I've just set up this blog as a source for readers to find out the latest news and updates on my writing. Here's some news posts from the past 8 or 9 months.
21 Jun 2008 The Countdown begins......
The second book in the Vampire Apocalypse series is not too long away now from release. So, to anyone who hasn't heard about this series, here's a chance to read a little about the first book and, an excerpt to tempt you - just scroll down...
And, all the latest VA movies news is HERE
About the Book:
The war is over and the Vampires have won.
The drying up of the world's oil resources leads to the fabled End of Days. Technology stagnates and communities grow ever more insular. With communication between cities lost and attention turned inward, the vampires rise from the shadows where they have survived for centuries and sweep across the globe. By the time word spreads it is far too late and Vampires enslave humanity and keep them in walled cities to breed.
The Vampires are masters of the darkness but maintain control by day through the use of Thralls--humans who have been bitten but have not yet crossed over, and whose inhuman lusts make daylight as terrifying as night. In the midst of chaos, a small band of rebels lead a terrified existence, but their survival is threatened by the Vampire's new scanning procedures.
Peter Harris is an ordinary man. Young and reckless, he is frustrated with the group's stagnation and pushes for one more daring mission. His recklessness has exposed the group--but it has also increased the size of their community. Now, as circumstances force them to take the offensive, and accompanied by a small group of professional Vampire assassins, Peter will make one last stand for humanity's survival in the Vampire Apocalypse.
Purchase your copy at:
Amazon.co.uk
Black Death Books
Amazon.com
Waterstones TB&N, Borders, Forbidden Planet and many more...
22 May 2008 VA: DESCENT INTO CHAOS now available for preorder
The second book in the Vampire Apocalypse series is now available to preorder direct from the publishers -
VAMPIRE APOCALYPSE: DESCENT INTO CHAOS by Derek Gunn
The enthralling sequel to Vampire Apocalypse: A World Torn Asunder, soon to be a major motion picture.
The first battle is over and Nero is dead.
Now the human survivors will pull themselves from the ruins of their base to find that the world is a very different place outside Nero's territory.
The War is Over. The Vampires have Won. But a new campaign is about to begin....
Available now for preorder at
BLACK DEATH BOOKS
Derek
18 May 2008 New Interview!
...at Patricia's Vampire Notes
28 Apr 2008 New Interview with Crystal Adkins at Interviews with Authors.com
A new interview and a chance to win a copy of the first book in the VA series: Vampire Apocalypse: A World Torn Asunder at Interviews with Authors
D
25 Apr 2008 Reviews keep rolling in.......
"The strength of this book is it's non-stop action. The story never lets up, and it's very hard to put down."
New review for Vampire Apocalypse: A World Torn Asunder at The Book Club Forum
Vampire Apocalypse in Forbidden Planet!
I was in the Forbidden Planet in Dublin yesterday and what did I spy on the bookshelves? My own Vampire Apocalypse: A World torn Asunder. I was delighted they had taken the trouble to order in a few copies of my book.
Now I must see if the UK outlets will order it in as well...
21 Apr 2008 The HMS Swift Adventures - first story now available!
The first story in The HMS Swift Adventures is now available to read online. It's a short story, "The Diabolical Plan" and it was first published in The Undead zombie anthology from Permuted Press (2005). Go here to read the entire story The Diabolical Plan
Enjoy!
Next up in The HMS Swift Adventures - "The Island", (novella) - coming next week......
13 Apr 2008 Chaos cover coming soon.........
Current mood: excited
Category: Writing and Poetry
I've heard from my publisher that the artwork for my second book - Vampire Apocalypse: Descent into Chaos - is nearing completion. I can't wait to see what they come up with.......
01 Apr 2008 Conventions, reading and other stuff.....
Category: Writing and Poetry
Phoenix Convention (PCon V):
I spent the weekend at the Science fiction/Fantasy/Horror convention, PCon V, in Dublin and thoroughly enjoyed it! It was my first time at this con and met lots of new and interesting people. I was among great company such as Peadar O Guillan , childrens’ writers Michael O Carroll and Oisin McGann, GOH C.E.Murphy, Juliet E. Mckenna, to name but a few.....and not forgetting John Vaughan movie buff!
We discussed Vampires, Werewolves, religion in SciFi, apocalyptic themes and a whole host of fun topics. The main thrill for me is meeting like-minded folk who actually have read books and series that I have! This con has been running for quite a few years and under the fantastic Frank Darcy and his team everything ran according to plan and on schedule. It was an honour to have been invited along.
