tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44790102351921335412024-02-20T02:53:10.561+00:00Scribbles from the SofaIt's either this or stacking shelves...Vote Saxonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15731076180307654295noreply@blogger.comBlogger111125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4479010235192133541.post-65570636193698656122015-11-15T19:03:00.001+00:002015-11-15T19:03:25.955+00:00The Finishing Post Is In Sight!Almost!<br />
<br />
I'm editing the last story of Veto, Volume 2.<br />
<br />
End end is nigh! (For this book, anyway!)<br />
<br />
In the meantime, who would like to see the new cover?<br />
<br />
You would?<br />
<br />
Sure?<br />
<br />
<br />
Ok.<br />
<br />
<br />
Here it is...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB_PBHA_CJjpVo1LAcu1YBD6bDGckQp72xInqt9DvwHW6mJSQCPzRFtoq0X5I6NXyx134YZJTyM35YI4ILI5fVK4M1sn6SuC-gdr3aKoO4Vo3HIbXpyQiFWkt0Le-r3ngGWOGEH44s8mSv/s1600/Veto+2+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB_PBHA_CJjpVo1LAcu1YBD6bDGckQp72xInqt9DvwHW6mJSQCPzRFtoq0X5I6NXyx134YZJTyM35YI4ILI5fVK4M1sn6SuC-gdr3aKoO4Vo3HIbXpyQiFWkt0Le-r3ngGWOGEH44s8mSv/s640/Veto+2+Cover.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />Vote Saxonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15731076180307654295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4479010235192133541.post-11973877084511164032015-08-09T15:34:00.002+01:002015-08-09T15:34:23.013+01:00Valves & Vixens Vol:2 - OUT NOW!Valves & Vixens Vol:2 is an anthology of Steampunk short stories edited by Nicola Gestalt is out now!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFUiuRTffcJTzJk4tSHrT567HQ0Iaz7HBo_UBoVErkGHEz0XBM_yK8KSOpmIJu0Q7mNs_7Sdk7VYDx-LOErD4oGZSDlIri0SiHw6gyiU4d4r8exVse-9sZcGZz0aBQGnqY4csD_WJg9afo/s1600/Valves+%2526+Vixens+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFUiuRTffcJTzJk4tSHrT567HQ0Iaz7HBo_UBoVErkGHEz0XBM_yK8KSOpmIJu0Q7mNs_7Sdk7VYDx-LOErD4oGZSDlIri0SiHw6gyiU4d4r8exVse-9sZcGZz0aBQGnqY4csD_WJg9afo/s320/Valves+%2526+Vixens+2.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<br />
Steampunk Erotica! Who would have thought I'd have a little tale in this! I had rather a lot of fun (and wine!) writing 'Emily's Basement'.<br />
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The ebook versions are out now! Huzzah!<br />
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Print versions will be out soon!<br />
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<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
Amazon (UK): <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B012XZK7UM" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/<wbr></wbr>B012XZK7UM</a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
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Amazon (USA): <a href="http://amzn.com/B012XZK7UM" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://amzn.com/B012XZK7UM</a> </div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
<br />
AllRomance Ebooks: <a href="https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-valvesvixensvolume2-1859608-356.html" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://www.allromanceebooks.<wbr></wbr>com/product-<wbr></wbr>valvesvixensvolume2-1859608-<wbr></wbr>356.html</a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">The link to the all about the authors page: </span><a href="http://nicolegestalt.blogspot.co.uk/p/blog-page_86.html" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;" target="_blank">http://nicolegestalt.blogspot.<wbr></wbr>co.uk/p/blog-page_86.html</a>Vote Saxonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15731076180307654295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4479010235192133541.post-13538458905867867372015-04-12T10:05:00.002+01:002015-04-12T10:05:42.479+01:00Veto Lark - Volume 2The first draft is.... FINISHED!<br />
<br />
Now for the fun part!<br />
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To the Rewriting Mobile!Vote Saxonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15731076180307654295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4479010235192133541.post-53817399546951745112015-04-10T10:28:00.002+01:002015-04-10T10:28:52.276+01:00Blast from the PastChatting to a friend this morning who reminded me about this little piece of madness from years ago!<br />
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<a href="http://wonderwig.comicgenesis.com/d/20020124.html" target="_blank">Wonderwig </a><br />
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<br />Vote Saxonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15731076180307654295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4479010235192133541.post-56759979538555688522015-03-14T14:38:00.002+00:002015-03-14T14:38:55.204+00:00Sneaky Peaks...Who would like a little sneaky peak from Veto Volume 2?<br />
<br />
Anyone?<br />
<br />
Well, be like that then! I'm going to post one anyway!<br />
<br />
So there!<br />
<br />
<br />
(This may or may not change dramatically from the final version depending on how lazy my rewriting will be...)<br />
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<div style="text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">Ember sat in a luxurious chair in front of an enormous and even more luxurious carved wooden desk. Dwarfed behind the mammoth piece of highly polished furniture was a man of quite diminutive proportions.</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">Completely bald, apart from a startling ‘horn’ of hair sticking dramatically upward from the centre of his head, Dr. Hickory Emmental regarded Ember in silence. The unmoving, penetrating stare emanating from his glowing red eyes was rather disconcerting.</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">Ember smiled and did her best to appear relaxed under his intense scrutinising gaze but before long she found herself fidgeting, wishing he would say or do something.</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">“Is he all right?” Veto whispered loudly, beginning to feel a tad concerned and worrying that he may be accused of inadvertently being in the same room as an undiscovered dead body again.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">“I’m perfectly well, thank you, Lark.” The man’s gravelly voice wheezed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">“Splendid! Rather relieved to hear that,” Veto said honestly. </span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">Again there followed a cold, empty silence.</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">Emmental threw his three and a quarter foot tall body out of his chair and walked slowly around Ember.</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">“Hmmmmm…”</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">“Hmmmmm?” Ember hmmmed.</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">“Hmmmmmmm.” Emmental stopped in front of her. “Show me what you have chosen.” He demanded brusquely.</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">“I thought this one was quite nice…” she began, holding out the catalogue.</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">“They are ALL nice!” Emmental shouted.</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">“Of course they are all nice!” Ember hurriedly agreed. “I meant I thought this one would be nice for me.”</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">“In fact NONE of them are nice! Each one is far, far beyond ‘nice’! Every single item is a perfectly unique work of art! The word ‘nice’ insults me! The words 'quite nice' insults me doubly so, sir!”</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">“I didn’t mean to offend!” Ember said hurriedly, quaking a little at the man’s rage. “May I point out that I’m not actually a ‘sir’?”</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">“No you may not, sir!” He had clambered onto his desk and was pacing upon it in quivering fury. “</span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">The Civilised Galaxy’s elite do not come to me for ‘NICE!”</span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
