Department 19 fame) having only met in passing a couple of times before that - and online, of course. And last, but by no means least, I chatted with Clifford Beal, Solaris Books' latest signing. His Civil War novel Gideon's Angel sounds simply awesome; you can find out more about it here.

Before the evening was through Jon, David, Will and myself made a pact, involving the first night of the SFX Weekender. As to what that is, I'll leave you guessing for now, but if David and I stick to our other pact you may find out during the course of the Weekender itself.

David Moore, Will Hill and Jon Oliver (again).

And talking of the SFX Weekender, check in again tomorrow for some big news (well it's big as far as I'm concerned).

The Kitschies - A Steampunk Evening

On Thursday evening I was fortunate enough to be one of the guest authors at The Kitschies Steampunk Evening, held at Blackwell's bookshop on Charing Cross Road.

The Kitschies - promoting intelligent, progressive and entertaining genre literature.

The event was organised by Den Patrick, Jared Shurin and Anne Perry, and was sponsored by Kraken Rum - which, I have to say, is delicious!

Tom Pollock and China Mieville bump knuckles over a large pile of books.

The evening began with Den Patrick (in full steampunk gear) welcoming everyone to the event. Jared Shurin then took over, welcoming the guest authors, artists and other steampunk creators. Next up was Adam Roberts, author and professor of 19th century literature, waxing lyrical about the origins of the modern steampunk movement.

The Ulysses Quicksilver Omnibus and Anno Frankenstein alongside the other steampunk titles on sale at the evening.

One of the many nice touches that the organisers had arranged were name badges, with sub-titles inspired by the different authors' works. So, you could be a member of the Anti-Traction League from Philip Reeve's Mortal Engines series, a Brobdinagian from Adam Roberts' Swiftly, or even an Agent of the Crown, inspired by my own Ulysses Quicksilver Pax Britannia books.

(I heard a rumour that China Mieville was seen leaving with a copy of The Ulysses Quicksilver Omnibus in hand.)

Mark de Jager, James Long (of Orbit Books) and Den Patrick (steampunk facilitator).

Adam Roberts waxes lyrical.

The event was very well-attended!

The Steamies were out in force!

Jenni Hill (who edited Anno Frankenstein, and now of Orbit Books) displaying her own cephalopod companion.

Frances Hardinge, Philip Reeve and Yours Truly.

The steampunk creators encounter Plarchie the Squid.

The evening had many highlights for me - meeting Philip Reeve, chatting with China Mieville, catching up with my steampunk friends, catching up with the guys from Abaddon/Solaris - but one of the best was catching up with Alex Milway, who I had only actually met in person once before, four years ago, and yet who I've got to know much better online since.

Alex Milway and Gary Northfield.

Alex kindly gave me an embroidered badge inspired by his Mythical 9th Division books.

So all that remains for me to say is a huge thank you to Den, Jared, Anne, Blackwell's and last, but not least, Kraken Rum!

A Steampunk Evening - update!

The Steampunk Evening organised by the Pornokitsch guys, and taking place on Thursday 8 December, has had a timing update.

It will now be running from 6:00pm until 8:30pm, which basically means that if you attend you'll get to spend even more time at Blackwell's Charring Cross alongside such luminaries as Kim Lakin-Smith, China Miéville, Philip Reeve, Adam Roberts, Lavie Tidhar and Plarchie the Squid.

And remember, tickets are not necessary and the event is free to attend.

Dragons, Steampunks and Phobias

Just as a quick heads-up, I shall be attending various book-and-game-related events over the next few weeks. Here's a run-down.

Dragonmeet 2011

Saturday 26 November

I'll be at Dragonmeet along with Neil Rennison (the Tin Man's flesh interface) bigging up Temple of the Spider God and maybe making an appearance on a panel or two. (More info, nearer the time.)

A Steampunk Evening

Thursday 8 December

I'll be joining the Steampunk fun and festivities at Blackwell's Charring Cross alongside such luminaries as Kim Lakin-Smith, China Miéville, Philip Reeve, Adam Roberts, Lavie Tidhar and Plarchie the Squid. Tickets are not necessary and the event is free to attend.

Phobophobia Signings

Friday 9 December

Some of us who have contributed to Dean M Drinkel's Phobophobia horror anthology (published by Dark Continents) will be signing copies of the collection first at the Forbidden Planet Megastore in London from 5.00 - 6.00pm, and then later at the official launch at the British Fantasy Society open night at the Mug House, from approx 6.30pm the same evening.