People and Places: The Last Few Years

As a new year starts I have been reflecting as always on everything that has occurred during the last one. I found myself flicking through my picture albums and was truly surprised at how many people I've met over the last few years. For that reason I thought it might be nice to collate some of those memories in this one blog.

Tanith Lee, Sam Stone, David Howe

In 2008 I met my icon, Tanith Lee, for the first time at EasterCon in London. Tanith has been a huge influence on my work and made me realise how diverse you can be as a writer. She also read Killing Kiss and gave me some fantastic feedback and a blurb for the cover. I can tell you I felt completely unworthy! Since then, I've only come into physical contact with Tanith once more, at World Horror Con in 2010. She greeted me like an old friend and I was privileged to spend some more time with her again at the event. She's a lovely, talented lady and continues to be an inspiration to me. This picture was taken at the NewCon Press Launch of The Bitten Word. My story, Fool's Gold was in this collection and later went on to win the British Fantasy Award for Best Short Fiction. I am still very proud of the story and was delighted that it won the award. The story was reprinted in my collection, Zombies in New York and Other Bloody Jottings by Telos Publishing in February 2011.

David, Sam, Frazer - Santa Monica Pier

In February 2009 I went to the Gallifrey Convention in Los Angeles for the first time with my partner David Howe. As one of the leading experts on Doctor Who, David was a guest at the convention and it meant that we were mixing in some very interesting circles. That year I met Gary Russell, script editor on the series, for the first time as well as the lovely Phil Ford, writer and producer of Sarah Jane Adventures. Also I met someone who was to become extremely important in our lives: Frazer Hines. Frazer arrived on a different plane to us but I first spotted him on the bus as we were collected to be taken to the hotel. Later we started talking in the bar, with Wendy Padbury, and the rest, as they say, is history. I don't want to go into the whole story of how David, Frazer and I became friends - but it started at Gallifrey and we ended up spending the rest of the trip sight-seeing together. We've been firm friends ever since. I would even say that Frazer feels like family to us.

Back: Emily (with a bear behind).
Front: Roy, Sam, Frazer

That same trip, however, Frazer invited us to lunch with Roy Dotrice and we went out to meet him at a lovely restaurant on Hollywood Boulevard. During the lunch we mentioned we were sight-seeing and Roy suggested we have a look at La Brea Tar Pits. Then we all went off to the Tar Pits and Roy came with us. 

We had a lovely afternoon and at the end of it Roy bought me, and our American Events Coordinator, Emily Danyel, a keepsake: a toy mammoth. I have it in my kitchen and I call it Roy as a tribute to that day. I hope the real Roy doesn't mind! I came away from the experience with some ideas for a story, which later evolved into Tar and can be found in my collection.

Raven Dane, Sam and David

Back in 2007 I met Raven Dane. We had been MySpace and Facebook friends before we met. Raven is a vampire/horror writer who has recently diversified into steampunk and comedy fantasy which she executes with terrific humour and flair. She and I have become very close since then and our mutual experiences in the publishing industry have consolidated that friendship even more this year. I was shocked to realise that I didn't have many pictures with Raven considering how much I see her at various events - but here is one of my favourites of us at the FantasyCon Banquet 2010 in Nottingham. I was shortlisted for the Best Novel Award for my second Vampire Gene novel Futile Flame. (Stephen King was also in the line-up that year with his novel Under the Dome.)

Simon Clark, Storm Constantine and Sam

Sam with Adam Nevill

I had attended FantasyCon since 2007 and there are a few very decent people I'd like to namecheck. In no particular order: Debbie Bennett, Jan Edwards, Peter Coleborn, Jenny and Pat Barber, Steve Tribe, Vicky and Tim Stock, Ian Whates and Ian Watson (NewCon Press), the divine Anne Sudworth, Storm Constantine, Simon Clark, Steve Savile, Robert Sherman, Adam Nevill, Chaz Brenchley, Steve Duffy, Mark Chadbourn, Paul Cornell, Neil Gaiman, Kim and Del Lakin-Smith, Steve Lockley, James Barclay, Nicholas Royle, Freda Warrington, Pat Cadigan, Christopher Fowler, Paul Campbell, Johnny Mains, Roy Gray, Peter Tennant, Colin Harvey (RIP), Lee Thompson, Guy Adams, Michael Marshall-Smith, Adam Greenwood, Rob MacKellar, Charles Rudkin, and many more.

In fact it was a fateful meeting at FantasyCon 2007 that led me to my current publisher Terry Martin, while he was there promoting his magazine Murky Depths. I met Terry and his gorgeous wife, Liz and we struck up an immediate friendship. I saw them again the following Easter at EasterCon. By then I knew that I was a finalist for an important American Independent Press Award. When I won the Silver Award for Best Horror Novel with ForeWord Magazine's Book of the Year Awards, Terry launched a new book imprint, The House of Murky Depths, and I signed my first three book deal. Killing Kiss was relaunched in September 2008 at FantasyCon and the series has gone from strength to strength under Terry's guidance.

