When I began writing 'Electricity' in 1999, one of the influencing factors was an article I'd read on scientists wanting to recreate the big bang in 'safe' conditions. Ideal fodder, I thought, for a sci-fi flavoured tale.

Perhaps surprisingly, I don't really read any science fiction. I find science quite exciting and inspiring though, in an ill-informed sort of way. Certainly a "big bang" machine is the sort of big idea that demands a story written.



This week, scientists are finally preparing to throw the switch. Will the reaction flare out of control and destroy the planet, if not the cosmos itself? It remains to be seen. The likely (and hopefully accurate) answer is no, of course not. Either way, we should find out this Wednesday, September 10 2008.

From a fictional point of view, I quite like the idea of a circular history. The Big Bang creates the universe. Man evolves and tries to work out why. Man recreates the conditions for the Big Bang to find out. The resulting Big Bang (re)creates the universe. Man evolves and tries to work out why. Man recreates... etc ad nauseum.

If all goes wrong, we can but hope that Aston and company will be there to do something about it. Failing that, apparently the often dangerously inept Torchwood apparently will be.

For the nightmare scenario, courtesy of the Daily Mail:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1052309/MICHAEL-HANLON-Are-going-die-Wednesday.html?printingPage=true (image taken from this article)

For a more scientific approach:
http://www.reuters.com/article/wtMostRead/idUSL846768920080908

Well, it looks like I might be lying low for a little while. Possibly the next few months, while I bang together a completely rebuilt version of HtDC. It'll still essentially be the same book but (hopefully) much better. There may be reasons for this, but I'm keeping shtum. The important thing is I'm really excited about what the second draft will look like.

This does mean however, that further adventures of Salmon and Dusk are unlikely for a while. Time is, as I may have mentioned below, a little short in supply at the moment. Also, I'm determined to get the first book 'right' before moving on to the second novel proper.

Other podcast novels aren't an impossibility though. I love the format of podcasting and the relationship it allows me to develop with listeners/readers while the creative process is still underway.

I've really been wanting to attempt a follow-up to Electricity, mainly as I enjoyed recording it and feel it's my most successful use of the 'podcast novel' format. Something with a similar focus on music, told by a central character in a similar, stripped back voice. What was holding me back, of course, was an idea. Until yesterday, when I had one of those fantastic moments (sparked by a fusion of cold weather, exhaustion and pop music) that had me scribbling in my moleskine. At least one of the characters from Electricity would slot very well into that tale, so we'll see. I do like returning characters.

There's another idea that's been kicking around for years and that I finally had time to elaborate into a workable plot (during an incredibly boring conference I was recently sentenced to.) It's probably more of a screenplay idea, but I'm quite excited about that too.

Ideas aren't in short supply at the moment, which is reassuring. As much as I love them, I wouldn't want to be stuck with Salmon & Dusk forever. Of course, finding the time to do anything with these ideas remains an issue.

Hopefully there'll still be some interest left by the time they emerge...

The links below will allow you to subscribe to the both podcasted novels: