| Author | Message | ||
     Andrew Hook |
Allen Ashley is a leading independent press writer with one novel, The Planet Suite, one short story collection, Elastic's own Somnambulists, and one stint as editor, The Elastic Book of Numbers under his belt. If you have any general chat for Allen - as opposed to feedback on the Elastic books which might be more readily posted on their individual threads - then do it here. This space is also an opportunity for Allen to promote his own work. | ||
| Allen |
Come on, folks - get posting! I promise to answer. | ||
| Allen |
Andrew has mentioned on his board that Gary Fry's anthology "Poe's Progeny" is now available to pre-order. As well as work by Ramsey Campbell, Joel Lane, Andrew Hook, Simon Clark, etc, the book also features a new story from me. Entitled "Turbulent Times", the piece is inspired by the work of Ambrose Bierce, particularly "The Devil's Dictionary" and "An Occurrence At Owl Creek Bridge". There's a terrific line-up in the book so click on the link at Andrew's board if you want to make sure you get hold of a copy. | ||
| Allen |
"This space is also an opportunity for Allen to promote his own work," quoth the estimable Mr Hook. So, a quick mention that along with the launch of Andrew's fabulous collection, some other important business was conducted over the weekend of 4th / 5th June: namely a chat between me and Sean Wright of Crowswing Books to agree in principle that we make a few changes to the line-up of my next collection "Urban Fantastic", due from Crowswing in May 2006. Essentially, this will involve chopping 3 or 4 older stories and bunging in - or indeed writing - 3 or 4 newer ones. Despite being a Dodo, I wouldn't want to seem old-fashioned or out of date. My most famous / most published piece "Dead To The World" will survive the cull as will Tim Nickels' favourite "The Quiet House". However, many of the rest are currently in limbo, with a decision expected in late July. Phew, it's as exciting (or not) as the London Olympics bid. By the way, if nobody posts me any interesting messages, I'll probably "blog" (if that's the word) this page with yet more wonderful and detailed updates on the fascinating selection process for "Urban Fantastic". You have been warned. | ||
| Nick papadimitriou |
Hi Allen It was a delight to see you and hear you read last July. Sorry its taken so long to get back to you but have been busy writing my own stuff. Keep up the good work, I was impressed. Did not get Somnambulists but will try TEBON. Sorry to reach you this way but did not have your personal email address. keep the faith! | ||
| Allen |
Hi there Nick, Good to hear from you - and it was a pleasant surprise to see you at my launch last year. I'm bound to say that you should, of course, read both "Somnambulists" and "The Elastic Book of Numbers". Get your local library to buy a copy if all else fails! | ||
| Allen |
Sorry Folks, Don't know who is filling up my pages with weird casino links. Is it because we had a game of Bingo at the Numbers launch? | ||
| Andrew Hook |
God knows, I've asked Marie to remove it so it'll be gone in a day or so... | ||
| Marie |
Hiya, just got back online - been out and about this weekend. I've deleted the offending post, someone shout if it happens again and I'll take care of it. | ||
| Allen |
Thanks ever such a lot , Marie. In the mean time, just a little note to everybody that another one my collaborations with the Elastic head honcho Mr Hook has recently been published. The story is called "Vitamin X" and is in issue 9 of "Jupiter" SF magazine. Anyone who has ever watched "Big Brother" or hummed along with a Kylie Minogue song - I kid you not - should enjoy this near future adventure. Yes, I'm blowing my own trumpet but... details at: www.jupitersf.co.uk | ||
| Marie |
You're welcome :-) New story sounds...surreal, which is always a good thing. | ||
| Allen |
Hi Everyone! The British Fantasy Society booze-up otherwise known as Fantasycon is taking place in Walsall in less than a fortnight's time, so if you're going to be there, come and say hello! I've been shorlisted for "Best Collection" for "Somnambulists" plus Elastic Press and "The Alsiso Project" are up for awards, so fingers firmly crossed. I've also got two brand new stories which will be officially published at Fantasycon (30th September - 2nd October 2005 inclusive). The first is "Turbulent Times", an Ambrose Bierce inspired piece which will be in Gary Fry's "Poe's Progeny" anthology which also features Ramsey Campbell and various other legends of the genre. The second story is "Black Forest Manoeuvres", which will be in the debut multi-author anthology from vibrant Norfolk publisher Crowswing Books: "New Wave Of Speculative Fiction" edited by Sean Wright. "Black Forest Manoeuvres" is a novelette and will only be available in this anthology. I have a short story collection, "Urban Fantastic", due from Crowswing next year, but "Black Forest" is not on the track list. So, snap it up while you can. Official press release follows. See you at Fantasycon. - Allen. "New Wave of Speculative Fiction: The What If Factor" edited by Sean Wright (a collection of new short stories) is brimming with quality writing, speculation about what might be, a mix of horror, fantasy and sci-fi, as well as some new twists on classic themes. The anthology will be published by Crowswing Books on the 24th September 2005 as a limited edition (300 copies) trade paperback ISBN 1905100127, priced ten pounds. "New Wave of Speculative Fiction" has a strong contemporary line up. "Many of the authors are known for their vision and imagination, as well as the quality of their prose," editor, Sean Wright said. Sean Wright feels that the stories he has chosen for this book reflect the current demand for exciting writers prepared to break barriers and see this and other worlds with a fresh eye. "New Wave of Speculative Fiction" has an international flavour with writers from USA, Australia, South Africa, Canada, and the UK. It includes stories from Allen Ashley, Che Ballard, Paul Finch, Michelle Ponto, Michael Mirolla, Gary Moeser, P. Grey, Andrew Hook, Lisa DuMond, Sian Orthello, Sam Mills, Jeff Gardiner and Sean Wright. There's South African P. Grey's atmospheric 'Obituary', a new twist on the collector mentality; Michelle A. Ponto's fast-paced sci-fi thriller, 'Mission Rejected'; award-winning Canadian author, Michael Mirolla's 'Inside/Out', a strange, vibrant masterly story of what might be; British Fantasy Award winner for 2002, Paul Finch's suspenseful conspiracy tale, 'And the Rivers Ran Red to the Sea,' and Sam Mills' exquisitely clever 'Tic Tac Man.' British Fantasy Award nominee Allen Ashley's slick short story "Black Forest Manoeuvres" examines myth and religion's possible importance in the future, Jeff Gardiner's "The Curious" escorts us on a poetic journey of other worldly exploits, while Sean Wright's "The Numberist" takes God Himself to task. Last but certainly not least, three times British Fantasy Award nominee Andrew Hook's masterpiece, 'Fen Shui' tells a memorable tale of strange time-travelling scientists. The book will be on sale in the book seller/dealer's room. (END PRESS RELEASE). | ||
| Allen |
