From the desk of my publisher, Central Avenue Publishing, comes the new release of "How To Be Happy - Not A Self Help Book, Seriously" by internationally acclaimed poet and writer Iain S. Thomas. Thomas, whose critcally acclaimed "I Wrote This For You" has wowed readers the world over, has produced a collection of musings and thoughts that are profound, life affirming and - potentially - happiness inducing.
Central Avenue Publishing is proud to publish another book by the widely acclaimed poet Iain S. Thomas. As many have noted on various social media platforms, there have been some issues that have led to the delayed release of this book. For this, we apologise and hopefully the content of the book will clarify the circumstances surrounding this delay. We feel we should also point out that this is not technically a self-help book, but it does contain some poignant prose, poetry and stories which may or may not lead you to happiness. Mostly, it is the rather unfortunate chronicle of a man's attempt to write the book he's promised his publisher, no matter the cost to his sanity. How To Be Happy is available now in print and digital formats. Visit Iain S. Thomas here. Purchase How To Be Happy here. DFA.
There are facets of life that have to be seen to be believed. In the absence of personal experience, there are those who can document and retell them with hilarity, fearlessness and, at times, great affection. Knuckle Dragger - by Aberdonian author and podcaster Scott Taylor is a project that he has slaved over for more years than he would care to admit. Having watched the project grow, stall and start again through periods of distraction and self doubt, I can empathize with just how challenging it has been for Taylor to bring Knuckle Dragger to fruition. That it is now in the public realm is certainly a significant achievement for him - if only for the fact that so many people were pushing him to get it out there.
What would you do if you caught your man-sausage in your zipper at work, then had to race to the hospital where a sleep deprived, homeless looking doctor tried putting it back together with what looks like fishing trawler rope? Or what about having someone try to ram a full twelve inch, burning hot pizza up your nose while you’re driving a car at speed? Maybe you too have suffered an unsolicited winky appearing into your toilet stall while you go ‘boom boom’, and then had to batter it away with the nearest heavy blunt instrument you could find. Or perhaps you've watched a bored Highlander tear apart a designer sofa with a chainsaw in the middle of an executive charity ball evening? If not, then this collection of tales from over 23 years of working as a club and bar bouncer could tickle your proverbial fancy. Join Scott Taylor as he shines a light on the funnier side of the late night industry and his life around it, and brings you a collection of stories that are sure to either bring a smile to your miserable face, or at the very least bring back up your cheap supermarket lunch all over your stupid designer skinny fit t-shirt. Of course, the book itself is a significant achievement on its own terms. In Knuckle Dragger, Scott Taylor distills 20 odd years of a life spent 'on the doors' in Scotland's urban jungle into a bitingly funny and sharply observant account that will have your jaw on the floor, your sphincters tensing uncomfortably and your accessory muscles rupturing - and quite possibly bleeding. I had the rare privilege of reading several early drafts of Taylor's work and there was comedic brilliance in it from the get go. He has stuck to his guns and refined the narrative into something special. It is at once, slick and polished but it is an inviting read - if you are one for whom little shocks you. There's a warmth and affection in the way Taylor portrays certain characters, while others for whom he has less affection for, he lavishes with an even greater spread of comedic take down.
Scott Taylor & "friend".
Taylor's approach in recounting these grand, salubrious and often shocking tales is full of enthusiasm and wit but it is his tome that elevates Knuckle Dragger above the level of the front bar stories told over generous pints. Imagine, if you will, the love child of Noel Coward and Randall "Tex" Cobb combined with the verbose tones of a Frank Thring. Knuckle Dragger has a particular kind of poetry in it's observations of the night time world.
Scott Taylor is the host of the globally popular DHB Radio Show and a 20 year veteran in the security industry. Visit Scott Taylor here. Purchase Knuckle Dragger here. Listen to the DHB Radio Show here. DFA.
I'm pleased to officially release, in digital format, a new short fiction piece called "Feast" that I showcased in part on the blog here a couple of weeks ago.
At the end of your life, will you just fade away to nothing or will you burn the candle just one more time? Australian author Dean Mayes (Gifts of the Peramangk, The Hambledown Dream, The Regenesis Cluster) poses a thought provoking essay "Feast" that will leave you emotionally moved and your mind crackling with possibilities. To purchase, simply select your desired format from the drop down menu in the left hand side bar and finalize your payment via Paypal. You will then receive your copy of Feast via email. DFA.
Central Avenue Publishing in association with Hambledown Road Imprints is pleased to present the official teaser trailer for an exciting new project by Australian author Dean Mayes (The Hambledown Dream/Gifts of the Peramangk). The Regenesis Cluster is an exciting, new short story by Dean that explores the nature of death and life provides a visually stunning depiction of reincarnation. On a still, moonlit night under the stars of the southern sky, something is about to happen beneath the ocean depths. A life that was cruelly snatched away will be suddenly returned by a phenomenon known only as the Regenesis Cluster. This imaginative science fiction short story is Dean Mayes' first foray into the genre and will be available for Kindle, iPad, Nook and e-readers this April 2013. Check out the official trailer now. DFA.
