UK SF Book News

Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Book, Comics & Graphic Novel news from UK-based authors, creators, publishers, retailers and ‘zines

What's On

News on book signings, conventions, talks, readings, exhibitions and trade shows across the UK.

Graham Masterton signing, Waterstone’s Colchester, May 10th

Posted in: What's On on 29th April 2008 by UKSFBN admin

Just a quick one via Matt Williams at the Graham Masterton e-bulletin list:

"Message from Graham Masterton: 'I will be signing books at Waterstones in Culver Square, Colchester, Essex, around mid-day on May 10 2008, if you can have any books you need signing!'"

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Ian R. MacLeod visiting the Birmingham SF Group, May 9th

Posted in: What's On on 29th April 2008 by UKSFBN admin

The Birmingham SF Group has been in touch to tell us about the next in their ongoing series of author talks:

"On Friday 9th May the Birmingham Science Fiction Group welcomes award-winning author Ian R. MacLeod, to talk about what he's been up to recently.

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Eric Brown signing, FP London, May 10th

Posted in: What's On on 24th April 2008 by UKSFBN admin

From a Forbidden Planet press release:

"Forbidden Planet is pleased to announce a signing by Eric Brown. He will be signing his new book, Kéthani at the Forbidden Planet Megastore, 179 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, WC2H 8JR, on Saturday 10th May from 1,00 to 2.00 p.m.

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Jamie McKelver signing, FP London, May 8th

Posted in: What's On on 22nd April 2008 by UKSFBN admin

From a Forbidden Planet press release:

"Forbidden Planet is pleased to announce a signing by Jamie McKelvie. He will be signing his new collection, Suburban Glamour: Volume One at the Forbidden Planet Megastore, 179 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, WC2H 8JR, on Thursday 8th May, from 6.00 to 7.00 p.m.

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Dimensional Manga event, Orbital Manga, London, April 26th

Posted in: What's On on 21st April 2008 by UKSFBN admin

The folks at Orbital Manga have been in touch to tell us about a special even they're hosting this weekend:

"Manga Fans this is your chance to meet the author and artist from the new manga graphic novel Demon Prince: Children of Gaia. Don't miss this opportunity to see the artist from Dimensional Manga in action, sketching on some pretty big pieces of board!

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Line-up confirmed for next weekend’s Alt.Fiction Festival, Derby

Posted in: What's On on 18th April 2008 by UKSFBN admin

From an Alt.Fiction news update:

"Derby City Council has confirmed the line-up for Alt.Fiction 2008, the third annual one-day festival of science fiction, fantasy and horror writing, which takes place on Saturday April 26th.

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Stephen Hunt signing, FP London, May 3rd

Posted in: What's On on 17th April 2008 by UKSFBN admin

From a Forbidden Planet press release:

"Forbidden Planet is pleased to announce a signing by Stephen Hunt. He will be signing his new book, The Kingdom Beyond The Waves at the Forbidden Planet Megastore, 179 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, WC2H 8JR, on Saturday May 3rd, from 1.00 to 2.00 p.m.

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Shrewsbury International Cartoon Festival, April 18th - 20th 2008

Posted in: What's On on 14th April 2008 by UKSFBN admin

Over the weekend of April 18th - 20th, the market town of Shrewsbury in Shropshire will host the sixth annual Shrewsbury International Cartoon Festival.

Here's the introduction from the Festival website: "Since 2003 the town has hosted this international event which attracts around 40 full-time, professional cartoonists and caricaturists from the UK and abroad.

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Ron English signing, FP London, May 3rd

Posted in: What's On on 10th April 2008 by UKSFBN admin

From a Forbidden Planet press release:

"Forbidden Planet is pleased to announce a signing by Ron English. He will be signing his new book, Abject Expressionism at the Forbidden Planet Megastore, 179 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, WC2H 8JR, on Saturday May 3rd from 3.00 to 4.00 p.m.

Read the Full Story...

2D - Northern Ireland Comics Festival, 5th - 7th June 2008

Posted in: What's On on 7th April 2008 by UKSFBN admin

Organiser David Campbell has been in touch with details of the forthcoming 2D Northern Ireland Comics Festival.

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Star Wars urban art and Stormtroopers, FP London, April 23rd - 29th

Posted in: What's On on 6th April 2008 by UKSFBN admin

From a Forbidden Planet press release:

"It's the biggest team-up in UK SF: Forbidden Planet and the Sci-Fi-London Film Festival are joining forces with the 501st UK Garrison to bring you live Star Wars Urban Art, from the Forbidden Planet Megastore, 179 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, from April 23rd - 29th.

