Living in the beautiful country of North Wales, we receive many visits from our friends over the border in England to stay over for a few days. As a result I've taken the journey to Snowdon many times to show our visitors the sights.
Llanberis Pass is among my favorite drive-throughs, the beautiful shaley rocks and exquite waterfalls are all a must see. And these sights are free, with the exception of Swallow Falls which is £1.50 per adult and a bargain as the waterfall - although I've visted many times now - never fails to impress me with it's roaring, powerful flow.
Snowdon however is not a bargain. In fact I think it's a complete rip-off.
A trip to the summit on the mountain railway will cost you £25 per adult and a whopping £18 per child. A family of four will have to pay £76 for a return journey which lasts approximately 1hr and 20 mins from start to finish.
I took a friend recently and one look at the price was enough to say - actually - it isn't really worth it.
Having said that, I've done the train journey to the first drop off point and the views are breath-taking but I still can't get my head around this rather extortionate costing. Can it be that the trains are that expensive to maintain? Or is this just another one of those, 'Let's rip-off the tourist' situations.
There are different rates for one-way of course, and some people choose to walk up - but you have to have the hours to spare and definitely appropriate footwear. Snowdon Railway Prices
As a result I won't be recommending the trip to any more of my visiting friends and family - which is a shame. However across the road is a rather lovely castle ruin which is perfectly accessible and fun to climb up - also - it's free.
Monday, 2 August 2010
Wednesday, 21 July 2010
British Fantasy Awards
Voting for the British Fantasy Awards will be closed on 31st July 2010.
If you are a BFS member, or an attending of either 2009 or 2010 FantasyCon you are eligible to vote for this years British Fantasy Awards on the following link.
BFA Online Voting Form
Don't forget to support the BFS and your favorite artist or writer by voting today.
Sam x
If you are a BFS member, or an attending of either 2009 or 2010 FantasyCon you are eligible to vote for this years British Fantasy Awards on the following link.
BFA Online Voting Form
Don't forget to support the BFS and your favorite artist or writer by voting today.
Sam x
Monday, 19 July 2010
Get Frazer Hines Back on TV!
As a huge Who fan myself I've been watching the series and loving every minute of the new Doctor, Matt Smith. I'm not the first to have noticed how very like Patrick Troughton he is. There was some brilliant writing this season - the best in a long time - and all the actors had some great stories to work with.
Frazer Hines has been off our TV screens for quite some time. Some of this was because he was keeping a low profile due to suffering and now overcoming Bowel Cancer. Yesterday, Frazer bravely spoke out about his illness to The Sunday People, opening describing his battle with cancer. It was an inspirational interview and it made me realise how much of an influential personality Frazer is.
But has the industry forgotten this?
His fans haven't. And that's why this campaign has begun. If you want to see Doctor Who's longest serving and much loved companion back in the series then please join us on Facebook... Get Frazer Hines Back on Doctor Who
Other fans have joined the campaign already and a further campaign to Get Frazer Back On Emmerdale has quickly followed suit.
More news to follow!
Sam x
Sunday, 18 July 2010
Saturday, 17 July 2010
Vampires AREN'T Dead Yet!
Vampire literature has been popular since the 19th Century. We have excellent literary writers in our history such as Sheridan Le Fanu, Bram Stoker and Lord Byron (to name but a few) writing stories that featured the undead.
Modern literary and terrifying vampire writers such as Simon Clark, author of Vampyrrhic and Vampyrric Rites have created vampires with a mythology of their own. These are brutal and frightening monsters that show no human emotion or feeling whatsoever. You only have to look at the writing of Tanith Lee in her novels Vivia and Sabella in order to appreciate that there is some very good and very diffrent stuff out there. And let's not forget Chelsea Quinn Yarbro who was there long before Anne Rice.
The mistake people are making right now is assuming that vampires equal teen paranormal romance, which is so far removed from 'literature' that it is a completely different genre.
When I was at university doing my MA in Creative Writing I wrote my first novel, Killing Kiss, as my dissertation. At first the head of faculty wasn't sure whether the book would be acceptible (he hadn't read it but had a prejudice against genre writing). Thanks to my tutor, literary author Janette Jenkins, who fought my corner with me, I was able to put the novel forward, because we were able to prove it was indeed 'literary fiction'.
Unfortunately though the prejudice still rears its ugly head.
In the early days when I first started mixing with other horror and fantasy writers I was repeatedly asked if my book was horror/romance. Even folks in the genre were making that equation 'vampires=romance' in their heads. It gets a little wearing when you're on the third book of a trilogy that takes in horror, fantasy, time travel, science fiction, paganism, vampires, witches and spiritualism, and there are still people making the same assumptions ... and I wonder if they have even read my work!
It is perhaps ignorant and uniformed to make judgements about a writer without first reading their work. A little like reviewing a film you haven't seen, or going off just the trailer to determine what it's all about. And so I repeat again, literary horror/fantasy is nothing like paranormal/romance. They are different genres entirely. Literary fiction is well written, intelligent, often multi-layered, and the prose will be well-formed and deliberate in its purpose, perhaps even poetic, to create specific imagery in the mind of the reader.
From what I have read, paranormal romance tends to be about boy meets girl, they fall in love and the human one usually ends up being a vampire/werewolf or whatever. Basically the plot is the same, while locations, names and characters all change. There is so much out there at the moment that I cannot keep up. And to be honest I don't want to as it doesn't appeal to me. I see other reviewers saying the same thing, that the books are all the same and don't change or add anything to the myths and legends along the way.
I have nothing against paranormal/romance - reading tastes vary, and each to his own anyway - but I don't want my books to be categorised in this genre. Especially when I've spent several years working very hard on developing my own unique writing style, and trying to do something original which appeals to me.
Going back to my original point though, Vampires have been around a long time in fiction. Just because there are some poor examples, and there is a flooding on the market of not very good vampire books, it doesn't mean that all of this fiction is therefore dross. There have been some excellent books written by Christopher Pike, whose Last Vampire Series has been hugely successful, is beautifully written and thoughtfully crafted. We can look at Laurell K Hamilton's Anita Blake Series (and I know that some of you may criticise a few of the later books as deteriorating into pornography - and I agree, they did) but the first five books make Ms Meyer's plots look like the scribbles of an illiterate 12 year old. There is also Charlaine Harris' Sookie Stackhouse series. The first book does get off to a shaky start, but then Harris took the characters, created fabulous storylines which are truly multi-layered, and she ran with it. I have to say TrueBlood is one of my favourite TV programmes of the moment. My friend Raven Dane has written a terrific vampire series called Legacy of the Dark Kind, and I can tell you, there's not a sniff of romance in it. And not forgetting of course Stephen King, whose Salem's Lot almost defined the vampire story for anyone who read it in the seventies.
I can't believe that people get taken in by the media hype - the media created Twilight mania in the first place, and blew it out of all proportion with a frenzy of obsession that's driven most teenage girls to distraction as they either love or detest the series. All to sell more books and DVDs (and T-Shirts, magazines and other merchandise ... and I wonder who owns the companies producing all these things ... would they be the same companies which produce the films, and which publish the books ... and which also publish the newspapers and magazines which hype and promote so much). Now the Media, in typical fashion, want to take it back and smash every good vampire book on this trail of destruction. This cycle of 'promote to the skies and then destroy' is a familiar one in UK media. It sometimes seems that we build people up, only to then knock them back down again in as harsh and critical manner as we can.
The media have done the same thing with Global Warming over the years, and Swine Flu, and Mad Cow Disease, and Bird Flu - just think about the panic that's been stirred, only to be followed by articles from the professionals saying it isn't true at all.
Well I'm saying categorically: Vampires are NOT dead. They won't die so far as there are good, strong, talented writers out there to keep the vampires' fangs sharp and their tastes brutal.
And if you, like me, don't care for the sugary romance stories - then fine! DON'T BUY THEM.
But please stop dissing vampires It isn't their fault. Poor misguided creatures. But we can show the publishing industry and the media how very discerning we are, and support the good writers out there. Because - Let's be honest - we need your support before we all disappear under a deluge of romanticised, sparkly, friendly, vegetarian creatures of the night.
Wednesday, 7 July 2010
New Ways to Purchase Killing Kiss
I'm please to announce that there are now new ways to purchase Killing Kiss (Book 1 of The Vampire Gene).
If you're a fan of IPhone & IPad like me then click on these links to upload the book now:
The iPhone App is here: http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/killing-kiss/id376359959?mt=8
The iPad App is here: http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/the-killing-kiss/id376802292?mt=8
Or if you prefer using Kindle you can purchase the ebook on this link: Killing Kiss Kindle
If you're a fan of IPhone & IPad like me then click on these links to upload the book now:
The iPhone App is here: http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/killing-kiss/id376359959?mt=8
The iPad App is here: http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/the-killing-kiss/id376802292?mt=8
Or if you prefer using Kindle you can purchase the ebook on this link: Killing Kiss Kindle
Friday, 2 July 2010
Doctor Who - The Big Bang
This series we've seen a return, in some ways, to the good old days of clear and exciting plotting at the hands of that fabulous writer Steven Moffat.
We've got new characters/companions and the return of River Song.
Highlights for me include the opening The Eleventh Hour (which was a brilliant introduction to the eleventh Doctor, Amy and Rory), Vincent and the Doctor(Beautifully emotive and incredibily poignant), The Time of Angels/Flesh and Stone two-parter. (After all we love the Angels don't we?), The Lodger (a great insight to how 'unhuman' The Doctor is) And last but not least The Pandorica Opens/The Big Bang finale which was just amazing!
Congratulations to Steven Moffat, Matt Smith, Karen Gillan and the mega adorable Arthur Darvill who has definitely been the dark horse in the series. Who'd have thought we'd begin to love Rory Williams so much?
But let's not forget the beautiful performances by Alex Kingston as River Song - I adore her no nonsense, kick-ass attitude and intriguing ambiguoity. I definitely want to see much more of her in the next series.
Find out more of mine and David J Howe's thoughts about this fantastic conclusion as we chat to Lewis Bailey, Dale Who and Tara Wheeler at The Happiness Patrol.