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</div>
<div style="text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">“Well no, of course not…” </span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">“They come to me for perfection! And perfection is what they get when they pay for Doctor Hickory Emmental’s unrivalled expertise!”</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">He leapt from the desk towards a sculpture and waved his hands at it.</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">“This is a Vertigo Von Grout original piece! It is one of the most highly respected works of the last three centuries. Made from the last of the finest Serendipity Marble known to exist, it is considered to be one of the most exquisite forms of art ever to have been worked, yet it pales in comparison to my surgical creations which are on a parallel with the Divine Itself!”</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Ember considered the sculpture with its fine gentle curves and remarkable yet slightly unnerving </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">resemblance to a rather personal part of the Human female anatomy.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">“Yes… It is rather… Nice.”</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">In a fit of self-preservation, Veto backed quickly out of the room.</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">Emmental shuddered but kept himself under control as he studied Ember’s choice.</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">“No no no no no no NO!” He grabbed the catalogue, clucked and strutted around the room. “This is not right for you at all! Not in the slightest! Are you so deranged to think this would suit you?!”</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">“I rather liked it,” Ember said.</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">The doctor fixed her with a piercing flame red eye and stood stock still for several moments until Ember began to feel rather uncomfortable.</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">“I am going to ask you to do something that is most likely not in your nature to do…” He whispered.</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">“Are you?” Ember felt decidedly uneasy. Looking around for Veto she noticed him badly concealed in the waiting room beyond.</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">“Yes. I am.” Emmental declared. He attempted to melodramatically tear the catalogue into little pieces with despise, however it defiantly thwarted his best efforts. After a few seconds of struggle he instead threw it to the floor in a huff of contempt.</span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;"> “Nothing in here will be good enough for you! NOTHING!”</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">“Oh… It won’t?” Ember said rather disappointedly.</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">“No!” Emmental continued his pacing of the room. Using his chair as a step, he pounced back onto his desk.</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;"> “Instead, I shall create something just for you! There will be nothing like it in existence and it shall be one of my finest creations! Nay! My FINEST creation!” He struck a noble pose, holding an arm as high as he could into the air, his index finger pointing upwards to the heavens above.</span></div>
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<div style="text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">Watching from the comparative safety of the waiting room behind a plinth on which a large aspidistra flailed around trying unsuccessfully to swat him, Veto felt the doctor’s speech should really have climaxed with a fanfare and perhaps an indoor firework or two. </span></div>
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Vote Saxonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15731076180307654295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4479010235192133541.post-5533726724891872562015-02-28T11:30:00.000+00:002015-02-28T11:30:20.702+00:00Valves & Vixens: Vol 2Well, hello! First post of 2015!<br />
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And a rather exciting post it is too! Although I've been slogging tirelessly away scribbling up the new volume of Veto Lark, (what do you mean, you don't believe me?!) I've also been up to all sorts of other shenanigans.<br />
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"Oh do tell, Magz!" I hear you all cry in a fit of helpless curiosity.<br />
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Oh, all right then, since you insist!<br />
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One of my short stories will be appearing in Valves & Vixens Vol 2 which will be published soon.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSGzLdz9PnFyyLgT1QKNqulvimfw_Af8hUV2IllkeFSayUzAO44tFUFGjt2ftBRD0gR5drP2hJpKGcBrmBSj-Orih-0_G5_xTzCKm_IVXokMgU_4fFn1UZOh6zo-4mFbDuSi0ODM07Ylga/s1600/Valves+&+Vixens+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSGzLdz9PnFyyLgT1QKNqulvimfw_Af8hUV2IllkeFSayUzAO44tFUFGjt2ftBRD0gR5drP2hJpKGcBrmBSj-Orih-0_G5_xTzCKm_IVXokMgU_4fFn1UZOh6zo-4mFbDuSi0ODM07Ylga/s1600/Valves+&+Vixens+2.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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It's an anthology of Steampunk short stories edited by Nicola Gestalt.<br />
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Ok, Steampunk Erotica to be accurate.<br />
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It's funny how I never really quite know where I'll end up...<br />
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Vote Saxonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15731076180307654295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4479010235192133541.post-9078036171191112552014-05-22T10:14:00.000+01:002014-05-22T10:14:03.069+01:00Detox!Tis Day #3 of the... Hmmm, what to call it? Detox? Lifestyle Change? Diet? Not sure. For sake of argument, I'll just call it 'Hugo.'<br />
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Well, Hugo, is already having a great effect on me. I've drastically cut back on the old boon of Dionysus. When I say 'cut back', I mean completely cut out and already I'm feeling the benefits. My one cup of caffeine tea of a morn combined with a small banana is like rocket fuel!<br />
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Also muchly enjoying the Fruity goodness and Veggie intake - which allows the odd bacon & egg sarnie to be consumed with no guilt whatsoever!<br />
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Long may it continue!Vote Saxonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15731076180307654295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4479010235192133541.post-10256957899459966682014-03-25T14:12:00.004+00:002014-03-25T14:12:34.843+00:00Veto Lark: Scavenger of the Stars - OUT NOW!Finally, it has been unleashed!<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00J7RC0LY" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00J7RC0LY" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_QLamWQP6lA9zwBnU4whV6-bGYorsY-fMk-i2EoqL7qmKF9Z2sGB_V3W6HusNkITUP9R2wxOKURblkirqsd1wmq566VJAAEuMSYG3lp0ma7xDxcPVWDacsg2erDQvnX5725Ay647ho2la/s1600/VL+Cover+1.jpg" height="320" width="200" /></a></div>
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<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00J7RC0LY" target="_blank">Snapshots Volume One is available for Kindle now! </a> </h2>
Vote Saxonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15731076180307654295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4479010235192133541.post-38348022216496804382013-05-11T10:38:00.001+01:002013-05-11T10:39:40.143+01:00Veto Lark NewsVery, very close to releasing the first Veto Lark collection of slightly connected short stories...<br />
