Revolver Entertainment - Shooting Themselves In The Foot

Quite literally!

If you're a film fan you may have heard about what's kicking off in the UK at the moment. "Iron Sky" a fan funded film which has been 6 years in the making is being denied a proper release. Revolver Entertainment, in their infinite wisdom, have decided to release the film for a single day.

In the middle of the week.

In cinemas which most people (those who work long shifts or 9-5 anyway) can't reach, or will be too tired to get to by the time they've got in from work/eaten dinner/dealt with kids/done the housework etc.

It's an absolute shambles and, as a film-maker, it breaks my heart. I've supported Iron Sky for the past several years, blogging about it, telling friends and donating money (the film was crowd funded, took 6 years to make and utilised the Wreck-A-Movie website to create it) and I want to watch it on the big screen. I don't want to watch it on DVD (it gets released to DVD a week later minus all the extras that the film-makers want to include). I want to sit in a cinema with 200 other people and be blown away a film which has been lovingly crafted. It certainly makes a change from the Twilight-prequel-sequel-vampire-werewolf-whatever-other-crap-is-being-rushed-out-right-now rubbish. It's a well thought out black comedy. And I want to see it!

No one knows what the reasoning is behind only have a single day release. Revolver Entertainment refuse to tell us. They're just saying that the single day release is in "keeping with the spirit that the film was made".

Which is complete crap. If you've followed the progress of the film (and even if you haven't you can check it out on the website), you'll realise that this is a film made with love. It's a film that the film makers want as many people to see on the big screen as possible. Heck, if I were them, I'd want everyone to see it at least once in the cinema. Revolver are also proving to the entire world (or the UK at least!) why the piracy of entertainment is so wide spread. Don't give the fans what they want and the fan will go and get it themselves, by whatever means possible. Admittedly, everyone I've spoken to has said that if they go the downloading route then they'll be sending money to the Iron Sky team. Because they deserve.

Thankfully the Iron Sky team aren't taking it lying down and we're all helping in getting the message to Revolver that we want the film at the cinema for longer than a few hours. They're helping us to source the DVD from elsewhere, and they're listening to the fans in looking to cancel the contract (it blatantly is a breach of contract between Iron Sky and Revolver) and get the film to us by any means possible. Heck, even if I have to pay £5 to stream it, I'll happily do it because all my money will be going to the amazing people who've moved hell and high water to make this film.

I'm not going to be uncouth and use the words which should be used to describe Revolver Entertainment  (shower of excrement comes to mind.). They know what people think of them and hopefully they'll rethink their decision.

Want to help?
Go to the Iron Sky site and demand to see the film.
Tell Revolver what you think (Facebook)
Tell Revolver what you think (Twitter)
Spread the word and, when it comes to you, go and see it!
Watch the trailer!

With love and thanks from film-makers everywhere!

How We Made Coalville Cool!

Looking a little bit posh! What do you think?!

Well, what a wonderful night Saturday was!

If you were there, thank you so much for coming along and supporting the Mars on the Rise book launch!

The launch was held in a tiny theatre in the heart of Coalville. Once upon a time, the theatre was folded onto the back of four trucks and drive around the country. Now it has a permanent home at the Discovery Centre in Snibston.

However, we were hosting a book launch with a difference.

We didn't have the print books. Despite the best efforts of the fantastic team at Torquere, the books are still Stateside. Yet it did nothing to dampen our spirits. Because the show must go on!

On stage. Can you see the nerves?!

As a chill began to fill the air, people arrived, dressed in their finery. Many had taken the time to create wonderful Steampunk costumes.

Tilly Maydme and Arthur Foot (the 3rd), aka The Cogkneys

At 8pm, the curtain went up and the show began! We started with a short session speaking about the book. I was interviewed by the lovely Sir Nigel Mallard (who I am sure has stepped from one of the books!). Despite the nerves, it seemed to go well and I spoke a little about myself, how the book came about and explained a little about the utterly evil Veetu Industries. Although, as is normally the case, once I stepped off stage I suddenly found myself coming up with a million, far better answers!

Following us were the wonderful Cogkneys. A brilliant duo, they entertained us with music hall songs and racy humour, a perfect fit with the theatrical shenanigans which take place in the book.

There was a short break and it was nice to sit for a while and chat to people. I got to see some wonderful art work, created by someone in the audience, as well as chatting to those who'd come. During the interval we gathered the names and addresses of those who had placed orders for the print book.

Having a break!

“I once wrote a book,” Count Rostov began after the interval. “It was on the history of sellotape. Only when I went to send it to the publishers I couldn't find the beginning.” Ba-bum! Count Rostov was fantastic and had the audience laughing and groaning in equal measures. A wonderful chap he is and we believe he hails from somewhere in deepest Russia.

The great Count Rostov!

And then it was time for the finale. The Dark Design travelled from Brighton and were absolutely splendid! The band included strings, a harp, brass section, a mechanical drum kit and stories which will blow your mind! A real Steampunk infusion of rock and folk.

As someone said, we finally made Coalville cool! Now that's a compliment!

