Salmon and Dusk: Podcasted Stories of Sorts by Myke Bartlett

SALMON & DUSK: Sideways (Episode 2)

mykebartlett@hotmail.com (Myke Bartlett) — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 07:34:52 PDT

The first in a new series of adventures for Salmon & Dusk

Theo Cartwright is in the wrong world. Can her new time-travelling detective friend get her home?

DOWNLOAD EPISODE TWO

A reminder: AFTER DUSK is no longer available on this feed.

See www.mykebartlett.com for more details.

AFTER DUSK: Episode One

mykebartlett@hotmail.com (Myke Bartlett) — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 18:43:24 PDT

AFTER DUSK is a new behind-the-scenes podcast to accompany each episode of Salmon and Dusk. It contains background information, hints and confessions from author Myke Bartlett.

AVAILABLE HERE

SALMON & DUSK: Sideways (Episode 1)

mykebartlett@hotmail.com (Myke Bartlett) — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 05:15:10 PDT

The first in a new series of adventures for Salmon & Dusk

Theo Cartwright is being stalked by someone she's never met. Out of the corner of her eye, she can see a man that isn't there when she turns to look. A man in a long grey coat and Doc Marten boots. A man called Kilbey Salmon.

DOWNLOAD EPISODE ONE

New Website!

mykebartlett@hotmail.com (Myke Bartlett) — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 00:22:27 PDT

Redirect yourselves to www.mykebartlett.com for all future podcasting shenanigans...

How to Disappear Completely hits the charts again

mykebartlett@hotmail.com (Myke Bartlett) — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 14:38:21 PDT

Thanks to Mike Bennett (whose great new site and ever-increasing body of work I eye with great envy) for letting me know that How to Disappear Completely has been riding high in the Us iTunes charts again, this time reaching number 14. The evidence is below.

Once again, thanks to all of you who have helped keep Kilbey and his friends in the public eye, while I've been lying low for a while.

Why have I been lying low? Well, Kilbey is partly responsible for that. With a bit of luck, we could be hearing some more from him in the near(ish) future. Fingers crossed.

Nero Dusk

mykebartlett@hotmail.com (Myke Bartlett) — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 02:46:00 PDT

"There was something curiously well-groomed about Nero, compared to his partner’s scruffed boots and crumpled suit. Where Kilbey’s hair was splayed and disobedient, Nero’s was well-cut and carefully styled. His sideburns were precisely arranged, suggesting to Theo, perhaps inaccurately, a fondness for Elvis. The dark shirt he wore was buttoned to the neck, his trousers were ironed in a crease and there were gold rings on three of his fingers. Leaving the cab, he had slid himself into a fur coat that might once have been modelled by some well-heeled socialite."

Art by Victor http://www.myspace.com/drassmandesigns

Something for the Weekend: Kilbey Salmon redux

mykebartlett@hotmail.com (Myke Bartlett) — Fri, 09 May 2008 05:24:42 PDT

Art by Victor http://www.myspace.com/drassmandesigns

First look at Theo - another free wallpaper!

mykebartlett@hotmail.com (Myke Bartlett) — Fri, 09 May 2008 05:20:56 PDT

Art by Victor http://www.myspace.com/drassmandesigns

Beautiful and strange or strangely beautiful?

"She had quit smoking for her teeth eight times,
considering them the best asset in a face once described – with an humbling
air of charity – as having been put together badly to pleasant effect. A
striking face, but hardly classical. The wrong crooked nose, the wrong
fattened lips, the wrong green eyes and sharp chin, the wrong copper hair:
several wrongs approximating a right. It was a character summation that
Theo took to heart, catching sight of herself as a catalogue of errors that
occasionally presented well."

No more of these just yet, I'm afraid, but (fingers crossed) I might have more details to share in the near future.

First look at Kilbey ... A Free Wallpaper!

mykebartlett@hotmail.com (Myke Bartlett) — Fri, 09 May 2008 05:21:35 PDT

Art by Victor http://www.myspace.com/drassmandesigns

Can't really tell you much about these at this stage, other than they are the first fruits of a tentative project. Check back tomorrow for a first peek at Theo.

News at last...

mykebartlett@hotmail.com (Myke Bartlett) — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 22:07:41 PDT

Work has started - at last - on the sequel proper to HtDC. It will still be some months before an episode appears online, but keep an eye out for a few previews in the meantime. I'm also planning to write a bit about HtDC and its sequels shortly (including tedious entries about the perils of writer's block, no doubt), over at mykebartlett.blogspot.com so keep one eye over there too.

Oh - a fantastic no-prize for anyone who guesses the title of the sequel from its initials above.

Salmon & Dusk at iTunes

mykebartlett@hotmail.com (Myke Bartlett) — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 19:16:33 PDT

The Terrible Business of Salmon & Dusk is now listed on the iTunes directory. If you haven't already, use the link below to subscribe. Otherwise, feel free to drop by and leave a review.

iTunes link for The Terrible Business of Salmon & Dusk

Cheers!

Myke

ps. My Chalk Outline, Episode 2 should be available over the weekend.

Feeding How to Disappear Completely

mykebartlett@hotmail.com (Myke Bartlett) — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 17:37:41 PST

I've been fiddling with the blog all morning - largely because I am massively sleep-deprived and am procrastinating over some urgent work that needs doing - and have succeeded in lumping How to Disappear Completely in with the feed for My Chalk Outline.

Why? Well, I wanted there to be a central feed that you could use for all things Salmon & Dusk. Any future novels or novellas will be available in this way, without you having to search for them.

The feed, for those of you who are wondering, is:

http://feeds.feedburner.com/kilbeysalmon

The downside is you may need to individually select the My Chalk Outline Chapters if you don't feel like doing the whole journey again... but you're a talented bunch with excellent taste, so I'm sure you'll manage!

Cheers,

Myke

www.kilbeysalmon.com has a facelift! Again!

mykebartlett@hotmail.com (Myke Bartlett) — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 01:49:17 PST

www.kilbeysalmon.com

More still to come over the next couple of weeks...

Salmon & Dusk on Technorati

mykebartlett@hotmail.com (Myke Bartlett) — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 17:48:45 PST

Nothing terribly exciting, but you can now favourite this blog via Technorati, if you're so inclined.

Recording is complete for the first chapter and I'm hoping to have editing completed by this evening.

Also, keep an eye on www.kilbeysalmon.com over the next couple of days!

Salmon & Dusk on Facebook

mykebartlett@hotmail.com (Myke Bartlett) — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 22:51:18 PST

Sure, I should be recording 'My Chalk Outline', but due to interference from noisy builders and the worlds yappiest dog, I've instead been spending my time setting up a Facebook group for The Terrible Business of Salmon & Dusk.

You can find it via the link below (you'll need to be logged in to your Facebook account):

The Terrible Business of Salmon & Dusk Facebook group

I'm hoping to use the group to keep anyone who's interested updated regarding the world of Salmon & Dusk. It's also a forum of sorts for anyone wanting to discuss 'How to Disappear Completely' or 'My Chalk Outline'. Go on, you know you want to!

Salmon & Dusk hit the charts and Electricity hits the presses

mykebartlett@hotmail.com (Myke Bartlett) — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 18:27:50 PDT

Two bits of exciting news today!

Firstly, 'How to Disappear Completely' hit number 11 in the iTunes (USA) charts today. I have absolutely no idea why but am terribly excited to see it there.

Many thanks to Mike Bennett for pointing that out to me and sending me a pic! (Thanks also to those of you who've taken the time to review HtDC for iTunes, I'm very grateful.)

Secondly - and possibly even more excitingly - Electricity is now available in print. This is the first time either of my novels have been available to hold and thumb through (or give as presents to friends with excellent taste) so I'm on tenterhooks waiting to see what sort of response it gets. While I'm looking at some promotion options, word-of-mouth remains the best advertisement at this stage, so do tell anyone who might be interested. I've had a proof copy for a few weeks now and I'm very happy with how it looks.

Your copy can be purchased here: http://stores.lulu.com/mykebartlett

Cheers!

Myke

ps. If there's a decent enough response to Electricity, you can expect to see a brand new Salmon & Dusk novella made available in the same fashion before Christmas!

How to Disappear Completely Nominated for a Parsec

mykebartlett@hotmail.com (Myke Bartlett) — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 16:37:41 PDT

I'm rather excited about this. "How to Disappear Completely" has been nominated for a Parsec award, which you can read more about here: http://www.parsecawards.com/node/140

If you'd like to head over and vote or leave a comment, I encourage you to do so! Many thanks to the kind nominator(s)!

In other news, 'Electricity' continues at www.biggerthantheuniverse.com with a "podsafe" version about to launch at www.podiobooks.com in the very near future. Please check out both sites and, if you like what you hear, spread the word!

Cheers,

Myke

This Terrible Business Returns

mykebartlett@hotmail.com (Myke Bartlett) — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 21:42:16 PDT

Work has begun on the next Kilbey Salmon project, which is likely to be a collection of shorter, vaguely interlinking tales. These will probably come under the umbrella title of "The Terrible Business of Salmon & Dusk" and will hopefully begin appearing a month or so after "Electricity" concludes. At this stage, I'm thinking each tale will run for one or two episodes, with a small breather between each.

It wasn't what I intended to write at all, however. I had mapped out a second novel, set some years after the conclusion of the last, which would have shaken everything and everyone up a little. It was going to be great, honestly. Perhaps it one day will be. But then my girlfriend, having read the first chapter, felt that she wasn't ready to lose (a certain key aspect of the story) just yet and I realised she was right. There are plenty more adventures for Salmon & Dusk to embark on before I dismantle their world entirely. I want to spend some more time with them and I hope you do too. Oddly, I miss them when I'm not writing them. So, instead, the new podcast will follow on from "How to Disappear Completely" quite directly. Things will be different, but not too different.

Since this is a blog and all, I thought I'd start using it to keep track of progress on the new project. I'm hoping to get a bit more of the writing done before I start recording, to avoid the stress and trauma of last time. At this stage, I'm a little way in to the first story, the title of which currently involves the words "chalk" and "outline." The story itself features the words "porthole", along with the lines "You want me to lie to our first client?", "I'm dying" and "Whose murder is this?"

Tantalising, eh?

Electricity Sparks Into Life

mykebartlett@hotmail.com (Myke Bartlett) — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 22:56:07 PDT

Head over to www.biggerthantheuniverse.com for exciting news about the new podcast.

Don't forget to keep checking back here though for more news about Kilbey and chums! (Including tantalising tidbits about their next appearance...)

Finally, let me sincerely thank all of you who have seen fit to donate either through this site or via Podiobooks. You're all incredibly generous souls (with excellent taste in podcasts, obviously) who have enabled me to buy a lovely new microphone - the benefits of which I hope will be clear on Electricity and future adventures of Kilbey and co.

