FANTASY REVIEW: The Dog of the North - Tim Stretton

BOOK BLURB:

It is winter on the lawless plains of the Emmenrule. En route to her wedding in the fortified city of Croad, the beautiful Lady Isola is kidnapped. What is worse, her captor is the infamous Beauceron. But, ruthless as he may be, Beauceron is no ordinary brigand: it is his life's ambition to capture Croad itself - and he will stop at nothing to achieve it. Mondia, though, is a continent of many stories, and in Croad, a young man named Arren has been taken under the wing of the city's ruler, Lord Thaume. Although of low birth, Arren is destined to become a knight of valour and renown. But as his fortunes rise, so those of his childhood friend Eilla fall. Beauceron has returned with his human plunder to his home - the exquisite frozen city of Mettingloom. There, the imperious Isola finds herself reassessing her former loyalties as she struggles to adapt to her new life. Beauceron, meanwhile, is manoeuvring to raise an army. He is determined to defeat his enemies, both inside and outside Mettingloom - and to capture the city he loathes. But what is the source of Beauceron's obsession with Croad? Can Arren reconcile his youthful ambitions with his growing feelings for Eilla? And just who is the Dog of the North? Tim Stretton's debut novel is a spellbinding tale of loyalty and betrayal, homeland and exile, set in a brilliantly imagined world of political intrigue, sorcery, and warfare on an epic scale.


REVIEW:

Originally released as a self publication this novel has been re-released by Tor UK. As such it's an interesting tale with similar prose as the writing of David Gemmell in certain scenes. A tale of revenge with well written combat sequences along with politicking that will leave you wondering if our modern day equivalent has been dumbed down. Ideal characterisations along with a world of intrigue that tie's up a tale that whilst formulaic to a certain degree is entertaining with the hack and slash of battlefield combat there is also the refinement of a duelling epee's.

INTERVIEW: Mark Charan Newton

Falling in love with books for Mark Newton was probably inevitable. From an early age he was hooked and when he got his first hit of Mieville’s The Scar, he knew that something in the world had changed. He sought out other books in a similar vein and then decided to write his own. Now working within the publishing industry, Mark has now released his first novel, Nights of Villjamur and after being blown away with not only the writing style but with the book as a whole we decided we just had to interview him…

Falcata Times: Writing is said to be something that people are afflicted with rather than gifted and that it's something you have to do rather than want. What is you opinion of this statement and how true is it to you?

Mark Charan Newton: I’d say there’s a truth there. Many people assume that writing is this bed of roses, a dream job. But it can be stressful and causes masses of anxiety, and you never leave a project alone because you carry it around in your head constantly. But it’s also one of the most fun and rewarding things I’ve done, and I wouldn’t have it any other way!


FT: When did you realise that you wanted to be a writer?

MCN: I never made a conscious decision as such. I remember reading China Miéville’s The Scar, and being totally in awe of what was going on. It was like nothing else on the shelf, and I couldn’t find that hit again – so I thought I’d give this writing lark a go myself… and here I am, at the same publisher. It crept up on me.


FT: Its often said that if you can write a short story you can write anything. How true do you think this is and what have you written that either proves or disproves your POV?

MCN: They’re different art forms – the same difference between running a sprint race and a marathon. Some writers work better just writing a novel, some work best in short form and never stray from that. It’s whatever works for the individual. I’ve had a couple of short pieces published, but I’ve found them a little harder than a novel to be honest.


FT: If someone were to enter a bookshop, how would you persuade them to try your novel over someone else’s and how would you define it?

MCN: I don’t like to be all competitive about this sort of thing – but if someone wanted a fantasy that mixes genres, doesn’t shy away from deeper issues at times, has properly messed-up characters, no prophecies, no wish-fulfillment, no heroes – then this might just be your thing. In terms of defining it… it’s a weird fantasy. That’s as good as I can manage!


FT: How would you "sell" your book in 20 words or less?

MCN: I don’t think I could. I’ve tried in my head to summarize it, but I think it’s too mad and sprawling to contain in a sales pitch. (And hopefully that’s my crafty way of trying to lure folk into buying it…)


FT: Who is a must have on your bookshelf and who's latest release will find you on the bookshops doorstep waiting for it to open?

MCN: China Miéville and M John Harrison are pretty much the main two genre writers. Out of genre, Don DeLillo.


FT: When you sit down and write do you know how the story will end or do you just let the pen take you? ie do you develop character profiles and outlines for your novels before writing them or do you let your idea's develop as you write?

MCN: There’s a loose outline – more like scaffolding holding the plot up, but I prefer to fill in many of the gaps as I go along. Characters seem more organic that way for me – they do odd things, act in different ways. They surprise. And when I’m at certain points during the novel, I’ll recap the plot to see if it’s okay in terms of pacing and direction, and sticking to the master plan. Characters seem to grow as I write them, and more so after the first draft. Once the bones are there, I can layer on the things that make them a bit more real-world.


FT: What do you do to relax and what have you read recently?

MCN: Reading, running, playing the guitar, going out (although writing puts a massive hold on the social life!), going to gigs, heading out in the car to random places. Vegetating in coffee shops with a book. Recently, I’ve finished a proof copy of China Miéville’s The City and The City (one of the perks of being at Tor / Pan Macmillan is blagging free proofs!).


FT: What's your guiltiest pleasure that few know about?

MCN: Hmm… good one. I’m not sure I have time for guilty pleasures these days… is that a cop-out? Or rather, I tend not to be guilty of any of my pleasures – I just enjoy them all, and try not to worry what people think.


FT: Lots of writers tend to have pets (mainly cats.) What do you have and what are their key traits (and do they appear in your novel in certain character attributes?)

MCN: I’m afraid I don’t have any pets. I would get a cat – low maintenance, huge character – but there are too many on my street, and you can hear them getting into scraps late at night…


FT: Which character within the book is the most fun to write and why?

