Hello!
Just wanted to introduce myself as the guy who wrote The Apprentice, on which the track Milliontown was (very loosely) based. I was ego-surfing a few years back and read something about the connection in Wikipedia, which eventually led to downloading Milliontown from Amazon -- and what an amazing track / album it was! I've always been a fan of Yes and the more prog rock side of Genesis, and to discover something which more than matched the best of those two groups was fantastic.
And I was flattered too, of course, that anyone should draw inspiration from my book. It actually pleased me more than any of the reviews I had or the money I made. A feedback loop of creativity...
Anyhow, I guess I'm also writing to tell anyone who's interested that you can still buy The Apprentice, either in ebook form or in print. In print form you can find second-hand copies at Abebooks (http://www.abebooks.co.uk/servlet/SearchResults?bx=off&sts=t&ds=30&bi=0&an=gordon%2Bhoughton&sortby=3); in ebook form you can download it cheaply for all sorts of devices and reader software -- the details are on my website (http://theburrow.zzap64.co.uk/novels/ebooks.html). I've spent the last ten years or so since The Apprentice raising a family of three kids; but I've just taking up writing again over the past year, and have finished a new book: a dystopian science fiction story called Max, set in a near-future police state... Take a look if you're interested.
Thanks for your time. <!-- s:) -->:)<!-- s:) -->
Cheers
Gordon Houghton
[edit: there's a sequel to The Apprentice out now, too. It's called The Journeyman (http://theburrow.zzap64.co.uk/novels/ebook%20thejourneyman.html).]
Welcome aboard, will you be staying around?
Yes, welcome indeed and thanks for signing up. I never got to read the book (always meant to) so this is a welcome reminder. :)
So glad you like what Jem has done as much as we do. I guess you know about Experiments In Mass Appeal which features a track called 'Wonderland' which was a part 2 to 'Milliontown'?
Good luck with the new stuff. :)
Wow, hello Gordon! Great to meet you! :D
And very interesting to hear that you like some prog!
I actually bought The Apprentice because it was mentioned here. Very entertaining read! Will look for your other stuff!
Jürgen
Welcome Gordon - I worked the other way - started with Milliontown and then found the book.
You probably need Jem to explain the inspiration as having listened to the track and read the book, I'd agree with the "loose" comment.
@Mikey: Yes. :) Though I tend to be more of a lurker than a poster on all the boards I visit...
@Pedro: I knew about it, but shamefully haven't bought it yet. I'll rectify that today...
@ich_bin_besser: Glad you liked it. :)
@L33VEY: Yeah, 'loose' is definitely the word... I love the lyrics, though: they have a really evocative sense of melancholy and restraint.
welcome! very cool to have you here!
what's your favorite biscuit?
More importantly - are you getting any commission off Alan Sugar or Donald Trump??
No! Mind you, I don't want anything off Donald Trump.
And I can't pass a box of Cadbury's Chocolate Fingers without scoffing the lot. Ditto chocolate-covered digestives. And those Viennese thingies with the chocolate in the middle.
Small world, eh? Pretty cool you've found this place, Gordon!
It's not April 1st somewhere, is it?
I actually got the free sample ebook of the first chapter or so of The Apprentice, entirely because of the Milliontown connection, and it seemed right up my alley. This thread is the kick up the arse (and helpful links links) I needed to go out and get the full thing.
Edit: It's £1.99 on the iBooks store, bargain!
Wahey! Result. :)
Hope you like it: it's a gothic melancholy kind of thing. I bought Experiments In Mass Appeal a couple of days ago and am rather enjoying it...
iBooks installed, The Apprentice purchased....now, where's the "play" button? ;o)
It's in between FF and REW -- but make sure you clean the tape heads with Q-Tips and alcohol first, otherwise the story will get chewed up.
I hope you don't mind the comparison, but the start feels vaguely Pratchett-esque so far.