By 1am, I was finally home, tired but elated, only to do it all over again the next day when I was invited to spend breakfast with some of the amazing people who had travelled to see the show. Did I make it to breakfast? Of course I did! Because the show must go on!

The Dark Design

A huge thank you to the back stage crew. They worked tirelessly to make sure everything went smoothly. Another thank you to the crew of the Century Theatre for being utterly splendid. It wouldn't have happened without all the pairs of hands which helped out on the night. Thank you!

Again, thank you to everyone who came. We're going to do it again for Book 2. Bigger, better, faster and definitely just as splendid!

Thanks to Rach for the photos! More photos here. Thank you Gary!

Mars on the Rise now on sale at Torquere Press. Print copies to follow shortly!

The Fabulous Cogkneys!

The Great Count Rostov!

The Splendid Dark Design!

Want to come to the next Steampunk Soiree? Get signed up at Veetu Industries

Nearly There!

We're nearly there. Nearly at the book launch. The bands are in place, the costumes are ready and I'm currently mulling over the questions that I'm going to be asked by Sir Nigel Mallard. Family and friends have been rounded up and given their orders.

Nearly there. Am I nervous? Yep! But it'll be all right on the night. At least that's what they say. As long as I don't break a leg beforehand. It'll give me chance to steampunk a pair of crutches. But I don't want to. No more broken bones at this end.

If you'd like a review copy of Mars on the Rise, just take a look at the blog post and let me know. :) I'll get a copy over to you!
Mars on the Rise giveaway

Mars on the Rise e-book Giveaway!

I'm giving away 5 e-book (epub or PDF) review copies of my debut novel, Mars on the Rise (Published by Torquere Press). If you'd like one, leave a comment on the blog post and let me know where you've come from, where you're going and where your blog is based (I love meeting new people and making new friends!). In a couple of days I'll get Randomizer to pick 5 winners. :)

A storyteller steps off a pier and into a world of steampunk oddities, fearsome weapons, and a dangerous man. Promised fame and fortune by the country's largest weapons manufacturer, Cedo gratefully falls into the arms of Erus Veetu. Dark, dangerous and with nothing to lose, Erus shows him that Svenfur isn't all Cedo thought it was. For beneath the streets is a dark, gas lit world of slavery, human sacrifice, and deadly machines. With the machines waging war in the East, can Cedo stop the country's deadliest man from bringing it to the shores of England? Or is he too late to penetrate the cold exterior of his Master and halt the cogs and gears of progress?

Set in a Victorian world of sex, drugs and steampower, Mars on the Rise tells a dark, gritty story of what happens when our dreams come true. Whether we want them to or not. 

 

Now available from Torquere Press

Where To Buy The Books

260 Writing Prompts

£1.49

260 short prompts for every writer. The five lists cover a range of subjects including interesting locations and offbeat ideas.

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Mars on the Rise (Veetu Industries #1)
(2012 Rainbow Awards Winner: Best Début Novel and Best Sci-fi/Fantasy) 

A storyteller steps off a pier and into a world of steampunk oddities, fearsome weapons, and a dangerous man. Promised fame and fortune by the country's largest weapons manufacturer, Cedo gratefully falls into the arms of Erus Veetu. Dark, dangerous and with nothing to lose, Erus shows him that Svenfur isn't all Cedo thought it was. For beneath the streets is a dark, gas lit world of slavery, human sacrifice, and deadly machines. With the machines waging war in the East, can Cedo stop the country's deadliest man from bringing it to the shores of England? Or is he too late to penetrate the cold exterior of his Master and halt the cogs and gears of progress?
Set in a Victorian world of sex, drugs and steampower, Mars on the Rise tells a dark, gritty story of what happens when our dreams come true. Whether we want them to or not.
Mars on the Rise is available from...
CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE. A BLOG POST WILL BE MADE WHEN THIS BOOK IS RE-RELEASED. 


Selling Mars (Veetu Industries #2)

Erus Veetu, the self-proclaimed Angel of Death, is dead. Or is he?

Though executed for crimes against his own people, his body was never recovered, and a strange, coded note leads Cedo and Billy to believe he may still be alive. Following the clues, they head into untold dangers as they cross Europe and enter the secretive Dynasty. Captured by the country's brutal president, they find themselves trapped in an underground prison with no possibility of escape. Pitched against a world they could never have imagined, Cedo and Billy find themselves battling not only with a world which wishes them dead, but also against one another. Faced with a world on the brink of war and a barrage of deadly machines, they learn about the true meaning of love, life and freedom. Yet what else will they discover? Will they find Erus? More importantly, will they escape with their lives? Selling Mars is the gripping sequel to Mars on the Rise and will enthrall your mind and capture your heart.

CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE. A BLOG POST WILL BE MADE WHEN THIS BOOK IS RE-RELEASED.

