Celestial Toyroom issue #456

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