MCN: Anyone with a streak of evil is usually fun, but I enjoyed most the investigator, who’s based on Detective Wallander from the Henning Mankell crime novels. He’s wonderfully morose, and cynical, and hopefully charming with it. A reluctant sort of hero, but not in an anti-hero kind of way. Just world-weary.


FT: How similar to your principle protagonist(s) are you?

MCN: There are several leads in the book, and to an extent, I think I can see bits of my psyche in all of them in what they say or how they act. Perhaps it’s something that’s unavoidable, even when you’re writing someone who is detestable, you’ll leak some of your personality – or a side of it – in to him or her.


FT: What hobbies do you have and how do they influence your work?

MCN: Probably reading is the only thing that influences my work consciously. I’m always looking for a challenging read, and trying to find an author that’s doing something different.

Subconsciously, I’m sure so many things will have an effect to a lesser degree.


FT: Where do you get your idea's from?

MCN: Everywhere really. The real world is pretty good – it has rich cultures, odd characters, and represents the human condition in all its forms. Everything you need is out there. As for the weird stuff, that’s from a dark corner in my mind… J


FT: Do you ever encounter writers block and if so how do you overcome it?

MCN: Not really – I don’t have time to. My problem is containing the ideas rather than coming up with them. That, and my short attention span.


FT: Certain authors are renowned for writing at what many would call uncivilised times? When do you do write and how do the others in your household feel about it?

By uncivilized times, I take it you mean the hour of the day, not the epoch we’re in! Well, when I get back from the day job, that’s when I write. That way, it might leave me some of the evening free. And I live alone, which is lucky really – since I don’t get disturbed, I can just concentrate on the writing. I find it easy to have a routine, since it helps with my discipline.


FT: Sometimes pieces of music seem to madly influence certain scenes within novels, do you have a soundtrack for your tale or is it a case of writing in silence with perhaps the odd musical break in-between scenes?

MCN: I’ve got a massive playlist of songs that I’ve used when writing, mainly full of indie bands, some electronic stuff, the odd piece of hip-hop or folk or jazz… I’ve massively eclectic tastes. And soundtracks are good, too; they seem to inspire a sense of mood without being too obstructive to the processes.


FT: What misconceptions, if any, did you have about the writing and publishing field when you were first getting started?

MCN: That things happened quickly… Aside from that, I was in bookselling early on in my working life, so had a pretty well-informed idea of how things happened. But I never realised just how much work and effort went into things – and I think many people don’t know how many hours go into a book, let alone the editorial input etc.


FT: If music be the food of love, what do you think writing is and explain your answer?

MCN: Hmm… I like the Lawrence Durrell quote “Music is only love looking for words”. So moving on from that, writing is merely something that gets in the way of explaining the world. You have to be careful about saying too much, and sometimes merely guide someone to think about something.


FT: What can you tell us about the next novel?

MCN: It carries on the main story arcs, although I like for each novel to stand alone as well as possible. But I don’t like to talk too much about the content, because so much can change really… Especially with the mad crap I put down on paper.


FT: What are the last five internet sites that you've visited?

MCN: Okay, honestly: Facebook (I know, I know…); my own blog – how solipsistic! Although, a quick plug: blog.markcnewton.com; sffworld.com; nme.com; and socialistunity.com


FT: Did you ever take any writing classes or specific instruction to learn the craft of writing a novel?

MCN: None whatsoever. Although I have had the guidance and advice from my agent, John Jarrold, who has been immensely helpful in pointing out errors, and steering the craft.


FT: How did you get past the initial barriers of criticism and rejection?

MCN: It’s not easy, but you can do nothing else but dust yourself down and get right back at it. You will get rejected as a writer – just accept it, and don’t take it to heart. Get used to it, and try once again. Publishing is a very subjective world, and can be a matter of timing as much as talent.


FT: What are the best and worst aspects of writing for a living, in your opinion?

MCN: Well, it’s not a full time job for me, so it’s not exactly my living. But the best thing about writing in general is… well, I can point people towards things I’m thinking about. If I have an idea or a concern, I can share that, and it really appeals.

The worst thing… probably the angst. Without running the risk of becoming some bohemian cliché, I can’t help but worry about everything word put to paper, and think too hard about it all. Relaxing seems more and more difficult.

HORROR REVIEW: Found You - Mary SanGiovanni

BOOK BLURB:

In the small town of Lakehaven, Sally, stalked by a creature straight out of her nightmares that thrives on her fear and guilt, desperately tries to stop the madness before others perish at the hands of this faceless evil. Original.


REVIEW:

When I got this book I took one look at the front cover and just left it as it looked tacky and cheap, add to that the novels short and uninspiring title put it firmly to the bottom of my reading pile. After a while and after having drained the reading selection to the absolute slush at the bottom I decided, out of pure desperation that I’d give it a go noting in the first few pages that this was a sequel and without having read the first novel I nearly put it straight back into Dante’s book hell for another time.

However I persevered and when it came to the description of the “Hollower” I noted that the character appeared to be similar to Freddy Kruger. This made me pay attention as to be honest with you I’m a huge fan of the Nightmare series and what unfolded after those first few pages was a fast paced, well written and damn scary book. I have never been scared of a book before but this gave me the creeps. The characters in it were excellently put together, the torment that they suffer is terrifying and whilst it isn’t gruesome the author went for the psychological aspect through the use of things like dead relatives. Add to the mix a classic cross reference of society within the social group and right from the start it swept me off my feet. I definitely will be reading the other books in this series and will bookmark this author for immediate reading upon landing. If this is a sequel I really can’t imagine how good the first one was. Binn Bear has never been the same since.
(REVIEW BY LADY ELEANOR)

TV TIE IN: Supernatural Season 3 Companion - Nicolas Knight

BOOK BLURB:

This hit show from the producers of "The O.C." and "The X-Files", starring Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles, continues its spooky roadtrip through the dark heart of America.The Winchester brothers step up their hunt as the last year of Dean's life ebbs away. While they try to complete their mission to locate and destroy the demons that escaped from the Devil's Gate, Sam searches for a way to save Dean. Along the way they confront creatures most people believe exist only in folklore and nightmares, including the 7 deadly sins, a changeling, a demon anti-Santa and even a ghost ship!This official companion is packed with exclusive interviews, photos, behind the scenes secrets, a complete episode guide, plus a colour portrait gallery of the stars.