Can't wait for Christmas now. With Mr Moffatt in charge it's sure to be a rollercoaster ride!
Saturday, 26 June 2010
'Real' Vampires Versus The Neurotic Wimps
A comparison and definition of the genres
I was recently quoted in the Independent with Neil Gaiman and Graham Marks, voicing our opinions on the glut of Paranormal Romance and Teen Vampire stories that are taking the bite, and the fright, out of a genre that I love very much. I'd like to elaborate on the problem as I see it.
There seems to be much confusion between Vampires in Horror/Fantasy novels and those in Paranormal Romance when actually they are completely different genres.
Horror, quite simply, contains content that is frightening and/or horrific. It can contain supernatural elements or it can feature a serial killer. What makes a piece of writing effective as horror is the psychological element. Often it plays on the mind of the reader. A classic example of this is Richard Laymon's novel Endless Night. There is no supernatural element in this story at all; it's about a group of men working together to break into houses to kill people. They do unspeakable, vile and horrific things to their victims. It is an utterly terrifying and realistic story, mostly because it could actually happen!
Fantasy is usually writing that features 'other worlds', or as in the case of Urban Fantasy, the world depicted is recognisable as our own, but there are supernatural beings living in it. Fantasy stories are usually epic. The characters can have a journey or a quest to follow. There may be magicians, warriors, vampires, demons, fairies or angels. To find out more about this I recommend Rhetorics of Fantasy by Farah Mendlesohn. (The book explores in detail the four main categories that fantasy novels fall into: The Portal-Quest, The Immersive, The Intrusion, The Liminal; in a fascinating and informative analysis of the genre.)
Often though, Horror and Fantasy become merged together, which is certainly what I do in my books. For example Futile Flame begins in the guise of a traditional gothic novel but has a deliberate fantasy twist at the end that is the start of the Portal-Quest Fantasy that takes place in Demon Dance.
Paranormal Romance, on the other hand, tends to be foremost a romantic story but which has a paranormal or supernatural element, such as a vampire, werewolf, ghost and so on. Usually the story is one of boy meets girl. One of them is human, the other is a vampire, werewolf or ghost. There will be angst, a little lust (sometimes a lot of lust) and then boy and girl will be united at the end. The formula never really changes beyond that and other than names and places, these stories tend to be very alike and generally unoriginal.
The problem with the genre at the moment is that, with the popularity of the Twilight series, publishers have seen an equation in their minds which reads: Teenage Romance Novel + Supernatural Creatures = Money. The authorial and publishing intent behind all these books is to present a romantic story which, they hope, will capture the romantic notions of teenage girls. The intent is not to scare, or to create unease, or to provoke a horrified reaction ... any and all of which would perhaps be elements that true horror novels would set out to achieve. Speaking for myself, my first novel, Killing Kiss, was written to explore the loneliness of a vampire who has lived for 400 years; illuminating his life through sequences where the reader can experience the events he has lived through, and with that perhaps understand and sympathise with my leading man, even though he is a monster.
Let's Give Vampires Back Their Fangs!
As I said in The Independent piece, vampires shouldn't be vegetarian (which is an oxymoron). They are blood sucking monsters. They may feel a little guilty when they kill, but mostly they don't care. As Graham Marks said, Vampires should be scary and sexy. The thing we've loved about them all these years is the danger they represent as well as the seductive element. There is nothing more terrifying than a strange man entering your bedroom and then biting you on the neck - there's nothing sexier either.
I believe that we shouldn't stop writing Vampire fiction. What should happen is that publishers should be actively looking for good vampire fiction - not the trashy formulaic romance stuff that's basically taken the heart and horror out of our vampires.
For this reason, to show the difference between the wimps and the fanged fiends, here's a sneak preview of Demon Dance. This is something I've never done before prior to publication, but I want to show you how my vampire Lilly gives into her monstrous nature with no regrets. I have slightly tweaked this to ensure that it stands alone here, but I hope you enjoy what you read ... and maybe are slightly chilled too.
DEMON DANCE
Chapter 4
Present – The Trinity Klub
The club is heaving. I push my way through the bodies, brushing against auras. The proximity of so many humans almost makes my stomach retch. I hate crowds. I am by nature a loner these days. And the gyrating sexual energy that flows through the crowd repulses me. The consolation prize is the blood. It floods the air along with the hot scent of perspiration.
I took only a little blood from my last victim and so I’m still hungry. As I look around the club I don’t see anything I fancy eating. Harry has found a pale, slender redhead. She looks like Nicola Roberts from the pop group Girls Aloud, complete with Plaster of Paris make-up. She’s wearing hot pants and a cropped top that barely covers her tiny breasts. I use the blanket of the crowd on the dance floor as an excuse to brush the damp bare flesh on her waist with my hand. I lift my fingers to my lips and taste her sweet perspiration. Colours burst into the air before my vampiric gaze, lines of heritage. The lines stretch up and out and stop several feet above her head. I’ve seen this before. She is a long way from her home and there is no nearby connection to her lineage.
It is good news for Harry because there is no trace of our bloodline in her gene code. I meet Harry’s eyes and nod. He moves in rapidly meeting her eyes. Within minutes he’s pulled the girl close and their hips bump together as they dance. Before long he leads her away from the crowd. Unconcerned I watch them leave, assured she is safe for any kind of fun he wishes to have with her.
Across the room a group of boys part to reveal a gorgeous blond. Even from this distance I can see the green twinkle of his eyes, see the seductive dimples in his cheeks and chin. I turn away rapidly. He reminds me too much of all that I have lost. Everywhere I go in Stockholm there are constant reminders of my one time lover. How can I still hold a torch for him, after all this time?
‘Hey beautiful.’
He’s in his late thirties. Cute. Dark hair and nothing like Gabriele or any other male from my gene pool. But none of that makes a difference; what does is the fact that he has his hand on my waist and he’s stroking me. He’s skilled. His fingers weave hypnotic patterns over my skin. I am frozen to the spot. A bitter chill pierces me.
Strike one; I don’t like to be touched.
‘Want to get some air?’ he asks.
I let him take my hand and lead me outside onto the balcony. It’s a cold night and we are alone except for a tall, stocky, bouncer taking a cigarette break. We look out over the city. Multi-coloured lights litter the streets. I am mesmerised by the beauty of the cold air, of my breath huffing out like steam. It is one of those silly delights that my vampiric sense really enjoys.
‘I’m Stephan,’ he tells me as he places a joint in his mouth and flicks his lighter expertly.
He takes a long pull into his lungs and then offers it to me.
‘I don’t smoke,’ I answer but I don’t bother giving him the lecture that smoking will kill him eventually. He’ll be dead long before then anyway.
‘I watched you inside the club. Your boyfriend went off with a redhead.’
‘He’s not my boyfriend.’
‘Ah. Good. Because I think you are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen.’
I raise a cynical brow. The fluency of his words tells me how often Stephan has used them. I sniff the air around him as he inhales the weed again. He smells of sex. Cigarettes. Weed. And something else. Cocaine. Then I see the particles of white powder, briefly reflected in the moonlight, around his nostrils. I turn to walk away. He’s too boring to bother with.
‘I want you,’ he says catching hold of my arm.
I glance down at his hand. ‘Let go,’ I say calmly.
‘I always have what I want.’
‘You’re not my type. Sorry.’ He tightens his grip.
Stephan chuckles. It is a dark sound and it implies hidden knowledge. I turn just in time to see the bouncer heading my way.
‘You’ve got to be kidding me …’
The bouncer grabs my arms and they pull me towards another door at the other end of the balcony. I don’t resist, even though I could shake them off easily if I wanted to. But there are too many people around and I’m curious to see how far this will go. I let them pull me into the other room. The glass door is closed behind us and I find myself in a small office which contains a desk and a futon covered in luxurious cushions in various shades of red silk. I look around. Other than the balcony, two doors lead off from the room. One, I suspect leads back into the club; the other is probably a bathroom.
‘Leave us,’ Stephan says and the bouncer departs.
‘Is this how you get all your dates?’ I laugh. ‘You could just try wining and dining a girl; it might well have saved your life.’
He chuckles. ‘Saved my life? Young lady, I don’t think you realise who you are dealing with. I own this club.’
I run my finger along his desk as I recall the rumours I’d heard about the Trinity Klub and the mafia who owned it. Stephan’s name and face float behind my eyes as I recall a scandal in the newspaper recently. The report flashes before my eyes. The curse of a photographic memory.
Young woman throws herself from club owner’s balcony … Investigation inconclusive.
‘Mmmm. Yes. I do. But do you know who you are dealing with?’ I meet his eyes.
He steps back when he sees the venom in my expression. He blinks. Swallows. Then smiles. Never smile at a crocodile … I smile back.
‘Come here,’ he orders.
‘What if I scream?’
‘This room is sound-proofed,’ his smile widens.
‘Your biggest mistake of course was touching me,’ I say stepping towards him. ‘I really don’t like to be touched. Especially when I haven’t given my permission.’
‘You better get used to it bitch. I’m going to touch all I want in the next few hours.’ He reaches for me and I let him grab me; his fingers bite into my arms.
‘You’re going to do everything I ask. Okay?’
I laugh in his face. Then flick my tongue out over his cheek, testing him. His heritage lines stretch out, far away from Stockholm and no hint of my DNA. Very, very safe. It seems Stephan is of Russian decent. He pulls me close. He’s taken my tasting as a sign that I like him after all. Foolish mortal.
My fangs burst free of my gums as I rear and strike in one fluid movement. I bury my teeth in his face and rip back, taking a strip of his cheek with me. There is a sickening tear as his face shreds. Stephan screams. His hand flies to his face and he stares in shock at the blood covering his fingers. As he tries to push the flapping skin back in place. If he survives our encounter his looks will be ruined. But he won’t need to worry about that.
‘What the fuck …?’ He staggers towards his desk, shocked and dazed.
I see the alarm button just in time. I grab him, snatching his hand away from the desk and crush his fingers in mine. I squeeze. Bones cracked in my grasp, his knuckles pop like bubble wrap. He screams again. I sigh. It’s getting boring again.
