Milliontown / The Apprentice

[Gordon]

Spread the word, everyone! I need to keep myself stocked up with Bourbons and Jammie Dodgers!

Seriously, though -- thanks for the comments.

[rogerg]

just bought it! not sure when I'll get to it, but I will!!

[Mikey]

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?

I bought Experiments In Mass Appeal a couple of days ago and am rather enjoying it..

That's the general idea  

[Gordon]

Are your other books of a similar genre, or are they from a different stable?

They're all quite different.

MAX 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 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 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.

[Mikey]

Are your other books of a similar genre, or are they from a different stable?

They're all quite different.

MAX 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 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 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

[Pedro]

Are your other books of a similar genre, or are they from a different stable?

They're all quite different.

MAX 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 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 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

[Dead Star]

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?

[Trapezium Artist]

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-)

[otnemeM]

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:

[Gordon]

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: You're welcome. I can also recommend Ursula Le Guin's entire works, if you're still short of reading material...

[Gordon]

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. --> :-)

[Gordon]

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.

[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...

[Mikey]

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:

[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!