REVIEW:

To be blunt I felt this one was a bit of a letdown compared to the other Supernatural companions and whilst it did contain a lot of more of the same stuff, the grey boxes were more mundane and useless info based on what the crew thought about things rather than real snippets of info. What probably didn’t help was the fact that it was a shorter season leaving the author with less material with which to fill the book, however, if you are a fan you’ll probably buy it regardless of what is written here. If you just want interesting facts buy the first two, they’re really a lot better than this offering and I seriously worry about what the forth book will contain.

NEWS: David Eddings Passes Away

We're sad to let you know that fantasy author David Eddings, 77, has passed. Whilst we at Falcata Times may not have always seen eye to eye with his writing (his Dreamer trilogy) we all have fond memories of his books in our younger years such as his Sparhawk series (The Elenium and Tamuli) and also the Belgariad as well as the Malloreon.

Currently the reason for his passing is unknown but we'll raise a glass to David tonight and wish him a fond farewell.

TRUE LIFE REVIEW: The Trouble with Alex - Melanie Allen

BOOK BLURB:

Melanie Allen had a dream -- to adopt a special needs child and provide a stable loving family for her. But her dream turned into a nightmare that would tear her family apart. To all appearances the adopted girl, Alex, was obedient, happy and charming but, over the course of five years, Melanie was left desperate by the undiagnosed behavioural condition of Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) -- a problem not uncommon in children who are neglected. Alex festered with the rage and hatred born out of her unimaginable neglect as an infant. The manifestation of her symptoms was so malevolent and destructive that even Melanie's relatives didn't believe her when she told them the truth about Alex. She sought help from social services, to secure a correct diagnosis and support. Instead of receiving help, she was accused of abuse and neglect, resulting in a court case and a near-fatal incident that finally proved her innocence. This shocking story of how a caring, willing family were left powerless and desperate in the face of social services' incompetence is a thought-provoking and page-turning memoir. It is also a powerful, gripping narrative that tells what happens when someone you welcome into your home ends up destroying it, through no fault of their own.


REVIEW:

A book that tells the story behind the nightmare of a family who adopted a child with special needs. What comes across however is a tale that is not only very blunt but also hasn’t portrayed the author in a positive light and feels more like a story written as an “I told you so” rather than bringing the struggles of the disabled child to the fore. Not only did the author come across as unprepared physically for the needs of Alex but also she lacked emotional fortitude along with understanding of what she was to put her family through in what felt like an “I adopted her to show myself in a positive light to my community.” Its draining and whilst I’m not saying that what they went through wasn’t a type of hell, it was a situation that they really shouldn’t have been in due to lack of comprehension to the child in questions needs. Interesting and thought provoking.

WRITING BOOK: 2010 Writers Market for the UK and Ireland

BOOK BLURB:

"Writer's Market UK" is the single most comprehensive resource for all writers - whether you write novels, short stories, poetry, plays, scripts, screenplays, articles or blogs. Following are the features: easy-to-use format and tabbed pages so you can quickly locate the exact information you need; fresh and up-to-date information; feature articles written by some of the industry's most experienced writers and insiders, covering everything from finding an agent and submitting your manuscript, to handling royalties and writing for the web; handy tips on how to approach publishers; and, unlimited access to a dedicated website for writers and publishers.


REVIEW:

If you’re a serious writer and want to know where to take your novel to the next stage but don’t know where to start then this is perhaps your must purchase novel. Not only does it offer cracking advice on everything from improving your writing but also how to crack that inevitably difficult Agent Enquiry letter that often see’s talented writers fall. Its got a full list of all the agents in the UK, who they represent and if they’re taking submissions. Add to that their guidelines for how they want the manuscript submitted and you’ve got a good way to get started and also which publishers may also be interested in you submitting to them directly.

FANTASY REVIEW: Living with Ghosts - Kari Sperring

BOOK BLURB:

This highly original, darkly atmospheric fantasy novel immerses readers in a world where ghosts and other malevolent spirits seek entry into mortal realms - invisible to all but those who are not entirely human themselves. Drawn into the ancient city of Merafi, yet barred from entering by an ancient pact sealed in blood, these hungry haunts await their opportunity to break through the magical border and wreak havoc on the city's innocent denizens.

And as a priestess and prince weave a sorcerous plot to shatter the pact and bring ruin on Merafi, only a failed assassin-priest who is now a courtesan, a noble lord married into the ruling family of Merafi, an officer of the city guard, a woman warrior who was the former lover of a now-dead lord, and the ghost of that lord himself stand between Merafi and the tidal wave of magic that may soon bring ruin flooding down upon the city.


REVIEW:

Originally coming across Kari on a Wonderlands, I was intrigued by her premise so when we recently interviewed her (here) we decided to read and review her tale. What is presented to the reader is a tale of epic scope that brings the flavour of Dumas with an emotionally charged story accompanied by classical worldbuilding. It won’t be to everyone’s tastes but if you love a tale that concentrates on the feelings and emotional aspect of the characters then this is a book for you. Well written with the authors enthusiasm clearly coming through the tale its definitely a story that will remain with you long after the final page is turned.

