Zombies Tour Dates - Revision 2

Okay the 'Zombies in New York...' Tour kick's off this week:-


GALLIFREY LAUNCH/ Los Angeles, USA. 18th Feb 2011.
Zombies in New York and Other Bloody Jottings will be launched at 4.30pm. Houston Room. LAX Marriott, LA on Friday 18th February.


Time: 4.30pm   Date:  Friday 18th February.
Address: Houston Room, LAX Marriott Hotel, 5855 West Century Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90045, USA.

READING at Gallifrey - 10pm Friday 18th Feb. (With Frazer Hines) 

Also - Throughout the weekend Sam will be selling copies of her Vampire Gene Series - Therefore you can purchase signed copies of Killing Kiss, Futile Flame and Demon Dance as well as items from the Sam Stone Merchandise Range.

UK LAUNCH/WATERSTONES, Trafford Centre, Manchester, 26th February 2011.

The UK Launch of Zombies in New York and Other Bloody Jottings takes place on Saturday 26th February at 1pm-4pm. Waterstones will be providing resfreshments and there will also be copies of my vampire gene series available to purchase as well as the collection. As with all signing events a free piece of Sam Stone Merchandise will be given with every purchase or an autographed photo.

This kicks off the start of the Zombies tour in the UK.

Time: 1-4pm              Date: 26th Feb
Address: Waterstones, Trafford Centre, Manchester

VAMPIRE NIGHT/ BOOKMARK, Spalding. Thursday 3rd March 2011.

Bookmark Bookstore in Spalding will be hosting a Vampire Night on World Book day, 3rd March. This event begins at 7.15pm. I will be reading extracts from the Vampire Gene Series and my New Collection Zombies in New York. There will also be a buffet. Entrance fee applies.

Telephone 01775 769 231 for further details ...

Time: 7.15pm     Date: 3rd March
Address: Bookmark, 18-20 The Crescent, SPALDING, Lincolnshire, PE11 1AF

WATERSTONES, Llandudno, North Wales, 5th March 2011.

Zombies tour. Copies of Zombies in New York and Other Bloody Jottings and the Vampire Gene Series will be available to purchase at this popular North Wales store. All purchases will receive a bonus gift from the Sam Stone Merchandise range or a signed photograph.

Time: 12-4pm           Date: 5th March
Address: Waterstones, 37 Victoria Centre, Mostyn Centre, Llandudno, Conwy, LL30 2NG.

WATERSTONES, Bury, Lancashire, 12th March 2011 

Zombies Tour. Copies of Zombies in New York and Other Bloody Jottings and the Vampire Gene Series will be available to purchase at this popular Lancashire store. All purchases will receive a bonus gift from the Sam Stone Merchandise range or a signed photograph.

Time: 12pm Onwards    Date 12th March
Address:Waterstones, 4 Union Arcade, Bury, BL9 0QF

WATERSTONES, Chester, North Wales. 19th March 2011

Zombies tour. Copies of Zombies in New York and Other Bloody Jottings and the Vampire Gene Series will be available to purchase at this popular North Wales store. All purchases will receive a bonus gift from the Sam Stone Merchandise range or a signed photograph.

Time: 12-4pm          Date: 19th March
Address: Waterstones, 14 Eastgate Row, Chester, CH1 1LF

WATERSTONES, Wrexham, North Wales. 26th March 2011

Zombies tour. Copies of Zombies in New York and Other Bloody Jottings and the Vampire Gene Series will be available to purchase at this popular North Wales store. All purchases will receive a bonus gift from the Sam Stone Merchandise or a signed photograph.

Time: 12pm Onwards   Date: 26.03.11
ADDRESS: Waterstones, 9/11 Regent Street, Wrexham, LL11 1SG

WATERSTONES, Bolton, Lancashire. 2nd April 2011

Zombies tour. Copies of Zombies in New York and Other Bloody Jottings and the Vampire Gene Series will be available to purchase at this popular Lancashire store. All purchases will receive a bonus gift from the Sam Stone Merchandise range or a signed photograph.

Time: 12-4pm           Date: 2nd April.
Address:Waterstones, 32-36 Deansgate, Bolton, BL1 1BL

WATERSTONES, Liverpool One, 9th April 2011

Zombies tour. Copies of Zombies in New York and Other Bloody Jottings and the Vampire Gene Series will be available to purchase at this popular store. All purchases will receive a bonus gift from the Sam Stone Merchandise range or a signed photograph.

Time: 12-4pm           Date:  9th April
Address: Waterstone's Liverpool One, 12 College Lane, Liverpool, L1 3DL.

WATERSTONES, Arndale Centre, Manchester, 16th April 2011.

Zombies Tour. Copies of Zombies in New York and Other Bloody Jottings and the Vampire Gene Series will be available to purchase at this popular Merseyside store. All purchases will receive a bonus gift from the Sam Stone Merchandise range or a signed photograph. 

Time: 12pm-4pm      Date: 16th April.
Address: Waterstones Arndale Centre, Arndale Centre, Manchester, M4 3AQ

WATERSTONES, Southport, 23rd April 2011.

Zombies Tour. Copies of Zombies in New York and Other Bloody Jottings and the Vampire Gene Series will be available to purchase at this popular Merseyside store. All purchases will receive a bonus gift from the Sam Stone Merchandise range or a signed photograph.



Time: 12pm Onwards.  Date: 23.4.11
Address:  Waterstones, 367 Lord Street, Southport, PR8 1NH.

WATERSTONES, Altrincham, 30th April 2011

Zombies tour. Copies of Zombies in New York and Other Bloody Jottings and the Vampire Gene Series will be available to purchase at this popular store. All purchases will receive a bonus gift from the Sam Stone Merchandise range or a signed photograph.

Time: 12-4pm           Date: 30th April
Address: Waterstone's Altrincham, 33-35 George St, Altrincham, Cheshire, WA14 1RJ.

7th May - To be confirmed.

WATERSTONES, Peterborough,  14th May 2011

Zombies tour. Copies of Zombies in New York and Other Bloody Jottings and the Vampire Gene Series will be available to purchase at this popular store. All purchases will receive a bonus gift from the Sam Stone Merchandise range or a signed photograph.

Time: 12-4pm           Date: 14th May.
Address: Waterstone's Peterborough, 40 Bridge Street, Peterborough, PE1 1DT

WATERSTONES, Warrington, 21st May 2011

Zombies tour. Copies of Zombies in New York and Other Bloody Jottings and the Vampire Gene Series will be available to purchase at this popular store. All purchases will receive a bonus gift from the Sam Stone Merchandise range or a signed photograph.

Time: 12-4pm           Date: 21st May
Address: Waterstone's Warrington, 22 The Mall, Golden Square Shopping Centre, Warrington
WA1 1QP.

More dates to follow soon :)

The Carl Gresham Show

Yesterday (13th Feb 2011) I went along to BCB Radio with my partner David and our friend Frazer Hines to be interviewed by the warm and lovely Carl Gresham 'The Gresh'.

When we arrived we learnt that the show was being videoed for YouTube - so here are the links to the Carl Gresham Show on YouTube.

Part 1
Part 2

We had a really great time.

Thanks go to The Gresh and his production team at BCB Radio for making us so welcome.

Meeting 'The Gresh' ...

I'll be chatting to Carl Gresham, with Frazer Hines, this Sunday at 11am on BCB Radio. We'll be talking about my latest book Zombies in New York and Other Bloody Jottings, Frazer's autobiography Hines Sight, and our favourite chillout music ...

The show is LIVE and you can also watch us on YouTube a few days later ...

So it's a date ...

Sunday. 11am. DON'T BE LATE!

ZOMBIES TOUR - REVISED!

