HAVE A CANDY JAR CHRISTMAS!

It’s Christmas time, the season of goodwill, and Candy Jar Books, the independent publisher of the popular Lethbridge-Stewart series, is entering into the spirit of things by releasing a special advent calendar. Every day until the 25^th, Candy Jar will be giving away standalone Lethbridge-Stewart short stories, book samplers, wallpapers and more, completely free, on their website. 

Candy Jar have already given away the Lethbridge-Stewart short story collection The Xmas Files, a Cardiff ComicCon chapter from the children’s book The Book Spy, The Lucy Wilson Mysteries wallpaper for your computer, the first chapter of God Bless Hooky Street: A Celebration of Only Fools and Horses, the complete books Lethbridge-Stewart: A Very Private Haunting, The New Unusual, Lost in Chistmas by Michael Sloan (creator of The Equalizer) on Kindle, and a short story from Britain’s Got Talent’s Lorraine Bowen’s whimsical book The Crumble Lady. Candy Jar has also started its Christmas sale. Added to this, Candy Jar is offering all customers 20% off everything (except Downtime 2). And that’s just the first seven days.

Subscribers to Candy Jar’s newsletter will receive daily updates containing their prizes, but the calendar is available to everyone at www.candy-jar.co.uk/books/adventcalendar

Children’s Digital Assistant, Keren Williams, 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? We have enough unseen material, as well as some hidden gems in our back catalogue, to fill Santa’s sack several times over. Whatever your tastes, and whether you’ve been naughty or nice, we have something just for you.”

With the Lethbridge-Stewart series about to enter its fifth year, Candy Jar wants to thank its loyal readership, who have supported the new adventures of the Brigadier since day one.

As Head of Publishing, Shaun Russell, explains: “In our series, the Brig has gone from a beloved, but somewhat forgotten part of Doctor Who history, to an alive and kicking, vital part of the ever-expanding canon. Here at Candy Jar, we’re fans first and foremost, and we’re forever grateful to our readers for embarking on this journey with us. We wanted to give a little something back to everyone who has helped make the series possible. We hope that it will make this a Candy Jar Christmas to remember!”

It’s Christmas time, the season of goodwill, and Candy Jar Books, the independent publisher of the wildly popular Lethbridge-Stewart series, is entering into the spirit of things by releasing a special advent calendar. Every day until the 25^th, Candy Jar will be giving away standalone Lethbridge-Stewart short stories, book samplers, wallpapers and more, completely free, on their website.

Candy Jar have already given away the Lethbridge-Stewart short story collection The Xmas Files, a Cardiff ComicCon chapter from the children’s book The Book Spy, The Lucy Wilson Mysteries wallpaper for your computer, the first chapter of God Bless Hooky Street: A Celebration of Only Fools and Horses, the complete books Lethbridge-Stewart: A Very Private Haunting, The New Unusual, Lost in Chistmas by Michael Sloan (creator of The Equalizer) on Kindle, and a short story from Britain’s Got Talent’s Lorraine Bowen’s whimsical book The Crumble Lady. Candy Jar has also started its Christmas sale. Added to this, Candy Jar is offering all customers 20% off everything (except Downtime 2). And that’s just the first seven days.

Subscribers to Candy Jar’s newsletter will receive daily updates containing their prizes, but the calendar is available to everyone at www.candy-jar.co.uk/books/adventcalendar

Children’s Digital Assistant, Keren Williams, 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? We have enough unseen material, as well as some hidden gems in our back catalogue, to fill Santa’s sack several times over. Whatever your tastes, and whether you’ve been naughty or nice, we have something just for you.”

With the Lethbridge-Stewart series about to enter its fifth year, Candy Jar wants to thank its loyal readership, who have supported the new adventures of the Brigadier since day one.

As Head of Publishing, Shaun Russell, explains: “In our series, the Brig has gone from a beloved, but somewhat forgotten part of Doctor Who history, to an alive and kicking, vital part of the ever-expanding canon. Here at Candy Jar, we’re fans first and foremost, and we’re forever grateful to our readers for embarking on this journey with us. We wanted to give a little something back to everyone who has helped make the series possible. We hope that it will make this a Candy Jar Christmas to remember!

OUR EIGHTH GIVEAWAY IS A SHORT STORY FROM THE WONDERFUL LORRAINE BOWEN BOOK THE CRUMBLE LADY. IT IS A WHIMSICAL COMEDY FOR ALL AGES!

Visit here

20% OFF EVERYTHING!*

Visit here

*EXCEPT DOWNTIME 2.

DOWNTIME 2
THE BRIGADIER AND KATE REUNITE!

Visit here

NEW LETHBRIDGE-STEWART SITE LAUNCHED

Written by 

Keren Williams

Award-winning independent publisher Candy Jar Books is pleased to announce that the world of Lethbridge-Stewart is getting BIGGER, with the launch of its brand new website just for fans!

Website designer at North East Design Consultants, Richard Young, says: “Creating a website for Candy Jar is one of the most enjoyable projects I have ever been involved with. There are so many different elements to the site. It’s something you can easily get lost in and thoroughly enjoy exploring.” 

Candy Jar’s Publishing Coordinator, Lauren Thomas, said: “With the fifth Lethbridge-Stewart season due soon, Richard has managed to create a website which celebrates our beloved Brigadier. The site contains interviews, forums, and never-before-seen material, and the chance to sign up to a newsletter and download a variety of free stories.”

Constant updates on the upcoming books in the series will be added as the site develops. Alongside this, information about The Lucy Wilson Mysteries, a separate series about the Brigadier’s granddaughter, is also available.

Editorial Co-ordinator, Will Rees, says: “Since we launched the books we’ve had lots of questions and comments from fans about the Brigadier’s time in Doctor Who, as well as our novels. We wanted this site to keep readers completely up-to-date with every aspect of the series, explore the mythology of the Brig, and act as a news portal for new releases.”

The Lethbridge-Stewart novels are set just after the Doctor Who serial, The Web of Fear and feature the characters and concepts created by Mervyn Haisman and Henry Lincoln. Lethbridge-Stewart is one of Doctor Who’s longest running characters, and is better known to Doctor Who fans as the Brigadier. Between 1968 and 2008 he was played by the late Nicholas Courtney, whose death was paid tribute to in popular series finale, The Wedding of River Song. Head of publishing, Shaun Russell, says: “With the fiftieth anniversary approaching we wanted to do something special for the fans. This website collects together everything you need to know about the Brigadier and we plan to add much more content as the months roll by.”

To celebrate the launch of the website, Candy Jar Books is offering readers a chance to win a one-of-a-kind Lethbridge-Stewart original painting created by Richard Young. To enter the competition, just visit the new website and enter Candy’s Jar poll to vote for your favourite book, short story and cover design, and then you will automatically be entered into the prize draw.

The website address is www.lethbridgestewart.co.uk

For more information please contact shaun@candyjarbooks.co.uk

02921 157202

CONNECTING WHO: ARTIFICIAL BEINGS – SPECIAL EVENT

Penarth Pier Pavilion in Cardiff will host a special event based on the Doctor Who reference book Connecting Who: Artificial Beings on Sunday the 26^th March 2017 at 6pm.

Written by Penarth-based Peter Grehan, the book is a perfect read for those who want to delve deeper into the hidden mysteries and secrets of the Doctor Who universe.

In recent years Penarth Pier Pavilion has staged several Doctor Who events, and guests have included Sophie Aldred and Louise Jameson. Peter says: “Penarth Pier Pavilion has a growing reputation for high quality cult events. It such a privilege to be included in the line-up and I hope many fans come along to see me.”

Free entry to the event includes a presentation entitled “HG Wells and the Daleks,” catering for a mature sophisticated audience, as well as appealing to younger fans of Doctor Who. This will be followed by a question and answer session and book signing.

Connecting Who: Artificial Beings examines some of these connections; specifically in regards to those artificial beings (clever computers, robots, androids and cyborgs) we find in Doctor Who.

Peter says: “Imagine Doctor Who as a tree trunk that keeps growing taller and taller, fed by roots that reach down into history, mythology, psychology, folktales, religion, science and the wealth of science fiction that exists in the world. It’s not surprising therefore to find that Doctor Who connects with a lot of other stuff. “

The book investigates artificial beings such as the Cybermen, Daleks, Autons, Weeping Angels, Gangers, Morbius, Xoanon and the Yeti, making connections to literary and scientific sources.

Shaun Russell, head of publishing at Candy Jar Books, feels that Connecting Who: Artificial Beings offers a fresh perspective on the Doctor’s travels through space and time. He says: “Peter has been a fan of Doctor Who since day one and his take on the Whoniverse offers a personal outlook on growing up with the series. His childhood love of robots coincided with the introduction of the Daleks and, despite the Daleks not really being robots, their cries of exterminate cemented his love for all things Doctor Who.”

Peter is no stranger to Doctor Who, having worked as a host at the Doctor Who Experience and penning the audio drama Sontarans: Silent Warrior for BBV. He says: “In my book I have enjoyed making the connections between Doctor Who and real-life computers, robots and cyborgs. These connections run deep into culture, history and science. It is my hope that fans will not only enjoy reading my book, but begin to connect the dots themselves.”