HISTORICAL FICTION REVIEW: The Heretic's Daughter - Kathleen Kent

BOOK BLURB:

Martha Carrier was hanged on August 19th 1692 in Salem, Massachusetts, unyielding in her refusal to admit to being a witch, going to her death rather than joining the ranks of men and women who confessed and were thereby spared execution. Like her mother, young Sarah Carrier is bright and wilful, openly challenging the small, brutal world in which they live.In this startling novel, she narrates the story of her early life in Andover, near Salem. Her father is a farmer, English in origin, quietly stoical but with a secret history. Her mother is a herbalist, tough but loving, and above all a good mother. Often at odds with each other, Sarah and her mother have a close but also cold relationship, yet it is clear that Martha understands her daughter like no other. When Martha is accused of witchcraft, and the whisperings in the community escalate, she makes her daughter promise not to stand up for her if the case is taken to court. As Sarah and her brothers are hauled into the prison themselves, the vicious cruelty of the trials is apparent, as the Carrier family, along with other innocents, are starved and deprived of any decency, battling their way through the hysteria with the sheer willpower their mother has taught them.


REVIEW:

A novel based on a true family history as the descendent writes about the horrors and trials that her ancestors went through during the Witch hunts in the America’s. The tale whilst well written had lack of emotional context for the reader and whilst it would have made an excellent family history for the author, it was filled with everything from the town’s market gossip through to mundane information. Obviously, a great deal of research must have gone into the story but as a reader I was less than thrilled as it didn’t deliver what I was expecting, that kick in the gut. Whilst I was horrified by the treatment of the entire family as well as the death of the family’s mother it really didn’t deliver what was promised although nuggets of information did come through that I didn’t realise such as the family billing for jail time etc. As a social history it might have made an interesting novel more on a factual basis including the treatment of all the supposed witches in the area but as a singular offering it lacked flair, it lacked punch and it lacked heart. A great shame as it promised so much.

INTERVIEW: Sarah Rees Brennan

One of the strangest bits of information that you can probably discover about an Irish writer is that they can't speak the countries native tongue very well. One of the reasons for this however is not to blame the education system but perhaps to blame the fact that from a young age, Sarah was a Bibliophile, whilst lessons were meant to be learned there she was reading tales that would spirit her away to worlds unknown instead of the dreary classroom to which she was confined.

So its probably no surprise to discover that with this wanton love of tales she announced fairly early on that she was going to be a writer.

After serving her time in school she traveled a bit and lived in New York and oft used the NYFD as her personal chauffeurs. How, we have yet to discover but we've been lead to believe that theres a tale in the telling however her throat was too dry to reveal all. Here we chatted to her about her writing, her love of books and how Sarah's seem to get an automatic pass into her reading pile...

FT: Writing is said to be something that people are afflicted with rather than gifted and that it's something you have to do rather than want. What is your opinion of this statement and how true is it to you?

SRB: I think that writing is far more a gift than an affliction, so I'd take issue with that! But I do see what the saying's getting at - when I haven't written something in a while, I get a feeling of physical unease and start being monstrously snappy to people. It does feel like something you have to do, but I think it has to be something you want to do as well. Think of all the people who want to write books and don't: writers write at the intersection of that want and that need.


FT: When did you realise that you wanted to be a writer?

SRB: When I was five. Something about my incurable clumsiness tipped me off that I probably wouldn't be any great shakes as a ballerina, and I told my grandfather that I was going to be a writer instead. He was a husky tattooed ex-army guy, and couldn't have cared less about books, but he pretended to believe me and be interested, and that fatally encouraged me. When I was seven I finished my first huge pile of pages I called a book, which was about my primary interests at the time - ponies and ninjas.


FT: It is often said that if you can write a short story you can write anything. How true do you think this is and what have you written that either proves or disproves this POV?

STB: I think that may be true: I wrote a lot of novels before I wrote any short stories, and when I started trying to write short stories I was just awful at them. I kept trying to make them uber-dramatic, and occasionally added cannibalism. With short stories you have to almost treat them as prose poems, choosing every word carefully for maximum impact in a very limited space. It makes the novels better, too.

Mind you, I still can't write poetry for toffee.


FT: If someone were to enter a bookshop, how would you persuade them to try your novel over someone else's and how would you define it?

SRB: I think I would tell them some horrible lie, like 'I heard that they were hiding money in the spine of selected copies of that book.' But I would add 'It's about a surly mechanic boy, and demons from Sumerian mythology in London. Sound like it might be your sort of thing?'


FT: How would you "sell" your book in 20 words or less?

STB: Fencing. Fighting wolves with bike chains. Torture. Demons. Magicians. Ravens. Books. Families. Rooftop chases. Lies. More lies. Love.


FT: Who is a must have on your bookshelf and whose latest release will find you on the bookshops doorstep waiting for it to open?

SRB: I adore Diana Wynne Jones's work and carry her books from country to country: her books on my shelves make me feel at home. And funny you should ask this, since yesterday I found Kelley Armstrong's The Awakening, the sequel to The Summoning, in a bookshop. I did a little dance. Living in Ireland, the wait for books can sometimes be painful!


FT: When you sit down and write do you know how the story will end or do you just let the pen take you? ie Do you develop character profiles and outlines for your novels before writing them or do you let your idea's develop as you write?

SRB: When I sit down and write, I know how the story will end. The middle always involves some mystery, but I usually do have an outline of sorts - I had several outlines for my latest book. I read them back over now and go 'Well, that didn't turn out exactly as I planned' and 'Did I really write "add explosions" in the margins?'


FT: What do you do to relax and what have you read recently?

SRB: I walk and swim, but I mostly read to relax. Some people swear by ereaders, but since I often read in the bath, that could be a very nasty incident. I recently read and really enjoyed (in and out of the bath) Corambis by Sarah Monette, Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson, Dull Boy by Sarah Cross and The Little Stranger by Sarah Waters. (Stieg Larsson rather lost in this sea of Sarahs.)


FT: What is your guiltiest pleasure that few know about?

