Short Story Saturday: The Iron Code

Available for pre-order now is The Iron Code, an anthology of short stories celebrating the life of legendary fantasy author David Gemmell, published to mark the 20th anniversary of his untimely passing.

The anthology has been edited by Ian Whates and is published by NewCon Press. It includes epic tales by the likes of Dan Abnett, John Gwynne, Joanne Harris, Anna Smith-Spark, and Adrian Tchaikovsky. I also have a short in there, entitled The Wolf in Winter.

To pre-order your copy, click this link.

This month's meeting of the Super Relaxed Fantasy Club is dedicated to The Iron Code. It will be taking place at The Star of Kings pub, York Way, near Kings Cross Station, starting at 6:30pm, on Tuesday 14 July 2026.

In attendance will be James Barclay, Mike Carey, Stephen Deas, Juliet E. McKenna, Kari Sperring Gavin Smith, J. L. Worrad, and Ian Whates*. The event is free, but to reserve your place, click this link.

* But not me.

Thought for the Day

"How To Be a Writer, #29291:

When the sun shines, write sunshine.

When it rains, write rain.

When in doubt, drink tea."

~ Joanne Harris, author

Thought for the Day

"How to be a writer:
First, plant the tree on which the leaves of your book will be printed.
Next, hatch the bird from whose quill your ink will flow.
Water the tree.
Feed the bird.
Learn the patience of things that grow and the joy of things that sing.
Make tea: you've got time."

~ Joanne Harris, author

Thought for the Day

"There's a direct link between those who dismiss fiction as 'not real' and those who think mental illness is 'all in our head'. Thoughts; feelings; memories; dreams; the subconscious; depression; the imagination. All these are real. All these determine the way we live our lives."

~ Joanne Harris

Thought for the Day

"In a world in which so many people seem to be in a race to destroy as much as they can, any act of creation is precious. Whatever you're creating, on whatever scale - whether you're writing, painting, knitting, dancing, gardening, or making films - know that it matters. You matter."

~ Joanne Harris

Thought for the Day

"How To Be a Writer:
Awaken to sound of birdsong
Emerge from scented boudoir
Don silken writing pyjamas and special writing hat
Call for parchment quill pen fresh squid ink gold leaf
Small nap till tea time
Have butler bring crumpets, jam, baskets of kittens
Write lies all day long"

~ Joanne Harris

Thought for the Day

"How To Be a Writer:
Look into the abyss
See the abyss looking back
Tell the abyss to take a running jump
Tea"

~ Joanne Harris

Thought for the Day

"How to be a Writer:
Re-read chapter you wrote yesterday.
Delete chapter.
Feel inexplicable sense of achievement.
Tea."

~ Joanne Harris

Thought for the Day

"There are no "rules" for writing. There is only a series of ideas that may have worked for other writers, and that may work for you. If they don't, find another method that does."

~ Joanne Harris