|
| ||||||||||||
I have been a keen reader of fiction of all kinds for as long as I can remember, particularly that speculative genre known as Fantasy and Science Fiction (F&SF). Although I have considered it a couple of times in the past, I have not until recently tried my hand at writing fiction.
It's been a slog. It's been fun. It's certainly amused my wife Tracey. On some occasions, I have taken to reading chapters to her in bed, which she claims she really enjoys but always seems to put her to sleep after only a few pages! Even so, Tracey has make many pertanent observations which have definitely improved the writing, and of course the act of reading aloud always helps to identify errors and inconsistencies.
My completed works of fiction can also be viewed or downloaded from Scribd.com.
Lyndesfarne Bridge Series
I am writing a series of four books, all set in the magical world of Lyndesfarne. In Lyndesfarne, all but the simplest technology does not work, but a sophisticated society functions using pervasive magic.
From our world, Lyndesfarne appears as a small and virtually uninhabited island off the coast of Northern England, perpetually covered in a mysterious haze. The crossing between our world and the world of Lyndesfarne is formed by two stone causeways across the marshes, joined by the Old Bridge; its immense masonry arches are partially reinforced by steel alloys (on our side) and by magical sprites (on the far side), visible as orange sparks inside the stonework itself.
Disclaimer: The world of Lyndesfarne described in these books is entirely fictitious, and bears no resemblance to the charming Holy Island of Lindisfarne in North East England.
That said, it is perhaps interesting to see (courtesy of Google Maps) the satellite picture of the Holy Island of Lindisfarne. All hazy, hard to see very much detail at all. Spooky, huh?
New Bridge to Lyndesfarne
This book is set in the present day, and follows Kevin, a talented but lonely forty-something who is commissioned to design a new bridge between the worlds. Accompanied by Tanji, his guide and interpreter from Lyndesfarne, Kevin inadvertently discovers a conspiracy to destroy the bridge which puts their lives in danger.
I have completed a full draft of this book. A synopsis is available to download and a sample chapter (actually the first chapter) is available here. Other chapters can be found here.
I presented a copy of this novel to Tracey on her birthday in 2006, in a very nice little hotel (Waren House) not far from Holy Island. Her reaction was nicely summarised (with apologies to Homer Simpson) as "can't talk, reading".
As a surprise, Tracey commissioned our good friend Julie Newdoll to paint a vision of the Lyndesfarne Bridge. Here's Julie's initial concept sketch (a mock-up, not a final piece of art!).
Maybe the final version can be used as cover art? Certainly, Julie's works have appeared on the covers of numerous publications. We have several original paintings by Julie around our house.
More of Julie's artwork can be seen at the Brush with Science website.
Bridge at War
A prequel to New Bridge to Lyndesfarne, this book is set in 1946, immediately after the end of the Second World War. The story follows three young men (Tom, Alistair and Bram) who were comrades in the Army during the War. Bram gently introduces the world of Lyndesfarne to the others, and engineers their recruitment into the Guardians, one of the secretive organisations whose purpose is to protect the crossing to Lyndesfarne.
I presented a draft of the entire book to Tracey on her birthday (September 2007), once again while visiting Waren House, not far from the Holy Island of Lindisfarne.
A sample chapter (actually the first chapter) is available here. I have also completed a definitive synopsis here.
Other sample and illustrated chapters can be downloaded here.
Death on the New Bridge
A sequel to New Bridge to Lyndesfarne, this book once again follows Kevin and Tanji, who are asked to assist with the investigation of the mysterious death of a microbial epidemiologist, who was found in the exact centre of the New Bridge shortly after its official opening.
I have not yet completed a synopsis. A sample chapter (actually chapter 9) is available here.
Other sample and illustrated chapters can be downloaded here.
Bridge of Stone and Magic
This book is partially a prequel to Bridge at War, set in Napoleonic times, when the original Lyndesfarne Bridge was being constructed. It is also partially set in the present time, with Kevin and Tanji investigating a suspected new crossing between the worlds, a crossing which was supposed to have been closed permanently several centuries ago.
No synopsis yet, but there is now a sample chapter (Chapter 3) available here. Other chapters can be downloaded here.
For reference, I am maintaining a glossary of terms and characters in the Lyndesfarne books.
Other Works of Fiction
I came late to writing fiction, although it now seems as if I've had these ideas bubbling around inside me for ages. I've finally made a start at writing down my fantasy and science fiction stories.
My first collection of fifteen short stories is entitled Four Square Less One. I presented a printed copy of this to Tracey as one of her Christmas presents for 2008.
An explanation of the cover art can be found here.
My short story Itch has been published in the Abaculus 2007 anthology by Leucrota Press. Itch is the first story in the Four Square Less One collection.
The Abaculus 2007 anthology is available from Amazon and Borders.
I submitted a couple of stories from Four Square Less One for the Abaculus 2009 anthology. I am still to hear anything either way.
I have now started a collection of my more recent short fiction. This includes a 500-word story called Hearts and Flowers that I presented to Tracey as a Valentine's Day present. More to follow.
I now have a separate page for my nascent Findo Gask - Goblin Detective stories. The title and characters were inspired, in part, by a recent trip to Scotland. Again, more episodes to follow.
Murder Mystery Party
Although it is not exactly a conventional work of fiction, you might be interested in the material Tracey and I produced for a children's Murder Mystery Party for Sebastian's 11th birthday.
All of this is free to use as you wish, although I would appreciate an acknowledgement if you do so. Please contact me by email.
I know that the materials have been downloaded and used many times, and there are some citations for you to view.
Home Page | Links | Miscellaneous | Lyndesfarne Introduction | Four Square Less One | Murder Mystery Party
| © 2006-2009 Trevor Hopkins. All rights reserved. | Webmaster | Last updated 28 June 2009 |