This Week I'll Be At ...

WATERSTONES, BOLTON, LANCS, SAT 7th SEPT 2013.
Sam Stone will be launching her new novella KAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF at Waterstones Bolton.
Hot off the printing press. Copies of ZOMBIES AT TIFFANY'S will also be available as well as some Vampire Gene titles.

Address: Waterstones, 34-36 Deansgate, Bolton BL1 1BL.
Date: 7th Sept 2013
Time: 2-4pm

Signing Schedule - A Crazy Time of Year

Here is an updated list of all of my forthcoming events. It's a crazy time of year for me now but I wouldn't have it any other way.

'AIRSHIP' TOUR BEGINS HERE ...

BROWSERS BOOKSHOP, PORTHMADOG, SAT 31st AUGUST, 2013
Sam Stone and David Howe are delighted to be attending this friendly Independent Book store in the seaside resort of Porthmadog.

Address: 73 High Street, Porthmadog, LL49 9EU
Date: 31st August 2013
Time: 11am onwards

WATERSTONES, BOLTON, LANCS, SAT 7th SEPT 2013.
Sam Stone will be launching her new novella KAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF at Waterstones Bolton.
Be the first to buy this book, newly off the printing press. Copies of ZOMBIES AT TIFFANY'S will also be available.

Address: Waterstones, 34-36 Deansgate, Bolton BL1 1BL.
Date: 7th Sept 2013
Time: 2-4pm
 
ASYLUM STEAMPUNK CONVENTION, 13-15th Sept, 2013
Sam Stone and David Howe will be attending this fantastic event, which has become a welcome part of their yearly calendar. 

The event takes place in various locations around Lincoln Town Centre.

Come and join in the fun, wearing your steampunk finery, and join the party at one of the many wonderful evening events.

For full information on the programme of events : ASYLUM http://steampunk.synthasite.com/

Time: ALL WEEKEND
Address: Lincoln Town Centre
Date 13-15th September 2013 

FORBIDDEN PLANET, London, 21st Sept 2013
Telos Publishing Authors Sam Stone, Raven Dane and Stephen James Walker will be signing their latest books at Forbidden Planet.

This event will appeal to fans of Doctor Who, Steampunk and Horror.

Time 4-5pm
Address Forbidden Planet, 179 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, WC2H 8JR
Date 21st Sept 2013.

WATERSTONES, Piccadilly, London, 30th September, 2013 
6pm onwards - I will be doing a reading and signing THE BEST OF BRITISH FANTASY 2013 published by Salt Publishing earlier in the year.

For further details Waterstones,

GRIMM UP NORTH, 3rd-6th October 2013,
Sam Stone and David J Howe will be attending this year's Grimm Up North.

Further information to follow on their schedule but you can buy tickets for this year's event HERE

DIMENSIONS 2013, Newcastle, 25-27th October 2013. 
Sam Stone and David J Howe join the line-up of guests for this special celebration convention - which will commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Doctor Who.

For more information : Dimensions http://www.tenthplanetevents.co.uk/index.asp

Time: TBA
Address: The New Holiday Inn, Great North Road, Seaton Burn, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE13 6BP
Date: 22-24 November 2013. 

HURRICANE WHO, Orlando, Florida, 1-3rd November 2013
Sam Stone and David J Howe join the line-up of great guests for this convention. There will be panels, a dealer's room, cosplay, and great guests!

For more information : Hurricane Who http://www.hurricanewho.com/guests/ 

Time: Friday to Sunday 
Address: Doubletree by Hilton Orlando at Sea World
Date: 1-3rd November 2013.

LONG ISLAND WHO, New York, 8-10th November 2013
Sam Stone and David J Howe our delighted to be guesting at this new convention in Long Island, New York.

For more information : L.I. WHO http://longislanddoctorwho.com/about/

Time: All weekend
Address: The Long Island -Islip Airport Holiday Inn, 3845 Veterans Memorial Highway, Ronkonkoma, NY, 11779.
Date: Friday 8th- Sunday 10th Nov 2013.

OTTAWA, CANADA 7-8th Dec
Info to follow shortly ...


GALLIFREY CONVENTION, Los Angeles, 14th-16th Feb, 2014
Awesome! Sam Stone, David Howe and Frazer Hines return to this much loved convention to celebrate 25 years of Gallifrey Convention in Los Angeles. 

Time : ALL Weekend
Address: LA Marriot Hotel, Los Angeles
Date: Friday 14th Feb-Sun 16th Feb 2014.

EM-CON, NOTTINGHAM, 16th March 2014
A fantastic fun-filled Sci-Fantasy day in Nottingham. Sam Stone and David J Howe, join the guests at this new and exciting event.