All donations are poured straight back into the books, either to improve the podcasts technically or to help me pursue publication. Did I say thanks already? Well, thank you all!

Electricity: The Trailer!

mykebartlett@hotmail.com (Myke Bartlett) — Wed, 16 May 2007 02:14:12 PDT

After some seemingly endless mixing and jiggery pokery with suddenly vanishing monologues, a nice, long trailer for Electricity is now finally and properly online at http://electricity.podshow.com/

Alternatively, you can download the trailer directly here

At this stage, there will be two versions of Electricity:

a) one which will eventually appear at Podiobooks featuring royalty-free music
b) a "remixed" version which will be available a bit sooner at podshow featuring a top selection of music from 1999.

I hope you enjoy it! The book launches at podshow in June.

Electricity: A New (Sort of) Novel by Myke Bartlett

mykebartlett@hotmail.com (Myke Bartlett) — Mon, 07 May 2007 05:42:19 PDT

Anxiously awaiting further adventures of Kilbey and co? Well, I like to think so. Before the sequel kicks into gear later this year, 'Electricity' (a novel written some years ago) is about to get the podcast treatment. Part-memoir, part-mystery, part-ghost story, it's something rather different from 'How to Disappear Completely' but still recognisably the work of the same fingertips.

Head on over to www.biggerthantheuniverse.com to find out more!

How to Disappear Completely: The Shop!

mykebartlett@hotmail.com (Myke Bartlett) — Sat, 21 Apr 2007 18:23:11 PDT

The official "How to Disappear Completely" shop has now opened at CafePress. The shop currently features a number of T-shirts, badges and mugs, all of which are emblazoned with one of a number of specially-created images. (Designed by yours truly, for what it's worth!)

Pin Kilbey to your chest or wear Theo on your back. I'm keeping my profits to an absolute minimum on these, mainly as I feel they're an interesting way to gain a bit more exposure for the book in the run up to its print launch later this year. (I left a bit of profit - at the most a dollar an item - to add to my Buy-Myke-a-new-Mic fund...) Have a look at cafepress.com/kilbeysalmon and see if anything takes your fancy. Stuck for ideas for a birthday present? Look no further!

Due to a server collapsing, the shop was offline for this last week, but is back up and running now!

HTDC Chapter 30: World's End

mykebartlett@hotmail.com (Myke Bartlett) — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 15:37:00 PST

In which the end of History is reached and London falls to dust. From a thousand feet above, Theo and Kilbey are faced with some difficult decisions and - for one of them - a fatal injury. Ghosts, rockabilly and devastation on an unimaginable scale all feature in this, the final episode of "How to Disappear Completely."

AVAILABLE NOW here at http://www.ourmedia.org/node/306278
or for direct download, right click and save HERE

Available NOW at Podiobooks.com

The end of a very long road! Many thanks to all of you who have listened over the last year and a bit, it truly made it worth continuing when the block occasionally set in. I hope you all feel the long journey was worth it too.

A bit of news before I go (for now)

Podiobooks.com is having a bit of trouble at the moment simply because the volume of traffic has increased exponentially after some high-profile publicity.
Kilbey Salmon will return! (In some form...) A sequel (or is it a prequel?) is being planned at the moment, although it probably won't surface until the end of the year (at the earliest.)
Thanks again for all your kind words and continued support, even when updates were thin on the ground,

Cheers!

Myke Bartlett

ps. The music featured at the end of this week's episode is the magnificent "Invisible City" by Beight. You can find out more about them here. Like most of the other music used throughout the book, Beight are available for purchase via Magnatune. Beight also have a myspace here.

HTDC Chapter 29: End of the Family Line

mykebartlett@hotmail.com (Myke Bartlett) — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 15:38:08 PST

In which Nero tends his bruises, Theo worries about trapdoors and Kilbey meets an old, dead friend. Revelations abound in this, the penultimate chapter of 'How to Disappear Completely.'

Available soon at Podiobooks.com
or download directly HERE

One Among The Sleepless

mykebartlett@hotmail.com (Myke Bartlett) — Thu, 15 Mar 2007 14:31:59 PDT

While you're waiting for Chapter 29 (which is still on course for this weekend), why not check out another UK-based Podiobook, 'One Among The Sleepless'? From the blurb:

"One Among The Sleepless" is a contemporary fiction novel set in Brighton, England about sex, death and noisy neighbours: a thriller with a rich vein of dark humour that flows from both the narrative and the dialogue of the characters. It's a largely character-driven story; the people and their various shifting relationships compel the plot forward through sometimes subtle, sometimes brutal plot twists towards the final, nail-gnawing climax.

It's quite different to most of the other novels up on Podiobooks.com and comes well-recommended. The author, Mike Bennett, does a very lively reading of a truly engaging story.

'One Among The Sleepless' Promo
'One Among The Sleepless' at Podiobooks.com
Praise for 'One Among The Sleepless'

Check it out!

HTDC Chapter 28: Everything In Its Right Place

mykebartlett@hotmail.com (Myke Bartlett) — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 15:38:39 PST

In which Kilbey proves he's not just a pretty face, while Theo casts her eye over the text of her life and finds it dull reading. At least there's plenty of surprises and excitement going on around her...

Available SOON at Podiobooks.com
or download directly HERE

'How to Disappear Completely' Goes Pop!

mykebartlett@hotmail.com (Myke Bartlett) — Thu, 01 Mar 2007 11:25:31 PST

With the finale in sight, now's an excellent time to spread the word about 'How to Disappear'!