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Michael Scott Rohan visiting the Birmingham SF Group, April 11th

Posted in: What's On on 2nd April 2008 by UKSFBN admin

Vicky Cook, of the Birmingham Science Fiction Group, has been in touch to tell us about a their next scheduled guest appearance:

"The Birmingham Science Fiction Group is looking forward to welcoming Michael Scott Rohan, acclaimed author, and regular contributor to BBC Music magazine.

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From a Forbidden Planet press release:

"Forbidden Planet is delighted to announce a signing by Justin Richards, Mike Tucker and Dale Smith. They will be signing their new Doctor Who books at the Forbidden Planet Megastore, 179 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, WC2 H 8JR, on Saturday 12th April, from 11.00 a.m. to midday.

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The Cumbernauld Theatre Company will be touring Malcolm Sutherland's stage adaptation of the classic Iain Banks novel The Wasp Factory from mid-April to mid-June.

The tour begins with a ten-day run at Glasgow's Tron Theatre and Tron's Press and Marketing Officer Douglas Martin has sent through the following information on the production.

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Sebastian Peake, Talk & Signing, Oxford Lit Fest, April 3rd

Posted in: What's On on 30th March 2008 by UKSFBN admin

Sebastian Peake, son of the late, great Mervyn Peake, will be giving a talk as part of the Sunday Times Oxford Literary Festival at 2.30 p.m. on April 3rd in Festival Room 2, Christ Church (tickets £7.50) on the subject of Boy in Darkness and Other Stories, the collection of his father's short fiction that he edited and had published last year.

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Alastair Reynolds signing, FP London, April 12th

Posted in: What's On on 25th March 2008 by UKSFBN admin

From a Forbidden Planet press release:

"Forbidden Planet is pleased to announce a signing by Alastair Reynolds. He will be signing his new book, House Of Suns at the Forbidden Planet Megastore, 179 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, WC2H 8JR, on Saturday 12th April from 1.00 to 2.00 p.m.

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Neal Asher signing, FP London, April 5th

Posted in: What's On on 24th March 2008 by UKSFBN admin

From a Forbidden Planet press release:

"Forbidden Planet is pleased to announce a signing by Neal Asher. He will be signing his new book, Line War, at the Forbidden Planet Megastore, 179 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, WC2H 8JR, on Saturday 5th April from 1.00 to 2.00 p.m.

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Contemporary Horror Cinema Conference, Manchester, April 3rd-4th 2008

Posted in: What's On on 24th March 2008 by UKSFBN admin

Manchester Metropolitan University is holding a two-day conference entitled 'New Nightmares: Issues and Themes in Contemporary Horror Cinema and Horror Film Criticism' on the 3rd and 4th of April 2008.

Confirmed keynote speakers are Jay McRoy, Associate Professor of English and Film Studies at the University of Wisconsin and editor of Monstrous Adaptations: Generic and Thematic Mutations in Horror Film (Manchester University Press), and Julian Petley, Professor of Film and Television Studies at Brunel University and co-editor of British Horror Cinema (Routledge).

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Ken MacLeod shortlisted for 2008 Prometheus Award

Posted in: What's On on 23rd March 2008 by UKSFBN admin

The Execution Channel by UK author Ken MacLeod has been nominated for this year's Prometheus Award, which will be given by the Libertarian Futurist Society for the best libertarian science fiction novel first published in 2007.

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McDonald, MacLeod, Bigwood, Aldiss win 2007 British Science Fiction Awards

Posted in: What's On on 23rd March 2008 by UKSFBN admin

The winners of this year's British Science Fiction Awards, for work first published in the UK during 2007, were announced yesterday at the annual British Science Fiction Convention, Eastercon, in London.

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Robert Earl and Richard Williams signing, FP London, March 29th

Posted in: What's On on 19th March 2008 by UKSFBN admin

From a Forbidden Planet press release:

"Forbidden Planet is pleased to announce a joint signing by Robert Earl and Richard Williams.

Read the Full Story...

Joe Abercrombie signing, FP London, March 20th

Posted in: What's On on 13th March 2008 by UKSFBN admin

Detail: From a Forbidden Planet press release: "Forbidden Planet is pleased to announce a signing by Joe Abercrombie. He will be signing his new book, Last Argument Of Kings, at the Forbidden Planet Megastore, 179 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, WC2H 8JR, on Thursday 20th March from 6.00 to 7.00 p.m.