Time: 10am (earlybirds) 11am-5pm
Address: Albert Hall, North Circus Street, Nottingham, NG1 5AA, 0115 950 0411
Date: 16th March 2014

For more information visit : http://www.em-con.co.uk

SCI-FI WEEKENDER 5, Hafan Y Mor, North Wales, 27th-30th March 2014
Sam Stone and David Howe are delighted to be returning to Sci-Fi Weekender!
More news to follow.

OTHERWORLDS CONVENTION UK, 5-6 APRIL 2014.
Sam Stone and David Howe join the already growing line-up of guests at the first Otherworlds Convention in Warrington. Cosplay, Panels, traders of all kinds.

Time: Starts 10am Sat end 4pm Sunday.
Address: Chester University, Lance Dobson Exhibition rooms, Crab Lane, Warrington, WA2 0DB
Date: 5 & 6 April 2014.

For further Information visit: http://www.otherworldsconv.co.uk/
To buy tickets http://otherworldsconv.eventbrite.com/

This Week I'll be At ...

This weekend I will be driving to Porthmadog to visit BROWSERS BOOKSHOP. This is a lovely seaside resort in North Wales and I am very much looking forward to being there.

This is the first outing for my new novel KAT ON A HOT TIN AIRSHIP. Copies of ZOMBIES AT TIFFANY'S and the Vampire Gene Series novels will also be available. VG novels will be going at the bargain price of 3 for 2 so this is a good opportunity to try them if you haven't already.

BROWSERS BOOKSHOP, PORTHMADOG, SAT 31st AUGUST, 2013


Address: 73 High Street, Porthmadog, LL49 9EU
Date: 31st August 2013
Time: 11am onwards

Looking forward to seeing you all.

Sam x

New Products

I thought it might be useful to list the some of the new products I now have available.

The Vampire Gene Trilogy 
The first three books in the Vampire Gene Series (Originally a trilogy) are now available in a compendium.

VG Blurb

Enter the dark and sensual world of Sam Stone. Discover her unique family of vampires in this compendium edition of the first three books of the award winning Vampire Gene series.

Killing Kiss : Four hundred year old vampire Gabriele Caccini searches for a mate in twenty-first century Manchester while reflecting on the events that led to his immortality.
Futile Flame : Gabriele seeks out his maker Lucrezia Borgia when a mysterious entity threatens to ruin the happiness he has found with Lilly. But can he believe anything she says?
Demon Dance : Waking in the Garden of Eden, Lilly discovers that mysterious forces have contrived to separate her from Gabriele. Thrown through time against her will, she has to fight to regain control of her own destiny.

Buy at Amazon UK  Price £18.94 (RRP £19.99)
Buy at Amazon USA Price $26.99


Poetry CD (Only Available in USA)

Demon Lover & Other Eroticisms
Poetry written and performed by Sam Stone (featuring David J Howe).
Music devised and performed by Penny Nicholls

1) Not All Vampires Drink Blood (Sam Stone)
2) Demon Lover (David J Howe)
3) Werewolf (Sam Stone)
4) Vampyre (Sam Stone)
5) In Lust  (Sam Stone)
6) Phoenix (David J Howe)
7) I Wish I Was Dead (Sam Stone)

Buy at Amazon USA Price $12.99

I hope you give these a try ...

This Week I Will Be At ...

The first of our many events is on Saturday 17th August at Leeds Central Library - STEAMPUNKS AT CENTRAL LIBRARY

If you are in, or near, the Leeds area I can heartily recommend this event. It will be populated by splendid people in their Steampunk finery and there will be readings as well as many authors selling and signing their books.

David J Howe and myself will be the first readers of the day from 11.30am. I will be reading from my new novel KAT ON A HOT TIN AIRSHIP which will be available by 31st August. This will be the first time anyone other than my publishers has heard/seen the content. So stop by for a sneak preview!

Pre-Orders for signed copies of this book will be available from TELOS PUBLISHING, Amazon or all good book stores.

You can also buy one and get it signed personally on 31st August at Browsers Bookshop in Porthmaddog or see Appearances and Bookings for a list of forthcoming events in your area.

The first two Telos Moonrise books will be available to buy (hopefully if they arrive from the printers in time). This will be Raven Dane's ABSINTHE & ARSENIC and Kit Cox's DOCTOR TRIPPS:KAIJU COCKTAIL. Both authors will be reading an extract from their books at the event.

I'm looking forward to being with my Steampunk friends old and new this week.

I hope to see you there!

