New Story, New Anthology – SALE!

I have just heard that editor Ian Sales has picked up my story, “Slipping Sideways”, for the new anthology, Rocket Science. I am particularly happy because I will be sharing the TOC with friend and author Stephen Gaskell. Rocket Science will be released in 2012 and will be published by Mutation Press. Back in 2010 Mutation Press published the acclaimed book Music for Another World, and featured some great writers. I am glad to be in this next anthology. Buy the first anthology, and pick up Rocket Science when it comes out.

FantasyCon, Steampunk, and Kung Fu

Sorry for any delays in posting. After a death in the family, I am refocusing and getting back on track.

Getting ready for Fantasycon. The steampunk book is ready, with one more change in the line-up–added in Aliette de Bodard and “Kung Fu Jesus Man” Lavie Tidhar for what is a really cool anthology. See the awesome cover by Charles Harbour at the Immersion press website.

I shall have a table in the dealer’s room, so come by and say hi and buy a book or two, or three, or four…. (All books will be reduced in price.)

I will have on hand for purchase Lavie Tidhar’s excellent Jesus and the Eightfold Path for sale. It is a beautiful limited-edition hardcover novella. Check out the great cover art from Melissa Gay at the website.

You can also pick up Fun With Rainbows by Gareth Owens, The Immersion Book of SF, edited by me, and The Immersion Book of Steampunk, edited by Gareth D Jones and myself.

Steampunk Work

I can finally say I am coming to the end of reworking the TOC for the Immersion Book of Steampunk. If I don’t get bogged down with serious energy-fail, this thing could see the light of day very soon.

New TOC:

Gareth Owens

James Targett

Jacques Barcia

Gord Sellar

G.D. Falksen

Anatoly Belilovsky

Toby Frost

Elizabeth Counihan

James Johnson

Tanith Lee

Chris Butler

Paul Di Filippo

Honorable Mention – Writers of the Future

Although I did not win, I have received an “Honorable Mention” from the Writers of the Future Award (1st quarter, 2011) for my story, “A Woman of Light and Steel”. They tell me my certificate is in the mail.

It would have been great to be a finalist or semi-finalist, but I am happy right now with this “Honorable Mention”. It means a lot to me and I’m proud to have it.

Now I guess I’ll have to do some more writing!

New Work Available–World SF Site and Scifaikuest

Just a quick note to say that two new pieces of mine are available.

Author and editor Lavie Tidhar has just published my story, A Change of Season on the World SF site. You can read it here.

Additionally, Samsdot‘s poetry magazine have published my haiku in the February 2011 issue of their excellent Scifaikuest magazine. They have two versions of the magazine, one online and the other a print magazine. You can find my poem in the print magazine only (both versions of the magazine differ in content.)

You can order the magazine from their site.

All Things Upcoming

Having had a great few months, book-wise, I turn my attention to the latest Immersion Press title, The Immersion Book of Steampunk. I am really happy that my friend Gareth Owens contributed a tale. His new story really adds some mean coolness to this anthology. And with Paul di Filippo rounding off the book, you can’t go wrong. Unless you don’t like steampunk…

Charlie Harbour once again demonstrates why he has been nominated for a BFSA Award for artwork, as his cover for the steampunk book is by far his best yet! I can’t wait to show it to you.

As a recent convert to the genre of steampunk, I must say there are some really cool stories out there. Give it a try, if you haven’t already.

Being a Lavie Tidhar fan makes this next announcement all the more fantastic. Immersion Press will be releasing a hardcover, limited-edition of his novella Jesus and the Eightfold Path, which I hear is coming along smoothly. I’ve seen the cover art and it kicks ass!

While I have had to bow out of EasterCon, I will hopefully see some of you at FantasyCon in Brighton.

Immersion Book of SF Review in Interzone

It’s a great feeling to get a good review in Britain’s longest-running and most influential science fiction magazine, Interzone.  In issue 232, Duncan Lunan gives The Immersion Book of SF a thumbs up–and Iam glad.  As editor for the book, it feels great to see my choices for stories supported by such a review.

Get yourself a copy of the magazine, or go to TTA PRESS here and purchase a subscription. If you like Sci-Fi, it’s almost criminal not to own a subscription to Interzone.

BSFA Nominations

It’s been the coolest few months. Between the good reviews for The Immersion Book of SF we had some great nominations for stories and art, as well. The long list for Best Short Story was made by our own Chris Butler for “Have Guiter, Will Travel”, Lavie Tidhar for “Lode Stars”, and Gareth Owens for “The Cloth From Which She is Cut”.  Our exceptional cover artist, Charles Harbour, is now on the final list in the Best Art category for the cover of Fun With Rainbows, by Gareth Owens.

Well done to all. And here’s hoping for a win for Charles.

Another Good Review

Well, 2011 starts off with a good review of The Immersion Book of SF from the good people at the very cool Abyss & Apex Magazine.

That makes four good professional reviews (six reviews in total, if  you feel generous and want to count two good reviews from personal blogs).

Here’s hoping 2011 shapes up to be a mighty fine year.

Kind Words From Gwyneth Jones

Kind words from the esteemed Gwyneth Jones, who states the following:

“Respect for the traditions of genre, uniformly solid writing and a refreshingly international feel, what more could you ask? Cunningly placed for Christmas shoppers, The Immersion Book of SF bodes well for Carmelo Rafala’s Brighton based Immersion Press.”

Along with good reviews from Gardner Dozois and Rich Horton in LOCUS, this is a great way to end the year.

Links round up:

Visit Gwyneth Jones and read her excellent blog.