‘Where you going honey? I thought you wanted to fuck? Oops. My bad. You wanted to rape, didn’t you? Is that how you get it up, Stephan? You have to have the rough and tumble first?’
I throw him back on the futon and reach for the zipper on his trousers.
‘Well let’s see what you have in there then. I’m feeling hungry.’
Stephan screams like a girl. His hands beat at me, but his blows have no more impact than that of an insect. I laugh when he pulls back his uninjured arm, fist clenched. His blow lands on my cheek. The fingers in his hand snap like twigs and his knuckles crumble. Both of his hands are now destroyed and with it the fight goes out of him. I bet this is the first time he has ever been bested by anyone, never mind a female. I slash away his pale cream trousers; his blood has ruined them anyway. Stephan cries and sobs as I expose his stomach.
‘Please … Mercy.’
‘Did you have mercy for that poor little girl you raped and threw from the balcony Stephan?’
I smile, all fangs and Stephan recoils, ‘Wha … t are … you?’
‘I could come out with “I’m your worst nightmare” or some clichéd crap like that. But I reckon that would be lost on an arsehole like you. So I’ll tell you this, that blood-sucking monster you had childhood nightmares about exists. It’s real. I’m the bogeyman. I’m going to eat you, because you’ve been a bad, bad man.’
His cries become incoherent as I get to work on him. I bite, scratch and tear until his guts are smeared all over the futon. The red silk cushions darken and change colour to a deep, black purple. Blood falls onto the cream carpet in an interesting splatter pattern.
‘Your biggest mistake was touching me,’ I say again as I lick at an open wound finally drinking my fill. ‘I really don’t like to be groped. Maybe in death you will learn some manners.’
His eyes bleed tears as his mouth leaks gory saliva. He’s dying; it will be slow and agonising. And as much as I’d like to, I can’t afford the luxury of leaving here unless I finish him. I reach down. Taking his mangled face between my hands I twist his head sharply, snapping his neck. But I’m aware of the valuable lesson he has just learned about life and death. Power is a tenuous possession. You are only strong if there are others weaker than you.
I’m Lilly. I’m Lillith. I’m the oldest woman alive and I’m stronger than anything human or otherwise. I won’t be fucking trifled with.
Blood-soaked, I open the balcony door and walk up to the rail. Gazing out over the bright city I feel a sense of freedom. I leap into the air and soar into the night as Stephan’s blood strengthens my limbs into further invulnerability. No one can touch me; unless I want them to. And I don’t want anyone to.
If you ask me why I kill, my answer is this: Because I can.
I was recently quoted in the Independent with Neil Gaiman and Graham Marks, voicing our opinions on the glut of Paranormal Romance and Teen Vampire stories that are taking the bite, and the fright, out of a genre that I love very much. I'd like to elaborate on the problem as I see it.
There seems to be much confusion between Vampires in Horror/Fantasy novels and those in Paranormal Romance when actually they are completely different genres.
Horror, quite simply, contains content that is frightening and/or horrific. It can contain supernatural elements or it can feature a serial killer. What makes a piece of writing effective as horror is the psychological element. Often it plays on the mind of the reader. A classic example of this is Richard Laymon's novel Endless Night. There is no supernatural element in this story at all; it's about a group of men working together to break into houses to kill people. They do unspeakable, vile and horrific things to their victims. It is an utterly terrifying and realistic story, mostly because it could actually happen!
Fantasy is usually writing that features 'other worlds', or as in the case of Urban Fantasy, the world depicted is recognisable as our own, but there are supernatural beings living in it. Fantasy stories are usually epic. The characters can have a journey or a quest to follow. There may be magicians, warriors, vampires, demons, fairies or angels. To find out more about this I recommend Rhetorics of Fantasy by Farah Mendlesohn. (The book explores in detail the four main categories that fantasy novels fall into: The Portal-Quest, The Immersive, The Intrusion, The Liminal; in a fascinating and informative analysis of the genre.)
Often though, Horror and Fantasy become merged together, which is certainly what I do in my books. For example Futile Flame begins in the guise of a traditional gothic novel but has a deliberate fantasy twist at the end that is the start of the Portal-Quest Fantasy that takes place in Demon Dance.
Paranormal Romance, on the other hand, tends to be foremost a romantic story but which has a paranormal or supernatural element, such as a vampire, werewolf, ghost and so on. Usually the story is one of boy meets girl. One of them is human, the other is a vampire, werewolf or ghost. There will be angst, a little lust (sometimes a lot of lust) and then boy and girl will be united at the end. The formula never really changes beyond that and other than names and places, these stories tend to be very alike and generally unoriginal.
The problem with the genre at the moment is that, with the popularity of the Twilight series, publishers have seen an equation in their minds which reads: Teenage Romance Novel + Supernatural Creatures = Money. The authorial and publishing intent behind all these books is to present a romantic story which, they hope, will capture the romantic notions of teenage girls. The intent is not to scare, or to create unease, or to provoke a horrified reaction ... any and all of which would perhaps be elements that true horror novels would set out to achieve. Speaking for myself, my first novel, Killing Kiss, was written to explore the loneliness of a vampire who has lived for 400 years; illuminating his life through sequences where the reader can experience the events he has lived through, and with that perhaps understand and sympathise with my leading man, even though he is a monster.
Let's Give Vampires Back Their Fangs!
As I said in The Independent piece, vampires shouldn't be vegetarian (which is an oxymoron). They are blood sucking monsters. They may feel a little guilty when they kill, but mostly they don't care. As Graham Marks said, Vampires should be scary and sexy. The thing we've loved about them all these years is the danger they represent as well as the seductive element. There is nothing more terrifying than a strange man entering your bedroom and then biting you on the neck - there's nothing sexier either.
I believe that we shouldn't stop writing Vampire fiction. What should happen is that publishers should be actively looking for good vampire fiction - not the trashy formulaic romance stuff that's basically taken the heart and horror out of our vampires.
For this reason, to show the difference between the wimps and the fanged fiends, here's a sneak preview of Demon Dance. This is something I've never done before prior to publication, but I want to show you how my vampire Lilly gives into her monstrous nature with no regrets. I have slightly tweaked this to ensure that it stands alone here, but I hope you enjoy what you read ... and maybe are slightly chilled too.
DEMON DANCE
Chapter 4
Present – The Trinity Klub
The club is heaving. I push my way through the bodies, brushing against auras. The proximity of so many humans almost makes my stomach retch. I hate crowds. I am by nature a loner these days. And the gyrating sexual energy that flows through the crowd repulses me. The consolation prize is the blood. It floods the air along with the hot scent of perspiration.
I took only a little blood from my last victim and so I’m still hungry. As I look around the club I don’t see anything I fancy eating. Harry has found a pale, slender redhead. She looks like Nicola Roberts from the pop group Girls Aloud, complete with Plaster of Paris make-up. She’s wearing hot pants and a cropped top that barely covers her tiny breasts. I use the blanket of the crowd on the dance floor as an excuse to brush the damp bare flesh on her waist with my hand. I lift my fingers to my lips and taste her sweet perspiration. Colours burst into the air before my vampiric gaze, lines of heritage. The lines stretch up and out and stop several feet above her head. I’ve seen this before. She is a long way from her home and there is no nearby connection to her lineage.
It is good news for Harry because there is no trace of our bloodline in her gene code. I meet Harry’s eyes and nod. He moves in rapidly meeting her eyes. Within minutes he’s pulled the girl close and their hips bump together as they dance. Before long he leads her away from the crowd. Unconcerned I watch them leave, assured she is safe for any kind of fun he wishes to have with her.
Across the room a group of boys part to reveal a gorgeous blond. Even from this distance I can see the green twinkle of his eyes, see the seductive dimples in his cheeks and chin. I turn away rapidly. He reminds me too much of all that I have lost. Everywhere I go in Stockholm there are constant reminders of my one time lover. How can I still hold a torch for him, after all this time?
‘Hey beautiful.’
He’s in his late thirties. Cute. Dark hair and nothing like Gabriele or any other male from my gene pool. But none of that makes a difference; what does is the fact that he has his hand on my waist and he’s stroking me. He’s skilled. His fingers weave hypnotic patterns over my skin. I am frozen to the spot. A bitter chill pierces me.
Strike one; I don’t like to be touched.
‘Want to get some air?’ he asks.
I let him take my hand and lead me outside onto the balcony. It’s a cold night and we are alone except for a tall, stocky, bouncer taking a cigarette break. We look out over the city. Multi-coloured lights litter the streets. I am mesmerised by the beauty of the cold air, of my breath huffing out like steam. It is one of those silly delights that my vampiric sense really enjoys.
‘I’m Stephan,’ he tells me as he places a joint in his mouth and flicks his lighter expertly.
He takes a long pull into his lungs and then offers it to me.
‘I don’t smoke,’ I answer but I don’t bother giving him the lecture that smoking will kill him eventually. He’ll be dead long before then anyway.
‘I watched you inside the club. Your boyfriend went off with a redhead.’
‘He’s not my boyfriend.’
‘Ah. Good. Because I think you are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen.’
I raise a cynical brow. The fluency of his words tells me how often Stephan has used them. I sniff the air around him as he inhales the weed again. He smells of sex. Cigarettes. Weed. And something else. Cocaine. Then I see the particles of white powder, briefly reflected in the moonlight, around his nostrils. I turn to walk away. He’s too boring to bother with.
‘I want you,’ he says catching hold of my arm.
I glance down at his hand. ‘Let go,’ I say calmly.
‘I always have what I want.’
‘You’re not my type. Sorry.’ He tightens his grip.
Stephan chuckles. It is a dark sound and it implies hidden knowledge. I turn just in time to see the bouncer heading my way.
‘You’ve got to be kidding me …’
The bouncer grabs my arms and they pull me towards another door at the other end of the balcony. I don’t resist, even though I could shake them off easily if I wanted to. But there are too many people around and I’m curious to see how far this will go. I let them pull me into the other room. The glass door is closed behind us and I find myself in a small office which contains a desk and a futon covered in luxurious cushions in various shades of red silk. I look around. Other than the balcony, two doors lead off from the room. One, I suspect leads back into the club; the other is probably a bathroom.
