Tim Lebbon – horror and dark fantasy author

I really don’t read as much as I’d like to, nor as much as I should.  Before I started writing in earnest fifteen years ago, I’d read maybe 200 books in a year, now it’s more like 30 or 40 (if I’m lucky).  But for years I’ve kept note of all the books I’ve read, and at the end of every year I pick out my top three for the year (and they certainly don’t have to be published in that year … I’m decades behind in a lot of my reading, and I pick up more old books than new).

So, in 2009 I read 31 books, and these are the three I liked best:

Islington Crocodiles by Paul Meloy – a wonderful collection from this brilliant short story writer, questions should be asked in Parliament as to why it didn’t win awards. Really, if you’ve not read any Meloy, put that right.  He should be major.

World War Z by Max Brooks – eye-witness accounts of the zombie war, this is a book that I found genuinely unsettling and disturbing.  So well written that it reads like an historical account, not a novel, it’s intelligent, insightful, and provocative.

The Twelve by Stuart Neville – a shattering novel set in modern-day Northern Ireland, in which a former killer tries to make amends and escape the ghosts of those whose lives he took.  Brutal, hard-hitting, beautiful, a wonderful debut novel.

I’ll should also mention stephen King’s Under the Dome, which I’m still reading.  It’s one of his best books in years, I think, and it’s riveting stuff.

I’m hoping to read a lot more next year.  I can glance quickly around my library right now and see 100 books I want to snap up and read, and if I really think about how many books I’ve got that I’ve never read … it all gets a little depressing.  So, my aim next year is to read a book per week.  I’ll let you know how long I stick to it!

AVATAR is a dumb movie.  The screenplay is clunky and dumbed down almost beyond belief.  The elements of talkover are redundant and cringe-inducing.  The message it tries to get across is about as subtle as having a tree inserted into a bodily orifice, and some of the dialogue made me laugh out loud.  There are lots of people saying how crap the movie is because of all these elements.

But…

It was one of the most exhilirating cinema experiences I can remember.  And for that, I can forgive a lot.

I was utterly immersed in this movie.  I left the cinema blinking my way back into the real world, and still dumbstruck by the visual experience.  It’s unlike anything you have ever seen before, and it made me feel like a big kid again.  Go to see it expecting pure wonder instead of an intellectual experience, and you won’t be disappointed.

Went to see Eddie Izzard last night at the Cardiff CIA.  The guy is brilliantly, beautifully insane.  Just a brief mention about his billion-mile-run for Sport Relief, then he went on to talk about ‘everything that has ever happened’.

Izzard hardly ever tells a joke, and much like a surreal Bill Hicks his humour comes from observation and protest.  Izzard’s protest is much more subtle, of course, and buried amongst discussions about speeding raptors, hungry badgers, Northern Romans, set-upon squirrels, startled Nazis, and coughing giraffes, but it’s there nonetheless.  Sometimes it’s a plea to live life without worrying Who or What is watching over us, other times it’s a dig at politics (and particular politicians).

He’s a clever, funny man.  One of my favourites among many was ‘If there’s a God, why didn’t he flick Hitler’s head off?’

And he still does love his badgers and jam.  Though rarely together.

I’ve always steered away from ‘how to’ books.  If they’re trying to tell you ‘how to write’, their inevitable subjectivity means that they can’t possible work for everyone.  If they’re telling you ‘how to’ make a living from this business then, unless I know the writer’s name very well, there’s an obvious fault there somewhere.

When I read about BOOKLIFE by Jeff Vandermeer it didn’t seem like any other book I’d heard about before on this subject.  And because I know Jeff a little, and have great respect for his work and his intense promotional efforts, I took a chance on this one.  Glad I did.  Because Jeff’s book isn’t a ‘how to’ book at all.  If you pick this up thinking it’ll make you into a successful writer able to sell your work far and wide, you’d be wrong.  What it will do – and this is perhaps the most important thing that any non-fiction book about writing can do  – is inspire you.

I’ve had my own experiences at marketing and self promotion.  My best-selling book is the one I put most effort into marketing myself in addition to what the publisher did for it.  That points to something, doesn’t it?  But since then I’ve spent a lot less time involved in marketing and promotion of my work, mainly because I write full-time now and started thinking that I can’t make the time.

BOOKLIFE is for someone just like me. Sure, if you’re just starting out on your career it’ll help immensely, giving you tips and hints on the processes involved in book publishing and marketing.  But I think it’s best aimed at writers who have some level of success already, and the beauty of the book is that, if you read it properly (with a notebook by your side) and take from it what suits you best, I’ve no doubt at all that it’ll improve your sales, your work-life balance, your approach to your writing, and the pleasure you get out of it.

