It looks awesome. Go there. Go there now!

Figured I should provide a little weekend light relief. It’s been a warm and humid one in Notts, let me tell you. I dig the sun, but humidity I’m not a fan of. Especially when I’ve got deadlines of justice to chase and I’m sweating my ass off, hunched over my desk.

Still, I have an uber-oscillating fan so I should probably shut my cake-hole and get on with the post.

As well as the writing (which I’ll come to in a bit… promise), I’m back in training. The Robin Hood half-marathon (and marathon, as it happens) is looming and I’ve got my name of the list of nutters/athletes who are going to run the bast. To be truthful, I didn’t run this weekend – a couple of days off are just what my legs need to recover their muscle mass and all that jazz-ola. I have been doing some light weight work and crunches, though – all good for core strength, don’t you know. Ask my pal, Chris Wraight – he’s a runner and knows all about that stuff. Chris, if you’re this – how do, sir (I had the great pleasure of reading the first half of Chris’s next book – it’s 40K and it’s fookin’ awesome – ask about on his blog, no thunder-stealing here… no, siree).

Films! Yes, I do like to watch the odd movie. Been to the silver screen (aka ‘the flicks’) once this week (or should that be last week? Just when does the week begin anyway? I’ve heard Monday and Sunday both being touted as possibilites – anyway, who gives a crap). Toy Story 3 was the animated delight of choice and it was indeed animated and did in fact delight. Got a bit of a soft spot for animated flicks, Pixar especially, and this was great. Seen in 3D it was a lot of fun, but I don’t really think the extra dimension was necessary (please, oh, please, lofty film-making gods, stop slapping 3D onto your films if they don’t warrant it – you are devaluing an already gimmicky gimmick – ’nuff said). The story was great (about some toys, don’t you know) and actually had some pretty dark/moving moments in it. Top drawer – heed the reviews that’ve been banding around and go see.

On the small screen (aka the TV), I watched Whip It!. The good lady and I both enjoyed this coming of age sports comedy (and I say, huh? Huh?), starring Ellen Paige (who I always want to call Elaine Paige, because I am an arch-douch bag) and directed by Drew Barrymore (who’s also in it) and very ably co-starring the slightly mental but eminently watchable Juliet Lewis (who I had a bugger of a time remembering the name of, but got there just before the end credits were about to roll – almost an epic fail). The sport in question is roller-derby of all things, on account of which the film had a quintessential small-town America feel and the whiff of the independent movie about it (though, it did get cinematic distribution). I think ‘charming’ would be the word I’d use to describe. Very nice, a little light of plot, but lots of fun and Paige does a cracking job in it. Honestly, I found her a little insufferable in Juno but I guess that was her character – she’s much more endearing in this, and also has a great turn in Inception. Rent it if you fancy a light hour and a half-ish of nice, fuzzy entertainment with pretty girls in tight shorts and roller skates (did I forget to mention that part? My bad… ).

Speaking of Inception, I hold my hand up and accept that my shit-baggery has bubbled like a used diaper to the surface of this post. Yes, I did say I’d write a review of this film, and no, now that it’s been out for yonks, I’m not going to do that. Apologies, unlike Aladdin’s Lamp everything that you wish for (and I promise) on the blog doesn’t always come true. That’s not to say I hadn’t intended to, life and work and all that other mad stuff, just gets in the way sometimes. In lieu of that, I will say this: Kicks. Ass. Someone told me the other day that they didn’t like it and I nearly spat out my tea. Don’t listen to them (as if you would, discerning listeners…). Inception is probably one of the best, most intense sci-fi thriller/action/intrigue movies you’re ever likely to see. That and Moon are my top sf movie pics of this year (he says, sounding like some kind of bona fide critic – charlatan Kyme, charlatan!).

Hey! I watched the final episode of Spartacus: Blood and Sand this morning. Bloody hell (literally, ‘bloody’), it was a visceral feast! This show has grown on me. It started out as a sort of sexy 300 (and, boy, was there a lot of sex and titilation in this one – not for the under 18’s, yer hear!), riddled with foul language and I wondered if I was going to bother continuing watching after the first few, fairly, gratuitous episodes. But, as the show ground on and sub-plots were seeded in, paid off, layered up etc, etc, I found myself really liking it.

