ADVENT UPDATE!

Candy Jar Books has announced its final advent calendar freebies.

On Saturday the independent publisher gave away a brand new Lethbridge-Stewart story by Chris Thomas. Entitled Vampires of the Night this standalone tale focuses on Professor Travers’ World War II escapades.

On Sunday, Candy Jar gave away preview excerpts of the long-awaited sequel to the Reeltime straight-to-video Doctor Who drama, Downtime.

On Christmas Eve, it was the turn of Lethbridge-Stewart’s granddaughter, Lucy Wilson. Written by Tim Gambrell (author of the upcoming Laughing Gnome book, Lucy Wilson and the Bledoe Cadets) and Chris Lynch (author of the second Lucy Wilson novel, Curse of the Mirror Clowns) this one hundred page Christmas novel features malevolent Christmas crackers, and a timey-wimey anecdote inspired by Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.


Tim Gambrell has been following the advent calendar and is excited to be included within its line-up. He said: “Shaun outlined his requirements in two words: Christmas crackers. Bang! The spark ignited and the whole thing came together very organically. Christmas is a time that focuses a lot on family, and I knew from the off that I wanted plenty of family character ‘moments’ in the story, leaving the threat to lurk in the background until its moment arose. Just be careful when you pull your crackers after lunch on Christmas Day!”

Chris Lynch is also thrilled that fans of Lucy Wilson can enjoy his take on her adventures during the Christmas holidays. He said: “Writing for Candy Jar this year has been an amazing experience. I can't think of a better way to see out my writing year than sitting in the shadow of my Christmas tree, sending Lucy and Hobo out into the universe once more.”

Christmas Day saw the biggest giveaway yet, with the complete three hundred and forty pages of the Doctor Who non-fiction book Companions: Fifty Years of Doctor Who Assistants written by Lethbridge-Stewart range editor, Andy Frankham-Allen.

Andy said: “When Shaun told me that Candy Jar would be giving away something every day for twenty-five days I thought he was mad. I said, “You’ll regret it by day seventeen”, and indeed he did. However, I do feel that he has pulled it off, just! To be honest, I have actually enjoyed many of the freebies, particularly the Eileen Younghusband documentary. So, I am really pleased that he has chosen Companions as the Christmas Day giveaway. It deserves to be out there again. For six months I watched every episode of Doctor Who, and the book, in my opinion, encapsulates what is great to be the Doctor’s best friend. And Christmas is certainly a good time to celebrate this.”

Since December 1st Candy Jar’s freebies have included The Xmas Files, the first chapter of God Bless Hooky Street: A Celebration of Only Fools and Horses, A Very Private Haunting, The New Unusual & The Man from Yesterday on Kindle, Lethbridge-Stewart-inspired Spotify lists, the complete Kangazang!: Remote Possibilties audio drama (read by Colin Baker), plus a variety of Lethbridge-Stewart short stories.

Keren Williams, who has recently been promoted to publishing coordinator at Candy Jar, explained the thinking behind the advent calendar: “It’s a Christmas tradition that we give away some short stories to our loyal readers, and this year I thought why don’t we go the whole hog and really spoil everybody? I feel that, despite Andy’s reservations, the giveaways have been successful. I have certainly received many emails from readers who have been looking forward to each day. Perhaps this is something we might repeat in the future. Time can only tell.”

Visit to http://www.candy-jar.co.uk/books/adventcalendar.html to see all the giveaways.

CANDY JAR AUTHOR IN ACT OF PIRACY

Terry Cooper, the author of the KANGAZANG! Trilogy, has been seen in public quite a lot this year. Except that while most people won't recognise him, they'll definitely recognise his alter ego, a certain Pirate Captain from a saga of blockbuster movies.

Masquerading as 'Cardiff Jack Sparrow', Terry has been seen at numerous public events in Cardiff and the surrounding area, and he has been invited by the people at Cardiff's Heath Hospital to attend their Christmas Spectacular day on Friday 13th December.

Hosted and broadcast on the day by Real Radio Wales, it promises to be a fun day for everyone. It's open from 6am to the public, and the hospital hopes to raise funds and Christmas gifts from donations by the public, which will then be distributed among the hospital's patients. The event ends at 7pm, so there will be lots of opportunities to come along and have some fun.

