tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2141372262111342844.post5314672069658702061..comments2024-03-28T21:13:53.845+00:00Comments on Fabled Lands: Dish of the dayDave Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14468228790874490693noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2141372262111342844.post-47005961890527896252020-12-11T19:51:57.044+00:002020-12-11T19:51:57.044+00:00Strike the out of print comment, Dave. For some r...Strike the out of print comment, Dave. For some reason it you put in Avenger Jamie Thomson it comes up with two out of print versions of the book (not the old ones). Scroll down or put in Way of the Tiger and the available version pops up.<br /><br />The cover of the kindle version of Frankenstein's Legions was the same as the book version on my computer for some reason. I've read the prologue(s) to the book and it bodes well. I wondered at the prospect of perhaps you twisting John's arm to release a few chapters of a book or maybe a Binscombe Tale on the blog, so your readers find out what they're missing?Andy Fletcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07735277481108984596noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2141372262111342844.post-89939112678614381162020-12-11T19:38:54.434+00:002020-12-11T19:38:54.434+00:00That would explain why it's so good, Dave. I r...That would explain why it's so good, Dave. I realised just before sending you can read that two ways, so just to add, not demeaning your own efforts in any way. You can't top Triffids!<br /><br />I didn't get around to rebuying your Golden Dragons, given I figured my originals are better off being read than sitting on the shelf. However, if you release that version, I'll buy that. Given I never bothered with the mechanics on any gamebook, I'll have that and my son can have the old versions!<br /><br />My nephew likes Ninjas so I was also potentially going to buy Jammy's Avenger if he likes COTV, but it says out of print? I'm not sure what it is with my son and fruit preserves by the way!Andy Fletcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07735277481108984596noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2141372262111342844.post-7365982269860355732020-12-11T16:03:36.613+00:002020-12-11T16:03:36.613+00:00Btw I've done a less game-heavy version of Cry...Btw I've done a less game-heavy version of Crypt of the Vampire that doesn't need dice. I meant to get it published for Halloween but missed the boat (or pumpkin).Dave Morrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14468228790874490693noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2141372262111342844.post-14037432734817584002020-12-11T15:59:59.435+00:002020-12-11T15:59:59.435+00:00That's one of Martin McKenna's, Andy. I us...That's one of Martin McKenna's, Andy. I used another of his for the Kindle edition, which you might be able to see on Amazon. John's idea of the "lazarans" was very different from mine; he made them zombies, whereas I was thinking they'd be like Frankenstein's creature, who is very definitely alive. Martin's take on it was more in the middle, being derived from the Hammer movies he and I loved. Damn, his death was a loss to the world.Dave Morrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14468228790874490693noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2141372262111342844.post-14980994484271729472020-12-11T13:02:56.965+00:002020-12-11T13:02:56.965+00:00That's the plan, Dave. It also prompted my wi...That's the plan, Dave. It also prompted my wife asking me to buy "one of them choose your own adventure thingies" for our eight year old nephew's birthday. I've gone with Crypt of the Vampire. Let's see if he enjoys it. I'm pretty sure he doesn't read your blog, so hopefully I haven't spoilt his birthday surprise!<br /><br />I forgot to include my agonised bear groan impression above. I also see I neglected to undertake a cursory spelling and punctuation check before sending again!<br /><br />I've just read John's The Royal Changeling, by the way. Good, but perhaps not as good as his others, I thought. I've started Frankenstein's Legions. I clocked on Amazon it had a new cover. One of yours, I assume. It's very good.Andy Fletcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07735277481108984596noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2141372262111342844.post-52708946297468283362020-12-10T20:29:12.285+00:002020-12-10T20:29:12.285+00:00That's his introduction to gamebooks, then, An...That's his introduction to gamebooks, then, Andy? He'll be playing his way through your collection before you know it!Dave Morrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14468228790874490693noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2141372262111342844.post-76054517073069881122020-12-09T22:35:20.610+00:002020-12-09T22:35:20.610+00:00For info, Dave, we’re now reading Starship Captain...For info, Dave, we’re now reading Starship Captain, which my son in really enjoying, as is my wife. But I thought I must right down this bit down while it’s fresh in the memory. My son knows it’s by the same author as Dark Lord and that’s there’s a sequel and I acknowledge he was stalling for time before bedtime (my son, not Jamie). As I close chapter three. “Can we read the next bit?” “No.” “What does this say?” pointing to the author’s name. “You try and read it”, I suggest. “Jammy Tomsun. Has he dun anything else?” “Erm, yes, yes he has”. “What?” “Erm, some books from when Daddy was a bit older than you”. “What were they then?” “Erm, well, there were books where you get to pick the choices and ending” “Oh” (He really pricks up his ears at this juncture). “what were they then?” “Erm, well you know Ninjas?” “yes” (certain Ninja building block magazines), “well, the book goes something like, a bear attacks you, do you, fight it, run away, jump into a tree?” The response is immediate “fight it!”