GRIMM UP NORTH - EARLY BIRD TICKETS

Due to unprecedented demand for our of amazing value early bird passes this year, Grimmfest have decided to keep open the offer for just one extra day, just in case any horror fans out there haven’t yet taken the plunge. Early bird passes were set to close on Thursday 8th Aug but we’ve added an extra day, giving  a further opportunity to pick up a pass before midnight Friday 9th August.

 

The Dancehouse theatre venue only allows us a limited amount of these special passes to sell to our regular fans. Were happy to give your readers the opportunity to take advantage of this offer but they must act fast. Full price tickets become available from the venue box office next week at the regular price.

 

If you love movie premieres and your able to make it to central Manchester between 3rd and 6th Oct, you’d be a fool to miss this great offer. Wallow in movies for one long weekend for an incredible price.

BOOK NOW!

Announced so far
Movies: HELLRAISER, JUG FACE, HANSEL AND GRETEL GET BAKED, THE BODY, SHELLSHOCKED
Guests: ALFIE ALLEN (Game of thrones), DOMINIC BRUNT (Before dawn, Emmerdale), NICHOLAS VINCE (Hellraiser), WAYNE SIMMONS (Author of Flu, Fever), SAM STONE (Author of The Vampire gene series & Zombies at Tiffany's.)
Events: SFX Experts from World war Z, Starwars and Harry Potter movies, talk and exhibit work. More info here.

 

“4 days of horrifically guilty pleasure no self respecting horror fan should miss.” HORRORTALK

“Year in and year out, the Grimmfest team put together one of the best lineups in horror! Grimmfest 2013 promises to be another four days of the best horror has to offer! DREADCENTRAL

‘A sublime selection of independent and undiscovered gems, all showcased in a suitably macabre setting. Grimmfest is the business!’ ZOMBIEHAMSTER

 

Grimm Entertainment, Ltd.
Grimm Up North Ltd.
Not a Number productions, Ltd.

Z Film Studios
Studio House
Battersea Road
Stockport SK4 3EA
Manchester UK

Tel: 0161 300 7052
Mob: 07721 529947

www.grimmfest.com
www.grimmentertainment.com
www.notanumber.com
www.splinteredthemovie.com

PRE-ORDER 'KAT ON A HOT TIN AIRSHIP'

My new short novel, KAT ON A HOT TIN AIRSHIP'S official publication date is 31st August.

You can pre-order SIGNED copies from Telos Publishing HERE.

Cover art is by the fantastically talented Martin Baines. (I love his pulpy style, which seems to compliment my work so well.)

Also still available ZOMBIES AT TIFFANY'S - which can be purchased from Telos (SIGNED), Amazon, and all good bookstores or on kindle.

Hope you enjoy this revisit to the world of Kat Lightfoot, George Pepper and Martin Crewe.




KAT ON A HOT TIN AIRSHIP

It is 1865 and the American Civil War has come to an end. Now Kat Lightfoot finds herself in the middle of another kind of war: a family feud involving her brother Henry and his new wife. But what is behind the strange behaviour of this affluent Southern family?

Caught in the crossfire of an implacable spirit's attempt to wreak vengeance on the Pollitt family, Kat must once again enlist the help of journalist George Pepper and the inventor Martin Crewe to find out what really haunts the family's past.

In order to learn what devastating secrets the Pollitts are hiding she must first explore her own feelings for Maggie's brother Orlando, who is one of the seductive Nephilim.

A GHOSTLY STEAMPUNKED TALE OF FAMILY SECRETS, VOODOO AND VENGEANCE FROM THE AUTHOR OF ZOMBIES AT TIFFANY'S.

KAT ON A HOT TIN AIRSHIP

Okay guys,

The proper reveal ...

Here is the cover and the blurb for KAT ON A HOT TIN AIRSHIP. Can't tell you how pleased I am with the artwork of Martin Baines. 

Blurb 

It is 1865 and the American Civil War has come to an end. Now Kat Lightfoot finds herself in the middle of another kind of war: a family feud involving her brother Henry and his new wife. But what is behind the strange behaviour of this affluent Southern family?

Caught in the crossfire of a implacable spirit’s attempt to wreak vengeance on the Pollitt family, Kat must once again enlist the help of journalist George Pepper and the inventor Martin Crewe to find out what really haunts the family's past.

In order to learn what devastating secrets the Pollitts are hiding she must first explore her own feelings for Maggie’s brother Orlando, who is one of the seductive Nephilim.

A GHOSTLY STEAMPUNKED TALE OF FAMILY SECRETS, VOODOO AND VENGEANCE FROM THE AUTHOR OF ZOMBIES AT TIFFANY’S.

APPEARANCES UPDATED!