Terry in his Piratey Alter-ego, Cardiff Jack Sparrow. PICTURE: Steve Upham at New Pixel Design

Terry is currently busy putting the finishing touches to his sci-fi comedy trilogy, with KANGAZANG: Small Cosmos due for release next year. Of his unexpected 'infamy' as Jack Sparrow, Terry says:

"It's been snowballing all the time. I initially did it for a bit of fun back in 2007, with a cheap, home made costume, but now I'm quite in demand. Everyone I meet tells me that I've got the look, voice and mannerisms of Jack Sparrow down perfectly. The public of all ages get a real buzz from meeting me and I enjoy it just as much as them. Sadly, I don't look like Johnny Depp at all in real life - that'd be great, but until Disney sign me up for his stand-in, it's back to struggling author. But if you're reading this, Mr. Bruckheimer, I'm available at very short notice!"

In 'civvies' - L-R: Publisher Shaun Russell, actor Colin Baker, and Terry Cooper

 So if you've always wanted to meet Johnny Depp... we can't help you there. But it's been said that Terry's Captain Jack is the next best thing! Pop along to the Heath Hospital on Friday December 13th and sea for yourself! (Sea what we did there?)

You can also find 'Cardiff Jack Sparrow' here on Facebook: CLICK HERE

AUTHOR TERRY COOPER TAKES HIS 10 PER CENT!

Kangazang! author Terry Cooper does more than just write. As well as being an artist, graphic designer, rapper and Captain Jack Sparrow lookalike he also puts his talents to acting. Recently, Terry starred in the short film 10 PER CENT by up and coming filmmaker Chris Bevan.

10 PER CENT is a tale of deception and double-crossing in a criminal underworld. Veteran professional thief 'Bad' Eddie Goodman (played by Terry) and his young accomplice Billy take on a dangerous job – to rob powerful ganglord Mr Zhang of £3 million and a huge stash of cocaine. But there is little loyalty among thieves and thugs and the prize is too tempting for anyone to play by the rules. Action, dark humour and tension abound in this short story of gangsters, gunplay and greed.

You can watch it here:

(PLEASE NOTE: CONTAINS STRONG VIOLENCE AND SWEARING)



www.candyjarfilms.co.uk

www.terrycooper.co.uk

FINAL HOURS OF VOTING!!

With the People's Book Prize mere hours away, now is your last chance to get voting!

As the first of our two entries, Eileen Younghusband's One Woman's War offers a harrowing and honest account of her experiences of World War II from within the filter room. With her enthralling and informative writing style, readers can engage in perhaps one of the most secretive aspects of Britain's fight against Nazi Germany.

Our other entry, Kangazang! Star Stuff by Terry Cooper continues the stories of Jeff Spooner and Ray Scump as they are thrust into adventure in a hilariously bizarre and unconventional tale of epic proportions!

We at Candy Jar are immensely proud of the work that has been put into each of these books, and wish both Terry and Eileen the best of luck, so show your love by voting for them on the People's Book Prize Website: www.peoplesbookprize.com/finalist

Both books can also be purchased online at our website: www.candy-jar.co.uk/books/candyjarbooks.html

THE PEOPLE'S BOOK PRIZE FINALISTS

There’s great excitement in the Candy Jar office -- voting has just reopened for The People’s Book Prize in which two of our authors are finalists!

One Woman’s War by Eileen Younghusband, has been shortlisted in the non-fiction category. A a personal account of her remarkable Second World War experiences working in the Filter Room, it has already been praised by John Barrowman and the Carwyn Jones amongst many others.

Terry Cooper’s Kangazang! Star Stuff is the second book in the sci-fi trilogy and in the running for best fiction. Having just about managed to save the universe, kebab-loving Jeff Spooner and his alien barber/friend Ray Scump are ready for a rest when double disaster strikes.

The People’s Book Prize is a competition that’s open to all published authors and is judged by you; the public. So please take a moment to vote for these titles, both thoroughly deserving of public recognition: http://www.peoplesbookprize.com/finalist

The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on 29th May -- fingers crossed!

Both titles can be purchased from Amazon or from our online store: www.candyjarbooks.co.uk 

AUTHOR TERRY IN HIS LATEST ACTING ROLE

 

Kangazang! author Terry Cooper has just completed filming low-budget gangster movie '10 Per Cent'.

Terry plays 'Bad' Eddie Goodman, a small-time entrepreneurial robber, who ends up in a spot of bother after he is contracted to rip off a den of unsavoury villains. Terry isn't unfamiliar with acting having recently acted in a sci-fi short called 'The Halycon' filmed in Leeds (you can watch a trailer here). He also starred in the award-winning short film 'Frankly' last year and previously as an extra on 'Torchwood' and the feature film 'Outlaw' (2007).