Reading (NISFA):
The good folks at the New Irish Science Fiction Association have invited me along as their guest at their April meeting. Ill be reading an excerpt from Vampire Apocalypse: A World Torn Asunder and a short story, The Third Option (Permuted Press, History is Dead anthology).
For anyone in and around Dublin, the venue is:
The White Horse Inn at Burgh Quay
Tuesday April 8th at 7.30pm
Movies recently watched:
30 Days of Night:
Yeh, it is nice to finally see nasty vampires back on screen but I was disappointed with the movie. I just felt that it was more like 30 hours of night - it felt like one long night rather than 30 days.....
I know its fiction but I didnt find it credible - theres no way the group of people could have stayed hidden for 30 days. The town was so small that the vampires could have torn apart every building in one night and found them.....
Carver:
Considering the size of the budget, this was actually a very good movie with very credible special effects. From all the reviews this movie is getting, if youre into this genre, Id reccommend it.
Currently reading:
A western novel - A Town Called Fury: Hard Country by William W. Johnstone
19 Mar 2008 I was hooked from the Prologue.....
Category: Writing and Poetry
Great to see VA still so well-received!
Reviewed by Kylee Pierce for Amateur de Livre March/2008
"An Enthralling Vampire Novel.....This book will capture the interest of any reader who enjoys occult/fantasy/vampire genres. I was hooked from the Prologue....... I will be looking for more by Derek Gunn in the future."
09 Mar 2008 Springtime (not over here!) An update of sorts......
Were oficially half way through Spring but you wouldnt know it over here. The weather has been absolutely rotton: freezing cold (well, for Ireland anyway), lots of rain and weve a big storm coming tonight and sand bags are in place as a very high tide is expected.
Anyway - an update of sorts:
Ive been keeping my head down writing the third Vampire Apocalypse book - Vampire Apocalypse: Fallout. Im at 65,000 words and hope to finish it within the next six weeks or so. Tryng to find the time to write is one of my biggest challenges. My real job (which I actually enjoy) is very demanding and exhausting Monday to Friday and I try to schedule a couple of hours writing on Saturdays and Sundays in and around my childrens various activities! Im taking a week off work between St. Patricks Day and Easter for a bit of a rest and hopefully make some serious inroads into finishing this book.
The second book, Vampire Apocalypse: Descent into Chaos, is with the publisher, KHP Industries, and should be available at the end of this year/early next year. Im not posting any teasers/excerpts etc at this stage and the reason is twofold: as its a sequel, I dont want to give away spoilers of the first book and quite honestly, its still a while off being available on the market. Ill just say that the story takes a unique turn! I absolutely love this Vampire Apocalypse Universe that I have created and the scope it has given me to write stories in this world. I have been genuinely thrilled at how well it has been received by reviewers, movie makers and most importantly by readers. My focus in terms of spreading the word about VA is firmly on the current book, Vampire Apocalypse: A world Torn Asunder and Im delighted that reviewers are still most gracious in agreeing to review it.
I get asked a lot about whats happening on the screen adaptation front. There is a lot happening so keep an eye on IMDb to keep up with the latest news.
Ive actually managed to squeeze in a proposal for a short story to Black Library (Warhammer) and its in submission, so fingers, toes etc. crossed...
The Phoenix Convention (Horror, Science Fiction and Fantasy) is on at the end of this month in Dublin city. I just got the panel details today and on this schedule, Im down for four: A Good Read, Ghosts and Vampires and Werewolves, Military Scifi and Apocalypse Rising. Im delighted with being put on these particular panels as theyre right up my alley! The con starts on Friday nght and runs all day Saturday and Sunday. My wife is coming with me to see what its all about(!) and weve booked a nice boutique hotel just around the corner to stay over on Saturday night and have a mini-break away from the relentless routine of the children for one weekend at least!