The Eve Of War (Veetu Industries #3)

 The third book in the Veetu Industries series (after Mars on the Rise and Selling Mars), The Eve of War describes the terror of being trapped in the eye of the perfect storm and being unable to prevent what's coming. On their return from the Dynasty, Cedo, Billy, Erus, and their new companion, Francis, find the Great Kingdom on the brink of war. Plans have been drawn up and men drafted into the army while protesters do their best to thwart wartime preparations. Giant machines walk the Downs and flying fortresses are taking to the skies. Little by little, the Dynasty is closing in.

Travelling to London with his Master, Cedo is shocked to discover that the inhumane experiments for which Erus was convicted continue without him. Deep beneath the streets of the capital, all manner of weapons are being built and tested. Once more, the homeless and the fallen are the test subjects. On their return to Svenfur, Cedo discovers that one of their group has been called to fight for their country. Erus is influential enough to intervene, but will he, and more importantly, should he?

CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE. A BLOG POST WILL BE MADE WHEN THIS BOOK IS RE-RELEASED.

Tales from the End of the Pier

Amazon UK: http://tinyurl.com/talespier
Amazon US:  http://tinyurl.com/talespierUS

A Second Past Midnight

In 1981, at the height of the Cold War, a single nuclear warhead sent America's technological capability back to the 18th century. Four years later, the shattered country is still struggling to put itself back together. Infrastructure has crumbled, the government is gone, and convicted criminals are hunted for food.

James lives in a small, Midwestern town. By day, he tends his family's farm, trading the food they grow for other supplies. By night, he dreams of being a musician. But with his world destroyed, music remains a frivolous dream.

That is, until he meets Flame. Convicted of drug dealing, Flame has become a part of the bi-annual Shoot to Kill hunting season. He has a dark past and people want him dead. Yet he has a strong determination to live and shares James' musical dream. James and Flame join forces, traveling first to New York and then to London, in spite of the numerous obstacles in their path and the shadow of death hanging over them. Will they be strong enough to escape it and find their dreams together?

CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE. A BLOG POST WILL BE MADE WHEN THIS BOOK IS RE-RELEASED.

ANTHOLOGIES

Reality Bites

Death. Domestic abuse. Ritual exploitation. The passing of a loved one. Child battery. Horrifying food addiction. Brutal bullying. Friendship gone bad. Drugs. Family collapse. Loss. Despair.

These are the bricks in the walls of Hell.

That would be real hell. Not the imaginary hell of the biblical scribe, the epic fantasist, the horrorphile, the metaphorist, the allegory peddler or the unreliable narrator.

This is the real Hell.

But no matter how bleak things become in that impenetrable abyss, no matter how bleak, no matter how pitch black, there is always the bottom rung of a rotten, threadbare rope ladder dangling from the precipice – and the message is: the rung is in reach.

This is Reality Bites.

Twelve fictional stories by twelve superb independent authors, each of whom is a card-carrying survivor of the abyss. And these are their tales. 

Purchase from: Amazon



Slim Volume 1: No Love Lost


A poetry and flash fiction collection bursting with striking works of ‘anti-romance’.

The full spectrum of love – the broken, the funny, the tough, the sideways, and the lost.

Purchase from Amazon.

Access All Areas

An anthology to support the Brilliant Books Reluctant Reader Literacy Project.

Purchase from Amazon

Looking Into The Future...

For those who are planning on coming to the book launch, here's a sneak peak of the acts who will be joining us in 2 weeks time.

The Cogkneys

Count Rostov

The Dark Design
The Dark Design
Should you wish to join us (and you're more welcome to!), please feel free to email me at rae (at) glasscompletelyempty.co.uk You will be made very welcome and we would love to see you!

And The Journey Begins...

Brighton Beach 2010 (Photo by Rae Gee)

Yesterday "Mars on the Rise" finally hit the (electronic, for the moment) bookshelves. It was quite strange seeing it, and the effect has yet to wear off. It's odd to sit here with Amazon's page open and see my name and book for sale on the World Wide Web.

It's been a long journey for me, from stopping writing back in the early 2000's due to drug addiction, to finally picking it up again in 2007. Those years of not writing were some of the hardest of my life. Yet no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't get brain and hands to co-operate. Thankfully, through letters to friends, and, later on, writing websites, I was finally able to begin again. I didn't want to waste any time and, in early 2009 while sitting on a train at Crewe station, I began "Mars on the Rise". It was inspired by something a friend of mine had said shortly before I boarded the train. Curled up at a table seat (a luxury for those who know Virgin Trains), I jotted down what is now the prologue. It was supposed to remain at that, a short piece for my friend to illustrate. But, a few days later, I had a bit of a "Eureka!" moment while sitting on Brighton beach and, well, they rest, they say, is history.

What I didn't know at the time was that it would become popular among my friends, passed around via emails and my blog. To be truthful, it was the one thing that kept me writing. Without the comments, emails and gentle (sometimes not so gentle!) prodding, "Mars on the Rise" would have gone the same way as some other pieces and lingered in half-written hell.

Now I'm working on editing Book 2 and Book 3 is about 25,000 words so far. I'm sure that, somewhere behind me, my friends have got the prodding sticks out! Better get back to work!!

Mars on the Rise is now available from Torquere Press