In this new role, Terry really enjoyed playing his part in this gritty drama (rated 15 for violence and adult language) which features humour, stunts, violence and suspense. 10 Per Cent, written and directed by Cardiff-based film student Chris Bevan, is currently in post-production and will be released in the summer at The University Of South Wales.

Photos by Steve Upham (used with permission).

www.candyjarbooks.co.uk

THE PEOPLE'S BOOK PRIZE

Candy Jar is proud to announce that two of our authors, Eileen Younghusband and Terry Cooper, are finalists in their respective categories of the People's Book Prize 2012/2013.

Eileen's book One Woman's War has been shortlisted in the non-fiction category while Terry's Kangazang! Star Stuff beat other titles to become a finalist in the fiction category of the competition.

The People's Book Prize is a literary competition open to all published authors and judged by the general public. Founded by Dame Beryl Bainbridge DBE, the annual event presented its first awards in 2010. Twelve finalists are chosen in each of the three categories across four quarters of entries.

Both books received a high number of votes so thanks to all who took the time to have their say. Voting re-opens on the 21st May, providing the nation with the opportunity to choose the overall winner in each category by visiting www.peoplesbookprize.com. The winners will be announced during the awards ceremony on the 29th May. Both Eileen and Terry are looking forward to the event.

THE BIG KANGAZANG! INTERVIEW PART FOUR: YOSS NUTT

This week:

Meet YOSS NUTT, IT slave and general Sci-Fi fan with a mild fetish for tattoos...

What’s your connection to Terry?

I first met Terry whilst working in Cardiff. He quickly stood out as one of the most interesting people to chat with during those oasis moments of quiet in the office. His sense of humour and fondness for Sci-Fi notched him up as a kindred spirit.

How did you first find out about Kangazang?

I was honoured to be included in the few given a sneak preview and knew I had to have a copy of the full version before I finished reading the preview.

Did you read the book, and what were your thoughts? 

I have read both versions of the first book and the second book. I thoroughly enjoyed the style and the content, Terry has managed to encapsulate many facets of the childhoods of people ‘our’ age and interwoven it with a light hearted but compelling story and characters I came to care about. If I were to make a tick sheet for things to recommend a book for, Kangazang manages to tick all boxes other than the one for a long story arc over many books. But with number three in the ether that will hopefully be fulfilled at some point.

What kinds of books/TV/movies do you usually go for? 

Sci-Fi or Fantasy or Horror are my usual genres, either serious or humorous. My reading tends to be mostly Sci-Fi with the most recent books being from Isaac Asimov, Harry Harrison, Philip Jose Farmer, Fred Saberhagen, Orson Scott Card and Stephen King. For TV or Film, it is anything by Joss Whedon in both categories, True Blood, The Walking Dead, Battlestar Galactica. I can’t fail to mention a little saga by the name of Star Wars.

If you could cast some of the characters in a movie version, who would you pick? 

I find it hard to fault Terry’s ideal cast, but if I had to recast the only sure fire actors for me would be Rosie Marcel as Shelly, Marshall Lancaster as Kelvin, Alan Rickman as Lord Rancydd and  Martin Freeman as Jeff,

As it’s a proposed trilogy, what kind of ending would you like to see - happy, sad, open or a final end? 

I would like it to be a completion of the story arc in progress, but if any potential tangential stories were hinted at I would be quite happy.

Have you heard any of the Audiobook? 

I have the audiobook and it is a mighty fine experience. I had read the book a few times before listening to the audiobook so I had already made up my mind how the characters sound, but the voice work is fantastic.

Have you ever written a book or story? If you could, what would you write about? 

I have difficulty finishing writing my name, so no story writing from me. 

http://candy-jar.co.uk/

THE BIG KANGAZANG! INTERVIEW PART THREE: ASH COLLINS

This Week:

Meet ASH COLLINS, and find out how he created the fantastic illustrations as seen in the MAXIMUM GALACTIC TRUMPAGE card game…

Ash Collins is a 2D Animator/Illustrator, versed in the ‘occult’ (digital) arts, ‘dragged up in Wales and living in London with my fiancée, two small, destructive children  and a terrified cat’. He describes his work life as ‘doing some freelance here and there when I'm not wiping various foodstuffs off the furniture and/or walls’.

How and when did you first find out about Kangazang?

I was catching the train from Pontypridd to Cardiff with my fiancée every morning, and would often get on the same train as Mr. Cooper. It was upon those rain-sodden journeys that he imparted to us the details of this book he was writing...