SRB: More and more people have actually found out this dark secret, but here goes: I love country music. Nobody ever needs to know how often I've listened to the Taylor Swift album.


FT: Lots of writers tend to have pets. What do you have and what are their key traits (and do they appear in your novel in certain character attributes?)

SRB: I don't have any pets. There is a family cat who lives with my parents, who I brought up with a bottle from a few days old. He had ringworm and looked like a tiny shrivelled Egyptian mummy of a kitten, and spent all his time living in my bathroom and screaming in weird, tinny screams amplified by the bathtub as I stumbled around short on sleep doing his bidding. He hasn't made it into a book yet, but he may be a villain one day.


FT: Which character within your latest book was the most fun to write and why?

SRB: They're all fun to write in different ways! I have an Irish magician who's a very sneaky villain, and I enjoyed the way one side thought he was doing one thing, his own side thought he was doing another thing, and only he and I knew the truth. I also enjoyed writing Jamie, one of the four main characters, who when faced with supernatural danger is a complete and unashamed wuss. I'd be exactly the same way.


FT: How similar to your principal protagonist are you?

SRB: Not much, which made him a fun challenge to write. Nick's a guy of few words, who doesn't like reading and does like cars and swords. I thought it would be interesting to get into the head of the archetypal dark mysterious stranger who knows all about the supernatural world, and deconstruct him: tell things from his side, and see how baffling he finds everyone else!


FT: What hobbies do you have and how do they influence your work?

SRB: I used to fence in school, which influences my hero's love for and skill with swords. I was pretty atrocious at fencing, myself, but I still like it. Dancing also looms large in the book - something again that I'm awful at but enjoy, and indulge myself by making some of my characters good at it. I'm fascinated by history and language, which helped me with my research for the book: I loved contrasting the different ways demons were thought of in Elizabethan times, when people believed demons were made of air and could be enslaved, and then in ancient Sumer, when people believed they were made of fire, and were powerful and unknowable.


FT: Where do you get your ideas from?

SRB: Mostly from digging through other writers' rubbish bins. No, I get ideas from everything - my friends, my family, people I pass by on the street, documentaries I see on television, interesting facts I hear. And other writers' rubbish bins, of course.


FT: Do you ever encounter writers block and if so how do you overcome it?

SRB: I have had writers' block a couple of times, and I tend to overcome it by going on long runs (not something I usually do, but born of desperation!) and casting about me wildly for an idea, any idea! After a while my brain offers up one out of sheer exhaustion and a wish to stop the running.


FT: Certain authors are renowned for writing at what many woudl call uncivilised times. When do you write and how do the others in your household feel about it?

SRB: I'm a complete night owl, but my housemates (a DJ and a diplomat) don't mind if I stay up until seven in the morning as long as I don't keep them up playing country music. That's what earphones are for!


FT: Sometimes pieces of music seem to influence certain scenes within novels, do you have a soundtrack for your tale or is it a case of writing in silence with perhaps the odd musical break in-between scenes?

SRB: Some writers have to work in sacred silence. Not me: I like writing with my friends when they're watching TV, and writing with my writer friends in cafes. When I'm by myself, I tend to play music very loudly. And yes, I do have certain songs for certain scenes, which is terribly annoying for people when I get lost writing and don't realise I've inflicted the same song on them thirty-seven times.


FT: What misconceptions, if any, did you have about the writing and publsihing field when you were first getting started?

SRB: About a million, but I did an internship in publishing in New York, and lived with an editor at another publishing house: I learned about queries, partials, fulls, advances and P&L sheets very quickly. I flailed in the deep end of publishing information and spent a lot of nights obsessively reading publishing blogs - that's how I found the blog of Kristin Nelson, who is now my agent, so you see it all worked out.


FT: If music be the food of love, what do you think writing is and please explain your answer?

SRB: You might think of it as the drink of love: the depictions of familial love, love for friends and romance in books keep me sold on the idea of love, just like you can keep living on water for quite a while. Then there's the Scotch whisky of love: lots of books have romances that are a terrible idea and yet that the characters just can't resist. Look at Wuthering Heights!


FT: What can you tell us about the next novel?

SRB: My next novel is the sequel to The Demon's Lexicon, The Demon's Covenant. It's told from the point of view of a different character, and it involves bargains, betrayal, duels on the Millenniun Bridge, and two of the main characters falling in love (not necessarily with each other).


FT: What are the last five internet sites that you've visited?

SRB: The review site www.dearauthor.com, www.goodreads.com, www.twitter.com (I know, I'm a shameless addict like everyone else), www.culch.ie, and my blog at www.livejournal.com/users/sarahtales


FT: Did you ever take any writing classes or specific instructions to learn the craft? If so please let us know which ones.

SRB: Several. I took a writing course when I was sixteen at the Centre for Talented Youth in Ireland, and when I was twenty-two a writing course was part of my MA at Kingston University in London. Both were fun and good for me, though I think my instructors were all puzzled by my love for fantasy.


FT: How did you get past the initial barriers of criticism and rejection?

SRB: Oh, I regarded them as learning experiences, natural steps in the progression to success. By which I mean I would spend hours wailing, throwing stuff at the walls and trying to suffocate myself in piles of paper, and then I would get back to another round of edits and try to regard them as learning experiences.


FT: In your opinion, what are the best and worst aspects of writing for a living?

SRB: It's really scary (especially waiting for your first book to come out) thinking about how much rests on something as crazily hard to predict as what other people think of your work, but it's worth it to have a job that you love, can't stop thinking about, and can't wait to get back to when you're away from it. Being able to sleep late some mornings is pretty good, too.

YA REVIEW: The Demon's Lexicon - Sarah Rees Brennan

BOOK BLURB:

Nick and his brother Alan are on the run with their mother, who was once the lover of a powerful magician. When she left him, she stole an important charm - and he will stop at nothing to reclaim it. Now Alan has been marked with the sign of death by the magician's demon, and only Nick can save him. But to do so he must face those he has fled from all his life - the magicians - and kill them. So the hunted becomes the hunter...but in saving his brother, Nick discovers something that will unravel his whole past...


