Seems like AGES since my last blog.
Well, actually it is ages. Nearly a month. It's been busy at Chez Cooke, with gigs and book events and all sorts (not of the licorice variety, ick).
Since we last spoke (sort of), Hallowsteam has taken place. This was a really great night. The acts were amaxing - in the afternoon session it ranged from new band Metropolis making a storming debut, to the groan-aloud (that's nearly a pop band) comedy of Count Rostov, to the perpetual motion machine that is Birthrite who had kindly agreed to headline the afternoon show.
After the cake break, Crimson Clocks took to the stage, and I gaily flung body parts (edible ones) into the audience. We were followed by Gladstone and their exuberant brand of steampunk and story; by the Cogkneys who made sure we were all full of fruit (av a banana); by the Seas of Mirth who beat a giant crab to death in front of us, and finally by the consummately professional BB Blackdog, with Mike chasing people around the venue armed only with his wirseless bass, and Demolitia Tribal making an excellent 'gimp' choice.... oh yes. If this sounds like a teaser, then you should have been there! But here's a taster courtesy of Never Mind The Cogs, photographer Arthur Brown:
Well, actually it is ages. Nearly a month. It's been busy at Chez Cooke, with gigs and book events and all sorts (not of the licorice variety, ick).
Since we last spoke (sort of), Hallowsteam has taken place. This was a really great night. The acts were amaxing - in the afternoon session it ranged from new band Metropolis making a storming debut, to the groan-aloud (that's nearly a pop band) comedy of Count Rostov, to the perpetual motion machine that is Birthrite who had kindly agreed to headline the afternoon show.
After the cake break, Crimson Clocks took to the stage, and I gaily flung body parts (edible ones) into the audience. We were followed by Gladstone and their exuberant brand of steampunk and story; by the Cogkneys who made sure we were all full of fruit (av a banana); by the Seas of Mirth who beat a giant crab to death in front of us, and finally by the consummately professional BB Blackdog, with Mike chasing people around the venue armed only with his wirseless bass, and Demolitia Tribal making an excellent 'gimp' choice.... oh yes. If this sounds like a teaser, then you should have been there! But here's a taster courtesy of Never Mind The Cogs, photographer Arthur Brown:
Hallowsteam was a great night indeed. Will I do it next year? To be honest, I don't know. Six months of effort went into arranging it, the acts performed brilliantly, the traders had wonderful stock, Dr When MC'd like a demon, and the people who came were absolutely splendid, as were the Roadhouse staff and venue themselves. But for all that effort, so few people actually turned up. Perhaps Birmingham just isn't steampunk ready. Who know...? Answers on a postcard, please!
After Hallowsteam, we played at the Shed in Leicester, alongside Metropolis, Birthrite and Gladstone once again; and thanks go to Mr G Stoker Esq of Gladstone for arranging this! Again, a great venue, great traders, great acts. Thanks to those that came along and enjoyed themselves!
In the meantime, of course, there is writing to be done. Volume 2 of The Automata Wars is on its second draft; while Vol 1, the Home Front, has received a first 5-star review on Amazon! If you read a book - one of mine, or from any author - that you think is worth a review, then please leave one - on Amazon, Waterstones, Goodreads, whereever you happen to be. It helps to get feedback on what people liked or didn't, and it also helps to spread the word!
And after the famine a feast - no blog for ages, then a huge one all in one go. If we don't speak before, then look out for a special 'chain blog' next week, which the lovely Rae Gee, author of Mars on the Rise, has invited me to take part in. 'Til next time...
After Hallowsteam, we played at the Shed in Leicester, alongside Metropolis, Birthrite and Gladstone once again; and thanks go to Mr G Stoker Esq of Gladstone for arranging this! Again, a great venue, great traders, great acts. Thanks to those that came along and enjoyed themselves!
In the meantime, of course, there is writing to be done. Volume 2 of The Automata Wars is on its second draft; while Vol 1, the Home Front, has received a first 5-star review on Amazon! If you read a book - one of mine, or from any author - that you think is worth a review, then please leave one - on Amazon, Waterstones, Goodreads, whereever you happen to be. It helps to get feedback on what people liked or didn't, and it also helps to spread the word!
And after the famine a feast - no blog for ages, then a huge one all in one go. If we don't speak before, then look out for a special 'chain blog' next week, which the lovely Rae Gee, author of Mars on the Rise, has invited me to take part in. 'Til next time...
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