What’s your connection to Terry?

I met Terry when I was studying animation at Glamorgan University; he was doing CG animation, a year ahead of me, so I just thought, ‘Oh, another CG animator…’  It wasn't long before I discovered that he was some kind of artist/animator/voice artist/rapper/prop maker/actor extraordinaire.  Talented git.  I live too far away to see him in person anymore, so I have to rely on the internet in order to harass and antagonise him.  (You know, as friends do, right?)

When you read Kangazang, what were your thoughts?

I read the book, and I thought, ‘this has everything I need’. (I.E: sci-fi and comedy). Being 'fortunate' enough to hail from the valleys, I got a big laugh out of the Welsh idiosyncrasies, as well as the little hat-tips to various bits of geek culture and pop culture throughout. It's full of memorable characters and dramatic moments, not to mention heart, and - importantly - laugh out loud slapstick. Well it's important to me!

Regarding books/TV/movie, what genres do you usually prefer?

Comedy. Sci-fi. That kind of thing. I generally need lots of guns and to be made to laugh like a maniac. You have a deep, romantic subplot? Get lost. But I ain't no stranger to classical literature. For reals.

If you found yourself responsible for casting some of the characters in a movie version, who would you pick?

That's a tough one; Terry already mentioned a few actors he had in mind when creating these characters, and he mentioned a lot more when we were discussing the art for the Maximum Galactic Trumpage cards, so I automatically think of those people now! (Jeff will always be Marc Warren in my mind, and Ray is naturally Bill Bailey).

The idea of Matt Berry as philandering Rev. Wilson really tickles me though, as well as Martine McCutcheon as the bald cockney queen Shelley.

As the trilogy draws to a close in the third book, what kind of ending would you like to see?

A happy one, innit? Jeff got off to a sad enough start, I think he needs a happy ending. And I don't have time for open endings - I get distracted so easily, and I don't need to be wandering around musing about a book's ending weeks after I've read it. Headache.

Then again, the books are so much fun, that paving the way for more could only be a good thing...

Have you heard any of the Audiobook?

I have not! I can't concentrate on being read to while I'm doing things, and if I'm sitting still, it's faster to read! Although I see that it's read by Doctor Who legend Colin Baker, so I may be persuaded yet...

If you were to write something, what would you write about?

I'm far too self-critical for that. Anything I write, I immediately declare plagiarised or trite and bin it. Because it is. Although if I could wrestle an original story onto paper, it would probably be about the things covered above (Comedy & Sci-Fi).  And even then it would probably turn out to be Kangazang. You know what? I think I'll leave this writing lark to the pros.

KANGAZANG! REVIEW

"...let’s talk about Kangazang. Written by Terry Cooper and published by indy Candy Jar, Kangazang is a simple story of one man’s journey to the stars. Published in 2010, it has garnered a sizable number of fans including one Colin Baker, who narrates the audiobook version here.

Now, Kangazang is necessarily going to be compared with The Hitchhikers’ Guide to the Galaxy because it shares, at least in its early chapters, a great deal with the latter. A humorous SF tale of a human (pretty cordially) kidnapped from the Earth by a zany alien and taken to see the universe, during which he gets given a quest to find something pretty fundamental, there are obvious comparisons to be made.

And, to be fair, it may suffer in those comparisons. The humour is more down-to-Earth, if you’ll forgive the pun, than in Hitchhiker’s; less sophisticated and less, frankly, downright clever. But that’s not actually a criticism. The humour quotient is still very high, sometimes causing out-loud laughter – reveal of the meaning of the phrase ‘universal remote’ being one such.

And the writing... well, it’s better than Adams. There, I’ve said it – no, don’t go, hear me out. Honestly, if you read the novelisation of Hitchiker’s – the first one, the one culled from the radio series – it’s really not brilliantly written. Structure is clumsy, loads of exposition. It’s full of bloody brilliant ideas, sure – Adams was clearly a genius. Just, a genius who’d obviously never written a novel before. (Mind you, true to genius form, he’d got stuffing good at it only a couple of novels later.)

Kangazang, on the other hand, is written by someone who does know how to write – and that’s the difference. The narrative journey works well. Nothing jars. And the story is a good one. So the actual writing – more importantly, the listening – is a joy.

Add Mr Baker narrating, and an interesting style that adds sound effects and second voices to what would often be made as a single-voice reading, and the audiobook is a very entertaining listen. Well worth a punt."