Hi Everyone, Just a quick message to let you all know that I’ve been given the honour of addressing the Birmingham Science Fiction Group on 4th November. The Birmingham Science Fiction Group has been running since 1971 and previous speakers read like a who’s who of SF, including Harry Harrison and Brian Aldiss. I’m really honoured and will have to come up with something really special to deserve to follow in such a lineage. The meeting is at the Britannia Hotel, off New Street, Birmingham at 7.30pm on Friday 4th November 2005. I assume you have to be a member to attend,. Membership is £16 per year and is very good value. I’m sure that they can be persuaded to admit guests for this particular event, if you ask them nicely and in good time. So, if you’re in the Birmingham area on the evening of the 4th – look out for me. The email contact for the Birmingham Science fiction Group is bhamsfgroup@yahoo.co.uk and their web addres is www.bsgf.freeservers.com . I’m really looking forward to it. I will, of course, have the odd copy of “Somnambulists”, “The Elastic Book Of Numbers” and the BFS award-winning anthology “The Alsiso Project” if anyone wants to obtain one on the night. Hope to see you there. | ||
| Allen |
Can't let that idiot with the poker brain be the last person to post here. So, latest Allen Ashley news: I'm getting a web site very soon and will have a message board there but you can still get in touch via Elastic. Also, I've got an as yet secret / rumour only special publication coming out later in the year. I hope that's whetted a few appetites! More soon. | ||
| Allen |
As our estemmed head honcho is fond of saying, "Eagle-eyed readers will have noticed..." that I've got a story "Petrified" plus a short-short "Hey Grandma" in the latest issue of Gary Fry's lovely pocket sized fiction magazine "Fusing Horizons". That's issue 5 for all you collectors and loyal readers out there. Things are progressing well with my next collection "Urban Fantastic" and the big news is that publisher Sean Wright (Crowswing Books) and I will be the Guests of Honour at the BFS Open night on June 2nd... where we will be launching the book. I'll post details nearer the event. By the way, Andrew Hook and Dave Swann are guests in March, so it's a great time to be a BFS member and an Elastician! | ||
| Allen |
Right, I'm back in temporary control of this board instead of those poker saddoes. Did I really call the illustrious Mr Hook "Estemmed" rather than "esteemed"? These new-fangled computer thingies certainly make one's typing pretty sloppy. Anyway, for those of you who are interested or just want a cracking good read next time you're travelling on a train somewhere, I'm pleased to announce that my novella "The Interlopers" has been published by Chris Teague's Pendragon Press as part of a 3 story anthology called "Triquorum One". The other authors are multi-award winner John Grant and rising new star Lavie Tidhar. Plus there's an introduction by Paul Di Filipo. So, modesty finally kicking in, even if you're not 100% grabbed by my piece, there's real quality surrounding it. As for the cover - for those of us who remember Panther and Mayflower paperbacks from the 1970s, this is a real warp down memory lane. And the whole book only costs £5.99, so what are you waiting for? Official launch is at Eastercon; or otherwise stop reading this and log onto the Pendragon site. Aside from this, I hope everyone is in good form and good shape and if the poker spam man will let me, I'll be posting some exciting Dodo news shortly. | ||
| nickjack |
Is there a link to the Pendragon site for lazy people to click on to order your book, Allen? | ||
| nickjack |
Not being such a lazy person myself, I clicked on the link to Pendragon on the Elastic Press contacts page and this whisked me to the Pendragon Professional Pensions site! Could this be an accidental bug or are you on commission? :¬) | ||
| Allen |
Nick, my good mate, I'm sorry I haven't posted a reply earlier but my server was blocking access to the site, probably because those poker demons had been up to their tricks again. I hope you are well - you certainly sound like you're in good form to judge by your witty postings. Anyway, the correct web address for Chris Teague's Pendragon Press for anybody who wants to investigate a copy of "Triquorum One" - which features novellas by me, John Grant and Lavie Tidhar - the address is: www.pendragonpress.co.uk Of course, one should be concerned to set up a suitable pension as well but I'm not in the business of recommending anyone! Lastly, just to confirm that my non-fiction book "The Days of the Dodo" has now been published by Dodo London Press. This book collects all my "Dodo" articles from "back in the day" with TTA plus lots of bonus material. And... it's free upon personal request. You can go to my web site, you can email me, or you can leave your details here if you want to get a copy before it becomes Ebay / collector's mark up only! | ||
| nick |
Thanks, Allen, I've now ordered "Triquorum One" after a brief tussle with paypal! | ||
| Allen |
Hi there Nick, I had a very long tussle with Pay Pal and had to re-verify my identity(if there is such a concept), so you have my sympathy on that. Hope you enjoy the book. Actually, it's just struck me that re-verifying my identity fits neatly with the themes of "The Interlopers"! Cheers. | ||
| Allen Ashley Username: Allen Registered: 07-2006 |
Hi there everyone, Now that the spammers have been vanquished - permanently we hope - and I've gone to the trouble of getting a password etc, I thought I'd better post here. So, here goes: If there is anybody out there still desperate for a FREE copy of my "The Days of the Dodo" book, you'd better get your skates on as whatever copies I still have left by 22nd September will be donated to the Fantasycon raffle. So, if you want a copy - post a reply with your email or real address here and I'll put one aside. By the way, if anyone reading is going to Fantasycon, come and say hello... in the secure knowledge that as well as shaking your hand I will probably try and sell you a book! | ||
| Nick Jackson Username: Nickjack Registered: 07-2006 |
And "The Days of the Dodo" book is certainly worth having, I'm sure it will be a sought after collectors' piece in the future, Allen. I also enjoyed your piece in Triquorum One. So much for those double mortice locks I had fitted! | ||
| Allen Ashley Username: Allen Registered: 07-2006 |
Hi there Nick, Thanks for your good wishes. I'm almost down to my last box of "Dodo" books but there's an exciting announcement about the future of the "Dodo" up on my message board at my web page. So, a quick reminder: anyone who wants me to save them a FREE copy of "The Days of the Dodo", get in touch before 20th September when I start packing my case for Fantasycon! | ||
| Allen Ashley Username: Allen Registered: 07-2006 |