Which is in no way a bad thing, he's one of my favourite authors. :D
Purchased it for the kindle last night, I'm hooked after only a few pages :D
Spread the word, everyone! :) I need to keep myself stocked up with Bourbons and Jammie Dodgers!
Seriously, though -- thanks for the comments.
just bought it! not sure when I'll get to it, but I will!!
Quote from: "Gordon"Hope you like it: it's a gothic melancholy kind of thing. .
Are your other books of a similar genre, or are they from a different stable?
Quote from: "Gordon"I bought Experiments In Mass Appeal a couple of days ago and am rather enjoying it..
That's the general idea :D
Quote from: "Mikey"Are your other books of a similar genre, or are they from a different stable?
They're all quite different.
MAX (//http://theburrow.zzap64.co.uk/novels/ebook%20max.html) is a dystopian science fiction story set in a near-future police state. I found an agent for it back in April, but we fell out over the direction they wanted to take it, so I've resumed hawking it around other agents now. It's probably the best thing I've written.
THE DINNER PARTY (//http://theburrow.zzap64.co.uk/novels/ebook%20thedinnerparty.html) is a curious little horror story that was more shocking when it was first published in 1998; not so much now. It was my first novel too, with some of the flaws that brings. I still like it, though. :)
GAME BOY (//http://theburrow.zzap64.co.uk/novels/ebook%20gameboy.html) is about a group of computer gamers. It's the most 'normal' of my books in terms of plot, and it's packed with nostalgic retro gaming goodness. On the whole, though, I'd say it's only for people obsessed with games; I'm not sure how much it would appeal to anyone else.
Quote from: "Gordon"Quote from: "Mikey"Are your other books of a similar genre, or are they from a different stable?
They're all quite different.
MAX (//http://theburrow.zzap64.co.uk/novels/ebook%20max.html) is a dystopian science fiction story set in a near-future police state. I found an agent for it back in April, but we fell out over the direction they wanted to take it, so I've resumed hawking it around other agents now. It's probably the best thing I've written.
THE DINNER PARTY (//http://theburrow.zzap64.co.uk/novels/ebook%20thedinnerparty.html) is a curious little horror story that was more shocking when it was first published in 1998; not so much now. It was my first novel too, with some of the flaws that brings. I still like it, though. :)
GAME BOY (//http://theburrow.zzap64.co.uk/novels/ebook%20gameboy.html) is about a group of computer gamers. It's the most 'normal' of my books in terms of plot, and it's packed with nostalgic retro gaming goodness. On the whole, though, I'd say it's only for people obsessed with games; I'm not sure how much it would appeal to anyone else.
All available for 2.79 on the kindle
Quote from: "Mikey"Quote from: "Gordon"Quote from: "Mikey"Are your other books of a similar genre, or are they from a different stable?
They're all quite different.
MAX (//http://theburrow.zzap64.co.uk/novels/ebook%20max.html) is a dystopian science fiction story set in a near-future police state. I found an agent for it back in April, but we fell out over the direction they wanted to take it, so I've resumed hawking it around other agents now. It's probably the best thing I've written.
THE DINNER PARTY (//http://theburrow.zzap64.co.uk/novels/ebook%20thedinnerparty.html) is a curious little horror story that was more shocking when it was first published in 1998; not so much now. It was my first novel too, with some of the flaws that brings. I still like it, though. :)
GAME BOY (//http://theburrow.zzap64.co.uk/novels/ebook%20gameboy.html) is about a group of computer gamers. It's the most 'normal' of my books in terms of plot, and it's packed with nostalgic retro gaming goodness. On the whole, though, I'd say it's only for people obsessed with games; I'm not sure how much it would appeal to anyone else.
All available for 2.79 on the kindle
...and all on iBooks for £1.99
Welcome Gordon. ;)
After discovering Milliontown I too went on to buy copies of 'The Apprentice' and 'The Dinner Party.'