Nic Ford, Starburst Magazine

EX-DOCTOR WHO, AND NARRATOR OF CANDY JAR'S VERY OWN 'KANGAZANG!', COLIN BAKER JOINS 'I'M A CELEBRITY'…

Colin Baker has had quite the career, gaining notoriety for starring roles in not just one, but two, seminal shows on British television. In 1974 he won the role of Paul Merroney in the hit BBC TV serial, The Brothers, a role he continued to play with building success until the final episode transmitted in 1976. It was a role that made him a household name, but it paled in comparison to the fame he received when he joined the twenty-year old BBC science fantasy show, Doctor Who, in 1983. Baker’s role of Commander Maxil brought him to the attention of producer, John Nathan-Turner, when, later that year, he was looking for a leading man to replace Peter Davison in the title role.

Baker took on the mantle of Doctor Who in 1984 and played the incumbent role throughout its most turbulent period. He left the show in 1986, but continued his association with Doctor Who right up to the present time, still starring in audio dramas as produced by Big Finish. 



Colin in his jungle attire

Baker is known for his commanding voice, and has narrated many talking books, including Kangazang for Candy Jar. He is also closely linked to the Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths, for which he was once a trustee and chairman, having sought to raise awareness of ‘Cot Death’ (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), after losing his own son in 1984. He currently aims to be king of the jungle in reality TV show, I’m A Celebrity - Get Me Out of Here! We wish him luck!






 

TERRY COOPER RETURNS TO A GALAXY FAR, FAR AWAY…WELL TUNISIA!

Candy Jar author Terry Cooper has been asked to co-present a documentary set in Tunisia for a Canadian TV production company.

As a founder member of the hugely popular ‘Save The Lars Homestead’ restoration campaign, which completed work on the iconic domed set piece from the Star Wars movies in May, Terry thought his days of trekking across the North African deserts were over.

But just like his robotic hero C-3PO, Terry is off once more to share his knowledge of the film locations. Handy, as he is currently assembling his own C-3PO costume for fundraising events.

In a month of new and exciting Star Wars news, it seems that Terry is fast becoming the ‘go-to guy’ for advice and opinion on all things geeky!

Canadian production company Kensington TV are behind the hugely successful ‘MUSEUM SECRETS’ series of educational documentaries, now in their third series. They called Terry up at the last minute, as his Save Lars colleague, Mark Cox from Norwich, had to pull out because of circumstances beyond his control.

So Terry is all packed and ready to fly from London’s Heathrow Airport on Friday 16^th November, for a whirlwind trip to see how the Homestead is standing up to the conditions. He’ll also visit the Hotel Sidi Driss, a subterranean hotel dug into the ground, which is seen in Star Wars as the home of Luke Skywalker and his uncle and aunt.

Terry, who is currently in the process of writing the third and final book in the KANGAZANG! trilogy, says he was reluctant to go at first, but his inner geek took over:

"Back in May, both Mark and I were struck down with a rather nasty bacterial stomach bug, which was incredibly painful and took a couple of weeks to get over, so I wasn’t planning on going back to Tunisia any time soon. But I got the email from the documentary team and suddenly felt that familiar excitement for the place. The Hotel Sidi Driss is my favourite place in the world – as soon as you get there, you feel like you’ve stepped through the cinema screen and into Episode Four, A New Hope.”

MUSEUM SECRETS will call on Terry’s knowledge of the locations and the historical stories surrounding director George Lucas’s choice of filming his space saga there. They’ve also asked him to employ his artistic talents to produce a drawing of one of the locations which will be featured in the documentary.

We’ll be back soon with a new report on how the trip went and more information on how you can catch the documentary when it’s completed. May The Force Be With you!

THE BIG KANGAZANG! INTERVIEW PART TWO: MARK DERMUL

This Week:

MEET Mark Dermul, possibly the most knowledgeable Star Wars expert in Europe, a whiskey collector and connoisseur, and founder of the immensely successful ‘Save The Lars Homestead’ Campaign (www.savelars.com).  Mark is a Belgian Star Wars fan from the very first time he saw the movie as a 7 year old in 1977. His work is autograph collecting and visiting worldwide Star Wars locations, while his hobby is in banking. Or is that the other way around? He’s not entirely sure…

How do you know Terry?

Terry and I first met in 2003 during my first ‘Trip to Tatooine’, an 8 day journey across the Tunisian landscape to locate the filming locations of our beloved Star Wars Saga. We’ve been friends ever since. Terry returned to Tunisia with me again in 2010 and finally joined me on our adventure to save the Lars Homestead in 2012.

