I’ve spent the last two days running creative writing workshops for the pupils of Sunnyside Primary School in Middlesbrough – and a great time was had by all!  Everyone created some seriously spooky tales and shouted ‘Yuk’ in all the right places when I read a scene from the first Scream Street book.

Now it’s back to the writing…

Tommy

When I was in London for a Scream Street marketing meeting recently, the idea was suggested that I should, somehow, transform into a werewolf on video in order to promote the series.

Not wanting to let anyone down, I’ve now made a second trailer which features just that.  You can watch it here or, if you prefer to get your videos via YouTube, a version can also be found here.

While I stayed in my nice, comfortable office this time, that was a lot more gurning involved..

Tommy

Well, Scream Street 5: Skull of the Skeleton is complete! There will be a couple more drafts to do, based on my editor’s notes but, overall, I’m very happy with this books – and there are some great new characters to love and hate!

Plus, my pal Eddie (see picture) makes his literary debut in this adventure. He’s been nagging me to use him in a book for a while so, eventually, I gave in and let him take part. As you can see, he’s very happy about it. Now you just have to wait until this book is published in mid-2009 to read about him!

Tommy

For those of you having difficulties viewing the Scream Street trailer, I’ve now uploaded it to YouTube here.

Unfortunately, the quality of the video suffers due to YouTube’s compression settings, and there’s nothing I can do about that. Still, it’s watchable if you squint a bit… ;o)

Tommy

I’m delighted to announce that Scream Street will be published by Walker Books in Australia from January 2009!

There’s even an Oz version of the trailer online here.

Now, if I can just arrange a book signing tour…

Tommy

If you’re interested in booking me for a visit to your school, library or bookshop – you can now find more information at my Contact An Author page.

I look forward to visiting you soon.

Tommy

You can see the new Scream Street trailer by clicking here.  The video will be uploaded to YouTube once I can find a way to do so without the loss of quality.

For those interested to know how I made this: I spent an hour running around a wooded area in my local park (although what you see is the very first take!), bought a piece of royalty-free background music from the web and dug out an old spooky sound effect CD for the howls. The editing was done in afternoon on my Mac.

Let me know what you think in the comments section.

Tommy

I’ve been working on a video trailer for the Scream Street series today; it’s looking great!  I spent a bit of time running around the woods in my local country park – and wasn’t chased away or arrested!

I’m just uploading it now and, as soon as it’s ready, I’ll post the link.

Tommy

OK, I’m back at my desk after my trip to London, and I have this sitting in front of me:

Yes, it’s a proof copy of the first Scream Street book, Fang of the Vampire! It doesn’t have the final cover, and there are no illustrations (it’s a reader’s copy to start spreading the SS word), but I was still VERY excited to see the book bound for the first time at Thursday’s meeting!

It’s all downhill from here!

Tommy

I can’t tell you much about it at the moment, but I’ve been offered the chance to write another book.  It’s very much in line with my other projects, and it’s for a rather special publisher.  I’ll be able to reveal more when the contracts are signed!

Tommy