The 'Zombies in New York...' Tour is about to kick off. Here is the list of the first few dates:-

CARL GRESHAM BCB Radio.
Recording with CARL GRESHAM on Sunday 13th February.

GALLIFREY LAUNCH/ Los Angeles, USA.
Zombies in New York and Other Bloody Jottings will be launched at 4.30pm. Houston Room. LAX Marriott, LA on Friday 18th February.

As a guest at the convention, I will also be taking part in several panels and a reading.

Time: 4.30pm   Date:  Friday 18th February.
Address: Houston Room, LAX Marriott Hotel, 5855 West Century Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90045, USA.

UK LAUNCH/WATERSTONES, Trafford Centre, Manchester, 26th February 2011.
The UK Launch of Zombies in New York and Other Bloody Jottings takes place on Saturday 26th February at 1pm-4pm. Waterstones will be providing resfreshments and there will also be copies of my vampire gene series available to purchase as well as the collection. As with all signing events a free piece of Sam Stone Merchandise will be given with every purchase or an autographed photo.

This kicks off the start of the Zombies tour.

Time: 1-4pm              Date: 26th Feb
Address: Waterstones, Trafford Centre, Manchester

VAMPIRE NIGHT/ BOOKMARK, Spalding. Thursday 3rd March 2011.
Bookmark Bookstore in Spalding will be hosting a Vampire Night on World Book day, 3rd March. This event begins at 7.15pm. I will be reading extracts from the Vampire Gene Series and my New Collection Zombies in New York. There will also be a buffet. Entrance fee applies.

Telephone 01775 769 231 for further details ...

Time: 7.15pm     Date: 3rd March
Address: Bookmark, 18-20 The Crescent, SPALDING, Lincolnshire, PE11 1AF

4th March - to be confirmed.


WATERSTONES, Llandudno, North Wales, 5th March 2011.
Zombies tour. Copies of Zombies in New York and Other Bloody Jottings and the Vampire Gene Series will be available to purchase at this popular North Wales store. All purchases will receive a bonus gift from the Sam Stone Merchandise range or a signed photograph.

Time: 12-4pm           Date: 5th March
Address: Waterstones, 37 Victoria Centre, Mostyn Centre, Llandudno, Conwy, LL30 2NG.

WATERSTONES, Bury, Lancashire, 12th March 2011 
Zombies Tour. Copies of Zombies in New York and Other Bloody Jottings and the Vampire Gene Series will be available to purchase at this popular Lancashire store. All purchases will receive a bonus gift from the Sam Stone Merchandise range or a signed photograph.

Time: 12pm Onwards    Date 12th March
Address:Waterstones, 4 Union Arcade, Bury, BL9 0QF


WATERSTONES, Chester, North Wales. 19th March 2011
Zombies tour. Copies of Zombies in New York and Other Bloody Jottings and the Vampire Gene Series will be available to purchase at this popular North Wales store. All purchases will receive a bonus gift from the Sam Stone Merchandise range or a signed photograph.

Time: 12-4pm          Date: 19th March
Address: Waterstones, 14 Eastgate Row, Chester, CH1 1LF

WATERSTONES, Wrexham, North Wales. 26th March 2011
Zombies tour. Copies of Zombies in New York and Other Bloody Jottings and the Vampire Gene Series will be available to purchase at this popular North Wales store. All purchases will receive a bonus gift from the Sam Stone Merchandise or a signed photograph.

Time: 12pm Onwards   Date: 26.03.11
ADDRESS: Waterstones, 9/11 Regent Street, Wrexham, LL11 1SG

WATERSTONES, Bolton, Lancashire. 2nd April 2011
Zombies tour. Copies of Zombies in New York and Other Bloody Jottings and the Vampire Gene Series will be available to purchase at this popular Lancashire store. All purchases will receive a bonus gift from the Sam Stone Merchandise range or a signed photograph.

Time: 12-4pm           Date: 2nd April.
Address:Waterstones, 32-36 Deansgate, Bolton, BL1 1BL

WATERSTONES, Liverpool One, 9th April 2011
Zombies tour. Copies of Zombies in New York and Other Bloody Jottings and the Vampire Gene Series will be available to purchase at this popular store. All purchases will receive a bonus gift from the Sam Stone Merchandise range or a signed photograph.

Time: 12-4pm           Date:  9th April
Address: Waterstone's Liverpool One, 12 College Lane, Liverpool, L1 3DL, 

Phone: 0151 709 9820

16th April - To be confirmed.


23rd April - To be confirmed. 

WATERSTONES, Altrincham, 30th April 2011
Zombies tour. Copies of Zombies in New York and Other Bloody Jottings and the Vampire Gene Series will be available to purchase at this popular store. All purchases will receive a bonus gift from the Sam Stone Merchandise range or a signed photograph.

Time: 12-4pm           Date: 30th April
Address: Waterstone's Altrincham, 33-35 George St, Altrincham, Cheshire, WA14 1RJ.

7th May - To be confirmed.

WATERSTONES, Peterborough,  14th May 2011

Zombies tour. Copies of Zombies in New York and Other Bloody Jottings and the Vampire Gene Series will be available to purchase at this popular store. All purchases will receive a bonus gift from the Sam Stone Merchandise range or a signed photograph.

Time: 12-4pm           Date: 14th May.
Address: Waterstone's Peterborough, 40 Bridge Street, Peterborough, PE1 1DT

WATERSTONES, Warrington, 21st May 2011
Zombies tour. Copies of Zombies in New York and Other Bloody Jottings and the Vampire Gene Series will be available to purchase at this popular store. All purchases will receive a bonus gift from the Sam Stone Merchandise range or a signed photograph.

Time: 12-4pm           Date: 21st May
Address: Waterstone's Warrington, 22 The Mall, Golden Square Shopping Centre, Warrington
WA1 1QP.

More dates to follow :)

ZOMBIES TOUR!

The 'Zombies in New York...' Tour is about to kick off. Here is the list of the first few dates:-

CARL GRESHAM BBC Radio.
Recording with CARL GRESHAM on Sunday 13th February.

GALLIFREY LAUNCH/ Los Angeles, USA.
Zombies in New York and Other Bloody Jottings will be launched at 4.30pm. Houston Room. LAX Marriott, LA on Friday 18th February.


As a guest at the convention, I will also be taking part in several panels and a reading.

Time: 4.30pm   Date:  Friday 18th February.
Address: Houston Room, LAX Marriott Hotel, 5855 West Century Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90045, USA.

UK LAUNCH/WATERSTONES, Trafford Centre, Manchester, 26th February 2011.
The UK Launch of Zombies in New York and Other Bloody Jottings takes place on Saturday 26th February at 1pm-4pm. Waterstones will be providing resfreshments and there will also be copies of my vampire gene series available to purchase as well as the collection. As with all signing events a free piece of Sam Stone Merchandise will be given with every purchase or an autographed photo.

This kicks off the start of the Zombies tour.

Time: 1-4pm              Date: 26th Feb
Address: Waterstones, Trafford Centre, Manchester

VAMPIRE NIGHT/ BOOKMARK, Spalding. Thursday 3rd March 2011.
Bookmark Bookstore in Spalding will be hosting a Vampire Night on World Book day, 3rd March. This event begins at 7.15pm. I will be reading extracts from the Vampire Gene Series and my New Collection Zombies in New York. There will also be a buffet. Entrance fee applies.

Telephone 01775 769 231 for further details ...

Time: 7.15pm     Date: 3rd March
Address: Bookmark, 18-20 The Crescent, SPALDING, Lincolnshire, PE11 1AF


 WATERSTONES, Llandudno, North Wales, 5th March 2011.
Zombies tour. Copies of Zombies in New York and Other Bloody Jottings and the Vampire Gene Series will be available to purchase at this popular North Wales store. All purchases will receive a bonus gift from the Sam Stone Merchandise range or a signed photograph.

