Proof of the pudding

The print edition - isn't it pretty?

Look! There it is, From Dark Places in print – at least the proof copy that arrived here a little while ago. Proofing is now complete, (note the empty tea mug) and I just had to tell you (and show you) how gorgeous it's looking.

Back when I was first trying to get 20 Years Later published, many years ago, I fantasised about being able to hold a book in my hands that I had written. I've held the proof copy of 20 Years Later as a paperback, and now its first print run is going to be in hardback, so I'll get double the thrill of holding the first copy in my hands!

It was just as intense when this proof copy arrived of From Dark Places. How can I describe it? Relief, excitement, fear (of course) and a massive surge in adrenalin. So much work, so many hours, so much creativity all poured into one book made a physical reality… a really special feeling. The revised launch date of April 5th is still looking good, of course I'll keep you posted.

The latest story has gone out to the Short Story Club a few minutes ago, and many of the stories in the book you can see in the picture were inspired by prompts sent in by members. Can you guess what's coming next? Yup, a call for new story prompts please!

They can be one word, a snippet of dialogue, a story title or opening line – anything you like. Let's brew a new story!