Sam, Paul Cornell, Terry and Liz Martin (NewCon 4)

Left to right (Back Row): Alan Walsh, Ed Comstock,
Tommy Knight, David Howe, Ben Adams, Kim Pfiefer-Adams,
Jocelyn Thomas, Zoe Pfiefer, Jen Comstock, Sam Stone.
(Front Row) Frazer Hines, Jarrod Cooper.

A lot of my most interesting encounters have occurred through the Doctor Who world that David introduced me to. Over the years I've made some terrific and genuine friends who live in the United States as well as those who live in the UK. I was privileged to be invited to sing at the wedding of our dear friends Ben and Kim Adams, which took place at the Gallifrey Convention in 2010. Frazer Hines gave the bride away (reluctantly), David was Best Man and I was Maid of Honour. Also in the wedding party was the lovely Tommy Knight (Luke, Sarah Jane Adventures) who was the ring bearer if memory serves. Tommy and his mother Sandy were lovely people and they took to the whole experience of Gallifrey with enthusiasm. All of the people in this list I feel I can count as real friends. We may not see each other more than once a year, but I know they would be there for David and I if we needed them. Adding to this ever growing list are two more two dear friends, Tony and Jane Kenealy. The Gallifrey weekend is incredibly short but having dinner with Tony and Jane on the Sunday evening has become something of a tradition. I'll miss that this year because, due to other commitments, we can't make it to Los Angeles.

Steve Roberts, Frazer Hines
and Sue Cowley

Of course I can't mention Doctor Who without also giving a namecheck to some other very important people. Steve Roberts, Sue Cowley and Tony Lee. Steve and Sue were David's friends long before I came on the scene. Until recently they both worked for the BBC. Steve is a key member of the team who works on and restores all the Doctor Who DVD releases. I met them in 2008 I think, when I first joined David at the Tavisode pub meetings in London. These meetings occur once a month. Unfortunately we don't live there anymore and so don't get to see the crowd as often as we would like.

Larry Niven and Sam

At the 2011 Gallifrey a man came over to see David and I at our table in the dealers room and was asking me loads of questions about my work. Me being me, I didn't realise I was talking about my books to someone as important in the Science Fiction and Fantasy world as Larry Niven. In fact he was so interested in my work that I was really shocked when I realised who he was. What a gentleman and a lovely man. I think he rather enjoyed the cuddles and kisses I gave him that day. But then so did I!

Sam and Alan Moore

At Eastercon 2009 there were many very interesting meetings. The first, and the funniest, was when we left my daughter, Linzi, sitting on a sofa in the lounge drawing while we went off somewhere. When we came back she was sitting next to this man with dark hair and he was wading through Linzi's sketch pad with a great deal of interest. My first thought was, 'Oh, who's this guy chatting her up?' Linzi was only 16 at the time. We all sat around the sofa, pulling up various chairs as Terry and Liz Martin joined us. The man was telling Linzi that her art was really good and she was graciously accepting the compliments. Then, a woman came over with a copy of V for Vendetta and asked the man to sign it. At that moment, Linzi's eyes fell onto his name badge. It was David Lloyd. The poor girl flushed bright red and hurriedly collected her sketch pads, pushing them into her bag out of sight. I have to confess it took me even longer to realise what was happening but she was really embarrassed about him looking at her art. 'Oh Mum,' she said to me later - clearly mortified - 'I can't believe David Lloyd was looking at my crap art!' Clearly he didn't think it was crap, but Linzi had believed he was merely being polite. We spent the evening with David after that and I quickly learnt that he wasn't the type to just be polite about anything! It was a very fun conversation we had about sex and sexism - and women - I can tell you! I later briefly met the amazing Alan Moore at NewCon 5 in Northampton. That was in October 2010. He was a very nice man, friendly and affable - I loved his shoes!

Lady Elsie, David, Linzi

Also at EasterCon 2009 we met the Victorian Steampunk Society founders, John Naylor and Karen Grover, also known as Major Tinker and Lady Elsie. I'm not sure that David will appreciate me telling this story, but I'm going to anyway. In the dealers room I left David standing at a table, while I wandered off to talk to someone. At that moment, Lady Elsie moved into the place beside him that I'd occupied. At the time Lady Elsie and I both had our hair the same length, with a reddish under-colour, beneath the blonde. Lady Elsie was wearing black and red and a corset. I guess you can see where this is going now ... Through David's peripheral vision he thought I was still beside him. He reached out, put his arm around Lady Elsie's waist and, I believe, squeezed her bottom for good measure. You can imagine his face when he turned to see a shocked woman beside him that wasn't me. A few minutes later, David found me, red-faced he insisted I came with him to see someone. And this was the first time I met Lady Elsie. We were dressed and looked so similar at the time that she instantly forgave David for groping her and we had a good laugh about it.

