The Conflicts anthology due to be published at Easter can now be pre-ordered online.
Ian Whates has released the final cover for the Conflicts anthology scheduled for launch at the 2010 Eastercon. Artwork by Andy Bigwood. Click for a larger version.
Am going thorough a hard copy of the novel with a red pen. Would really like to give it to my agent ahead of the convention at Easter. But that may be premature…
Trying to formulate ideas for the Alice Street short story commission – could be good. Am hoping to write it quickly (for me); say, over a couple of weeks, no more.
Also attempting to adapt my short story Deciduous Trees for Radio 4’s afternoon play slot. Again, it could be good but I have to make sure I do it very well.
Band on hiatus at the moment. But the good news is I’ve strung my guitar with a set of D’addario Chromes (12s) and it sounds fantastic.
That’s it! Keep well.
In the main, spectacular in 3D, with some genuine “wow” moments.
Occasionally blurred and a bit sick-makey head-spinny during fast scenes.
Story somewhat thin and clichéd.
ADDENDUM:
You read things about “it’s like actually being there” with regard to 3D – well, I can tell you that in several scenes it *was* actually like being there.
The story was somewhat thin and clichéd. Cowboys and indians meets Platoon. And I never expected aliens to speak with African accents. So overall I’d give it 4 out of 5.
Phone and computer manufacturers, you just don’t get it, do you. Despite what you might think you do not compete with Apple’s Macs and iPhone, because Apple does not aim to compete with you.
Is Google’s phone an “iPhone killer”? asked one BBC reporter. No chance, mate.
Apple’s products are by no means the cheapest, Macs not necessarily the fastest — they are quite simply *the best*. I have a 3-year old iMac that’s still going strong, a MacBook Pro that’s a joy to use. The software’s reliable, intuitive, easy to use. I have no iPhone as yet, but I’ll probably get one in June when they bring a new one out* – in the process undoubtedly leapfrogging the “competition” with a new handset design and a new OS.
My kids both have Windows laptops – they’re a nightmare, a pain in my arse from start to finish. The operating system is so user unfriendly it’s quite phenomenal, as if it’s been designed so. The machines themselves are plastic and cheap. If ever I can afford to do so I’ll do them both a favour and buy them MacBooks.
Apple Fanboy? Me? You bet.
* I predict an aluminium case, greater capacity, loss of that tacky chrome strip, less rounded corners, a higher resolution screen and camera…
I’m approaching the end of this draft of my new novel. Trying to tighten up the last few thousand words at the moment. On one hand I’m making notes such as “North needs to lose his gun here”, while on the other I’m worried about the overall story arc and the gaps. Still, Christmas approaches like an oncoming train so I guess whatever I get done today will be the last until after Christmas. Maybe a break’s what I need.
Around 25 years ago a lad I was at school with was killed when the motorbike he was riding crashed into a tree. A 50cc something or other. L-plates and everything.
It was all Band Aid and Toy Dolls. Howard Jones and Nik Kershaw. Way back when.
I think of him sometimes. He was a good kid. Successfully managed to cruise the difficult border between the ordinary kids and the hard kids. Did a lot of laughing. Had a little brother we called Little Dosser.
Then he died. No more visits to the chippy by the Tam O’ Shanter. No more zipping around Coton Green. Across the railway line. Past the Fox.
So much has changed since then.
He wouldn’t even recognise most of the roads.
Where are you now, Dosser?
people often talk about being scared of change
but for me I’m more afraid of things staying the same
cos the game is never won by standing in any one place for too long
Jesus of the Moon ~ Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds
20 years ago he came to me in New Street station when I was using a public phone. Remember the circle of aluminium booths that were in the station back then? Before the advent of mobiles? One of those.
He wasn’t very old. 20-something? He asked if I could spare some money. I said no, sorry. Firm but polite. “Oh, please, mate, I’m starvin’“.
Yeah, right, I probably thought. You’ll just use it on fags or booze. Such was my upbringing. But there was something in his eyes. A genuine desperation. I could see that.
Yet I turned away and dialled the number. When I looked back he had gone.
I sometimes wonder about him. More often than I’d like. I can see his face. That look in his eyes. I’ll always wish I’d bought him some food. Anything.
What became of you, homeless man? Where are you now?