HTDC is now listed at www.popcurrent.com and the more votes (or 'pops') it gets, the more exposure it garners. Voting (or 'popping'?) is pretty easy, and can be done by following the link below.

Your support is, as ever, much appreciated!

www.kilbeysalmon.com has a facelift!

mykebartlett@hotmail.com (Myke Bartlett) — Fri, 23 Feb 2007 02:22:01 PST

The official website www.kilbeysalmon.com has had a facelift, with a bit more info and bits and pieces going up as part of a publicity push for the finale. Check it out!

HTDC Chapter 27: Tempus Fugit

mykebartlett@hotmail.com (Myke Bartlett) — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 15:39:04 PST

In which Theo and Kilbey head south to turn themselves in, sort of, while Nero flees west but doesn't make it far. Death, Monks, explosions, surprises and revelations abound as "How to Disappear Completely" begins to hurtle towards its conclusion.

Available NOW at Podiobooks.com
or download directly HERE
__________________________________

The next chapter is written so should be along soon. This week's is pretty action-packed, if I do say so myself, as plot-threads begin to tie up.

NEXT: Chapter 28: Everything In Its Right Place

Cheers!

HTDC Chapter 26: The Disappearance of Nero Dusk

mykebartlett@hotmail.com (Myke Bartlett) — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 15:55:16 PST

In which Nero wakes twice and still finds bad news, while Kilbey and Theo see a reverse-psychic who tells them things are worse than they could have predicted.

Available now at Podiobooks.com
or download directly HERE

How to Disappear Completely: Act IV - The Eternal Footmen

mykebartlett@hotmail.com (Myke Bartlett) — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 14:40:54 PST

How to Disappear Completely: Act IV - The Eternal Footmen
Originally uploaded by Moxx of Balhoon.

Another Act, another Promotional Wallpaper for your Desktop. Enjoy!

HTDC Chapter 25: Empty Vessels

mykebartlett@hotmail.com (Myke Bartlett) — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 16:04:05 PST

In which Nero comes home and his troubles begin, while Kilbey and Theo get to the bottom of their latest mystery. In the process, Kilbey is sacrificed to some hungry shadows.

Available soon at Podiobooks.com
If you can't wait, you can download the file directly here
___________________________________________

By the way, if you notice any strange noises in the background of this episode, you can thank the builders next door. I rerecorded the last 10 minutes, but there might be the odd moment of grinding and crunching still in there somewhere.

HTDC Chapter 24: Voices in the Dark

mykebartlett@hotmail.com (Myke Bartlett) — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 16:02:01 PST

"You can forget your ritual. You're not getting her without coming through me."

In which Theo wakes up somewhere strange with something stranger and Kilbey enlists Black's help to find her.

Available NOW at Podiobooks.com
or HERE

Author Away...

mykebartlett@hotmail.com (Myke Bartlett) — Sat, 16 Dec 2006 16:35:59 PST

Again, apologies for the delay between chapters. I've been away on business for the last week and am about to head off to New York for three weeks, which has made it hard to meet my deadlines. I'm hoping to get the final two chapters of Act III knocked out over the coming fortnight and, internet access permitting, will post one this week from home and one next week from NY.

Thanks for bearing with me!

HTDC Chapter 23: Church of Chaos

mykebartlett@hotmail.com (Myke Bartlett) — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 16:07:11 PST

In which Nero goes looking for people he never wanted to see again, Theo visits a girl who speaks in other people's voices and Kilbey meets a priest while shopping for a hangover.

Online NOW at Podiobooks.com
or download HERE

Myspace sites

mykebartlett@hotmail.com (Myke Bartlett) — Sat, 11 Nov 2006 16:00:18 PST

While you're waiting for Podiobooks to release the latest chapter, why not check out the latest sites set up for "How to Disappear Completely"?

The first is Kilbey's own blog at http://myspace.com/kilbeysalmon at which Kilbey gives us his perspective on the latest goings on. Who would have thought he had it in him? You can see his first entry here.

The second is an author's blog at http://myspace.com/mykebartlett which contains a bit of background information on the making of the podcast, as well as a couple of trailers you can either download or play to your friends.

Feel free to add either site to your friends list and spread the word!

HTDC Chapter 22: Black Magic

mykebartlett@hotmail.com (Myke Bartlett) — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 16:08:06 PST

In which something unpleasant washes up in a canal, Kilbey buys some milk and Theo witnesses an exorcism in a council flat.

Online now at Podiobooks.com
or download directly HERE

To see Kilbey's blog on this chapter, click here

HTDC Chapter 21: Black's Proposal

mykebartlett@hotmail.com (Myke Bartlett) — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 16:09:14 PST

In which Theo tries to return a gift, Kilbey is given a challenge he can't refuse and spirits start to walk the corridors of a London Council Estate.

Now available at Podiobooks.com
or HERE

HTDC Chapter 20: Strange Cargo

mykebartlett@hotmail.com (Myke Bartlett) — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 16:11:53 PST

In which Kilbey and Nero hunt hounds for a Vegan Terrorist, while dark things are stirring on a London Council Estate.

The first chapter of the darkest act yet is finally here.