Raygun, Robert Rankin, Linzi, Sam

After that I was invited to be a guest at the 2010 Steampunk convention in Lincoln, The Asylum, which Karen and John run. I went along with Linzi and we had a fantastic weekend. I launched my novel Demon Dance there to great success and started to get to know Karen and John a little better. At this event I also met one of my other writing icons, Robert Rankin and his wife Rachel (AKA Lady Raygun). Linzi has been an ardent follower of his work for years and she was so excited and pleased to meet Robert. Over the course of the weekend we got to know him and Raygun a little bit and I really enjoyed their company. It's amazing how many friendships are forged at conventions.


I could talk more, with anecdotes and stories of my adventures, but I think I'll just add a few of my favourite pictures of people I've met. It's been an exciting time and I have high hopes for 2012.

Sam with the lovely - and tall -
Spencer Wilding

Sam and comics writer Tony Lee 

   

Hammer actresses Martine Beswick and Caroline Munro
with David

 

Sam and Hammer actor Shane Bryant

 

Caroline Munro, Sam, Vera Day, David, Emily Booth and Linzi

   

   

I finally met my long-time Facebook/Myspace pal, J R Le Mar, in
Los Angeles in 2009. This pic was taken at Gallifrey in 2010

Sam with Steve Roberts

Robert Shearman and Sam
at FantasyCon 2008 

The mighty Noel Fielding and Sam Stone
at Waterstones, Arndale Centre 2011

Final Appearance for 2011

As 2012 rapidly approaches I can truthfully say I'm ready for a rest. This is the details for my final signing event this year. I hope to see many of you there, and look forward to seeing lots of you at the SFX Weekender 3 in February!

WATERSTONES, Arndale Centre, Manchester, 17th December 2011.

Sam Stone will be signing copies of her new book, Hateful Heart, Book 4 The Vampire Gene Series, at this very popular store. David J Howe will also be there with his new collection talespinning.

Time: 12-4pm Date: Saturday 17th December.
Address:Waterstones, Arndale Centre, Manchester, M4 3AQ

All purchases include a choice of signed photograph or badges. 

This week I'll be at ...

WATERSTONES, Trafford Centre, Manchester, 11th December 2011.

Sam Stone will be signing copies of her new book, Hateful Heart, Book 4 The Vampire Gene Series, at this very popular store. David J Howe will also be there with his new collection talespinning.

Time: 12-4pm Date: Sunday 11th December.
Address:Waterstones, 42 Regent Crescent, Trafford Centre, Barton Dock Road, Manchester
M17 8AP

All purchases include a choice of signed photograph or badges.

Distractions.

If you're serious about being a writer it helps to identify what distracts you and develop strategies for avoiding or dealing with them at the time. Writing takes a lot of stamina as I said before. It's very easy to become distracted and procrastinate. The only way to avoid this pitfall, I've found, is to have a set working regime.

From waking up I have to set the right tone, make the right environment to have a productive day. Even though I know this is somewhat OCD in its structure.

I wake, switch on my laptop - which is beside my bed - and then get a cup of tea. Once my computer is on I check my emails, look at facebook to see if there is anything I need to respond to, I usually post a status, then I come off and open my working document. (At the moment that is the fifth Vampire Gene novel 'Silent Sand' but I am also working on the second book in a new fantasy series as well.)

I usually get myself back into my novel by reading and editing the previous chapter. This helps me to recapture the flow and mood I was in the previous day. If you finish working in the middle of a chapter or after starting a new one this can make starting work for the day much easier. 

So, I've done all of the usual things. Wake, tea, proof-read, edit, continue a chapter. Then I have to start to dodge the distractions.

My distractions:

• Dogs barking all day in the house next door.
• Telos orders are coming in thick and fast. 
• Meal times.
• Phone ringing.
• Facebook notifications on my phone.
• Twitter on my phone.

How I deal with them:

• Shout through the wall at the dogs to shut up/ or try to ignore them.
• Ignore emails - don't check for them until after the working day is done.
• David brings me a yogurt for breakfast most mornings/ sometimes we eat breakfast before I start working. I stop for lunch but this can affect the flow so I try to work until at least 1pm first.
• I do usually let David answer the phone - often it's not for me anyway.
• Come off the Internet straight after checking FB, Twitter etc.
• Ignore my phone vibrating and force myself not to answer the notifications or twitters until lunch time.

One of the things I need to learn to do is shut down my hotmail email. That way, when I'm working, a little box won't be popping up to tell me that an email has arrived. (I'm OCD about answering them immediately and so this is a habit I really need to change).

This is where the next part of a strict regime comes in:

• Set word count targets. For example I like to write between 3000 and 5000 words a day. If I've only written 1000 then I'm disappointed with myself as this means I've done no more than an hours actual writing time in any one day. 

This varies for all writers so don't take my routine as being the only one. We all work differently. I know writers who are delighted with 1000 to 2000 words a day for example. These will be excellently crafted words that are edited until the writer feels they are perfect. Some writers don't like to move forward until the previous work is as close to perfection as they can get. For me this is quite frustrating though. I used to work like that, and now realise that I need to just write the story, finish it and then I can luxuriate in perfecting and polishing. Also - constantly editing is a distraction and can be a form of procrastination (at least it is in my case).Can you imagine continuously tweaking but never actually finishing anything?

Another thing that distracts me is housework. I handle this in a variety of ways.

• Don't leave the room I work in until I've finished writing for the day then I don't see the mess and I'm not distracted by it.
• Set days/times to clean that are separate form work days and times and then you know you have organised and can stop worrying about it.
• If you achieve your word count target by 1pm you are then free to go off and do other things in the afternoon such as washing, ironing, cleaning, shopping if you feel you want to.

If I've achieved 5000 before lunch, I'm happy to go away and do other things for the day. If I haven't achieved the set amount, then sometimes after lunch I read and tweak that morning's work. Invariably the word count grows and improves with each edit, and it certainly is better for the extra attention. Being strict about work times has another positive influence on writing. I don't lapse into total stream of consciousness. I think this style of writing can be self-indulgent. Having a break can help you see the faults in your narrative and also gives you opportunity to reflect on where you need to sow important seeds because of something that occurs later in the text.

An unavoidable distraction is research. Recently I was writing a Cthulhu story and I had to research different things at different points in the story before I could move on. Once you start trawling the Internet for information you can actually forget what you were doing. Research is important though. It can mean the different between making a plot plausible and making it appear weak and lazy because it is too vague.

For all of my books and stories I usually have some form of research to do and this does take you away from the actual writing. However, doing the research at the point when you need it can really help the flow of the narrative as you use it. I was researching something science based recently. I have a photographic memory and so I read the research, tried to make sense of it, went away and thought about it, and then when it came to writing it into the piece the information just flowed in naturally. So this was one distraction that paid off in the end.

Bargains in Ebooks

Looking for presents for Christmas? Got a Kindle?

The first three Vampire Gene titles are available in a variety of Ebooks.

Here are the bargain places to buy them :

'Killing Kiss' Kindle = £3.98            Buy the paperback for £8.99
'Futile Flame' Kindle = £4.99           Buy the paperback for £8.99
'Demon Dance' Kindle = £4.99        Buy the paperback for £9.99

This Week I'll be At... LIVERPOOL ONE WATERSTONES

WATERSTONES, Liverpool One, Liverpool. 26th Nov 2011

Sam Stone will be launching her new book, Hateful Heart, Book 4 The Vampire Gene Series, at this very popular store. David J Howe will also be there with his new collection talespinning.

Time: 12-4pm Date: Saturday 26th November.

Address:Waterstones, 12 College Lane, Liverpool, L1 3DL.

Demon Dance Does Digital

Finally Demon Dance is available to read in digital format. The first to filter through is here.


Shame they haven't used the new version of the cover but you can't win 'em all.

If you have IPad, IPhone, Kindle or Sony, the book will be coming through any day now in those formats. So, watch this space :)

An Interesting Encounter

Anyone who knows me well will know that I am not a fannish type of person and I'm very unlikely to squee no matter who I meet. I don't care very much for celebs who have made their career on being in programmes such as Big Brother for example. What I do admire, however, is real talent and people who've worked for their status. I have favourite artists such as Anne Sudworth, Vincent Chong, Russell Morgan, and of course Rick Fairlamb who did such a wonderful job on my new vampire gene book covers. I naturally admire good writing. Among my favourite authors are Stephen King, Dean Koontz, Sheridan Le Fanu, Tanith Lee, Chelsea Quinn Yarbro, Kelley Armstrong, John Ajvide Lindqvist and Graham Masterton.

Yesterday I was signing at Arndale Centre Waterstones in Manchester with David J Howe promoting our latest books when I had an interesting encounter. Okay I had been told that Noel Fielding star and creator of The Mighty Boosh would also be there but I didn't expect quite the crowd that turned out. His talent is undeniable and he is enjoying the fruits of his labour for his surrealist comedy and art.

I caught my first glimpse of Noel when he came down from the Green Room around 12 noon and immediately went out into the crowd of adoring fans (400 or more) and greeted them with a very friendly and approachable manner. There was much screaming and excitement that rippled through the crowd and this was totally infectious. Then Noel went into the window of Waterstones and proceeded to do an art demonstration by painting a picture directly on the window. Inside and outside there were crowds of teenagers screaming and cheering - and what a lovely bunch they were too!

I couldn't see very much at that stage because I was in the middle of the store at my table and David and I were technically working. But I did go over and introduce myself and Noel immediately shook my hand and kissed me on the cheek. Which was nice!

After the demonstration, Noel went back upstairs and I managed to catch a few moments with him. It was there that I learnt he also had the lovely Dave Brown with him who also works on The Mighty Boosh and is a photographer, choreographer and comedian in his own right. I was a bit of twit yesterday because I didn't get a pic of Dave but used his fabulous photographic skills to take the pics of me with Noel on my camera. But in defense of myself I was a little flustered as I felt really cheeky going to ask them to sign the book during their short break. I'd obviously sneaked off to the green room to say hello and I really wasn't sure how I would be greeted. I needn't have worried of course as they both welcomed me with loads of hugs and kisses as well!