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Nervous and excited!Vote Saxonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15731076180307654295noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4479010235192133541.post-76482078518585603472013-03-27T15:20:00.000+00:002013-04-28T11:50:46.444+01:00Bunnies and EggsAs it's Easter, things are likely to get a bit hectic. However, as I watch the snow flutter majestically from the sky, I fully intend to eat as much chocolate, drink as much Easter beverage as possible, and generally do little else.<br />
If I could, I would smuggle several bunnies into the house, however, that would most likely be a bad idea.<br />
In the meantime, I may even write some more Veto Lark -<br />
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'Veto Lark and the Rampant Rabbits of A Summersland.'<br />
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<br />Vote Saxonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15731076180307654295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4479010235192133541.post-87477649462989282812013-02-12T13:29:00.003+00:002013-04-03T16:43:04.548+01:00Veto Lark: A Case of Scales<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Veto Lark: A Case of Scales</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Part One</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
by</div>
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Magz Wiseman</div>
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<div style="border: 0px; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Droid Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.984375px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
The spotlessly clean steam train wound its way sedately through the perfect 1:1 scale scenery of Switzerland. The grandeur that was the Alps lined the horizon, each detail perfectly crafted to the finest point. </div>
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It chuffed its way past villages, stopping occasionally at picturesque stations along the way, before continuing past gently rolling green fields full of cows that never moved. </div>
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Sitting in a first class carriage, sipping champagne from a silver hip flask, Veto Lark had noted with interest that no one ever boarded, nor departed the train at any of the stations. The few people milling around on the platforms never once glanced at the train. All merely stared in random directions, never talking, never moving.</div>
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He had also found it curious the fact there was only ever one guard at any given station; a guard who looked remarkably similar to all the other guards in every other station; one who always stood in an identical position, one hand forever raised, grasping a red flag which never fluttered. Even had there been a wind to ruffle it, sturdy plastic tended not to move much at all.</div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Droid Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.984375px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
"Remarkable, isn't it?"</div>
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Veto looked up at the woman who had silently entered the compartment, and was now sitting opposite him. Disguising his sudden shock at the unexpected intrusion, he feigned the cool unflappable calm he was famous for, by taking a quick glug from his flask. The desired effect was temporarily dented by an unsubtle burp as his innards objected to the sudden rush of fermented bubbles.</div>
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"Yes. Quite. Indeed it is..." He made a mental note not to fill the flask with anything effervescent in future.</div>
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The woman wore confidence and finesse as comfortably as she did her luxurious llama-fur coat and matching hat. Her cold, slate grey eyes regarded him with mild curiosity and, quite possibly, amusement.</div>
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"You have it for me?" Only the barest flicker of an eyelid indicated a chink in her emotions, her nerves hidden well behind her perfect exterior. Veto would have applauded her control had not the situation been so serious. </div>
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"I might have." </div>
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"Do you have it, or not?" The flicker turned to anger. </div>
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"Do you have the payment?" Veto assumed his most relaxed pose, only just preventing himself from slipping off the hard, plastic seat. Sitting himself upright once more, he maintained the stand-off. </div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Droid Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.984375px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
A vague narrowing of eyes before she deftly withdrew a slim envelope from her bag. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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End of Part One</div>
Vote Saxonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15731076180307654295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4479010235192133541.post-74236470836783994272013-02-05T11:33:00.000+00:002013-02-05T13:13:08.276+00:00Free Short Story - Veto Lark: Scavenger of the Stars<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 27pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: large; text-indent: 27pt;">Veto Lark: Scavenger of the Stars</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 27pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; text-indent: 27pt;">by Magz Wiseman</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-indent: 27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; text-indent: 27pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-indent: 27.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-indent: 27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; text-indent: 27pt;">The
magnificent foyer of the British Museum hummed with the current cream of
society. ‘A’ list celebrities feigned knowledge of the finer points of Ancient
Egyptian civilisation as they cast critical eyes over each other’s attire, hair,
and shoes. Several leading politicians made lucrative deals over champagne and canapés,
while esteemed professors of history and archaeology debated theories and
discoveries within their respected disciplines.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-indent: 27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Amongst
all this, a vaguely handsome man casually wove his way through the gathered
assemblage. Charming both guests and catering staff alike, Veto Lark almost
drew a large number of glances. Most of those admiring looks quickly slid away
however, his features instantly forgotten. This could have been due to the fact
that his smart, yet ill-fitting tuxedo was a tad scruffier when scrutinised
further, or it may have been because his eyes revealed a hidden oddness when
looked directly into. It was, however, more likely caused by the disruptance wave
emitted from a small transmitter attached to the lapel of his jacket. Cleverly
disguised as a popular flower, the device caused anyone paying undue attention
to him to feel rather queasy, and develop the sudden urge to avert their gaze
to anywhere else. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-indent: 27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Veto
spotted an imposing, portly man in his mid-fifties chatting animatedly to an
elegant tweed encrusted woman who appeared to be about the same age. He
immediately directed his amble toward the couple and burst into their
conversation. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-indent: 27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">“Professor
Herbert Schneider! Head of the Department of Egyptology, if I’m not mistaken.”
