Tim Lebbon – horror and dark fantasy author

When I was ten years old I consumed books.  I read maybe 4 or 5 books per week, helped at the local library with my mate Ahmed Din, and I read Willard Price’s adventure books again and again.  It’s a long time ago, now, and I don’t recall being dissatisfied with what I was reading at all.

But then my mum gave me a book called THE RATS, and my life changed forever.  So violent … so sexy … so adult.  It was the first adult book I read, and really from then on I didn’t look back.  I entered my teens reading everything James Herbert wrote (several times), and then Stephen King, and then Clive Barker, and then … the whole wonderful world of books opened up to me.

But James Herbert was the first.  To that pre-teen boy his writing was so vital, brutal, colourful, imaginative, and it explored areas that Willard Price never did.  I always say that James Herbert’s rats got me into horror, and I’d like to thank them very much.  But what I really mean is, James Herbert got me into horror.  And lucky for me, I had the opportunity to thank him for that at the World Horror Convention in Brighton a couple of years ago.

I’ve met a lot of the great writers in our genre, the masters, those writers who built the genre.  But meeting Herbert was the first time I’d ever felt nervous and, frankly, a little tongue-tied.  Probably because of what he meant to me as a kid, and how his books shaped the way I read all through my early teens.

“Mr Herbert, I’m a big fan.”

“Oh, you’re the one!”

“I’d like to shake your hand and thank you, because you’re the reason I’m writing horror.  My mum gave me The Rats to read when I was ten years old.”

“You had a very open-minded mother!”

“I did, that’s so true.  So, anyway … thank you.”

“No, thank you.”

We shook hands, and that was the first and last time we spoke face to face.

I’ll be honest, I haven’t read a Herbert book for a long time.  The last couple I tried didn’t really do it for me, and those earlier books that hold such a precious place in my memory — The Rats, Lair, Domain, The Fog, The Dark, Fluke, The Survivor, The Spear, Shrine — well, I probably shouldn’t go back to them.  I’m scared I won’t love them as much as I did back then.  That happens sometimes, and while it’s all a part of growing up and growing older, it can also be sad.  A bit like loss.

Because when you’re a kid, I think it’s so much easier to fall in love with a writer’s work, become almost obsessed with it, be heavily influenced by it.  That memory remains.

What I said when I met James Herbert is true — if it weren’t for him and his books, I wouldn’t be writing horror today.  I can say that with certainty.  He’s responsible for me doing something I love for a living.  And I’m so glad I got to thank him for that.

Happy New Year!

So, 2012.  It was an exciting year for me in many ways, with ups and a couple of downs.  I had several books published, parted ways with two publishers, and I’m about to sign an exciting deal with a new publisher.  I had books published to great reaction, but I also came to learn that publishers are becoming even more cautious.

We live in interesting time, and that’s what makes it so exciting.

2012 saw publication of my novelisation of The Cabin in the Woods, as well as my novels Coldbrook, The Heretic Land, and Toxic City Book One: London Eye.  My collection Nothing as it seems was also released from PS Publishing.  And The Secret Journeys of Jack London: The Sea Wolves (written with Christopher Golden) was published in the USA by HarperCollins.  I’m really proud of all of these books, and it was a thrill to see so many books hitting the shelves in one year.  Coldbrook seemed to make a bit of a splash.  And the Toxic City trilogy is even now in development at ABC Network as a TV series (and more on that soon).

All in all, a great year.  And though it also had its downs, 2012 ended with an exciting new deal being agreed for a novel I’m extremely excited about writing.  That novel is The Silence, and I’ll be able to tell you more about that very, very soon.

So what does 2013 have in store?  As well as The Silence, Toxic City Book Two: Reaper’s Legacy will be published.  And then there’s my very exciting Star Wars novel Into the Void: Dawn of the Jedi, due to be published in May.  Can’t wait for that!  And I’m also thrilled that I’ll be attending my first Star Wars convention at the National Space Centre.  I’ll be writing a novella for Spectral Publications (tentative title Still Life), as well as a long-awaited third novella in the Naming of Parts/Changing of Faces trilogy for PS Publishing.  And there are other exciting projects in the pipeline which I’ll talk about more here as and when I can.

Oh, and I’ll also be training for and racing the single most challenging one-day endurance event in the world … Ironman UK.  I talk about that and more on my website RunWalkCrawl.  Madness.  But in a good way.

A big thanks to all of you who continue to read and enjoy my work.  Without you I wouldn’t be doing this, and I’m grateful.  If you read my books and enjoy them, do drop me a line.  It’s always good to hear from you.

I’ll do my best to update this blog more frequently during 2013.  Meanwhile, I’d like to wish you all a happy, fruitful, and safe 2013.

I’ve been a full-time writer for exactly six years, making a living out of what I love doing.  It feels like a lot more.

I was at my previous job for about 20 years before finally taking the plunge, quitting, and saying goodbye to that depressing bloody office block (but also saying goodbye to lots of friends I’d had for years).  I’ve been back to that office a couple of times since, and of course I keep up with as many friends from those times as I can.

The office is due for demolition soon.  I’ll be selling tickets to watch it.

That last day in work — six years ago today, though it seems much longer — was a good one.  I walked the offices to say goodbye, and the good wishes I had from everyone were so lovely, as were the bottles of wine and whisky that seemed to be the normal leaving present.  Good times.  Fond memories.

