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.
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
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…
For all those who cannot source a physical copy of The Druids Of Pneuma, a read-only PDF version is now available at http://www.thedemonicthree.com/palantir.htm for only £3.50
Well, I was going to take a rest from writing, but my delightful niece gifted me a pen and notepad specifically to write my next adventure with. Can’t really ignore a demand like that, so three nights ago I came up with a backstory and we’ll be returning to similar mechanics as LIG2. Exciting times, no idea when it’ll release as I’ve only just begun, and there’s no old manuscript to sponge from like with The Druids Of Pneuma. Watch this space for more.
Rather pleased that sales picked up with the release of The Druids Of Pneuma. May slowly be making a name for myself in the gamebook community. Ive also done a bit of fundraising lately, and the latest charity to receive funds is BulliesOut. Would really recommend them for the fantastic work they do, so check them out sometime. Of course, exposure helps so I also purchased some garb to help spread awareness.
Literally Immersive Gamebooks 4 is being penned. I promised myself time of, but have been bitten by the bug. New genre, no silly 26 year old manuscript, this will be my best yet!
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.
JamsPlace - Literally Immersive Gamebooks 
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