BROWSERS BOOKSHOP, PORTHMADOG, SAT 31st AUGUST, 2013
Sam Stone and David Howe are delighted to be attending this friendly Independent Book store in the seaside resort of Porthmadog.

Address: 73 High Street, Porthmadog, LL49 9EU
Date: 31st August 2013
Time: 11am onwards

WATERSTONES, BOLTON, LANCS, SAT 7th SEPT 2013.
Sam Stone will be launching her new novella KAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF at Waterstones Bolton.
Be the first to buy this book, newly off the printing press. Copies of ZOMBIES AT TIFFANY'S will also be available.

Address: Waterstones, 34-36 Deansgate, Bolton BL1 1BL.
Date: 7th Sept 2013
Time: 2-4pm
 
ASYLUM STEAMPUNK CONVENTION, 13-15th Sept, 2013
Sam Stone and David Howe will be attending this fantastic event, which has become a welcome part of their yearly calendar. 

The event takes place in various locations around Lincoln Town Centre.

Come and join in the fun, wearing your steampunk finery, and join the party at one of the many wonderful evening events.

For full information on the programme of events : ASYLUM http://steampunk.synthasite.com/

Time: ALL WEEKEND
Address: Lincoln Town Centre
Date 13-15th September 2013 

GRIMM UP NORTH, 3rd-6th October 2013,
Sam Stone and David J Howe will be attending this year's Grimm Up North.

Further information to follow on their schedule but you can buy tickets for this year's event HERE

DIMENSIONS 2013, Newcastle, 25-27th October 2013. 
Sam Stone and David J Howe join the line-up of guests for this special celebration convention - which will commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Doctor Who.

For more information : Dimensions http://www.tenthplanetevents.co.uk/index.asp

Time: TBA
Address: The New Holiday Inn, Great North Road, Seaton Burn, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE13 6BP
Date: 22-24 November 2013. 

HURRICANE WHO, Orlando, Florida, 1-3rd November 2013
Sam Stone and David J Howe join the line-up of great guests for this convention. There will be panels, a dealer's room, cosplay, and great guests!

For more information : Hurricane Who http://www.hurricanewho.com/guests/ 

Time: Friday to Sunday 
Address: Doubletree by Hilton Orlando at Sea World
Date: 1-3rd November 2013.

LONG ISLAND WHO, New York, 8-10th November 2013
Sam Stone and David J Howe our delighted to be guesting at this new convention in Long Island, New York.

For more information : L.I. WHO http://longislanddoctorwho.com/about/

Time: All weekend
Address: The Long Island -Islip Airport Holiday Inn, 3845 Veterans Memorial Highway, Ronkonkoma, NY, 11779.
Date: Friday 8th- Sunday 10th Nov 2013.

GALLIFREY CONVENTION, Los Angeles, 14th-16th Feb, 2014
Awesome! Sam Stone, David Howe and Frazer Hines return to this much loved convention to celebrate 25 years of Gallifrey Convention in Los Angeles. 

Time : ALL Weekend
Address: LA Marriot Hotel, Los Angeles
Date: Friday 14th Feb-Sun 16th Feb 2014.

EM-CON, NOTTINGHAM, 16th March 2014
A fantastic fun-filled Sci-Fantasy day in Nottingham. Sam Stone and David J Howe, join the guests at this new and exciting event.

Time: 10am (earlybirds) 11am-5pm
Address: Albert Hall, North Circus Street, Nottingham, NG1 5AA, 0115 950 0411
Date: 16th March 2014

For more information visit : http://www.em-con.co.uk

SCI-FI WEEKENDER 5, Hafan Y Mor, North Wales, 27th-30th March 2014
Sam Stone and David Howe are delighted to be returning to Sci-Fi Weekender!
More news to follow.

KAT ON A HOT TIN AIRSHIP

Kat Lightfoot returns ... but this time she's fighting a new darkness.

Last Friday I signed the contract with Telos Publishing for my new novella, Kat On A Hot Tin Airship which is the sequel to Zombies At Tiffany's.

To celebrate this forthcoming September 2013 release, you can now buy Zombies At Tiffany's on Kindle.

Amazon UK for only £1.96

Amazon USA for only $3.08

 So help us celebrate this new release and catch up on The Kat Lightfoot Supernatural Mysteries series now!
 

 Zombies At Tiffany's ...

Kat Lightfoot thought that getting a job at the famed Tiffany’s store in New York would be the end to her problems ... she has money, new friends, and there’s even an inventor working there who develops new weapons from clockwork, and who cuts diamonds with a strange powered light. This is 1862, after all, and such things are the wonder of the age.

