Generated by All in One SEO v5.0.1.1, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # John Houlihan.net Thoughts, musings, fiction ## Sitemaps - [XML Sitemap](https://john-houlihan.net/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website. ## Posts - [Win the Mon Dieu Cthulhu! Series!](https://john-houlihan.net/win-the-mon-dieu-cthulhu-series/) - It’s launch week! Keeper of the Hidden Flame arrives on 22 September, and to celebrate I’m giving you the chance to win signed copies of the entire Mon Dieu Cthulhu! series! That’s right — you could get signed copies of The Crystal Void, Feast of the Dead, Shadow of the Serpent, and the brand-new Keeper - [Discover the Keepers of the Hidden Flame!](https://john-houlihan.net/discover-the-keepers-of-the-hidden-flame/) - During his battles against evil Gaston Dubois has often stood alone. Sometimes aid has come from companions like the mysterious Major Seraph, or the delectable Mademoiselle Brockenhurst, but largely Dubois has had to combat the forces of the mythos unaided. In Keeper of the Hidden Flame, out on Sep 22nd (paperback available now), the fourth - [Ride with the men of the "Accursed 31st"!](https://john-houlihan.net/ride-with-the-men-of-the-accursed-31st/) - When Lieutenant Gaston Dubois is demoted and disgraced after fighting a duel he is posted, much to his horror, to the second company of the fifth squadron of the 31st Dragoons. Not only is this an affront to his honour (and his dress sense), but taking command of the “Accursed 31st” he faces an unruly, - [Amazing Worlds Podcast: Mon Dieu Cthulhu!](https://john-houlihan.net/amazing-worlds-podcast-mon-dieu-cthulhu/) - Blinking in the unaccustomed sunlight, I emerge from my writing cavern of darkness, to talk writing, game design and sci-fi, fantasy and horror! This time it’s with the admirable José from Amazing Worlds, where I make a record breaking (apparently) third appearance on the show. Click here or on the picture below to start watching - [Who the devil is Gaston Dubois?](https://john-houlihan.net/who-the-devil-is-gaston-dubois/) - What can you say about Gaston Dubois, hero of the Mon Dieu Cthulhu! series, whose story begins in 1810 as a valiant French hussar? He is valiant but vain, dashing if a little dim, both a dandy and a dimwit, proud as a peacock of his horsemanship, sword skills, impressive moustache and cadenettes —and his - [Keeper of the Hidden Flame launches!](https://john-houlihan.net/keeper-of-the-hidden-flame-launches/) - Pre-order today • Exclusive subscriber offers • Full cover reveal! Bonjour, Hussars! The wait is over! I’m delighted to announce that Keeper of the Hidden Flame, the newest adventure in the Mon Dieu Cthulhu! series, is now available to pre-order on Amazon UK and US. Better still, web site fans get access to exclusive offers—including - [The best Cosmic Horror &Lovecraftian Games](https://john-houlihan.net/the-best-cosmic-horror-lovecraftian-games/) - Gaming is inexorably intertwined with Lovecraft, cosmic horror and weird fiction, but what are the greatest Lovecraftian games of all time? What are designers and programmers still obsessed with Lovecraft? What are the most terrifying, strangest and authentic? Can you even pick a single best everone? Well, that’s those are the perplexing questions we attempt - [All Good Things… The End of Achtung! Cthulhu](https://john-houlihan.net/all-good-things-the-end-of-achtung-cthulhu/) - So, the cat is finally out of the bag and some wistful news as Achtung! Cthulhu, the “WW2 with tentacles” RPG, I’ve written, line edited and poured a fair portion of my creative soul into for over a decade is placed in cryogenic suspension. It’s always sad when something you’ve worked on for so long - [Exclusive: Free Book + Keeper Cover Reveal!](https://john-houlihan.net/exclusive-keeper-cover-reveal-spring-update/) - Spring’s here, the world is waking up and out in the cold cosmos the great old ones are stirring! High time then for an update on recent writing projects, plus, claim a free book on me! Keeper of the Hidden Flame Cover Reveal I’m really pleased to say the next Mon Dieu Cthulhu! novel Keeper - [Awesome Shadow of the Serpent Cover Reveal!](https://john-houlihan.net/awesome-shadow-of-the-serpent-cover-reveal/) - The day has dawned and I can finally reveal the cover for the newest book in my Mon Dieu Cthulhu! series, Shadow of the Serpent! In this tale of swashbuckling supernatural adventure, dashing French hussar Gaston Dubois takes on the forces of the mythos which secretly fuel the wars of the Napoleonic age. The cover John Houlihan reveals the cover of his latest novel Shadow of the Serpent - [What the hell is Mon Dieu Cthulhu!?](https://john-houlihan.net/what-the-hell-is-mon-dieu-cthulhu/) - Mon Dieu Cthulhu!: it’s a rather strange title, but what does it actually mean? Well, it’s one I’ve coined to describe a world of swashbuckling adventures set during the Napoleonic Age as ordinary men and women take on the supernatural forces fuelling war in Europe. See the entire series on my Amazon author page in - [Win! Awesome Signed Copies of the Mon Dieu Cthulhu! Trilogy!](https://john-houlihan.net/win-awesome-signed-copies-of-the-mon-dieu-cthulhu-trilogy/) - Print copies are here! While I love my Kindle and pretty much any form of e-reader, there’s nothing quite like holding a physical print book in your hand with that freshly minted straight-off-the-presses smell. Now you can enjoy it too, with a chance to win signed copies of the entire Mon Dieu Cthulhu! trilogy including - [A chat with the British Fantasy Society!](https://john-houlihan.net/a-chat-with-the-british-fantasy-society/) - The interviews are coming thick and fast ahead of the full online launch of Shadow of the Serpent next week in the UK and US (or above!), but it also was a delight to take part in a member profile for the British Fantasy Society, which has just gone live today. The British Fantasy Society - [Shadow of the Serpent Launch Day!](https://john-houlihan.net/shadow-of-the-serpent-launch-day/) - Launch day has finally arrived and I’m delighted to say Shadow of the Serpent is now available in print, ebook and PDF from Amazon UK and US, DriveThruRPG, Modiphius and direct on my own Books to Buy link (where both great prices and signed copies are available)! Thanks so much for all your support, kind - [Meet the Villains of Mon Dieu Cthulhu!](https://john-houlihan.net/meet-the-villains-of-mon-dieu-cthulhu/) - Mon Dieu Cthulhu! is a world packed to the brim with action and adventure but to pull that off requires a cast list of both brave heroes and nefarious villains. You may have already seen some of its main protagonists, but now it’s time to switch to the dark side as we take a look - [Meet the Beautiful but Deadly Felicity Brockenhurst](https://john-houlihan.net/meet-the-beautiful-but-deadly-felicity-brockenhurst/) - The Protagonist Speaks is an awesome idea from my good friend Assaph Mehr (of the cracking Felix the Fox mysteries) where heroes, heroines and subjects from a book series are interviewed in character. Many moons ago, Gaston Dubois submitted to this gentle form of inquisition and now it’s the turn of Felicity Brockenhurst, to take - [Rolling the bones with Really Dicey!](https://john-houlihan.net/rolling-the-bones-with-really-dicey/) - Cthulhu during