FP says: "Abercrombie is a freelance film editor, who after several knock-backs from literary agents, was eventually signed by Gollancz in 2005. Last Argument Of Kings is the final instalment of his epic fantasy trilogy, The First Law. The first part, The Blade Itself, has now been published in eight countries."

More info: www.forbiddenplanet.com

Source: Forbidden Planet press release

SF Foundation’s Andy Sawyer visiting the Birmingham SF Group, March 14th

Posted in: What's On on 12th March 2008 by UKSFBN admin

Detail: The Birmingham Science Fiction Group is hosting an evening with Science Fiction Foundation librarian Andy Sawyer on March 14th, 2008, from 7.30 p.m. in the function room at the Briar Rose Hotel, Bennetts Hill, Birmingham. Tickets are £3 to BSFG members, £4 to non-members. Please email bhamsfgroup@yahoo.co.uk for more information.

The BSFG tells us: "In 1993 the Science Fiction Foundation Library found a home in Liverpool. Andy Sawyer will bring us up to date on what's happened since and explain why old paperbacks, lurid magazines, Hugo awards, fanzines and scribbled bits of paper are an essential part of a library of science fiction. Andy Sawyer is the librarian of the Science Fiction Foundation Collection at the University of Liverpool Library, and Course Director of the MA in Science Fiction Studies offered by the School of English as well as teaching an undergraduate module, 'Speculative Fictions'. He is also the Reviews Editor of Foundation: the International Review of Science Fiction."

More info: Birmingham SF Group

Source: Vicky Cook, Birmingham SF Group

‘How Manga Took Over the World’ exhibition opening in Manchester

Posted in: What's On on 12th March 2008 by UKSFBN admin

Detail: An exhibition that examines the cultural impact of Manga opens at Urbis in Manchester tomorrow and runs until September 27th. 'How Manga Took Over the World' "...explores Manga's influence in shaping contemporary culture, with something for everyone, from kids to adults; it offers a whistle stop introduction to Manga for novices as well as plenty to keep hard core fans immersed. Visitors will discover Cute Manga, Action Manga, Manga in Art, Fashion and Design, Manga as communication and Erotic Manga – for over 18s only!

"The exhibition will explore the art of Manga in its many guises, tracing the journey from its early origins to its many modern day manifestations. The exhibition will be brought to life by live demonstrations from graphic designers and graffiti and makeup artists, as well as the opportunity to role-play your favourite Manga character."

More info: www.urbis.org.uk

Source: Heads up via Joe Gordon, Forbidden Planet Blog

Warhammer authors Abnett & McNeill signing, FP London, March 15th

Posted in: What's On on 12th March 2008 by UKSFBN admin

Detail: From a Forbidden Planet press release: "Forbidden Planet is pleased to announce a joint signing by Dan Abnett and Graham McNeill. They will be signing their new books: Legion (Abnett) and Time Of Legends: Heldenhammer (McNeill) at the Forbidden Planet Megastore, 179 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, WC2H 8JR, on Saturday 15th March, from 1.00 to 2.00 p.m.

FP says: "Dan Abnett's Legion[Amazon], the latest instalment in the Horus Heresy series, follows on from the tragic events on Isstvan III where Space Marines turned on their own brothers. The Alpha Legion and the Imperial Army are now put to the test as the traitors launch a series of relentless attacks.

"Graham McNeill's Time Of Legends: Heldenhammer [Amazon] is the start of a major new fantasy series which brings the heroes and legends of the 'Warhammer' world to life. This first book tells the story of Sigmar Heldenhammer and his most famous battle, defending the Black Fire Pass against thousands of orcs."

More info: www.forbiddenplanet.com

Source: Forbidden Planet press release

Line-up for Derby’s 2008 Alt.Fiction day confirmed

Posted in: What's On on 12th March 2008 by UKSFBN admin

Detail: The lineup for Derby's sci-fi and fantasy fiction event, Alt.Fiction 2008, has been confirmed. Alt.Fiction 2008 takes place on April 26th at Derby Assembly Rooms, and features a day packed with readings, workshops and panels with some of the UK's leading talent in science-fiction, fantasy and horror writing and publishing talent.