Available for direct download here

19½: Adeola

mykebartlett@hotmail.com (Myke Bartlett) — Sat, 21 Oct 2006 20:45:03 PDT

The shouting woke Adeola,

infiltrating her dreams before prising her eyes open. She lay with her head
on the pillow, momentarily confused as to whether her dreams had slipped
into wakefulness. Had some imagined shadow followed her on her rude exit?
When the shouting continued anew, she kicked off her cartoon and pink
bedsheets and shuffled on her knees to the window. From here she could
see the square, ten floors below, bathed in amber nightlight. Making their
way across the concrete towards a long, black car, were three figures, of
which she recognised two.

There was Father Cobbold, the portly Ghanaian priest who often made
housecalls, particularly since the recent trouble with her brother. Twice
this week alone, she had heard his voice in the lounge, talking in his earnest,
insistent tones to her mother. Just last night, Adeolo had edged open her
bedroom door to see him sat at their plastic dinner table, looking across
at her mother, who had her face in her hands. She was crying, or had been
crying. Adeola had wanted to run to her, to comfort her, but knew that
she was supposed to be asleep.

The second figure she recognised was that of the new boy, the tall, bony
creature she had started seeing down at the newsagents. He was from
somewhere in Central Africa, Adeola had heard Mrs Jones tell her
mother, and had only recently arrived in London. As thin as he was
dark, he was often stood beside the newspaper boards, watching everyone
who passed for longer than he should have. He stared at Adeola – she
wondered if he supposed she was from Central Africa herself –
long enough to make her uncomfortable. She tried not to mind.
She guessed it was only because he was new, because he hadn’t
had time to learn not to stare at anyone. Adeola, born thirteen
years ago on the estate, knew that staring at people made them
angry. It was asking for trouble.

But now Adeola was staring at him. She wondered how many other
curtains twitched on the estate, how many other faces were pressed
to tower block windows. And she wondered if it would bring them all
trouble.

The new boy was shouting, his arms waving. Adeola didn’t understand
what he was yelling at Father Cobbold and couldn’t hear what the priest
replied. She couldn’t imagine what the priest could have done to the boy
to make him so angry. He was so angry, he was having to be restrained
by the third figure, a tall man she didn’t recognise. This man was dressed
in a black suit, little more than a silhouette in the half light. Adeola
couldn’t get a good look at him, no matter how fiercely she squinted.
She made hereyes hurt with the effort. The man was struggling to pull
the boy’s arms behind his back, but was doing so calmly, as if he was sure
persistence would seem him win the contest.

Sure enough, he soon had both of the boy’s elbows pinned against his spine.
When this was done, the priest stepped forward and removed a black hood
fromhis jacket, which he pulled over the boy’s head. He then opened the
back door of the car and the other man thrust the boy inside. The door
slammed, the silhouette dusted his hands and, saying no more, walked
around to the driver’s door. Father Cobbold stood bathed in the red glow
of the rear lights as the car drove off. His head lowered and he seemed
to spend some time considering the patch of concrete at his feet.
When his considerations reached their conclusion, he glanced three
ways about the empty square before his chin raised, directing
his gaze so that it firmly met Adeola’s at her window with enough force
to cast her backwards on the mattress.

She scrambled among the sheets until she had her back flat on the bed
and the duvet over her head. Her breath hot and heavy in the cotton,
Adeola wondered if she would ever sleep again.

How to Disappear Completely

Act III: Empty Vessels

commences the first week of September with Chapter 20: Strange Cargo

Act III Audio Trailer

mykebartlett@hotmail.com (Myke Bartlett) — Sat, 21 Oct 2006 20:45:03 PDT

Online now is a specially recorded trailer for Act III: Empty Vessels, running for about 4 minutes and giving something of a flavour for what lies in store.

You can download the file directly from here
or listen to it online here

Chapter 20: Strange Cargo will be online in the first week of September.

HTDC Chapter 19: You Never Wash Up After Yourself

mykebartlett@hotmail.com (Myke Bartlett) — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 16:12:21 PST

In which Theo swaps death and danger for dirty dishes while Nero discovers he has a bad head for heights. With time on his hands, Kilbey digs up some old memories.

Online NOW at Podiobooks.com
or HERE
____________________________________

Here concludes Act II. Act III will commence in a couple of weeks, with a trailer arriving before then.

HTDC Chapter 18: A Handful of Nothing

mykebartlett@hotmail.com (Myke Bartlett) — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 16:12:56 PST

In which Kilbey and Theo find a dead girl while Nero plays a dud hand.

Available NOW at Podiobooks.com
Also available for direct download here

_____________________________________________________

Keen-eared listeners will note that I have (another!) bad cold at the moment, which partly explains the delay getting this chapter recorded. The perils of being a first year teacher, alas... teenagers are bottles of breeding bacteria. Sorry if this impacts on your listening enjoyment.

NEXT TIME: Chapter 19: You Never Wash Up After Yourself.

Trailers

mykebartlett@hotmail.com (Myke Bartlett) — Sat, 21 Oct 2006 20:45:03 PDT

While Chapter 18: A Handful of Nothing is on its way, here are a couple of trailers for the podcast, forming part of a new promo package I'm putting together. If you've listened to all of the chapters already, then there's nothing here you won't have heard. However, if you'd like a taste of the book without having to download an entire chapter or sign up at Podiobooks, then the files below should give you a better idea of what to expect.

Long Trailer

Short Trailer

HTDC Chapter 17: Seconds/Thoughts

mykebartlett@hotmail.com (Myke Bartlett) — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 16:14:00 PST

In which Nero hatches a plan, Kilbey smells a rat and Theo has some doubts.