‘Leave us,’ Stephan says and the bouncer departs.
‘Is this how you get all your dates?’ I laugh. ‘You could just try wining and dining a girl; it might well have saved your life.’
He chuckles. ‘Saved my life? Young lady, I don’t think you realise who you are dealing with. I own this club.’
I run my finger along his desk as I recall the rumours I’d heard about the Trinity Klub and the mafia who owned it. Stephan’s name and face float behind my eyes as I recall a scandal in the newspaper recently. The report flashes before my eyes. The curse of a photographic memory.
Young woman throws herself from club owner’s balcony … Investigation inconclusive.
‘Mmmm. Yes. I do. But do you know who you are dealing with?’ I meet his eyes.
He steps back when he sees the venom in my expression. He blinks. Swallows. Then smiles. Never smile at a crocodile … I smile back.
‘Come here,’ he orders.
‘What if I scream?’
‘This room is sound-proofed,’ his smile widens.
‘Your biggest mistake of course was touching me,’ I say stepping towards him. ‘I really don’t like to be touched. Especially when I haven’t given my permission.’
‘You better get used to it bitch. I’m going to touch all I want in the next few hours.’ He reaches for me and I let him grab me; his fingers bite into my arms.
‘You’re going to do everything I ask. Okay?’
I laugh in his face. Then flick my tongue out over his cheek, testing him. His heritage lines stretch out, far away from Stockholm and no hint of my DNA. Very, very safe. It seems Stephan is of Russian decent. He pulls me close. He’s taken my tasting as a sign that I like him after all. Foolish mortal.
My fangs burst free of my gums as I rear and strike in one fluid movement. I bury my teeth in his face and rip back, taking a strip of his cheek with me. There is a sickening tear as his face shreds. Stephan screams. His hand flies to his face and he stares in shock at the blood covering his fingers. As he tries to push the flapping skin back in place. If he survives our encounter his looks will be ruined. But he won’t need to worry about that.
‘What the fuck …?’ He staggers towards his desk, shocked and dazed.
I see the alarm button just in time. I grab him, snatching his hand away from the desk and crush his fingers in mine. I squeeze. Bones cracked in my grasp, his knuckles pop like bubble wrap. He screams again. I sigh. It’s getting boring again.
‘Where you going honey? I thought you wanted to fuck? Oops. My bad. You wanted to rape, didn’t you? Is that how you get it up, Stephan? You have to have the rough and tumble first?’
I throw him back on the futon and reach for the zipper on his trousers.
‘Well let’s see what you have in there then. I’m feeling hungry.’
Stephan screams like a girl. His hands beat at me, but his blows have no more impact than that of an insect. I laugh when he pulls back his uninjured arm, fist clenched. His blow lands on my cheek. The fingers in his hand snap like twigs and his knuckles crumble. Both of his hands are now destroyed and with it the fight goes out of him. I bet this is the first time he has ever been bested by anyone, never mind a female. I slash away his pale cream trousers; his blood has ruined them anyway. Stephan cries and sobs as I expose his stomach.
‘Please … Mercy.’
‘Did you have mercy for that poor little girl you raped and threw from the balcony Stephan?’
I smile, all fangs and Stephan recoils, ‘Wha … t are … you?’
‘I could come out with “I’m your worst nightmare” or some clichéd crap like that. But I reckon that would be lost on an arsehole like you. So I’ll tell you this, that blood-sucking monster you had childhood nightmares about exists. It’s real. I’m the bogeyman. I’m going to eat you, because you’ve been a bad, bad man.’
His cries become incoherent as I get to work on him. I bite, scratch and tear until his guts are smeared all over the futon. The red silk cushions darken and change colour to a deep, black purple. Blood falls onto the cream carpet in an interesting splatter pattern.
‘Your biggest mistake was touching me,’ I say again as I lick at an open wound finally drinking my fill. ‘I really don’t like to be groped. Maybe in death you will learn some manners.’
His eyes bleed tears as his mouth leaks gory saliva. He’s dying; it will be slow and agonising. And as much as I’d like to, I can’t afford the luxury of leaving here unless I finish him. I reach down. Taking his mangled face between my hands I twist his head sharply, snapping his neck. But I’m aware of the valuable lesson he has just learned about life and death. Power is a tenuous possession. You are only strong if there are others weaker than you.
I’m Lilly. I’m Lillith. I’m the oldest woman alive and I’m stronger than anything human or otherwise. I won’t be fucking trifled with.
Blood-soaked, I open the balcony door and walk up to the rail. Gazing out over the bright city I feel a sense of freedom. I leap into the air and soar into the night as Stephan’s blood strengthens my limbs into further invulnerability. No one can touch me; unless I want them to. And I don’t want anyone to.
If you ask me why I kill, my answer is this: Because I can.
Friday, 25 June 2010
DO YOU HAVE ...The Vampire Gene?
Some folks asked me about how to get hold of my books! Here's the information. Order your copies now!
Books 1 and 2, Killing Kiss and Futile Flame, can be purchased from Murky Depths along with pre-orders of Book 3 Demon Dance.
Or Amazon.co.uk at Killing Kiss or Futile Flame
Killing Kiss is also available on Kindle, iPhone, or iPad.
Books 1 and 2, Killing Kiss and Futile Flame, can be purchased from Murky Depths along with pre-orders of Book 3 Demon Dance.
Or Amazon.co.uk at Killing Kiss or Futile Flame
Killing Kiss is also available on Kindle, iPhone, or iPad.
Saturday, 12 June 2010
BRITISH FANTASY SOCIETY AWARDS SHORLIST ANNOUNCED.
Woke up this morning to find that the Short list for the British Fantasy Society Awards had been posted.
Futile Flame - Book 2 of The Vampire Gene trilogy is a finalist!
A lot has happened in my life over the last few years; at times it has been such an uphill struggle. Many of you already know the story and I won’t bore you with the details today. I have a lot of regrets though, one of which is that my mother never saw my first book in print. She’d have loved that because she saw the many times that 11 year old Samantha sat quietly in a corner scribbling stories and poems on a tatty notepad. She bought me my first typewriter, where I bashed out an attempt to write a 'Tales of the Unexpected' story for a competition (aged 13) and wrote a rather dreadful (8 chapter) 'novel' which was an appalling knock-off Hammer story. Later I wrote my first proper attempt on it, in the space of a month, after many false starts, marriage and motherhood.
With the marvellous invention of the word processor, my terrible typos became much easier to correct. Thank God, Apple or Microsoft for that!
I have much to be grateful for now, especially for my partner David: my best friend and biggest supporter. Every time I get knocked down he picks me up and dusts me off, handing me my laptop as he says, ‘don’t give up. You can do it, Sam’. Futile Flame would never have been written but for his encouragement. I feel so privileged.
And I say today, even though it's like walking through mud in high heels at times, I’m not going to give up, no matter what. Writing is something that I just can’t stop doing.
I'm completely bowled over with the success of Futile Flame as I appreciate it is a very unusual novel with its quirky mix of Vampire horror and fantasy, merged with the time travel element. But then maybe that is why it is appealing so much to you, my readers. :)
I’m feeling very emotional and extremely humble today, so excuse this rather strange blog.
I want to say a huge thank you to BFS members for supporting the novel. I really, never thought I'd make the short list.
If you voted this time, don't forget to vote again on the final round, whoever you voted for, because the BFS needs your support.
Love
Sam x
Futile Flame - Book 2 of The Vampire Gene trilogy is a finalist!
A lot has happened in my life over the last few years; at times it has been such an uphill struggle. Many of you already know the story and I won’t bore you with the details today. I have a lot of regrets though, one of which is that my mother never saw my first book in print. She’d have loved that because she saw the many times that 11 year old Samantha sat quietly in a corner scribbling stories and poems on a tatty notepad. She bought me my first typewriter, where I bashed out an attempt to write a 'Tales of the Unexpected' story for a competition (aged 13) and wrote a rather dreadful (8 chapter) 'novel' which was an appalling knock-off Hammer story. Later I wrote my first proper attempt on it, in the space of a month, after many false starts, marriage and motherhood.
With the marvellous invention of the word processor, my terrible typos became much easier to correct. Thank God, Apple or Microsoft for that!
I have much to be grateful for now, especially for my partner David: my best friend and biggest supporter. Every time I get knocked down he picks me up and dusts me off, handing me my laptop as he says, ‘don’t give up. You can do it, Sam’. Futile Flame would never have been written but for his encouragement. I feel so privileged.
And I say today, even though it's like walking through mud in high heels at times, I’m not going to give up, no matter what. Writing is something that I just can’t stop doing.
I'm completely bowled over with the success of Futile Flame as I appreciate it is a very unusual novel with its quirky mix of Vampire horror and fantasy, merged with the time travel element. But then maybe that is why it is appealing so much to you, my readers. :)
I’m feeling very emotional and extremely humble today, so excuse this rather strange blog.
I want to say a huge thank you to BFS members for supporting the novel. I really, never thought I'd make the short list.
If you voted this time, don't forget to vote again on the final round, whoever you voted for, because the BFS needs your support.
Love
Sam x
Wednesday, 5 May 2010
What's been happening - An update!
DEMON DANCE - Book 3 The Vampire Gene
As most of you are aware, Demon Dance is written and is with my publisher. We're hoping for a FantasyCon Launch, and so far I can't see any reason why it shouldn't be ready for September.
If you aren't going to make the Convention but would like a copy then please pre-order by clicking the cover in the sidebar to the right. Murky Depths can post copies to anywhere in the world, and if you want it signed, then make the request with your order.
Here's a little blurb to wet your appetite ...
"How would a twenty-first Century new-born vampire feel if she found herself thrust back in time to the very dawn of creation? Leaving behind her lover and maker Gabriele, Lilly, the youngest vampire, treads a path between instinct and survival: always living in fear of paradox. Demon Dance is the third novel in a trilogy, and follows the story of modern vampire Lilly as she lives through several lifetimes trying to ensure that the future she knows isn’t changed by her actions in the past."