Jeff’s style is easy, precise, conversational, and his asides, where he gives examples of experiences he or his friends have had, are always relevant and insightful.  I found myself smiling in recognition at a lot of what he said (when he mentioned his wife Ann taking his router away … I often send my modem plug to work with my wife, cutting me off from internet access for the day).  And most of all, I found myself inspired.  I’m raring to go at a promotional plan for my next couple of books, and in fact I’ve already drawn one up and come up with what I think are some great ideas.

Since reading Jeff’s book, I’ve devised my own short-term and long-term plans, and gone some way to putting them into place.  I’m using my time much more efficiently.  And BOOKLIFE sits on my reference shelf, already well-thumbed and well-used.  It’s invaluable, and I recommend it without hesitation.

My wife and I watched CLOVERFIELD again yesterday.  Enjoyed it just as much the second time around, even on the small screen, and there were a couple of really scary moments (the tube tunnel scene in particular).  Once you get past the idea that the guy will continue filming through all that, it’s still a compelling, frantically paced movie, with some really nice touches.  I’d forgotten just how much of the monster you actually see even before that (bit naff) big reveal at the end.  I’m sure he’d have heard that thing creeping up on him.

The set-up was really good too, and I chuckled a bit at the ‘Where’s Jason … has anyone seen Jason’ scene.  Remember the PR campaign for this one?  And when that scene was released, lots of people thought it pointed to it being a Power Rangers movie.

Here we go again, just a quickie.

First, the Best Movie Of The Year.

Second, I’ll soon be able to announce an exciting new novel project that I’m really thrilled about.  Soon … soon!

Third … there is no third.  See you again tomorrow!

A lot of you will be familiar with Vinny Chong’s wonderful artwork, which has graced the covers of books from writers such as Stephen King, Ray Bradbury, Jack Dann, Richard Morgan, Paul Meloy and many, many others.   And if you’re not familiar with it, now’s your chance to put that right.

Vinny has updated and relaunched his website, and it’s definitely worth a visit.  A relatively new talent on the scene, still it’s staggering how many covers he’s done, and how consistently dazzling and awe-inspiring his artwork is.  Check it out!

Flogging Molly, as you’ll know by now, are one of my very favourite bands, and this new single from their new album FLOAT is a cracker.  Not quite as barnstorming as some of their stuff, more reflective, it’s a really affecting song, and I think this interesting video works wonders.

As 2008 draws to a weary close (well I’m weary, don’t know about you … early mornings, late nights, too much food and booze), I thought I’d post my thoughts about what I thought were the highlights of this past year.

Firstly, I read a lot more this year than last (about 35 novels, and assorted graphic novels and novellas).  That was a conscious effort on my part, and I’m pleased it worked out, but next year I’d like to read more still.  As time ticks by – and I reach the big 40 next year – I realise how many books I have stacked on my shelves.

Book of the year (read this year, not necessarily published this year) – The Road, Cormac McCarthy. This is the first McCarthy I’ve read, and it was a staggering, shattering experience.  Horrible, challenging, beautiful.

Album of the year – State of Grace by Street Dogs.  A surprise winner – I’ve always like the Street Dogs, but this new album has classic written all over it.  Real punk challenging real issues, the songs are intelligent and catchy, the playing raw and honest.

Gig of the year.  No competition – Flogging Molly playing Bristol Carling Academy.  This band has more energy in one of its seven members’ little fingernails clippings than many of the bands I’ve seen over the years, and more enthusiasm and enjoyment than most.  The music’s loud and raucous, but always powerful and moving.  They’ve quickly become one of my favourite bands.  You can read more about the gig here.

Film of the year – it’s been a good year – The Dark Knight, The Orphanage –  but I think In Bruges just wins out for me.  Very funny, brilliantly acted and written, this one sticks in the memory for many reasons.

There’s plenty more ‘of the year’ choices I could make, but frankly I’m crap at keeping note of things, and my memory isn’t what it used to be (indeed, isn’t what it ever should have been).

It’s a busy time here right now (my beautiful daughter is ten years old today), so I doubt I’ll post again until the New Year. There’s news of two major book deals incoming soon, and lots of other exciting stuff going,  so I hope you’ll keep visiting me here in 2009.   If you like my writing, or simply enjoy the site, please spread the word.

A Happy New Year to you all.  See you soon.

Tim

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A while back I wrote an intro for this great new novella from Paul Kane.  Now it’s up for pre-order, and you could do a lot worse than pop along to the Skullvine Press Website to secure yourselves a copy.  It’s an interesting take on a traditional fairytale, and Paul’s done a great job at using a very old story to create this very new, modern horror tale.   Treat yourself to an early Christmas present!