It’s heavy and dirty and grungy, and hits all the right notes for me.

I’m thrilled that my work has inspired something great like this, and I hope you’ll all visit the Bodyface website to check it out.

It’s been three years.  I worked at my old day job for six times that, yet I only have vague memories of the place: I remember the people, many of whom still remain friends.  I remember cheese and bacon toasties on Friday morning.  I remember being in a tea-group of one and having to steal other people’s milk from the fridge (yes, everyone … it was me!)  But it’s rare that I sit and dwell on my time there, because that was another life.

Since starting to write full time I’ve written so many novels, shorts stories, and novellas that I’ve lost count – they include two 30 Days of Night novels, Hellboy: The Fire Wolves, Echo City Falls (coming soon), The Island, Fallen, two Hidden Cities books with Chris Golden, the first of the Secret Journeys of Jack London books (also with Chris), the novella The Reach of Children … and there I was, hoping I’d turn prolific.

I’ve also started branching out into some screen work, something I’ve wanted to do for a long time.  I’m collaborating on an exciting new screenplay, and I’m also currently developing two TV series.

And last week, as if to celebrate my impending 3-year anniversary, I had some Very Good News.  Thrilling, exciting news.  But more on that soon.

I’m very, very lucky.  I commute to work past the dog, sit in my own office with all my books and other stuff around me, make stuff up, write it down, and sell it.  I walk the dog in our lovely local woods at lunchtimes, and occasionally go out for lunch with friends.  I always wanted to get here, but was never sure I would.

Thank you, to everyone who enjoys buying and reading my books.  That means you.  You keep buying them, and reading them and liking them, and I’ll keep writing them.  There’s lots on the horizon.

So without further ado … I’m writing a novella about a thief of broken toys. I must away.

And here’s another one from My Favourite Books.

Then go and buy the books.  Really.  What, you think all this was for free?

THE ISLAND is out in hardback in the UK today, and as a special promotion you can buy it for a tenner (RRP is £19.99) through the SFX website (scroll down to the bottom of the blog).  And go here to check out some of the stunning reviews the book has received so far.

FALLEN is available in mass market paperback.  It too has had some lovel reviews, some of which you can read here.

HUGE thanks to all the blogs and website that welcomed me over the last three weeks – I’ll be posting a big recap here soon – and also massive thanks to my publicist Chiara at A&B.  And my stylist, couldn’t have done it without you.  My hairdresser, Manuel.  My bodyguard Buster.  My personal trainer Mike.  Hell, thanks to everyone.

Cardiff Waterstone’s, 19th June at 6:30 pm.

And to celebrate the book launch, I thought we could then march onward to a suitable hostelry for some real ale and splendid chat.

I’d love for you to join me, and I’d love even more for you to forward this to anyone else you think might be interested (individuals, websites, blogs … spread the word!)

Motorhead rocked.  Tonight, it’s a quiet evening with wine and a movie.  We can’t all party that hard.

And while I’m here, THE ISLAND has had a great review in Booklist, part of which says: “…a pulsepounding adventure with visceral thrills and Lebbon’s signature moral ambiguity.”

Next stop on my momentous worldwide Blog Tour is Speculative Horizons, where you can read an interview, a fantastic review, another extract, and ongoing competition details.

After-blog party tonight will be a quiet affair, attended by Miss Marple and Inspector Poirot.  Would you ever get on a train or cruise liner if you saw either of them on the passenger list?

I’ve got calls out to Doro Pesch and Flogging Molly … but we’ll probably end up with Peter Andre.  Still, at least that’ll guarantee us a spread in Hello! alongside a Tribute to Jade by some woman who once babysat for her for ten minutes accidentally.

Please do pop by Blog Stop #3 for more competitions, a fascinating interview, giveaways, and a dodgy photo of me!

Please drop by, enter competitions, and prepare for the next party.  I fear Motley Crue might swing by.