Time: 12-4pm           Date: 5th March
Address: Waterstones, 37 Victoria Centre, Mostyn Centre, Llandudno, Conwy, LL30 2NG.

WATERSTONES, Bury, Lancashire, 12th March 2011 
Zombies Tour. Copies of Zombies in New York and Other Bloody Jottings and the Vampire Gene Series will be available to purchase at this popular Lancashire store. All purchases will receive a bonus gift from the Sam Stone Merchandise range or a signed photograph.

Time: 12pm Onwards    Date 12th March
Address:Waterstones, 4 Union Arcade, Bury, BL9 0QF



WATERSTONES, Chester, North Wales. 19th March 2011
Zombies tour. Copies of Zombies in New York and Other Bloody Jottings and the Vampire Gene Series will be available to purchase at this popular North Wales store. All purchases will receive a bonus gift from the Sam Stone Merchandise range or a signed photograph.

Time: 12-4pm          Date: 19th March
Address: Waterstones, 14 Eastgate Row, Chester, CH1 1LF

WATERSTONES, Wrexham, North Wales. 26th March 2011
Zombies tour. Copies of Zombies in New York and Other Bloody Jottings and the Vampire Gene Series will be available to purchase at this popular North Wales store. All purchases will receive a bonus gift from the Sam Stone Merchandise or a signed photograph.

Time: 12pm Onwards   Date: 26.03.11
ADDRESS: Waterstones, 9/11 Regent Street, Wrexham, LL11 1SG

WATERSTONES, Bolton, Lancashire. 2nd April 2011
Zombies tour. Copies of Zombies in New York and Other Bloody Jottings and the Vampire Gene Series will be available to purchase at this popular Lancashire store. All purchases will receive a bonus gift from the Sam Stone Merchandise range or a signed photograph.

Time: 12-4pm           Date: 2nd April.
Address:Waterstones, 32-36 Deansgate, Bolton, BL1 1BL

WATERSTONES, Liverpool One, 9th April 2011
 Zombies tour. Copies of Zombies in New York and Other Bloody Jottings and the Vampire Gene Series will be available to purchase at this popular store. All purchases will receive a bonus gift from the Sam Stone Merchandise range or a signed photograph.

Time: 12-4pm           Date:  9th April
Address: Waterstone's Liverpool One, 12 College Lane, Liverpool, L1 3DL, 

Phone: 0151 709 9820

More dates arranged but awaiting confirmation. Will be updated shortly.

Forthcoming Events

An update on my next events for 2011.

CARL GRESHAM BBC Radio.
Recording with CARL GRESHAM on Sunday 13th February.

GALLIFREY LAUNCH/ Los Angeles, USA
Zombies in New York and Other Bloody Jottings will be launched at 4.30pm. Houston Room. LAX Marriott, LA on Friday 18th February.

As a guest at the convention, I will also be taking part in several panels and a reading.

VAMPIRE NIGHT
Bookmark Bookstore in Spalding will be hosting a Vampire Night on World Book day, 3rd March. This event begins at 6.15pm. I will be reading extracts from the Vampire Gene Series and my New Collection Zombies in New York. There will also be a buffet. Entrance fee applies. Telephone 01775 769 231

Time: 6.15pm     Date: 3rd March    
Address:18-20 The Crescent, SPALDING, Lincolnshire, PE11 1AF
 
UK LAUNCH/WATERSTONES, Trafford Centre, Manchester
The UK Launch of Zombies in New York and Other Bloody Jottings takes place on Saturday 26th February at 1pm-4pm. Waterstones will be providing resfreshments and there will also be copies of my vampire gene series available to purchase as well as the collection. As with all signing events a free piece of Sam Stone Merchandise will be given with every purchase or an autographed photo.

This kicks off the start of the Zombies tour.

Time: 1-4pm              Date: 26th Feb    
Address: Waterstones, Trafford Centre, Manchester

WATERSTONES, Llandudno, North Wales
Zombies tour date 2. Copies of Zombies in New York and Other Bloody Jottings will be available to purchase at this popular North Wales store. All purchases will receive a bonus gift from the Sam stone Merchandise or a signed photograph.

Time: 12-4pm           Date: 5th March    
Address: Waterstones, Llandudno, North Wales

More dates to follow in the next few days.

Sam x

NHS - There when the chips are down!

After suffering from severe pack pain for the last six weeks I was admitted to hospital last friday morning. I have to say the idea of staying in an NHS hospital was absolutely terrifying. Fortunately my health has been pretty good so I hadn't had much reason to be in, or to use the emergency services for a long time.

When they decided to admit me my first thought was - oh no! I can't stay here! Hospitals are awful, they have MRSA, the nurses are mean and they don't look after you properly. How wrong I was.

You see, up until three years ago I'd had private health care and always sworn by it. My concept of the NHS was that the media must be right - there's no smoke without fire after all...


And, we're all guilty of it. We're are constantly listening to the media when they slag off our health service. Even some of my American friends have said to me how bad the NHS is. Well I'm happy to say that, as of now, I really don't agree. It's far better than you might imagine.

Other than sharing a six bed ward with two other ladies it was pretty much like private medicine. I really couldn't have been better treated. I had blood tests, urine tests, scans, blood pressure, monitoring. I was monitored regularly throughout the day, and best of all, actually given some medication that worked to relieve the back pain.

Results for the tests were on the same day - not sure that actually ever happened when I was private. And when the first scan was inconclusive I was given a CTU scan on the Saturday morning. The staff came in just to make sure that I didn't have to wait until Monday for the results. Did that ever happen in private? Actually, I don't think it did. The private hospital would have just earned more money by keeping you in longer.

I was very impressed also with how clean the wards were. There was no 'hospital smell' and the dedicated staff were working all day long, wiping down surfaces, mopping and disinfecting floors as well as finding time to smile and chat to you.

The nursing staff were the most caring people I'd ever met. Always having time for you, making sure that you were regularly monitored and not in pain and were on hand for anyone who felt a little overwhelmed and needed a hug as well.

I want to say this - and it's my little tribute, such as it is. Glan Clwyd Hospital is fantastic. Thanks to the staff on the Ward who made my stay so easy and bareable. If there is a next time, and I'm really hoping it's not any time soon!!, I won't be so worried about staying there again. All their hard work is constantly being criticised and it's about time we gave them credit where it's due.

Well done NHS - you're doing a good job!

New Merchandise and 'Zombies in New York and Other Bloody Jottings'

Sam Stone Merchandise (TM) 8 different badges and 2 pocket mirrors

I'm very delighted to announce the new merchandise range which will be first on sale at Gallifrey One Convention in LA in February 2011. The range includes Badges, Tote Bags, Stake Pens and a Pocket Mirror and I'll also have my own convention ribbons to give away with every purchase.

This will be in conjunction with the launch of my collection Zombies in New York and Other Bloody Jottings published by Telos Publishing.  I'm also pleased to confirm that there is a fabulous Foreword by Graham Masterton as well as an Afterword and Poem written by Frazer Hines. Award winning artist Vincent Chong designed the amazing cover and the stories and poems have been illustrated by artist Russell Morgan - and I absolutely love his interpretations of my stories.

Pre-orders of the collection can be purchased direct from the telos website as per the link below. All pre-orders will be sent out prior to the launch, and it's going to print today so I expect we will have copies in the next 2 weeks... Also, I will sign every pre-order and you'll receive a Sam stone Merchandise freebie in with your book. So don't delay, order now!

Pre-Order Zombies in New York and Other Bloody Jottings here!

Sam x

Reflections on 2010.

