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.
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.
 Steven C. Davis |  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!
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!
 Jessica Law |  The Magpie Cafe |  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...
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