Connecting Who: Artificial Beings is available from

http://www.candy-jar.co.uk/books/connecting%20who.html

Candy Jar @ Regenerations Swansea – 24th-25th September 2016

Have you booked to attend this years’ Regenerations event?

With loads of amazing guests and fantastic interviews planned, how could Shaun possibly turn down the opportunity to attend and sell you some books?! 

Most exciting of all these books is a fantastic pre-order from author Peter Grehan, Connecting Who

The Cybermen, the Weeping Angels, the Daleks… the artificial beings of Doctor Who are some of the most iconic in science fiction. But what inspired them?

Connecting Who: Artificial Beings traces their origins back to the myths, folktales and real events of history; the teachings of religion; not to mention the wealth of other sci fi writing from which Doctor Who has drawn.

Peter Grehan has been an avid fan since Doctor Who’s very first broadcast.  With him as your guide, explore the wealth of material which lies behind the longest running science fiction series of all time.

If you can’t wait until Regenerations to order your copy or you’re unable to attend the event, you can visit our store to pre-order now. If you do, you’ll also receive a free copy of the 3^rd book in the first Lethbridge-Stewart series, Beast of FangRock

 
Shaun will also be selling some of our other books, so make sure you
drop by and visit!

OUT NOW! BRAND-NEW 30% DISCOUNT CODE ON LETHBRIDGE-STEWART BOOKS!

Summer is nearly over but don't worry, Candy Jar Books have the perfect cure for you all: a generous 30% off ALL books in the Lethbridge-Stewart series!

It's easy to do, simply quote this discount code: EPICLS30 before you order and voila- your favourite books at bargain prices!

This offer is only available until the end of the month and is not applicable to book bundles, only individual books. Take a look below at some of the treats that could be yours!

Check out the Candy Jar store to buy now.

Don't miss out on this amazing offer!

Coming Soon - Connecting Who!

Candy Jar Books is thrilled to announce the release of Connecting Who: Artificial Beings – a Doctor Who reference book. And, for a limited time, all pre-orders of the book will receive a free copy of the celebrated third instalment to the Lethbridge-Stewart series Beast of Fang Rock!

Written by Peter Grehan, this authoritative book is a perfect read for those who want to delve deeper into the hidden mysteries and secrets of the Doctor Who universe.

Peter says: “Imagine Doctor Who as a tree trunk that keeps growing taller and taller, fed by roots that reach down into history, mythology, psychology, folktales, religion, science and the wealth of science fiction that exists in the world. It’s not surprising therefore to find that Doctor Who connects with a lot of other stuff. “

Connecting Who: Artificial Beings examines some of these connections; specifically in regards to those artificial beings (clever computers, robots, androids and cyborgs) we find in Doctor Who.

The book investigates artificial beings such as the Cybermen, Daleks, Autons, Weeping Angels, Gangers, Morbius, Xoanon and the Yeti, making connections to literary and scientific sources.

Shaun Russell, head of publishing at Candy Jar Books, feels that this new release offers a fresh perspective on the Doctor’s travels through space and time. He says: “Peter has been a fan of Doctor Who since day one and his take on the Whoniverse offers a personal outlook on growing up with the series. His childhood love of robots coincided with the introduction of the Daleks and, despite the Daleks not really being robots, their cries of exterminate cemented his love for all things Doctor Who.”

Peter is no stranger to Doctor Who, having worked as a host at the Doctor Who Experience and penning the audio drama Sontarans: Silent Warrior for BBV. He says: “In my book I have enjoyed making the connections between Doctor Who and real-life computers, robots and cyborgs. These connections run deep into culture, history and science. It is my hope that fans will not only enjoy reading my book, but begin to connect the dots themselves.”

Connecting Who: Artificial Beings is exclusively available to pre-order from www.candyjarbooks.co.uk. All pre-orders come with a free copy of Lethbridge-Stewart: Beast of Fang Rock. 


Find out more about the Lethbridge-Stewart series at its own website:  https://lethbridgestewartnovels.wordpress.com/

EXPLORE THE SCIENCE OF DOCTOR WHO

Candy Jar Books is releasing a book aimed squarely at the modern Doctor Who fan. Space, Time, Machine, Monster: Doctor Who Edition takes the reader on a journey into the science of Doctor Who.

Jam-packed with aliens, time machines, spaceships and lots of monsters, this book explores the secrets of the Universe’s favourite Time Lord. Written by Mark Brake and Jon Chase – the duo behind the hugely popular Science of Doctor Who tour – the book will be released in March.