Yes, there was the odd bit of profanity that made me chuckle (some of John Hannah’s lines were classic and you can tell he was hamming it up to the max and loving every minute), but this was a series that had a denser narrative than it at first appeared. Characters were developed, some of the action and SFX (for a TV show) were simply stunning and if you like gore there was plenty of that too. I was sad to see it end, but it had one of the best finales ever. Good news is the show will be back next year (it airs on Bravo – home of the brave, apparently – which also boasts the excellent Sons of Anarchy), albeit with a slightly different moniker (well, the suffix, anyway), Spartacus: Gods of the Arena. If you’re an adult and like the gory, sexy stuff in loin cloths and sandals, go see.

Dexter is back, and I whoop in delight at its return. With Spartacus on the way out, TV was becoming a cold and lonely refuge once more and my V+ box was starting to feel distinctly unloved. The show about Miami’s favourite serial killer and forensic pathologist is a cracker. Personally, I think the producers have outdone themselves with each successive series, so I have high hopes for this one in which the titular character is balancing being a new dad with his predilection to slice up bad guys and microscope slide their blood for his air vent collective. Top drama indeed. Gawd bless Michael C Hall.

What news of Shakespeare then? No, no, no – I don’t mean the bard. That guy’s been dead for ages. Nope, I’m talking about the legend that is my live in house rabbit. Well, in a nutshell (or should that be carrot patch), he’s fine. The little bugger had been eating waaaaay to much, so over the last few months I’ve been cutting back his feed. As a result, he’s thinner and more sprightly but he’s also turned the extra energies towards destructive tendencies. See exhibit A through F.

Yep, that’s right – he chewed the bejesus out of my DVDs. Even the plastic ones! Oh, the horror, the horror! He actually went and snagged them from my DVD case – something he hasn’t taken the blindest bit of notice off for months and decide to have it. I mean, he even had a go at Scrooged. It’s Scrooged! Where’s the heart, I ask you.

These examples of Shakespearean carnage (maybe the rabbit was aiming to pen a tragedy with me as its central protagonist – ‘Is this a cooking pot I see before me?’ ‘To bite or not to bite – that is the question!’) pale in comparison to exhibit G…

The first rule of DVD Fight Club? Never let your house rabbit near Fight Club!

But, despite his rampage, it’s impossible to stay mad at the little fella (I managed twenty minutes before capitulating in the face of his cuteness – the mourning for the DVDs goes on, however…).

This is the little chap on his new cushion, which I purchased for him today. I think he likes it (chew that you little so and so…).

Thanks to all for the action flick/buddy movie suggestions. Loving Heat and Alien Nation, in particular (man, I had forgotten about that one). But I have another for the mix: anyone remember Dark Angel? No, not that dodgy sf show with Jessica Alba in it, but the cheesy 80’s (I think) flick with Dolph Lundgren. Top stuff!

Work-wise. I’m on with Fall of Damnos right now. I figure, once I’ve got a bit more to say on the subject, I’ll do a dedicated post. Suffice to say, righyt now I’m just over 12,000 words in and planning like a crazy thing to balance all the lore and make it into a compelling story. More to follow on that soon-ish (maybe… ).

Well, I reckon that’ll do for now. I’m just about to go and check this afternoon’s footy results (Fantasy Football is back on with a vengeance now the Prem has begun anew and I aim to raise my standing in the BL mini-league). Tonight, I’m cooking gnocci. Yum!

Yes, that’s right – there’s another Nick Kyme out there and he’s some kind of uber-squash player. Not only that, he also hails from Bermuda!

Here’s a link to one of (the other) Nick Kyme’s exploits on the squash court…

I’ve actually read a few articles about this chap and even received an email in the dim and distant past inviting me to Nepal (I’m assuming they meant the other Nick Kyme – I think me turning up with a borrowed squash raquet and some fairly dubious skills would’ve found me out fairly swiftly).

Occasionally, when I’m browsing through my Google Alerts, this fellow will crop up so I thought I’d share it with you. And, Nick, if you’re reading this – how do from your namesake.

Crazy world, eh?

Tough experience writing the Heresy piece. I enjoyed it. It’s also a different type of story for me. Main issue is the feeling that I don’t quite have carte blanche to do what I want within the milieu. It’s daunting, being in a collection alongside some of BL’s heavyweights. These guys have got frightening creativity and intelligence, and know how and where to bend the envelope (or push it, or whatever).

Still, that’s said, it’s given me a taste for it and I’d like to delve into the series on a deeper level if I can just bypass all the flaming hoops I’m having to jump through. There’s a story scripted already, and it’s a biggy – I just hope I get to tell it.

