The demise of Floor to Ceiling Books and the birth of Strange Chemistry

So, Floor to Ceiling Books is closing its doors after over two years of sterling service to both the world of publishing and the book-buying public. It's been a great read, a fantastic source of information and, I'm pleased to say, I even got to guest post on it once.

The reason? Amanda Rutter is setting up a brand new YA imprint under the watchful eye of the mechanoid masterminds behind Angry Robot Books. This is very exciting news indeed (for all sorts of reasons) and you can read more about it here.

JG on Floor to Ceiling Books

Magemanda of Floor to Ceiling Books is away enjoying the sun in Florida at the moment so various other bloggers/reviewers/writers have been helping her make sure that Floor to Ceiling Books stays busy whilst she's away.

Yesterday, my contribution appeared and has apparently already got a few people talking. So thanks to Amanda for inviting me to write a guest post and for the rest of you, you can read my piece - entitled "On the Stigma of Being a Tie-In Writer" - here.

Writers on writing

To continue my semi-regular series of posts, here's a round up of writerly-type posts I've come across over the last couple of days...

In this piece, novelist Polly Courtney explains why she has dropped her publisher HarperCollins in frustration at having her books presented as chick lit.

This link will take you to a video in which author/comedian Charlie Higson talks about writing for children and young adults.

Here's an interesting piece on the growing trend of aspiring writers not being keen readers.

Sarah Pinborough talks about 'the Blur', that place where all writers dwell, on her blog.

Anyone who's ever said they want to write, but has never actually finished anything, needs to read this post by m'colleague James Swallow.

Not exactly a writer talking about writing, but out of interest the list of books for World Book Night 2012 has been published. There are a fair few genre fiction titles on the list. Let's just hope the programming schedule for the night doesn't ignore SF/F and Horror again, like last year.

If you follow the Floor to Ceiling Books blog you'll already know that Magemanda is away on holiday. Having had her trip planned for some time, she asked her friends to write guest posts for her blog. Well she's now posted the list on her blog and my guest post 'On the Stigma of Being a Tie-In Novelist' will appear, appropriately enough, on 25 September - Games Day!

To continue the theme, William King talks about how he goes about writing a tie-in novel here.

And then, just to finish things off, here's Adelie High's latest video in which Dan Abnett talks about the very process of Writing.

Where I work now

Almost three years ago* I posted on my Unnatural History blog about my workspace, inspired by David Bishop's post on the same subject.

Well I now have a new space in which to work - well, some of the time. There's still some sorting out to be done, but most of my books have been unpacked now, including my collection of Fighting Fantasy books that's been in storage for the last six years.

The Archive

My Games Workshop bookcase- minus a shelf and a half of hardbacks and current project-related material

My writing corner bookcase - one copy of everything I've ever had in print

My Fighting Fantasy collection - Puffin editions (top shelf), Wizard Series 1 (middle shelf), and Wizard Series 2 (bottom shelf)

To celebrate my first afternoon's work in my new office I've recorded a new Vlog answering some of your questions about my books and writing in general. I've also written a guest post for Floor to Ceiling Books (that is scheduled to appear towards the end of September) and a proposal for a new short story. We'll just have to cross our fingers and see how that one goes.

But for now you can enjoy my new Vlog (in two parts) below:

* Three years?!?

Vlog 6 - Genre for Japan

In the news today...

Congratulations to Amanda Rutter, Jenni Hill and all those behind the Genre for Japan project. They were featured today in the Guardian, in which the reporter put out a call to the likes of J K Rowling and Stephen King to do their bit too.

Meanwhile, over at the GamePron gaming website, Neil Rennison of Tin Man Games has been interviewed about Gamebook Adventures and specifically Temple of the Spider God. And you can watch the interview yourself right here.

Genre for Japan

We’ve all heard the news and seen the horrific pictures coming from Japan in the aftermath of the Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami – and no doubt we’ve all wondered how to help.

Well the guys and gals* behind Genre for Japan have come up with a way, uniting the comics, science fiction, fantasy and horror communities, to show their generosity to those who need it right now.

They're going to run auctions for genre-themed prizes donated by those in the industry. Some of the prizes already donated include a year’s supply of books from Tor, signed artwork from Solaris Books and editing/critiques from professional authors and editors. And I've made my own small contribution too.

Deadline for prize donations is 25th March with the auction set to begin on 28th March. I'll post more on this in the lead up to the auction but for now, check out Genre for Japan's blog and if you're in a position to donate a prize email them at genreforjapan@gmail.com.

* Including Amanda Rutter of Floor to Ceiling Books and Jenni Hill, ace Abaddon Books editor.

Anno Frankenstein goodies

Look what came in the post today!

That's right - lots of Anno Frankenstein goodies featuring the fantastic Vetruvian SteamFrank as designed by the inestimable Pye Parr. What you've got there is a promotional postcard, notebook and poster, along with a few Pax Britannia fridge magnets (also designed by Pye).

What's even better is that those people who won my recent forum competition will be receiving a couple of these choice items in the post along with their books.

Here's me excitedly showing off the goodies whilst wearing my brand new Anno Frankenstein* T-shirt.

And here's me holding my copy of Dissolution which Magemanda of Floor to Ceiling Books kindly sent me in her capacity as a book giver for World Book Night.

* You can pre-order your copy of Pax Britannia: Anno Frankenstein here!