Available now at Podiobooks.com
or HERE
_________________________________________

Sorry about the delay with this one. A combination of sickness, exams and school reports has made life a little busy at the moment. In addition, I'm hectically editing another novel to submit to a writing competition that closes at the end of the month. Yes, I am insane.

The next installment isn't too far off though, as Act II draws to a conclusion. Then a short break before Act III: Empty Vessels begins.

HTDC Chapter 16: Nobody's Daughter

mykebartlett@hotmail.com (Myke Bartlett) — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 16:16:54 PST

In which Kilbey finds his man and spills his drink. Theo is briefly amazed by Kilbey's professionalism but soon discovers when something seems easy, there's been some mistake.

Available NOW at Podiobooks.com
Also available for direct download here

HTDC Chapter 15: A House on the River Fleet

mykebartlett@hotmail.com (Myke Bartlett) — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 16:18:41 PST

In which Kilbey drives dangerously, Nero hikes across London and Theo spends a night on the river.

Available now here for direct download
Available soon at Podiobooks.com

HTDC Chapter 14: You Are The Quarry

mykebartlett@hotmail.com (Myke Bartlett) — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 16:20:08 PST

In which Theo falls into someone else's bad dream and a trip to Oxford Circus takes a strange and worrying turn.

Available NOW at Podiobooks.com
or HERE

HTDC Chapter 13: A Life of Diminishing Returns

mykebartlett@hotmail.com (Myke Bartlett) — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 16:22:54 PST

In which Nero gambles on finding a drugdealer and lucks out with a threatening vicar while Kilbey has an early night.

Now Available at Podiobooks.com
or HERE

HTDC Chapter 12: Terror at Tesco

mykebartlett@hotmail.com (Myke Bartlett) — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 16:24:00 PST

In which Theo worries she is being followed by stalkers, known by evangelists and slowly becoming invisible. When her biggest concern should be how many bottles of red she can drink in an evening, a trip to the supermarket takes a surreal and terrifying turn.

Now online at Podiobooks.com or HERE

Ratings hurrah!

mykebartlett@hotmail.com (Myke Bartlett) — Sat, 21 Oct 2006 20:45:02 PDT

Thanks to all you lovely people who have already rated "How to Disappear Completely"! As a result Kilbey and friends have been sitting in the top spot over at Podiobooks.com's 'Top Overall Rating' for the last couple of days. I would link there again but my iBook refuses to allow Blogger formatting, so you'll have to look below. (It is, in every other way, perfect, I feel I should add.) Thanks also to those of you who have taken time to comment and let me know how much you're enjoying the book. Feedback like that will ensure I finish the damn thing!

Some truly flattering feedback can be found here.
Oh, and I've discovered Safari was the villain with my blogging issues, so I can now give the link to the charts as here

I'm away on holiday for a couple of weeks but I'm hard at work on Act II, the first chapter of which, 'Terror at Tesco', should be up in a fortnight.

Cheers,

Myke

UPDATED TO ADD: While I'm still on vacation, I thought I'd pop by to say that the next Act is taking shape and should be with you shortly!

HTDC Chapter 11: Retracing Her Steps

mykebartlett@hotmail.com (Myke Bartlett) — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 16:26:05 PST

In which Theo deals with a bad hangover, untidy flatmates, a misplaced wallet and a lover with a bad case of amnesia. Surely Saturdays used to be more straightforward?

Download Here

Rate How to Disappear Completely!

mykebartlett@hotmail.com (Myke Bartlett) — Sat, 21 Oct 2006 20:45:02 PDT

Podiobooks are now giving subscribers the opportunity to rate their favourite podcasts. Why not make the most of this to let the good folks there know how much you're enjoying How to Disappear Completely? Let's see if we can get up in the charts there!

Rate How to Disappear Completely here

Chapter 11 is recorded, mixed and edited and will be sent off this afternoon. This chapter, rather excitingly, sees Act I reach its conclusion. Act II will then commence in a couple of weeks.

HTDC Chapter 10: Close of Business

mykebartlett@hotmail.com (Myke Bartlett) — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 16:26:53 PST

In which Kilbey and Nero gather new enemies and a few bruises. The location of the stolen book is discovered and this terrible business reaches a worse conclusion.

Chapter 10 sees Act 1 reach its (hopefully) exciting and surprising climax, with Kilbey and Nero in plenty of danger from the savagely sinister Meatmarketers as the whereabouts of the Book is revealed. Don't miss it!

Download Here

UP NEXT: Chapter 11: Retracing Her Steps

HTDC Chapter 9: Breakfast with the Dead

mykebartlett@hotmail.com (Myke Bartlett) — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 16:29:02 PST

In which Kilbey and Theo share breakfast and a few secrets, while Nero
has some surprises to bring to the table. All three are about to
discover that if the food doesn't kill them, there are plenty about
willing to give it a shot.

Here

Update: More on the Way!

mykebartlett@hotmail.com (Myke Bartlett) — Sat, 21 Oct 2006 20:45:02 PDT

I know it's been a couple of weeks, but rest assured there are 2 new
chapters on the way! They've been sent off to Podiobooks over the last week
and a half, so hopefully they'll show up there soon. The site has launched
several books recently, so I imagine they've got their hands full.

My new career has been a bit time consuming recently, but this (much more
important) work still continues. There will be a slightly longer break
between Acts I and II in a few weeks, but nothing to worry about.


Myke

HTDC Chapter 8: An Open Book

mykebartlett@hotmail.com (Myke Bartlett) — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 16:30:45 PST

In which Nero heads to Soho for a dodgy book and ends up leaving with more than he bargained for.

