Firstly, a little further autotrumpetry (1). Scott Carter of The First Book has put up an interview here. This is a particularly nice site, as it focuses on the first works of new authors, as the site title suggests. Having spent so very long in becoming one, I'm all for encouraging the new. I should note that — damn all spellcheckers — the phrase "a long, hard toad" appearing part way down is of course a typo, and my fault. However, the image resulting is considerably better than the original.

Secondly, and somewhat excitingly, check out the David Gemmell Legend Award. I've mentioned before the demonstration of deep and abiding respect for Gemmell I saw at the Larp event I was attending when news of his death broke: a roomfull of ersatz Drusses and Waylanders, axes and crossbows put aside, all raising a glass in his memory in a scene that would make any irascible but good-hearted hero shed a tear. Well, if you peruse the nominees you might notice a certain familiar title round about the Tor section. Voting starts December 26th. Vote with your conscience and your judgment (2).

In other news, I've become a jobbing journalist, at least briefly. The folks at Deathray have asked me to produce a piece for their Deep Thought section, which I've done on the sudden respectability of RPGs(3). In addition I will be writing a review and analysis of Peake's Titus Alone for SFX's Book Club — I'm just re-reading the book at the moment, but this one is a daunting prospect. Not only is Peake one of the Big Noises in fantasy (4), but the Book Club has had some serious literary Names thrown at it in the past, so I proceed with caution,

I'm note sure when either of these pieces will see print, but no doubt I'll be sufficiently full of myself to update the site with that information when I have it.

(1) I suppose it must be a trumpet, as symbol of petulent self-importance. Autobassoonery has a lovely ring to it though.

(2) Although if your conscience and your judgment vote for me, I'll buy them a metaphorical drink.

(3) Role-playing games. Not rocket-propelled grenades. Those were always pretty respected in the relevant circles.

(4) If fantasy is even the word for Peake's masterpiece.