This year's line-up features a host of top UK genre authors, including the likes of Brian Lumley, Michael Marshall Smith, Mike Carey, Charles Stross, Graham Joyce, Ramsey Campbell and Justina Robson and many, many more. Tickets for the day cost £20 (£16 concessions) and can be booked from the Assembly Rooms Box Office on 01332 255800. Doors open at 11am for a 12.00 p.m. start, with a 9.00 p.m. close. The programme of events for the day is available on the Alt.Fiction blog.

More info: altfictionday.blogspot.com

Source: Alex Davis, Alt.Fiction organiser

BSFA marks 50th anniversary year with £500 short story competition

Posted in: What's On on 25th February 2008 by UKSFBN admin

2008 is the 50th anniversary year of the British Science Fiction Association and as part of their year-long celebrations, they've announced the launch of a short story competition for writers from the UK and Ireland, with a £500 first prize for the bets example, as decided by their illustrious panel of judges.

The BSFA's Martin McGrath has been in touch with the pertinent details: "To mark the anniversary we're publishing Celebrations: an original anthology of British SF featuring some of the biggest names in the genre. We've also got the 50th Anniversary BSFA Awards at Eastercon - as well as a range of panels looking back over the last 50 years of fandom at the Con - picking this year's best novel and a 'retro' award for 50 years ago.

"Then there's the new BSFA website, our AGM will feature a panel of fans who were around at the founding of the BSFA, we're having a birthday party in November and we're running a 50th Anniversary short story competition.

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Write Fantastic world-building panel discussion, Newcastle, February 29th

Posted in: What's On on 23rd February 2008 by UKSFBN admin

Detail: Three members of UK fantasy writers' collective The Write Fantastic will be holding a panel discussion on Fantasy World-Building as part of the 'Sense of Place' seminar series, at the Lit & Phil in Newcastle at 7.00 p.m. on Friday 29th February.

Dr Gail-Nina Anderson will be moderating the discussion between panel members Stan Nicholls, Deborah J Miller and Chaz Brenchley. The event is free, but the Lit & Phil requests that you reserve a seat by phone, email or in person.

More info: www.literaturenortheast.co.uk

Source: The Write Fantastic

‘Basil Copper: A Life in Books’ launch, BFS Open Night, London, Feb 23rd

Posted in: What's On on 12th February 2008 by UKSFBN admin

'Basil Copper: A Life in Books' by Stephen JonesHosted by the British Fantasy Society and PS Publishing, the bio/bibliography Basil Copper: A Life in Books, compiled and edited by Stephen Jones, will be launched on Saturday, February 23rd at The Upstairs Bar, Ye Olde Cock Tavern, 22 Fleet Street, London EC4Y 1AA from 6.00 p.m. onwards.

Among those signing copies will be: Basil Copper, editor/co-designer Stephen Jones, artists Randy Broecker and Les Edwards, co-designer Michael Marshall Smith and publisher Peter Crowther. Special Guests (subject to commitment) will include legendary anthology editors Hugh Lamb, Michel Parry and David A. Sutton.

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Bob Byrne signing, The Bernard Shaw, Dublin, February 14th

Posted in: What's On on 10th February 2008 by UKSFBN admin

Detail: Via the Forbidden Planet blog log we hear that Irish independent comics publishing pioneer Bob Byrne will be signing copies of his new book Mister Amperduke at The Bernard Shaw in Portobello, Dublin, on February 14th, from 8.00 p.m.

More info: www.clamnuts.com

Source: Joe Gordon, FP Blog Log

Manga artists signing, Orbital Manga, London, February 23rd

Posted in: What's On on 8th February 2008 by UKSFBN admin

'The Mammoth Book of Best New Manga' ed. by Ilya - Click for ordering info from Amazon.co.ukEmily Man, from comics store Orbital Manga of Covent Garden, London, has been in touch to tell us about a launch event and competition that they're organising to mark the launch of The Mammoth Book of Best New Manga on February 23rd from 12.00 to 2.00 p.m.

Emily tells us: "Manga artists Karen Rubins, Chie Kutsuwada, Nana Li and John A Short will be at orbital Manga to sign copies of The Mammoth Book of Best New Manga and the first ten customers to buy both volumes one and two will also receive a free Manga illustration drawn and signed on the day by one of the artists!"