the Napoleonic wars? They said it couldn’t be done… I’m here to prove them wrong! Well, I exaggerate a little… slightly… for effect… mainly. No-one actually said it couldn’t be done, but maybe it shouldn’t be done? Nonsense, the Napoleonic age is a prime setting for weird fiction adventures. There’s the grand backdrop - [Into the Abyss with Page Chewing](https://john-houlihan.net/into-the-abyss-with-page-chewing/) - One of the great pleasures of working in cosmic horror is inducting new members into the cult …erm I mean welcoming new aficionados to the world of weird fiction. So it was a lot of fun joining Steve, host of the estimable Page Chewing Podcast, and the excellent Jose of the Amazing Worlds YouTube channel - [Tales of high adventure in Conan: The Hyborian Age!](https://john-houlihan.net/tales-of-high-adventure-in-conan-the-hyborian-age/) - This morning brings an epic care package: a complete Conan: The Hyborian Age bundle containing the core book, GM screen, two adventure books, glossy map pack, character pads, and a host of Conan accessories—by Crom! I’ve always had a real affection for Robert E. Howard’s Conan the Barbarian. It was one of my formative fantasy - [Interview: Cthulhu Through the Ages!](https://john-houlihan.net/interview-cthulhu-through-the-ages/) - As an author nothing beats having a free-wheeling ramble through your work past and present with someone who appreciates it. So it was a real pleasure to have a chat with Luise Loges of Part-Time Heroes who was kind enough to interview me recently (Google will translate for you). In this free-ranging interview we talk - [Get this Pulse-Pounding Occult Thriller for Just 99p/99c!](https://john-houlihan.net/get-this-pulse-pounding-occult-thriller-for-just-99p-99c/) - Halloween is here — the season of darkness, mystery, and supernatural horror. If you’re looking for a gripping Halloween read, look no further than The Trellborg Monstrosities, a WW2 occult thriller packed with Lovecraftian horror, Nazi secrets, and action-packed adventure. To celebrate Halloween, you can grab The Trellborg Monstrosities for just 99p (UK) or 99c - [The Mythos at War!](https://john-houlihan.net/the-mythos-at-war/) - It’s all Innsmouth all week. Two visits in seven days to the haunted realms of the cursed New England town may seem excessive. Yet it’s never a chore when you’re in the delightful company of Rob Poyton, Tim Mendees and fellow Mythos author, Christopher Michael. Yes, following last weekend’s Innsmouth Literary Festival another visit to - [Pack your tentacles for the Innsmouth Literary Festival!](https://john-houlihan.net/pack-your-tentacles-for-the-innsmouth-literary-festival/) - Summer is nearly over, but don’t despair, for as well as a season of mists and mellow fruitfulness, autumn brings with it the advent of one of my favourite literary experiences, the Innsmouth Literary Festival on September 27th. Hatched and gestated by the splendid Rob and Tim of the Innsmouth Book Club, and now in - [Are you Ready to Slay Demons in the Roman Empire?](https://john-houlihan.net/are-you-ready-to-slay-demons-in-the-roman-empire/) - It’s been a little since I’ve contributed to an anthology but one of the many perks of working for the estimable Modiphius Entertainment is you get to write across a variety of lines and historical time periods. Cohors Cthulhu is the brand new RPG incarnation of the eternal battle against the minions of the Mythos. - [Mid-Summer Mythos Madness Update!](https://john-houlihan.net/mid-summer-mythos-madness-update/) - It’s been a big year. Whenever I come to write a new blog it always a surprise to find just how long it’s been since the last one. Was it really November? Seems it was. Travel Broadens the Mind and Soul 2025 has been a busy year and a varied one. It began with an - [Meet the Heroes of Mon Dieu Cthulhu!](https://john-houlihan.net/the-heroes-of-mon-dieu-cthulhu/) - Every story needs its heroes and the world of Mon Dieu Cthulhu! is no different bursting to the brim with dashing protagonists, nefarious villains and fascinating characters. In some ways its an echo of the real-life Napoleonic times when some men rose up through the ranks of the Grand Armee to earn themselves a marshal's - [Terror at the Innsmouth Literary Festival!](https://john-houlihan.net/terror-at-the-innsmouth-literary-festival/) - A journey to Innsmouth is never lightly undertaken unless it’s to the marvellous Innsmouth Literary Festival, where I was honoured to be a special guest over the weekend. As well as meeting a ton of fantastic weird-fiction folk, I spoke on the gaming panel with some august luminaries like Mike Mason, Rob Poyton and Paul - [Interview: Tentacles and Cosmic Horror  in the Napoleonic Age!](https://john-houlihan.net/interview-tentacles-and-cosmic-horror-in-the-napoleonic-age/) - It’s always splendid to have a chance to have a chat about your work. But no matter how many of them I do, I always get a touch of the butterflies beforehand. Fortunately, the admirable Jeremy Gypton of Fluff n’ Crunch is a great interlocutor. He's friendly knowledgeable and enthusiastic about writing and all things - [A Searing Summer Update + D-Day: The Darkest Day!](https://john-houlihan.net/a-searing-summer-update-d-day-the-darkest-day/) - It’s been a bit of a hectic year so far with the highly successful launch of the Achtung! Cthulhu Starter Set and the big D-Day: The Darkest Day campaign book to coincide with the 80th anniversary. Plus prepping up for the launch of the new Mon Dieu Cthulhu release. More on all of those in - [Massive Damage Adventures](https://john-houlihan.net/massive-damage-adventures/) - It's always marvellous to have a chat about my work as an RPG narrative designer and I joined the splendid Meric Moir from Massive Damage Adventures for an extended Q&A where we discuss the forthcoming release of Achtung! Cthulhu 2d20. We cover all kinds of material including the factions, lore, and much much more in - [Vital Signals/Future Plans](https://john-houlihan.net/vital-signals-future-plans/) - It’s probably a bit late now to wish everyone a happy new year, so all I’ll say is, welcome to 2022, let’s hope it doesn’t suck as much as its immediate predecessors. It’s started off on a good note for me at least, as I’ve just received my author’s copy of Vital Signals, a brand - [Constellation nominated for a BSFA award](https://john-houlihan.net/constellation-nominated-for-a-bsfa-award/) - No matter what anyone tells you, it’s always splendid to be nominated for an award and with the British Science Fiction Association’s annual list just published, I was delighted to see that The Constellation of Alarion has made the longlist for Best Short Fiction for 2021. Of course, it would be amazing to win, but - [Corridors](https://john-houlihan.net/corridors/) - Author copies of the fantastic new anthology, Corridors, by Innsmouth Gold have dropped through my letterbox this morning and the compilation, which is based on the King in Yellow mythos of Robert W Chambers, features some fantastic stories from the renowned Innsmouth Writing Circle. It’s available now in print or ebook direct from the Innsmouth - [The Musketeers versus Cthulhu](https://john-houlihan.net/the-musketeers-versus-cthulhu/) - Publication day and always a joy to see a new story going into print. Today’s