The Spoons That Are My Ears!

The Spring issue of the BFS (British Fantasy Society) Journal is now out, just a little late. Production values are very high, so it was worth the wait. Amongst a variety of stories, articles, interviews and features, it contains the first chapter of my novel-in-progress The Young Dictator. When I write novels I often try to make each separate chapter a standalone piece. So this first chapter, entitled 'Jenny Khan' can be read as a short story in its own right.

So far I have completed four chapters of The Young Dictator ('Jenny Khan', 'Genghis Kan't', 'Caterpillar the Hun' and 'Owl Scared of the Dark') and I have two more left to write ('The Cat that Chilled the Scene' and 'Moonmoths, Umbrellas and Oranges'). I am finding it fun but difficult to write, partly because I have set myself the task of using much more straightforward and simple language than is my normal inclination.

As far as I'm aware, the only official way to get hold of the BFS Journal is to join the British Fantasy Society. Personally I'm not the joining type, but if you are a writer or just a fan of fantasy and related genres you may find that the benefits of membership make the fee worthwhile.