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Robert Rankin, David Warner, Rupert Degas signing, FP London, Feb 13th [++]

Posted in: What's On on 2nd February 2008 by UKSFBN admin

Detail: From a Forbidden Planet press release: "Forbidden Planet is pleased to announce a signing by Robert Rankin, David Warner and Rupert Degas - of the 13x30 minute full cast audio comedy audio book version of Rankin's The Brightonomicon [Amazon] - at the Forbidden Planet Megastore, 179 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, on Wednesday February 13th, from 5.00 to 6.30 p.m."

FP says: "Robert Rankin is one of the country's most renowned humorous fantasy writers. He has written 29 novels and is an unrepentant Luddite who writes his bestselling novels by hand in exercise books. David Warner is an accomplished stage and screen actor. He has appeared in The Omen, Tron, Time Bandits, Star Trek, Titanic and Tim Burton's Planet of The Apes. Rupert Degas is an actor who has lent his voice to animated films, TV shows, radio productions and also audio books."

[+] Edit, 04.02.08 - FP have been in touch to let us know that Andy Serkis (Lord of the Rings, King Kong) and Jason Isaacs (Lucius Malfoy from the Harry Potter movies) will also be appearing at the signing.

[++] Edit, 08.02.08 - FP have now added Sarah Douglas, who played the villainess Ursa in Superman The Movie and Superman II, to the line-up as well.

More info: www.forbiddenplanet.com

Source: Forbidden Planet press release

TTA Press announces TTA Con #9, London, February 9th

Posted in: What's On on 30th January 2008 by UKSFBN admin

TTA Press, the publishers of the UK's longest-running SF short fiction magazine, Interzone, as well as Black Static, Crimewave and The Fix, have announced that they'll be hosting the long-awaited TTACon #9 on Saturday February 9th.

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Steve Westcott signing mini-tour, UK, February 8th - 17th

Posted in: What's On on 30th January 2008 by UKSFBN admin

Steve Westcott has been in touch to let us know that he's venturing forth from his Isle of Man lair in February to embark on a book signing tour.

He'll be promoting the re-issued edition of his debut comic fantasy novel Reluctant Heroes, as well as the upcoming March release of book two in the Black Dragon trilogy, Cronan the Librarian, from Frontlist Books.

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Coheed and Cambria signing, FP London, February 8th

Posted in: What's On on 29th January 2008 by UKSFBN admin

This just in from a Forbidden Planet press release: "Forbidden Planet is pleased to announce a signing by the band Coheed and Cambria. They will be signing copies of The Amory Wars at the Forbidden Planet Megastore, 179 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, on Friday 8th February from 5.00 to 6.00 p.m."

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Manga night at Forbidden Planet International, Belfast, February 6th

Posted in: What's On on 27th January 2008 by UKSFBN admin

Detail: The Belfast branch of Forbidden Planet International will be hosting a manga night on Wednesday February 6th from 7.00 to 9.00 p.m. and Joe Gordon of FPI Blog Log fame says: "A representative from Tokyopop will be coming along and there will be games (including some Wii fun), competitions, giveaways and I'd imagine there has to be some cosplay because how can you have a manga night without cosplay?

"All manga in the store will be on sale at 10% off during the event. Tickets are available from the store (52-54 Ann Street, Belfast, phone 028 9043 8744) for the tiny sum of £1 - contact the branch for details."

More info: Forbidden Planet International

Source: Forbidden Planet Blog Log

Interzone’s Roy Gray visiting the Birmingham SF group, February 8th

Posted in: What's On on 26th January 2008 by UKSFBN admin

Detail: The Birmingham SF Group's next guest evening will be on Friday 8th February from 7.45 p.m. at the Briar Rose, Bennett Hill, in Birmingham city centre. The BSFG will be welcoming Roy Gray of Interzone magazine, Britain's longest-running original SF short fiction; its silver jubilee issue (#209) was published in 2007.

Roy's job is to obtain useful publicity and advertising for Interzone. Not an easy task. What does he do and how does he do it? Is he any good? How can he do better? Tickets are £3 for BSFG members, £4 for non-members. Further details can be obtained from Vicky the secretary at bhamsfgroup@yahoo.co.uk.

More info: Birmingham SF Group

Source: Birmingham SF Group

Stephen Hunt’s ‘The Court of the Air’ chosen for Berlinale pitch

Posted in: What's On on 24th January 2008 by UKSFBN admin

'The Court of the Air' by Stephen Hunt - Click for ordering info from Amazon.co.ukThis just in from the John Jarrold Literary Agency: "Ten novels (written in a wide variety of languages) have been selected for presentation by the world's main publishers on February 12th 2008 at therBerlin International Film Festival - the world's largest film festival with 200,000 movie and TV professionals attending. One fantasy and science fiction book made the cut, Stephen Hunt's epic fantasy tale, The Court of the Air.