"Enticing, shocking and delightful" Simon Clark
FUTILE FLAME
Some good news for book 2, Futile Flame, which is a finalist in ForeWord Magazine's Book of the Year Awards in the Horror category. The awards ceremony will take place on 26th May in New York at BookExpo America.
Also, Futile Flame is on the British Fantasy Society Awards Longlist. Members of the BFS can vote up to 31st May 2010 to decide on what the shortlist will be, before another round of voting will decide the winner.
We need your vote.
If you've read Futile Flame and deem it worthy of Best Novel, and are a BFS member, then please support the small presses and vote for the novel. (If you haven't read it email me for a PDF, or if you liked another book more - then vote for your favorite! Because that's what it's all about anyway!!!)
I'm delighted that Futile Flame has drawn so much attention and is so well liked but would like to say a hearty "Good luck!" to all finalists in ForeWord Magazine's Awards and to all those super titles that have made the longlist for the BFS Awards.
Have a great week guys, and I will try to keep you more informed of my progress in the future.
Sam xxx
As most of you are aware, Demon Dance is written and is with my publisher. We're hoping for a FantasyCon Launch, and so far I can't see any reason why it shouldn't be ready for September.
If you aren't going to make the Convention but would like a copy then please pre-order by clicking the cover in the sidebar to the right. Murky Depths can post copies to anywhere in the world, and if you want it signed, then make the request with your order.
Here's a little blurb to wet your appetite ...
"How would a twenty-first Century new-born vampire feel if she found herself thrust back in time to the very dawn of creation? Leaving behind her lover and maker Gabriele, Lilly, the youngest vampire, treads a path between instinct and survival: always living in fear of paradox. Demon Dance is the third novel in a trilogy, and follows the story of modern vampire Lilly as she lives through several lifetimes trying to ensure that the future she knows isn’t changed by her actions in the past."
"Enticing, shocking and delightful" Simon Clark
FUTILE FLAME
Some good news for book 2, Futile Flame, which is a finalist in ForeWord Magazine's Book of the Year Awards in the Horror category. The awards ceremony will take place on 26th May in New York at BookExpo America.
Also, Futile Flame is on the British Fantasy Society Awards Longlist. Members of the BFS can vote up to 31st May 2010 to decide on what the shortlist will be, before another round of voting will decide the winner.
We need your vote.
If you've read Futile Flame and deem it worthy of Best Novel, and are a BFS member, then please support the small presses and vote for the novel. (If you haven't read it email me for a PDF, or if you liked another book more - then vote for your favorite! Because that's what it's all about anyway!!!)
I'm delighted that Futile Flame has drawn so much attention and is so well liked but would like to say a hearty "Good luck!" to all finalists in ForeWord Magazine's Awards and to all those super titles that have made the longlist for the BFS Awards.
Have a great week guys, and I will try to keep you more informed of my progress in the future.
Sam xxx
Sunday, 28 March 2010
WORLD HORROR CON 2010
WORLD HORROR CON 2010 – BRIGHTON
On the first day of the con was an event called ‘Pitch Black’ – this is where you get the opportunity to pitch your ideas to agents and publishers face to face. I ‘hummed’ and ‘ahhhed’ about attending until David threw a metaphorical glass of water over me and told me to get my ass in the room and speak to some people. Believe it or not I find this incredibly difficult. Agents and publishers scare the hell out of me and I’m always afraid I’m going to look a complete idiot or that they just won’t want to know about my ideas. Rejection is a very hard thing for anyone to take.
First up, I went to speak to Dorothy Lumley from the Dorian Literary Agency. I first wrote to Dorothy about 15 years ago when I completed a novel I was really proud of called The Brunette Murders – Dorothy sent me back a really lovely letter telling me I had a ‘lively writing style, which was very readable and very saleable’ but that the story wasn’t for her. It was a vampire story and I don’t think the market was so interested in vampires at the time. At WHC Dorothy and I had a conversation about the current market and she told me that she feels that right now they have never been hotter and will remain so for some time to come.
Next I spoke to Ian Drury from Sheil Land Associates, and by now it was over time and so I didn’t have any opportunity to waffle – which was good. I pitched a young adult idea to Ian and he asked me to email over the first chapter and the synopsis.
On Friday I had a terrific meeting with Top Editor, Jo Fletcher, from Gollancz. World Horror had offered opportunities to have critics done by Jo and as I’ve always admired her, I thought this would be a perfect opportunity to get real feedback from someone who is well respected in the industry. It might give me some insight into what the senior editors are looking for and how to achieve that illusive deal. Jo was phenomenal. She picked up on things that I hadn’t even noticed. And I went away from the experience feeling like I had learnt loads. What was really helpful was that if Jo didn’t like something I’d done she explained her reasoning behind it. Also, she explained to me why some things were good too. It was what I term ‘positive criticism’ – it all had a point to it and has been extremely useful since.
I also had an incredibly interesting conversation with John Berlyne, from the Zeno Agency I’m going to suggest you read his blog about his experience at WHC as the gist of what we talked about is there. And these are real pearls of wisdom so take it on board.
On Friday Morning I read the opening for Demon Dance in The Reading Cafe. This was surprisingly well attended for 10am. Later I heard that the general opinion of people attending WHC was that the Reading Cafe was really appreciated and that they felt the quality of readers was excellent.
Friday Afternoon was the launch of The Bitten Word. I had a wicked time with Storm Constantine, Simon Clark, Kelley Armstrong, Tanith Lee, John Kaiine, Sarah Singleton, Kari Sperring, Donna Scott, Gary McMahan, Nancy Kilpatrick and of course Ian Whates and Ian Watson. The book sold out bar a few copies which made the event hugely successful.
Saturday morning and it was the Telos Publishing Launch for Simon Clark’s Novella Humpty’s Bones and Vincent Chong’s Art Book Altered Visions. Great sales were made following a superb speech and introduction by David J Howe. Not surprising really because both books were beautifully produced by Telos.
Saturday night was the Bram Stoker Awards.
Winners are as follows:
The Bram stoker Awards - Brighton 2010
Novel: AUDREY'S DOOR by Sarah Langan
First Novel: DAMNABLE by Hank Schwaeble
Long Fiction: THE LUCID DREAMING by Lisa Morton
Short Fiction: “In the Porches of My Ears” by Norman Prentiss
Anthology: HE IS LEGEND edited by Christopher Conlon
Fiction Collection: A TASTE OF TENDERLOIN by Gene O’Neill
Nonfiction: WRITERS WORKSHOP OF HORROR by Michael Knost
Poetry Collection: CHIMERIC MACHINES by Lucy A. Snyder
Lifetime Achievement Award: Brian Lumley, William F. Nolan
The Silver Hammer Award: Kathryn Ptacek
Richard Laymon President's Award: Vince A. Liaguno
Special Awards of Grand Master were given to Tanith Lee and James Herbert.
Congratulations to everyone and especially Tanith and James who deserve this accolade after a lifetime of great writing, which I know has been an inspiration to me and many thousands of other writers.
On the first day of the con was an event called ‘Pitch Black’ – this is where you get the opportunity to pitch your ideas to agents and publishers face to face. I ‘hummed’ and ‘ahhhed’ about attending until David threw a metaphorical glass of water over me and told me to get my ass in the room and speak to some people. Believe it or not I find this incredibly difficult. Agents and publishers scare the hell out of me and I’m always afraid I’m going to look a complete idiot or that they just won’t want to know about my ideas. Rejection is a very hard thing for anyone to take.
First up, I went to speak to Dorothy Lumley from the Dorian Literary Agency. I first wrote to Dorothy about 15 years ago when I completed a novel I was really proud of called The Brunette Murders – Dorothy sent me back a really lovely letter telling me I had a ‘lively writing style, which was very readable and very saleable’ but that the story wasn’t for her. It was a vampire story and I don’t think the market was so interested in vampires at the time. At WHC Dorothy and I had a conversation about the current market and she told me that she feels that right now they have never been hotter and will remain so for some time to come. Next I spoke to Ian Drury from Sheil Land Associates, and by now it was over time and so I didn’t have any opportunity to waffle – which was good. I pitched a young adult idea to Ian and he asked me to email over the first chapter and the synopsis.
On Friday I had a terrific meeting with Top Editor, Jo Fletcher, from Gollancz. World Horror had offered opportunities to have critics done by Jo and as I’ve always admired her, I thought this would be a perfect opportunity to get real feedback from someone who is well respected in the industry. It might give me some insight into what the senior editors are looking for and how to achieve that illusive deal. Jo was phenomenal. She picked up on things that I hadn’t even noticed. And I went away from the experience feeling like I had learnt loads. What was really helpful was that if Jo didn’t like something I’d done she explained her reasoning behind it. Also, she explained to me why some things were good too. It was what I term ‘positive criticism’ – it all had a point to it and has been extremely useful since.
I also had an incredibly interesting conversation with John Berlyne, from the Zeno Agency I’m going to suggest you read his blog about his experience at WHC as the gist of what we talked about is there. And these are real pearls of wisdom so take it on board.On Friday Morning I read the opening for Demon Dance in The Reading Cafe. This was surprisingly well attended for 10am. Later I heard that the general opinion of people attending WHC was that the Reading Cafe was really appreciated and that they felt the quality of readers was excellent.
Friday Afternoon was the launch of The Bitten Word. I had a wicked time with Storm Constantine, Simon Clark, Kelley Armstrong, Tanith Lee, John Kaiine, Sarah Singleton, Kari Sperring, Donna Scott, Gary McMahan, Nancy Kilpatrick and of course Ian Whates and Ian Watson. The book sold out bar a few copies which made the event hugely successful.
Saturday morning and it was the Telos Publishing Launch for Simon Clark’s Novella Humpty’s Bones and Vincent Chong’s Art Book Altered Visions. Great sales were made following a superb speech and introduction by David J Howe. Not surprising really because both books were beautifully produced by Telos.
Saturday night was the Bram Stoker Awards.