Mark Brake, often referred to as the Professor of Science Fiction, said: “Doctor Who was originally created to teach history and science. Even though the show has changed, I feel fundamentally that the Doctor’s adventures have something to teach us about our own world. My mission was to explore concepts from the series and see how they feature in our everyday lives.”

Edited by Shaun Russell and Andy Frankham-Allen, the book covers a multitude of subjects: Have you ever wondered how a Dalek goes to the toilet; how the TARDIS is bigger on the inside; how the sonic screwdriver works, or if Sontarans have clone girlfriends? This book answers those questions and many more.

Shaun Russell said: “We had already released Mark’s Space, Time, Machine, Monster book based on science fiction in general. It seemed a natural progression to concentrate on Doctor Who. It was also great to welcome Jon Chase to the fold. His credentials are second-to-none; having worked on the BBC Bitesize Science TV series.”

Mark's other books include the original Space, Time, Machine, Monster; Space Hoppers; Really, Really Big Questions about Space and Time and The Alien Hunter’s Handbook.
 
This unofficial book features illustrations by Terry Cooper and can be purchased (for a limited period) as part of the Lethbridge-Stewart: Moon Blink bundle, costing only £3.99 (RRP: £6.99). Alternatively you can also buy it from Candy Jar and get the original Space, Time, Machine, Monster for half price. Click here to buy the book.

PRESS RELEASE: Lethbridge Stewart Will Return

Candy Jar Books have just released the fourth - and what was thought to be the final book - in the Lethbridge-Stewart series: Mutually Assured Domination by Nick Walters. But fans who have already received the final instalment may have noticed the very exciting revelation at the end of Walters' book: Lethbridge-Stewart will return in 2016. and, not only will the publisher be releasing another series of novels, it has been announced that the next book will be written by none other than Sadie Miller!

The fully licensed Lethbridge-Stewart series was launched in February 2015, with Andy Frankham-Allen's The Forgotten Son. Three more titles were subsequently released; each met with high praise from fans and the press. 

Sadie miller is set to return to the worlds of Doctor Who with her debut novel, Moon Blink - an exclusive preview of which is printed at the end of Mutually Assured Domination. 

Gary Russell, former script editor of The Sarah Jane Adventures and long-time family friend, said: "When I first heard that Sadie was writing a novel, my initial reaction was 'ahh, a chip off the old block' - her delightful mum was one of the most creative, sharp and incisive individuals I ever knew. But then I realised I was doing Sadie a disservice, because from the first day I met her, Sadie Miller has always been her own person, utterly talented and rapaciously gifted which, other than encouragement and support, owes nothing to either of her parents and everything to Sadie's own determination to be brilliant. And with this novel, she's proven that she is."

Sadie is no stranger to Doctor Who, of course. Her father is actor Brian Miller, who has appeared in both Doctor Who and The Sarah Jane Adventures, and her mother is Doctor Who legend Elisabeth Sladen, the actress who won the hearts of millions of Doctor Who fans in the 1970s as Sarah Jane Smith, and once again in 2005 when she brought Sarah back to the modern era of Doctor Who. Elisabeth Sladen sadly passed away in 2011, which led to Sadie distancing herself for some time from Doctor Who fandom. 

"I needed time to mourn, to be there for my dad. The constant reminders of my mum, obviously very hard to avoid, it was just too painful. But now I feel that the time is right to reconnect with Doctor Who, and the fans," said Sadie. "My dad did so last years with an appearance in Peter Capaldi's first episode, and so now it's my turn. It's exciting to be writing my first novel, and that it features the Brig adds another layer of importance. He, in the form of Nicholas Courtney, was there when Mum debuted as Sarah in 1973, and she was there for his very last onscreen appearance as the character in 2008. So in many ways this is important."

Sadie enjoyed a career as a child actress through many voice-over parts, making her screen debut when she was eight, playing Penny in the BBC film Royal Celebration. She is best-known to Doctor Who fans for her role in two series of Sarah Jane Smith audio dramas produced by Big Finish in 2002 and 2006. She won much critical acclaim for the role of the wheelchair-bound Planet 3 researcher, Natalie Redfern, particularly in the story Test of Nerve. 

"I almost worked with Sadie a good ten years ago on the second series of Sarah Jane Smith," said series editor Andy Frankham-Allen, "but alas that did not come to be. We've kept in touch since, and as soon as I learned she was switching careers I immediately asked if she wanted to write for the Lethbridge-Stewart range, feeling it may be the right time for her to reconnect with Doctor Who fandom. And bless her, she agreed without a second thought!"