"Organised by the Berlin International Film Festival in cooperation with the Frankfurt Book Fair for the third time, the Breakfast & Books section of the film fair enables representatives from publishing houses, literary agents and producers to meet for a pitching session, followed by breakfast together. Producers interested in the film rights can discuss matters on location with right holders.

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BFS announces two new Guests of Honour for Fantasycon ‘08

Posted in: What's On on 23rd January 2008 by UKSFBN admin

Detail: The British Fantasy Society have confirmed two additional Guests of Honour for this year's British Fantasy Convention in Nottingham, over the weekend of September 19th - 21st.

Artist Dave McKean and fantasy author James Barclay will be joining already-announced US guest of honour Christopher Golden and Master of Ceremonies Christopher Fowler for the weekend of author interviews, readings, quizzes, panel sessions, the British Fantasy Awards, and drinking. (Lots of drinking...)

More info: www.fantasycon.org.uk

Source: British Fantasy Society

Iain M Banks mini-tour, UK South, February 25th - 28th

Posted in: What's On on 22nd January 2008 by UKSFBN admin

Detail: Orbit Books have just announced details of a four-date UK mini-tour by Iain M Banks to promote the publication of his new novel set in his 'Culture' milieu, Matter [Amazon].

Banks will be visiting Hove, Bristol, Norwich and Lincoln, between the 25th and 28th of February. Full details have been posted on the Orbit website.

More info: www.orbitbooks.net

Source: Orbit Books news feed

Robert Holdstock interview at BSFA meeting, London, January 23rd

Posted in: What's On on 22nd January 2008 by UKSFBN admin

Detail: Robert Holdstock, author of the Merlin Codex series, the classic British mytho-fantasy novels Mythago Wood, Lavondyss, and many other novels, will be the guest of the British Science Fiction Society at their monthly meeting on January 23rd.

The venue is the upstairs room at The Star Tavern, 6 Belgrave Mews West, London. The evening starts at 6.00 p.m. (although BSFA members will be gathering in the downstairs bar from 5.00 p.m.) and Robert will be interviewed by Paul Kincaid about his life and work. The event finishes at 9.00 p.m.

More info: British Science Fiction Association

Source: BSFA news feed

John Jarrold Literary Agency reports a great start to ‘08

Posted in: What's On on 14th January 2008 by UKSFBN admin

'The Grin of the Dark' by Ramsey Campbell - Click for ordering info from Amazon.co.ukThe John Jarrold Literary Agency has enjoyed a busy start to the new year, with news of a news book deal for a current client, a forthcoming book festival appearance and interview with one of the biggest authors in British literature, and a new client joining the agency to round off the first couple of weeks of the year.

First, that book deal. John tells us: "One of the first horror authors being published by Virgin / Random House is the doyen of British supernatural fiction, Ramsey Campbell. Winner of many World Fantasy Awards, British Fantasy Awards and Lifetime Achievement Awards – amongst others – Campbell was described as 'Britain's most respected living horror writer' by the Oxford Companion to English Literature.

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Transworld UK declares 2008 to be the year of Steven Erikson

Posted in: What's On on 13th January 2008 by UKSFBN admin

'The Gardens of the Moon' by Steven Erikson - Click for ordering info from Amazon.co.ukSam Jones of Transworld Publishers has been in touch to tell us about their "big plans this year for author Steven Erikson and his epic fantasy sequence, The Malazan Book of the Fallen – hailed by his peers, critics and fans alike as the first great fantasy epic of the millennium.

"In February we are publishing a special mass market paperback edition of the acclaimed and astounding first novel in the Malazan Book of the Fallen, Gardens of the Moon. Sporting the new cover look for the series, illustrated by Steve Stone, it includes an exclusive introduction written by the author and will be available at the extra special price of only £3.99.

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Paul Grist signing, FPI Manchester, January 19th

Posted in: What's On on 11th January 2008 by UKSFBN admin

Detail: Paul Grist, creator of Kane and Jack Staff will be marking the publication of the new Jack Staff Special from Image Comics with a signing at Forbidden Planet International, 65 Oldham Street, Manchester, on Saturday 19th January from 3.00 to 4.00 p.m.