This is the time of year when I reflect on the trials, tribulations and successes of the past 12 months. It's been a busy one for me. A new novel out and a story collection written, as well as several other stories for other anthologies in the bag for next year.

On the awards front, I was shortlisted down to five, being the only woman in the final line-up, for the British Fantasy Society Best Novel Award and also a finalist for ForeWord Magazines Book of the Year Awards. Both of these were for the second Vampire Gene novel Futile Flame. The third novel, Demon Dance, has just been confirmed as making the Eligibility List for Welsh Book of the Year for the 2011 awards.

Book sales have been at a record high since September and the launch of Demon Dance. I'm told that this is because readers really like to buy into a series. I had originally sold the Vampire Gene as a trilogy, but having finished the third book, I soon realised that there was in fact more stories about the characters that needed to be written. Therefore Book 4, Hateful Hearts, is now underway and my publisher Terry Martin at The House of Murky Depths has asked for first refusal - which is great because I am writing it with some surety that it will be published.

As well as this, my vampire immortals are now blogging - you can check out their views at Immortal Bloggers!

What's on the horizon for next year?

Well firstly, my story collection, Zombies in New York and Other Bloody Jottings, was sold to Telos Publishing  and will be launched in LA at the end of February and at Waterstones, Trafford Centre, in the UK in March.

There will be a longer, wider spread, tour of Waterstones and several independent bookstores around the UK, Kicking off on 3rd March at Bookmark in Spalding with the Vampire Night.

There is now Vampire Gene/Sam Stone merchandise. These items will be made available to purchase at Gallifrey 2011 in LA in February initially, but will then be accessible from this website or at any of the events I'll be attending. So more details to follow in the new year.

Provisionally, Hateful Hearts, will be published in September 2011. We are aiming, once again, for a FantasyCon launch. But this may be available sooner.

Well, that's my year in view and I hope you'll join me next year on my continuing journey to make the Vampire Gene Series the most successful Dark Fantasy Novels of all time.

Happy Solstice everyone!

Immortal Bloggers! Have been blogging again.

Last night Caesare Borgia paid me a visit - he picks his times. 3.15am. I was a bit cross, but you have to retain a sense of humour when dealing with vampires - as well as irregular sleeping patterns.

Check out his thoughts and those of all the Vampire Gene Immortals at Immortal Bloggers! 

Sam :)

Vampire Gene Blog Page

After many requests for a 'Vampire Gene' fix, I've set up a new website. This is dedicated to the thoughts and feelings of my Vampires Lilly, Lucrezia, Gabi and Caesare. Over the next few months you're going to hear a lot of their views. You'll even be able to ask them anything you like.

After much blackmail, I've managed to persuade Lucrezia to donate the first blog. She's full of angst and is clearly unwilling, so I'd like you to make her squirm. Ask her anything you'd like. She's contractually obliged to answer (although I can't guarantee she'll tell the truth). If she ignores you, then I'll just have to do what I threatened and tell Gabriele, Lilly and especially Chez, just where she's hiding out. Chez in particular would really like to get his hands on her right now...

Anyway, there will be more to come. I'm hoping by doing this liasion online, they might actually be able to bury their differences.

If you want to check out what Lucrezia thinks today then please head over to the Vampire Gene website which I've subtitled Immortal Bloggers! to learn more.

Anyway, I hope this helps with the long wait till February for Zombies in New York and Other Bloody Jottings, (Telos Publishing - Feb 2011) where you'll learn more about Lucrezia's missing years. Failing that there's another trip into the lives of Gabi, Lilly and Chez in Hateful Hearts. We're aiming for a September 2011 launch if I can finish the first draft by the end of January.

Love
Sam Stone

Final Waterstones Signing for 2010

Don't forget this will be the final opportunity to meet me this year. So if you live near by, I'd love to see you.

Waterstones/ Boston (Lincolnshire)/ Saturday 18th December 2010.
I will be signing copies of The Vampire Gene Series, in this very popular Lincolnshire Store. Free signed photograph with every purchase.
EVENT TIME: 11am-3pm
Address: Waterstones, 18 Pescod Square,Boston, Lincolnshire, PE21 6QX. Tel: 01205 360002

But if you can't make this event, but would still like to purchase a signed copy of any or all of the books in the series, then you can order now from Murky Depths.


Don't forget to request a dedication at the time of ordering.


Sam x

Current Projects and news!

Vampire Gene News
The fourth Vampire Gene book is underway and the provisional title is Hateful Hearts. I've written over 16,000 words in a week and it's looking good. Still a long way off being finished however, but I'm hoping to have a complete first draft by the end on January 2011.

You can purchase the series at a discount direct from The House of Murky Depths for the bargain price of £25. It would make an excellent Christmas present - and if you want them signed don't forget to request this when you order.


Screenplay collaboration
Work is almost completed on a colloboration screenplay that was commisioned - but can't say more than that at the moment I'm afraid. Should be able to tell you early next year.

Zombies in New York and Other Bloody Jottings
The collection is complete with 13 stories and 6 poems. This is an eclectic collection that is available to pre-order from Telos Publishing. Artwork hasn't come in yet for the cover, but I'm hoping to see something soon as this is by the award winning Vincent Chong and I'm equally as excited by the prospect of the interior illustrations by artist Russell Morgan. If you PRE-ORDER your copy before publication you will be among the first to receive your signed copy on publication and prior to the launch in LA in February. So don't delay - order now!

Zombies in New York - Blurb
Something is sapping the energy of the usually robust dancers of the Moulin Rouge … Jack the Ripper’s crimes are investigated by a vampire … zombies roam the streets of New York … Clowns die in mysteriously humorous ways ...

Welcome to the poetic and horrific world of Sam Stone, where a vampire becomes obsessed with a centuries-old werewolf, and Angels are stalking the undead. Walk through the haunting world of the Toymaker and be hypnotised by the Siren's Song.

Thirteen stories of horror and passion and six mythological and erotic poems from the pen of the new Queen of Vampire fiction.

Chick-slash has never been so entertaining!

Other Projects
Other projects at the moment include three planned short stories one of which is already commisioned  - and I'm also working on the synopsis for the first book in a new series of crime stories with a supernatural twist. More to follow on that one as serious work will begin on this project after I complete Hateful Hearts.

More news soon ...

Waterstones Tour

A lot of you lovely people have been asking me to visit your area on our Waterstones tour. Unfortunately the sands of time and events gaps have almost run out. I will however be at Waterstones in Boston on 18th December and that may be it for this year.

Yesterday we were at the Waterstones in the Trafford Centre and we sold out of Killing Kiss and most of Futile Flame. It was really nice to see how many people bought the set too.

But don't despair. You can still order copies of the set of the Vampire Gene direct from Murky Depths. If  you want your copies signed and dedicated for a Christmas present then email terry@murkydepths.com and request this. We'll ensure you get your copies signed and in time for the holidays. Obviously there will be a deadline on these. So, ensure you order before 18th December. I'll sign all the copies at the Boston event and they will be on their way to you in time to wrap.

The good news at this point is that the calendar for next year's signings is already filling up. Amongst the confirmed bookings are : Vampire Night at Bookmark, Spalding, on 3rd March as well as returning to Trafford Centre Waterstones to officially launch Zombies in New York and Other Bloody Jottings in the UK (date to be arranged - but this will be end Feb/beginning March). There's also a  planned return to Llandudno.


I'm working on other dates but hoping to be in Kingston, Birmingham, Liverpool, Wrexham, Chester and many more ...


If there is a Waterstones near you and you'd like a visit, leave me a comment and I'll see what I can do.

Two More Signings to Go

The chaos of the last month and the bulk of the signing tour are now behind me. As it stands there's only two more opportunities to meet up with me this year and purchase your signed copies of The Vampire Gene Series. (Although they may be one other coming up ...)