But then events take a turn for the worse: men and women wander the streets talking of ‘the darkness’; bodies vanish from morgues across town; and random, bloody attacks on innocent people take place in broad daylight.

Soon Kat and her friends are fighting for their lives against a horde of infected people, with only their wits and ingenuity to help them.
A steampunked story of diamonds, chutzpah, death and horror from the blood-drenched pen of Sam Stone.

SILENT SAND AVAILABLE NOW ON KINDLE

I've been asked several times recently when Silent Sand:  Book 5 The Vampire Gene Series would be made available for kindle and here it is!

To buy this from Amazon UK click HERE

To buy from Amazon Dot Com click HERE

"Fast-paced and sexy, SILENT SAND is a stunning fusion of hi-tech thriller and gory folklore. As the action sweeps our vampire anti-heroes from an ancient castle in Wales to Las Vegas, from the court of Louis XV to the sinister military base in the Nevada desert, they stir up horrible secrets that really should remain buried ... What a delight to discover a grown up tale in which vampires are not afraid to be vampires! I devoured it." Freda Warrington.

SILENT SAND

Secrets can be found in the most unlikely places ...

Lilly thought that her vampire lair under Rhuddlan Castle in North Wales was safe ... until the dangerous fixer Darren Preacher tracked it down.

Gabriele Caccini thought that he knew all about being a vampire, but his life with newly turned lover Anya is sent out of control by the discovery of a new strain of vampirism, one which leaves its victims as ghoulish revenants, shells of the beings they used to be.

And deep in the Nevada desert, Lucy Collins, Gabriele's maker, is undercover, working with the CIA investigating the vampire revenants and what they might mean for humanity.

When preacher brings Gabriele into the CIA base, Lucy fears her cover may be blown, but there is something far more dangerous than vampires hiding beneath the sands of Nevada ... something ancient and vengeful, with an eternal patience and lust for revenge.

Soon, the ancient vampire family will find themselves facing their greatest foe yet, something primal and insidious, and from which they have no protection.

A Silver Lining In Every Cloud!

We all hate change. I'm the worst for it ... but this week I found myself in a bit of a dilemma. I woke one morning, went to sit up in bed, using my right hand to support myself, and experienced intense pain.

The pain lasted a few hours and then suddenly disappeared. I knew I hadn't wrenched my arm, and promptly forgot all about it.  A few hours later I reached for something with the same hand and the pain returned. 

It was a terrible shooting pain up the side of my hand that radiated into my elbow.  I found that when I massaged it sometimes the pain would go away.  The problem was if I forgot and turned it in the wrong way the pain would return and each time it seemed to take longer to go away.

I persevered for a few days trying to be careful, however, by Monday I was barely sleeping because my hand hurt constantly. It was obvious to me that it was a trapped nerve, though I didn't know what had caused it.  I made an appointment with the doctor hoping that it is nothing worse. 

A few friends had said to me that it could be carpel tunnel syndrome and because I rely so much on my hands to be able to type, I was truly concerned. As it turned out it was exactly what I had thought and the doctor explained that this was RSI brought on by how much typing I do.  (My average daily output ranges from 3000 to 5000 words a day.)  The doctor advised rest and gave me some anti-inflammatory cream which I was to use four times a day.  I also had a wrist support to stop me twisting my wrist too much.

Obviously this was a source of frustration: I'm currently working on a new novel which has a tight deadline.  Thankfully a few of my facebook friends recommended some speech software.  I even discovered, via writer Steve Lockley, that my new windows 8 laptop had a voice recognition application as standard. An added bonus because it was free and meant that I didn't have to order some software only to then learn that I couldn't get along with it.

I quickly installed the speech recognition application and began to experiment with it. 

At first I found it incredibly difficult to use and almost gave up.  I found however, that trying to use my wrist too much started to give me deferred pain in my neck and shoulders as well because I was over compensating.  And so, yesterday, because I had no choice, I was ready to give the software another chance.

The first thing that struck me about the way I work is that for me, typing is an extension of my writing.  It is so automatic for me to think and then type instantaneously that I can liken it to driving or walking.  When I drive I don't think about pressing the accelerator or the brake. It just happens as a reflex.  When I begin to write my fingers are already on the keys before I've completed the thought.

Obviously writing with a speech recognition app was going to feel different. You might think that speech would come naturally to me.  Strangely that wasn't the case at all.  The first 500 words were stuttering, fragmented sentences until I realized that if I spoke them in complete sentences the software interpreted them better.  It felt as though the app was learning my pronunciation of words.  Although I'm sure this wasn't quite the case, it did seem to have a level of intelligence that helped it translate my mumbled words. Much I suppose like the human brain, but not quite as good.