As many of you will know, at various points in my life I've been a singer, songwriter and performer, including 3 gigs with Hawkwind back in the late 1980s / early 1990s. A couple of years ago I was asked if I would like to revive my songwriting career and write some lyrics for a new band called Foul House. Despite all my other commitments - writing career, editing career, day job, and so on - it was a flattering offer from the band's founder and ace guitarist, Mark House, and I was happy to oblige. Anyway, to cut a long story short, I've written several lyrics for the band which now comprises: Mark House on bass, vocals, guitar, sequencing; Kate Paxton (my daughter) on vocals; Tony Fowler on lead guitar; and Billy Strachan on drums. Mark has written most of the music, with the band embellishing the arrangements. Kate and Mark have written several lyrics of their own - there's even a song called "Good People" to which we all contributed. Kate and Tony have written one song so far. I can't adequately describe their music as it's a unique sound. There's touches of Pink Floyd, Roger Waters, punk, pop, reggae, Massive Attack, dub, even Bob Dylan (although that's probably down to my lyrics). The best thing I can suggest is to check out their entry on My Space where they've posted 3 songs - "Gravity Space", "rescue" adn "Work Song", all with Allen Ashley lyrics. Better still, get to see them at a couple of forthcoming gigs. These are both in London (UK). 7pm at The Pleasure Unit, Bethnal Green Road, Bethnal Green E2 (very close to Tesco's) on Tuesday 31st October 2006; and at 7pm on Wednesday 15th November at The Bull and Gate pub, Kentish Town, opposite the tube station. These are support slots, of course, as these are their debut London shows. Go along and support great new music; but get there on time or you'll miss Foul House. I'm hoping to make both gigs. They are promising to do several of "my" songs such as "Gravity Space" - which is about the search for Eden, that regular Allen Ashley theme; "Work Song" which is about the daily grind; "Picasso" which is about graffiti; possibly an emotional piece called "Rescue" and the environmental protest song "The Sea, Land and Sky". So, get along and see/hear Foul House in concert! I've got some more exciting and surprising news on the music front, which I will post here and /or at my web site: www.allenashley.com when everything is absolutely definite. More soon. | ||
| Andrew Hook Username: Andrew_hook Registered: 07-2006 |
Hi Allen Sounds great! I'll pop along to MySpace and give them a listen. | ||
| Allen Ashley Username: Allen Registered: 07-2006 |
Foul House - the band I write lyrics for, see above - have now played two London gigs. For reviews and further information about the band, please go to my web site, which is at <www.allenashley.com>. We've had a few spam problems on my message boards, to put it mildly, so you will either have to already be a registered member or register at the site. Please don't let that put you off. I have some further music news which I'll be posting very soon at my web site, so I hope that's whetted your appetite. | ||
| Allen Ashley Username: Allen Registered: 07-2006 |
OK folks, I have posted this on my own web site but I thought I would also put it here. Guess Who's Got a Record Deal? Many an action in the past has a habit of catching up with you. So, back in the early 1980s, when I was working under the name "Allen A. Lucas", I had a little band called Existence. Mostly it was just me - vocals and acoustic guitar. In the manner that several "modern" artists have adopted a band name - Aphex Twin, The Streets, and so on - I was onto this trick way back when. The sort of music I was intending to write could be broadly described as acoustic psychedelic - think Hawkwind's "We Took the Wrong Step Years Ago", Spirit's "Nature's Way", Love's "Forever Changes", Neil Young's "Will To Love" and Steve Miller's "Journey From Eden". I was, I will have you know, writing songs with "proper" structures - verses, singable choruses, middle eights - probably because I didn't have the technology (or ability) to experiment too far. Anyway, for a while I was joined by Jenny Yeatman on vocals. Jenny had an astonishing vocal range - it's Jenny on verse two of "I'm Glad", pitching her voice lower than mine. I had a few contacts in London and the South East, we were hoping/expecting to hustle a few gigs, so I went ahead and self-financed the recording and production of a 45rpm single. (No CDs, I-pods or downloads in those days, folks!) We recorded two tracks - the poppy, North London accented A-side "I'm Glad" and the more complex and dreamy B-side "The Premonition" at Woodbine Studios in Leamington Spa. This was the very same studio in which The Specials recorded "Ghost Town", their classic depiction of inner city deprivation under Thatcher. The engineer was John Rivers, who also helmed "Ghost Town". Augmenting my group Existence, we had local session drummer Richie Metlock and on bass Sir Horace Gentleman - from The Specials! Adopting the punk, post-punk "Do It Yourself" ethos of the time, I got a few hundred copies of the single pressed back in London. I did the lettering; the cover was my concept, ably drawn by my then girlfriend Sarah Paxton (mother of my adored daughter Kate). Unfortunately, the release of the record didn't lead to chart success / John Peel sessions / "selling out" to EMI / headlining Hammersmith Odeon. The "band" effectively split in 1984. I had years on and off as a singer and lyricist with other bands, notably The False Dots (see my article "Birth of a Story", in "The Days of the Dodo"), Nukli and as guest poet with Hawkwind on 3 separate occasions in the late 1980s / early 1990s. I also had a career as a performance poet and ran my own cabaret for a while. Alongside all this, I was slowly but surely building my reputation as a short story writer. Just a couple of years back, I returned to lyric writing for Kate and Mark's band Foul House (see earlier entries). Then, completely out of the blue in May 2006, I received a letter from Chuck Warner, an American record collector / producer / archivist who runs his own independent company called Hyped To Death. Definitely something of an Anglophile - his grasp of English geography is much higher than my ability with American locales - as well as a punk and post-punk obsessive, he has put together a series called "Messthetics". The name "Messthetics" variously comes from a Scritti Politti song or a misheard Undertones' lyric. (See the CD ""Messthetics 100" or www.messthetics.com for further details). Postulated as an amalgam of Mess and Aesthetics but also readable as a mash-up of Message and Aesthetics, through this series of compilation CDs, Chuck is seeking to preserve and re-present lost gems from the punk and post-punk era. Amazingly, he'd not only got hold of my slightly punkish single "I'm Glad" but wanted to licence it for one of his CD compilations! "That's just so random!" as Kate and Mark put it. Now, after several months of exchanging emails and "real" stuff in the post, I can happily announce that my song and my performance "I'm Glad" by Existence has been repackaged and released onto the compilation CD called "Messthetics number 101: London D.I.Y", which features "indie post punk from London and the Home Counties" and includes "I'm Glad" by Existence as track number 14! The record company is called "Hyped To Death" and is based in America. They specialise in old punk, so-called "DIY - do it yourself" music, as well as some modern bands who continue the tradition. If you want to have a look at the CD, go to www.hyped2death.com, click to enter the site and "Messthetics 101" featuring Existence should be the first thing you see. The CD retails for $11.00, which given the current strength of the pound is excellent value. British release is set for January 2007. A review has been promised in "The Wire". Previous Hyped To Death CDs have been reviewed in places like "The Guardian" and "The Independent". The record should be available in HMV Oxford Street and other such flagship stores that don't simply stock Westlife and Britney. British price - not sure, at a guess about £10.99. And it's not just me on the CD - anyone who yearns for the less formulaic, more plug in and play ethos of the old days will find plenty to enjoy on "Messthetics 101". You should definitely check out the Hyped To Death web site and buy some of their CDs. So, in quick summary: Allen's old song "I'm Glad" has been surprisingly made available on CD and you should check it out. And are Existence going to reform / am I going to forsake the pen and PC for the mike and the six string? Well, if I get offered a couple of spots at a friendly gig, I'll doubtless take them but don't expect to see me on "The X Factor" or "MTV Cribs"! | ||