comes in the form of an excellent new anthology entitled The Musketeers Versus Cthulhu in the Court of King Louis from the estimable Black Ink Fiction, which is now available in print and on Kindle in the UK and US. - [Interview with Fluff n' Crunch](https://john-houlihan.net/interview-with-fluff-n-crunch/) - Occasionally, I get a chance to emerge from my writing, game designing and narrative bunker and come blinking into the light for a chat with some interesting people. Check out the Interview here. Fluff n’ Crunch are a splendid set of chaps who do deep dives into games design and narrative, especially in Modiphius’s 2d20 - [Innsmouth Book Club: Tolkien Talk](https://john-houlihan.net/innsmouth-book-club-tolkien-talk/) - Innsmouth isn’t traditionally the most welcoming of places, but I’m kind of known there now, so they let me walk abroad once in a while, without being dragged down to the murky depths. The Esoteric Order of Dagon don’t do a very good cup of tea, but the sushi’s excellent, if you like that kind - [Venom, Vengeance and Victory: The Serpent and the Sands](https://john-houlihan.net/venom-vengeance-and-victory-the-serpent-and-the-sands/) - Today sees the pre-order launch of The Serpent and The Sands, a combined guide to North Africa and 10-part TTRPG campaign for Achtung! Cthulhu 2d20. It’s been nearly 18 months in the making and I did the narrative design and direction and led the creative side of the book, as well as writing the first - [The Pickman Papers](https://john-houlihan.net/the-pickman-papers/) - Huzzah, the Pickman Papers has launched! This splendid anthology of Dickensian-Lovecraftian crossover tales from the estimable Innsmouth Gold is finally out and ready to order in paperback, with the e-book following in hot pursuit. It’s always a pleasure to find oneself in the august company of the Innsmouth Writing Circle again and this particular compilation - [True Detective Season 1 with IBL](https://john-houlihan.net/true-detective-season-1-with-ibl/) - Just a short post to let you know about a recent chat I had with those splendid chaps from the Innsmouth Book Club, Rob Poyton and Tim Mendees. Herein, we’re dissecting True Detective Season One. It’s not only one of the best supernatural shows, but also one of the best TV shows of the past - [New Story: The Piercer of the Veils](https://john-houlihan.net/new-story-the-piercer-of-the-veils/) - #What a delight to hear the delicate thunk of package on doormat, heralding the advent of the new Innsmouth Gold anthology When Shadows Creep. Compiled and edited by Innsmouth Gold himself, the esteemed Rob Poyton, this brand new compendium features nine Lovecraftian tales based in London from a range of authors including B Harlan Crawford, - [Nyarlathotapp](https://john-houlihan.net/nyarlathotapp/) - More fun today as the long awaited Nyarlathotep anthology from Stygian Fox makes its debut on Amazon. I’m always tickled to be part of any anthology and for this one, I contributed Nyarlathotapp, an original short story. Nyarlathotep has always been a fascinating figure within mythos circles: the dark pharaoh, the crawling chaos, the herald - [Achtung! Cthulhu 2d20 Arrives!](https://john-houlihan.net/achtung-cthulhu-2d20-arrives/) - Wow, this was a while coming! I’ve just received my contributor’s copies of the full range of Achtung! Cthulhu books, dice, and accessories and I have to say they are glorious! Seeing your words and ideas made into such impressive physical form is always a supreme thrill and this is the culmination of over two - [The Constellation of Alarion](https://john-houlihan.net/the-constellation-of-alarion/) - The Constellation of Alarion is finally here! My new collection of sci-fi short stories can finally be revealed and you can see it’s brand new cover above. The ebook pre-order is live right now on both Amazon UK and US for Kindle lovers and Smashwords for all other ebook and retail formats, with the print paperback to follow on June 24. - [The Constellation of Alarion Launches!](https://john-houlihan.net/the-constellation-of-alarion-launches/) - It’s The Constellation of Alarion launch day and my brand new collection of sci-fi short stories is now available to buy in paperback and e-book! It’s available on Kindle and paperback on Amazon UK and US, in PDF and paperback on DriveThruRPG, in PDF from Modiphus.net and also on Smashwords! Some early reviews are in, - [Constellation: Carers](https://john-houlihan.net/constellation-carers/) - Well, as you may have noticed, it’s launch week for The Constellation of Alarion and to celebrate, I thought I’d give you another chance to have a listen to one of the stories. This is Carers, the first short story in the collection, which was written for and originally performed at Virtual Future Fictions. Release - [The Constellation Shines!](https://john-houlihan.net/the-constellation-shines/) - It’s always a seminal moment when the book you’ve spent so long writing, editing, reading, re-reading, plotting, planning and preparing finally arrives and sits plumply in your own fair hand. So here it is, the first proof copy of The Constellation of Alarion and Other Stories! Release is set for Thursday 24th June, so just - [Q&A on Sci-Fi and Fantasy Reviewer](https://john-houlihan.net/qa-on-sci-fi-and-fantasy-reviewer/) - It’s always enjoyable to be able to talk about my writing and I’m really pleased to have been interviewed by Adam from the awesome Sci-Fi and Fantasy Reviewer, one of the best fantastic fiction sites around. In this extensive Q&A, we chat about all manner of shenanigans including my Seraph Chronicles and Mon Dieu - [Innsmouth Book Club](https://john-houlihan.net/innsmouth-book-club/) - What splendid fun I had last week joining Rob Poyton and John Chadwick for the Innsmouth Book Club, join us for a chat which encompasses books, Achtung! Cthulhu, computer games, the revenge of the nerds and the inexorable rise of interest in HPL and the Mythos. - [Weird Tails and Year’s End](https://john-houlihan.net/weird-tails-and-years-end/) - Well, look what just turned up in the post, my author’s copy of Weird Tails, a brand new compilation of Mythos fiction, which is inspired by both HP Lovecraft and horror fiction’s ongoing fascination with all things feline. It’s a fantastic folio of freakishly feline fables and features an array of authors from the Innsmouth - [Achtung! Cthulhu 2d20 interview!](https://john-houlihan.net/achtung-cthulhu-2d20-interview/) - [Achtung! Cthulhu 2d20 Live Play!](https://john-houlihan.net/achtung-cthulhu-2d20-live-play/) - From Section M Headquarters Greetings agent! Your presence is both requested and required to embark on a top secret mission into occupied France tonight at 7pm BST on Twitch.TV to combat the menace of the Nazi occult force known as the Black Sun. The odds are against us, the chances of success are slim, but - [RandomWorlds IRC Chat!](https://john-houlihan.net/randomworld-irc-chat-tonight/) - Delighted to announce I did a Q&A session tonight on the excellent Randomworlds IRC site last night, and if you missed it, you can catch up with the archive on the Hardboiled GM Shoe's site here. I donned my Achtung! Cthulhu overlord’s helmet and chatted about the forthcoming 2d20 version of the game, new campaigns - [The Protagonist Speaks: Gaston