David A. Riley's Blog, page 104

World Fantasy Convention - Programming Grid

Details of the programming for the World Fantasy Convention in Brighton at the end of this month have been released. Just click on the image below for a pdf.

First Review of Dark Visions 1

The first Amazon review for Dark Visions 1 gives it 5 stars and a great, detailed write up.

I was particularly pleased to see the reviewer mention that my story, Scrap, "could easily have been a kitchen sink drama, depicting the lives of two brothers growing up in a poverty-stricken council estate in England", adding "Riley chooses to inject a healthy dose of horror, elevating his story to a different, altogether more gruesome level."

Kitchen sink was exactly what I was aiming for while writing this story, which I believe is one of the best I have ever done. 

Harrassment Policy at FantasyCon 2014

I noticed that the FantasyCon 2014 website has details of a Harrassment Policy. I can't recall ever seeing anything like this on the website (or anywhere else for that matter) for a British fantasy convention before. It's left me wondering whether this is merely a preemptive strike or whether there have been genuine concerns over this issue here in the UK in recent years, even though I can't recall hearing anything about it.

Don't get me wrong. I have no objections to such a policy. In fact anyone who hasn't already adhered to it in spirit, never mind the letter, has no place at a convention so far as I'm concerned. It just seems sad that something about this issue has to be posted on the site. It could raise concerns and maybe even fears about what sometimes happens at conventions to anyone who has never attended one before.

Is this a sign of just where things have been heading over recent years in the wake of so many horrendous disclosures and prosecutions after the Jimmy Saville scandal? Or am I, not for the first time I might add, missing the point?

All Change at the BFS

It looks like all change at the British Fantasy Society, with a new President in the wings (just awaiting confirmation at the AGM) in the form of James Barclay after Ramsey Campbell's decision to step down earlier this year following many years stalwart service in the role.

The other positions due for election at this year's AGM (which will be held at the WFC in Brighton) are:

Stock HolderBritish Fantasy Awards AdministratorPublicity Officer / EventsTreasurerSecretaryChair
Of these the Events, Treasurer, Secretary and Chair have all said they will not be standing for re-election, though Lee Harris has indicated that if no one else stands for the position of Chair he will stay on for another year.
A Message from the BFS Chair

FantasyCon 2014 - York September 5, 2014

A dedicated website for next year's Fantasycon is now online with details of the hotel, MoC and Gohs.

The venue is the impressive Royal York Hotel.


Master of Ceremonies will be Graham Joyce and the Guests of Honour so far announced include Kate Elliott, Toby Whithouse, and Larry Rostant.

The new venue will come as a great relief to fans from the North of the country after repeated trips to Brighton and the surroundings of the hotel (and definitely the city of York itself) will make an even greater change to Nottingham!

Blood Bound Books on Amazon

Blood Bounds Books now have their own page on Amazon.

Weird Tales Interview

I have just had an interview posted on the Weird Tales website, in which I get the chance to discuss my short story collections and my novel, The Return.

Kindle versions of The Return now available

Kindle versions of my novel are available for £1.99 at Amazon.co.uk and for $3.19 at Amazon.com.

Ginger Nuts of Horror

Some great comments from Jim McLeod on the Ginger Nuts of Horror site about The Lurkers in the Abyss.

Got my copy of The Lurkers in the Abyss & Other Tales of Terror

It arrived in the post today - and I'm absolutely delighted!