I absolutely adore both books. 'The Apprentice' for it's original premise, humour, well structured shifts in time and plot development which for me gave the story a greater emotional impact. Even my Nanna who's 84 enjoyed it (whether or not she likes Frost* remains a mystery).
I also enjoyed 'The Dinner Party' for different reasons. I don't know how much of it was based in your own experiences, but after reading the book I did feel that I had a greater understanding of 'some' of the thoughts and emotions that are experienced by those who self-harm.
I am aware that you did write a sequel to 'The Apprentice' but unfortunately I was unable to read it before it was removed from your website. Is there any reason why it is no longer available and are there any plans for you to make it available in the future?
Hmmm, just to note that I must have missed this thread entirely when it was started in June: think I was in (quickly checks calendar) ... ah yes, the suburbs of Stockholm at the time ;)
Anyway, excellent to have you here, Gordon. Notwithstanding the intense criticism that has been flanneled about since the UK summer riots about the dangers of increased inter-connectivity (cf. IM'ing and wotnot), I for one am thrilled to be living in a future where musicians, authors, and fans of both can so readily hook up and discuss biscuits.
I'll admit that I haven't read any of your stuff yet (but will have a gander), although in keeping with the science fiction theme, I can say that I met up this summer with Alastair Reynolds, of whose writing I've been a big fan for many years, and had a very good chat. An interesting connection is that I'm head of the department he used to work in before he set off as a full-time author, albeit that was a few years before I arrived.
According to Ye Web, Alastair has a respectable history as a prog rock fan, including Crimson, Eno, and other keyboard-driven stuff. Surely he must be a candidate for being a Frost*ie ... or are you here already, Al? 8-)
Quote from: "Gordon"Hello!
Just wanted to introduce myself as the guy who wrote The Apprentice, on which the track Milliontown was (very loosely) based.
Thanks, exactly what I needed, one more book to had to my already very long to-read list :evil:
Sorry for the delayed replies -- I've just spent two weeks in The Sound of Music country, quaffing Weissbier and being lobstered by thirty-degree German heat. Anyway...
@ OtnemeM: :D You're welcome. I can also recommend Ursula Le Guin's entire works, if you're still short of reading material... ;)
Quote from: "Dead Star"I am aware that you did write a sequel to 'The Apprentice' but unfortunately I was unable to read it before it was removed from your website. Is there any reason why it is no longer available and are there any plans for you to make it available in the future?
I wasn't entirely happy with The Journeyman, so removed it. It's still on my To-Do list for some time in the future, though, assuming I ever exhaust my current science fiction phase. There are some basic plot changes which need to be made, and it'll probably be a few months' work: it's just a question of getting down and doing it.
I'm really glad your Nanna enjoyed TA, though: that puts a big smile on my face. --> :-)
Quote from: "Trapezium Artist"I'll admit that I haven't read any of your stuff yet (but will have a gander), although in keeping with the science fiction theme, I can say that I met up this summer with Alastair Reynolds, of whose writing I've been a big fan for many years, and had a very good chat.
Interesting stuff... Which of his books would you recommend? I've browsed Amazon, but always prefer personal recommendations.
Tis being whispernet-ed to the Kindle as we speak.
Ah the synchronicity of it all!
Music and Literature, my two favourite things... Along with Photography.
OK, my three favourite things are Music, Literature and Photography... Oh and Art.
Right, my four favourite things are Music, Literature, Photography, Art and fine wines.
Bugger...
I'll start again...
My five favourite things are Music, Literature, photography, Art, fine wines and good food.
Alright... Amongst my favourite things...
Quote from: "MarkOneMusic"Tis being whispernet-ed to the Kindle as we speak.
Ah the synchronicity of it all!
Music and Literature, my two favourite things... Along with Photography.
OK, my three favourite things are Music, Literature and Photography... Oh and Art.
Right, my four favourite things are Music, Literature, Photography, Art and fine wines.
Bugger...