Candy Jar's Publishing Co-ordinator Hayley Cox said: "It's a great honour to be here at the start of Sadie's writing career, working with her on her debut novel."

Sadie's book headlines the 2016 series of Lethbridge-Stewart novels, followed by The Showstoppers by Jonathan Cooper and The Grandfather Infestation by John Peel. A further three novels will be released in the autumn. 

The usual pre-order bundles will be on offer from Candy Jar, with a new subscription deal for those wishing to get six books for the price of five!

Lethbridge Stewart: Moon Blink by Sadie Miller is due to be released April 2016. It can now be pre-ordered (individually, or as part of a bundle or subscription) from Candy Jar Books.

Lethbridge-Stewart series continues with David A. McIntee novel The Schizoid Earth

We are very glad to announce that the long awaited David A. McIntee novel, The Schizoid Earth, is available for all to buy. All pre-orders have been shipped out and should reach readers over the nest few days (overseas readers should allow for usual delivery duration).

Lethbridge-Stewart was supposed to be in the mountains of the east, but things didn’t quite go according to plan. On the eve of war, something appeared in the sky; a presence that blotted out the moon. Now it has returned, and no battle plan can survive first contact with this enemy.

Why do the ghosts of fallen soldiers still fight long-forgotten battles against living men? What is the secret of the rural English town of Deepdene? Lethbridge-Stewart has good reason to doubt his own sanity, but is he suffering illness or injury, or is something more sinister going on?

Plagued by nightmares of being trapped in a past that never happened, Lethbridge-Stewart must unravel the mystery of a man ten years out of his time; a man who cannot possibly still exist.

The Schizoid Earth is the second in of Candy Jar’s latest series of Lethbridge Stewart novels, following the incredibly well received The Forgotten Son by Andy Frankham-Allen

Buy The Schizoid Earth HERE

Also available as part of a bundle:

Bundle 1 (Get all four as they are released)

For the reduced price of £35 you can receive all four Lethbridge-Stewart books before general release.

Bundle 2 (Get Companions for £6)

Buy Lethbridge-Stewart: The Forgotten Son and get Companions: Fifty Years of Doctor Who Assistants for just £6.

TOP SECRET FILES FOR FREE!

 

Cardiff-based publisher, Candy Jar Books, is celebrating the success of the first of its Lethbridge-Stewart novels, The Forgotten Son, by offering a FREE 65-page ebook, Lethbridge-Stewart: Top Secret Files.

 

It is available from http://www.candy-jar.co.uk/books/lethbridgestewart.html or if you wish to download on Kindle the book is 99p.

 

The ebook contains previously unpublished material, as well as an extended short story first published in Doctor Who Magazine #483 in February. It also includes a special, previously unreleased interview in which Doctor Who director Graeme Harper talks about the actor who played Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart, Nicholas Courtney.

 

Hayley Cox, senior publishing co-ordinator with Candy Jar Books, said: “The response to The Forgotten Son has been fantastic – over twenty really positive reviews in just over a month! It was so nice, in fact, that we decided we wanted to give something back to the fans, and so we put together this ebook which acts as both a thank you to those who’ve already bought the first book, and an introductory pack for those who have yet to commit to the series.”

 

The ebook includes:

·         The Ambush! – A short story originally published in Doctor Who Magazine #438, now extended with new scenes. It is set during the Doctor Who serial The Web of Fear, and serves as an introduction to the Lethbridge-Stewart book series.

·         We Won’t Let Him Down – An extended version of the final chapter of Candy Jar Books’ Companions: Fifty Years of Doctor Who Assistants, focussing solely on the television adventures of the Brigadier.

·         What Lies Beyond – A brief look at some of the Doctor Who novels that have featured the Brigadier over the years that pertain to the future of the Lethbridge-Stewart series of novels.

·         Graeme Harper – An extended interview with Doctor Who director Graeme Harper (the only director to have worked on the classic series and the revived series) from the book Calling the Shots, in which he talks about Nicholas Courtney, the man who brought the Brigadier to life.

·         Original Prelude – Never-before-seen original prelude that was written to open The Forgotten Son, set during the final moments of the Brigadier’s life.

·         The New World – The opening chapter of The Forgotten Son, the first novel in the Lethbridge-Stewart series.

 

Sadly Lance Parkin is stepping away from the project for the moment. Shaun Russell, head of publishing at Candy Jar, said: “Lance is such a huge talent in the world of Doctor Who and we have left the door open for him to return. Hopefully, one day, Lethbridge-Stewart will make it to Det-Sen.”