Waterstones/ Trafford Centre Manchester/ Saturday 27th November 2010.

Sam will be in the Trafford Centre on Saturday 27th November 2010 at 12-4pm signing copies of her Vampire Gene Series. As with all other book signings there will be a free signed photograph with every purchase.

EVENT TIME: 12-4pm
Address: Waterstones, Trafford Centre, 42 Regent Crescent, Barton Dock Road, Manchester M17 8AP. Tel: 0843 290 8487

Waterstones/ Boston (Lincolnshire)/ Saturday 18th December 2010.
Sam will be signing copies of The Vampire Gene Series, in this very popular Lincolnshire Store. Free signed photograph with every purchase.
EVENT TIME: 11am-3pm
Address: Waterstones, 18 Pescod Square,Boston, Lincolnshire, PE21 6QX. Tel: 01205 360002

Learning to Self-Promote: A Writer's Journey.

When I went to university some years back to improve my main motivation was to become a better writer. I knew I had good ideas, but wasn’t confident that I had the skills to put them down in the best way. I promptly finished my BA (Hons) in English and Writing for Performance and felt better equipped to tackle the writing world. Unfortunately though, the need to get to work and earn a living reared its ugly head and all of my plans and ambitions were put on hold.

            I went into teaching. I loved it, but always in the back of my mind was this little tingle that it wasn’t really what I wanted, and it had never been the real objective of going back into education in the first place. I rapidly signed up for my MA in Creative Writing on a part-time course. I needed to. Teaching at High School just didn’t give me that stimulation I had when I was writing and at least by doing the course it forced me to write.

            The course was brilliant. I felt like I learnt so much from the analysis of other people’s writing and by learning even more to analyse my own work, therefore making me better at editing myself. One thing it didn’t teach me, though, was how hard it was to actually get anything published and then how difficult it would be to promote it.

            At the end of my course I had an MA but I also had this beautiful novel. It was my pride and joy and I believed it was good because I’d been judged on it in order to pass my qualification. That’s what led to my total impatience – plus I’m never one to wait around anyway.

            So, I self-published.

            It probably wasn’t the best course of action – so I’m constantly told – but actually it worked very well for me and I sold over 350 copies of the book in this format. It even won the Silver Award for Best Horror Novel with ForeWord Magazine in 2007. Following on from that success I was then able to negotiate a deal with The House of Murky Depths and they have so far published three books in the Vampire Gene Series.

            Myspace was my first dabble with social networking, and only this week I deleted the account – despite having over 12,000 views because I just didn’t think it worked for me anymore. Since then Facebook, Goodreads and my blog have become the outlets for all of my social and business networking and recently friends have been sending me something called ‘Linked In’ (not sure what it’s about yet though ...)

            To a lot of people when you’ve written a book they believe the hard part is over. To some extent that’s true, but a writer these days is now obliged to also promote that book. Your responsibility begins in earnest on completion, but really you need to start telling people before you finish. How to do that, of course, is the million dollar question. Promoting is the hard. You have to be confident without appearing arrogant and getting the balance right between promotion and spamming can be difficult. I’m never sure if I do have it quite right, so I always lean towards less is more because I’ve seen so many people go completely over the top with it. However I do have a sort of formula and this is what works for me..

Some Social networking Dos and Don’ts.

What not to do ...

• ·        One of my pet hates is people leaving adverts on my page. I never do that. I think it’s rude and it’s disrespectful. Often I’ve had new people come onto my page and immediately post a link telling me all about their book and how wonderful they are without even saying ‘hello’. That to me is a big, no, no.

• ·        Another faux pas is posting your website on every single comment you leave. Or a full blown advert for your latest book. Okay!!! We get it: you’re a writer too – but don’t do that because it won’t win you any friends or new readers it will just annoy them.

• ·        Don’t harp on all the time about how wonderful you are.

• ·        Don’t stalk other people’s pages and then just talk about yourself all the time on them – engage in conversations, you might just enjoy yourself and make some real friends.

• ·        When sending out events – don’t keep resending the same one. If friends have refused you won’t make them say they are coming by re-inviting, but you might encourage them to delete you for spamming.

• ·        Spam emails/private messages – OMG! (You wouldn’t believe how many of these I get.) Don’t resort to it. It doesn’t work. Event invites are enough, if people don’t respond then leave them alone.

• ·        Never respond to a bad review in public. You only make yourself look an idiot and people think you’re unprofessional. If you don’t like the review – suck it up. The reviewer is entitled to their opinion and you can’t please everyone so just get over yourself.

• ·        Never talk politics or religion – everyone has their own beliefs in this area and it won’t make you friends but is more likely to lose you some.

• ·        Don’t be snide about other people online – even if their status is the most annoying self-obsessed bullshit you’ve ever seen. It doesn’t look good and only makes people think you’re unpleasant and bitchy.

• ·        Never review friend’s books unless you have a lot of positive things to say about them. You should be objective and balanced in your argument but if you didn’t like it – it’s always best to stay quiet about it.

What works for me  ...

There’s no formula for perfect promotion but what I find works for me is just being myself with everyone. What you see is what you get. I also really enjoy interacting with people on Facebook etc ... you could say I’m a little addicted... 

• ·        Mix up status updates with a combination of personal things and work related things even on my official page.

• ·        Be cheerful as much as possible, because let’s face it if you’re constantly feeling sorry for yourself then people will get fed up with it and stop listening. Also, when you do have a rant they are more likely to listen because you don’t do it all the time.

• ·        Respond to comments that your friends leave, even if you put a ‘like’ on it. Be interested in other people and what they are doing – it’s not all about you after all.

• ·        Respond to your friend’s updates and statuses if you expect them to engage in yours. Be supportive of other people and genuinely mean it.

• ·        Reply to private messages – even if they are from some guy in Turkey asking you to marry him. You can still be polite when you tell him to ‘get lost’.

• ·        Definitely advertise your achievements. There’s nothing wrong with telling your friends you’re up for awards or have been invited to attend a convention as a guest. That’s all good and positive after all and it does help to raise your profile with others. It shows that your work is valued.

• ·        If there are awards that need votes – remind people about them but don’t beg them to vote for you, it sounds desperate.

• ·        Pat other people on the back if they win and you don’t – it’s only an award and it’s not the end of the world. Be positive about being shortlisted – because hey – that’s a huge achievement anyway!

• ·        When sending out invitations to events it helps if you write a covering note. Mostly I apologise for sending just in case it is not wanted or they live too far away. It doesn’t hurt to be polite and aware that not everyone is interested.

• ·        Be positive and upbeat. That’s the biggest and most import of my own rules.

Blog like crazy!

There’s also blogging of course. Mine is over 9000 hits now. One thing you should do if you have a blog is keep an eye on your stats. I have a stats counter that analyses the hits. At the click of a button I can see the IP addresses of all people who log on and it shows me where they are from (don’t worry it’s not full names and addresses only areas or countries). It also reveals how they found the site – even showing you the google pathway that led them to the page. This kind of information is useful to help you analyse your tagging process. Tagging is a great resource and helps people find you by accident. It helps if you think ‘out of the box’ when selecting tags for the main page – and always tag the blogs.

            Other results that I look at are ‘returning visitors’. At the end of the day you could be doing something wrong if your website or blog is getting a very low return rate. If you are posting interesting blogs or the type of information that the reader wants to see then there should be good returns results.

