Nice relaxing week off...NOT!

Hola!
Everyone stuffed on Easter chocs I expect?
Decided to take advantage of the Bank Holidays and stretch it out for 11 days in a row off from the day job. A good chance to get a pile of work done for the original pantomime (original should not be taken as meaning rubbish) and an original stage play (as before). Both are co-written with some very talented members of the IPO/ONS Writing Group. It'll be great to see both being performed on stage within the next 12 months. Too many ideas and not enough time at the moment...better that way round though.
My first grandchild's dedication tomorrow to look forward to. I'm in charge of a video camera by the sounds of it. It could be dreadful, but will certainly be creative. A good editor may be called for as well as a PG rating, as some of the scans across the congregation could frighten small children. We don't want this thing looking like a Dr Who convention so paper bags may be issued upon arrival...and thank god I'm behind the camera.
Right then, that's my holiday over, time to get back to the scripts.
Have a great weekend people.
Cheers
Lurv

Anyone for Panto!

Hi all
So far in 2012 there's a novel to finish and publish in May (was March, then April...), TV sketches to write, a theatre drama and the latest project...a pantomime...'oh no it isn't!'...oh yes it is. Might end up in a costume and being terrorised and bullied by under 10s too! And no, I'm not going to be the pantomime dame. All exciting stuff though.
Off to see 'An Inspector Calls' tomorrow night in Cardiff. Research...and pleasure, as I'm sure there'll be an ice cold beverage or two to help cope with the hot weather. Only had one day with alcohol in March so far...well, t'was a Grand Slam winning day so it had to be done.
Before the theatre trip it's off to Castell Coch: research for the sequel to 'Spectre Antiques' that contains many incidents at, and images of iconic locations in the Newport and Cardiff area. Need to complete the editing process in the next couple of weeks to get it available via Amazon by mid-late May, earlier if possible.
Enjoy the sun, make the most of it, we all know what happens when it's supposed to be Summer.
Cheers
Lurv

I'm Back

Hi all
You must have thought I'd departed the earth.
2012 has been hectic so far. Invitations to write a number of sketches for a TV pilot; speeches to make in the Welsh capital; the sequel to 'Spectre Antiques' to edit; a pantomime to co-write, a play to co-write; an illustrated collection of short stories involving Aivis the Burvis to complete too this year.
The biggest and most important moment was the birth of my first grandson, Jacob Stephen (what a great middle name). The very proud family are all doing well.
My first speech for many a year yesterday in Cardiff - and didn't it show. All part of the development process but nonetheless terrifying. I got through it and signed a few copies of 'Spectre Antiques' too. The PCS Union and their adult education support have played a large part in my success in 2011 and so it was nice to give something back and hopefully inspire a new novelist to come through from the creative writing courses this year.
I'm hoping that enough will happen from now on to need two Blog posts per month to be posted.
South Wales Scorpions had a tough away test in the Co-OpChampionship 1 first match but came away with a victory. A good start at home this weekend will get us all excited about gaining promotion this season. There are certainly lots of tries to look forward to, for sure, I've yet to see a game where less than 60 points were scored in the match.    http://www.scorpionsrl.com/
I'll catch up again soon. But I'll finish today by wishing our proud boys the very best of luck against the French at the Millennium stadium this Saturday. A 3rd Grand Slam in seven years would be an amazing achievement. And this team are still developing.
The future's looking bright...the future is Welsh Red.
Best wishes
Lurv

3-2-1-Spectre Antiques are GO!

Apologies to those too young to remember 'Thunderbirds', 'Joe90', 'Stingray', 'Space1999' and many other ground breaking TV series from the 60s and 70s but I'm feeling rather chuffed that someone of the ilk of the very talented Sylvia Anderson (nee Thamm) has taken the time to review the brilliant 'Spectre Antiques'. Impressing someone with that sort of credibility in the world of TV and Film can only fill you with confidence for 2012.
As a result of the above Sylvia was able to recommend the shelves of Daunt Books who have, surely, the most beautiful of bookshops. It is an ambition for 2012 to see my very own works on show within their establishments.
I am pleased to announce that 'Spectre Antiques' is the proud sponsor of  Mr David James, the talented Ginger Winger for The South Wales Scorpions Rugby League Team. 'Bloggsy' will be running them in for four points from Feb 2012 onwards. Keep an eye on his success via http://www.scorpionsrl.com/team_member.php?id=501 .
Congratulations to the ONS/IPO Writer's group who generated £250 for the Ty Hafan 'Charidee'. A collection of stories for the 'Winter Bizarre' publication of very high standard, raised rave reviews from work colleagues. I look forward to contributing to the Summer addition as well. 
It's Xmas Eve and I'm mellowing into the festivities. Have a great time people and I look forward to you telling me how successful 2012 has been for you.
Best festive wishes
Lurv

