Friday, July 30, 2021

A Week at Flabbey Road

 Phew! What a week it's been.

I've spent much of it holed up at Flabbey Road, recording the audio version of the book. And, what do you know, I managed to record the lot, you know, all of it. I also did the music and sound effects, all on my new Korg Nautilus keyboard. I have sent the files to my producer, who has got back to me with a few pickups - bits I've had to record again, because of background noise; or because what I said was unclear (my teeth got in the way); or I consistently mispronounced 'Tyrannosaurus' as 'Chicago'. She'll get back to me with more next week.

As well as that I have been hunkered down (on Zoom) with my publicity team, planning our campaign. As a result of that, I've been drafting ideas for Op-Ed pieces; writing scripts for a series of podcasts; and getting ideas together for a Special Promotional Item -- more news on these as they happen.

I must say, promoting a book is as busy and intense as writing it in the first place. But just as much fun.

Tuesday, July 27, 2021

Here's the Cover of St Martin's Press Edition

Very pleased to announce that the cover of the St Martin's Press Edition of A (Very) Short History of Life on Earth is in ... and here it is! To get a better view - please feel free to pre-order from any of the links above, or your local bookstore.




Monday, July 12, 2021

Video Promo now online in China

 Prof Lida Xing uploaded this video to his Weibo site. It attracted 233,000 hits in the first 24 hours.
 

Wednesday, July 7, 2021

Chinese Edition of A (Very) Short History ...

Hot news for those waiting for a Chinese edition of A (Very) Short History of Life on Earth. I'm thrilled to announce that famous Chinese palaeontologist Lida Xing will soon be engaged by publishers CITIC to translate the book into simplified Chinese. More news as it happens!

Tuesday, June 29, 2021

Sighting of Advance Proofs...

 A Well-Wisher has spotted Advance Proofs of A (Very) Short History at the Chicken and Frog Bookshop in Brentwood, Essex, UK. They'll be stocking the book. Support Your Local Independent Bookshop!



Monday, June 28, 2021

The History of the Earth - in your Ear Holes

The most popular pre-order option for A (Very) Short History of Life On Earth appears to be the audiobook version from Audible. 

I have to say you are all very trusting, as I haven't recorded it yet. There are one or two technical hurdles to overcome, but all being well I have blocked out a week in July during which I shall read the whole thing. I'll be doing it at my home studio, Flabbey Road, where -- thanks to lockdown -- I have become quite adept at home recording. Over the past year I have produced two albums of my own here, and one in collaboration with your friendly neighbourhood guitar god, Adrian Thomas of the Voodoo Sheiks.

I'm hoping to add some music to the audiobook, with the help of Flabbey Road's latest acquisition, a Korg Nautilus workstation. This rather remarkable piece of kit will generate all sorts of cinematic backdrops and sound effects to keep you awake, despite the seemingly endless drone of my own voice.

Friday, June 25, 2021

Picador Advance Proofs Are Out!

The advance proofs of A (Very) Short History of Life on Earth are out from Picador. If you'd like to receive advance proofs, please email Ravi Mirchandani or Hope Ndaba at Picador. The author (that's me) doesn't expect anything in return.... other than that you 

-> tell all your friends how good it is; 

-> encourage them to pre-order a copy (see the choices of outlets above);

-> exhort them to tell all their friends to do the same;  

-> write good things on the Book's Facebook Page, Amazon, Goodreads and so on. 

You know what to do.