| Tim Nickels Username: Tim_n Registered: 07-2006 |
Folks, try and track down the Messthetics 101 album - I've been spinning it all day and "I'm Glad" stands out as a spikey melodic (twin harmony) micro-dub fest. The intro is straight ahead, the finale a slipstream epic of dreamy guitars making full use of their studio time. I freely admit to being a buddy of Allen's (er, groupie?) but there is much here for everyone to enjoy. I've actually downloaded it onto my mobile and can currently be seen wandering around Dorset mouthing along to Existence lyrics. Congratulations and bravo! Tim x PS Sorry I couldn't put this on your own Dodo site - my browser can't read the confirmation code. Boringly. | ||
| Allen Ashley Username: Allen Registered: 07-2006 |
Hi Tim, Thanks for your kind words and recommendation. Yep, I've also been having some trouble accessing my own site either through Internet Explorer, Google or MSN Live. I will get in touch with Marie and see what the problem is. | ||
| Andrew Hook Username: Andrew_hook Registered: 07-2006 |
The article, "Writing, Perseverance and Shaggy Dog Stories: An interview with Allen Ashley, Author of Urban Fantastic" has been published at OhmyNews International and will also be appearing on Blogcritics.org, Conversations with Writers, the Leicester Review of Books as well as other citizen journalism websites. The link is: http://english.ohmynews.com/articleview/article_view.asp?no=342090&rel_no=2, | ||
| Allen Ashley Username: Allen Registered: 07-2006 |
Thanks, Andrew. I can add an update to that, so,lazily copied over straight from my web site: I recently took part in an interview with freelance journalist Ambrose Musiyiwa. The results have been posted at the following sites, using the hyper links, so take a look on: Blogcritics.org, http://blogcritics.org/archives/2007/02/20/071258.php Conversations with Writers http://conversationswithwriters.blogspot.com/2007/02/interview-with-allen-ashley -author-of.html and The Leicester Review of Books, http://leicesterreviewofbooks.wordpress.com/2007/02/19/interview-with-allen-ashl ey-author-of-urban-fantastic/ The interview may also appear on one or two other sites soon. Also, if you get time, take a look at the interview with my great friend and occasional writing collaborator Tim Nickels, also posted at The Leicester Review of Books. By the way, I wish I still possessed enough head hair to qualify as a shaggy dog! | ||
| Allen Ashley Username: Allen Registered: 07-2006 |
Just to let everybody know that I've got a new story "Murdoch Celeste" in issue 50 of the BFS magazine "Dark Horizons". Plus there's my Fantasycon report and a piece about awards criteria and eligibility in the new issue of "Prism". By the way, all these boards have been a little quiet of late. Let's get chatting! | ||
| Nick Jackson Username: Nickjack Registered: 07-2006 |
Hello Allen Nice to see the "Return of the Dodo" in Midnight Street. I have to say I agree with your sentiments about railways. Bring back British Rail, I say, though perhaps the tea would be a little stewed by now! | ||
| Allen Ashley Username: Allen Registered: 07-2006 |
Hi Nick, Good to hear from you again. I certainly agree with you about "Bring back British Rail". In fact, I'm so old that I still refer to it as British Rail rather than whatever fancy title the individual companies are using this week. Next "Dodo" due very soon in "Midnight Street". What are you up to? | ||
| Nick Jackson Username: Nickjack Registered: 07-2006 |
Well, Allen, my next story is coming up in Nemonymous, 7, rather to my surprise! Apart from that it's all work, work and more work. | ||
| Allen Ashley Username: Allen Registered: 07-2006 |
Hi again Nick, Congrats on getting into "Nemo 7" - anonymously, I presume. I shall do my best to identify yours without any help or tips! I left it too late to even submit anything this time around - yeah, I know pretty pathetic excuse considering how few short story markets there are these days. | ||
| Nick Jackson Username: Nickjack Registered: 07-2006 |
It's a bit big-headed of me blowing my trumpet on your message thread, isn't it, Allen? However, I am excited at the prospect of having a story published anonymously and having people guess which one is mine! And, of course, I'm contractually bound not to help you out with any tips! Will you be selecting the slip-stream anthology stories anonymously? | ||
| Allen Ashley Username: Allen Registered: 07-2006 |
Hi Nick, I shall be reading stories for "Subtle Edens" from June. I expect all submissions to follow the usual procedure of decent, legible layout; cognisance of maximum word length; adequate return postage or email address if disposable; etc. Basically, much the same rules as I applied for "The Elastic Book Of Numbers". So, to answer your specific question - Des Lewis and the "Nemonymous" anthologies have their own unique identity (often hidden!); but I expect all authors submitting to "Subtle Edens" to affix their name to each page of their story. Yes, I'm only human and there are a few authors whose work hasn't always inspired me in the past but I treat each submission as an entity in its own right. The story has "no previous" - either it's right for the book or it's not. Right, enough waffling from me. As Andrew says, "Get scribbling!" | ||
| Allen Ashley Username: Allen Registered: 07-2006 |
If anybody wants to see me desperately appealing for votes for the BFS Awards - and, let's face it, there may be some sort of post-ironic fun in doing so - I now have a video clip on that new-fangled My Space TV invention. Just follow this link: http://myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=12654862 | ||
| Allen Ashley Username: Allen Registered: 07-2006 |
Still looking for more submissions for "Subtle Edens", so get scribbling! | ||
| Allen Ashley Username: Allen Registered: 07-2006 |
Been busy with initial promotion for “Slow Motion Wars”, the collection of collaborations between me and the mighty Andrew Hook, which will be published by Screaming Dreams Press later this year or early next year. It’s only a couple of weeks till Fantasycon and it’s possible that Screaming Dreams publisher Steve Upham may have a CD sampler available at the convention, which will feature an excerpt from “Slow Motion Wars”. All the stories in the book, by the way, are proper collaborations – which means both Andrew and I contributed. Some he started, some I started; ditto with the conclusions. Anyway, hope to see lots of friends old and yet to be(!) at this year’s Fantasycon. | ||
| Allen Ashley Username: Allen Registered: 07-2006 |
A bit of news hot off the press: I've been asked to moderate a panel on the independent press at this weekend's British Fantasy Society's annual convention Fantasycon. So, look out for me there on Saturday afternoon (22nd September 2007), along with panellists David Sutton, Chris Teague, Andrew Hook and Gary Fry. | ||
