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!
Showing posts with label blogging. Show all posts
Showing posts with label blogging. Show all posts
Wednesday, 22 December 2010
Wednesday, 17 November 2010
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 ...
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 ...
Sunday, 14 November 2010
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.
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.
Sunday, 7 November 2010
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.
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.
Tuesday, 2 November 2010
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.
'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.
Friday, 29 October 2010
Appearances 30th October to 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: 8pm
Address: Victoria Square, Port Erin, Isle of Man, IM9 6LD Tel: +44(0) 1624 835858
Meet Sam Stone & Frazer Hines in the busy centre of Llandudno. Copies of all the Vampire Gene Series will be available to purchase.
EVENT TIME: 11am-3pm
Address: Waterstones Llandudno, 37 Victoria Centre, Mostyn CentreLlandudno, Conwy LL30 2NG
The Scala, Prestatyn, North Wales - Frazer Hines - 50 Years in Showbiz - Anniversary Tour.
The show starts at 7.30pm 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 interspersed with questions from the audience.
EVENT TIME: 7.30pm
Address: 47 High Street, Prestatyn, Denbigshire LL19 9AH. Tel: 01745 850 197
Waterstones - Yeovil/13th November 2010
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.
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
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
The Lass O'Gowrie, Manchester - Frazer Hines - 50 Years in Showbiz - Anniversary Tour.
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
Monday, 27 October 2008
What New Writers Need to Know - Part 3 - Blogging.
I'm not going to give away all of my secrets, but one that I feel all new writers need to know is ... learn the art of blogging.
Blogging helps you connect with your readers. It's a valuable tool to help you build your online presence which will hopefully lead to book sales - and if not, then it will definitely lead to making some new and interesting friends who may have the same take on the world as you.
What should you blog about?
Well, that's the interesting part. You can blog about anything at all. It doesn't have to be about your writing all the time, or your latest book/story/poetry collection release - although you certainly should keep your readers informed of those things. It can be about a disasterous day, thoughts as you do the work/school run. Interesting people you've met. People you'd like to meet (Richard Gere springs to my mind ...). Places you've visited. Holidays. Sports events. Buying shoes! Get the picture?
One thing you should do of course is look at some of the more successful blogs out there. Like Neil Gaiman for example. Neil writes about all sorts of things and his narrative is very engaging. Or if you are looking for an example of a specific topic or theme, then try David J Howe's, Howeswho blog on the Doctor Who TV series (as well as writing and horror films and other subjects).
So what are you waiting for?
Get to work and keep in touch with loyal fans, friends and anyone else who comes across your page! You never know, they might all be waiting for you to speak your mind.
Blogging helps you connect with your readers. It's a valuable tool to help you build your online presence which will hopefully lead to book sales - and if not, then it will definitely lead to making some new and interesting friends who may have the same take on the world as you.
What should you blog about?
Well, that's the interesting part. You can blog about anything at all. It doesn't have to be about your writing all the time, or your latest book/story/poetry collection release - although you certainly should keep your readers informed of those things. It can be about a disasterous day, thoughts as you do the work/school run. Interesting people you've met. People you'd like to meet (Richard Gere springs to my mind ...). Places you've visited. Holidays. Sports events. Buying shoes! Get the picture?
One thing you should do of course is look at some of the more successful blogs out there. Like Neil Gaiman for example. Neil writes about all sorts of things and his narrative is very engaging. Or if you are looking for an example of a specific topic or theme, then try David J Howe's, Howeswho blog on the Doctor Who TV series (as well as writing and horror films and other subjects).
So what are you waiting for?
Get to work and keep in touch with loyal fans, friends and anyone else who comes across your page! You never know, they might all be waiting for you to speak your mind.
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