            There has to be a balance between attracting new readers and keeping old ones. I’m no expert on this of course, but I try to mix up the information as much as possible. Sometimes I blog on a film I’ve seen. At other times I write about the publishing industry exploring things that I believe might interest aspiring writers. Then, of course, I post all of my news or latest events. It’s important to keep the blog updated whatever you decide to put on it though. Just think about it. How many times have you gone onto your favourite writer’s website and found that it hasn’t changed in six months? Eventually you stop looking for that information, after all what’s the point in returning if there’s nothing new to learn? So it’s a good thing to bear in mind when maintaining your blog or website. I try to put something up every few days these days – and I’ve seen an increase in hits recently so hopefully it’s working. If I'm going to be a way from my computer for more than a few days, I even write some before hand and schedule them to go up while I'm away. It's about being organised as well as consistent.

Conventions

Overall promoting takes up a lot of your time. Once you’ve sorted out your social networking sites and blogs you’ve got to get out there and meet people. That’s where conventions come in. This is where the real time and money goes.

            In order to meet the right publishers and maybe even interest more readers you have to get out there and meet them. There are several Horror and Fantasy conventions that are good for promotion. My favourite used to be FantasyCon, but this isn’t always the best selling event; although I have seen a huge increase in sales there over the last three years which I hope is down to the fact that the word is getting out about my books. If you’re new on the circuit, or self-published, don’t expect to do well here on sales. The event does attract, however, a good selection of publishers and agents.

            There is also EasterCon, which is huge. It has about 12-1300 people attending every year. It is an excellent event to get involved with. EasterCon organisers are very open to new people being panellists. My first EasterCon I was given 6 panels over the course of the weekend. Panels are good things for writers. It’s an opportunity to talk intelligently in front of an audience. A good moderator will know who you are and will introduce you properly explaining what you write or will give you the opportunity to do so yourself. It’s also a very good selling event. I’ve seen the most unlikely books sell at EasterCon and I think that is because there are more fans attending, whereas some of the smaller cons attract mostly writers, publishers and agents, who are less likely to buy your books. Also there is no snobbery at EasterCon. ALL writers can become involved at the mass signing events. So whether you are published by one of the majors or by a small independent press, you’ll be treated the same.

            I’ve recently discovered Asylum – which is a steampunk convention in Lincoln. I was invited as a guest this year only to learn the event attracts over 800 people. The organisation was fabulous and I was treated wonderfully. I’m invited back next year also and I’m hoping to get more involved in the panels. This isn’t necessarily the place you’d go to if you want to meet publishers and agents – but it’s a great selling event and is full of potential readers. It’s also growing in size and had become the second biggest UK convention. It may even take that crown from EasterCon next year. Also, Asylum have invited me to return as a guest again next year, so I'll definitely be attending.

            Smaller more intimate events are NewCon (2 Yearly – but a whole weekend) and AltFiction which is usually only running for a day but apparantly next year it is planned  to run over two days.There are more but I will be honest and say I haven’t attended them.

            Outside of the UK -  I also attend Gallifrey in LA. My partner, David J Howe, and I are invited as guests and guest status makes all of the difference. In the USA we get extremely well treated and sales are incredible. There are also great panel opportunities.

            That’s where the time and money element of promotion comes in. Attending Cons is expensive and while you’re away from home you aren’t writing – but if you’re smart, you will be working. 
              I could say a whole lot more, but I think that's enough for now, except to say - Keep plugging away at the promo ... but remember, not too much ...

Sam Stone 12.10.10

Thorne Coffin - An appropriate place to stay :)

On our Yeovil trip last weekend we found ourselves staying in a beautiful guest house called 'Thorne Cottage'. David found 'Thorne Cottage' via google as we wanted to stay somewhere convenient for the centre of Yeovil for Waterstones. We didn't know anything about the area, never having been there before, and as with all of these things we booked it hoping it would be okay.

When we arrived, 5.30pm, it was dark, wet and miserable and we found ourselves searching country lanes for the address. As usual the Sat Nav sent us down a lane with no through-road, we came across a barrier, but were able to open it and go through.

We didn't see Thorne Cottage immediately, even though it turned out to be the first on the left through the barrier. As we drove along this dark country lane, we came across a huge manor house called Thorne House.

Eventually we found Thorne Cottage - after ringing the owner, Kath and her husband Bill came out will a torch to direct us in - but already David and I were intriqued by the area.

Thorne Cottage is gorgeous and we were given a warm welcome by the owners. Then shown to our rooms. It turned out we had a wing to ourselves, so David and I had the double room and Frazer was in the single. Within this area we had all the conveniences you could wish for. Our own sitting room with comfy leather chairs and a chaise, tea and Coffee facilities and not one, but two bathrooms. Lovely. Added to this the unexpected bonus of having wifi and sky TV in our rooms. This place was sheer luxury!


The next morning, after a fresh full English breakfast, we went for a walk to look at Thorne House and in daylight we discovered we were in the small village of THORNE COFFIN. You could say this was somewhat appropriate. Thorne Coffin is a very quaint village, with its own parish church - St Andrews - and more spookiness than I've ever seen. I absolutely loved it!

The village of Thorne Coffin itself is made up of large cottages, all varing in size and I've been told used to be occupied by three main families that were farmers some years ago. The surrounding area was then filled by the farm workers. So far this is all I've managed to learn.

We went into the grounds of Thorne House - which is privately owned - and looked around to ask permission to properly examine the exterior of the house and the beautifully maintained lawns. Unfortunately we couldn't get permission but we did manage to take some beautiful pictures of the house nontheless. I think they'd make a fortune if they opened it up to the public, but apparantly it is owned by a corporation. I've since been searching for the history of the house but have so far drawn a blank. If any of you do have information on this stunning stately home, then please let me know.

Needless to say I will be writing a story about Thorne Cottage and Thorne House. Actually I feel a novella coming ...

Appearances 20th November -18th December 2010

Book Signings and Frazer Hines FINAL Show.

Bookmark- Spalding/20th November 2010
Meet Sam Stone, Frazer Hines and Horror Writer Andy Remic at this in quaint award winning independent bookstore.
18-20 The Crescent, Spalding, PE11 1AF.  Tel: 01775 769 231
EVENT TIME: 11am - 1pm







LAST SHOW IN THE SEASON.

The Lass O'Gowrie, Manchester - Frazer Hines - 50 Years in Showbiz - Anniversary Tour/21st November 2010.
The show starts at 8pm and consists of a two part performance. Part one will see Frazer talking about his life and experiences over the 50 years that he has been in showbusiness. Following a 20 min interval Frazer will return to the stage with Sam Stone - who will interview him in a Q and A which will be interspersed with questions from the audience.
EVENT TIME: 7.30pm
Address: 36 Charles St, Manchester, M1 7DB. Tel: 0161 273 6932/ BUY NOW!


Waterstones/ Trafford Centre Manchester/ Saturday 27th November 2010.

Sam will be in the Trafford Centre on Saturday 27th November 2010 at 12-4pm signing copies of her Vampire Gene Series. As with all other book signings there will be a free signed photograph with every purchase.

EVENT TIME: 12-4pm
Address: Waterstones, Trafford Centre, 42 Regent Crescent, Barton Dock Road, Manchester M17 8AP. Tel: 0843 290 8487

Waterstones/ Boston (Lincolnshire)/ Saturday 18th December 2010.
Sam will be signing copies of The Vampire Gene Series, in this very popular Lincolnshire Store. Free signed photograph with every purchase.
EVENT TIME: 11am-3pm
Address: Waterstones, 18 Pescod Square,Boston, Lincolnshire, PE21 6QX. Tel: 01205 360002

My Typical Week

People often ask me what writing schedule I have. This is a quick diary of my typical week:

Monday
Wake at 7am. Reach over to the bedside table and switch on my laptop. Check Facebook, reply to messages and notifications - then check emails and respond to them.
8am - begin writing for the day.
9am - stop for small breakfast shower and dress.
9.15am - back to work and write until 12.30-1pm.
Have lunch.
1.30pm onwards - Afternoon schedule consists of wrapping Telos Publishing orders (this can take hours).
Brief visit to Facebook and emails again.
4pm Take orders to Post office.
5pm - 6pm begin making dinner.
6pm - Glass of wine.
After dinner cuddle up on the sofa with David and watch a DVD.