Winners are as follows:The Bram stoker Awards - Brighton 2010
Novel: AUDREY'S DOOR by Sarah Langan
First Novel: DAMNABLE by Hank Schwaeble
Long Fiction: THE LUCID DREAMING by Lisa Morton
Short Fiction: “In the Porches of My Ears” by Norman Prentiss
Anthology: HE IS LEGEND edited by Christopher Conlon
Fiction Collection: A TASTE OF TENDERLOIN by Gene O’Neill
Nonfiction: WRITERS WORKSHOP OF HORROR by Michael Knost
Poetry Collection: CHIMERIC MACHINES by Lucy A. Snyder
Lifetime Achievement Award: Brian Lumley, William F. Nolan
The Silver Hammer Award: Kathryn Ptacek
Richard Laymon President's Award: Vince A. Liaguno
Special Awards of Grand Master were given to Tanith Lee and James Herbert.
Congratulations to everyone and especially Tanith and James who deserve this accolade after a lifetime of great writing, which I know has been an inspiration to me and many thousands of other writers.
Sunday, 7 February 2010
Fool's Gold in The Bitten Word
NewCon Press have just opened up their website for pre-orders of The Bitten Word, their latest anthology which is packed with Vampire stories written by some of the biggest names in horror.
I'm pleased to say that my short story Fool's Gold is included in this line up.
1. Ian Whates -- Introduction
2. Simon Clark – Vampithecus
3. Kelley Armstrong – Young Bloods
4. Sarah Singleton – A Winter’s Tale
5. Gary McMahon – Those Damned Kids
6. Storm Constantine – Where the Vampires Live
7. John Kaiine – English Spoken
8. Chaz Brenchley – Hothouse Flowers
9. Nancy Kilpatrick – Traditions in Future Perfect
10. Andrew Hook – Red or White
11. Freda Warrington – Fall of the House of Blackwater
12. Tanith Lee – Taken at His Word
13. Kari Sperring – Cold Rush
14. Donna Scott – Lord of the Lyceum
15. Sam Stone – Fool’s Gold
16. Jon Courtenay Grimwood – Wuthering Bites
17. Ian Whates – The Abomination of Beauty
18. Gail Z Martin – Vanities
19. Ian Watson – My Vampire Cake* (*Available only in the special signed limited edition)
The book will be launched at World Horror Con in Brighton on 26th March 2010. But if you'd like to lay your hands on one of these beauties and won't be there, then order now.
Paperback £9.99
Limited Edition Hardback £32.00 (Signed by all of the contributors)
Click the link below for more information or to order your copy:
NewCon Press
I'm pleased to say that my short story Fool's Gold is included in this line up.
1. Ian Whates -- Introduction
2. Simon Clark – Vampithecus
3. Kelley Armstrong – Young Bloods
4. Sarah Singleton – A Winter’s Tale
5. Gary McMahon – Those Damned Kids
6. Storm Constantine – Where the Vampires Live
7. John Kaiine – English Spoken
8. Chaz Brenchley – Hothouse Flowers
9. Nancy Kilpatrick – Traditions in Future Perfect
10. Andrew Hook – Red or White
11. Freda Warrington – Fall of the House of Blackwater
12. Tanith Lee – Taken at His Word
13. Kari Sperring – Cold Rush
14. Donna Scott – Lord of the Lyceum
15. Sam Stone – Fool’s Gold
16. Jon Courtenay Grimwood – Wuthering Bites
17. Ian Whates – The Abomination of Beauty
18. Gail Z Martin – Vanities
19. Ian Watson – My Vampire Cake* (*Available only in the special signed limited edition)
The book will be launched at World Horror Con in Brighton on 26th March 2010. But if you'd like to lay your hands on one of these beauties and won't be there, then order now.
Paperback £9.99
Limited Edition Hardback £32.00 (Signed by all of the contributors)
Click the link below for more information or to order your copy:
NewCon Press
Monday, 11 January 2010
NOMINATE – FUTILE FLAME
It’s that time of year again folks and the BFSA and BFS are calling for nominations for this year’s awards.
I’d be really happy with a nomination for Futile Flame for Best Novel so if you’ve read the book and are a member of either or both of these societies then please consider nominating me this year. But remember, the more nominations I receive the more chance I have of being short-listed; so don’t leave it to someone else: Vote today!
If you haven’t read the book and are interested or even a little bit curious then members can email me with their details for a preview at sam@sam-stone.com
Please click on the links below for more information or to place your vote.
BSFA: (URGENT – By 16th January 2010)
BFS: (By 14th February 2010)
TELOS PUBLISHING – IT LIVES AGAIN.
Nominate It Lives Again by Axelle Carolyn.
This beautiful full colour hardback book is an analysis of all your favourite modern horror movies: covering the 2000’s. It is extremely well-written and has had nothing but rave reviews.
For further details visit:
Telos
MURKY DEPTHS – BEST SHORT FICTION/ARTWORK.
Fans of this fabulous magazine will already know and understand the completely unique quality of Murky Depths. There is no other magazine in the UK market that so uniquely covers Science Fiction, Horror and Fantasy fiction and Artwork work in the form of illustrations and Graphic stories.
So, flick through last year’s editions and pick out your favourite short stories and artwork and nominate it for one or both societies.
For further details contact:
Murky Depths
It’s that time of year again folks and the BFSA and BFS are calling for nominations for this year’s awards.
I’d be really happy with a nomination for Futile Flame for Best Novel so if you’ve read the book and are a member of either or both of these societies then please consider nominating me this year. But remember, the more nominations I receive the more chance I have of being short-listed; so don’t leave it to someone else: Vote today!
If you haven’t read the book and are interested or even a little bit curious then members can email me with their details for a preview at sam@sam-stone.com
Please click on the links below for more information or to place your vote.
BSFA: (URGENT – By 16th January 2010)
BFS: (By 14th February 2010)
TELOS PUBLISHING – IT LIVES AGAIN.
Nominate It Lives Again by Axelle Carolyn.
This beautiful full colour hardback book is an analysis of all your favourite modern horror movies: covering the 2000’s. It is extremely well-written and has had nothing but rave reviews.
For further details visit:
Telos
MURKY DEPTHS – BEST SHORT FICTION/ARTWORK.
Fans of this fabulous magazine will already know and understand the completely unique quality of Murky Depths. There is no other magazine in the UK market that so uniquely covers Science Fiction, Horror and Fantasy fiction and Artwork work in the form of illustrations and Graphic stories.
So, flick through last year’s editions and pick out your favourite short stories and artwork and nominate it for one or both societies.
For further details contact:
Murky Depths
Monday, 23 November 2009
Update - latest publications and Editorial Credits
Dear All,
Since the summer there haven't been enough hours in the day. Official. Hence my silence on the blog front. Anyway this is an update to let you know what I've been up to the last few months. Some quite exciting things have been happening in the writing world which have been keeping me very busy.
But the most exciting news of all...
I've been very fortunate to be working as editor with actor Frazer Hines on his autobiography, Hines Sight.
Frazer's book is a beautiful, emotive and candid look at his celebrity and private life, covering his years as Patrick Troughton's companion Jamie in Doctor Who, as well as his many years in Emmerdale Farm as the UK's favourite son, Joe Sugden. The book explores Frazer's lives, loves and the loss of loved ones throughout the years.
Originally published in paperback by Boxtree in 1996 as Films, Farms and Fillies, Frazer's story has now been re-edited with some additional stories and revelations and is now available for the first time as a stunning hardback.
Copies of the book can be ordered immediately from www.frazerhines.co.uk or from all major bookstores (ISBN is 978-1-84583-998-7). However if you want a dedicated and signed copy this can only be purchased direct from the website.
This superb book will be available by 11th December, however if you're in the UK and want a copy for a Christmas present then order NOW! We will endeavour to get all orders received before 11th December posted out in time for Christmas (assuming we don't encounter any delays along the way).
That's it for now, but look out for more updates soon.
Since the summer there haven't been enough hours in the day. Official. Hence my silence on the blog front. Anyway this is an update to let you know what I've been up to the last few months. Some quite exciting things have been happening in the writing world which have been keeping me very busy.
But the most exciting news of all...
I've been very fortunate to be working as editor with actor Frazer Hines on his autobiography, Hines Sight.
Frazer's book is a beautiful, emotive and candid look at his celebrity and private life, covering his years as Patrick Troughton's companion Jamie in Doctor Who, as well as his many years in Emmerdale Farm as the UK's favourite son, Joe Sugden. The book explores Frazer's lives, loves and the loss of loved ones throughout the years.
Originally published in paperback by Boxtree in 1996 as Films, Farms and Fillies, Frazer's story has now been re-edited with some additional stories and revelations and is now available for the first time as a stunning hardback.
Copies of the book can be ordered immediately from www.frazerhines.co.uk or from all major bookstores (ISBN is 978-1-84583-998-7). However if you want a dedicated and signed copy this can only be purchased direct from the website.
This superb book will be available by 11th December, however if you're in the UK and want a copy for a Christmas present then order NOW! We will endeavour to get all orders received before 11th December posted out in time for Christmas (assuming we don't encounter any delays along the way).
That's it for now, but look out for more updates soon.
Friday, 25 September 2009
FANTASYCON 2009
FantasyCon was hosted by the BFS (British Fantasy Society) last week end at the Britannia Hotel, Nottingham.
Unfortunately David and I couldn't be there the whole weekend, so we arrived on Saturday and set up the Telos Publishing table in the dealers room for a few hours. Telos was selling just three lines this time and that was Taboo Breakers (Calum Waddell), Silver Scream 1 (Steven Warren Hill) and It Lives Again (Axelle Carolyn).
Terry Martin, my publisher at The House of Murky Depths was on a table opposite and so we utilised both tables to promote my books at well. With the Sam Stone Banner behind the Telos Table where I sat with David. Murky Depths had their most successful weekend to date, with booksales and subscriptions reaching record levels.
