〔電子〕Unlucky Dip

When the finger of destiny points ... duck! The Pan of Hamgee, starving outlaw, bumps into Big Merv; the meanest, scariest gangster in the City and without thinking what he is doing, steals his wallet. When Big Merv realises what has happened our hero's future looks short. Will he talk his way out of it or will he be 'recycled' into a stanchion of the Outer Ring Road extension. U certificate. 4,000 words. Written in British English. This comedic sci fi quick read is a short story prequel to both the K'Barthan Series and the forthcoming new series: K'Barthan Shorts, Hamgeean Misfit. It is a short story in the sense that it is not long rather than that the plot fits with any particular preconceived 'short story' format. Or to put it another way there is no twist in this tale. It takes place in a contemporary setting, in a parallel universe - as does the whole series. The characters are not all human, but they are not exactly aliens either because it's all happening on Earth, just a version in an alternate - alternative? - reality. This is light comedy science fiction and explains how two of the characters meet. This story sits in the of British tradition of humour and satire and I'm giving it away as a free book. Hopefully, you will consider it a good free read. If it raises a smile it's served its purpose. There is also an excerpt from Few Are Chosen, the first book in the K'Barthan series, over and above the word count quoted here (which is for the actual story only). INTERVIEW WITH THE AUTHOR Q – So, tell us about the K’Barthan Series. What made you write it? What makes it special? A – There's a saying, somewhere, that if the book you want to read hasn't been written, you must write it. If you want the honest answer I wrote it for me. As a reader, I love British satire and humor (or humour). I love funny; funny epic fantasy series like the Discworld novels and comedic sci fi like Douglas Adams totally floats my boat. I like a gripping tale that zips along quickly. And of course, I like genre fiction mashups; Douglas Adams meets StarTrek and James Bond - and a smidgeon of Dr Who and a dash of romance (but no squelchy bits). I wanted a fast paced story and gripping tale but comedy in the tradition of all the great funny British authors. I wanted protagonists people could love and empathise with, mavericks, misfit characters, real people ... except they're not all people obviously, some of them are other species. I'm giving away Unlucky Dip for free because I know humour is very subjective and I wanted people to be able to sample some of my sci-fi for free before they stump up ready money. Anyone joining my mailing list can get another, longer free story as well. The K'Barthan series is about teamwork; a team of misfit heroes and heroines, some of whom should be enemies, in science fiction action - or fantasy action - because it's planet based, so it's a bit of a blend. Our heros and heroines work together to bring down the indomitable forces of evil (bit of an untrendy epic fantasy trope there but I like it). You won't find standard mythic creatures in my sci fi - I couldn't face the deluge of emails I'd inevitably get from those who knew more about them than I do, telling me I'd got them wrong. However, you will find all sorts of quirky characters and interesting alien species. From six feet Swamp Things with antennae to cute furry creatures like the Blurpons, with their fluffy ears, big button eyes and penchant for extreme violence. Q – Should the K’Barthan Series be read in order? A – Yes! The character development – and some of the technology – will make very little sense if it isn't. That said, the short series prequel can be read any time. The books go in this order: - Unlucky Dip, K'Barthan Series: Prequel - that's this one. - Few Are Chosen, K'Barthan Series: Part 1 - The Wrong Stuff, K'Barthan Series: Part 2 - One Man: No Plan, K'Barthan Series: Part 3 - Looking For Trouble, K'Barthan Series: Part 4 There's also a series of shorts which take place between this story and the start of Few Are Chosen which is, technically, a year later. Q – What will readers enjoy most about The K'Barthan Series? A – Hopefully, the same things as I do: the humour, the wit (such as it is) the plot and the character development. Oh yeh and the flying cars. Q – What is your favourite kind of Book? Would your books fit on the list? A – Oh yes. I wrote them entirely for me. If anyone else likes my brain vomit, that’s gravy ... hmm ... maybe I shouldn't have put the words 'gravy' and 'vomit' so close together. Never mind, too late now. I love British humour, especially satire and parody in sci fi and fantasy: people like Pratchett, Adams, Holt and series like Space Team. There’s so much fun in those books but a little bit more too. I think if you're funny you can be harder hitting. Q – Do you have a target reader? A – Kind of. I wrote it with my nephew in mind - he was a teenager at the time - but it's more a mind set and an approach to life that I'm reaching out to. To give you an idea; the oldest fan of the series I know of was in his 90s and the youngest was 10 when he read the first book. Q - What age range is this book aimed at? A - OK, I think this whole age range thing is completely bizarre and I think what people really mean when they ask me this is a combination of two things: 'what level of reading proficiency is needed for this story?' and, 'does this book have swearing and sex in it?' So yes there are long words. No there is no sex or swearing in this one, but some of the wider series has the occasional kiss and the kind of light swearwords that British and Australasian readers probably wouldn't notice. That said, I invented a whole religion to enable my characters use credible amounts of swearing and invective for the rest of English speaking world without offending my lovely readers over the pond in the USA. I'd classify it a 12 or a PG (parental guidance).