Here

NOTES:
Bit of a short chapter this week. It seemed longer when I was writing it, honest.

HTDC Chapter 7: The Thief, The Butchers and The Wardrobe

mykebartlett@hotmail.com (Myke Bartlett) — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 16:31:48 PST

In which Kilbey and Theo drive into a stranger’s cellar to steal some ashes, only to be interrupted by some unsavoury sorts with the same idea. Not everyone here will get out alive. Or at all.

Here

AUTHOR'S NOTES AND ASSORTED TRIVIA:

As far as the writing goes, this is probably one of my favourite chapters so far. There's plenty of suspense and danger, along with some appealing character moments for Kilbey and Theo. It's exciting, slightly scary and made me laugh once while writing it. Obviously, I tend to laugh at my own jokes more than I should.
As far as the reading goes... Well, that's always harder to judge. It always sounds better in my head.
The chapter title as read is "A Popular Nightspot" which is a little more understated. It was only as I was typing up the blurb that I felt it deserved something more intriguing. Choose whichever you prefer for your personal canon.
This chapter was almost Chapter 8, but I swapped it after deciding I wanted to push the story forwards faster than I'd originally planned.

UP NEXT:

Chapter 8: An Open Book

HTDC Chapter 6: Nation of Shopkeepers

mykebartlett@hotmail.com (Myke Bartlett) — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 16:32:31 PST

In which Theo sinks further into Albion while Kilbey and Nero do a spot of shopping. Encountering the unsavoury gaze of the Meatmarketers and a Shopkeeper who would prefer they took their business elsewhere, the three begin their hunt for a stolen book and a boyfriend’s ashes. But can anyone be trusted?

Here

What's It About?

mykebartlett@hotmail.com (Myke Bartlett) — Sat, 21 Oct 2006 20:45:02 PDT

1. What is "How to Disappear Completely"?

"How to Disappear Completely: The Terrible Business" is a Podcasted Novel by Myke Bartlett. It is being written and recorded in weekly instalments, beginning in January 2006. The best way to enjoy it is to sign up (for free) at Podiobooks.com and subscribe to the book there. Once you've done this, you'll be able to download mp3 files of the author reading the novel. If you have any questions, consult my handy How to Subscribe Guide.

2. Who is Myke Bartlett?

That's me. I'm a freelance writer who has recently turned his hand to teaching. Oh, and podcasting. I've foolishly decided to write a book, record a reading, edit and mix the recording and make it available to all and sundry throughout 2006. Clearly, I have an issue with free time.

3. What's the book about?

Part film noir detective story, part fantasy adventure, part East End gangster tale, How to Disappear Completely concerns Theo Braithwaite, a failed actress and worse waitress, becoming involved in an unseen world populated by history's rejects and runaways from a secret society known as The Footmen. A stranger to London, waiting for life to come and find her, she is instead found by a part-time thief called Kilbey Salmon who, along with his rockabilly-obsessed partner, is attempting to eke out a living stealing things that have already been stolen and finding people who don't want to be found.An episodic narrative, Kilbey and Nero's capers will drag Theo through the forgotten parts and people of London, hunted by ancient sects, carnivorous shadows, cannibalistic butchers and off-duty policemen. Along the way she'll meet the Eternal Footmen, blow up Hammersmith Bridge, reach the end of history and quite possibly disappear completely.If Theo is to survive, she'll need to get her life sorted before all of our futures catch up with her.

4. Is It Any Good?

The response has been very positive so far! It was the toprated book at Podiobooks.com for a couple of months and several people have been kind enough to give it a good review. I didn't have to pay them or anything. Here's a sample of praise:

http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2006/01/10/how-to-disappear-completely

http://blog.andrlik.org/2006/01/19/podiobook-recommendation-how-to-disappear-completely/

http://glenfuller.blogspot.com/2006/01/do-london.html

5. Do I Have to Sign Up at Podiobooks.com?

At this stage, yes. However, I am looking into a few alternative options, and you should also be able to directly download some of the mp3 files at http://www.podcastpickle.com/casts/?10548 I would recommend signing up at Podiobooks.com though, as it allows you to define your listening schedule and also gives you access to a host of other podcasted novels.

Starting with Chapter 15, I will also be making the files available for direct download from this site.

6. Can I Offer You a Publishing Contract?

Yes. Please. You can contact me here

7. What's the legal situation with "How to Disappear Completely"?

The podcast only uses right-free music through an agreement with Magnatune. It's therefore completely safe to download and to do with as you wish. As long as you say where it came from and don't cut it to shreds. The novel itself is protected by a Creative Commons Deed, the details of which can be found here

8. Can I send you money?

Why, yes, yes you can! The easiest way to do this is via the Paypal button in the lefthand margin. For other options, you can contact here at mykebartlett@hotmail.com

How to Disappear Completely: A Podcasted Novel.

mykebartlett@hotmail.com (Myke Bartlett) — Sat, 21 Oct 2006 20:45:01 PDT

How to Disappear Completely: The Terrible Business of Salmon and Dusk has now begun!

To begin the adventure, you'll need to sign up here www.podiobooks.com

It's free, easy and totally legal.

More details can be found here:

http://www.podiobooks.com/podiobooks/book.php?ID=44

http://www.podiobooks.com/about.php

I've also added a How to Subscribe Page to this site, which you can find below:

How to Subscribe Completely: The Terribly Easy Business of Podcasting

The official site at www.kilbeysalmon.com has also been updated with more updates to come.

