Happy 100th Birthday, Winnie-the-Pooh!

Winnie-the-Pooh, by A. A. Milne, was published on 14th October 1926.

It was precisely because 2026 marks the book's centenary that I crowdfunded 100 Aker Wood earlier this year. 100 years, 100 acres, 100 sections.

The book is now complete and fully laid out. In fact, I was hoping the proof copy of the paperback might arrive before the end of play today, but sadly it didn't. I am also in the process of finalising the order for the collector's hardbacks.

I am really pleased with how the book has turned out. But don't take my word for it. Here's what Victor Cheng, one of the people who play-tested the book, and Mira Manga have had to say about it.

"The melancholic and sombre tone is well-utilised for what I can only describe as a tale of poetic tragedy: the more you discover, the sadder it becomes. It is beautifully written yet depressing to read despite the more hopeful ending (that being a compliment)."

Victor Cheng

“Green’s poignant and powerful prose draws you into a contemplative and transformative journey. Enchanting, moving and magical, this atmospheric adventure will leave you changed. Best played with an open heart and a handkerchief close at hand.”

Mira Manga

So, there you go. 100 Aker Wood will be published in January 2027 by ACE Gamebooks.

Congratulations, NewCon Press!

While I was at the Frankfurt Book Fair at the weekend, FantasyCon was taking place in Glasgow.

The Annual British Fantasy Awards Banquet took place on Saturday evening, which included the presentation of the British Fantasy Awards (funnily enough).

I am pleased to report that NewCon Press walked away with the award for Best Independent Publisher.

Unfortunately, Ian Whates, the mastermind behind NewCon Press, was unable to attend, due to poor health. However, I suspect receiving the award went some way to making up for him having to miss FantasyCon this year.

I am also pleased to say that I have been published by NewCon Press no fewer than three times*. First, there was Legends: Stories in Honour of David Gemmell, which included my short story Who Walks With Death.

Then there was Steampunk International, an anthology of new steampunk stories from Finland, Portugal and the UK, which featured my Pax Britannia short story Reckless Engineering.

And most recently, my short story The Wolf in Winter appeared in The Iron Code, another anthology inspired by the works of the legendary fantasy author David Gemmell and edited by Ian Whates.

So congratulations to Ian and the team at NewCon Press for their much deserved win.

* I also commissioned Ian Whates to write a short story for SHARKPUNK.

Gamebook Friday: The Art of ACE Gamebooks (Volume 1)

The Art of ACE Gamebooks: Volume 1 is a large format book showcasing artwork from the first 10 years of ACE Gamebooks.

Written by the series' creator and gamebook legend Jonathan Green, the book features the artwork of ace illustrators Kev Crossley, Neil Googe, Hauke Kock, Tony Hough, Heraldo Mussolini, and the late, great Russ Nicholson.

If you would like to support this project by making a donation, and be credited at the front of the book, please click the button below.

Please note, by donating you are NOT purchasing a copy of the book. The only reward you will receive is to see you name printed in the book as a supporter. However, any and all support is much appreciated and very gratefully received.

The finished book will be a full-colour, 250+ pages, A4 softback, and will be available from all good online retailers.

Don't delay - you only have until Monday 12th October 2026 to pledge your support.

Dracula: Curse of the Vampire - Flash Sale now on!

It's Spooky Season, so what better time to pick up a copy of the 5th anniversary collector's hardback of Dracula: Curse of the Vampire, and at a knockdown price too?

Gamebook Friday: ACE Gamebooks at the Frankfurt Book Fair

Next weekend, I will be at the Frankfurt Book Fair, with the German publisher of my ACE Gamebooks series, Mantikore-Verlag.

For the occasion, the German language edition of The Wicked Wizard of Oz has been reprinted with a new cover. The publisher is clearly hoping to appeal to the Wicked fanbase, which is fine by me.

The new German cover.

The original German cover.

The original English cover.

I had a great time at the Frankfurt Book Fair back in 2018, where Alice im Düsterland was being promoted, and I spent two hours signing books for devoted Alice fans.

Don't forget - next year I will be publishing a 10th annviersary hardback of The Wicked Wizard of Oz. So, watch this space for more details...

The Tides of Innsmouth - Live Playthrough tonight!

Join your host Ken Boyter tonight on Twitch for a live playthrough of my second Arkham Horror Investigators Gamebook The Tides of Innsmouth.

The decaying town of Innsmouth is awash with sightings of a mysterious sunken pirate junk near the treacherous Devil Reef. Those rumours are an irresistible lure, drawing the Investigators of Arkham to the fog-laden Massachusetts town. But the thrill of discovery quickly wanes when you are faced with hostile locals, a missing marine archaeologist, and a family curse with tendrils that haunt your waking days.

Solve the riddles, overcome tests, and wish for luck as you navigate the rotten streets of the decrepit town and beyond to save the world as you know it.

Gamebook Friday: Dracula - Battesimo di Sangue

I am delighted to report that the Italian language edition of Dracula: Curse of the Vampire is now available for pre-order.

The book's title has had a slight change. Dracula: Battesimo di Sangue translates as Dracula: Baptism of Blood, which is what the French language version is called too.

There are two versions of the cover. The collector's edition, featuring the same cover art as the English edition, by Hauke Kock, and the standard one, which has a brand new piece of art produced by Francesco Crisci*, which is absolutely phenomenal.

I must offer Francesco and the team at Raven Distribution a huge thank you for allowing me to share the new cover art with you here, in full, and without any obscuring text.

So, don't delay and order yours now!

For anyone waiting on the Spanish language edition of Dracula: Curse of the Vampire, I believe it will be published next month.

In other news, the latest episode of ACE Gamebooks: The Gamebook Podcast is out now.

* Who also painted a new cover for the Italian version of Neverland: Here Be Monsters!