Soon after we arrived we had to go to our panel, 'Dead Good, or Just Dead', which was in the main room. The other panellist were David Howe (Moderating), Steve Erikson (Fantasy Writer Malazan Series), Me, Adam Neville (Erotic Fiction Editor for Excited Books) and Raven Dane, (Author of the Dark Kind Series). The panel kicked off with an exploration of the current vampire phenomenon, discussing the success of Charlaine Harris (Sookie Stackhouse Mysteries - and TV Series True Blood), Laurell K Hamilton (Anita Blake Vampire Hunter) and of course Stephanie Meyer (Twilight). The idea behind the panel was to discuss what makes Vampire fiction so successful and was this recent upsurge in book sales going to peak. Interesting views were given from all concerned with some fascinating observations on the publishing industry from Adam and what sells.
Following the panel, a variety of different people came to see me and bought copies of Killing Kiss and Futile Flame. We sold out of all of the first editon of Killing Kiss and this has now gone to re-print. Second editions are now available shortly and can be placed at the Murky Depths website.
Saturday afternoon was spent in the dealers room meeting people and networking. But at 3pm I had to go and meet with Ian Whates, editor of NewCon Press, to talk sign the inserts for the limited edition hardback copy of The Bitten Word, which is being launched next year at World Horror Con. At this point I sat chatting with the endearing horror author Simon Clark, a true gentleman. We put the world to rights - having tremendous fun talking about writing and the editing process while we scribbled our names on the sheets.
Later that afternoon, I met the charismatic and approachable Gail Z Martin ; author of The Chronicles of the Necromancer Fantasy series, whose short fiction will also feature in The Bitten Word. Gail said that it is unusual for her to write short stories, she's predominately a novellist like me. I'm looking forward to spending more time with her at WHC2010 next year.
The afternoon led to Stephen Jones' Mammoth Book of Horror Launch and a re-issue of his Mammoth Book of Werewolves (which sadly sold out before I could snaffle one!!).
In the evening David and I went out with Terry for a curry but when we returned to the hotel, we sat in the bar all evening and chatted to some great people. Thanks to Steve Lockley who was a mine of information about the Welsh Writers' Database Academi on which I am now included.
Congratulations to the BFS Team for once again creating a fantastic weekend. It was extremely well organised and there was a lovely welcoming atmosphere all weekend.
Short and brief I know... but much more to follow along with the few photo's we managed to snap that weekend.
Unfortunately David and I couldn't be there the whole weekend, so we arrived on Saturday and set up the Telos Publishing table in the dealers room for a few hours. Telos was selling just three lines this time and that was Taboo Breakers (Calum Waddell), Silver Scream 1 (Steven Warren Hill) and It Lives Again (Axelle Carolyn).
Terry Martin, my publisher at The House of Murky Depths was on a table opposite and so we utilised both tables to promote my books at well. With the Sam Stone Banner behind the Telos Table where I sat with David. Murky Depths had their most successful weekend to date, with booksales and subscriptions reaching record levels.
Soon after we arrived we had to go to our panel, 'Dead Good, or Just Dead', which was in the main room. The other panellist were David Howe (Moderating), Steve Erikson (Fantasy Writer Malazan Series), Me, Adam Neville (Erotic Fiction Editor for Excited Books) and Raven Dane, (Author of the Dark Kind Series). The panel kicked off with an exploration of the current vampire phenomenon, discussing the success of Charlaine Harris (Sookie Stackhouse Mysteries - and TV Series True Blood), Laurell K Hamilton (Anita Blake Vampire Hunter) and of course Stephanie Meyer (Twilight). The idea behind the panel was to discuss what makes Vampire fiction so successful and was this recent upsurge in book sales going to peak. Interesting views were given from all concerned with some fascinating observations on the publishing industry from Adam and what sells.
Following the panel, a variety of different people came to see me and bought copies of Killing Kiss and Futile Flame. We sold out of all of the first editon of Killing Kiss and this has now gone to re-print. Second editions are now available shortly and can be placed at the Murky Depths website.
Saturday afternoon was spent in the dealers room meeting people and networking. But at 3pm I had to go and meet with Ian Whates, editor of NewCon Press, to talk sign the inserts for the limited edition hardback copy of The Bitten Word, which is being launched next year at World Horror Con. At this point I sat chatting with the endearing horror author Simon Clark, a true gentleman. We put the world to rights - having tremendous fun talking about writing and the editing process while we scribbled our names on the sheets.
Later that afternoon, I met the charismatic and approachable Gail Z Martin ; author of The Chronicles of the Necromancer Fantasy series, whose short fiction will also feature in The Bitten Word. Gail said that it is unusual for her to write short stories, she's predominately a novellist like me. I'm looking forward to spending more time with her at WHC2010 next year.
The afternoon led to Stephen Jones' Mammoth Book of Horror Launch and a re-issue of his Mammoth Book of Werewolves (which sadly sold out before I could snaffle one!!).
In the evening David and I went out with Terry for a curry but when we returned to the hotel, we sat in the bar all evening and chatted to some great people. Thanks to Steve Lockley who was a mine of information about the Welsh Writers' Database Academi on which I am now included.
Congratulations to the BFS Team for once again creating a fantastic weekend. It was extremely well organised and there was a lovely welcoming atmosphere all weekend.
Short and brief I know... but much more to follow along with the few photo's we managed to snap that weekend.
Wednesday, 9 September 2009
The Bitten Word!
NewCon Press are producing a new anthology which includes a story by yours truly as well as some very well known contributors.
The Bitten Word is a collection of vampire stories by some of the top names in horror writing today.
Contributors in alphabetical order are:
Kelley Armstrong
Chaz Brenchley
Simon Clark
Storm Constantine
Jon Courtenay Grimwood
Andrew Hook
John Kaiine
Nancy Kilpatrick
Tanith Lee
Gail Z Martin
Gary McMahon
Donna Scott
Sarah Singleton
Kari Sperring
Sam Stone
Freda Warrington
Ian Whates
There is also a bonus story by Ian Watson!
This will be launched at World Horror Con in Brighton in 2010.
NewCon will not only be publishing this exceptional collection in paperback, but there will also be a limited editon hardback as well. All the hardbacks will be numbered and signed by the contributors.
Look out for my story, 'Fool's Gold' in The Bitten Word next year!
Further updates to follow ...
The Bitten Word is a collection of vampire stories by some of the top names in horror writing today.
Contributors in alphabetical order are:
Kelley Armstrong
Chaz Brenchley
Simon Clark
Storm Constantine
Jon Courtenay Grimwood
Andrew Hook
John Kaiine
Nancy Kilpatrick
Tanith Lee
Gail Z Martin
Gary McMahon
Donna Scott
Sarah Singleton
Kari Sperring
Sam Stone
Freda Warrington
Ian Whates
There is also a bonus story by Ian Watson!
This will be launched at World Horror Con in Brighton in 2010.
NewCon will not only be publishing this exceptional collection in paperback, but there will also be a limited editon hardback as well. All the hardbacks will be numbered and signed by the contributors.
Look out for my story, 'Fool's Gold' in The Bitten Word next year!
Further updates to follow ...
Thursday, 6 August 2009
In Manchester This Weekend!
Hi All,
An impromptu opportunity arose this week which means I will be at a Golden Orbit event.
This takes place at Sachas Hotel, Tib Street, Manchester. 12-4.30pm.
If you want to join me there, you'll find me at the Murky Depths stand. Copies of Killing Kiss and Futile Flame will be available to purchase as well as the much acclaimed quarterly magazine Murky Depths.
Hope to see you this weekend.
Sam xxx
An impromptu opportunity arose this week which means I will be at a Golden Orbit event.
This takes place at Sachas Hotel, Tib Street, Manchester. 12-4.30pm.
If you want to join me there, you'll find me at the Murky Depths stand. Copies of Killing Kiss and Futile Flame will be available to purchase as well as the much acclaimed quarterly magazine Murky Depths.
Hope to see you this weekend.
Sam xxx
Tuesday, 14 July 2009
Signing Successes!
BORDERS AND WATERSTONES SIGNINGSOn 4th July saw David, Terry and I were at Borders, Oxford Street, London.
I arrived to a fabulous welcome from the events manager Mark and I found I had a table on the first floor right in front of the escalators. It was a very good spot. Borders is a massive store; there were thousands of people milling around that day.
We stayed a few hours and sold some books and then later on left a stock of signed copies to be put out on the shelves. A few days later Mark told me that the stock had almost sold out! So that was a brilliant result.
Waterstones
Last weekend we were in Waterstones in Bury, Lancashire and this was a really surprising venue.The bookstore is situated in the Union Arcade Mall, in the centre of the relatively small town of Bury. Bury itself has all of the high street shops but it is nevertheless on a very small scale.
Bury is a local venue for me because I lived in the area for most of my life. I did expect some people to turn up to the signing that I knew but nothing could prepare me for the waiting queue when I arrived. Several people said they had heard about the book. One was a teacher from a local high school, who told me that he'd heard his students talking about me and the books and had incidently come across the advertising to say I'd be there. Others told me that friends and relatives had read the first one and had recommended it. 
It was terrific to talk to so many charming and interesting people. We were time tabled in at Waterstones for only an hour but ended up staying a little longer because of the interest.The sales exceeded our expectations. And Waterstones was pleased too. Just before we left the Assistant Manager told me that she thought it was a very successful signing and that it 'had been better than most'. She also invited me to come back when we launch Book 3 - which I most certainly will, because the staff made us feel extremely welcome.
I've always know Bury to be full of lovely people and it was nice to go home and feel so warmly received again.
Here's a selection of other pictures from the event.
London Launch
Futile Flame LaunchAs you know we launched Futile Flame Book 2 of The Vampire Gene Series on Friday 3rd of July. The event was extremely well attended.
At the start of the evening David and I arrived early at The George, Fleet Street, London and were given access to the venue's private room immediately. Terry Martin the MD of The House of Murky Depths had yet to arrive and I was all jittery and nervous, because I hadn't even seen a hard copy of the book yet. 