Tuesday
Morning as per Monday until lunchtime.
1.30pm Onwards - Prepare Telos Invoices/Delivery notes for shop and distributor purchases.
Collate books and pack in boxes.
Weigh and measure boxes - then book the courier collection for Wednesday. Print and attach shipping labels.
Put all boxes (from 1 to possibly 20 depending what's come in) into the collection area.
Tidy up!!! Cos the packing mess a hell of a mess...
6pm - glass of wine and WELL DESERVED.
Chill with David.

Wednesday
7am -8am Catch up with Facebook and Emails/ May write a blog.
8am - Get up and get dressed. Put the washing on. Eat some cereal and have a cup of tea.
8.30am onwards - Begin Full cleaning of the house, stopping occasionally to change the washing over to the drier and put another load on if there is one.
12.30pm - get a light lunch.
1pm onwards sort out the now dry washing and set too ironing. (During which time I'll put Vampire Diaries on the TV to quell some of the boredom).
3pm or sooner ,depending on washing that day, return to my laptop and check emails and facebook etc.
3.15-6pm Promotion. This could be sending out emails or ringing places - but it's usually blogging, creating events and advertising them in various places.
6pm - you guessed it! Glass of Wine ...

Thursday
Writing morning as per Monday.
Around 1pm and after lunch - Telos Orders and Paperwork.
4pm - Take orders to Post Office or book courier or both.
6pm - I'm not even going to tell you because you know what I'm doing from then onwards ...

Friday
Writing all morning as per Monday.
After lunch - editing any commisioned work - or possibly mine depending where I'm up to and on deadlines. Sometimes I'm just writing ALL day if needed.
4pm - possibly taking orders to Post office - nip out to shops for food and - wine ... (obviously)

7pm onwards - Prepare dinner - (no wine) Collect L from the station.
8pm - L, David and I sit down to dinner - now we have wine.
Watch DVD and chat

Saturday
A bit of a lie in so we get up around 8am instead of 7am. Reach for laptop and spend time checking emails and Facebook. May write a blog.
9am-12am Writing all morning.
12.30 onwards - out to lunch with David & L- Shopping and errands.
3-4pm - Back home, check emails and Facebook then do some editing if urgent.
Make Dinner or sometimes go out to local Indian for Curry.
Evening - relax with the family.

Sunday
8am - Wake, check emails & Facebook - Get shower etc.
10 - 11am - Make a fry-up for 'brunch'. Laze around a little during most of the morning.
After Lunch - Nice weather stroll on the beach/ crap weather back to work writing/editing. Or watch some rubbish on TV with L.
3ish - Take L to station as she goes back to college.
3.30pm onwards - Tidy up. Check Emails etc.
4pm - 6pm - Editing/ possible blog.
6pm - Yes - WINE!
After dinner - curl up on sofa and chill with David.

This is an average week, which is interspersed with interruptions and changes... It doesn't reflect the weeks we spend travelling and signing books. On those occassions my writing pattern is very disrupted. I'm not good at writing on board a train for example - as I hate noise when I'm writing and trains are usually chaotic.

When I'm on a deadline I write every morning and everything else is left to the end of the day - especially the housework. For example when I was working on the 'Zombies in New York' Collection Monday-Sunday consisted of writing from 7am to 1pm every day. This went on for weeks as the deadline approached. Currently I'm between projects - but must start writing the next novel very soon and so my schedule is far looser. Fortunately this month is filled with promotion stuff - lots of Waterstones signings and Frazer Hines' tour, which was good timing as writing schedules go.

I write in the morning as this is my best time - later in the day the other things in our lives get in the way and would be too much of a distraction. It's also why I write in bed - if I see that the house is untidy it gives me reason to procrastinate. Hence not leaving the bedroom until I'm confident that my writing is in full swing - that way distractions don't hold my attention long because I'm in 'the zone'. One main aim is to write or edit something everyday so that my creative brain is constantly being flexed. I even get grumpy if I don't write these days.

Well, that's my typical week and it's a system that works for me but if you are an aspiring author you may do things completely different. You just have to find a balance, and being strict with writing hours is the most important thing you learn if you really want to write as a full-time occupation.

Updated Appearances - More Waterstones Dates Added!!

These are the remaining signings and shows planned for this year at this time. Don't miss the opportunity to meet Sam Stone, Frazer Hines and Andy Remic (Spalding - 20th Nov).  Frazer's one-man show concludes at Lass O'Gowrie, Manchester on 21st November - so buy your tickets now!!!

Waterstones  - Yeovil/13th November

Join Sam Stone with Actor Frazer Hines signing copies of their books at this popular Waterstones store.
EVENT TIME: 2 - 4pm
Waterstones Yeovil, 37a Middle Street, Yeovill, Somerset BA20 1LG. 2-4pm 

The Swan Theatre, Yeovil - Frazer Hines - 50 Years in Showbiz - Anniversary Tour. PENULTIMATE SHOW!
The show starts at 8pm and consists of a two part performance. Part one will see Frazer talking about his life and experiences over the 50 years that he has been in showbusiness. Following a 20 min interval Frazer will return to the stage with Sam Stone - who will interview him in a Q and A which will be interspersed with questions from the audience.
EVENT TIME: 7.30pm
Address: Swan Theatre, 138 Park St, Yeovil BA20 1QT.
Tel: Waterstones Yeovil for tickets on: 01935 479832/ BUY NOW TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT!

Waterstone - Truro/14th November 2010.
Journeying further to the coast Sam Stone and Frazer Hines will be at this Waterstones stone.
EVENT TIME: 1 - 2.30pm
Waterstone Truro, 11 Boscawen Street, Truro, Cornwall,TR1 2QU

Bookmark- Spalding/20th November 2010
Meet Sam Stone, Frazer Hines and Horror Writer Andy Remic at this in quaint award winning independent bookstore.
18-20 The Crescent, Spalding, PE11 1AF.  Tel: 01775 769 231
EVENT TIME: 11am - 1pm







LAST SHOW IN THE SEASON.

The Lass O'Gowrie, Manchester - Frazer Hines - 50 Years in Showbiz - Anniversary Tour/21st November 2010.
The show starts at 8pm and consists of a two part performance. Part one will see Frazer talking about his life and experiences over the 50 years that he has been in showbusiness. Following a 20 min interval Frazer will return to the stage with Sam Stone - who will interview him in a Q and A which will be interspersed with questions from the audience.
EVENT TIME: 7.30pm
Address: 36 Charles St, Manchester, M1 7DB. Tel: 0161 273 6932/ BUY NOW!

 FURTHER WATERSTONES SIGNINGS FOR SAM STONE.

Waterstones/ Trafford Centre Manchester/ Saturday 27th November 2010.

Sam will be in the Trafford Centre on Saturday 27th November 2010 at 12-4pm signing copies of her Vampire Gene Series. As with all other book signings there will be a free signed photograph with every purchase.

EVENT TIME: 12-4pm
Address: Waterstones, Trafford Centre, 42 Regent Crescent, Barton Dock Road, Manchester M17 8AP. Tel: 0843 290 8487

Appearances 13th - 21st November 2010

These are the remaining signings and shows planned for this year at this time. Don't miss the opportunity to meet Sam Stone, Frazer Hines and Andy Remic (Spalding - 20th Nov).  Frazer's one-man show concludes at Lass O'Gowrie, Manchester on 21st November - so buy your tickets now!!!