13 Feb 2008 New Interview!
Fellow Black Death author (The Cage), Jason Brannon, took time out of his busy schedule to interview me about Vampire Apocalypse and other stuff. You can read it at Jason's website or at his Myspace Blog
Derek
11 Feb 2008 "Derek Gunns novel certainly gives the Vampire genre a much needed kick in the teeth..."
I sent out my latest Press Release to a number of sites and I was thrilled with the write up from Post-Apocalyptic site Quiet Earth -
"... Derek Gunn's novel certainly gives the Vampire genre a much needed kick in the teeth, so we can't say we're surprised to see that tinsel town has caught on to the story's potential to wow genre fans looking to mix a little action with their horror."
www.vampireapocalypse.com
20 Jan 2008 Library of the Living Dead - Podcast of "The End of Things"
From Dr. Pus's podcast, Library of the Living Dead, 19th January 2008
Derek Gunn's novella: "The End of Things" at: http://dr-pus.podomatic.com/entry/2008-01-18T19_58_57-08_00
"Here you go Good Librarians ... the entire novellla by Derek Gunn entitled "The End of Things". No commercial interruptions, no bullshitting, no nothing ... just a great novella in it's entire glorious presentation."
And just cause I'm a sumbitch, you have to listen to the whole episode to get the last chapter in Derek's "The End of Things". Ain't I a booger?'Sides, this novella needs to be heard in one listening, it's that good.
So, strap on the headphones or turn up your speakers and get ready for one of the best stories I've ever had the pleasure to read and record. Cheers to my Irish mate Derek for allowing me to present this excellent novella in one listening.
Hit play and enjoy Derek's "The End of Things". And thanks for listening Good Librarians. Episode 41 will be the regular old ..... wellllll, regular old.Dr. Pus
About Dr. Pus:
Dr. Pus has a podcast called "Library of the Living Dead" that's dedicated to discussion and reviews of all things zombie. Zombie novels, zombie short stories, zombie graphic novels, zombie comics, zombie science and last, but not least, zombie movies."The Undead Have Never Been So Much Fun!" You're welcome here! http://www.dr-pus.podomatic.com
09 Jan 2008 Apex Online review Vampire Apocalypse
A nice review for Vampire Apocalypse at Apex: "Gunn weaves a terrific tale..."
http://www.apexdigest.com/Online/review080103.shtml
27 Dec 2007 FEAR ZONE reviews Vampire Apocalypse
"Anyone who is interested in vampire literature and likes his or her fiction filled with action will enjoy this novel, and it is recommended."
Read the full review at FEAR ZONE
23 Dec 2007 Happy Holidays!
Well, it's that time of year again where we all (in our family) say phew! .......made it (relatively unscathed) to the end of the year! With all the ups and downs of life, the good times and the tragedies, it's a great time of the year for reflection on the past year, hopes for the coming one and appreciating time spent with family and friends.
History is Dead (Kim Paffenroth/Permuted Press) is being very well received judging by the first reviews, and I wish the three authors whose stories have been recommended for Stoker nominations and indeed, the anothology itself, the best of luck.
Vampire Apocalypse continues to be well received and the good news is that this has developed into a series of books.......more in the New Year!
The progress of the screen adaptation can be monitored at IMDB - at this stage it's scheduled for 2008.
Happy Christmas and a healthy and prosperous New Year!
Derek
19 Dec 2007 Dark Scribe gives the thumbs up to HISTORY IS DEAD
Dark Scribe gives the thumbs up to HISTORY IS DEAD
Here's a great and very detailed review of Kim Paffenroth's/Permuted press's HISTORY IS DEAD from Dark Scribe - here's the link:
http://www.darkscribemagazine.com/reviews/history-is-dead-a-zombie-anthology-edited-by-kim-paffenroth.html
My own story "The Third Option" has been described as follows - " Gunn's story is a bonafide standout in the anthology. " - much appreciated!
31 Oct 2007 The Con Virgin is no more.....Octocon 2007
The Con Virgin is no more.....Octocon 2007
Right! Just back from Octocon which was held in Maynooth, Co. Dublin in Ireland this weekend. This is an annual con for Science Fiction and Fantasy, …..and they let me in as well! I was honoured to be on the panel with Alistair Reynolds , Juliette McKenna. Peadair O'Guilin, C.E. Murphy, James P. Hogan, Michael Carroll and George Green. You will notice the calibre of the people I have just mentioned straight off and it was a real thrill to be in the same building with them, let alone on the same panel. My special thanks to Michael Carroll, Peadar O Guilin and John Vaughan for their support (I knew no one there!) and, at times, hillarious company.
You will be happy to know that in our various discussions and debates we did, in fact, solve most of the world's problems, but so much alcohol was consumed that none of us can remember so, we have all agreed to come back next year and solve them again……This was my first time at Octocon (at any con, actually) and, as the resident virgin, the fans treated me brilliantly,(that's the fans of the authors above I mean, not mine – though they are growing too I hope……)Next up – Phoenix Con in March – I can't wait…..D