| Allen Ashley Username: Allen Registered: 07-2006 |
News confirmed at Fantasycon: My novella "Today We Were Astronauts" will be the lead-off story in the next British Fantasy Society special publication "Houses on the Borderland" edited by David Sutton. Should be available around about December this year. | ||
| Andrew Hook Username: Andrew_hook Registered: 07-2006 |
You kept this one quiet! Love the title, and look foward to reading it. | ||
| Allen Ashley Username: Allen Registered: 07-2006 |
You know me, Andrew, I might occasionally spout off with a "Dodo" column or a rant in the bar but there's a lot I keep private. I've had the title and part of the idea for donkey's years. Fortunately, I have added some new material though! | ||
| Allen Ashley Username: Allen Registered: 07-2006 |
Good news: "Dark Horizons 51" is due out any day and contains my story "The Perils of Pentavir" - the new chapter for my long ago novel "The Planet Suite". Should be with all subscribers and contributors within a couple of weeks. | ||
| Allen Ashley Username: Allen Registered: 07-2006 |
Hi again everyone! Just to let you know that my web site has been updated as of 2nd January 2008, so there are a few more things to read in “News”, “Biography”, reviews of published work etc. So go to www.allenashley.com Hope to hear from you all soon. | ||
| Allen Ashley Username: Allen Registered: 07-2006 |
Hi Everyone, Don’t forget to visit my web site at www.allenashley.com which now includes Jonathan Oliver’s fantastic review of “The Elastic Book Of Numbers”, originally published in the BFS magazine “Prism”. Just click on the “read a review” part under the picture of the book’s cover in “Bibliography”. | ||
| Allen Ashley Username: Allen Registered: 07-2006 |
Hi Everyone! First publication of 2008 to report: “Midnight Street 10” is out including my latest “Planet Dodo” article. Editor Trevor Denyer was seriously unwell for much of the latter part of last year and it’s great to see him back on the scene with what looks to be a very strong issue of his reliably good quality magazine. As well as my piece, there are stories by Steve Gallagher, Nina Allan, Joel Lane, Andrew Humphrey, Gary Mc Mahon and others so you really should get a copy. I’m sure there’s a link from this site. Also, I have a couple of acceptances to report, which is always good news to share. Firstly, Andrew Hook (yes the very same genius who runs Elastic) will be editing a new magazine for the British Fantasy Society, entitled “New Horizons”. Issue one should feature a brand new story from me entitled “Canoe Boy”. Always great to be in a debut issue. Still with the wonderful BFS, Peter Coleborn and Jan Edwards have taken my disaster-themed story “Beholders” for a future issue of the long-running “Dark Horizons” magazine. I have been lucky enough to be in the previous ten or eleven issues, believe it or not. I’m likely to miss issue 52 but “Beholders” may well be in issue 53. Which leaves one question – what is it with the BFS and the word “horizons”? | ||
| Allen Ashley Username: Allen Registered: 07-2006 |
A quick note to let everybody know that I’ve had a new story “Play the Pipes of Pan” published in the latest issue of Rachel Kendall’s magazine “Sein Und Werden” (“Being and Becoming”). Don’t panic – all the contents are in English! Apart from my story, there’s also fiction from Gary McMahon and a lot of authors whose by-lines I didn’t recognise – which is a good thing. Cover price is £3. probably need to add a bit for p & p. Try Googling “Kiss The Witch” for further details. | ||
| Nick Jackson Username: Nickjack Registered: 07-2006 |
That sounds good, Allen. I'll check it out. I just sent you a postcard! All the best Nick | ||
| Allen Ashley Username: Allen Registered: 07-2006 |
Hi Nick, Thanks, got your postcard. Good to hear from you. Hope you enjoy my story in "Sein". | ||
| Allen Ashley Username: Allen Registered: 07-2006 |
As some of you will know, I have been in bands / performed with bands in the past but have been a little bit off the scene in recent times. However, next weekend I am returning to live performance at a London gig which is part live event and part private function. I hope to post some photos on my web site www.allenashley.com at a later date and maybe get somebody to review it (Andrew?). Like most people who once flirted with a singing career, I get the urge to try again every so often… Midlife crisis? Me! Who needs a “midlife” in order to have a crisis! | ||
| Allen Ashley Username: Allen Registered: 07-2006 |
Looks like I've reviewed it after all. Go to <www.allenashley.com> and click on the topic "Music News and Views" to read all about The Big Gig. Go on, you only need to do a few clicks on a button. | ||
| Allen Ashley Username: Allen Registered: 07-2006 |
It’s always great to be in a debut issue and I’m lucky enough to have a story called “Canoe Boy” in the first issue of a new BFS mag called “New Horizons”. The magazine is edited by our very own Andrew Hook. Great stuff. The more mags the merrier. | ||
| Allen Ashley Username: Allen Registered: 07-2006 |
Hi Everyone! Shameless self-promotion time again. I’ve updated my web site www.allenashley.com so don’t be shy, get along and have a look at the photos from “The Big Gig”, London, 10th May 2008 – they are all in the “News” section of the web site. I’m also going to be doing another anthology soon – whisper it, not for Elastic Press, though. No, we haven’t fallen out! Anyway, I shall post details on these boards soon – maybe I’ll even persuade Andrew to mention it in an Elastic Newsletter. | ||
| Allen Ashley Username: Allen Registered: 07-2006 |
Late notification, I know, but: My “Planet Dodo” commentary column which features regularly in the magazine “Midnight Street” has been nominated for “Best Non Fiction” in the British Fantasy Society (BFS) Awards. The BFS are having their annual pre-voting “Showcase” tomorrow – Saturday 19th July 2008 – at the regular venue of Ye Olde Cock Tavern in Fleet Street, London. From 2pm onwards. Note the early start. Nearest tubes are Fleet Street or Chancery Lane. I shall be there touting for votes , so if you’re going, don’t forget to say hello. | ||
| Allen Ashley Username: Allen Registered: 07-2006 |
News hot off the press today: I am thrilled to announce that I have been short-listed for a British Fantasy Society award for my “Planet Dodo” column, which runs regularly in Trevor Denyer’s magazine “Midnight Street”. This is the fourth year in succession that I have made the final five shortlist, so you’ll have to allow me to feel a bit of pride about that. It’s a strong list – isn’t it always? – and for the sake of fair play, here is the full list: British Fantasy Award Alphabetical List of top five nominees in the Non Fiction category: Non Fiction Allen Ashley, PLANET DODO COLUMN, Midnight Street Peter Tennant, WHISPERS OF WICKEDNESS WEBSITE REVIEWS Stephen Thrower, NIGHTMARE USA: THE UNTOLD STORY OF THE EXPLOITATION INDEPENDENTS, FAB Press Darren Turpin, UKSF BOOKNEWS Mark Valentine, WORMWOOD, Tartarus Press | ||
| Allen Ashley Username: Allen Registered: 07-2006 |
Hi Everyone, Just three weeks till Fantasycon! See lots of you there? | ||
| Allen Ashley Username: Allen Registered: 07-2006 |
Hi Everyone, The British Fantasy Society’s annual convention – Fantasycon – takes place at The Britannia Hotel next weekend (19-21 September 2008 inclusive) so I look forward to catching up with a few old friends there. I’m also down for a couple of events. I’m giving a reading at 2.30pm on Saturday 20th for about half an hour – haven’t chosen my text yet. I’m also moderating a panel on Sunday at 2pm. The title of the panel is, How To Publicise Yourself (websites, blogs, livejournal, myspace, that sort of thing). so I’m certainly hoping to learn something of value, The other panellists are: Sam Stone, Lee Harris and Darren Turpin. So, if you’re coming to the Con, look out for these events and come along to them! | ||
| Allen Ashley Username: Allen Registered: 07-2006 |
It was another great Fantasycon last weekend. I did a reading of my story “A Life in Maps” and also moderated a panel on “How To Publicise Yourself” with Sam Stone, Darren Turpin and Lee Harris. Good panel, I was told afterwards. My story “Beholders” has just been published in issue 53 of “Dark Horizons”, so look out for that. I will be posting full information about the “Subtle Edens” launch very soon. Busy times. Good times. | ||
| Allen Ashley Username: Allen Registered: 07-2006 |
Another new publication to announce. This time it’s a brand new novella called “Today We Were Astronauts”, which is the lead-off story in the latest British Fantasy Society (BFS) special publication “Houses on the Borderland” Edited by David Sutton. I’m really pleased to be in this prestigious publication, which also features novellas by Paul Finch, Simon Bestwick, Samantha Lee, Gary Fry and David Riley. There’s also an eye catching cover from multi-award winning artist Les Edwards. The theme is very broadly haunted houses, haunted landscapes, locations that affect the characters in a powerful, possibly supernatural manner. But modern stuff, not cheesy old ghost stories. Mine is set in a lighthouse and is the lead-off story. I’ve been in loads of BFS magazines such as “Dark Horizons”, “Prism”, “Chills” and so forth but I think this is my first ever appearance in a special publication. Also, it’s given me another chance to show that I can write to the medium length – 10000 to 20000 words – not just 5000 words and under. Check it out. | ||
| Allen Ashley Username: Allen Registered: 07-2006 |
I have a story coming out in the next print issue of "Sein und Werden". This could be as soon as December. My story is called "Philia Daze". As I suggested the issue theme - "philias" - I thought I'd better try something for the project and I'm glad to report that it was accepted. Look out for this story and others in one of the few remaining regularly produced print magazines. | ||
| Allen Ashley Username: Allen Registered: 07-2006 |
My great friend Trevor Denyer – who will be known to many of you as a stalwart of the SF / F/ H / Slipstream scene for many years – is going to be publishing my story “Waving Not Drowning†in the next issue of his fabulous fiction magazine “Midnight Streetâ€, due January 2009, so look out for that. Trevor has also put together a collection of his own stories and I am thrilled to say that he has asked me to write the introduction to the book. This is also likely to be available in early 2009. I don’t know what title he’s settled on yet for the volume. My intro is called “About Time Tooâ€, which says it all really. | ||
| Allen Ashley Username: Allen Registered: 07-2006 |
Just quickly, I don't know why the punctuation - e.g. the parentheses - have come out so strange in the above message. Must have been the inty cafe machine or library computer I was using. It's not my bad typing, honest! | ||
| Allen Ashley Username: Allen Registered: 07-2006 |
I know I’ve mentioned it a few times before but the great big anthology “The British Invasion” from Cemetery Dance USA – edited by Chris Golden, Tim Lebbon and James A. Moore - is apparently being shipped right now. This promises to be a landmark anthology and as well as a short offering from yours truly boasts pieces by Ramsey Campbell, Nick Royle, Conrad Williams, Joel Lane, Sarah Pinborough, etc. It’s going to be a cracking anthology and no mistake! | ||
| Allen Ashley Username: Allen Registered: 07-2006 |
As some of you might already know, Sarah Doyle and I are headlining a poetry evening at Salisbury House, Bury Street West, Edmonton, London N9 9LA on Saturday 7th February 2009 at 7.30pm sharp. Weather permitting, of course – as long as the snow doesn’t return and London's private and public transport system doesn’t grind to a complete halt again, the gig will go ahead. We are doing a selection of poems and songs. Anyone who came to “The Big Gig” back in May 2008 will know what to expect. The 329 bus route runs nearby and the venue is quite close to both Green Lanes and the A10 for those driving. So, hope to see a few friends there! | ||
| Allen Ashley Username: Allen Registered: 07-2006 |
There has been a big reaction on the message boards, blogs, email, etc because the anthology "The British Invasion" edited by Chris Golden, James A. Moore and Tim Lebbon has finally arrived on these shores. Yes, I know, British invasion landing in Britain seems a bit odd... Seriously, this is a cracking anthology from Cemetery Dance and, yes, I do have a story within - "The Spaces in our Lives" - along with offerings from a host of authors such as Nick Royle, Ramsey Campbell, etc. As soon as I have finished my current editing stint, this book will be going to the top of my "To Read" pile. Any of you who might be attending conventions or logging ion to Amazon, etc - this book comes highly recommended. Plus I have a story in the latest "Sein und Werden" - so look out for that, too. The theme is "Philias and fetishes". | ||
| Allen Ashley Username: Allen Registered: 07-2006 |
I have been a bit quiet regarding postings lately but that’s not an indication of lack of activity. In fact, quite the opposite. I am still reading and selecting submissions for my current editorial project “Catastrophia”, due to be published by PS Publishing in 2010. I have also been busy collaborating with a couple of other authors, namely regular collaborator Andrew Hook and also a first effort in conjunction with Douglas Thompson. Writing a story in concert with another author is a slightly different kick than going it entirely solo and one’s partner often brings added elements that take the story in unexpected directions or add a layer of quality to the action / characterisation / description / etc that one might not manage alone. I would recommend trying a collaboration to all authors. In “X Factor” speak, it will take you out of your comfort zone. | ||
| Allen Ashley Username: Allen Registered: 07-2006 |
Just had confirmation from Trevor Denyer, editor of “Midnight Street”, that as well as my regular “Planet Dodo” column, he will be featuring my story “Waving Not Drowning” in the next issue of “Midnight Street”, which is due out in April. Looking forward to that – I haven’t had an actual story in The Street for a couple of years, I think. | ||
| Andrew Hook Username: Andrew_hook Registered: 07-2006 |
Des Lewis has given a comprehensive story by story review of Somnambulists here on the BFS discussion boards. Well worth a read, although, of course, the book is long out of print. | ||
| Allen Ashley Username: Allen Registered: 07-2006 |
Hi Everyone, The above message links to an astonishingly detailed and complimentary review of my collection “Somnambulists” by the wonderful writing and editing legend Des Lewis. All I can do is to recommend that you have a look at it if you have 10 or 15 minutes to spare. And if you are a commissioning editor from Penguin, Gollancz, etc – my email is at allen@allenashley.com Actually, if you are just someone who wants to talk about “Somnambulists” or any other book / music / football match /etc, feel free to email me on the above address. Thanks again to Des for such a great review and thank, of course, to Andrew for helping make it all possible in the first place. | ||
| Allen Ashley Username: Allen Registered: 07-2006 |
In case any of you are not subscribers – and if not, why not? – just to let you know that issue 12 of Trevor Denyer’s fabulous and reliable magazine “Midnight Street” has now been published. It contains my regular column “Planet Dodo” as well as a story called “Waving Not Drowning”. Plus lots of other stuff to enjoy. Everyone should be supporting this stalwart of the independent publishing scene. What with his previous incarnations as “Roadworks” and “Legend”, Trevor has been publishing in the field for something like 15 or 16 years now. How many other magazine editors last that long? Speaking of Trevor, some of you may know that he finally has a collection of his own stories coming out soon, entitled “The Edge of the Country”. I’m happy to announce that I have the privilege of having written the introduction to the book. It’s due out in June and details are in the latest issue of “Midnight Street” or at the web site. | ||
| Allen Ashley Username: Allen Registered: 07-2006 |
Thanks to the tireless Andrew Hook, I have recently re-acquired a few copies of my non-fiction collection “The Days of the Dodo”, which was short-listed for the BFS “Best Non-Fiction” award. Anyway, they are free upon request. So, if you want one - maybe you missed out when they were first published or you’ve heard about the “Dodo” book since – well, this is your last chance. All you need to do is email me at allen@allenashley.com and I will put a copy aside to give to you at a BFS do or similar. Don’t miss out. As they say at the Marks & Spencer sale: Once they’re gone, they’re gone! | ||
| Allen Ashley Username: Allen Registered: 07-2006 |
As most of you will know, I have been busy considering submissions for my next editorial project, an anthology of SF disaster stories called “Catastrophia”, for multi-award winning PS Publishing (UK). The book is scheduled to be published during Autumn / Winter 2010. I have been reading since late July 2008, with the submission window officially opening on 1st August 2008. The submission window has now firmly closed with the official final day being 31st May 2009. I have had hundreds of submissions and so far have firmly accepted 8 stories but I still have over a hundred to consider and, in many cases, reconsider. This is going to be a prestigious publication with a big print run. I already have Brian Aldiss, Simon Clark and Adam Roberts on board along with newer voices such as Nina Allan. So, keep an eye on this site or my web site – www.allenashley.com - or the PS site – www.pspublishing.co.uk – for further information. This is an anthology you simply do not want to miss. In the meantime, I shall continue to post updates – further acceptances, cover art, etc – on this site and a few selected others. | ||
| Allen Ashley Username: Allen Registered: 07-2006 |
Regarding my current editorial project "Catastrophia": I have now read and reread everything that I was holding for a second reading and there are some real gems. A few need a little bit more work. Whatever, I hope to have some more “Catastrophia” news soon, with a probable flood of new acceptances to announce. This is going to be a stunning book. | ||
| Allen Ashley Username: Allen Registered: 07-2006 |
Hi Everyone, I’m pleased to announce that Trevor Denyer’s debut collection – “The Edge of the Country and other stories” has now been published. Details of how to get hold of a copy can be found at the “Midnight Street” site – Try www.midnightstreet.co.uk or click on the “Links” page. It’s been a long wait to see a book from Trevor. Essentially, Trevor is a contemporary as a writer in the field; but, over the years, his writing has taken something of a back seat because he has largely devoted his energies to editing – “Roadworks”, “Legend” and now “Midnight Street” – giving many of us a valuable helping hand along the way. So, I was very pleased to write the introduction to his book and wish him every success with this long overdue collection. | ||
| Allen Ashley Username: Allen Registered: 07-2006 |
I am expecting to very soon announce one, two or even more acceptances for my anthology “Catastrophia”. Regarding my next collection “Once and Future Cities” – there will be at least 3 launches for this. Firstly, I expect to have early or preview copies with me at Fantasycon Nottingham (18-20 September 2009). Then I am doing a launch at Waterstones in Glasgow on Thursday 1st October 2009. If you miss those, there’s always Salisbury House Poets in December. Email me on allen@allenashley.com if you need any more information about the book, the launches, “Catastrophia”... anything really. | ||
| Allen Ashley Username: Allen Registered: 07-2006 |
How exciting is this? I have just received copies of my third short story collection, entitled “Once and Future Cities”. This has been published by Eibonvale Press and is a fantastic looking, high quality production containing 22 of my stories, 6 of which are original to the collection. The book comes in at an astonishing 477 pages. You can read excerpts at the Eibonvale web site www.eibonvalepress.co.uk, where you can also order copies or, if you’re likely to see me at Fantasycon, you can email me on allen@allenashley.com. Official publication date is October 1st but I will have some copies with me at F Con (18-20 Sep 09). I am doing a launch at Waterstone’s in Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow at 6.30pm sharp on Thursday 1st October 2009, so come along and have a chat. My friend Douglas Thompson is also launching his novel “Ultrameta” at the same event, so it would be great to see plenty of people at what is a pretty prestigious gig for both of us. I expect to post a little more about Fantasycon soon. | ||
| Allen Ashley Username: Allen Registered: 07-2006 |
I shall be attending the BFS shindig “Fantasycon” in Nottingham next weekend – Friday 18 September to Sunday 20 September 2009. I’ve been short-listed for a BFS award for Best Anthology for “Subtle Edens”, so fingers crossed with that. I’m also moderating a panel on Sunday called “Writing to a Theme – The Editors’ Perspective”. The aim of the panel is to offer some tips, advice, experiences on what editors are looking for from authors. So, come along if you can and we (me and fellow panellists which I expect will include Andrew Hook and Joel Lane) will do our best to offer some pearls of wisdom. Alternatively, if you’re at F Con – just come and say hello. | ||
| Allen Ashley Username: Allen Registered: 07-2006 |