Writing a novel in many ways is like giving birth; there is a lot of pain and agony involved in the process but for all the months of stress, you produce a baby that you love. Like all mothers I wanted to see my offspring for the first time, and also I hoped fervently that it was liked and even loved by others as well. So, I was pleased when a rather stressed Terry arrived (he'd been stuck in peak-time traffic in London centre) and boy did he need a long drink! The books were brought up and displayed and immediately I scrutinised a copy, gulping down a large glass of white wine in a state of nervous agitation. Lots of worries were in my mind. Will anyone attend? Will we sell any copies? Will the critics like the second book, or will they think I've peaked too early on the first? It's quite a dilemma.
Suddenly people began to pour in. Some I knew and had hoped would attend, but lots of faces I didn't know. Several people came over, examined the book and stopped by to talk to me.
The event was hosted by the British Fantasy Society (BFS) and was being held with a Torchwood Writers' panel. So I ask a few of the new faces, have you come for the Torchwood Event and they said 'No, we came to see you!' I was completely bowled over. 
More people arrived. David made an announcement and explained a little about the books and the event followed by Martin Roberts from the BFS, then it was over to me to say a few words about the books. Finally Terry expressed his pleasure in the new book and then there was a rush of sales. Luckily I'd brought a great red pen with me and I wrote personalised messages for everyone who asked.
The evening progressed with the arrival of some of my friends from the Doctor Who circuit, who I regularly see at the London Tavisode or spent time with at Gallifrey in LA in February. As well as David and I's lovely friend Ellie who brought along some other friends. Celebrity appearances involved writers such as Robert Shearman, Simon Messingham, Suzanne Barbieri, Adam Nevil (and watch out for him because he's just signed an amazing book deal with Pan Macmillan).
Within the Torchwood celebs were Andrew Cartmel, Mark Morris, Joe Lidster, Sarah Pinborough and Guy Adams.Here's a selection of other pictures from the night.
Overall, I think my editor, Terry Martin, was extremely pleased with the launch sales and so the launch of Futile Flame had a very positive start.
Monday, 29 June 2009
Katie & Peter Stateside
Ok. I admit it. Sometimes I can't help watching car crash TV.
Last night I couldn't resist the urge to watch Peter Andre and Katie Price (Jordan)battle it out in their stateside show. And what a disaster it is. In fairness to Peter he comes over as a really nice, caring and genuine man. He's struggling to make a sufficient musical comeback, and from what I heard of his new album he will have every opportunity to do so; it's brilliant! The music was heartfelt, evocative and very, very appealing.
But Katie - oh my. A self-confessed negative person. She would drive me completely crazy if I was married to her. She constantly puts Peter down, she's rude, she's cold and she has not even a drop of humour in her entire (skinny to the point of anorexia) body.
Why did he put up with it we ask ourselves? Perhaps it is because he really loved her - as he said; or maybe poor Peter is a masochist. We may never understand this fascination with such an abusive, controlling personality.
But who cares.
The 'whys' and 'wherefores' don't really matter. What matters is that this kind of television show, AKA 'Celebrity reality' is undeniably fascinating for a lot of people. And why? Because we're human and we can't help enjoying other people's misery. Whether it is because you relate it to your own failing relationships or whether you cringe and say, 'thank God, my life is nothing like that.' The average person can feel superior. One thing's for sure this lifestyle is so far removed from the 'norm' we can't really identify with it.
Katie Price is famous for being famous and having a very big (fake) chest. We know this - so what? One thing we mustn't ever do though is under-estimate her. Ms Price is a hard-headed business woman and she doesn't care who gets burnt in her endless attraction to publicity. Couple that with her obviously fake emotions for all around her and you have a ... As one person put it on my Facebook page 'her eyes are like a corpse' - that equates to 'dead' to me.
There are too many differences between Katie and Peter to ever make their relationship work. The first is that Katie only thinks of her own happiness. When dealing with her son, Harvey, Katie often stated her wishes above his. 'Mummy is walking away... Mummy is leaving ... Mummy needs a kiss' It was all about her. And the emotion she displayed was zilch ...
Andre in opposition to this addresses Harvey's needs. 'Bye Harvey ... see you Harvey ... By using Harvey's name, Peter was not making himself the important person. - It wasn't about Andre - it was about Harvey. Unlike his mother who only thinks of herself.
Furthermore, Peter had an evening of friends, family and important people listening to his new album - do you think Jordan played the supportive wife? Hell no. Predictably she whined about being tired,showed only an emotionless interest in his music and promptly fell asleep as he was talking.
Maybe I'm old-fashioned - but this isn't love to me.
Last night I couldn't resist the urge to watch Peter Andre and Katie Price (Jordan)battle it out in their stateside show. And what a disaster it is. In fairness to Peter he comes over as a really nice, caring and genuine man. He's struggling to make a sufficient musical comeback, and from what I heard of his new album he will have every opportunity to do so; it's brilliant! The music was heartfelt, evocative and very, very appealing.
But Katie - oh my. A self-confessed negative person. She would drive me completely crazy if I was married to her. She constantly puts Peter down, she's rude, she's cold and she has not even a drop of humour in her entire (skinny to the point of anorexia) body.
Why did he put up with it we ask ourselves? Perhaps it is because he really loved her - as he said; or maybe poor Peter is a masochist. We may never understand this fascination with such an abusive, controlling personality.
But who cares.
The 'whys' and 'wherefores' don't really matter. What matters is that this kind of television show, AKA 'Celebrity reality' is undeniably fascinating for a lot of people. And why? Because we're human and we can't help enjoying other people's misery. Whether it is because you relate it to your own failing relationships or whether you cringe and say, 'thank God, my life is nothing like that.' The average person can feel superior. One thing's for sure this lifestyle is so far removed from the 'norm' we can't really identify with it.
Katie Price is famous for being famous and having a very big (fake) chest. We know this - so what? One thing we mustn't ever do though is under-estimate her. Ms Price is a hard-headed business woman and she doesn't care who gets burnt in her endless attraction to publicity. Couple that with her obviously fake emotions for all around her and you have a ... As one person put it on my Facebook page 'her eyes are like a corpse' - that equates to 'dead' to me.
There are too many differences between Katie and Peter to ever make their relationship work. The first is that Katie only thinks of her own happiness. When dealing with her son, Harvey, Katie often stated her wishes above his. 'Mummy is walking away... Mummy is leaving ... Mummy needs a kiss' It was all about her. And the emotion she displayed was zilch ...
Andre in opposition to this addresses Harvey's needs. 'Bye Harvey ... see you Harvey ... By using Harvey's name, Peter was not making himself the important person. - It wasn't about Andre - it was about Harvey. Unlike his mother who only thinks of herself.
Furthermore, Peter had an evening of friends, family and important people listening to his new album - do you think Jordan played the supportive wife? Hell no. Predictably she whined about being tired,showed only an emotionless interest in his music and promptly fell asleep as he was talking.
Maybe I'm old-fashioned - but this isn't love to me.
Tuesday, 23 June 2009
Book Sales through the roof!
Hi All,
Thanks so much for your support! The first edition of Killing Kiss is almost sold out and the publishing house has informed me they are going to do a second edition run.
Pre-orders for Futile Flame have exceeded expectations.
Don't forget that if you want a signed copy then I'll be at Borders, Oxford Street, London on 4th July 2009 from 12pm. And also at Waterstones, Bury, Lancashire on 11th July at 2.30 to 3.30pm.
Or if you want to take this last opportunity to obtain a first edition copy of either book - place your order now at Murky Depths! You can even request that it's signed and personalised to you!
Otherwise - I'll see you at the book store.
Sam x
Thanks so much for your support! The first edition of Killing Kiss is almost sold out and the publishing house has informed me they are going to do a second edition run.
Pre-orders for Futile Flame have exceeded expectations.
Don't forget that if you want a signed copy then I'll be at Borders, Oxford Street, London on 4th July 2009 from 12pm. And also at Waterstones, Bury, Lancashire on 11th July at 2.30 to 3.30pm.
Or if you want to take this last opportunity to obtain a first edition copy of either book - place your order now at Murky Depths! You can even request that it's signed and personalised to you!
Otherwise - I'll see you at the book store.
Sam x
Tuesday, 16 June 2009
BORDERS - Futile Flame Signing
Hi All,
for your information here is the Borders link for the 4th July event.
Hope to see you there!
Sam x
for your information here is the Borders link for the 4th July event.
Hope to see you there!
Sam x
Thursday, 4 June 2009
Futile Flame Launch - Update
I'm absolutely over the moon to announce that The Vampire Gene Series is coming to Borders in Oxford Street, London.
I will be in store on Saturday 4th July 2009 to sign copies of Killing Kiss and the newly born Futile Flame from 12 - 4pm.
So, if you can't make the BFS Launch on Friday 3rd July, or even if you're planning on staying in London overnight, then please come and join me at Borders. It will be great to see anyone who can make it along.
The nearest Tube to the bookstore is Oxford Street.
Sam x
I will be in store on Saturday 4th July 2009 to sign copies of Killing Kiss and the newly born Futile Flame from 12 - 4pm.
So, if you can't make the BFS Launch on Friday 3rd July, or even if you're planning on staying in London overnight, then please come and join me at Borders. It will be great to see anyone who can make it along.
The nearest Tube to the bookstore is Oxford Street.
Sam x
Monday, 1 June 2009
Futile Flame London Launch
Futile Flame (Book 2 of The Vampire Gene Series) will be launching on Friday July 3rd 2009 at the BFS Open Night.
The House of Murky Depths will be launching Futile Flame and I will be there to sign any copies.
The evening will begin at 7.30pm for a discussion and signing with Torchwood Writers followed by Futile Flame's launch at 8.30pm.
Don't panic if you don't already have Killing Kiss (Book 1) as these will also be on sale.
For full details of the event click here British Fantasy Society .
Otherwise, turn up at The George, Fleet Street, London at around 7pm for a fun night.
See you there.
Sam x
The House of Murky Depths will be launching Futile Flame and I will be there to sign any copies.
The evening will begin at 7.30pm for a discussion and signing with Torchwood Writers followed by Futile Flame's launch at 8.30pm.
Don't panic if you don't already have Killing Kiss (Book 1) as these will also be on sale.
For full details of the event click here British Fantasy Society .
Otherwise, turn up at The George, Fleet Street, London at around 7pm for a fun night.
See you there.
Sam x
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