d'Bois](https://john-houlihan.net/the-protagonist-speaks-gaston-dbois/) - It’s always fun to do something a little different with your characters, something unusual, something a little bit out of the ordinary that takes them places they wouldn’t normally venture. In fact, these often make for the most intriguing passages of writing, places where you can learn something about your own creation that you hadn’t - [Forgotten Sidekicks: Charioteer](https://john-houlihan.net/forgotten-sidekicks-charioteer/) - I’ve always enjoyed writing for themed short story collections. With a specific brief to work to, and a limited word count, they’re much more akin to a classic journalistic assignment or essay, allowing you to really focus your energies in a concentrated blast, exploring specific themes or genres you might not have considered left to your own devices. It also helps when the subject matter is an interesting, intriguing or challenging one. - [Achtung! and more for 2020...](https://john-houlihan.net/achtung-and-more-for-2020/) - It’s been a bit quiet on the release front recently as I’ve buried my head in various projects which will eventually come to fruition in 2020. I written a new Cthulhu Mexicana themed story The Three Temptations of Paco Aguilar for a collection recently, the long delayed Charioteer for Forgotten Sidekicks hits in April and - [Raid on the Führer Express!](https://john-houlihan.net/raid-on-the-fuhrer-express/) - Dragonmeet, one of my favourite UK gaming shows is almost upon us and this Saturday I’ll be joining a horde of UK gamers for an all-day gaming session, checking out the latest titles, meeting up with old friends and new, and enjoying the hospitality of the UK’s friendliest gaming show. I’ll also be running two - [The Shadow Over America](https://john-houlihan.net/the-shadow-over-america/) - I recently submitted a short story to an new collection with a most intriguing premise: to write a prequel or sequel to one of HP Lovecraft’s tales. Ancestors and Descendants is the result, edited by the estimable Rob Poynton and published by Innsmouth Gold, featuring 17 tales which either foreshadow or follow on from some - [New Future Fiction Vol 1 now in print!](https://john-houlihan.net/new-future-fiction-vol-1-now-in-print/) - For a writer, few things can compare with seeing your name on a brand new book which has just arrived (or that new book smell) and so it's a delight to welcome a print copy of Near Future Fictions Volume 1, an awesome collection of stories from the writers at Virtual Futures. With previous appearances - [Mon Dieu Cthulhu! - Read it Now! Free Sampler](https://john-houlihan.net/mon-dieu-cthulhu-read-it-now-free-sampler/) - Quel délice! What a delight, a huge thanks to all you fans who've made the launch of The Crystal Void, Feast of the Dead and The d'Bois Escapades Volume 1 in the new Mon Dieu Crhulhu! series such a fantastic one. It's been absolutely amazing to see the passion and enthusiasm for this new series - [Mon Dieu Cthulhu! launches!](https://john-houlihan.net/mon-dieu-cthulhu-launches/) - Sacre blue Mon Dieu Cthulhu! is finally released with a brand new book, Feast of the Dead, joining a new illustrated version of The Crystal Void and an anthology collection The d'Bois Escapades Volume One which features both titles (full details below). All are available on Kindle or PDF versions, while Feast of the Dead - [Mon Dieu Cthulhu!](https://john-houlihan.net/mon-dieu-cthulhu/) - Sacre blue, what exciting times, proof copies have arrived! After a mighty long gestation period, it's always a tremendous thrill to see the finished editions finally in your hands. Hot off the presses are two brand new proof copies of impending books by moi, which will be shortly available in both print and ebook formats - [Post-Lies](https://john-houlihan.net/post-lies/) - The rather splendid Writers' Cafe Magazine issue #12 has just arrived and includes a brand new short story by yours truly. The issue's theme is 'Truths and Lies' and I used this as inspiration to write a short tale which I've called Post-Truth. It's on a sci-fi tip, but a bit more political than a - [Reading at Near Future Fictions - Vol 6: Tomorrow's Battles](https://john-houlihan.net/reading-at-near-future-fictions-vol-6-tomorrows-battles/) - Delighted to say, I'll be doing another live reading next month on Tuesday 17th April at Near Future Fictions, Vol 6, Tomorrow's Battles, reading my story Trial by Combat, which examines the (possible) future of warfare. If you've never been before, these evenings are hugely enjoyable, with a special presentation or guest speaker to kick the - [Mainline Monday](https://john-houlihan.net/mainline-monday/) - Bansko 26 Feb 2018 - How to describe a day like today? Even as a writer, it’s difficult to find the right words. All I can tell you now is that I’m sitting here with a stupid grin on my face, high on wine and adrenaline and rewind-contemplating one of the best day’s riding I’ve - [Dual Wielding](https://john-houlihan.net/dual-wielding/) - For writers, getting published is like veritable catnip, although those addictive doses, like buses, tend to be rather infrequent. So when two come along at once, it's cause for celebration. First up, The Hotwell's Horror & Other Stories, a collection of 14 short stories from friends and admirers of the late great David J Rodger. - [#30 Into the (British) Abyss](https://john-houlihan.net/30-into-the-british-abyss/) - "Morning Abyss." "Oh, good morning, sorry I didn't see you there for a moment." "Mind if I take my usual stare into you?" "Be my guest, but I hope you won't mind me staring back?" "Oh, of course not, please do." "After you then.." "Are you sure?" "Please, I absolutely insist." - [#29 Be an Angel](https://john-houlihan.net/29-be-an-angel/) - "Be an angel and make me a coffee, two sugars," he says. 'My pleasure' I reply, boiling inside but rise to go and make it. The dose is tiny, but over time it accumulates; always fatally and mostly undetectably. "Here you go, just how you like it," I say, placing the cup on his desk - [#1 Sibling Rivalry](https://john-houlihan.net/1-sibling-rivalry/) - “Were you an only child?” “Eventually.” - [Reading: Short Story Carers](https://john-houlihan.net/reading-short-story-carers/) - Here's the live reading of Carers at Future Fictions Volume 3, with a few photos from the event. It was really splendid to have such an enthusiastic and engaged audience and huge thanks to Viraj Joshi‏ @virajvjoshi who was live drawing each story and produced the pictures of Amber, Molly and Bernard. - [Short Story: Carers](https://john-houlihan.net/short-story-carers/) - Carers John Houlihan This story debuted at Near Future Fictions Volume 3 at the Lights of Soho, 2nd May 2017 Resentfully, Molly watched the smile light up Bernard's face. Why was he always so polite with that thing, when he was so rude and tetchy with her? She dipped her brush and scooped up another - ["Carers" reading at Virtual Futures: Near Future Fictions volume 3](https://john-houlihan.net/carers-reading-at-virtual-futures-near-future-fictions-volume-3/) - I'm really delighted to have been invited to read my new short story "Carers" at Virtual Futures: Near Future Fictions volume 3 at the Lights of Soho on Tuesday 2nd May, from 7pm onwards. Looks some pretty august company