Book signing #1 done

Hi all
My first book signing for 'Spectre Antiques' took place last week at the ONS/IPO offices in Newport, in aid of charity. Things could not have gone much better - £500 was raised for the Swansea Valley Miners Appeal Fund www.minersappealfund.org/  .
Many thanks to friends and staff from both organisations for their support. A very big 'thank you' to Tessa, Pam and Janette - without whom it could have all gone base over apex (A over T).
The book is spreading well all over the world. Somehow http://www.amazon.co.jp/Spectre-Antiques-Stephen-Lurvey/dp/1456796844/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1320614637&sr=8-1 has managed to translate 'Pants-y-Vesty' into Japanese. Don't know which bit of the synopsis it is but it's there somewhere.
Soon be there in Waterstones window - still waiting on the date.
The sequel is in development. 'Spector's Revenge' is due to be published in March 2012. Better stop blogging and get writing :o)
Exciting times ahead people.
Keep in touch
Lurv

Spectre Antiques goes multi-national

Hola!
Great news people.  'Spectre Antiques' success is spreading across Europe and North America.  Japan too are beginning to get involved.  It's helping to soften the blow of Wales being denied what would have been a well deserved place in the Rugby World Cup 2011.  3rd place is still a success and we've shown the world how to play the game properly - so good luck boys against Australia.
I'm going to take the challenge of writing a 50,000 word plus novel - http://www.nanowrimo.org/
be the place to go if you are up for it. I'm about to check the terms & conditions so I may not be able to take part as I'm already an internationally published author (just in case I've failed to mention that laready :o) ).  Even if I can't register I'll use it to spur myself on to create the sequel to 'Spectre Antiques' and get it published before Spring 2012.
Today sees the climax of the most exciting motor sport on TV as the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) runs its final 3 races.  Better coverage planned for next season so if you've not taken a look before and you like non stop action and incident take a look on the Net...you won't be disappointed.
Next blog should have some info about book signings planned for 2011.
Congratulations Dan Anthony on the release of the sequel to 'Rugby Zombies' with 'Rugby Zombies Number 2'. I look forward to catching up at one of your Waterstones events.
Cheers
Lurv

A Tribute

Rugby is a hard tough sport.  Mining is a hard tough profession.  Men who represented their country in either skill are at the forefront of all our minds in Wales at this time.  I would like to pay my own tribute

 

PRIDE

A proud grandfather, tears running down his cheeks

Stands proud on the touchline, amongst daffodils and leeks

His jaw is a trembling, his breath short but deep

His pride shared by thousands, who openly weep

“The Land of my fathers, the land of my choice”

“Mae hen wlad fy nhadau,” bellowed by millions as one voice

Whether Northern, South Eastern, Mid Wales or West

The dream for us all is to wear three feathers at our breast

The bright lights, the colours, the cameras, the sound

Sharp contrast to old legends who dug deep underground

From the dark valleys came, the pit props of the front row

The power house locks too—bent double to get low

To dig out the black gold, the anthracite coal

Beneath creaking timbers they dug out their goal

No breathable fabrics to keep the body cool

No dieticians to examine their gruel

You fed from the pittance, for providing the fuel

Extracted by sweat and a real hard man’s tool

“Keep my daddy safe,” the children would pray

Not for six figure salaries and a theme park day

And the local community, supportive in their own way

Would rejoice just to see them, fit enough to play

Wives and girlfriends, the ‘Celebs’ of today

Relax on their sun-beds on the beach of St Tropez

With no knowledge of the wife, back in the day

Who dreaded the sound of the whistle, hooter and dray

The knock at the door to return the broken man and say

“He never stood a chance, the props just gave way”

But there’s no reset scrum for this valley boy, no more chance to play

But as his body was laid in the ground to rest

His son made his pledge and clutched his chest

“One day Dad, you’ll see me become one of the best

And I’ll wear those feathers for you, emblazoned upon my breast

Dad—god bless”

©Stephen Lurvey 2011