REVIEW:

A brand new author with a tale that demonstrates that you can only push the little guy so far. Its written in a startling Spartan style which is fairly unique in the YA field which works extremely well from my point of view as the tale proves that family loyalties as well as the nobler attributes really do take the reader on an adventure that they can get their teeth into. Realistic protagonists, idealistic surroundings, this really is a modern urban fantasy that will hook the older YA readers in to the core.

YOUNG ADULT REVIEW: Gullstruck Island - Frances Hardinge

BOOK BLURB:

On Gullstruck Island the volcanoes quarrel, beetles sing danger and occasionally a Lost is born ...In the village of the Hollow Beasts live two sisters. Arilou is a Lost - a child with the power to depart her body and mind-fly with the winds - and Hathin is her helper. Together they hide a dangerous secret. Until sinister events threaten to uncover it. With a blue-skinned hunter on their trail and a dreadlocked warrior beside them, they must escape. Can the fate of two children decide the future of Gullstruck Island? Discover a dazzling world, a breathtaking heroine ...and an incredible adventure. For on the island of Gullstruck nothing is exactly as it seems! With a cast of larger-than-life characters, this is a richly imagined adventure no child will be able to put down - or ever forget!


REVIEW:

A rip roaring childrens adventure novel that is currently as unique as Harry Potter was on his original outing which makes this a book that I think will soon have the premise replicated by others trying to produce something different. The characters are not only interesting but also have a vibrancy about them that makes this mammoth book a hard to put down tale.

Its quirky and when you add to the mix an arc featuring murder, betrayal as well as consequences from inaction due to the character tribes fear and you have a tale that really does inspire. A great offering and definitely an author to watch.

NEWS: New site to purchase How To books...

Stacy, a long time friend of the site wanted to let us know about this, its a place where you can go for a lot of How-to books that include everything from how to write, to how to take pictures as well as a lot of self help art books.

What rubooks has to offer:

• Wider choice of books, DVDs and products – hand-picked selection of
  the best currently available
• Regular special offers, competitions, the latest books and products
  and free downloads
• Order 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• Great value – we aim to have the lowest price available on line
• Superb UK customer service support
• Meet the Authors – find out more about some of our top authors
• Blog – regularly updated blogs, guest bloggers and chance for you to discuss your interests with other like-minded people

Fantasy artists will find books and products for everything from traditional media to digital painting, fantasy landscapes to so-ugly they-they-are-cute characters.

COMPETITION: Suzanne McLeod

Friend of the blog Suzanne McLeod has asked us let people know about her current competition where you can win some pretty nifty prizes, a signed copy of the forthcoming "Cold Kiss of Death" (by suzanne) along with a copy of one of Carrie Vaughns Kitty series. That is one seriously cool prize. What do you have to do to enter? Tell her about your fav werewolf film. So visit her blog, here and let her know what you think.

SCIENCE FICTION REVIEW: The Centauri Device - M John Harrison

BOOK BLURB:

John Truck was to outward appearances just another lowlife spaceship captain. But he was also the last of the Centaurans, or at least half of him was, which meant that he was the only person who could operate the Centauri Device, a sentient bomb which might hold the key to settling a vicious space war. M. John Harrison's classic novel turns the conventions of space opera on their head, and is written with the precision and brilliance for which is famed.


REVIEW:

Reissued for a new generation, this offering by M John Harrison, whilst dated to a certain degree does contain a suitable amount of irony to keep the modern reader entertained. Its cunningly crafted, its ironic in its look at the genre as a whole but also brings the elements that will keep the modern reader happy with epic space battles along with a realistically dark and dirty universe.

Whilst this isn’t perhaps Harrison’s best work, it is something that proves why he became a name of note and why his earlier titles are being reissued.

SCIENCE FICTION REVIEW: Rendezvous with Rama - Arthur C Clarke

BOOK BLURB:

In the year 2130, a mysterious and apparently untenanted alien spaceship, Rama, enters our solar system. The first product of an alien civilisation to be encountered by man, it reveals a world of technological marvels and an unparalleled artificial ecology. But what is its purpose in 2131? Who is inside it? And why?


REVIEW:

Personally I’m not a devotee to Clarke as I find his writing rather dated for my taste. That said however you really have to hand it to the guy who was one of the forefathers of the sci-fi genre. The book gives you a futuristic adventure as mankind meets an alien civilisation in the far future, its science for the time it was written is probable, the concept behind the tale amazing, however one of the other things that tends to niggle me about Clarke is the lack of character development or even generating a believable protagonist. The book is well written and if you can get past these flaws it’s a tale by a true master.

NEWS: New Dr Who Companion Announced

The BBC announced around a couple of hours ago that Karen Gillan (pictured above) will become Matt Smith's (The new Doctor) companion who originally appeared as a soothsayer in "The Fires of Pompeii."
Currently nothing is known about the character (name included in that.)

"I am absolutely over the moon at being chosen to play the Doctor's new companion," Gillan said. "The show is such a massive phenomenon that I can't quite believe I am going to be a part of it."

The show starts filming in the summer for release in Spring 2010, however don't be downhearted Doctor Fans, David Tennant will be appearing in three more Doctor Who specials that will be on between Autumn and years end along with appearing in two episodes of the childrens spin off The Sarah Jane Adventures. So get those fingers set to record, prepare to hitch a ride, the Doctor is in.

