I was delighted when top audio producers, Oakhill Publishing, gave me the opportunity to read my own book – and I had a fantastic time in the studio with Douglas making the recording.

So, get your ears around this exclusive clip, featuring the first appearance of Jake the zombie…

The full audio book will be available to buy in April.

Tommy

Frozen In Time is the exciting story of what happens when Ben and Rachel discover a hidden bunker buried in their back garden – complete with two cryogenically frozen children – Freddy and Polly!  Once unfrozen, Freddy and Polly must learn to adapt to life in the 21st century – and avoid the attentions of some very shady characters now sniffing around.  It’s a fast-paced adventure you simply won’t want to out down!

Congratulations to Ali – very well deserved indeed!

The book tells the story of Matthew, a new pupil at Elm Road school who is picked on by teachers and bullies alike because his mum can’t afford to buy him the correct school uniform.  When his mum eventually finds a second hand uniform in a charity shop, it looks as though Matthew’s troubles are over.  In fact, he feels better than ever when wearing the uniform – stronger, more confident, and unwilling to put up with any more trouble.  Before long, Matthew is the new king of the playground and dealing with anyone who dares to get in his way – much to the concern of his best friend, Neil.  Could it be the uniform itself is to blame?

The Uniform is a terrifying tale for anyone whose ever worn a school tie…

Tommy

To demonstrate the process Lily takes, here are three images of one of my newer Scream Street characters – Kian Negative.  You can see how each image progresses from a preliminary sketch to get a feel for the character (which my editor, designer and I get to see and comment on) through an intermediate stage and finally onto the finished picture.

I’m sure you’ll agree that Lily is not only very talented, but she has a real grasp on the feel of the Scream Street series.  I’m very proud to be working with her.

Tommy

I visited two schools in Beverley and enjoyed an anarchic afternoon at a Sheffield library (where my event was held up for a few minutes by the arrival of a Chinese dragon – not every day I get to say that!)

But, best of all, I was at the festival to talk about Zombie! – my first book for specialist publisher, Barrington Stoke.  I’m a big fan of the work they do, and I’ve now been lucky enough to write three novels for them – the aforementioned Zombie!, The Uniform (to be published in July) and Wolf (due out in 2011).

If you haven’t yet read a Barrington Stoke book – treat yourself to one soon and see for yourself just what exciting and valuable work they’re doing.

Tommy

This is me recording the audio book version of Zombie!, my first title for utterly brilliant publishers, Barrington Stoke.  When I heard there was going to be an audio version, I made a sample recording and sent it to the producer hoping I’d be in with the chance to read the book myself – and it paid off.  Of course, that did mean I sat in a tiny booth making gurgling zombie noises and screams for an afternoon!

Big thanks to Douglas, the recording engineer, for making everything as enjoyable and easy as possible (and for taking the picture!)  I’ve arranged to feature an excerpt from the recording on my website – so watch out for that soon.

Tommy

Scream Street 5: Skull of the Skeleton, Scream Street 6: Claw of the Werewolf and Scream Street 7: Invasion of the Normals are available NOW in the southern hemisphere!

What a scream!

Tommy

Now, I suspected I might enjoy the book as I’m a huge fan of Adams’s work AND a huge fan of Eoin Colfer.  But what I wasn’t quite expecting was the scale to which the Hitchhiker’s galaxy would spring back to life as though Douglas himself was wielding the pen.  That’s not to say you can’t feel Eoin’s touch – you can, and it makes for a wonderful new sheen to the characters we know and love so well.  Many fans thought it unwise to continue the series but, to me, it just all felt so, well… right.

I don’t want to give anything away – but if you’ve ever enjoyed an afternoon in the company of Arthur, Ford, Trillian and the stupendously shallow Zaphod Beeblebrox – then you’re in for a real treat with this book.  Plus, we are introduced to a fantastic new character (among others) in the lumpy shape of caring Vogon, Constant Mown.

If you’ve never read a Hitchhiker’s book before – you’ll love And Another Thing… And, if you’re a dedicated H2G2 fan – it’s just like visiting old friends.

Highly recommended!

Tommy

I’ll be visiting Luke’s school in January, so I’ll be able to congratulate him in person, then!

Click here to download your copy!

Tommy