Robotic spider monsters, live!

Chapter 3 entitled 'The Gap is calling' has been written. Things are moving at pace now and I hope to get at least a chapter a week done, which means I should have a first version by summer.

I noticed the other day that a man in Vermont is attempting to turn himself into the Professor from 'DarkFather'. His spider machine is rather on the large side compared to the professor's and less steampunk, but ten out of ten for trying. I'm wondering when to put my order in.

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'Baltimore or, The Steadfast Tin Soldier and the Vampire', is an old fashioned gothic tale given a new lease of life. The story takes place during the first world war only this is our world given a little bit of a makeover. The future Lord Baltimore is attacked by a strange flying creature whilst out in no mans land. He wounds the creature that then wreaks revenge on his family. At the same time a strange plague sweeps across Europe decimating the population. Having returned to his island stately home to find his family dead, Baltimore becomes a vampire hunter. All told via stories from friends meeting in a bar, this is a haunting cleverly crafted novel. 

What's more it come illustrated by Mike Mignola of Hellboy fame and the book itself is nicely produced on thick rough cut paper. It's a shame there are not more books like this.

Also read another Doctorow book. 'Someone Comes to Town, Someone Leaves to Town', is a fantasy for adults. the premise does not work when stated here, Alan the son of a washing machine and a mountain is trying to write a book in his new house until his Russian Doll brothers turn up and are then dragged away by another brother who is a shrivelled baby body. At the same time he meets a girl who lives next door and has wings and he helps to cover the market with a wifi network. Also all the brothers use names that change (but stick to the first letter, A, B, C etc.) It's strange and magical and yet wonderful and brilliantly written with the characters drawing you in. Do not be put off by the idea as this is great writing.

MadameVin bought me a Shaun Tan book for Valentine's day so I know that at least one person reads these ramblings.

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Read this week:

Baltimore or, The Steadfast Tin Soldier and the Vampire by Mike Mignola and Christopher Golden

Someone Comes to Town, Someone Leaves to Town by Cory Doctorow (read via Stanza on the iphone)