Okay exaggeration - 2 from Dave - 6 from Noel. Maybe it was me who was doing most of the hugging too!

As the afternoon progressed Noel and Dave began signing their new book which is called The Scribblings of a Madcap Shambleton. You can buy a copy HERE. It's a beautiful book with a padded cover, full colour prints of art work and photographs and of course - scribblings done by Noel - designed and most of the photography by Dave. Currently Waterstones are selling it with a £4 discount - you would normally pay £19.99 for it and it is worth it too! Noel and Dave's fans were queueing for autographs for hours and were incredibly upbeat and fun to be around. I was talking to a lovely group of girls as they waited and even spotted people I knew among the crowd. Each fan was given autographs and photo opportunities and lots of time as Noel and Dave patiently greeted them.

As I said earlier - I'm not easily impressed by 'celebrity' but what I am impressed with is talented celebs who understand the nature of fandom and treat their fans with respect and kindness. This is what I saw yesterday - and a whole lot of fun was involved in it all too. Noel and Dave enjoyed talking to people.

As I was leaving I went over to say goodbye to them. Noel was talking on a fan's phone to yet another fan - brownie points again I'd say! I said goodbye, Noel had requested a copy of Zombies and I arranged for one each for him and Dave to be left for them in the Green Room. (Hope they like it!)


Once again I got another kiss and hug from them both. When I turned, some of the lovely girls I'd been talking too were waving to me from the crowd. (Now wishing I'd asked their names - but hopefully I'll see them again).

I came away very happy yesterday. We'd had a brilliant selling day and we'd met some really nice people - everyone was lovely.

Noel and Dave I salute you. You are talented, fun, and most of all you appreciate the fans that made it possible for you to be where you are today. I don't think you'll ever be spoilt by showbiz. You both seem to have your feet firmly on the ground. Well done guys. Great meeting you and I hope we do meet again.

GalaxyFest 2012

Just a reminder that GalaxyFest 2012 in Colorado Springs tickets will be going up this Monday. You can still purchase your weekend pass at the previous rate.

The weekend will be hosting a long list of guests including Sam Stone, David J Howe, Frazer Hines and Kevin J Anderson.  For full guest list see HERE

To buy your pass click HERE

More news of exciting ways to get involved to follow shortly.

This Week I'll Be At ... MANCHESTER ARNDALE WATERSTONES

WATERSTONES, Arndale Centre, Manchester, 12th November 2011.

Sam Stone will be launching her new book, Hateful Heart, Book 4 The Vampire Gene Series, at this very popular store. David J Howe will also be there with his new collection talespinning.

Time: 12-4pm Date: Saturday 12th November.
Address:Waterstones, Arndale Centre, Manchester, M4 3AQ

Where ideas come from ...

This morning I woke at six am, and thinking it was an unGodly hour to get up on a Sunday, decided to make myself go back to sleep. That's easier in Autumn, as the morning was still very dark and so I let my mind drift onto the current novel, and posed myself a problem as I fell asleep. When I woke, two and a half hours later, the problem was solved and I could see for the first time all of the story for this book laid out before me. And particularly the extra plots that would be running through it, which was the subject of my problem.

This is one of the ways that ideas form for me - or indeed how literary problems sort themselves out.

David J Howe calls this the 'What if ...' and that's a good way of starting to thinking about what I perceive as 'the problem'. You can see his thoughts on 'The Power of If ...' HERE.

Half sleep germination has its problems of course. You could go back into full sleep and completely forget the idea that seemed so viable when you were drifting off. I know a few writers who keep a notebook beside the bed for such moments. That's never really worked for me though as I prefer to brood on ideas before committing them to the page in any form.

The other thing I do is people watch. Sometimes I don't even realise I'm doing it, but a moment of observation will appear in the strangest of places. In 'Demon Dance' for example, a conversation from my childhood surfaced in my memory and formed the dialogue of two incidental characters hiking in Llanberis. So even the things you observed as a child can be used to colour or create a scene or a character if the content fits.

Ideas spring from a casual comment, a fleeting conversation, sometimes they come from reading the works of others, which is why authors are often so well read. I have a habit of avoiding reading current fantasy or horror while I'm working. I prefer to read other things instead as I don't like to inadvertently take on someone else's ideas. It's better to create worlds with the surety that you aren't reproducing a world you've recently read about.

New writers, however, should read as much as possible. It's were you learn about your market place ... but I think that's another blog for another day.

If you want to know where ideas really come from though, I suggest you look deep into your own mind. My ideas come from deep inside mine. They are part of who I am. They are drawn from the things I've experienced in life (that's not to say I've met vampires, werewolves, aliens or been thrown through a time-portal back to the Garden of Eden). Normal, or abnormal experiences, however, are used to give the characters I write about genuine feelings and depth.I won't get into the old cliches about my childhood, or the things I've suffered. Everyone has been through experiences good and bad which a good writer uses to make their characters behave in a way that's believeable.