But these last six years have felt like my real life.  I love writing (correction – usually, I love having written), telling stories, and yes, I love seeing my work published and the reaction it gets.  So a huge thank you to everyone who continues to read my work, and buy my books in paper or e-formats.  Please keep buying, and I’ll keep writing.

This past year has had its ups and downs (though in truth, more ups).  I’ve had several books published, and the reaction to all of them has been fantastic.  I’ve parted ways with publishers.  I’ve seen a book series go into development with ABC Network for a TV series.  And there’s more exciting publishing news I’ll be able to announce soon.

I’ve continued to work with some of the best friends I’ve ever had.  And outside of writing, I’m watching my kids growing up into fine young people, and I’ve committed to doing an Ironman race next year.

So to mark the sixth anniversary of my last day in council employment …. I’m going to spend the day writing.

Thanks!

x

Here’s me asking for a little favour…

If you read any of my latest books — Coldbrook, London Eye, The Heretic Land, Nothing as it Seems — and feel so inclined, it’d be so helpful if you could take a minute to post a review somewhere (Amazon, other book retailers, your blog…)  Or if not a review, at least a mention on Facebook or Twitter.  Exposure helps sales, and sales helps me to write more books.  And if you’re visiting this site and reading this, I hope that’s something you might like.

Coldbrook is being very well received so far, with great feedback from readers and some stellar reviews.  And as for London Eye … that exciting news I promised will be coming soon.

Thanks!  Happy Hallowe’en!

Here’s a nice new interview with me on My Bookish Ways.

And a very nice new review of LONDON EYE.

Been running along the canal a lot recently, and this last week I’ve seen a kingfisher a couple of times.  Not often I seen one of those.  It’s a beautiful bird, coloured like a splash of oil on water, and it made me realise — once again — just what a lovely place I live in.  I’m going to start taking pictures and posting them here.

Anyone interested in following my efforts to get fit in my forties and train for Ironman UK next year can read it all here.

More news coming soon … watch this space for something very exciting!

Busy Busy here in Lebbonville, as I’m delivering my new STAR WARS novel today.  But while the usual chaos is going on in the house –– pre-school, pre-work –– I thought I’d gather together some of the many great LONDON EYE reviews that have been coming in (just click on the links below).  Oh, and watch this space for some very exciting news about the London Eye trilogy soon…!

RT Book Reviews

All Things Urban Fantasy

Elitist Book Reviews

Night Owl SciFi

SFRevu

Astro Guyz

Winner of the COLDROOK pre-order competition is Jason Crawford!  Congrats … a box of books on its way to you soon.

My new apocalyptic zombie thriller COLDBROOK is officially released in the UK by Hammer/Arrow on Thursday 11th October.

If you pre-order COLDBROOK before midnight on 10th October, let me know at lebbon1984(at)yahoo(dot)com, and I’ll enter you in a draw to win a BIG BOX OF BOOKS.  Go here and click on Buying Options to select from a whole list of online suppliers.  If you’ve already pre-ordered let me know at the above address and you’ll go into the draw.

No need to send proof of purchase … I’m working this one on trust.

The BIG BOX will include a selection of my books including: Echo City (Orbit, pb), The Secret Journeys of Jack London: The Wild (with Christopher Golden, hardback); The Secret Journeys of Jack London: The Sea Wolves (also with Chris, hardback);  The Island (A&B, pb), Bar None (Night Shade, pb), The Cabin in the Woods (novelisation, pb) … and a couple of surprises!  What a bunch of goodies…

Starburst Magazine said of COLDBROOK:

“Coldbrook is a heart pounding, blood drenched, yet intelligent and original take on the undead. It successfully blends the horror, fantasy and science fiction elements into an utterly compelling and satisfying story that stays with you after the book is finished. Zombie stories don’t get much better than this. 8/10″

So just pre-order anywhere here, let me know (lebbon1984(at)yahoo(dot)com), and go into a draw to win all those books listed above … and more!  Open to anyone in the world.

Winner will be announced on 11th October!

If you’d like to review my new novel COLDBROOK just drop me an email:

lebbon1984 (at) yahoo (dot) com

… with your name, address, and details of where you’d post the review (magazine, blog, etc).  I’ll then pass the information on to my very excellent publisher.

And if you’ve already bought or read it, please do consider posting a review somewhere online!

The weekend fast approaches!  Fantasycon seems to have crept up on me this year, even though I’m Master of Ceremonies so I’ve been thinking about it all summer!

For now, here’s my schedule:

Thursday:

Welcome to Fantasycon party, 7pm, Bar Rogue

Friday:

4pm panel, Your First Convention

5pm book launch, PS launches my new collection NOTHING AS IT SEEMS, Bar Rogue

8-9:30pm, mass signing

Saturday:

3pm panel, What happens when the YA bubbles bursts?

4-5PM, Best New Horror book launch and signing

5pm – reading

8pm – ChiZine launch

Sunday: Banquet and Awards

Going to be a busy one!  I’m hoping to squeeze in a run or two, and of course drinks and meals with friends.  Fantasycon’s always a highlight of the year for me, and I’m really looking forward to this one.  My books THE HERETIC LAND and (soon to be released) COLDBROOK will be available at the Forbidden Planet table, as well as the new collection NOTHING AS IT SEEMS from the mighty PS Publishing. It’s going to be fun!