The thing is, the speech software was more likely changing how I thought about the writing process and how I approached it.  It made me analyse how I write.  And forced me to consider if I could change my routine.

I've always said that it is important to have a strict regime.  Every morning I wake and start working as soon as possible because I find that if I start my day in any other way then it takes me a long time to get into my routine. I don't like noise.  I don't like interruptions.  Any distraction can ruin my writing for the day.  So the thought of changing such a major part of how I work was truly terrifying.

Even so, I persevered with the software and found as the day wore on I was beginning to write almost as much as normal.  Which really surprised me. This was indeed very fortunate because it now meant I could continue working while resting my hand.

It wasn't all plain sailing though.  I did find some difficulty in writing this way.  Firstly, the words don't seem to come as easily when I have to speak them aloud.  They feel different to when I just type them.  Second, it isn't as easy to immerse myself in the world I'm creating because the act of speaking is a distraction.  I also discovered that it is quite difficult to write any graphic description, such as a violent scenes or sexual ones.  I've been trying to analyse why this is and I think it is because of our natural inhibitors that make saying sexual or violent or even gruesome things far more difficult than writing or reading them privately. Also the sex scenes sounded hopelessly corny when spoken aloud! Something that I'm sure I will have to address when it comes to editing the book.

There are still many things I need to get used to about the software.  I haven't quite figured out all of its prompts. For example, sometimes I accidentally delete things when I don't want to.  But thank God for the undo control on Word!

Yesterday I managed to write more than 5000 words by 'speaking' to my computer.  I have occasionally had to resort to typing because my meaning just wasn't clear enough for the app. Or it became confused because I had inadvertently given it a command in a certain word order that made it do something else. So in some ways this was harder work. By the end of the day, though, I didn't feel as mentally tired as usual, so that was a plus side.

I wanted to write this blog to explore how I feel about the change that has been forced on me though.  And I'm still not sure exactly what I feel.  Do I like using the voice app?  Potentially I think it could be a really good thing.  I mean, this could free me up considerably, couldn't it?  

I have friends who use dictation machines to write all the time.  I have always thought that this would create twice as much work because I didn't realise that there was software that could translate the spoken word into a written document for you. You would still have to edit it, that stands to reason, because there are always errors in that translation, but also because nothing comes out right on the first draft. This is no different to your first draft typed version though. Errors and typos always find a home somewhere in the text, that's why we edit and proof read. 

It is really difficult to change something that is so vital to the way I work, though.  In an ideal world my hand will recover and I will go back to writing in my usual way.  However, I may find in the interim that this is a far better method.  I would just have to overcome any natural shyness about writing my usual gory sexual content!! And maybe they will be better for having vocalised them.

I suppose what I'm trying to say is that we should not be afraid of change.  Change is often a good thing.  Even though sometimes it is forced upon us.  

And so this cloud has a silver lining.  It has made me think outside of the box and experiment with different ways of working despite my natural dislike of change.  Maybe one day this will even improve my productivity. One can only hope!

HATEFUL HEART AND ZOMBIES IN NEW YORK BARGAIN

Last chance to get a kindle download of Hateful Heart and Zombies In New York and Other Bloody Jottings for the bargain price of £0.77(UK) or $1.20 (USA).

See the direct links below to Amazon UK and Amazon USA.

 Hateful Heart  

 Amazon UK http://www.amazon.co.uk/Hateful-Heart-Vampire-Gene-ebook/dp/B007Z3RV3E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1368365708&sr=8-1&keywords=Hateful+heart

Amazon USA http://www.amazon.com/Hateful-Heart-Vampire-Gene-ebook/dp/B007Z3RV3E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1368365890&sr=8-1&keywords=hateful+heart


Zombies In New York

Amazon UK http://www.amazon.co.uk/Zombies-Other-Bloody-Jottings-ebook/dp/B007QG1L4U/ref=pd_sim_kinc_1

Amazon USA http://www.amazon.com/Zombies-Other-Bloody-Jottings-ebook/dp/B007QG1L4U/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1368366125&sr=1-1&keywords=Zombies+in+new+york+and+other+bloody+jottings


THIS OFFER ENDS AT MIDNIGHT ON MONDAY 13th May 2013.

THE DARKNESS WITHIN - AUDIOGO

Sam Stone’s Darkness Comes to Audio

Alexandra Arlango, Commissioning Editor - Original Content at AudioGO Ltd in London, has acquired world rights to an original SciFi/Horror novella from award-winning author Sam Stone.

