For years and years joining the Doctor Who Appreciation Society was just something that I'd never got round to for one reason or another. I randomly decided to change that late last year. I then discovered, even more randomly, that a certain Mr John Davies was about to become the editor of the Society's magazine Celestial Toyroom. John had edited the Watching Books volume Blake's Heaven to which I had contributed two pieces a while before.
We all like doors with familiar names on them - but it doesn't make it any easier to get work accepted.
I came up with an idea for an article about the way Doctor Who has been adapted over the years - books, audio, films, and how this provokes discussion about which version, if any, is textually 'definitive' - particularly since in later years some of the books written as original novels have subsequently been adapted into TV episodes and audio dramas in a kind of role-reversal. Anyway, I submitted a rough draft in time for John to take over the reins. In true editorial fashion he came back and said 'it's all right, but I think it should be two articles not one.'
'Oh what a shame,' thought I. Two articles commissioned straight away..! But I'm not smug, and if either piece hadn't been up to scratch they wouldn't have been accepted - and I respect John for that.
So anyway the first part appears in Celestial Toyroom #456 which was out last week (to members only, sorry the general public), with the second part - which looks at some of the 'untold' stories - following next month.
And while I'm at it, what incredible cover artwork from Andy Hackett! Check out more of his excellent work here:
https://www.facebook.com/Andy-Hackett-Graphic-Design-and-Artwork-394684734064674/?fref=ts&__mref=message_bubble
I'm grateful to John and to DWAS for the opportunity, and I'm quietly chuffed with myself for getting my name on those pages. I hope all the readers enjoy it, and the follow-up next month.
Better get my thinking cap on for more ideas now.
If you want to follow any of the characters mentioned in this post on Twitter to find out what else is going on in their world they are: @_JohnDavies, @DWAS63 and @andyhackett1972. There's also me @Mr_Brell
Don't forget, Blake's Heaven is still available from Watching Books or direct from Amazon, in hard copy or e-book formats (proceeds in aid of Children In Need).
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Blakes-Heaven-John-Davies/dp/151199438X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1459262674&sr=8-1&keywords=blakes+heaven
Another in an irregular series of Blind Date spoof sketches from me in this edition.
With thanks as always to Paul Dunn, Vanessa Karon and all the boys and girls at Cranked Anvil Productions for letting me post these shows here on my Blog. For more information check them out at http://crankedanvil.co.uk/
Show 28. Sketches written by Tim Gambrell, Tom Smith, Neil Tolfree, Tim Perry, and Jamie McLeish Andrew Kirkwood and David Metcalf as MKM Comedy. Performed by Andrew Dawson, Paul Dunn, David Foster, Vanessa Karon, Dolores Poretta, Adam Ramsey, Peff Soulsby and Stephen Sullivan. Script editor was Paul Dunn. First broadcast 17.02.16.
You can follow the show's presenters on Twitter via @PNHappyHour, Cranked Anvil Productions on @CrankedAnvil, radio station Spark Sunderland on @SparkSunderland, or even my good self (if you don't get enough of me here) on @Mr_Brell
Hello all. It's stupid o'clock on Tuesday morning and while I wait for my hair to dry, post shower, before bed I'll sling on a quick plug for the new issue of the Doctor Who fanzine Fish Fingers and Custard which is now available.
http://www.fishcustardfanzine.co.uk/2016/03/issue-17-out-now.html
It features a few pieces by my good self, including a chat with Caroline Boulton from Series 9's Face The Raven. Editor Daniel Gee has ensured that you get a hell of a lot for your two pounds. More info on the fanzine and how you can purchase a copy can be found on the above link, and it's well worth checking out.
Don't forget, Blake's Heaven is still available from Watching Books or direct from Amazon, in hard copy or e-book formats (proceeds in aid of Children In Need).