I'll start again...
My five favourite things are Music, Literature, photography, Art, fine wines and good food.
Alright... Amongst my favourite things...
Bloody Romans :lol:
I'm just giving the post a little bump because I just received the paperback version of the book from Amazon yesterday. I've been reading it in between classes today and I think it's quite good. I'll report back later when I get a bit deeper into the book. It's promising so far!
Quote from: "MTBDude"I'm just giving the post a little bump because I just received the paperback version of the book from Amazon yesterday. I've been reading it in between classes today and I think it's quite good. I'll report back later when I get a bit deeper into the book. It's promising so far!
Be careful: the paperback version self-destructs when you reach page 303.
Surely it would disappear at page 404? ¬_¬
That's the ebook version. :-)
:mrgreen:
Just came accross this thread. This is amazing! Now we just need Paul McKenna on here...
I finished the book a few days ago, and I thought it was quite good. I will admit, I didn't see the end coming :twisted:
Quote from: "MTBDude"I didn't see the end coming :twisted:
It's usually close to the last page
Siddles over to chair where coat is
Quote from: "Mikey"Quote from: "MTBDude"I didn't see the end coming :twisted:
It's usually close to the last page
Siddles over to chair where coat is
...maybe half the pages are blank! :)
If you look more closely, I think you'll find that *all* of the pages are blank. It's the novel equivalent of Doctor Who's psychic paper.
You will immediately forget this message after you have read it.
What message?
What what?
Your message contains too few characters.
That didn't work
That way I avoid the Harry Potter thing of having to introduce each one every time they appear on screen.
Hello folks!
As I continue to lurk on the fringes of this board, I'm as pleased as everyone else that things are happening Frost*-wise again. It's also nice to see Jem back on Twitter after his 33-day absence. :)
In the meantime, I've cut the price of all my ebooks on Smashwords by a dollar, which in English money brings them under the £2 mark for the first time (about £1.90 at current exchange rates). That's less than the price of a cup of coffee (assuming you buy coffee at one of those swanky High-Street coffee places and don't just pour boiling water over a teaspoon of Nescafe)!
I've just made the price change today, which means it's immediate if you buy direct from Smashwords, but it might take a little longer to filter through to the various online bookstores. Details here: http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/GordonHoughton (http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/GordonHoughton) and here: http://theburrow.zzap64.co.uk/novels/ebooks.html (http://theburrow.zzap64.co.uk/novels/ebooks.html)
Cheers!
g.
Quote from: "Gordon"don't just pour boiling water over a teaspoon of Nescafe
Have you seen the price of Nescafe? :evil:
I just bought The Apprentice from amazon for 4 usd. Sweet.
Oh and hello all.
Welcome! :)
Biscuit?
Welcome aboard!
In order to complete your registration, please state your preference in biscuits (aka cookies) and name both your first and most embarrassing (however you choose to measure that) album purchases. :)
I'm not sure I've named my first album yet either... :shock: First single was Art Garfunkel singing Bright Eyes, which is bad enough, but my most embarrassing album was ABC's Lexicon of Love. Schmaltzy boppy froth. Ugh. I've had to listen to Rush for the past 30 years to compensate.
Last time I bought Nescafe it cost 3 shillings and 6d, which explains why I'm out of touch.
Quote from: "Gordon"I've had to listen to Rush for the past 30 years to compensate.
Yes, it's a penance many of us here have had to endure but being stout fellows with resolute purpose, endure we have and without complaint. :D
Quote from: "johninblack"Quote from: "Gordon"I've had to listen to Rush for the past 30 years to compensate.
Yes, it's a penance many of us here have had to endure but being stout fellows with resolute purpose, endure we have and without complaint. :D
Not sure I've ever done anything heinous enough to have been handed that ultimate punishment ... 8-)
:lol:
You've probably still got time if you start now!
Quote from: "catherine"You've probably still got time if you start now!