When did you first hear about Kangazang?

During the 2010 trip, Terry used to read to us from his book, which was simply hilarious. I knew I had to get my hands on it as soon as I got back home.

Did you read the book?  What were your thoughts?

Is this a trick question? Of course I read it! More than once. Not only a funny story in its own right, but I love all the subtle references to other classic sci-fi movies. And Terry does have a way with words. The book has brought a smile to my face many times over. 

What kinds of books/TV/movies do you like?

I kinda like all sort of books, be it both fictional (mostly fantasy, sci-fi and political and espionage thrillers) or non-fiction. As far as movies go, the popular sagas come to mind like Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Alien, Avengers, Lord of the Rings, but once I've had my fill of those, I do occasionally watch other kinds of movies too. Drama, comedy, you name it.

If you could cast some of the characters in a movie version of KANGAZANG!, who would you pick?

Let’s stick with the two leading roles, shall we? Jeff Spooner to be played by Simon Pegg and Ray Scump by Nick Frost. That would make me a happy man. But let’s not forget Terry himself. I find him to be funny and having the looks to play Jeff Spooner himself. This is not lip-service to my friend, mind you. I secretly believe that Terry had himself in mind when he wrote the book. Don’t tell him I said that, though.

How would you like to see the Kangazang trilogy end?

I think a final end would be best, but let’s make sure it’s hilarious, OK?  Shouldn't be too much of a problem for Terry, I suppose.

      Have you heard the Kangazang Audiobook?

I have thoroughly enjoyed the audiobook by Colin Baker. But I am more of a reader than a listener myself, I must admit. I prefer to use my own voices (in my head – you know what I mean). That is also why I prefer books to movies, usually.

            

      Have you ever written a book or story? If you could, what would you write about?

I’ve never written a story (well, I did write a few sci-fi shorts called Skyrack, but they were a pet project, nothing more), but I have published a few books about travelling to Tunisia, Norway and Italy’s Star Wars locations. But my talent is nothing compared to that of Terry’s (again, don’t tell him that, or he’ll never get off cloud nine again)!

THE BIG KANGAZANG! INTERVIEW PART ONE: TANIA VINCENT

This Week:

Meet TANIA VINCENT, and find out how she came up with the title ‘Marshmallow Penguin’ that ended up as the name of the eponymous spacecraft in the Kangazang books…

Tania Vincent is ‘a self confessed geek’ and computer animator from Wales, currently living in London. She is also a writer for Skwigly online animation magazine and describes herself as ‘slightly addicted to the cinema’.  

What’s your connection to Terry?

I met Terry while studying for my animation degree in Wales. Terry was famous on our course for his fantastic impressions so I introduced myself (mainly to get a photo taken with him as I’m sure he is going to be famous one day) and the rest is history.

How did you first find out about Kangazang?

I’m lucky enough to have been given a preview of Kangazang while Terry was writing the book. I have the honour of getting a mention in the book. I am the original ‘Marshmallow Penguin’. Although I am not a space ship made of hair, I penned the name ‘marshmallow penguin’ when I was younger - I was a big fan of ‘Button Moon’ (ITV preschool children’s programme 1980-1988) when I was little. One of my favourite episodes was when the postman delivered a family of penguins made of marshmallow. It became a pet name as a child and it just stuck. Unfortunately the VHS tape I had with this episode on it has been watched so many times it no longer works. Terry saw me use the name one day on my animations and asked if he could use it in his books. I was more than happy to help.

If you’d like to witness the genius of ‘Button Moon’ for yourself…

Button Moon: ‘A Hole In Blanket Sky’ Series 5,episode 1 (7^th January 1986) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GnbrXEcBZKQ

What kinds of books/TV/movies do you usually go for?

I am a bit of a movie/TV buff. Anything by ‘HBO’ normally grabs my attention. Homeland has recently taken over my evenings but ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’, ‘Community’ and ‘30 Rock’ are probably the things I recommend the most to my friends and family. As genres go I am a huge Sci-Fi fan so Kangazang is right up my street. I love anything Douglas Adams, Isaac Asimov or Phillip K. Dick. Their short stories get your imagination working far beyond the story itself.

What are your thoughts about the Kangazang! books?

The books are fantastic. Terry has created a world that is charming and humorous. The characters are recognisable and you warm to them instantly. I am a huge fan of humourous Sci-Fi and this is easily up there with the best of them. I can’t wait for the third instalment.

If Kangazang was being made into a television show or movie, who would you like to see in the cast?