Just got back from Fantasycon 2009, held in Nottingham over the weekend just gone. Unfortunately, my anthology “Subtle Edens” didn’t win the “Best Anthology” award – that went to Steve Jones with his “Best New Horror” imprint – but I had a great time nonetheless catching up with old friends and new, too numerous to mention. I also took part in the Poetry event on Friday night, ably hosted by the affable Chris Morgan, and I moderated a panel on “Writing To A Theme – The Editors’ Perspective”, on which I was joined by Joel Lane, Ian Whates, Gary Couzens and Angus Mackenzie. (Andrew Hook was otherwise occupied in the BFS AGM). This was the final panel of the weekend and we had an excellent attendance with some lively debate and plenty of questions from the floor. I also managed a quick chat with Pete Crowther of PS Publishing, who are issuing my “Catastrophia” anthology next year, and I hope that very soon I can confirm more details about a possible launch and signing event for that book. | ||
| Allen Ashley Username: Allen Registered: 07-2006 |
I wanted to post several days ago to say a big thank you to everyone who turned up to the “Once and Future Cities” launch in Glasgow – but at that stage the Elastic site was unavailable. Glad to see that it has all been sorted out for the moment. So, if you came to Glasgow Waterstone’s on 1st October – thank you very much. Whether you did or not, take a look at the photos on my web site. Go to www.allenashley.com and scroll down the “News” pages for a flavour of the event. I have another launch scheduled for London on Saturday 5th December. Email me for a poster: allen@allenashley.com I am also possibly negotiating another reading in North London in the near future. It’s all go! | ||
| Allen Ashley Username: Allen Registered: 07-2006 |
And if you aren't able to be at the launch for "Once and Future Cities" at Salisbury House, Edmonton on Saturday 5th December, I am expecting to attend the very popular BFS Open Night on Friday 4th December (i.e. the night before) - so, catch up with everyone there. | ||
| Allen Ashley Username: Allen Registered: 07-2006 |
Hi Everyone, This just in: Click on this link to read a really positive review of my latest collection "Once and Future Cities". The review is from the prestigious site Sci-Fi Online. http://www.sci-fi-online.com/00_revs/r2009/book/09-08-01_oncefuturecities.html | ||
| Allen Ashley Username: Allen Registered: 07-2006 |
The new issue of “Midnight Street” – issue 13 – is out and contains the latest edition of my regular commentary “Planet Dodo”. There are also stories by authors such as Tim Nickels, Nick Jackson and Ralph Robert Moore. Plus editor Trevor Denyer has very favourably reviewed my latest Collection “Once and Future Cities”. ”Midnight Street” deservedly made the shortlist for this year’s British Fantasy Society awards. If you have never seen an issue of “Midnight Street”, it really does deserve your support. However, the long term future for “Midnight Street” is as an online publication as of the next issue. Trevor is still promising to do an annual print anthology as well but my next “Plant Dodo” column will be in the pdf version of “Midnight Street”, some time in 2010. It’s been a tough time for independent book and magazine publishers of late, with several reliable markets closing or reconsidering their options. Elastic Press – gone. Crowswing Books – gone. Humdrumming – gone. Fusing Horizons – gone. Midnight Street – gone virtual. Pendragon Press – has recently had a year’s hiatus. Sein und Werden – on an indefinite break. I don’t want to paint too bleak a picture as there are other publishers still going strong, even if their publishing schedule is pretty full up at the moment. I’m thinking of people like PS Publishing, Eibonvale Press, Screaming Dreams Press, NewCon Press, Dark Horizons and New Horizons. All of these deserve your support. If you want the independent print press to survive, then get behind these surviving stalwarts with your hard earned cash. Lecture over. More news soon. | ||
| Allen Ashley Username: Allen Registered: 07-2006 |
A few thoughts on 2009: OK, after my previous rant, let’s celebrate some of the positives from 2009. Small press / independent press victories in the BFS awards – Screaming Dreams published the winning collection; NewCon Press published the winning short story. I have had my third collection of short stories published, this time by Eibonvale Press (www.eibonvalepress.so.cuk) and got to do a couple of public readings, with another scheduled for January. My next project – as editor of the PS anthology “Catastrophia” – is full and it’s now up to me to sort out running order, an introduction, etc. We are also hopeful that my set of collaborations with Andrew Hook – “Slow Motion Wars” – should appear from Screaming Dreams Press in 2010. Plus there’s my story “Catherine my Lionheart” due in the next issue of “Postscripts”. I have written steadily throughout the year – short stories, poems, songs, articles. It’s also good to see friends such as Sarah Doyle, Andrew Hook, Tim Nickels, Neil Williamson, Terry Grimwood, Trevor Denyer, Nina Allan, Douglas Thompson and Gary Power continuing to achieve publishing success. Of course, they all deserve even more recognition! I have had a good decade in the “noughties”. Here’s to the very Arthur C. Clarke sounding 2010. | ||
| Allen Ashley Username: Allen Registered: 07-2006 |
Well, here we are in 2010 and I’m pleased to post a couple of things on the calendar. On Thursday 28th January I’m doing a reading / book signing / launch for “Once and Future Cities” at Big Green Bookshop, Wood Green, London N22. Start time is 6.30pm, with a reading from me at 7pm prompt. I shall be reading an abridged version of my story “Beholders”, which is the opening salvo in “Once and Future Cities”. If you need directions on how to get there, email me on allen@allenashley.com Looking further ahead, I have a story due very soon in the next issue of “Postscripts”. Contracts and inserts are all signed, so it should be out within a month or two. Looking even further ahead, there’s the launch of my next anthology “Catastrophia”, due to take place at the British Fantasy Society “FantasyCon” convention in Nottingham in September. I’ve been reading through al the stories over the New Year period and this book is going to be an absolute stormer. More details to follow soon. | ||
| Allen Ashley Username: Allen Registered: 07-2006 |
Just received notification from Paul Kane that my story “Shirts” will be appearing very soon in the next issue of “Terror Tales”. I think that’s “Terror Tales 4”, but it might be “Terror Tales 5” - I may have missed one somewhere. Anyway, this particular story got very positive comments from Trevor Denyer in “Midnight Street” and also features in “Once and Future Cities”. So, if you like the look of “Shirts” in the next “Terror Tales”, why not try my 477 page collection? | ||
| Allen Ashley Username: Allen Registered: 07-2006 |
DATE CHANGE Please note: The date of my reading at Big Green Bookshop has now been changed from 28.1.10 to Thursday 18th February 2010. The event begins at 6.30pm for a prompt 7pm start. I shall be reading a revised version of my story “Beholders” and selling / publicising my recent collection “Once and Future Cities”. If anyone needs further information, have a look at the posting dated 2 Jan 2010 or please email me on allen@allenashley.com | ||
| Allen Ashley Username: Allen Registered: 07-2006 |
Those of you in the London area - don’t forget my reading at Big Green Bookshop, London N22 at 6.30pm on Thursday 18th February 2010. I will be reading my story “Beholders” and selling copies of my recent collection “Once and Future Cities”. Big Green Bookshop is a local independent bookshop and deserves your support, especially in the current economic climate. Looking forward to catching up with a few of you there. |