The reality is all the ideas should come from you.

A way to generate ideas of course is to brain-storm (PC fanatics will hate it that I use this term). Some people do this by writing a synopsis that works out all the kinks in the plot before they begin writing. It's a good method if it works for you as it gives you a road-map before you start, and makes it easier for you to write the full piece. Others do the 'What if ...'

Talking through the plot of a story, explaining it to someone else, can also help you come up with better ideas. I brain-storm with my partner David: he's great at making me think about things a bit more. He'll ask me questions about my characters and I realised that by answering the questions I was able to fully develop my own understanding of the characters and their behaviour - thus improving the narrative.

As you begin to explore the limit of the story the possibilities suddenly become boundless. Ideas are limited only by your own imagination. That's not to say all ideas are good ones. Some are non-starters. I sometimes dream new ideas. My story 'The Toymakers House', which features in my horror collection Zombies in New York and Other Bloody Jottings, came from a nightmare I had. I was writing the collection at the time, and so I was forcing myself to write one story after another. In many ways this is harder than writing an entire novel. Simply because a novel is based around one main theme, or idea, with set characters. Writing a collection meant I had to create many characters, many themes and plots and keep them all within around 8000 words each. 'Toymaker' wrote itself, as the nightmare was so vivid that I knew the location, the characters and the awful things the toymaker did before I starting writing. My subconscious mind had already created it. I don't really know where this 'idea' came from though - other than some inner recess of my resting mind. This doesn't always work out though. I had another nightmare recently that I woke from thinking this would make an excellent novel, but when I sat down to write up the synopsis I felt no real passion for the story and it just didn't have the same depth that 'Toymaker' had for me.

Fears and phobias are always good to use - especially your own. I have a fear of heights and this is enhanced because I also suffer occasionally from Labrynthitus (an inner ear problem that makes you feel dizzy to the point of falling down and being sick - not an aversion to the David Bowie movie!). When I'm in high places that dizziness comes on and I'm convinced I'll fall. The idea of vertigo as a plot is not an original one - but how you use it can be.

You see you can't just discuss 'where ideas come from ...' without exploring their execution. But I'll end my thoughts here for today and ask you the question that is frequently asked of me ...

'Where do you get your ideas from?'

It's hard to come up with one main answer isn't it? But I guess the ideas can come, in the first instance, from what inspires you.

Strange Little Girls

It was my birthday last week and David said there was one more present to come but as I've been really busy lately I didn't think of it at all. Therefore it was a really nice surprise today to get my Stange Little Girl 'Sam' doll through the post.

The doll is custom made and comes with a certificate of authenticity.She's a 14" ragdoll and she's been designed to look like me. She's even got purple in her, wears a purple dress and a black corset.

I must admit I'm very impressed with the quality and workmanship and can heartily recommend Strange Little Girls, exclusive if you're looking for a gift for a special lady in your life.

Jo put up a pic of me with my Gothville storytelling-doppelganger on her site - you can see her blog here

Thanks David I'm delighted!

This weekend I'll be at ... WATERSTONES BOLTON AND WREXHAM

WATERSTONES, Bolton, Lancashire. 29th Oct 2011

Sam Stone and David J Howe will be signing copies of my Hateful Heart, Zombies in New York and Other Bloody Jottings and talespinning for this special Halloween weekend event.

Time: 12-4pm Date: Saturday 29th October.


Address:Waterstones, 32-36 Deansgate, Bolton, BL1 1BL

WATERSTONES, Wrexham, 30th Oct 2011


Sam Stone and David J Howe will be signing copies of my Hateful Heart, Zombies in New York and Other Bloody Jottings and talespinning for this special Halloween weekend event.

Time: 10am to 1pm Date: Sunday 30th October.


Address:Waterstones, 9/11 Regent Street, Wrexham, LL11 1SG

It all starts with stamina ...

The creative muscle is the same as any used in the body. Using your mind to create characters and worlds that people can believe, and writing that out into a cohesive story, takes a great deal of stamina.

When you go to the gym you don't expect to be able to lift heavy weights right away. You have to start off small and learn the limit of your strength. Afterwards the muscles ache. You feel tired. The exercise session was probably not as sustained as you would have liked it to be. It takes stamina to continue, working through the pain and exhaustion. After many months, and lots of practice that dedication pays off and you can lift more weights, exercise for longer and recover faster from the exertion. You feel fitter and your reflexes react quicker.

Using the creative muscle works in the same way. At first flexing that muscle is hard work and it hurts. You tire easily and you aren't as productive as you'd like to be. It takes stamina and dedication to write everyday - even if it is only a few hundred words. In a way you have to force yourself into a specific regime - just the same as you do when you begin a new exercising schedule.