The way Terry has written the characters instantly makes them seem familiar. I would love to see Bill Bailey as Ray. Only Bill could portray such a brilliantly scatty man. I have to admit I can quite easily imagine this as a TV show so I have loads of people I’d love to see star in it. Richard Ayoade (from I.T crowd) would be great as Overlord Kelvin. If you could squeeze Alan Rickman in there somewhere too, I’d be happy.

As it’s a proposed trilogy, what kind of ending would you like to see — happy, sad, open or a final end?

I’d definitely like to see a happy but open ending. The galaxy is large after all.

Have you heard the Audio book version of Kangazang?

Colin Baker’s reading of Kangazang makes for fantastic listening when driving on long trips. It has kept my cousin, who is a huge Dr Who fan, enthralled for hours. We may have listened to it a few too many times.

Have you ever written a book or story? If you could, what would you write about?

I love to write. I write mainly as a hobby, so I carry a notebook around and jot down any idea that comes to me. I would love to write children’s books one day as well as comedy scripts. I have lots of ideas, but I just need to organise them all and get them out into the world. 

KANGAZANG! AUTHOR HELPS CHILDHOOD LIBRARY IN THEIR FIGHT AGAINST CLOSURE

Candy Jar author, Terry Cooper, has recently turned his literary attention to an issue of personal concern – by helping out his childhood library. Terry was born in Cricklewood, in North-West London, and the library that he regularly visited as a boy has been forced to close.

Cricklewood library was commissioned in 1923, and has served the local residents of the area for 89 years, even remaining open during 1940 when the area suffered heavy bombing from German aeroplanes. Now, after a ten month campaign involving petitions, read-ins, legal action and garden parties – and support from the likes of Philip Pullman, Alan Bennett, Depeche Mode, Goldfrapp and The Pet Shop Boys – Brent Council took the decision to close the library last October.

However, hope remains, as the Bursar of All Souls College, Oxford are the landowners of the site, and have written to Brent Council on several occasions requesting for the site to remain as a public library.

Terry Cooper and his donation

Members of the community have joined forces to create the 'Friends of Cricklewood Library', a pop-up library and community centre, funded by charity donations. Terry Cooper has donated a box of books including several signed copies of his own novels, ‘Kangazang: Remote Possibilities’ and ‘Kangazang: Star Stuff’ published by Candy Jar Books.

The next ‘Friends of Cricklewood Library’ event will take place on October 13^th marking the date when Cricklewood, and several other libraries, were closed in the borough.

For more information or if you would like to get involved visit the ‘Friends of Cricklewood Library’ Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/FriendsofCricklewoodLibrary

‘Friends of Cricklewood Library’ are keen to get as many signatures as possible, to help their cause please go here http://www.change.org/en-GB/petitions/all-souls-college-oxford-return-cricklewood-library-to-the-community-that-built-it

By Jake Rudge

VOTE FOR ONE WOMAN'S WAR AND KANGAZANG IN THE PEOPLE'S BOOK PRIZE!

Candy Jar Books is proud to announce that two of its books have been nominated for a People's Book Prize!

Founded by best-selling author Dame Beryl Bainbridge, The People's Book Prize is a national competition aimed at finding, supporting and promoting new and undiscovered works: a truly democratic book prize with no panel of judges but decided exclusively by the public.

One Woman's War by Eileen Younghusband has been nominated in the Non-Fiction category and Kangazang! Star Stuff by Terry Cooper has been nominated in the Fiction category.

We need your votes! Please visit the People's Book Prize website to vote for Candy Jar's books:

Vote for One Woman's War
Vote for Kangazang! Star Stuff


Candy Jar Books

INTERNATIONAL FORCE SAVES STAR WARS ICON

Cardiff-based author and Star Wars fan Terry Cooper is currently in Tunisia fulfilling a long held dream: to restore the Lars homestead – home of Luke Skywalker – to its former glory.

Terry feels that this iconic building should be protected. He said: “I have always been a fan of Star Wars and science fiction. I last visited the sets in Tunisia in 2009 and just being around such an iconic location made a real impact on me as a writer. It was sad to see it falling into disrepair, and it occurred to me that such an inspirational location needed to be preserved for the next generation of writers or film directors.”

The inspiration of Star Wars has certainly helped Terry become a success. His first book, Kangazang!: Remote Possibilities became a cult hit with Doctor Who fans after former Doctor Who, Colin Baker recorded an audio version. His second book, Kangazang!: Star Stuff is due to be released soon. Terry continued: “Fans of sci-fi will enjoy reading my books. It has been fun referencing Star Wars, Hitch-hikers Guide to the Galaxy, Doctor Who and even Kylie Minogue.”