SCIENCE FICTION REVIEW: The Accord - Keith Brooke

BOOK BLURB:

The Accord, a virtual utopia where the soul lives on after death and your perceptions are bound only by your imagination. This is the setting for a tale of love, murder and revenge that crosses the boundaries between the real world and this virtual reality. When Noah and Priscilla escape into the Accord to flee Priscilla’s murderous husband, he plots to destroy the whole Accord and them with it. In revenge they arrange to have him assassinated but their success comes at the price of giving him the keys to the virtual kingdom. How can they hope to escape their stalker when he can become anything or anyone he desires and where does the pursuit of revenge stop for immortals in an eternal world?


REVIEW:

An absolute corker of a tale that really does get the reader to think and a tale that takes Sci-Fi into a slightly new direction. Brookes “The Accord” is in basis a modern digital retelling of Matheson’s “What Dream’s May Come” and whilst it contains a number of similarities, the author really does make this a tale of their own. Its quirky, it has wonderful characterisation and above all it’s a tale where love is the ultimate goal even if it is digitally and only an imprint of the human psyche. Definitely a tale to savour and whilst the past and the present collide within the context of the tale and the odd character feels a little bit 2 dimensional, it’s the strength of the principle protagonists beliefs as well as desires that will have you routing for the guy who should get the object of his desire.

SCIENCE FICTION REVIEW: Eon - Greg Bear

BOOK BLURB:

Above our planet hangs a hollow Stone, vast as the imagination of Man. The inner dimensions are at odds with the outer: there are different chambers to be breached, some even containing deserted cities. The furthest chamber contains the greatest mystery ever to confront the Stones scientists. But tombstone or milestone, the Stone is not an alien structure: it comes from the future of our humanity. And the war that breaks out on Earth seems to bear witness to the Stone's prowess as oracle . . .


REVIEW:

This is another of Gollancz’s classic reissues and whilst it perhaps doesn’t get the attention of a lot of his other work its definitely one that has set the standards for others to follow in his path. Originally written in 1985 a lot of the historical background make this, in light of circumstances, an alternate history. Well written, classic hard scientific principles and with fully rounded characters you’ll be hard pressed to find books written in the genre that don’t owe a tip of the hat to Bears work. Add to the mix an enigmatic, strong female protagonist and you’ve classic Bear in a nutshell.

NEWS: Fellow Book Bloggers

Well this might seem a bit of a strange post but theres a number of us bloggers who get together and try to solve the mysteries of the book universe. In fact forget the philosphers stone, we're the philosphers book. LOL

Well every so often we answer questions posed by John Ottinger from Grasp the Wind with the results appearing here. The recent questions was:

Q: There are many well-known authors in the science fiction, fantasy and horror genres, usually known because they hit the NYT Bestseller list, or through good marketing. But who are the less well-known authors you have enjoyed that that we should be looking to read, and why?

Have fun checking it out and if theres any questions you'd like us to tackle let me know.

YOUNG ADULT REVIEW: The Ever After & Among the Stars - Jodi Lynn Anderson

BOOK BLURB:

The Ever After
Most people aren't very comfortable hanging around dark forests, but the woods of Briery Swamp suit May Bird down to the ground. There she is safe from school and the taunts of children who don't understand her. Hidden in the trees, May is a warrior princess and her cat, Somber Kitty, is her brave guardian. Then May falls into the lake. When she crawls out, she finds herself in a world few living people have ever seen. Here, towns glow blue beneath zipping stars and the people walk through walls. Here, The Book of The Dead holds the answers to everything in the universe. And here, if May is discovered, the horrifyingly evil Bo Cleevil will turn her into nothing. May Bird must get out. Fast.

Among the Stars
A fearful and fantastic realm located among the stars, the Ever After is a land populated by ghosts and poltergeists, ghouls and goblins. And May Bird is trapped there. If she is ever to find her way out again, she must reach the mysterious lady of North Farm. With her courageous kitty and a ragtag group of spectral friends, May determines to get home. But with danger around every corner, there's no guarantee they'll all make it...


REVIEW:

This is a very strange couple of books but a series that made us think quite deeply about the messages hidden within the books architecture as it promotes loyalty, love and above all a single mindedness to achieve the goal of the principle protagonista. She’s feisty and with the addition of a certain feline the weaknesses of both bring a greater good for all as Jodi proves that a book doesn’t have to be combat driven to achieve a cracking tale. Definitely a series we’ll follow as the quirky heroine is a person to much admire as she gives aid and makes friends as she goes along.

YOUNG ADULT REVIEW: Predators - Lucio Meera Santoro

BOOK BLURB:

Get up close and personal with some of the world's most terrifying and dangerous predators! Amazing 3-D pop-ups swing off the page, bringing to life spiders, polar bears, crocodiles, and more! Filled with interesting facts and vibrant artwork, Predators! takes readers on an interactive and imaginative journey into the wild!

This paper-over-board book has innovative, swinging pop-ups. Packaged in a resealable polybag with sell sheet. Foil-stamping on cover.


REVIEW:

I originally got tuned into this authors work with the wonderful rendition of Peter Pan released last year. When I came across this offering it became a book that I just had to pick up. Whilst only a few pages in all, its art is wonderfully colourful and when you add the popup option available it becomes something quite special and a must for all young wild life fans. Whilst dealing with the harsher side of nature I wouldn’t be surprised if in years to come its nominated as a book that inspired either the next Steve Irwin or David Attenborough. A great offering and one that’s definitely worth its money.

URBAN FANTASY REVIEW: May Contain Traces of Magic - Tom Holt

BOOK BLURB:

There are all kinds of products. The good ones. The bad ones. The ones that stay in the garage mouldering for years until your garden gnome makes a home out of them. Most are harmless if handled properly, even if they do contain traces of peanuts. But some are not. Not the ones that contain traces of magic. Chris Popham wasn't paying enough attention when he talked to his SatNav. Sure, she gave him directions, never backtalked him, and always led him to his next spot on the map with perfect accuracy. She was the best thing in his life. So was it really his fault that he didn't start paying attention when she talked to him? In his defence, that was her job. But when 'Take the next right' turned into 'Excuse me,' that was when the real trouble started. Because sometimes a SatNav isn't a SatNav. Sometimes it's an imprisoned soul trapped inside a metal box that will do anything it can to get free. And some products you just can't return.


