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!
gaming
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!!
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
Back in the eighties game books were at the height of their popularity, selling in their hundreds of thousands. Come the nineties, the video game era took over and game books saw a decline, with even the most popular series being pulled from the shelves. With game book fans of yesteryear now adults, they now wish to introduce their children to the genre, with many of them becoming authors of interactive adventures in their own right. The game book market is now reviving, as this generation looks for ways to bring children back to reading rather than screen time.
My new book, JAMTHOLOGY, is an introduction to game books with four thrilling pre-bedtime sized adventures, which start off easy and grow progressively more involving until you finish a seasoned game book adventurer. It is ideal for readers of all ages who wish to begin a journey into interactive stories and pit their wits, rather than read standard cover to cover books.
All profits go to charity. Click here to view on Amazon
I’m delighted to announce a project I have been working on with my stepdaughter is about 75% done, and will probably be released early December. She will be joining the ranks of gamebook illustrators at just 16 years old, like her favourite did, the late Martin Mckenna. It will be my fourth publication inside 18 months. Watch this space for more…
Well, I’ve gone and done something rather naughty but also quite satisfying. Behave not that! But as you know, I’m a huge fan of Oliver McNeil’s The Storymaster’s Tales RPG. Players are usually represented by little glass counters, and although Ironrat Mini’s started a line in making miniatures for the different classes, this ceased due to lockdown or brexit or Katie Hopkins or other frightful things. Last night, I browsed eBay and discovered Reaper Miniatures did models of all the 16 classes I needed for a complete set. For generic effect I’ve even purchased the three covered by Ironrat.
My royalties for Literally Immersive Gamebooks have paid for these, I think it’s a job well done. Some of the detail is lovely.
So the special edition sets of The Druids Of Pneuma have started finding their way into their new owners hands. Let’s take a look at a couple of things that make them so special.
1) It’s not branded with the LIG logos. We get to enjoy Malcolm Barter’s art The Bella Mort without the monofett LIG crest across the top. No ISBN or blurb either.
2) It’s a hardback. One of only 35 in existence. Okay, 36 if you include the proof copy. There will never be anymore made, making them rarer than a Magehunter lol.
3) Some text has been removed. If you are a follower of the Literally Immersive Gamebooks page on Facebook, or backed at a Walraven level, you will no what something is when you find it which may be important. Otherwise, your quest may get a little stifled.
4) There is a credit list, and write up about how the book took a quarter of a century to get from my head to its published form.
5) They’re all signed. You’re welcome 😜 Paperbacks will be available on Amazon next week.
So a couple of days ago I received the proof bound of my latest gamebook , The Druids Of Pneuma – the third title in my Literally Immersive Gamebooks series. There are 36 of these hardback copies in existence, all taken by a backer of this grand project. They have 410 sizzling references to look forward to with artwork by Fighting Fantasy illustrator Malcolm Barter, Mike Tenebrae on internals, and Pat O’Neill on fillers. The book will officially launch after these special hardback editions are posted off, and be available on Amazon in late May.
I’ve been participating in The Storymaster’s Tales Online LARP since it’s maiden adventure late last year. Last night I was honoured as a moderator in The Storymaster’s Tales Interactive Theatre Facebook group. Thank you. As a celebration, I have now added a page to my blog devoted to it, and highlighting what they do and what we as the players get up to. If you are into interactive adventure , rpg , larp , or even a fan of the old television classic Knightmare then check out my page http://www.jamsplace.co/walraven
Hey hey! Today I endeavour to finish off the second rewrite of The Druids Of Pneuma. What a nightmare last hundred refs it has been. With plot holes and cross links galore having to have been ironed out, it isn’t any wonder Puffin rebuked 19 year old gamebook writers. Anyway, I think I have come up with a lovely story, or peril and woe, action and adventure, monsters and magic.
Upon completion it shall be shown to three trustees for preliminary perusal, and the wonderful Mike Tenebrae will be briefed on internal illustrations. I have come up with a plan for limited Kickstarter rewards, which people will be able to get a special edition hardback or paperback as well as other goodies. Whether or not that funds, the book will be available on Amazon shortly after the Kickstarter ends. I’m guessing it’ll be a couple of pounds more than the first two Literally Immersive Gamebooks as its over twice as long at 410 references.
Of all the book projects I am ever likely to do, this is probably the most personal to me, and a product of my 19 year old self and 44 year old self combined. There’s that number again! It will also contain a couple of Easter eggs here and there. A 25 year old work is about to come alive. And with a cover by Malcolm Barter, binding me to the Fighting Fantasy series I love and grew up with. This is a dream come true. I’ll be at the Fighting Fantasy Beero tonight, if you cannot make it I wish you all a merry Yuletide break and happy New Year.
JamsPlace - Literally Immersive Gamebooks 
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