The novella, entitled The Darkness Within, is an exciting and pervasive story set on a spaceship in the far-distant future, and what happens when an alien infection takes hold …
Arlango says about the project: ‘How exciting! I am very pleased to be working with Sam Stone again. Last year AudioGO published her collection of short stories, Zombies In New York And Other Bloody Jottings, and since I came across her work I've been a great fan. Not only does she come up with deliciously sinister tales, but the worlds she creates are atmospheric and her characters memorable. They are perfect for audio.

‘I was thrilled to meet Sam earlier this year, and we started talking about other ideas and things that we could work on together. The result? The Darkness Within, an exclusive new novella commissioned by AudioGO. It might well be set in space. And it might well feature new, malevolent life-forms … You'll have to find out more for yourself. What I can tell you is that I had to stop reading, and look away from the page several times because it was so creepy. This Halloween, things will definitely go bump in the dark!’

AudioGO is the home of BBC Audiobooks and manages all the Doctor Who audio releases among their 10,000 catalogue items. Their clients include books by P D James, J K Rowling, Ruth Rendell and Bernard Cornwall. Their horror catalogue includes work by Bram Stoker, Rachel Caine, M R James, Stephanie Meyer, James Herbert and Fangoria's Dreadtime Stories. For more information, visit www.audiogo.com/uk/.

Sam Stone’s first novel, Killing Kiss, won the silver award for Best Horror Novel in ForeWord Magazine’s Book of the Year competition, and her subsequent novels and short stories have gained her much acclaim, including winning the British Fantasy Award. Recent works include the novella Zombies at Tiffany’s and the vampire novel Silent Sand, and Killing Kiss was recently sold to Germany. She holds an MA in Creative Writing and is a noted public speaker and lecturer. Sam’s website is at www.sam-stone.com.

About AudioGO Limited

AudioGO (the home of BBC Audiobooks) publish an extensive range of drama, comedy and factual programmes, in addition to abridged and unabridged books, stories, plays and factual pieces. A significant proportion of the collection comes from BBC radio. AudioGO is proud to commission the finest narrators and most accomplished performers. Most titles are available in both CD and download format. Browse through the complete collection at www.audiogo.com/uk

AudioGO was formed in July 2010 after a buy-out from the BBC. Its new owners, led by Michael Kuhn, have ambitious plans for growth. The company is the UK market leader. It also has a successful business in the US and has recently completed the acquisition of Blackstone Publishing, including the downpour brand. AudioGO has a catalogue of over 12,000 audiobooks and downloads.

White Witch of Devil's End

A couple of years ago, David and I were approached by Keith Barnfather, head honcho of Reeltime Pictures, to discuss a project that he wanted to develop. This was related to a character called Olive Hawthorne, who featured in the '70s Doctor Who story 'The Daemons' - which starred Jon Pertwee as the Doctor. The story is one of the most popular of the era, and many fans considered that Olive Hawthorne was a great character, with so much more potential to her than was seen on screen. Keith wanted to tap into this, and to expand on her life and experiences as 'defender' of the little village of Devil's End.

We were asked to produce an overall story arc and to commission writers to create a series of 'Talking Heads' style monologues which would feature the original actress, Damaris Hayman, as Olive Hawthorn, now grown old and wise. I was privileged to be the person who devised the proposal, and then jointly edited the scripts with David, making sure they joined up, were consistent, and told interesting and hopefully entertaining stories of Olive's life.

We contacted several writers who we felt would handle the subject matter with sensitivity and accuracy. Jan Edwards, Raven Dane, Suzanne Barbieri and Debbie Bennett stepped up and delivered some superb ideas and narratives. David and I also wrote one of the stories each. Later, Big Finish writer, Matt Fitton, was brought on board by Keith to act as a consultant script editor and to give the finished script a final 'polish'.

Some time last year Keith and his team shot the main footage with Damaris and he has just revealed the stunning DVD cover online. In his reveal Keith said: '"White Witch of Devil's End" will be a talking head drama featuring Damaris Hayman reprising her role as Miss Hawthorne from "The Daemons". In it, she tells the story of her life in Devil's End as a white witch ... and her fears for the imminent future.'

White Witch of Devil's End is planned to be released by Reeltime Pictures later this year, in time for the 50th Anniversary of Doctor Who in November, and we are hoping to have copies for sale in October at the Dimensions Convention in Newcastle.

This is my first Doctor Who related project and I am absolutely thrilled to have worked with such a great team to develop and create this script and production.

Killing Kiss goes to Germany

KILLING KISS has been sold for translation in Germany. And as you can imagine I'm absolutely thrilled. What's truly exciting is that I will be going to Germany for a tour and launch later in the year also.