Veto grabbed the scholar’s hand and shook it vigorously. The Professor seemed
alarmed, finding himself not quite able to look the newcomer in the eye, yet
obviously unwilling to be impolite. “Sorry… One moment.” Veto fiddled with the
petals of the flower on his lapel. “Better?” </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-indent: 27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">“Well,
yes…” the Professor muttered, feeling considerably better. Finally able to look
at the man, Herbert wondered why the chap standing before him was wearing a
large sunflower on his jacket; particularly to such a prestigious black tie
event. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-indent: 27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">“It is
an absolute pleasure to meet you, sir. What a coup for the museum!” Veto
enthused.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-indent: 27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">The
Professor immediately warmed to his subject. “Indeed it is. It was most
gratifying to be successful in the bid to be the first to exhibit these
stunning new pieces.” He glanced smugly at the woman standing beside him. “May
I introduce Professor Clarissa Johnson, my counterpart at the Smithsonian.”</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-indent: 27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Veto
ignored Clarissa, his attention firmly on Herbert. “You know, I would just love
a sneaky preview, Professor.” His eyes bored into Schneider’s. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-indent: 27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Herbert
felt a little perturbed at the stranger’s gaze. “I’m afraid you will just have
to be patient…” </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-indent: 27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">“I
would really like to see it now…” Veto’s eyes held Herbert’s. The Professor
felt a little lightheaded and began to wonder why it wasn’t such a bad idea to
do as the man asked. He did seem jolly interested, after all. There was surely
no harm in allowing him to do so…</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-indent: 27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">An
attractive young woman in a dangerously short black dress joined the group,
carefully balancing three flutes of champagne. Seeing her hand one of the
glasses to Professor Schneider, and the other to Professor Johnson, Veto took
the third for himself. Admiring the waitress’s considerable endowments, he
flashed her one of his ‘special’ smiles. She raised an amused eyebrow as Veto
gulped his champagne down in one, following it with a reverberating burp. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-indent: 27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">“Venusian
Clicquot ‘78, if I’m not mistaken,” Veto stated, always ready to impress. All
three looked blankly at him. Swiftly changing the subject, he addressed the
waitress once more. “How about you and I have a little fumble in the
Antiquities section later?” He winked meaningfully, confident his dazzling
smile had already melted her defences. He suspected this night would be
profitable in more ways than one. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-indent: 27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">A
polite cough from the Professor dragged his attention back to the task in hand.
“So, then Herbert, May I call you Herbert? Now, about this little guided tour
you were about to take me on? Won’t take long. Just one teeny little item I’d
love to see before the rest of the Riff-Raff get a chance.” </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-indent: 27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">“As I
stated before, no.” The Professor’s expression had grown rather stony. “May I
also introduce you to Abi Schneider. My wife.” He gestured to the woman in the
black dress.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-indent: 27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Veto
looked from Abi to the Professor, then back again, and burst out laughing. “Oh,
you nearly had me going there, you old coot!” </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-indent: 27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">There
was no doubt about it; the Professor was most definitely not amused. “I think
perhaps you should circulate, sir… don’t you?” </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-indent: 27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Veto’s
grin faded. “What? Seriously?” He cast another glance at the ‘waitress’. “Ah…
right. My little joke, of course.” He shuffled a little, but soon grasped the
situation back under control. “So. Statue, about this big…” He gestured
randomly with his hands. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-indent: 27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">“Go
away, or I shall call security,” Herbert growled. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-indent: 27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">“Don’t
you get yourself all upset now, love,” Abi put her hand on the Professor’s arm,
not noticing the jealous glare Clarissa failed to hide. “Some more champagne,
dear?” Moving away from Herbert, she grabbed Veto’s arm, propelling him away.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-indent: 27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">“Seriously,
go away,” Abi hissed. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-indent: 27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">“Oh, go
on. Let me have just a little peak?” Veto pleaded with his best puppy dog eyes.
“Then you can show me the statue.” Abi glared at him, secretly amused at his
audacity. As she stared at him, she felt a moment of dizziness. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-indent: 27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">“What’s
so special about this statue anyway?” Her curiosity was piqued. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-indent: 27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">“Oh,
nothing much. Nothing at all, in fact. I’ve just always wanted to see it. Ever
since I was knee high to a Doltron.” </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-indent: 27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">“It was
only uncovered last year,” Abi pointed out. “And what exactly is a ‘Doltron’?’”</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-indent: 27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">“Rather
short, nasty creatures. Tend to disguise themselves as small, excitable dogs.