The first full trailer for How to Disappear Completely is available here. It contains excerpts from the first three chapters. Just a note: you will need Flash installed and your sound on.

HTDC Chapter 5: The Albion

mykebartlett@hotmail.com (Myke Bartlett) — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 16:33:57 PST

In which Theo is taken to a underground bar in a Camden toilet and Kilbey meets a punter. Nero talks about time travel and cab routes, while the barman puts the decline of the nation down to the rise of the theme pub. By the way, just who are The Eternal Footmen?

Here

HTDC Chapter 4: The Grieving Girlfriend

mykebartlett@hotmail.com (Myke Bartlett) — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 16:34:45 PST

In which we uncover the terrible business of Salmon and Dusk. A beautiful woman makes Kilbey an offer he politely declines, but he takes on her case regardless. While Nero fumes about the car's lack of central heating, Kilbey plans to track down a lost boyfriend who may already be beyond finding.

Here

HTDC Chapter 3: The Last Train

mykebartlett@hotmail.com (Myke Bartlett) — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 16:35:26 PST

In which taking the last train home leads Theo into a darker world than even that she knew to exist underground. With phantoms crawling from the walls, help arrives in the form of a drunken stranger - Kilbey Salmon: tall, dark and utterly improbable. But can he save Theo from her own shadow?

Download here

HTDC Chapter 2: Pale Ghosts

mykebartlett@hotmail.com (Myke Bartlett) — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 16:37:21 PST

In which Theo makes a friend, an enemy and an ex-boyfriend. Over several glasses of wine, secrets are revealed. 'There are ghosts here, y'know? In the brickwork, down the drain. But they're shy, right? They don't come out for just anyone. They know better.'

Download here

HTDC Chapter 1: The Grey Men

mykebartlett@hotmail.com (Myke Bartlett) — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 16:38:31 PST

In which Theo arrives late to her last morning of employment at the Camden Cafe, with little idea that life is about to take a sharp detour. London is about to surprise her - at last! - just not in the way she'd been expecting. For a start there are the two men watching her from across the road, not to mention a personal phonecall from a terrorist who's just blown up Hammersmith Bridge. And who exactly is Kilbey Salmon?

Download here

How to Subscibe Completely: The Terribly Easy Business of Podcasting

mykebartlett@hotmail.com (Myke Bartlett) — Sat, 21 Oct 2006 20:45:01 PDT

1. Head over to www.podiobooks.com and sign up. It's completely and free and safe (if you're the type to worry about these things.)

2. Once you've done this, go to http://www.podiobooks.com/podiobooks/book.php?ID=44 to subscribe to How to Disappear Completely: The Terrible Business of Salmon and Dusk by Myke Bartlett. You should then get the screen below:

3. Open your podcatcher/RSS reader etc. (eg. iTunes). Copy and Paste the link after "Your Personal Feed" into the appropriate spot.

The below steps are for iTunes only:

4. In iTunes, under the "Advanced" tab, select "Subscribe to Podcast..."

5. iTunes will prompt you for a URL, paste in the link you have copied in Step 3.

6. You're done! Chapters will download on a schedule you define.

7. Start listening. (This step is also appropriate even if you don't use iTunes.)

How to Disappear Completely: Teaser Four

mykebartlett@hotmail.com (Myke Bartlett) — Sat, 21 Oct 2006 20:45:01 PDT

Teaser Four 'War of the Spoons' is now up, offering a prelude to 'How to Disappear Completely'

How to Disappear Completely: Teaser Three

mykebartlett@hotmail.com (Myke Bartlett) — Sat, 21 Oct 2006 20:45:01 PDT

Teaser Three is now up here. Teaser Four will be up next Saturday.

How to Disappear Completely: Teaser Two

mykebartlett@hotmail.com (Myke Bartlett) — Sat, 21 Oct 2006 20:45:01 PDT

Teaser Two is now online.

Teaser Three will be up same time next week.

How to Disappear Completely: Teaser One

mykebartlett@hotmail.com (Myke Bartlett) — Sat, 21 Oct 2006 20:45:01 PDT

How to Disappear Completely: Teaser One
Originally uploaded by Moxx of Balhoon.

The first animated teaser for the forthcoming podcasted novel 'How to Disappear Completely: The Terrible Business of Salmon and Dusk' can be found here.

Keep an eye out for more teasers as the January launch approaches at the official site!

Nero Dusk

mykebartlett@hotmail.com (Myke Bartlett) — Sat, 21 Oct 2006 20:45:01 PDT

Nero tends to be around to tidy up after Kilbey when things go pear shaped.

Which seems to be most of the time.

One last job might enough to get him out of trouble for ever. If he can only survive it.

Theo Braithwaite

mykebartlett@hotmail.com (Myke Bartlett) — Sat, 21 Oct 2006 20:45:01 PDT

Theo is 26 and tired of spending her life in other people's clothes. Any morning now her life will turn up on the doorstep with the second post.

Life becomes more interesting the Friday terrorists she's never met call her at work, a demon attacks her on the last train to Hackney and she meets a drunken young man on the run from a race of invisible people.

Kilbey Salmon

mykebartlett@hotmail.com (Myke Bartlett) — Sat, 21 Oct 2006 20:45:00 PDT

Kilbey used to be a Footman, hiding in shadows and keeping history on track.

Now he lives with history's rejects, finding people who don't want to be found and stealing things that have already been stolen.

His latest job threatens to be his last...