Waterstones  - Yeovil/13th November

Join Sam Stone with Actor Frazer Hines signing copies of their books at this popular Waterstones store.
EVENT TIME: 2 - 4pm
Waterstones Yeovil, 37a Middle Street, Yeovill, Somerset BA20 1LG. 2-4pm 

The Swan Theatre, Yeovil - Frazer Hines - 50 Years in Showbiz - Anniversary Tour. PENULTIMATE SHOW!
The show starts at 8pm and consists of a two part performance. Part one will see Frazer talking about his life and experiences over the 50 years that he has been in showbusiness. Following a 20 min interval Frazer will return to the stage with Sam Stone - who will interview him in a Q & A which will be interspersed with questions from the audience.
EVENT TIME: 7.30pm
Address: Swan Theatre, 138 Park St, Yeovil BA20 1QT.
Tel: Waterstones Yeovil for tickets on: 01935 479832/ BUY NOW TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT!

Waterstone - Truro/14th November 2010.
Journeying further to the coast Sam Stone and Frazer Hines will be at this Waterstones stone.
EVENT TIME: 1 - 2.30pm
Waterstone Truro, 11 Boscawen Street, Truro, Cornwall,TR1 2QU

Bookmark- Spalding/20th November 2010
Meet Sam Stone, Frazer Hines & Horror Writer Andy Remic at this in quaint award winning independent bookstore.
18-20 The Crescent, Spalding, PE11 1AF.  Tel: 01775 769 231
EVENT TIME: 11am - 1pm



LAST SHOW IN THE SEASON.

The Lass O'Gowrie, Manchester - Frazer Hines - 50 Years in Showbiz - Anniversary Tour/21st November 2010.
The show starts at 8pm and consists of a two part performance. Part one will see Frazer talking about his life and experiences over the 50 years that he has been in showbusiness. Following a 20 min interval Frazer will return to the stage with Sam Stone - who will interview him in a Q & A which will be interspersed with questions from the audience.
EVENT TIME: 7.30pm
Address: 36 Charles St, Manchester, M1 7DB. Tel: 0161 273 6932/ BUY NOW!

MAD World

This has been one crazy, whirlwind of a week.

Last Saturday morning David and I flew to Isle of Man to meet up with Frazer Hines and Rob Craine for Frazer's first show of his pre-christmas run of 'Frazer Hines - 50 Years in Showbiz Tour. The first was to take place at Erin Arts Centre, in Port Erin. When we got to the venue, however, it looked like disaster was going to strike and we'd have to cancel. Frazer's DVD's wouldn't play in their machine. Fortunately David rescued the situation by figuring out a way to play the film clips - but this only got sorted minutes before the show was due to start.

The show got underway and tech issues continued to plague us with Frazer's microphone constantly going on and off. Like a true professional he plowed on. It's safe to say the audience loved him! It was laughs all the way and the interval came around way too quickly!

The second half of the show I went on with Frazer and fielded the Q & A. Erin Arts Centre patrons asked great questions and as always I learnt something new about Frazer through his answers. He's a man of many talents! And - the laughs continued to the end. This was a very appreciative audience.

Later in the week I drove to Derby to meet up with Frazer to prepare for his show on the Thursday evening. We had lunch, went the the venue, only to realise we'd sold out of the final few copies of his autobiography and so had none to sell there. Fortunately a new delivery was due in the next day - but we were very sorry to disappoint the Derby Whovers (or is that Whoovers?).

The show went very well that night, however. This took place at The Quad, Derby and it was extremely well organised with excellent technology - phew! - and was followed by a very informal chat with the audience immediately afterwards.

But the week didn't end there. Straight after the Derby show we drove back to Wales. Frazer and I had a signing at Waterstones in Llandudno and of course there is still Frazer's show taking place this evening at the Scala in Prestatyn.

But I do really want to talk about Llandudno yesterday. What a well promoted event this was. I'm so very pleased with the sales we made and the excitement that our visit created. Huge thanks goes to all of the staff at Llandudno as they made such a massive effort the last few weeks to tell people we were coming. This consisted of them ordering a lot of books prior to the event and displaying them in full beautifully (we even had Cybermen!). Doctor Who music was played throughout the day and there was a superb poster in the window. We were placed in a prime position and - WOW! - what a busy store! By 4pm we were still in the thick of it as the sales continued to ring up and we'd been booked until 3pm. What a great day!

It really was super for me as a local author to have such a successful signing at Waterstones. So, naturally we went out with friends to celebrate!!

Well, that's the catch up on my mad, mad week so far... There's still more to come so watch out for my next appearances in Yeovil, Truro and Spalding.

TELOS PRESS RELEASE - ZOMBIES IN NEW YORK!

November 1, 2010 - Telos Publishing is very pleased and proud to have recently signed up a new collection of original horror and dark fantasy fiction from the acclaimed and award-winning author Sam Stone. Sam made an enormous impact with her trilogy of Vampire novels, collectively known as the Vampire Gene series (which are available from our friends at Murky Depths: www.murkydepths.com), and we just know that this debut collection is going to blow people away.

There is already film interest in some of the tales - and that's before the book has even been published. ZOMBIES IN NEW YORK & OTHER BLOODY JOTTINGS is an amazing read. Something is sapping the energy of the usually robust dancers of the Moulin Rouge … Jack the Ripper’s crimes are investigated by a vampire … Zombies roam the streets of New York … Clowns die in mysteriously humorous ways ... Welcome to the poetic and horrific world of Sam Stone, where a vampire becomes obsessed with a centuries-old werewolf, and Angels are stalking the undead. Walk through the haunting world of the Toymaker and be hypnotised by the Siren's Song. Fourteen stories of horror and passion, and six mythological and erotic poems from the pen of the new Queen of Vampire fiction. Chick-slash has never been so entertaining!

Publishing in February 2011 and being launched at the big LA Doctor Who event, Gallifrey One, ZOMBIES IN NEW YORK will boast a cover by multiple-award winning artist Vincent Chong (www.vincentchong-art.co.uk), and features internal illustrations from the blood-soaked pen of Russell Morgan (www.icarussart.com)

'I wanted to do a collection to experiment with genres and styles,' says Sam. 'As well as my interest in horror fiction, I also love crime fiction, particularly psychological thrillers, and writing a collection of short stories gave me the opportunity to broaden my horizons in terms of the content, style and even voice that I used.'

Sam is known for her vampire series, The Vampire Gene, and the collection contains several stories which link in with that. 'When I was writing Futile Flame, the second in the trilogy, my femme fatale, the vampire Lucrezia Borgia, was such an intriguing character that at the time I wanted to write much more about her history. There is a period of time within that book of approximately 200 years, where we don't really know what she got up to. So the stories began as my exploration of those missing years. I have Lucrezia taking on the nom de plume of Lucy Collins, and working as a blood specialist - an ideal job for a vampire! - and with the police of all ages, solving crimes and getting involved in mysteries.'

The collection also contains some of Sam's horror poetry. 'They're more erotic and mythological than horror, and the ones that I wanted to include in the collection, are those I'm most proud of as they each tell a little story of their own. I tried to encapsulate feelings, character, themes and a plot into a concise piece of writing in each case. I hope that readers enjoy them.'

The collection covers all bases from zombies to vampires, sirens to angels and just about everything in between. 'I was trying to be diverse,' smiles Sam. 'There's even a ghost story in there, as well as, of course, creepy clowns! But in every case I tried to bring a new and unique slant to the writing. I was aiming at being eclectic and I hope I've achieved that. There are several that I am really proud of, and some which I hope will truly shock readers!'

Copies of ZOMBIES IN NEW YORK & OTHER BLOODY JOTTINGS can be pre-ordered from Telos by emailing orders@telos.co.uk or visiting their website: www.telos.co.uk.