You know, the little yappy types.” </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-indent: 27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">“Who are
you?” </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-indent: 27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">“Veto
Lark.” Again the charming smile. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-indent: 27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">“If I
do take you to see the statue, will you promise to go away?” </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-indent: 27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">“Of
course, ma petite garde-robe,” Veto gave a delicate bow, spoilt only by his
hair flopping over his face. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-indent: 27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">“You
are strange. Anyone ever tell you that?” </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-indent: 27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">“All the time!” </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: center; text-indent: 27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">***</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-indent: 27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Ensuring
no one was watching, particularly her husband, Abi slipped through the door of
the exhibition hall where the new artifacts were on display. Veto followed
close behind. She’d been inside several times earlier with Herbert as the
exhibition was being prepared. He had fussed around, ensuring everything was
perfect for the opening, driving everyone insane with his insistence on
absolute perfection. Then, it had been bustling with staff making last minute
preparations. The silent room now emanated a creepiness which made her shiver.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-indent: 27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">“What
exactly are you looking for?” Abi whispered. Veto pulled a phone from his
pocket and flicked through a number of images until he found one of a small,
very ugly statuette. Nodding, Abi pointed towards the left of the hall. “I
think I remember something like that being over there. Didn’t like it much. It
felt… wrong. ” Veto had already set off in the direction she had indicated. She
hurried after him, suddenly questioning the reason why she was doing this. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-indent: 27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">After
becoming a little lost around the section of Fourth Dynasty limestone reliefs,
Abi stopped and listened. A curious buzzing sound seemed to be coming from the
far corner. Stepping quietly, she followed the noise. Peeking around a rather
plain looking sarcophagus, Abi’s eyes widened as she spotted Veto holding what
looked to be a pencil torch over a glass case containing several small statues.
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-indent: 27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">“What
are you doing?” She walked over cautiously. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-indent: 27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">“Nothing.”
Veto continued to hover the torch over the glass. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-indent: 27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">“You’re
not trying to steal that, are you?” Abi halted a safe distance away. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-indent: 27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">“Nope. Just returning it to it’s rightful owners.” Veto glanced up
with a charming grin. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-indent: 27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Abi
backed away. “Right…” </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-indent: 27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">“I
wouldn’t go calling security or anything silly like that. Would rather avoid
any trouble. Two ticks and I’ll be gone.” </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-indent: 27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Abi
turned and fled. Sighing, Veto straightened up, pulled what looked alarmingly
like a small gun from his pocket, and fired it at Abi’s back. A dull orange
beam engulfed her for a few seconds, dissipating as she slumped to the floor. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-indent: 27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">“Now, I
really didn’t want to do that…” Veto shook his head sadly before returning to
his task. There was a grinding crack and a piece of glass fell down upon the
statue, shattering as it did so. The statue promptly fell over, a small piece
of it breaking off. “Oops.” Veto pulled on a pair of latex gloves and reached
into the case. Carefully, he lifted the statue, shaking bits of glass from its
surface. He studied the broken piece remaining in the case and shrugged.
“They’ll never know…” he told himself, and stuffed the almost complete statue in
his pocket. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-indent: 27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Kneeling
beside Abi, Veto quickly checked that her pulse was strong. “You’ll have a bit
of a sore head when you wake up, but you’ll be fine, ” he said softly. Taking a
business card from his pocket, he slipped it into her bag. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: center; text-indent: 27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">***</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-indent: 27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Back in
the foyer, Veto grabbed one last glass of champagne as he waved cheerily to
Professors Schneider and Johnson. He flirted briefly with a minor, but
glamorous young soap actress before making his way through the throng, and out
of the main entrance. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-indent: 27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">In a
quiet alley, not far from the rear of the museum, Veto was enveloped in a soft,
lurid green glow. When the glow faded, the alley was once again empty, save for
a small Yorkshire Terrier which began to growl, bark, and jump up and down with
extreme irritation. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: center; text-indent: 27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">***</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-indent: 27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Veto
waltzed into what appeared to be a cross between an office, a bedsit, and the
bridge of a flashy spaceship; which is what it was; except the spaceship in
question wasn’t flashy at all; more like a wreck held together with sticky tape
and industrial strength glue; which it was. Literally. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-indent: 27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">“How
many casualties this time?” Ember Mound, barely looked up from filing her
fingernails. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-indent: 27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">“None
at all!” Veto stated proudly. “Well, no fatalities anyway.” </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-indent: 27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">“Did
you get it?” Ember didn’t even bother feigning interest. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-indent: 27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">“I
did.” Veto pulled the small statue out of his tuxedo pocket with a flourish.