Here is the press release telling you all about my exciting news:

GERMAN DEAL FOR SAM STONE

Gunter Olschowsky, Commissioning Editor for Verlag Bucheinband lnes Neumann, based in Heidenau in Saxony, has acquired German rights to Sam Stone’s award-winning vampire novel Killing Kiss.

The book was published in the UK by the House of Murky Depths in 2008, and is the first in a series of acclaimed novels collectively known as The Vampire Gene.

Olschowsky said of this deal: ‘In Germany, vampires are very popular. Customers, and especially young readers, can’t get enough books about them. Sam Stone has specialized very successfully in vampires and has yet to be discovered in Germany. Bucheinband are proud to introduce Sam Stone to the German book market and to offer German fans another “black pearl” author in this genre. Bucheinband believe that Ms Stone will become a valuable asset to every German fantasy book collection.’

‘I’m looking forward immensely to working with Gunter and Bucheinband,’ said Stone. ‘I love Germany, and can’t wait to visit to help promote the title to German readers and fans.’

Bucheinband intend to launch Killing Kiss (German title: KillerKuss) at the Frankfurt Book Fair in the autumn.

Killing Kiss won the silver award for Best Horror Novel in ForeWord Magazine’s Book of the Year competition, and Stone’s subsequent novels and short stories have gained her much acclaim, including winning the British Fantasy Award. She holds an MA in Creative Writing and is a noted public speaker and lecturer. Stone’s website is at www.sam-stone.com.

TELOS MOONRISE - UPDATE

Telos Moonrise now has it's own website/blog. This will be the first place that all news, updates and information about our submission guidelines will be.

Find out when Sinful Pleasures - our erotic imprint - and Criminal Pursuits - our crime/thriller imprint is open for submissions.

For more information visit the website now! TELOS MOONRISE. (www.telosmoonrise.com)
  
Looking forward to those submissions!

Sam x

ZOMBIES AT TIFFANY'S - SHORT LISTED

A nice surprise today. I discovered that ZOMBIES AT TIFFANY'S is SHORT-LISTED in the PEOPLE'S BOOK PRIZE.

The winner is decided on public vote. In other words you 'readers' get to chose and to vote on what you like - not a committee.

So here is the information and link to the FICTION category. Have a look at the line-up and chose your favourite.

Voting is up now! You need to register your email address, wait for your password - then click on the book you want to vote for. 

People's Book Prize

Updated Events Calendar 2013

Hi All,

Here is our updated events Calendar for 2013. There will be more to come ... and lots of interesting news very soon.

Sam x


BIG FINISH DAY 3,  Essex, 23rd March 2013.
Sam Stone and David J Howe will be joining the line-up of guests at this popular event.

For further information check out Tenth Planet Events : BIG FINISH 3

Time: 10am - 6pm
Address: Barking Abbey School, Longbridge Road, Barking, Essex, IG11 8UF

Date: 23rd March 2013.


WALES COMIC CON, Wrexham, North Wales, 28th April 2013.
Sam and David are happy to be invited back to this wonderful event. They will be available for signings, photographs and copies of all books will be available to purchase at the event.

For Further Information : WALES COMIC CON http://www.walescomiccon.com/#

Time : 11am - 5pm
Address: Glyndwr University, Wrexham, UK
Date: Sunday 28th April 2013.   

ASYLUM STEAMPUNK CONVENTION, 13-15th Sept, 2013
Sam Stone and David Howe will be attending this fantastic event, which has become a welcome part of their yearly calendar. 

The event takes place in various locations around Lincoln Town Centre.

Come and join in the fun, wearing your steampunk finery, and join the party at one of the many wonderful evening events.

For full information on the programme of events : ASYLUM http://steampunk.synthasite.com/

Time: ALL WEEKEND
Address: Lincoln Town Centre
Date 13-15th September 2013

DIMENSIONS 2013, Newcastle, 25-27th October 2013. 
Sam Stone and David J Howe join the line-up of guests for this special celebration convention - which will commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Doctor Who.

For more information : Dimensions http://www.tenthplanetevents.co.uk/index.asp

Time: TBA
Address: The New Holiday Inn, Great North Road, Seaton Burn, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE13 6BP
Date: 22-24 November 2013. 

HURRICANE WHO, Orlando, Florida, 1-3rd November 2013
Sam Stone and David J Howe join the line-up of great guests for this convention. There will be panels, a dealer's room, cosplay, and great guests!

For more information : Hurricane Who http://www.hurricanewho.com/guests/ 

Time: Friday to Sunday 
Address: Doubletree by Hilton Orlando at Sea World
Date: 1-3rd November 2013.