Bloatermog Quite A Thrill: Long time MHB's will know that I had a few novels published in the early Noughties which by and large, (and thoroughly undeservedly), sank without a trace. The difference with the 'When Upton Had Trains' book is that it was published by 'a proper real live local publisher' who was motivated enough to organise 2 local 'Book Launches' to get it noticed, and also had the contacts, knowledge and clout to get it into the local retail shops.
Rather like some of Jeremy Clarkson's books began as editorial columns in motoring magazines, 'Trains' started out as a collection of short poems and 800 word essays written for a local community magazine, and just took off from there.
It was an immense thrill, and I made attemps at avoiding it as I felt a bit silly doing so, going into WH Smiths in Poole High Street to see it on the shelves rubbing shoulders with several dozen other 'Local Interest' books. Brother, Robert, had already taken a photo of it in this location when he travelled down to the Upton Library book launch, but seeing it in real-time had a mysterious, added bonus about it, but don't ask me what it was? Pride, perhaps?
But it is there.
It is also proudly displayed in the newsagents and other local shops around Upton and neighbouring Lytchett Minster.
It was fun doing it, a surprise at it's 'Local' success; and of course, there will be another one.

A Very Merry Clitoris and Happy New Beer to everyone.

Motorblog End Of The Tour: It's the final gig of the tour in Finland tonight, the band have been out there for quite a few months now, (what's new?), so they and the crew can have a well deserved Seasonal break in a matter of hours.

'Motorizer' has become SPV Records biggest selling album since 1995.

Quite unexpectedly, the 'When Upton Had Trains' book has become the publisher's http://www.natula.co.uk/ "fastest seller" over all their other titles. This is great, and we must have caught the local market just right to have it available as a Seasonal 'stocking filler' present.

Bloatermog 'When Upton Had Trains': Is going very well on a local scale. WH Smith in town had 20, and then 3 working days later ordered 20 more. Likewise, a local newsagent's had 6 on Friday and ordered another dozen yesterday, so it's doing all right; a good 'stocking filler' for the locality. http://www.natula.co.uk

Motorblog 83rd Fanzine On Its Way: Pinch, Punch, The First of the Month! As of this minute the fanzines are on their way to you. It's our 2nd 'digitally printed' edition and it looks pretty good to me.
Rob at the print shop f**ked up by leaving a photo out, so the bottom half of page 18 is blank and it's HIS fault. His pennance has yet to be decided, but I understand his girlfriend is rather tasty.
Perhaps MHB's could use the space to map-out the invitation to write and send in their 'How I Got Into Motorhead' story?