If you want to be a writer you set aside an hour a day and make yourself write during that time no matter what. The only way to learn to write is to actually pick up the pen or switch on the computer and practice the art in the first place. This is hard to sustain as there are many distractions to take away that time and help you procrastinate.

It takes stamina, dedication and obsession to carry on.

Once you work the creative muscle, exercising it becomes as important as breathing. The pleasure of world building is hard but rewarding. I have friends who use exercise in exactly the same way. They feel energised by the work-out, even though at the beginning it was incredibly difficult to sustain. Writing a lot gives the same rush, but you can't get to that point without the first level of stamina.

As writing gets easier you set yourself longer and harder challenges. Write a novella instead of a story, or a novel instead of a novella. Each new challenge requires more stamina. Ultimately the enjoyment you gain from it makes the process easier.

When you get to the stage where you have a project you're proud of, the letter writing begins. The new challenge is summarising your novel in a two page synopsis, writing a letter that will interest an agent or publisher and coming up with a pitch that will blow-them all away. No mean feat.

You get rejection letters - it requires stamina, dedication, obsession and confidence to pick up that pen once more and write something else - only this time you want to make it even better.

This process can go on for years.

Keep your rejection letters - it takes real stamina to take on board the criticisms and use it to improve the next thing you send out.

Then at the end of all of that, you finally get something in print. You're proud of your achievements. People are willing to pay money to buy it. You get praised for it. Then someone says your work is  'rubbish' when they haven't even read it.

It takes stamina, dedication, obsession, confidence and common sense to walk away and not respond. It takes all of those things and a huge dose of passion to pick up your pen again and carry on.

It all starts with stamina ...

Do you have what it takes?

BRITCON MN

I've been in discussion with BritCon MN for a few months now and I'm happy to confirm that David and I will be appearing at this exciting 3 day event in Minnesota next year, with Sarah Douglas and Frazer Hines.

You can follow the organisers announcements at :

BritCon MN on Facebook  or  BritCon MN Official Website

To book and for further information contact BRITCON

Date: 31st August  to 2nd October 2012.
Address: Hilton Minneapolis Bloomington, 3900 American Blvd West, Bloomington, Minnesota, United States 55437

This Week I'll Be At ... WIGAN WATERSTONES

WATERSTONES, Wigan. 22nd October, 2011

Sam Stone will be launching her new book, Hateful Heart, Book 4 The Vampire Gene Series, at this very popular store. David J Howe will also be there with his new collection talespinning.

Time: 12pm-4pm Date: 22nd Oct
Address: 61 The Grand Arcade, Wigan, WN1 1BH

Brendan Sheerin

You meet some interesting people when touring Waterstones. Over the past few months I've followed in the footsteps of Katie Price and Christopher Paolini. Yesterday, while David and I were signing our latest books at Waterstones Preston, Brendan Sheerin of Coach Trip fame was also booked in at the store to sign copies of his autobiography.

I have seen the show a few times and quite enjoyed it but a close friend of ours watches it regularly. So never one to miss the opportunity to sort out an early Christmas present I watched the huge queue diminish and then tagged on the end to get the book signed.

As I waited I watched Brendan work and have to say I was very impressed with him as a person. There are many times when I've wonder at the popularity of a celebrity, the power of television seems to create many such reality stars - the Katona's of this world for example - that are a car-crash waiting to happen. The media loves this type and writes more about the negative stars than the positive ones. We are given the impression that most of these people are spoilt and unpleasant.

I could tell immediately that Brendan Sheerin was not a 'car-crash celeb' and deserves to be where he is today. He was, in fact, a genuinely charismatic, warm and affectionate person.

As I watched Brendan greet his adoring fans, treating each one like a long-lost friend, there was a feel-good atmosphere that rippled through the shop. Brendan made each person feel like he was interested in them. But this wasn't fake interest or showmanship. It was obvious he was delighted to be there and was enjoying meeting the people that make Coach Trip such a success: the audience. It was nice to see such respect given to the people who make celebrities a success.

Brendan, it truly was lovely to meet you and I wish you continued success. There are few genuinely nice guys in any industry, and I think you're one of them. Keep up the good work.

New Facebook Page

Yesterday I launched a new Sam Stone page.

This is going to be different from my old page in many ways.

Firstly, I will  be using it more than my personal page in the coming months so all current news will go on there first, and secondly, I'll be offering an 'open house' to all writers, readers, reviewers and writers groups.

WRITERS: You can come along at anytime and post a blurb introducing yourself and tell us about your projects. I won't be offended if you post links to your latest books either.

READERS: I want to hear from you too! Tell us what you like or dislike in literature. It will be a friendly environment for people genuinely interested in fiction.

REVIEWERS: Post links to your reviews and blogs. We'd love to see and share them.

WRITERS GROUPS: Post your news. Tell us what you do and where.

So come along and join in the party. Start discussions or just join in. Post reviews. Tell us your news. Or sit back and read referrals for the latest books, stories and novels.