Anywho, lots of printed product coming out with my name on it or thereabouts recently.

First up is Sabbat Worlds, Dan’s awesome anthology on the aforementioned eponymous theme. My story is called ‘Blueblood’ and is another bloater at over 20k. That’s around 40,000 words in short story mileage of late – almost half a novel. Sheesh! I’ll be joining some of the other luminaries (okay, so they’re a little bit more luminous than me) at Forbidden Planet in London on the 9th of September for a signing. Details are in a previous post, but if you like this sort of thing get your asses over there as it’s a rare opportunity to get all of these great authors in a room together.

Also through the printer’s pipe was Grimblades – now released and getting some decent reviews. Still need to do my BL blog on this one, but have been a little snowed under to get around to it just yet (you’ll probably have noticed my own website’s blog has been a little quiet lately too…). I’ve had a copy of Fear the Alien, and a big thanks to the fans who’ve got in touch via Facebook to tell me how much they enjoyed my story ‘Prometheus Requiem’.

Finally, and I’ve really saved the best until last. Firedrake has landed in all its flaming glory!

It’s not out until November or UK Games Day at the end of September if you’re lucky enough to get it on pre-release at that event. I’m also doing two signings in early October at Oxford and Uxbridge GW (apparently, Aylesbury won’t be open or ready in time, so I’ve had to nix that date – sorry ). There’ll also be signed copies heading over to GW King’s Lynne in limited numbers, so if you just want a daubing and no face time then that’s the place to be.

One quick addition to all of this Firedrake fun. For some unfathomable reason (I suspect the influence of Chaos or something…), a rather important acknowledgement was missed out of the first printing. It’ll be on subsequent printings, but the first few won’t have it. Anywho, as it name checks a lot of good people who really helped me during the completion of this novel, I wanted to put it here. You guys are awesome and my appreciation to your efforts and counsel is vast. From my heart, a sincere thanks…

‘A sincere nod of thanks to Aaron Dembski-Bowden, Dan Abnett, Steve Parker, George Mann and Caroline Law for going above and beyond. Also to Christian Dunn for letting me write this thing.’

After this bit of garage-produced horror (very good it was too – they must’ve made an absolute packet on this, given the minuscule production costs), I felt in the need for something to calm my ever so slightly edgy nerves. Tacking through the TV channels I found a classic crime/action movie – Lethal Weapon.

You're never too old for this shit, Danny...

Nostalgia tripping is always fun and this was a real dose of rose-tinted, halcyon mayhem. It was great and it has set me off on something of an 80’s/90’s crime/action flick kick. I recorded Lethal Weapon 3 last night (which, for a third movie in a series is, frankly, ace) and have just finished watching that while I wake up with a cup o’ Joe.

Watching these movies I can’t help but think of the Wild West. It’s not like the terse, police procedural movies of today. Cops kill bad guys with impunity, cause collateral damage every which way, blow up stuff, beat up hostile witnesses and all with a small on their face and a quip ready to roll on their lips.

Seems there’s something of a revival of the classic actioner in the movie industry right now. I recently went to the flicks to see the A-Team, which, while very silly, was immense amounts of fun and highly enjoyable. Released imminently, of course, is the Expendables, a film that really extols all the fine virtues of this bygone action era. It’s easy to see, when reeling off the cast list, that some folks might think this an almighty, cosmic joke: Stallone, Statham, Li, Lundgren, Rourke, Schwarzenegger (just to name a few) – it’s like an 80’s/90’s action flick merry-go-round. I’ll be booking my seats for this one.

This unhealthy appreciation (recently revived) for the 80’s action genre (because, let’s face it, that’s where it was birthed irrespective of what decade some of these films were actually given theatrical release) is to continue. Presently, I’ve got Beverly Hills Cop (just the first two – the third installment in that awful theme park is beyond contempt, I’m afraid), Die Hard (all four movies – why the hell not, eh?) and Bad Boys on my list, not to mention the other two Lethal Weapon movies.

Banana up the tailpipe, anyone?

Bad Boys, Bad Boys, whatcha gonna do...

Anyone got any other recommendations for this, hopefully, short-lived obsession? No Seagal or Van Damme please (those guys stretch the cheese quotient too far for me). What I’m after is good quality, top movies of the day. Actually, I guess they’re more than just crime action flicks; they’re the archetypal ‘buddy movie’. Yup, that’s what I need: a buddy movie that’s also a crime/action film.

Go to it people!

