L M Cooke
  • Home
  • Biog
  • Blog
  • Writings
  • Events
  • Workshops
  • Music
  • Contact
  • Links

(Steam) flashers united at Cogs Bar...

25/4/2016

0 Comments

 
That's right, on Saturday I was at the second launch of new steampunk collection Steam Flashes, at Cogs Bar, Birmingham (UK)'s first steampunk bar. Steam Flashes contains one of my flash fiction (ie, short) stories, plus some of my photographs.

As you'll know from previous posts, all profits from Steam Flashes go to the charity New Futures Nepal. Not only did all contributors to the book - authors, photographers, makers - donate their work free of charge, all performers at Saturday's event performed for free, and Cogs Bar generously hosted without charge. Thanks go to everyone involved for their generosity in contributing to this project!

With my own good self as Mistress of Ceremonies, the evening began with an introduction to Steam Flashes and New Futures Nepal from Steven C. Davis, the man behind the entire project. Not only was this Steven's idea, he also managed to convince publishing company Tenebrous Texts to waive any fees in publishing the book beyond their costs. He concluded by reading his flash fiction story from the book.

We then moved onto tea duelling, and on this occasion first-time dueller Craig proved victorious. In another first, we were graced by author C.S. Wright, reading his contribution to Steam Flashes, and making his public reading debut with great aplomb. Craig is also the man behind Cogsmith Publishing, currently running a crowdfunder project for a new work, Airships and Automata.  And I also read my contribution to Steam Flashes, a flash fiction piece entitled Sun, Snow, Steam.
Picture
Steven C. Davis
Picture
C.S. Wright
Yet more entertainment came from Jessica Law, playing an acoustic set with a resonator mandolele, from Count Rostov and his amazing puns (not to mention the Beetroot Rap - can you dig it? (then layer it with a little compost?)), and from the excellent Magpie Cafe with their blend of electro-swing. Special mention to Mark Round from the Magpie Cafe, playing the set on his birthday.

Additional thanks must also go to Count Rostov once more for providing commentary on the tea duelling over which I presided; and to Lady M for making some splendid steampunk cupcakes (with cogs on - oh yes), all profits from which she also donated to New Futures Nepal. Thanks also to soundman Andrei who did a great job and also took part in the tea duelling!

Everyone seemed to thoroughly enjoy themselves, so I hope that was indeed the case. We made nearly £200 for the charity on the night. You were all marvellous - mwah! 
Picture
Jessica Law
Picture
The Magpie Cafe
Picture
Count Rostov
And what else can I do but leave you with the image of one of Jessica Law's Octokittens - along with the image of the book, of course, which is still available, priced £10, from Tenebrous Texts.  But hurry! A sell-out may soon be on the cards...
Picture
Picture
0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    Author

    I'm a writer of steampunk/ fantasy fiction, singer/musician and writer at LM Cooke Music, singer in the parody band Mediaeval Biaetches, occasional historian,  and co-presenter of the Gothic Alternative Steampunk and Progressive web radio show.  Here I will ramble vaguely about stuff.  Friends, countrymen, and people who aren't countrymen, lend me your ears...

    Archives

    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012

    Categories

    All
    Cats
    Events
    GASP Show
    General
    Gigs
    Music
    Writing

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
  • Home
  • Biog
  • Blog
  • Writings
  • Events
  • Workshops
  • Music
  • Contact
  • Links