too, so I'll have to be on my mettle. It should be a really fascinating experience, - [Before the Flood in print! + Read a FREE sample for yourself](https://john-houlihan.net/before-the-flood-in-print-read-a-free-sample-for-yourself/) - It's been quite the 2016, and despite the wider notes of resounding despair and impending apocalypse, it's ended on something of a personal high. I did my first gig in about 25 years (solo, singing with guitar, rather than just playing as in the old Zookeepers of Deviancy days) and finally have managed to get - [Before the Flood releases, plus free copy of Trellborg!](https://john-houlihan.net/before-the-flood-releases/) - Well, it's finally here, I really pleased to say Before the Flood is now released and available on Kindle or Kindle app on Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com and all Amazon online stores. It's the fourth adventure for Major Seraph, and the first full length novel in the series and there's definitely a change of direction with this one, - [Before the Flood - finished and cover reveal!](https://john-houlihan.net/before-the-flood-finished-and-cover-reveal/) - Well that took a bit longer than I was expecting, but finally ... finally Before the Flood is complete and the cover is ready to be revealed. As always, it's a fantastic piece from Spanish artist Borja Pindado, whose covers have adorned all the previous books in my Seraph series. I must say I - [Best sci-fi and fantasy books August/September 2016](https://john-houlihan.net/best-sci-fi-and-fantasy-books-augustseptember-2016/) - Heading for the beach and need to escape the piercing glare of the August sun? Or more likely, need to spend some time indoors and hide from a rainy September? Never fear, here's the second of my picks of the best sci-fi and fantasy books this August and September 2016. Don't forget, if you want to read - [Best sci-fi and fantasy books July 2016](https://john-houlihan.net/best-sci-fi-and-fantasy-books-july-2016/) - It may have passed you by, but I write the regular Reading Matters column for the splendid Geeky Monkey magazine, which is pretty much an essential read if you're a sci-fi or fantasy fan, or just love geeky/nerdy stuff in general. It's a rare pleasure and a massive treat to combine my profound love of - [Spring...](https://john-houlihan.net/spring/) - Bless me Father, it's been months since my last confess.... I mean blog post. Time has indeed not so much flown as soared, but it's been a productive period, although not strictly in a fictional sense. Well, I say that, but I've managed to crank out a new short sci-fi story Tolerance, for a collection - [Dark Tales releases!](https://john-houlihan.net/dark-tales-releases/) - It's part two of book release-a-geddon as I'm dubbing it, with the launch this week of my long cherished project, Dark Tales from the Secret War, a collection of stories which mixes the terrors of HP Lovecraft's mythos with mankind's darkest, yet finest hour, the Second World War. Published by the awesome Modiphius, it features - [The Cricket Dictionary launches!](https://john-houlihan.net/the-cricket-dictionary-launches/) - In my never ending quest to publish at least a couple of books each year, I'm kicking off again with my long cherished and previously ultra secret sports project - The Cricket Dictionary, which is now available on Amazon in its first definitive edition. It's been quite the marathon and quite a challenge too, a - [Bristol Horror Con and Cthulhu: The Beginner's Guide](https://john-houlihan.net/bristol-horror-con-and-cthulhu-the-beginners-guide/) - Here at the fortress of solitude, work progresses apace on a number of projects, which are finally, finally nearing completion. My long delayed and ultra top secret sports project is on the brink of being unleashed and it's an absolute monster, having consumed far more of my time than I thought it ever would. Every - [The Crystal Void Illustrated launches and Bristol Horror Con readings!](https://john-houlihan.net/the-crystal-void-illustrated-launches-and-bristol-horror-con-readings/) - Phew busy times at Houlihan towers as some long standing plots are finally coming to fruition. First up is the launch of a new illustrated version of my Napoleonic adventure, The Crystal Void, published by my good friends at Modiphius with art by the supremely talented Michael Poole. It's got a brand new cover and - [#2 Topical](https://john-houlihan.net/2-topical/) - “I won’t shake your hand if you don’t mind. I’ve heard being a twat might be infectious.” - [Gizmodo feature, self publishing, FREE book offer and much more! ](https://john-houlihan.net/gizmodo-feature-self-publishing-free-book-offer-and-much-more/) - Just a quick update on some ongoing things as the spring bank holiday finds me listening to the cricket and enjoying a long lazy coffee. Those splendid chaps over at Gizmodo recently let me loose to have a chat and writing, publishing and wotnot, check it out here for a guide on how publish your - [Before the Flood, Mon Dieu and more!](https://john-houlihan.net/before-the-flood-mon-dieu-and-more/) - And relax ... well once again, best laid plans have gone, as the poet once delicately put it 'agly' and I find it's been a few months since I last updated the site. But my sword has not slept idly in the meanwhile and 'events dear boy, events' have kept me most occupied as we've - [Dark Tales Panel - Dragonmeet 2014 ](https://john-houlihan.net/dark-tales-panel-dragonmeet-2014/) - Phew, well now that the roistering and gorging season is over, the cheese mountain has become a cheese molehill, elasticated waistbands are taking up the slack and the liver has departed for a short sabbatical, it’s time to turn thoughts to a new year and indeed, some new fear. Step forward then, an audio recording - [Win! Copies of The Trellborg Monstrosities and signed cover art](https://john-houlihan.net/win-the-trellborg-monstrosities-and-signed-cover-art/) - The Trellborg Monstrosities is the first book in the acclaimed Seraph series, chronicling the story of one man who battles the minions of dread Cthulhu thoroughout the ages. It gained 5 star reviews on release, is rated 4/5 average on Good Reads.com and was called ‘an evocative tale of blood, bullets and ice’ by renowned - [Four books in one day](https://john-houlihan.net/four-books-in-one-day/) - 'Release four books on one day? You must be deranged,' the demon of doubt who occasionally takes up residence on my left shoulder ventured. 'Of course I am,' I replied. 