. “Erm, ok. So, do you do a kick, a throw, or a punch?” “Kick it in the w***y.” “Erm, yes, the Ninja kicks the bear and you win the quest, well done!” Much happiness all round. I’ve missed out about 50 of my “erm’s”, but reasonably representative other than that.Andy Fletcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07735277481108984596noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2141372262111342844.post-27501026169498131742020-11-21T19:20:11.824+00:002020-11-21T19:20:11.824+00:00Thanks, Dave. In which case I'll also invite ...Thanks, Dave. In which case I'll also invite MLJ and ELJ. :)Andy Fletcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07735277481108984596noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2141372262111342844.post-40693477700908801542020-11-21T17:05:52.722+00:002020-11-21T17:05:52.722+00:00Don't apologize on my account, Andy, I like th...Don't apologize on my account, Andy, I like the idea. I'd certainly like to be at that dinner party.Dave Morrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14468228790874490693noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2141372262111342844.post-53218351000344087352020-11-21T11:53:43.730+00:002020-11-21T11:53:43.730+00:00Actually, I didn't think that one through, Dav...Actually, I didn't think that one through, Dave. Perhaps that pitch not in the best of tastes given recent events, sorry.Andy Fletcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07735277481108984596noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2141372262111342844.post-41006824812644037452020-11-21T10:05:32.267+00:002020-11-21T10:05:32.267+00:00Thanks, Dave. I was referring to asking JK Rowlin...Thanks, Dave. I was referring to asking JK Rowling, but having just followed the link to politely enquire, I see what you mean. I suspect that the figure would be about one zero more than I'd be prepared to pay and two zeros more than my wife would be prepared to let me pay, so just as well!<br /><br />I'd also have done a pitch based a on a probably unoriginal idea inspired by A Minotaur at the Savoy and the post above, that I'd have neither the ability or knowledge to write myself. A string of letters between dead acronym fantasy authors (JRRT, REH, CSL, AAM, HPL etc), trading increasingly irritated political opinions and insults. Working title PPS. GRRM could do the foreword.Andy Fletcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07735277481108984596noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2141372262111342844.post-86509077717989083442020-11-20T22:24:34.966+00:002020-11-20T22:24:34.966+00:00That's odd, I thought Hodder used to list edit...That's odd, I thought Hodder used to list editors' emails. Maybe they think Twitter is more hip! Still, I don't think you'd need to necessarily secure the rights, Andy -- if you can convince a publisher the books are worth taking a look at, I'd say it's up to them to do the hard work.<br /><br />I'm completely speculating as to JW and NG, but based on their opinions of things like Trump and Brexit I'd be willing to put a fiver on any meeting between them being frosty.Dave Morrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14468228790874490693noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2141372262111342844.post-83794079097967060172020-11-20T20:17:22.275+00:002020-11-20T20:17:22.275+00:00Thanks, Dave. I'd better buy Oliver's Ligh...Thanks, Dave. I'd better buy Oliver's Lightbringer Trilogy first. Dear Oliver. As a lifelong fan and proud owner of all your published works.<br /><br />I'm not on Twitter (and in truth, still not entirely sure how it works!) I'll see if any of my mates are. Failing that, perhaps one of your other blog readers can help?! Perhaps better secure the rights first, just on the very remote chance she says yes!<br /><br />Out of respect for the authors, I won't ask you to expand why points of agreement are rare between JW/NG. <br />Although...<br /><br />Andy Fletcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07735277481108984596noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2141372262111342844.post-10059915290111275952020-11-20T16:35:35.223+00:002020-11-20T16:35:35.223+00:00I'd better not put Oliver's email address ...I'd better not put Oliver's email address here in case it's found by bots, but you ought to be able to find it by rooting around on the website, Andy:<br /><br />https://www.hodderscape.co.uk/the-hodderscape-team-2/<br /><br />Maybe somebody should ask JK Rowling on Twitter if she read those books?Dave Morrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14468228790874490693noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2141372262111342844.post-67359038492265398522020-11-20T15:03:16.551+00:002020-11-20T15:03:16.551+00:00Thanks for looking into the Hidden People books, D...Thanks for looking into the Hidden People books, Dave, very kind of you. I might just do that. Would that be @hachette do you know? It's amazing how emboldening e-mails allow you do be, where ringing would be far too lazy or embarrassing! I could never understand why they were labelled Flightpath to Reading and down as educational given the subject matter. Although I'm not sure I'd have read your work without having first read them from an early age, so it was a flight path to something at least. I'm sure Oliver will have a better understanding as to whether boys own fantasy adventures with flared trousers has any room in the modern market! I think I've mentioned before, it wouldn't surprise me if JK Rowling has read them. If you could put a sticker on to that effect, you wouldn't then be able to cut down the trees fast enough.