The international ‘Save the Lars Homestead’ team led by Mark Dermul will not be preserving the original homestead as featured in Stars Wars: A New Hope – that was lost to the sand many years ago. Instead they will be fixing the one built for Stars Wars: Attack of the Clones. Like the original from 1977, this has also been left to decay, but the fans are determined it will be returned to its former glory before the desert claims it. Marc said: “Sadly we can’t use the force to get the job done. It’s going to be long hard work but I’m sure it will be worth it in the end.”

The team flew out to Tunisia on the 35th anniversary of Star Wars: A New Hope and will return early next week.

You can find out more about Kangazang! here.

Also available is the Kangazang!: Remote Possibilities audiobook, narrated by former Doctor Who Colin Baker and also starring Welsh actress Claire Cage, who plays three different character roles. Claire’s previous credits include the Torchwood episode, Sleeper, as well as Sherlock and Submarine. Recently she has appeared opposite Arthur Darvill – best known for playing Doctor Who’s ‘Rory’ – in the recent Radio 4 dramatisation of Gulliver’s Travels.

Candy Jar Books

For video production in Cardiff visit www.candyjarfilms.co.uk

KANGAZANG! GETS THE COMIC GURU TREATMENT!

Last week, Kangazang! author Terry Cooper visited Cardiff comic specialists 'Comic Guru' to sign preview copies of the sequel to his cult sci-fi comedy.

'Star Stuff' is the second in the Kangazang! trilogy which follows Jeff and Ray as they cut short their holiday in paradise to embark on a quest to find their missing loved ones, while an unholy alliance of evil forces pursues them across the galaxy – hell-bent on destroying the duo once and for all!

While at the signing, Terry did a short interview for ComicGuruTV, the Guru's YouTube channel. Check it out here:

Filmed and Edited by Adam at the Comic Guru

The Comic Guru

Candy Jar Books

KANGAZANG 2: STAR STUFF EXCLUSIVE SIGNING AT COMIC GURU CARDIFF!

Kangazang! author Terry Cooper will be making an appearance at the legendary Comic Guru in Cardiff on the 24th March 2012 for an exclusive signing of the much-anticipated sequel, Kangazang!: Star Stuff.

Kangazang!: Star Stuff is a continuation of Jeff Spooner's travels through space with his alien barber Ray. After saving the Universe, their adventures are kicked off once again as Ray's father goes missing (and insane) and Jeff's girlfriend (an android) runs off to find him the child he always wanted.

Terry will be in store signing all Kangazang merchandise and there will be no less than forty exclusive preview copies of the book left to sign, so don't wait to get in and grab your stuff! We're excited to be teaming up with The Comic Guru - Cardiff's premier comic book store (and the UK's greatest online comic retailer, no less!) who have been a terrific supporter of all things Kangazang!

Also, look out for the Comic Guru film crew who will be recording a special edition of their regular video blog (who knows, you may even get to appear on camera with the guru himself!)

www.kangazang.co.uk
www.thecomicguru.com
www.candy-jar.co.uk

COMIC CON COMES TO TOWN

2012 saw the return of the highly successful Cardiff International Comic and Arts Expo. The expo began last year as a one day event. However, due to strong interest CICAE returned this year over an extended two day period. Famous faces included Colin Baker and Mike Ploog. The expo also featured both Candy Jar Ltd and Screaming Dreams.

The Candy Jar team had worked tirelessly prior to the expo in order to launch not one, but two books. We were extremely excited to present the most recent work from the mind of Terry Cooper with the unveiling of ‘Kangazang!: Star Stuff’, the follow-up to Terry’s recent hit, ‘Kangazang!: Remote Possibilities’. ‘Star Stuff’ follows Jeff Spooner on another crazy intergalactic adventure with more hi-jinks than you can shake a sonic screwdriver at.

In conjunction with the release of ‘Star Stuff’, we were proud to introduce new author, Benjamin Burford-Jones and his first novel, ‘Beware of the Mirror Man’, a terrifying tale of two young children being terrorised by the mysterious Mirror Man! And fluffy creatures called mimics.

Overall, the expo was very successful for both Candy Jar and Screaming Dreams and ‘Kangazang: Star Stuff’ and ‘Beware of the Mirror Man’ were well received. We all look forward to CICAE in 2013! (providing the Mayan’s were wrong and the world doesn’t end!)

by Jake Rudge