'Professionally so, I'm a writer.' So after a noticeable absence of a few months, I'm finally ready to unleash not one, not two, not even - [Before the Flood - Dark Tales - The Crystal Void](https://john-houlihan.net/before-the-flood-dark-tales-the-crystal-void/) - Ack, best laid plans and all that, but I see once again it’s a couple of months since I’ve done the whole blog update thing… Bugger, I meant to be a lot quicker than that, but it has indeed been busy times. First up, Seraph adventure #4 entitled Before the Flood is finally finished in - [Review: The Good War by Studs Terkel](https://john-houlihan.net/review-the-good-war-by-studs-terkel/) - So having a look at his little blog o’ mine, I’ve sort of realised I can’t keep doing updates on what is essentially a quite tedious process (writing). Well a tedious process to read about anyway. Word counts grow, plot and characters expand, but essentially repeating, ‘oh, I’ve done some more stuff, it’s now up - [The wall and Skype me baby!](https://john-houlihan.net/skype-me-baby-words-in-the-real-world/) - It can be tough being a writer, not real world tough, like hacking coal out of a mine, labouring on a building site or spending a twelve hour shift cleaning hospital wards, but it certainly has its own unique challenges. Some days you hit the writer’s equivalent of the wall and sit staring blankly, drooling, - [A!C - Dark Tales from the Secret War](https://john-houlihan.net/ac-dark-tales-from-the-secret-war/) - Well my drive to post more regularly didn’t last long, but the path to hell is paved with good intentions and all that. Still, two posts in under 20 days is upping the old batting average considerably, so you can’t complain – this is practically prolific by mine own (admittedly) shoddy standards. But I haven’t - [Happy New Fear](https://john-houlihan.net/happy-new-fear/) - 2014 already! Merde, how did that creep up on us so quickly? Well a damn happy New Year to you in any case, even though I still feel like I’m trying this one on for size - and I'm not entirely sure about the fit. Looking back, I find it’s early November since I - [League of Cthulhu #2 – David J Rodger part two](https://john-houlihan.net/league-of-cthulhu-2-david-j-rodger-part-two/) - So it’s been a little while since part one of this interview with the admirable David J Rodger first aired (over a month if the ol’ chronometer remains anchored in the right dimension) and I can only apologise for that. Dayjob has been extremely busy (who’d have guessed with two console launches coming up) and - [League of Cthulhu #1 - In conversation with David J Rodger](https://john-houlihan.net/league-of-cthulhu-1-in-conversation-with-david-j-rodger/) - The appeal of Call of Cthulhu and the worlds of Lovecraft has never been stronger. Everywhere you seem to look nowadays there’s Cthulhu masks, Cthulhu cakes and even Cthulhu Cosplay (loving those tentacles ladies). You name it, someone’s invoking it and slapping Cthulhu’s name all over it. Cthulhu-based fiction continues to run rampant and grows - [Slack...](https://john-houlihan.net/265/) - Slack …slack …slacker than a Frenchman’s jaw as he contemplates a shelf of personal hygiene products ( only blague-ing mon petite, I’m actually a raging Francophile under these carefully cultivated layers of humorous prejudice). So, it’s been a little while since there’s been any updates and really I haven’t got too many excuses, except I’ve been - [The laziness of the long distance writer](https://john-houlihan.net/the-laziness-of-the-long-distance-writer/) - ‘Things have been quiet …too quiet dammit.’ It’s been little while since I updated this thing and to be honest, I really should have paid a bit more attention. I was hoping to do daily updates, but in retrospect perhaps that was always a bit ambitious. But there you go: to be fair, circumstances have - [Ashes fever](https://john-houlihan.net/ashes-fever/) - It’s no secret to my nearest and dearest that I live a sordid life of secret addiction and with the first Ashes Test now complete, my cricketing dependence is only likely to grow greater in the weeks to come. But what a belter to kick things off: Agar’s 98, Bell’s magnificent century, a record breaking - [Tomb of the Aeons update](https://john-houlihan.net/tomb-of-the-aeons-update/) - So, some actual news on current works in progress now. I completed the first draft of Tomb of the Aeons, the third Seraph adventure last night and decided I’ll post a little teaser here. So here’s the opening paragraph. “The great dunes at first seem as unchanging as the aeons, yet one soon learns they - [‘So many dark, exciting possibilities’ - a monstrous Interview with John Houlihan](https://john-houlihan.net/so-many-dark-exciting-possibilities-a-monstrous-interview-with-john-houlihan/) - Well things gather apace and as well as some splendid initial reviews, I’ve just had an interview published by the admirable Futile Position where FP’s estimable Michael was good enough to pose me a few questions. So head on over to their John Houlihan Q&A page where I have a chat about all things Trellborg, - [Internet says nice things … world ceases to revolve](https://john-houlihan.net/internet-says-nice-things-world-ceases-to-revolve/) - Ahem, a spot of shameless self promotion now, huzzah. Well people have been saying nice things on the internet and that’s a rare enough thing, never mind when it’s about something you’ve written. So hurrah for that. Actually, there’s been some really nice mentions and plugs from a variety of people in the gaming and - [Farewell Iain M](https://john-houlihan.net/farewell-iain-m/) - Double tough viewing and reading this week, following the recent death of SF and literary legend Iain M Banks (I’ll always append the M). There was a particularly decent and poignant interview in The Guardian over the weekend, displaying all the man’s wit, macabre humour and humanity. Tonight also sees the first broadcast of Raw - [ Trellborg debuts at #1 and #3! ](https://john-houlihan.net/trellborg-debuts-at-1-and-3/) - Sheeeeeeet, I’m calling it, that counts as a best seller right?! Just a couple of days after launch, The Trellborg Monstrosities is at number one for the Call of Cthulhu version and number three for Savage Worlds on RPGNow.com. Genuinely delighted and humbled as pleased as I’ve ever been over a piece of work. I - [The Trellborg Monstrosities releases](https://john-houlihan.net/the-trellborg-monstrosities-releases/) - Phew just about made it in time! I've been rushing to get this website live to coincide with the release of some brand new work. Those lovely and highly discerning people over at Modiphius have done me the singular honour of publishing my novella The Trellborg Monstrosities and its accompanying eponymous game design for Call - [We have lift orf!](https://john-houlihan.net/we-have-lift-orf-2/) - Well hello, didn’t see you there, come on in, help yourself to a drink, we don’t stand on ceremony here you know, there’s drinks in the cabinet and well, sit ye down, make yourself comfortable. Welcome to my humble little corner on the web, kind of cosy ain’t it? Why here? Why now? Well, for - [#28 Consumer protection](https://john-houlihan.net/28-consumer-protection/) - Caution: Hot beverage may be hot. Do not eat this cup. These nuts may contain traces of nuts. Processed in an environment that contains deadly nerve agents. This packaging is made out of recycled babies. This warning is designed to give the impression of concern for your wellbeing –actually we don’t give a fuck; we - [#27 T and Cs – a cautionary tale for the digital age](https://john-houlihan.net/27-t-and-cs-a-cautionary-tale-for-the-digital-age/) - The devil’s in the detail, so they say and so next time you’re flicking past pages of bumf before blithely hitting that Accept button, my advice is: take care. On a whim, I installed a harmless little amusement and accepted the Terms and Conditions without even perusing the fine print. The result? I sold my - [#26 20-20 Hindsight](https://john-houlihan.net/26-20-20-hindsight/) - 40 years, five kids, twelve grandkids, five houses, a fleet of