Many of you will now know I have started writing a book for TroyAnthony Schermer’s incredible Savage Realms gamebook series. With the first draft just 70 references away from finishing, it means I’m happy to share a little info about it. The title is The Tavern On Gallows Hill, and the first quarter of the book or so is set there. There is much you can get up to here, which may or may not effect your progress later on in the book. The choices you make in this section will very much reflect your decision making ‘skill’ as an individual reader . It is set in Ataraxia, the Savage Realms staple world but largely in places I’ve created, which in turn help grow ‘the map’. There are several little Easter eggs thrown in, and familiarities one might expect from gamebook authors such as Stephen Hand. Watch out for the obligatory namedrop which has been something of a calling card of mine since writing gamebooks. There is also a character based on someone I use to know but only I and one of the dedications will know who (and the person in question if they are bright enough – recent revelations suggest not). It is illustrated by the amazing Luiz Prado, who’s art I fell in love with straight away. In my honest opinion, his style is hybrid of FF inklords McCaig and Langford. You will also be treated (or mistreated) to monsters I have conjured up myself for the world of Ataraxia. It’s a small homage to FF book Scorpion Swamp (how I’d have done it). This is about all I can divulge at this stage, watch for posts by Mr Schermer himself for updates. Jam out!
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Did you know…?
In 2015 gamebook author Jonathan Green launched his very own ACE Gamebook series with a little experimental Kickstarter. The classic children’s story Alice In Wonderland became interactive fiction under Green’s experienced pen. It was a successful project, and those whom backed at a higher lever reward received a gorgeous white-cottoned hardcover special edition, decorated wonderfully with Kev Crossley’s art in golden foil. Very few of these actually exist, possibly only 50 copies although an exact amount was never divulged. In 2021, an American gamebook collector paid in excess of £1000 for a copy. This trumps the much sought books 55-59 from the Puffin Fighting Fantasy series and Grailquest book 8 put together! How lucky was I to back the project at the time, not just at the level needed to get one of these rarities, but also attend a public demo at The Asylum in Lincolnshire before the books release.
Probably one of the best pages I’ve seen on the net highlighting how to understand and help people with autism. Click here.
Thought I’d given a poem a try. I know it’s the 21st century and you can’t say anything anymore but whatever.
I’ve never thrown myself on a hand grenade to protect my fellow team,
Nor charged into enemy fire as my dying friends all scream.
I’ve never transplanted organs to keep a terminal child alive,
Or worked around the contagious not knowing if I’d survive.
I’ve never put my life in danger whilst trying to rescue another,
Made history as a famous first with worldwide media cover,
The funny thing is those receiving knighthoods do not either,
In these days awful luvvies and MPs are the receivers.
So you need exercise to improve your health, but need a motivational kick? You can help others as well by taking part in sponsored walks. Libra and I are helping Children’s Hospitals Across Scotland throughout February by taking part in their 280,000 step challenge. Look around and see what you can do to benefit others as well as your own fitness today! https://tinyurl.com/ykz8mpkz
Absolutely delightybumbumboiled to be backer 1 on Olly Mc ‘s new tabletop RPG, Threatlore Town. It is the third box set version of his ever expanding The Storymaster’s Tales role play game, suitable for ages six-adult, and gives you an insight into his live larp shows as well. If you love a good family game*, or a nice easy D&D alternative, these are the games for you.
*Can also be played solo, and you don’t need the other sets but if you have them all they can be played as one whole inter-joining epic. Click Here to buy!!
Well this year saw the release of another two books; Jamthology and The Druids Of Pneuma. With these tucked under my belt I prepped to continue work on LIG4, then recieved a rather interesting and exciting request. I have been asked to guest-author for the Savage Realms gamebook series by its creator, the much revered TroyAnthony Schermer. I can’t say ‘No’ to such an honour, and I shall make this book not only better than any I have written for myself – but also better than most I have read. I dare not give out spoilers, especially at this early developmental stage, but work has commenced and the idea is even better than the one I reserved for a full length amateur FF. So there! Eat your heart out Stephen Hand.
I’ve had to wait half a dozen weeks for a delivery from France, but it has been so worth it in the long run. My latest book, JAMTHOLOGY, is now available in hardback form in several countries for a limited time. All profits will be going to the charity mentioned in the book. To purchase your copy, http://Jamthology https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09M77HZL4/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_navT_g_48Q8XF75MN130MMVNMSD
Looks like LIG4 may not be a spy one after all, as a very ambitious gamebook idea has entered my mind and my attention is more drawn to that. It happens, as I’m sure one of my faves, Jonathan Green, has demonstrated several times over the years. I have a title and everything. But then… does it need to be under Literally Immersive Gamebooks or a standalone like Jamthology? Maybe even something else.
So my Mrs went on a diet recently. I myself was pushing 18 stones, so thought I’d support her by joining in. I just wasn’t burning the calories I was putting inside. Just two weeks in, I weigh 16 stone 8. This has been the easiest and effective method and I share it here, as recommended by our GP.
We have adopted the 16 hour fast diet. We eat everything we usually would – and we eat healthy- in and eight hour slot daily. 11am to 7pm. We eat nothing in the following sixteen hours, using drinks to suppress any hunger. Ginger and other herbal teas also help clear your tubes and give your liver a break from coffee and tea. This allows our bodies time to burn out those calories and empty of everything else. IT REALLY WORKS! Add to this an 8km walk daily, or especially swimming where you are using all muscle groups and the weight flies off. Give it a 7 day trial and I bet you’ll see results. Jam out!
JamsPlace - Literally Immersive Gamebooks 
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