Cover Reveals

Here's a quick sneaky-peek at some ink that should - with any luck - be out before Christmas. All available in paperback and Kindle.

This one's already out across all territories. First new work in about three years. Paperback: UK/US Kindle: UK/US Three dark fairy tales: Wolfish, Red & White and Skin. The first was originally written as a novella which was longlisted for the Leapfrog Press Award last year.  Cover art by Victoria Cooper Art.

After six years in print, Netherworld Books is taking the original edition of Lucid off their list. As the rights revert back to me, I've taken the opportunity to do what most authors dream of doing with their early work - polishing it and choosing a better cover. This was actually the very first novel I ever wrote. Shortlisted for the Luke Bitmead Bursary for New Writers in 2009.  Cover art by BetiBup33.

Finally, this lovely venture into the world of Hookland, the creation of author David Southwell. This needs more explaining than I can give it here. Folklorish, paranormal wyrdness and wonder. Check out the Creeper's Cottage tab on this blog for more details.   Cover art by José Bethencourt Suárez.

[UPDATE: all of these books are now available. Check out my website for more details and links]

Hello, People of Earth

Oh my goodness. This was me giving a presentation in Luxembourg yesterday, whilst simultaneously tuning a piano in Kigali.

No, not a hologram, a pre-recorded tape, played at the first rehearsal day ahead of the TEDx talk on 26th October. You wouldn't believe how difficult it was to record that with a very grainy webcam and upload it over a limited 3G connection. Took a few attempts, but got there in the end.

I'll definitely be there for the second rehearsal on 24th October, though. Looking forward to meeting all the other speakers. I have videos of their rehearsals too, which I'd love to watch, only... 3G, limited. 

Never mind. You can find out all about them on the event website.

Mongolian Death Worm

So, this...

And then this...

Thanks @Mikes005, that made my night.

The Man in the Mask

Just noticed this video review of Rosy Hours - in a mask. Thought I'd share it. Firstly, because the guy took the time to make it, and secondly, because it's honestly more terrifying than anything I've ever written.

Well done that man.

Musical Interlude: Wintergatan

Sounding Good

Sitting back with a sigh and trying to decide which take-away to order. Spent the day finishing up the midsection on the first Rwandan piano. Sweaty work, but satisfying. Just got the bass to put on now. You can follow our adventures at the Kigali Keys blog.

The Tangled Forest

Hello everyone.

Announcing this fine book for sale in paperback and e-format.

The trees whisper stories in the deep, dark woods.

This is the retelling of three ancient fairy tales by the women who lived them. Stories that at first seem unrelated become twisted together like the branches above.

One night, a little boy appears at the window of a girl’s cottage. Birthed by rain and thunder, he is motherless and hungry. Their friendship will lead them deep into the woods, where years later a girl draped in donkey skin will beg for their protection. Two sisters, a bear, and a man of undetermined height form the link in this chain, as they journey between the mountain’s legs to a castle far, far away.

From the witch and the wolf to the king and his courtiers, no one leaves the tangled forest unchanged.

It's a retelling of three fairy tales: 

• Wolfish - Red Riding Hood
• Red & White - Snow-White & Rose-Red
• Skin - Donkeyskin

The first, Wolfish, was originally a novella. It was longlisted for the Leapfrog Press Award last year and picked up by Ghostwoods, who published Rosy Hours. They asked for two more stories to turn it into a collection, then hit some problems and had to drop the project. I put it out on submission and received some lovely responses, but no one who would take a novella or a short story collection, so I decided to use the manuscript to take my first shot at self-publishing.

I've really enjoyed having full creative control over layout and cover art. The cover was designed by Victoria Cooper, who is very talented. I'm really pleased with it and I can assure you, it looks sumptuous in print.

So, I hope you will enjoy reading.

It's a project that was done for pleasure rather than prowess. All the same, it's the first new work I've released in three years and I appreciate reviews, ratings and getting the word out. 

It's available through Amazon in all territories, but here's the UK/US paperback link and the UK/US Kindle link. If you purchase the paperback, you get the Kindle version for around 99c.