Jeez, thanks for spotting that; not a moment to waste ... !
Glad to know at least someone reckons I'll make four score ... can I have the extra ten as well, as I'll need that to wash my ears and brain out of all that bloody Canadian racket? ;)
They'll have turned out enough over the next 30 to keep you busy for the additional 10. :)
Quote from: "Pedro"They'll have turned out enough over the next 30 to keep you busy for the additional 10. :)
new album out soon to get you started
Problem is, the sub-Arctic warbler and his mates have already planned way, way ahead of me ... There's no way I'll outlive the blighters :shock:
(//http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/c/c9/Rush_2112.jpg)
If it's the sub-Arctic warbler you don't like, may I suggest
La Villa Strangiato
'Tis brilliant (and warbleless)
The album's final track, the ambitious nine-and-a-half-minute "La Villa Strangiato," was the band's first instrumental release. According to Peart the band spent more time recording "La Villa Strangiato" than they did recording the entire Fly by Night album.
The album contains examples of Rush's adherence to progressive rock standards including the use of epic, multi-movement song structures, complex rhythms and time signatures, and flexible guitar solos, like those found in "La Villa Strangiato."
I've never heard anything, before or since, like the shriek at the end of Cygnus X-1. It's amazing.
Also, I'd like to put in a word for Neil Peart's lyrics: smart, emotional, political, personal... He has it all.
Hello folks
I have a new book out. It's called ANOTHER WORLD.
It's ace! It's apocalyptic! It's DRM-free! (And it's quite cheap). You can buy it for Kindle (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Another-World-e ... B008EV16CS (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Another-World-ebook/dp/B008EV16CS)) or from the Smashwords website (http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/169333 (http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/169333)). Smashwords has it in epub, mobi, pdf and pdb formats, amongst others. Nook, Kobo, Sony Reader, and iPad (from the iBooks store) versions are coming soon!
It's science fiction, and rather spiffy. More details (including reviews for my other books) on my website: http://theburrow.zzap64.co.uk/novels/ebooks.html (http://theburrow.zzap64.co.uk/novels/ebooks.html)
Thank you for your attention. :)
I've not even finished the other two I bought, yet! :lol:
Quote from: "Drarok"I've not even finished the other two I bought, yet! :lol:
You read all the books you buy? That's a novel concept :)
Why else would I buy them :?:
I'll get there, eventually. I keep finding cool new books to read, and adding them to the list. It's growing faster than I can read! :o
I've got a bookshelf packed with 30+ (printed) books I haven't read yet... And I still haven't managed to get beyond the first 200 pages of War and Peace.
Mind you, I read five science fiction books last week. 8-)
Quote from: "Drarok"I've not even finished the other two I bought, yet! :lol:
Come on, man! I'm only churning them out at the rate of one a year! ;)
Quote from: "Gordon"Quote from: "Drarok"I've not even finished the other two I bought, yet! :lol:
Come on, man! I'm only churning them out at the rate of one a year! ;)
There's some stiff competition about ;)
:D True enough.
Hello folks
Another year passes! And there's a new book from me, called The Journeyman. It's the sequel to The Apprentice, published by Transworld in 1999, and features a zombie as the main protagonist. It's already had two five-star reviews on Goodreads (http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17673321-the-journeyman).
You can download a sample, or buy it cheap in its entire DRM-free loveliness, at these places:
Smashwords (http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/299154)
Kindle (http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Journeyman-ebook/dp/B00C0M183Y)
Sony Reader (http://ebookstore.sony.com/ebook/gordon-houghton/the-journeyman/_/R-400000000000000992371)
iBooks (https://itunes.apple.com/gb/book/the-journeyman/id631836975?mt=11)
Kobo (http://www.kobobooks.com/search/search.html?q=Gordon+Houghton+the+journeyman)
Nook (http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-journeyman-gordon-houghton/1114973133?ean=2940044403840)
Thank you for attention.
G.