To join in the fun - click here : Sam Stone


Sam x

This weekend I'll be at ... WATERSTONES PRESTON

WATERSTONES, Preston, 15 October 2011.
 

Sam Stone and David J Howe will be launching their new books, Hateful Heart, Book 4 The Vampire Gene Series, and talespinning:  a collection of short horror stories, scripts and novel extracts at this very popular Lancashire Store.

Time: 12-4pm Date: 15th October.
Address: Waterstone's Preston, 3-5 Fishergate
Preston PR1 3LJ

David is vindicated by the British Fantasy Society

The British Fantasy Society have found no wrong doing in David's role as Chairman. There have been a lot of terrible things inferred in the last few days which have been extremely hurtful. Now common sense prevails.

http://www.britishfantasysociety.co.uk/news/official-bfs-statement-concerning-award/

Steve Jobs

Very sad to hear about the death of Steve Jobs today. This speech certainly puts things in perspective.

It goes without saying the man was a genius and an inspiration to us all. RIP.

Steve Jobs 2005 

British Fantasy Awards Controversy

This weekend was one of the proudest moments of my life. I first appeared on the horror circuit in 2007 and attended my first FantasyCon that year. Since then I have always held the British Fantasy Awards in high regard and it was always my dream to one day win an award.

This year I did win the award for not only Best Short Fiction with my short story ‘Fool’s Gold’ but also for my novel Demon Dance. I was delighted to be the first woman in 31 years to win this award and I had no idea that I had won either award. David – professional to the core - made a point of ensuring that I did not find out.

I have seen the comments made concerning my receiving the August Derleth Award for Best novel on Sunday - I repeat again I had no knowledge I was going to receive it and remind everyone that the ballot is from the BFS membership and attendees of FantasyCon. It is their votes, not a Jury or an individual, that decide who wins the awards.

I am absolutely devastated by the comments made and the last few days have been deeply distressing for me.

I do not wish to be seen as the winner that tore the British Fantasy Society in two. The society means too much to me and I cannot allow this controversy to taint the integrity of those involved. Therefore, I am returning the award for Best Novel.

The Vampire Gene Series

About the Vampire Gene Series:

The vampire gene series is continuing to evolve with the 'Hateful Heart' recently launched. This is a brief explanation of what the books are really about.

The Vampire Gene Series is a very different type of series. It isn't formulaic and each novel is stylistically different from the last.

Killing Kiss is a classic vampire horror novel and is about the fictional nephew of Guilio Caccini (the man who invented opera). Gabriele travels 400 years through history in search of his soul mate. The main theme : Loneliness - but don't expect angst in this book. Gabriele is a serial killer and makes no apologies for being so. The narrative is told in the present day with flashbacks into the past.

Futile Flame is deceptively horror with a sudden twist into Fantasy and therefore I categorise this novel as Horror/Fantasy. This story sees the journey of Gabriele's maker Lucrezia Borgia. The main theme : Obsession. Shown through the eyes Lucrezia Borgia this story fictionally explores the history of the Borgias. The narrative is told mostly in the past with some present day scenes.

Demon Dance is a portal fantasy with strong horror content in places. Gabriele's vampire child Lilly is thrown back in time and must find a way back to the present day. The main theme : Disempowerment. This is Lilly's story showing how she lives and loves through the centuries. Lilly may be the most powerful vampire, yet she still has to learn that she has no control over destiny.

Hateful Heart continues the theme of portal fantasy with strong horror content. Caesare Borgia tells the story as a conspiracy to destroy carriers of the vampire gene unfolds. Main theme: Vulnerability. For the first time the immortals learn that they can be destroyed. There are three stories interwoven within this novel which all converge to reveal the power of the Hateful Heart.


The series will continue shortly with Silent Sand.

OMG!

Just got back from FantasyCon and will blog more about this later this week. I want to say a huge thanks to every one of my readers who voted for 'Demon Dance' to win The August Derlerth award for Best Novel and for 'Fool's Gold' for Best Short Fiction. I'm completely overwhelmed by your support. Without readers there would be no need for writers and so you are the most important people to me.

It was pointed out to me this weekend that I am now the first woman to win the award for Best Novel in 31 years of the British Fantasy Society's 40 year history. I realise this is a very great honour and I was very proud and very moved (bursting into a blubbering wreck as I received Best Short Fiction).

Thank you all again.

Will blog soon about the wonderful weekend we all had at FantasyCon in Brighton this year.

Sam x

This weekend I'll be in WATERSTONES TRAFFORD CENTRE

WATERSTONES, Trafford Centre, 8th October 2011.

Sam Stone and David J Howe will be launching there new books, Hateful Heart, Book 4 The Vampire Gene Series, and talespinning : a collection of horror stories, scripts and novel extracts, at this very popular Manchester Store.

Time: 12-4pm Date: 8th October.
Address: Waterstones Trafford Centre, 42 Regent Crescent, Barton Dock Road, Manchester, M17 8AP