“Ta-daa!”</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-indent: 27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">With a
bored sigh, she heaved herself from her slumped position, and thumped a
keyboard with her fist. A screen flickered into life as she began to type
laboriously with one finger. “I’ll get the invoice sent. Usual expenses?” </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-indent: 27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">“I
think so, yes. Oh, but remember to include the cost of a new tuxedo.” </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-indent: 27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">“It
wasn’t new, you pulled it off the back of a dead man,” Ember pointed out. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-indent: 27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">“Exactly,
which is why I need a new one.”</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-indent: 27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Veto
threw himself into an overstuffed armchair and admired the little statue. “A
celebratory drink is in order, I think!” He grinned expectantly. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-indent: 27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">“Get it
yourself.” </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-indent: 27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">With a
sigh, Veto slid out of his chair. As he did so, the statue slipped out of his
hand. Making an heroic, yet desperate attempt to catch it, he merely succeeded
in batting it faster and higher through the air. With a slow-motion effect,
Veto watched as the statue hit the parquet floored deck and shattered into a
thousand pieces. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-indent: 27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">The
woman sighed deeply, and deleted the invoice. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-indent: 27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">As Veto
settled back into his chair, an irritated beep sounded from beneath a pile of
glossy magazines on the console. The woman swept them out of the way, and
studied an incoming transmission. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-indent: 27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">“A Home
Star has gone missing. Apparently the company who created it, ‘Home Star
Industries’, want <i>you </i>to find it before their clients who commissioned
it, find out…” She sounded mildly surprised. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-indent: 27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Veto
leapt up and rubbed his hands together. “Splendid! Start billing them from this
very moment!” </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: center; text-indent: 27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">***</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-indent: 27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Abi
held her pounding head in her hands. Professor Schneider was in a state of
shock as the theft of one of his prize exhibits finally sank in. Security
mingled with the guests, trying to establish whether anyone or anything
suspicious had been noticed that night. Unsurprisingly, no one could recall
anything untoward. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-indent: 27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">In an
attempt to safeguard both her husband’s blood pressure and her marriage, Abi
had wisely decided to deny all knowledge of inadvertently aiding and abetting
the strange man responsible for the outrage. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-indent: 27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">She
rummaged in her bag in search of painkillers. Failing to find any, she did come
across a business card that she swore had not been there before. The lurid
orange business card was printed with blue calligraphic lettering which hurt
the eyes if looked at for too long; <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-indent: 27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-indent: 27.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: center; text-indent: 27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Veto Lark - Scavenger of the Stars<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: center; text-indent: 27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">If you’ve lost it, I’ll find it!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: center; text-indent: 27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">*<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: center; text-indent: 27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Success Not Guaranteed<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: center; text-indent: 27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">No Refunds<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: center; text-indent: 27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-indent: 27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; text-indent: 27pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; text-indent: 27pt;"> On
the back, was a single, hand written word in wild, loopy handwriting. It simply
said, ‘Sorry!’ </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-indent: 27.0pt;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-indent: 27.0pt;">
<br /></div>
Vote Saxonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15731076180307654295noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4479010235192133541.post-9277223786148098832012-12-17T13:38:00.000+00:002012-12-17T13:40:08.649+00:00DH:LoF - Tales of PrometheaIt's here! DH:LoF - Tales of Promethea was released yesterday and is available on <a href="http://www.drivethrufiction.com/product/109188/Dark-Harvest:-The-Legacy-of-Frankenstein-%E2%80%93-Tales-of-Promethea?affiliate_id=169435" target="_blank">DriveThru.</a> Within the first 24 hours, I'm rather chuffed to say that it's sitting nicely in the No.6 spot of their fiction list. Smashing!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.cubicle7.co.uk/2012/12/dark-harvest-the-legacy-of-frankenstein-%E2%80%93-tales-of-promethea/" target="_blank">This is what Cubicle 7 say about it</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />Vote Saxonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15731076180307654295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4479010235192133541.post-46656647960226859902012-11-16T18:18:00.003+00:002012-11-16T18:21:33.313+00:00Trailers - A Necessary Evil?I don't normally rant here, but this is something that has been increasingly annoying me for quite a while now...<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
One of the highlights
of going to the cinema is watching a selection of films coming soon to tempt us
back into those hallowed halls of escapist fantasies. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, what once
used to be tempting teasers, snippets of the joys yet to come, have recently
become little more than bullet points of every main scene of the entire film. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The first time this
was brought to my attention, was several years ago while watching a film on TV,
‘Associate’, starring Whoopie Goldberg. As the plot progressed, the feeling
that I’d seen it before increased, right down to the twist in the plot where
the main female character eventually had to pose as a white male in order to
convince the Wall Street Powers-That-Be to accept her financial genius, even
though she was a mere female. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Although I’d never
seen the film before, it was with disappointment that the story rolled to its somehow
familiar conclusion.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The weird sense of
déjà vu was explained by the fact that the entire film had been summarised in a
cinematic trailer I had seen previously.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This left an
unpleasant realisation that not only had I wasted an entire 90 minutes to see
what could be considered a mere lengthened version of the trailer, but that at
no point had the story kept me wondering what would happen. How could it when I
had already seen the abridge version? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yes, the point of