cars, six dogs, four cats, umpteen goldfish and one fortunately undetected murder later, I think I can safely say, I married the wrong sister. - [#25 Dumped](https://john-houlihan.net/25-dumped/) - They were only two battered old stools, but unloading them at the recycling centre, I remembered how we had bought them together, how we had sat at that old breakfast bar in our first home and ate and drank and talked and laughed till the wine ran out of our noses. Did we make a - [#23 Animals](https://john-houlihan.net/23-animals/) - "We're animals man, nothing more than fucking animals, smart ones sure, but the beast's skin tight cage can get stretched awfully thin. "Don't you ever want to go on the hunt? Run rampant, run with the pack, stalk through the shadowed night, howling at that moon, embracing the beast within? "On the prowl, senses primed, - [#22 You have a new message...](https://john-houlihan.net/22-you-have-a-new-message/) - "It is you who create our heart of darkness. You with your unquenchable thirst for the new black gold. You with your LOLs, your Facebook updates, your petty Twitterings, the empty all-consuming social media addiction which passes for your lives. "There is no connected world here, no network, just the tears of our brutalised women - [#21 Light](https://john-houlihan.net/21-light/) - "What do I know? Perhaps much, probably little. Human relationships? Ah yes, them. So complex, so fragile, each swinging precariously on a silken pendulum, translucent, almost invisible, in a world of sharp edges. One cannot truly find oneself in another, but we must become a slave to be set free, be able to look each - [#20 Lifescore](https://john-houlihan.net/20-lifescore/) - Wake (+5) bolt breakfast (+5 indigestion), delays into Euston (+20 frustration +10 rage) but make office in nick of time (+5 work kudos). Light flirting with canteen girl (+10 self image), chug five cups of strong coffee (+4 motivation +4 gibbering +2 paranoia). Plough through latest round of witless emails and dull memos (-20 motivation) - [#19 Acts of War](https://john-houlihan.net/19-acts-of-war/) - They go from house to house, rounding up the innocents, while we stand, safety catches locked, doing nothing. It's orders, policy. Doors are kicked in, wailing villagers extracted, herded like cattle into a corral by the market. Even up wind we can smell their sweat, their fear. Peacekeeper, I spit and the word seems to - [#18 Tripping on trains](https://john-houlihan.net/18-tripping-on-trains/) - Some people enjoy drinking in parks, I like tripping on trains. An off peak ticket, a mild(-ish) psychedelic and a window seat and the trip begins. Beyond the verges of the city, we hurtle through the veins and arteries of the land, spectators in the midst of a moving feast, yet I'm the only one - [#17 NPCs](https://john-houlihan.net/17-npcs/) - “Here e’ comes, make ready.” “Alright I know. It’s only a line, it’s not like we actually have anything else to do except stand here and look rustic.” “Sush! e’s here!” “Noble peasants hail! I am Vortigen the Revenger. The land groans under the yoke of the evil Vortigrax, quick can’st tell me the hidden - [#16 Night Sky](https://john-houlihan.net/16-night-sky/) - The mysteries of the heart are like the deeps of space, untold and fathomless. Love explodes like the birth pangs of a star, or blinks out in a moment, leaving only the void. Yet most just decay slowly, until, like the light from a distant sun, we glimpse only a remnant from a thousand years - [#15 Long Service Award](https://john-houlihan.net/15-long-service-award/) - Face wizened, seamed, like rivulets cutting their way through a cragged mountain pass, your dark button eyes regard a world of shopping centres, sales and Starbucks. Khaki has given way to Surawal, parade ground to waste ground, Kukri has been long sheathed. You are present but almost forgotten, your reward for a life-time’s devotion, a - [#12 Beyond the cheese course](https://john-houlihan.net/12-beyond-the-cheese-course/) - “Hello, nice meet you, we didn't get a chance to speak during dinner, I’m Letitia.” “Brian.” “You seem like a strong, handsome, charming kind of fellow Brian, tell me …do you swing?” “Aye lass, but it usually takes a new ball and’t right overhead conditions.” "I see …well not beyond the bounds of possibility.” - [#13 Retirement Plan](https://john-houlihan.net/13-retirement-plan/) - When I get older, I’ve decided I’m to go to go a little mad, not quite stark staring bonkers or anything but peculiar, eccentric and strange. I’ll develop weird obsessions and phobias, hoard bin bags or dig tunnels in the cellar. I’ll mutter in high streets and exude a malodorous smell. I’ll buy a walking - [#14 Empire of the six gardens](https://john-houlihan.net/14-empire-of-the-six-gardens/) - I rule the empire of the six gardens, three roofs and two sheds and all therein unto the boundary of the great wall. Five wives are my harem, twelve fat neuters my courtier-slaves and here my dominion is absolute, unquestioned and unchallenged. The providers, in their great wisdom, left me intactus to rule this domain - [#11 Intruder!](https://john-houlihan.net/11-intruder/) - “Hello, which emergency service do you require?” “Oh, the police please, dear.” “What's the nature of the emergency?” “Well dear, I can hear strange noises coming from downstairs, I think we may have burglars.” “Okay, okay, stay calm and stay on the line, I'm dispatching a patrol unit right away, they'll be with you in - [# 10 A New Bank Holiday](https://john-houlihan.net/10-a-new-bank-holiday/) - “Hi I'm Dave Bland and you're listening to BBC Radio Twelve. A quick reminder (as if you needed it) that today is National Fornication day, the one day of the year you can enjoy no questions asked, guilt-free sex with multiple strangers, with no comebacks, consequences or repercussions, safe in the knowledge your husband, wife, - [#8 Remote Control](https://john-houlihan.net/8-remote-control/) - Your day’s work is over and you drive home through the drowsy warmth of a suburban evening, at peace. When people ask what you do, your lies are well polished, the practiced deceptions of a surrogate warrior. You’re simultaneously on the front line and three thousand miles away, an invisible predator hanging over the battlefield - [#9 Scrap Heap Challenge](https://john-houlihan.net/9-scrap-heap-challenge/) - Glancing up, he could see the gleaming city in the distance. His head went down again as he sifted through the refuse pile and to Azrael's delight, he uncovered the tangled strands of a length of copper wire. A happy find, two or three days good eating at least. He tore and clawed at the - [# 7 Insurance](https://john-houlihan.net/7-insurance/) - It is a generally considered a wise precaution when undertaking any new job to open a private file detailing exactly where the business is burying the bodies required to succeed in the modern cut throat world of commerce. Less wise is to store that file somewhere it can - even accidently - be found, especially - [#6 Underground](https://john-houlihan.net/6-underground/) - A growing hum which swells to a rumble. The precursor, air, pushed forward like the stale, exhaled breath of the tunnel. Light bending around the curve, then an outraged roar as it bursts into the station. I waver on the