 

Consequently Candy Jar has re-organised its 2015 release schedule. David A McIntee’s The Schizoid Earth is now scheduled for the June release. A replacement novel will follow a few months later – a prequel/sequel to Terrance Dicks’ acclaimed 1977 Doctor Who serial, Horror of Fang Rock which starred Tom Baker; Beast of Fang Rock is written by Andy Frankham-Allen and Terrance Dicks. 2015 will be rounded off with the previously announced Mutually Assured Domination by Nick Walters.

 

In addition Candy Jar has released details of the authors for the 2016 schedule: John Peel (Doctor Who books include the first original novel published by Virgin Books in 1991 and the critically acclaimed War of the Daleks, as well as novelisations of four Dalek serials from the 1960s), Jonathan Cooper (ex-Doctor Who correspondent with the Mirror.co.uk and author of two Space: 1889 novels), Lizbeth M Myles (author of several licensed Doctor Who short stories) and Adrian Rigelsford (writer of the aborted thirtieth anniversary TV special The Dark Dimension, and Doctor Who reference books The Hinchcliffe Years and The Harper Classics).

 

The Brigadier first appeared in Doctor Who in 1968, forty-seven years ago, in the serial The Web of Fear. Created by writers Mervyn Haisman and Henry Lincoln, the character became a semi-regular fixture in Doctor Who for eight years in a row, from 1968 to 1975, before returning to the series in 1983. He returned once more in 1989, and then again in The Sarah Jane Adventures in 2008. The character’s death was announced in 2011, the same year as Nicholas Courtney passed on. The character was resurrected, briefly, at the end of the 2014 series featuring Peter Capaldi as the Doctor. Beyond the television series, the character has appeared in countless novels, comics and audio adventures and is the most storied character in the history of Doctor Who, beyond the Doctor himself.

 

The Lethbridge-Stewart ebook can be downloaded for free as a pdf from http://www.candy-jar.co.uk/books/lethbridgestewart.html or downloaded for 99p on Kindle from Amazon.

 

 

LETHBRIDGE-STEWART UPDATE

It's been a busy old week or so for Lethbridge-Stewart. Lots of exciting things on the horizon. Here are some of Andy Frankham-Allen's highlights:

"First of all, I was interviewed on two podcasts in the last week. By the fine folks at Kasterborous, where I was joined by Hannah Haisman and Shaun Russell, and we talked exclusively about the series and a bit of the background. Secondly I was interviewed by the insane people at Nerdversity, in which I talked about almost everything, including the new series of books, plus my work on Space: 1889 & Beyond and other assorted work over the years, as well as touching on various other subjects such as Supernatural, Marvel’s Cinematic Universe, Star Trek and loads of other stuff.

Kasterborous podKast…

Nerdversity 101 podcast…

Speaking of interviews. Shaun and I were also recently interviewed by both Doctor Who Magazine and SFX Magazine, and will feature in the next issues, both released at the beginning of February. Without saying what, I can tell you that there’s an exciting little surprise for fans also featured in the next issue of DWM, so be sure to pick up an issue!

The Forgotten Son, and thus the series, will be launched in person on February 28th at The Who Shop in London, under the banner of UNIT Day. We’ll be joined by various UNIT alumni, covering all eras of the organisation — hopefully including actors, writers and, maybe, even the script editor responsible for most of the UNIT stories of the 1970s. See below for more information; flyer designed by the wonderful Sam Hunt of The Who Shop.

Promo by Sam Hunt

I can also reveal the final front cover for The Forgotten Son below, as well as an exclusive scene featuring Colonel Lethbridge-Stewart in action…"

Final Cover

PRE-ORDER YOUR COPY NOW

TOMORROW'S WORLDS: WAR OF THE WORLDS

Another side step. Mark Brake, the author of Mark Brake’s Space, Time, Machine, Monster (featuring sections on Doctor Who) reviews the second edition of BBC 2's Tomorrow’s Worlds – a programme about the history of sci-fi. 

The greatest alien invasion in history began on bicycle.

HG Wells planned The War of the Worlds as he,“wheeled about the district marking down suitable places and people for destruction by my Martians”, as early as 1896.  It’s intriguing to picture him mapping mayhem as he declared his intentions to,“completely destroy Woking – killing my neighbours in painful and eccentric ways – then proceed via Kingston and Richmond to London, which I sack, selecting South Kensington for feats of particular atrocity”,(indeed, it’s South Kensington that is haunted by the sound of the Martians howling,“Ulla, ulla, ulla, ulla”in Wells’ finished story).

It’s the exquisite violence of Wells’ imagination that marks his genius. And it’s this delicious balance between the suburban and the alien that is the focus of the second episode of Dominic Sandbrook’s Tomorrow’s Worlds: the Unearthly History of Science Fiction. Sandy, as viewers have come to affectionately know him, almost adopts a space/time/machine/monster structure to this series, but instead of ‘monster’, and as an historian whose expertise includes the Cold War (he’s written a biography on McCarthy), he’s sticking to what he knows most about - invasion paranoia!

Sandy opens this second programme with War of the Worlds, the key Victorian sci-fi work he conveniently skipped in episode one, as it would have ruined his thesis.  He correctly identifies War of the Worlds as the most enduring alien invasion myth of the 20th century.  Wells’ story was essentially copied many times, and adapted directly by Orson Welles in his famous radio broadcast in 1938, when broadcast radio was only 20 years old, making the programme exceptionally innovative, daring, and all the more scary to listeners (Sandy omitted to mention that Welles’ radio version was a Halloween broadcast, making it even scarier).

Another reworking of the War of the Worlds myth was the 1996 movie, Independence Day.  As Sandy says, compared to the original, Independence Day is totally overblown.  Quiet suburban streets are replaced by a ‘drama’ played out in the seats of power, with the world’s landmarks taking a twatting (the film’s director, Roland Emmerich says they took great delight in blowing up the White House).  But Sandy is right when he suggests that this big budget demolition lacks a psychological punch.  When you remove the invasion from suburbia, you lose the sublime tension.  It seems that Spielberg was well aware of this, as both Close Encounters and E.T. do the job brilliantly.

And this brings me round to the topic of Doctor Who.  A few years ago, I was speaking at a London Science Museum event with the Doctor Who writer (among other things!), Paul Cornell.  When the audience asked us about the contribution Doctor Who made to science fiction, I was surprised to hear Paul say that he didn’t think Doctor Who was science fiction.  He thought it was about ‘galaxy and chips’.  I was delighted with this response.  So much so that we’ve used it in our Science of Doctor Who show ever since!

When Peter Capaldi was asked by The Guardian newspaper why Doctor Who had kept its sense of wonder for so long, the Twelfth Doctor gave a similar response to Paul Cornell, “It is this relationship between the domestic and the epic.  The sense that there's a bridge, that a hand can be extended, and you can step from the Earth, from the supermarket car park, into the Andromeda nebulae or whatever”.  It’s that sublime tension again.

The book, Mark Brake's Space, Time, Machine, Monster, also examines how sci-fi helped build the world in which we live. It is is available to buy now from Amazon and the Candy Jar store.

HOW SCIENCE FICTION HAS SHAPED THE WORLD WE LIVE IN

OUT NOW!

Jam-packed with aliens and time machines, spaceships and cyborgs, Space, Time, Machine, Monster explores how sci-fi helped build the world in which we live.

Of the fifty biggest-selling movies of all time, most are sci-fi films. Ten million viewers tune in each week to watch Doctor Who. And in the ever-expanding world of computer games, sci-fi titles rule. Yet our futuristic world was imagined long ago. Dreamt up in the minds of movie directors and classic sci-fi stories. And now it's the world we live in. How did THAT happen?! As space tourism becomes a reality and the first human to live to 1000 has already been born, it's about time you found out!

Aimed at nine to twelve-year-olds, Space, Time, Machine, Monster provides a breakdown of science fiction, and it’s place in technology development and popular culture.

Get your copy now.

FIRST CLASS COMPANIONS

A big thanks to Books Monthly for this glowing review of Companions: Fifty Years of Doctor Who Assistants in their December issue. Congratulations to them on 15 years on the web!

"If you're expecting an A-Z of Doctor Who companions, well, you'll get it, but you're in for a big surprise, because there have been many, many years when the Doctor Who canon continued without television, in print, of course, and only the most diehard, dedicated follower of the longest-running SF programme will remember the companions who journeyed with the various doctors in those dark days when their adventures were not televised. The author has achieved something quite remarkable in cataloguing and annotating all of those companions and turning the research into something very readable, very approachable. A brilliant book, beautifully produced and printed, and a most welcome addition to the vast library of Doctor Who literature. First class."

Books Monthly

The perfect gift for any Doctor Who fan this Christmas: BUY NOW

WHO AT COWBRIDGE!

Fans of Doctor Who can meet two leading authorities on the BBC TV show at an event hosted by the Cowbridge Book Festival on 25th September. Alastair Reynolds, author of the BBC’s Doctor Who: Harvest of Time and Andy Frankham-Allen, author of Companions: Fifty Years of Doctor Who Assistants and will both be there to discuss writing, the long running popular sci-fi series and sign copies of their books.

Alastair Reynolds is one of the world's most renowned science fiction writers. Having won the British Science Fiction Award for his book Chasm City in 2001, the Doctor Who legacy was in more than capable hands when he turned his pen to Doctor Who. Harvest of Time transports readers back to the Jon Pertwee era, with UNIT, Jo, the Brigadiers and the Master in full attendance. The story centres on the Sild as they escape confinement and threaten to rewrite history.

Andy Frankham-Allen has been a Doctor Who fan since his childhood and has relished the opportunity to write Companions in celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of the series. The book follows the narrative of the series as seen through the eyes of the Doctor's ever-faithful companions and features a foreword by Gary Russell.

Both authors will be discussing the show with the Comic Guru's Kristian Barry. There will also be a charity raffle, where attendees will be able to win merchandise covering each Doctor (supplied by Candy Jar Books & The Comic Guru). These include signed Katy Manning and Deborah Watling photos, a copy of the Paul McGann TV Movie, Big Finish audios and comics, as well as signed copies of Companions: Fifty Years of Doctor Who Assistants. Tickets are available from www.cowbridgebookfestival.co.uk

The Cowbridge Book Festival hosts a number of literary events across the year raising money for Noah's Arc and Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research.

CALL FOR NEW AUTHORS!

Have you written a non-fiction book? Then please get in touch with us here at Candy Jar.

Our current non-fiction books include One Woman’s War, Men I Have Known and Companions: Fifty Years of Doctor Who Assistants. Upcoming titles include A Personal Portrait of The Royal Family, The World Championship Boxing Quiz Book and See You in September. In short we’re an insatiably diverse company hungry for new ideas – so what’s yours?

We would, in particular, welcome books about TV & film, comedy, music, history and nostalgia. Well anything really – just get in touch with your idea.

Please email shaun@candyjarbooks.co.uk

COMPANIONS SIGNING ANNOUNCED!

Candy Jar is deliciously proud to announce that in order to celebrate the release of the much anticipated Companions: Fifty Years of Doctor Who Assistants by Andy Frankham-Allen, London’s The Who Shop have organised a book-signing event this coming Saturday.

Why not get yourself along to 39-41 Barking Road, Upton Park, E6 1PY on Saturday and get a signed copy; no self-respecting Who collection would be complete without this definitive look at those who have travelled with the Doctor, remember: he only takes the best.

While you’re getting your copy signed, see if you can challenge Andy with a question, be warned though; he really knows his stuff!

You can buy on Amazon

ANDY FRANKHAM-ALLEN TALKS COMPANIONS

Candy Jar has a new book coming out soon, Companions: Fifty Years of Doctor Who Assistants, and author Andy Frankham-Allen has filmed a series of videos about some of the more well-known companions.

You can watch the first one (where Andy talks about Ian Chesterton and Barbara Wright) here:



 www.candyjarbooks.co.uk

COMPANIONS - A NEW TITLE FROM CANDY JAR!

A brand new Doctor Who book is now available from Candy Jar Books for pre-order. Companions: Fifty Years of Doctor Who Assistants is an unofficial and frank guide of the Time Lord’s adventures in space and time. Drawing on plots from the TV series as well as other media, this book is fascinating reading for fans of both the classic and current series of Doctor Who.

To coincide with the launch of the book the publisher, Candy Jar, is asking fans to vote for their favourite Doctor Who companion. The results will be released when the book is published in June. To vote go to:

www.candy-jar.co.uk/companions/index.html

Companions: Fifty Years of Doctor Who Assistants provides readers with an in-depth account of each Doctor's fellow travellers.

Andy Frankham-Allen has been a Doctor Who fan since his childhood and has relished the opportunity to write this book in celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of the series. Andy, who penned several Short Trip stories for Big Finish, feels the time is right for a more detailed look at the journey of the Doctor Who companion. He said: “It's been a long time since there's been an honest and frank look at the Doctor's journey and the lives he changes. This book will challenge the notion that he always takes the best.”

Gary Russell, former Doctor Who Magazine editor, Big Finish producer, BBC script editor and Doctor Who novelist, has provided the book’s foreword. Garysaid: “Of course there have been books about companions before – but few of them go into this amount of detail, display this amount of in-depth knowledge and above all, this amount of love. As a celebration of everything that makes the Doctor’s (and therefore our) best friends unique and special, this book is essential.”

Signed copies of the book are now available to pre-order from the Candy Jar Books website (www.candy-jar.co.uk/books/companions.html) for no additional charge.