trailers is to pack all the good bits of a film in a nice neat package in order
to make people want to pay their money to see it in it’s entirely, however, is
it getting to the point when the trailers give most of the main plot away
before the film has even opened? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The desperation to
show all the ‘best bits’ of a given film before release is overshadowing the
enjoyment of watching the plot unfold when the feature does eventually hit the
big screens. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If most of the main
shocks, plot twists or unexpected turns, not to mention the majority of the
story, have already been revealed during a ten minute trailer, the urge to
spend time and money on what can merely be regarded as ‘extra padding’, sadly
fails to motivate. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Perhaps it is a sad
reflection of diminishing concentration spans, or the ‘Need-to-Know-NOW’
culture that we must be shown a speeded up version to convince us how good the
film is going to be. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Perhaps the film
companies think potential audiences need to know what’s going to happen before
they can be enticed to go and see a film, rather than take a chance on a film
they know only a taste of. Perhaps, they are right. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Whatever the reasons,
I find myself fast forwarding DVD trailers and deliberately avoiding cinematic
attractions for the simple reason that I prefer not to know what’s going to
happen in advance. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now, if you’ll excuse
me, I must flip to the end of the book I’m currently reading, because I just
can’t be bothered going through the whole thing to find out how it ends… <o:p></o:p></div>
Vote Saxonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15731076180307654295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4479010235192133541.post-75483957404587918322012-11-09T10:38:00.000+00:002012-11-09T10:38:15.617+00:00Rather Spiffing NewsAs the release date of 'Dark Harvest: Tales of Promethea' grows ever tantalisingly and tingly closer, some rather exciting news has just been revealed...<br />
<br />
If you're of a 'certain' age group, and unashamedly geeky, (not me at all, obviously *cough*) it may be of interest that Ian Livingstone (remember those wonderful Fighting Fantasy books?) has only gone and written the bloomin' introduction!<br />
<br />
Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm just going to have a nice cuppa and indulge in a considerable amount of Squeeeeing.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Vote Saxonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15731076180307654295noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4479010235192133541.post-34423050842461220302012-09-11T11:09:00.000+01:002012-09-13T13:38:46.913+01:00Anthologies Abound<br />
<div style="text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">One of my New Year’s Resolutions back in January, was to update my blog more often. Well, actually it wasn’t, I just made that up to sound less lazy than I am. </span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">I got a bit of a shock the other day to discover September had crept up on me rather suddenly. I’m convinced this is really just somewhere around mid-March and the Gods of Time are just playing an hilarious prank on me. </span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">So, what have I been doing all these non-existent months then, I hear you cry. *Ignores the tumbleweed bouncing past*</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">I have had the pleasant opportunity of doing a little contribution for the first supplement of the <a href="http://www.darkharvest-legacyoffrankenstein.com/">Dark Hark Harvest RPG</a>, <a href="http://shop.cubicle7store.com/epages/es113347.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=%2FShops%2Fes113347_shop%2FProducts%2FCB77101">Dark Harvest:Resistance</a>, published by Cubicle 7. As the core book has already proved, Dark Harvest is a credit to its creator Iain Lowson.</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">Having already won the Griffie award for Best Roleplaying Product, Dark Harvest continues to grow in popularity with several exciting upcoming projects on the horizon. Among this, is an Anthology of short fiction, all centred around the terrifying setting of Victor Frankenstein’s Promethea. I’m hugely excited to say that I’ve written one of the stories to be included, and am truly flattered to be included among a group of high calibre writers that have also contributed to this project.</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">At the moment, I’m working on an anthology of short stories with a vaguely dark theme. More details to come regarding this, however I can reveal the titles of several of the featuring stories; they include, ‘Terms & Conditions’, ‘What Laura Wants’, ‘Time of the Month’, and the title story, ‘The Demon in the Laundry Basket’. More updates soon! </span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 36px;">
<br /></div>
Vote Saxonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15731076180307654295noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4479010235192133541.post-67976263790373489742012-04-10T15:57:00.001+01:002012-04-10T15:57:54.104+01:00The Griffies 2012I am completely chuffed beyond all that is chuffworthy to say that <a href="http://www.darkharvest-legacyoffrankenstein.com/">Dark Harvest: Legacy of Frankenstein</a> picked up the <a href="http://www.geas.org.uk/conpulsion/">Griffie</a> for best RPG in Edinburgh this weekend! Huzzah!
Well deserved and hopefully the first of many!Vote Saxonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15731076180307654295noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4479010235192133541.post-14769198598325784272012-03-30T13:58:00.001+01:002012-03-30T17:21:02.677+01:00March?Wait. Where has January gone. And February, not to mention March? I want them back, you hear?! And that hour that was ungraciously stolen from me last weekend too. Just wrap them up in a nondescript brown paper bag, leave them on the doorstep and no more will be said on the matter. <br />
<br />
So, what have I been doing these last few months then? Good question and if you know the answer, please tell me now. Thanks.<br />
<br />
I vaguely remember doing a treatment, a scripty type thingy and a very fun<a href="http://www.frpgames.com/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=82705"> DH:LoF</a> meeting concerning the new Resistance supplement which will be available soon, way back at the beginning of January. And doing some mysterious bloggy type posts for *another blog*! Was also rather chufty about getting through to the 2nd round of the <a href="http://www.redplanetpictures.co.uk/prize.php">Red Planet Prize</a>, which was delightfully unexpected. So, busy, yes. But still plenty time to be found for lazing in some unseasonally pleasant weather. (Must make the best of it, while it lasts!) <br />
<br />
<p><a href="http://www.xtranormal.com/watch/13233106/the-battlefield" target="_blank" style="font-size: 14px;font-weight:bold;">The Battlefield.</a><br />
by: <a href="http://www.xtranormal.com/profile/7952543" style="" target="_blank">Dozeymagz</a></p><iframe id="xtranormal_The Battlefield." name="xtranormal_The Battlefield." style="width:480px;height:299px;" src="http://www.xtranormal.com/xtraplayr/13233106/the-battlefield" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" border="0" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto"></iframe>Vote Saxonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15731076180307654295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4479010235192133541.post-65516097116726506472011-11-15T13:41:00.001+00:002012-02-18T12:22:58.335+00:00Beyond the Sofa...It's not very often I venture out, unless I've run out of teabags or such other vital business. This weekend, however, saw me up at the hideous hour of 4:15am (Who would have thought such a time existed?) to wend my way to Glasgow for the <a href="http://http://www.screenwritinggoldmine.com/screenwriting-workshops">Screenwriting, Networking and Pitching Workshop.</a> I would like to say I jumped out of bed in a rush of refreshed energy, but that would be utter rubbish. I crawled, sobbing, like a poor broken zombie. Can't remember much of the train journey; I think I mostly dozed until Dundee o'clock.<br />