brink, a single step, an impact like an insect on a windscreen and then sweet - [#4 Neophobia](https://john-houlihan.net/4-neophobia/) - It was with some trepidation that Axel confronted his greatest fear, only to discover that he was no longer very afraid of it any more. Damn. It was a moment of mixed joy and terror before he realized he was now suffering from disconcertaphobia - the fear of not knowing what your greatest fear is. - [#3 New Worlds](https://john-houlihan.net/3-new-worlds/) - It was with a growing sense of disconcertion that on stepping upon the surface of the unexplored world, Commander Shepherd discovered that the numberless dead did not in fact reside in heaven, hell or indeed anywhere in between. A strangely familiar reception committee awaited him. - [# 5 Three Wishes, Part One: Eternal Youth](https://john-houlihan.net/5-three-wishes-part-one-eternal-youth/) - wise to exercise a degree of precision when a Djinn grants you three wishes, three chances to obtain your very own heart's desire. I asked for an eternal youth. Big mistake. That's him over there with the sullen look, the pasty face and the poor personal hygene. Moody bastard. ## Pages - [Win Mon Dieu Cthulhu!](https://john-houlihan.net/sign-up-for-your-free-book/) - title="Landing Page> - [Books to Buy!](https://john-houlihan.net/read/) - Discover dark adventures, historical fantasy, science fiction and Lovecraftian horror — and get your books direct from me, the man who wrote them. Why buy direct? 💷 BETTER PRICESDirect prices are considerably lower than Amazon and other retailers. 💷 ESSENTIAL EBOOKS get ebooks by return of email, often before they're available on Amazon, DTRPG or - [Contact/Bio](https://john-houlihan.net/bio/) - John Houlihan is a novelist and short story writer publishing many books including The Seraph Chronicles and Mon Dieu Cthulhu! series, The Cricket Dictionary and the BSFA-award nominated The Constellation of Alarion. He has also appeared in numerous sci-fi and fantasy short story collections including Signals, Near Future Fictions, When Shadows Creep, Corridors, Forgotten Sidekicks, - [Say hello](https://john-houlihan.net/say-hello/) - John Houlihan is a novelist and short story writer publishing over ten books including The Seraph Chronicles and Mon Dieu Cthulhu! series, The Cricket Dictionary and the BSFA-award nominated The Constellation of Alarion. He has also appeared in numerous sci-fi and fantasy short story collections including Signals, Near Future Fictions, When Shadows Creep, Corridors, Forgotten ## Categories - [Uncategorized](https://john-houlihan.net/category/uncategorized/) - [Blog](https://john-houlihan.net/category/blog/) - [Books](https://john-houlihan.net/category/books/) - [Short Stories](https://john-houlihan.net/category/short-stories/) - [Very Short Stories](https://john-houlihan.net/category/very-short-stories/) - [Criticism](https://john-houlihan.net/category/criticism/) ## Tags - [very short story](https://john-houlihan.net/tag/very-short-story/) - [#28](https://john-houlihan.net/tag/28/) - [consumer protection](https://john-houlihan.net/tag/consumer-protection/) - [Sibling rivalry](https://john-houlihan.net/tag/sibling-rivalry/) - [flash fiction](https://john-houlihan.net/tag/flash-fiction/) - [#1](https://john-houlihan.net/tag/1/) - [#2](https://john-houlihan.net/tag/2/) - [Topical](https://john-houlihan.net/tag/topical/) - [#3](https://john-houlihan.net/tag/3/) - [New Worlds](https://john-houlihan.net/tag/new-worlds/) - [#4](https://john-houlihan.net/tag/4/) - [Neophobia](https://john-houlihan.net/tag/neophobia/) - ['#5](https://john-houlihan.net/tag/5/) - [Three Wishes Part One: Eternal Youth](https://john-houlihan.net/tag/three-wishes-part-one-eternal-youth/) - [#6](https://john-houlihan.net/tag/6/) - [Underground](https://john-houlihan.net/tag/underground/) - [#7](https://john-houlihan.net/tag/7/) - [Insurance](https://john-houlihan.net/tag/insurance/) - [#8](https://john-houlihan.net/tag/8/) - [Remote Control](https://john-houlihan.net/tag/remote-control/) - [#9](https://john-houlihan.net/tag/9/) - [Scrap Heap Challenge](https://john-houlihan.net/tag/scrap-heap-challenge/) - [#10](https://john-houlihan.net/tag/10/) - [A New Bank Holiday](https://john-houlihan.net/tag/a-new-bank-holiday/) - [#11](https://john-houlihan.net/tag/11/) - [Intruder](https://john-houlihan.net/tag/intruder/) - [#12](https://john-houlihan.net/tag/12/) - [Beyond the cheese course](https://john-houlihan.net/tag/beyond-the-cheese-course/) - [Retirement Plan](https://john-houlihan.net/tag/retirement-plan/) - [#13](https://john-houlihan.net/tag/13/) - [#14](https://john-houlihan.net/tag/14/) - [Empire of the Six Gardens](https://john-houlihan.net/tag/empire-of-the-six-gardens/) - [#15](https://john-houlihan.net/tag/15/) - [Long Service Award](https://john-houlihan.net/tag/long-service-award/) - [#16](https://john-houlihan.net/tag/16/) - [Night Sky](https://john-houlihan.net/tag/night-sky/) - [#17](https://john-houlihan.net/tag/17/) - [NPCs](https://john-houlihan.net/tag/npcs/) - [#18](https://john-houlihan.net/tag/18/) - [Tripping on Trains](https://john-houlihan.net/tag/tripping-on-trains/) - [#19](https://john-houlihan.net/tag/19/) - [Acts of War](https://john-houlihan.net/tag/acts-of-war/) - [#20](https://john-houlihan.net/tag/20/) - [Lifescore](https://john-houlihan.net/tag/lifescore/) - [#21](https://john-houlihan.net/tag/21/) - [Light](https://john-houlihan.net/tag/light/) - [#22](https://john-houlihan.net/tag/22/) - [You have a new message...](https://john-houlihan.net/tag/you-have-a-new-message/) - [#23](https://john-houlihan.net/tag/23/) - [Animals](https://john-houlihan.net/tag/animals/) - [#25](https://john-houlihan.net/tag/25/) - [Dumped](https://john-houlihan.net/tag/dumped/) - [#26](https://john-houlihan.net/tag/26/) - [20-20 Hindsight](https://john-houlihan.net/tag/20-20-hindsight/) - [#27](https://john-houlihan.net/tag/27/) - [T and C's - a cautionary tale for the digital age](https://john-houlihan.net/tag/t-and-cs-a-cautionary-tale-for-the-digital-age/) - [Welcome](https://john-houlihan.net/tag/welcome/) - [The Trellborg Monstrosities](https://john-houlihan.net/tag/the-trellborg-monstrosities/) - [RPGNow](https://john-houlihan.net/tag/rpgnow/) - [Iain Banks](https://john-houlihan.net/tag/iain-banks/) - [Iain M Banks](https://john-houlihan.net/tag/iain-m-banks/) - [The Culture](https://john-houlihan.net/tag/the-culture/) - [The Hydrogen Sonata](https://john-houlihan.net/tag/the-hydrogen-sonata/) - [Interview](https://john-houlihan.net/tag/interview/) - [review](https://john-houlihan.net/tag/review/) - [Cthulhu](https://john-houlihan.net/tag/cthulhu/) - [Tomb of the Aeons](https://john-houlihan.net/tag/tomb-of-the-aeons/) - [Seraph](https://john-houlihan.net/tag/seraph/) - [World War 2](https://john-houlihan.net/tag/world-war-2/) - [cricket](https://john-houlihan.net/tag/cricket/) - [ashes](https://john-houlihan.net/tag/ashes/) - [Laziness of the long distance writer](https://john-houlihan.net/tag/laziness-of-the-long-distance-writer/) - [League of Cthulhu; David J Rodger](https://john-houlihan.net/tag/league-of-cthulhu-david-j-rodger/) - [#29](https://john-houlihan.net/tag/29/) - [Be an angel](https://john-houlihan.net/tag/be-an-angel/) - [Achtung! 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