Is it just me, or would a lot of other people really like to see Blur do a full length movie version of something like this. I’d settle for a narrow plot with tons of characters kicking the sheeeeiittt out of each other.

Yes please!

Whilst on the subject of online bashing, have to say that I don’t do it that much. I’ve linked up in a few games now and then, most notably with Stevie Parker on Lost Planet 2 and I love the PSN, but I don’t online bash – never have. I’m not a Warhammer Online gamer nor do I play World of Warcraft but this, DCU Online, is something I think I could get into and probably lose a good chunk of my free time over. Looks like I may need to clear my schedule a bit…

That pretty much describes the trailer for Sucker Punch, the new Zack Snyder movie previewing at SDCC. I just caught a glimpse of it on IGN.com and thought I should share. Needless to say, this is the first I’ve seen of this bad boy. I’m seeing mental asylums and genre-bending like the bejesus, so I’m thinking a matrix style, mind battle doodah going on here. Can’t say I know a crapload more than that. Looks frikkin’ awesome, though.

The article linky is right here, the madness starts below…

And since we’re in the mood for trailers, here’s a preview of the next DC Animated Movie, Superman/Batman: Apocalypse, courtesy of YouTube.

Fans of the graphic novel series will realise that this movie is an adaptation of Superman/Batman: Supergirl, a really good story that under went a title change to presumably give it a broader appeal. Anywho, this looks great too and is a testament to the great quality output that DC are producing with their straight to DVD animated features. Let’s just say they are pooping all over Marvel’s, frankly lacklustre, efforts.

And just because it’s cool, here’s Batman: Under the Red Hood, too…

I wish crush you, Davis. Crush. You.

I watched Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths again (and the DC Showcase: The Spectre – both of which are awesome), have eaten breakfast, lolled about feeling sorry for myself, taken max-strength flu tablets and am Lemsipped up to the freakin’ eyeballs – now I’m bored.

So to the blog cave, Blog Man, for some bloggage – o’h yes…

So, what’s new?

Well – he says between sniffles and coughs – again, Davis I will snap you in two for this (I’m Best Man at a best mate’s wedding at the weekend and really need to write my speech…) – I’m officially past my word count on ‘Forgotten Sons’ (that’s the Heresy short I’m doing for Age of Darkness). It’s gonna be a mite longer than 12,000 words, methinks (sorry eds, but that’s the way I’m rolling at the mo – sometimes you write short; sometimes long – I’m on ‘long’ right about now, so suck it up ‘kay). I’m chuffed with the way it’s panning out; part legal drama (but in a cool way), part thriller – I think/hope you’ll all likey.

Fretting over Fall of Damnos (though there was a saweeeet looking dps in our latest trade catalogue of this bad boy, complete with quote about how someone really liked my writing and characters – woot!), not because it’ll be tough to do; yeah, it’ll be tough but that’s not why – I just need to get this Heresy short nailed and my speech written and my health back in order so I’ll be able to get somewhere in the ball park of the deadline. Arggh!

Okies, so I’ve been watching a few films lately, taking advantage of my membership to Lovefilm.

Most recently, Youth in Revolt and Edge of Darkness. The former was very funny, quirky and odd (a typical Michael Cera movie of an independent bent); whilst the latter was Mel Gibson dullness, dressed up as political thriller – yawn.

On the silver screen, I watched Inception (a separate post on that is in order, given it’s sheer awesomeness) and Shrek Forever After (yes, I’m still a sucker for 3D, and yes I will be going to watch Toy Story 3 in the same medium – do one).

Culturally, I had my first ever experience of Cirque du Soleil (my girlfriend informed me, a few weeks prior to the performance, that there was more than one type – ignorant beast that I am, I had no idea), the Saltimbanco show. It had a real street festival feel to it, apparently a little smaller in scale and grandiosity than some of the other shows, but was charming, mischievous and wonderful all in the same colourful, flashy hat. Recommended.

Last week I was out with the BL posse (the entire gang, barring Davis who was busy brewing up his lurgy to infect us all with – Crush. You.) on an ‘away day’. Lot’s of team bonding and crazy-ass antics ensued – photos headed to the blog in the next day or so.