<br /><br />Interesting re you reading work out loud. I'd never given that any thought. That will bring an added dimension to when I read Starship Captain out anyway!<br /><br />All this talk of elephants has just jogged my memory on another series I enjoyed when I was young, Jeremy James. They're also now on the list. You can now add children's literature to that expanding and diverse "blog added value" list, Dave.Andy Fletcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07735277481108984596noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2141372262111342844.post-33394525471269317112020-11-20T10:27:10.230+00:002020-11-20T10:27:10.230+00:00John Whitbourn is a big fan of the Uncle books, An...John Whitbourn is a big fan of the Uncle books, Andy, and I think has a complete set. I may have mentioned that. Also I heard somewhere that Neil Gaiman loves them too. A rare point of agreement between JW and NG there.<br /><br />I often read what I've written out loud to get the taste of the words. Not blog posts or emails (I'm terrible at those) but certainly if I'm writing fiction, and doubly so when it's dialogue.<br /><br />As far as I can tell, the original Hidden People books were published by E J Arnold, which was acquired by Hodder. Ah, I thought, I can chase that up with Oliver. But no, because Hodder sold the rights to all their educational books to SAGE Publishing ten years ago.<br /><br />However, it looks as if Sheila McCullagh probably recovered the rights from Hodder before the sale, because the reprints in 2004 were by McCullagh Publishing. It might be worth writing to Oliver at Hodder and saying, "Look, these books were great, and you had the rights but you let them go. Why not reacquire them from Sheila McCullagh's estate?" You never know.Dave Morrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14468228790874490693noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2141372262111342844.post-11612353372045617822020-11-20T08:56:56.342+00:002020-11-20T08:56:56.342+00:00The first Uncle is, Dave. A few of the others see...The first Uncle is, Dave. A few of the others seem to be on Kindle, which I don't have, but I'll cross that bridge should we enjoy it. I missed it first time around so we can all hopefully enjoy that one together. Are there any children's books that you'd recommend? <br /><br />We'll do Mirabilis after than, then. I'm sure my son will appreciate the artwork, if not the writing! One of the things I've found actually reading books out loud is get to read it at the pace it was intended, so all the more enjoyable for it. I think Jamie also said on that FF day that he struggled to read a few of the paragraphs of Dark Lord out loud so he just changed the words! That happened to me a few times too. I'm guessing as you're writing, you don't read it out loud to ensure it's not a tongue twister!<br /><br />My son quite enjoyed Tim and the Hidden People, that series I tried in vain to check out the rights to (I didn't get a response from any of the publishing houses, maybe they don't even exist anymore). Although there were far more eating of breakfasts, apples and cakes than battles with Wind Witches, Stump People and Stone Men, than I remember. In my enquiries I did find out that is was published very locally to me, so perhaps it was a regional not a national series. Andy Fletcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07735277481108984596noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2141372262111342844.post-84619587060758392292020-11-19T17:07:23.474+00:002020-11-19T17:07:23.474+00:00Are the Uncle books back in print, then, Andy, or ...Are the Uncle books back in print, then, Andy, or have you just been saving them for him?<br /><br />As for Mirabilis -- I watched a 12- and a 9-year-old read it together (daughters of a friend) and the 12-yo was quite withering about the bits the 9-yo didn't get. But that's 12-year-olds for you. From the age of 5 or 6 I loved plunging into stuff that went way over my head, and after all you can always revisit it years later to see what you missed.Dave Morrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14468228790874490693noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2141372262111342844.post-39122529759101680472020-11-19T16:19:45.131+00:002020-11-19T16:19:45.131+00:00With perfect timing, Dave, I finished reading Dark...With perfect timing, Dave, I finished reading Dark Lord to my son last night (albeit he's now reading bits himself). I thought there may be a tantrum, but at the end of the book was the intro to Starship Captain which was helpful, as he now wants to read those too. They're really good, I'd describe as Hitchhikers Guide for kids, although I wouldn't put them in quite the same league as Dark Lord myself. Actually, thinking about it, I'm not sure a 45 year old should really be having such a strong opinion on this! We'll see what my son thinks and I'll feedback in due course if you want the feedback, albeit given his reading waiting list currently consists of Mirabilis (too early?), Uncle and The Roald Dahl Collection, that might be well into next year!Andy Fletcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07735277481108984596noreply@blogger.com