There's a lengthy interview with Paul Grist on the FPI Blog that's definitely worth a read if you're a fan of his work, as well as full details of the event.

More info: www.forbiddenplanet.co.uk/blog

Source: Joe Gordon, FPI Blog

Jim Mahfood and Bill Shag exhibition, London, Jan 11th - Feb 8th

Posted in: What's On on 9th January 2008 by UKSFBN admin

Detail: This just in: "For those who missed this show the first time around, American comic book creator Jim Mahfood and photographer Bill Shag have teamed up to produce a collection of artworks on show at Prague Bar, 6 Kingsland Road, E2, London, from January 11th to February 8th."

The organisers tell us: "The show will present original works by the two artists together with a unique chance to see a new series of collaborative pieces. Jim has long been a star of the comic scene; his drawings and paintings are a comic-book twist of surrealist wit and graffiti style and culture. Bill Shag's photographs are a record of the absurd and beautiful America in which he lives. Dark and dangerous, his images capture a subversive world revelling on the edge of society. This show presents a rare chance to see and purchase work by two of America's best underground artists."

More info: www.barprague.com

Source: Emily Griffiths, Adrem

Triple Doctor Who author signing, FP London, January 12th

Posted in: What's On on 8th January 2008 by UKSFBN admin

Detail: From the Forbidden Planet press release: "Forbidden Planet is delighted to announce a signing by Trevor Baxendale, Simon Guerrier and James Swallow. They will be signing their new Doctor Who books at the Forbidden Planet Megastore, 179 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, on Saturday 12th January, from 1.00 to 2.00 p.m."

The three Doctor Who books in question are: Wishing Well (Baxendale), The Pirate Loop (Guerrier) and Peacemaker (Swallow).

More info: www.forbiddenplanet.com

Source: Forbidden Planet press release

Brian Wood signing, Orbital Manga, London, January 5th

Posted in: What's On on 19th December 2007 by UKSFBN admin

Detail: Brian Wood is a writer, illustrator, and graphic designer living in Brooklyn, New York. He is known primarily as a comic book creator; Wood both writes and illustrates graphic novels and serialized monthly comic books - DMZ, Demo, Generation X - for a variety of publishers.

Brian Wood will be coming to the UK for a signing at London's Orbital Manga at Orion House, Upper St Martins Lane, London on January 5th 2008 from 12.00 to 2.00 p.m.

More info: www.myspace.com/orbitalmanga

Source: Emily Man, Orbital Manga

BFS Open Night, York Brewery, January 26th 2008

Posted in: What's On on 14th December 2007 by UKSFBN admin

Lee Harris of Hub Magazine fame, in his capacity as de-facto British Fantasy Society events organiser (Northern region), has announced the date of the next York Open Night: Saturday January 26th, 2008.

Lee says: "As with the October '07 Open Night, the next one is to be held at York Brewery.

Read the Full Story...

British Fantasy Society announces Fantasycon 2008

Posted in: What's On on 13th December 2007 by UKSFBN admin

Fantasycon logoDetail: The British Fantasy Society, the UK's fantasy and horror writers and readers association and organisers of the British Fantasy Awards have confirmed preliminary details of the next annual Fantasycon convention, which will take place in Nottingham from September 19th - 21st next year.

The event will be held at the Nottingham Britannia Hotel - for the third year running - and the first confirmed Guest of Honour is prolific, US-based, dark fantasy, horror, teen thriller, comics and tie-in writer Christopher Golden. The Master of Ceremonies for the weekend (who'll have a hard act to follow after recent performances by the likes of Graham Joyce and Peter Crowther) and further Guests (of Honour or otherwise) will be announced in due course.

More Info: www.fantasycon.org.uk

Source: British Fantasy Society news feed

M.R. James film evening, Moseley, December 12th

Posted in: What's On on 6th December 2007 by UKSFBN admin

Detail: 7 Inch Cinema are presenting a night dedicated to M.R. James' Christmas ghost stories, on Wednesday December 12th, at Highbury Hall in Moseley, West Midlands.

Two classic BBC adaptations of James's ghost stories will be shown on the evening: 'A Warning to the Curious' and 'Oh, Whistle and I'll Come to You, My Lad". Tickets are £7 in advance, £8 on the night. More details on the 7 Inch Cinema website.

More info: www.7inch.org.uk

Source: www.SFX.co.uk

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