Got some signings coming up. There’s UKGD, of course in September (27th, methinks?), but I’ll also be doing a mini-tour for the release of Firedrake - that’s going to be in early October in Oxford, Aylesbury and Uxbridge. If you’re around or can be around and can’t make GD then I hope to see you then. Oh, and don’t forget that in early September (see previous post of the exact date – I will update the events diary soon, I promise…) that I’ll be crossing signs pens with the big dogs: Abnett, McNeill, Swallow,Vincent and Mitchell (and possibly more besides) at the Forbidden Planet mega-signing of Sabbat Worlds - that there big anthology with Mr Dan’s name on it. Banzai!

That’s about it for the non-specifics. I may be back later with some other guff; for now, I’m going to make lunch and have a little sleep in the vain hope that when I wake up my head won’t feel like it’s filled with play dough.

PS Grimblades is now officially released and just want to give it a quick shout out. As I was saying to the missus the other day, I am very proud of this book and while it won’t get the same attention as a Salamanders novel I still hope that folks go out and get a copy. I’m supposed to be writing a guest blog spot about it for BL, so if you’re still undecided, take a look at that and see the light…

I always seem to be apologising for my lack of/inconsistent bloggage – I’m trying to do better. Honest, I am!

So, what’s in the pipe then. Well, Firedrake is due to be signed off on Monday when it will go to the printers and return all spanky and new and, well… like a book. Cool. Nice to see there’s references in the back to Salamander andFireborn, so if you yet to sample the delights of the sons of Vulkan then that’s the place to start.

Looking at that ad got me thinking about how The Tome of Fire trilogy has become a little mini-franchise in its own right. Funny, but I’d never intended this – it just sort of happened. Regular readers will already know I have plans to extend the franchise further with at least one more short story about the Dragon Warriors and a hardback novella (if they’ll let me) relating those terrible events that went down on Moribar that created the DWs in the first place – oooh…

Once I get done with Nocturne (of which there’s a little trailer for in the back of Firedrake) then that’ll be the close of the Tome of Fire and I’ll be putting my scribe’s quill to some other works instead. Still, a pretty hefty body of work. Someone do a word count for me at the end of it all, ‘kay?

Ooh, ooh, forgot to mention that Salamander just went into its fourth printing. This is big news for me and I want to say a big thanks very much to everyone who enjoyed and bought the book, and who are still buying it. Without you chaps and chapesses, there’d be no Tome of Fire. So, you’re legends – all of you – each and every one. I’ll do my best to reward you faith and support with awesome stories about the Salamanders. Natch.

At the mo, I’m working on ‘Forgotten Sons’ and have got about 5,000 words in. Writing for Heresy, though, it’s like having to learn a whole new language. It’s not like 40k, or at least it is but is different in a way you really need to be aware of or you’ll end up writing something that doesn’t really fit into the milieu – bad Kyme; don’t do that. Don’t worry, I won’t. Must say, having just read the first drafts of both The First Heretic and Prospero Burns, I was definitely thrust headlong into ‘the zone’. And scared shitless, given how good both those novels are.

In other news, keep you eye out for Grimblades or ‘Grimsbyblades’ as one amusing wag had it in the office (Mark Newton, please step forward…). This is my Empire Army novel, a story of brotherhood, war, magic, mad shit and intrigue in the Warhammer world. It’s easy sometimes to forget about these smaller books (I know I do) in favour of the shiny Space Marines but I’m proud of Grimblades and think you’ll be missing a treat if you let it pass you buy. Okay, end of sales pitch. It’s out in August, so go haul ass.

Another imminent-ish release that I’m associated with if not authoring solo is the excellent Sabbat Worlds. This is an anthology edited by and featuring two stories from Mr Dan Abnett, as well as a host of other BL luminaries. God knows how I got in on the action (desperation maybe? Just kidding…), but I’m thrilled I did. Like Firedrake, Sabbat Worlds is pre-released at UK Games Day 2010, but that’s not why I’m banging on about this excellent collection, o’h no…

Together with the mighty Dan Abnett, Graham McNeill, James Swallow, Nik Vincent, Sandy Mitchell and possibly some additional special guests (to be confirmed), I will be attending a signing at Forbidden Planet in London. All the details are linkyed here.

Okies, that’s your lot. Look out for a guest blog spot by yours truly on the Black Library website. Deadline’s next Friday, so you may or may not see it some time after that.

Toodles.

PS I’ll be announcing the signing tour for Firedrake in the next few weeks. Keep you eyes and ears pinned here and on the Black Library website for dates, times and details. If anyone brings me Hobnobs (the King of Biscuits), then I’ll be eternally grateful.

PPS Seeing Inception tonight. Hopes are high after it’s quality reviews. My own thoughts to come…