REVIEW:

The latest novel from Tom Holt sees a new branch of JWW in this offering that really does keep on ticking the boxes for the reader. Whilst occasionally his writing loses it a bit on subsequent novels featuring the same characters each crisp new adventure really will tick the readers boxes. You want levity? Yep. You want a twisted plot? Yep. You want a believable character who’s about as clued in as you and I? Yep. Definitely a lot of fun and continues the success of others in the series. If you haven’t read The Portable Door then make that your must purchase for next week. You’ll laugh, you’ll route for the hero and above all you’ll become a fan of Tom’s work.

URBAN FANTASY REVIEW: The Better Mousetrap - Tom Holt

BOOK BLURB:

It touches all our lives; our triumphs and tragedies, our proudest achievements, our most traumatic disasters. Alloyed of love and fear, death and fire and the inscrutable acts of the gods, insurance is indeed the force that binds the universe together. Hardly surprising, therefore, that Frank Carpenter, one of the foremost magical practitioners of our age, felt himself irresistibly drawn to it. Until, that is, he met Jane, a high-flying corporate heroine with an annoying habit of falling out of trees and getting killed. Repeatedly. It's not long before Frank and Jane find themselves face to face with the greatest enigma of our times: When is a door not a door? When it's a mousetrap.


REVIEW:

If there’s a guy in the market who has done for the Urban fantasy what Terry Prachett has for Fantasy then its Tom Holt, his writing is not only humerous but also full of great characters that you can’t help but fall in love with. Each has their own quirks and goals along with a vulnerability that really does appeal to the reader. Its good fun, its an adventure on its own and Tom is always top of my reading pile when he lands as the pure escapism within just keeps you glued to the last page.

NEWS: Rainbow Stars Speak out in No Hold Barred Book

Not many have heard but we thought that we'd best bring this to you now:

The Stars of Rainbow are about to come clean and tell their story to Tim Randall.

For over twenty years Zippy, George and Bungle were the biggest stars on children's television, inspiring a whole generation of adoring fans. But behind the smiles and the brightly coloured fur, all was not what it seemed in the Rainbow house. Having spent the last seventeen years refusing approaches from publishers to tell their story, the squabbling stars have agreed -- thanks to some serious financial inducements and a clause insisting they don't have to spend more than three hours in the same room together -- to talk to journalist Tim Randall about the highs and lows and the heartbreaks they have endured. From their humble beginnings to international stardom, via the wilderness years, this is Zippy, George and Bungle's fascinating autobiography. Here, for the very first time, is the inside story of what really happened at the beginning, middle and end of their Rainbow.

This book will be arriving in the shops in October 09 from Headline Publishing.

ART BOOK REVIEW: Creature Features: Randy Martinez

BOOK BLURB:

This work allows you to enjoy creating monsters, aliens and supernatural beings from start to finish - including body parts and details. It is loaded with step-by-step demos, tips, techniques and great art from a professional in the entertainment field. In this work, readers are shown how to draw over 35 creatures with final images in colour, including specific attributes such as faces, hands, eyes and other body parts; as well as various types of costumes and accessories.


REVIEW:

If there’s one thing that’s as iconic as the film industry to a young mind it’s the sight of a good monster. Whether it’s the creatures from the 1950’s B Movies such as your first look at Frankenstein’s monster, the Wolfman or Dracula from behind the sofa or whether it’s the mischievous Gremlins from the 1984 film of the same name or from the Bill Shatner Twilight Zone (Season 5, Episode 123, Nightmare at 20,000 feet originally aired in October 1963.)

Every child’s book and imagination is fired by these creatures that we love to fear, so its with an interested look that we arrived at this book by Randy Martinez on how to create the creatures for the graphic novel market. He doesn’t talk down to the reader, he keeps it on an easily understood level and has practical advice backed up with demonstrations that will soon have your own little monster (or perhaps your inner monster) scribbling away adding fuel to the imagination with the wide variety of creatures out there. Its fun, it’s practical and has tips for artists of all ages. Above all it’s a book that will become your reference guide whether it’s for the creation of creature feature monsters or just for general tips on every day artistic creations such as fur. It will soon have you giggling like a mad scientist and paraphrasing Victor Frankenstein… “ITS ALIVE!”

ART BOOK REVIEW: Fairy Art: David Adams

BOOK BLURB:

Paint fairies in acrylic with this instructive book on every aspect of these magical creatures and their worlds. This comprehensive guide covers the basic supplies needed, colour theory, anatomy details, wings, poses, flowers, trees, butterflies, water and more. With over 25 step-by-step demonstrations, readers will learn how to paint everything from the smallest detail of the fairy to complete scenes.


REVIEW:

If theres one thing that’s guaranteed to come up within the fantasy artists world, its having to create mystical winged humanoids, or to put it another way, a fairy. Figuring out the logistics for many is a nightmare leaving many intrepid artists either quaking in their boots at how to accomplish the beings or scratching their heads and trying to figure it out from what’s come before.

Within this book, the magical world of the fae steps from the pages within, accompanied by a reference guide for the artist in general that gives not only sound advice that have been learned after many years trials and errors by a master but also helps to bolster the novice’s confidence as they tackle these creatures. Add to the mix colour palettes tips, a guide to basic colour principles along with picture composition and depth perception and it’s a very nice book all round as well as giving advice for tackling other artistic projects.

Whilst in more modern times a number of artists have gone the raunchier route for these mischievous sprites, its was with relief that David Adams presented them in practical and beautifully composed scenes (such as flowered landscapes or settling in a bramble bush with a bird looking on.) Which allowed the viewer the chance to believe that there really are fairy’s awaiting our discovery in a Spiderwick environment