The course itself, run by Phil Gladwin and Phil Shelley, was an intense, two day workshop which covered subjects such as story structure, generating ideas and a very novel exercise in character creation, through to marketing yourself and your work. It was full of interactive tasks which were both interesting and thought provoking, and covered so much practical information that can only come from years of experience working in the business. Of course, what course would be complete without a good chinwag in the bar afterward?<br />
Guest speakers, <a href="http://www.screenwritinggoldmine.com/special-guests">Eric Coulter and Kate Croft</a>, were fascinating and entertaining to listen to.<br />
Unfortunately, I completely bombed at the pitching exercise and turned into a shaking, babbling physical wreck... Nevertheless, it was a truly excellent weekend and I had the pleasure of meeting a bunch of lovely and talented folk. Well worth dragging myself off the sofa for!Vote Saxonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15731076180307654295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4479010235192133541.post-72456685587920695112011-08-10T12:14:00.001+01:002011-08-10T12:14:41.925+01:00Holiday BluesIt's been over a week since returning from the lovely, sunny isle of Mallorca. (Well, mostly sunny, as long as you don't count the several days of cloud and rain; but we don't talk about those.) For the first time ever, I actually have an all-over-not-quite-so-pale-and-insipid-bit-of-colour. Not entirely 'all-over', I must make haste to point out, it wasn't a nudist holiday or anything. (The unfortunate incident on the beach that morning was purely accidental, I swear.) <br />
<br />
So, now it's back to the scribbly stuff in earnest. I've had some good things though, since I got back. Got paid the final cheques for a screenplay and a treatment, that I thought would involve a whole lot more rewriting than I expected, which was a jolly nice relief. <br />
Also, at the weekend, I found out that I'm a finalist in the <a href="http://www.eotpfilmfestival.co.uk/">EotP International Film Festival</a> script writing competition, which was a really nice surprise. I'm going to see if I can make the journey down to the festival this year. Although it's quite a hike, I'm sure it'll be worth it. Tis a jolly good festival, so go and have a look! <br />
<br />
Until then, I'm working on a very exciting Dark Harvest project which will hopefully keep me out of trouble for a while or so. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Vote Saxonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15731076180307654295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4479010235192133541.post-18879981849095362132011-06-13T17:53:00.000+01:002011-06-13T17:53:47.317+01:00Liquid LunchThere's a rather excellent and very funny online comedy show running at the moment. Written by the ever lovely and sickeningly talented Danny Stack, tis definitely worth catching up with! And if you don't - I shall take it upon myself to come round and slap you over the chops with a rather smelly wet fish. Yes - YOU! I know where you live! <br />
<br />
<iframe width="460" height="287" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/2Yw5G6RsyW8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
You can also visit the main site <a href="http://www.liquidlunch.co.uk/">over here.</a>Vote Saxonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15731076180307654295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4479010235192133541.post-19164767159888729102011-06-06T16:47:00.002+01:002011-06-06T16:56:38.443+01:00Did I Really Write That?One of the nicest things about finishing a particular script, is not only does it fill me with a sense of achievement and warm glowiness, (and gives me the excuse to run down to the corner shop and go wild in the wine section,) but it's the wonderful fact that I can just totally forget about it. And I mean, totally and utterly forget about it. It means I don't have to wake up at 5am fretting and trying to convince myself that I shouldn't even think about even attempting to write anything at all due my absolute rubbishness in all things scribbly.<br />
<br />
So it usually comes as a rather pleasant, and highly surprising event if it gets placed or wins, (if it's a competition) because I really, truly, have completely thrown it out of my concious memory. It can be such a delightful shock to find that I've actually produced something solid rather that stare vacantly into space as most people tend to think I do all day. <br />
<br />
They are of course, correct. <br />
<br />
Mostly.Vote Saxonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15731076180307654295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4479010235192133541.post-7311532253310575652011-05-30T11:39:00.000+01:002011-05-30T11:39:40.821+01:00OnwardI sent off the first draft of the screenplay today - which of course means that I'll spend the next few weeks fretting about what the notes will say. <br />
So, 'tis onto the next tasks which include writing up a second draft of a short film that's lurking around. Whether I get it done on time to put it in for what I plan to, is anyone's guess! <br />
Also going to rewrite another little joint project, which so far is a lot of fun. <br />
I've also have another treatment to write, so just waiting for the details of that job to come through. Busy, busy! Time to get a wiggle on I think!Vote Saxonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15731076180307654295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4479010235192133541.post-73095146999177962692011-05-20T11:49:00.000+01:002011-05-20T11:49:20.921+01:00Sofa's and ScriptsGood progress on one of my current work projects. I finished the first draft of the novel adaptation I've been hired to do - ahead of deadline! I'll be able to re-write it and tweak it over the next week or so.<br />
<br />
Today, I had planned to have a bit of a lie-in as a treat, however, one of the ever so thoughtful neighbours decided to rip out their windows at 7:30 am. Joy. <br />
<br />
So, I think I'll spend the afternoon finishing up a spec script that really should have been finished ages ago... <br />
<br />
Or I'll just lounge on the sofa watching tv... or shooting some zombies on the Xbox...Vote Saxonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15731076180307654295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4479010235192133541.post-43896290803200276512011-05-18T17:25:00.001+01:002011-05-18T17:25:48.013+01:00First Signing!Saturday saw me attending my first actual proper signing at <a href="http://www.asylum-booksandgames.com/">Asylum Books and Games</a> in Aberdeen. <br />
The ever lovely Iain Lowson, creator of Dark Harvest: Legacy of Frankenstein and good friend, made the perilous journey up North on Friday, bringing probably the best gift EVER! <br />
Up bright and early we turned up at Asylum Books and Games at 10am. It felt really odd being on the other side of the table and we sold and signed a good amount of books with a steady stream of folks coming to see us. <br />
I did notice, however, that my signature kept changing throughout the day! <br />
It was the first time I'd seen a hard copy of this gorgeous book and I got a strange but delightful tingle at seeing my short story in actual proper print! <br />
For those of you not familiar with the setting, DH is set in a very believable and very dark alternative timeline where Victor Frankenstein has wangled his way to power and created the closed country of Promethea (what we would know as Romania). You can imagine our delight when a Romanian lad bought the book, full of enthusiasm for the book and it's setting! <br />
The day, went by so quickly and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute. <br />
Of course, being Saturday, the shop owner closed up early and invited us back to his flat for dinner and Doctor Who! <br />
Definitely one of those most splendid days. <br />
<br />
Iain will be traveling to the <a href="http://www.ukgamesexpo.co.uk/">UK Games Expo</a> in Bristol.Vote Saxonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15731076180307654295noreply@blogger.com1