Alistair wrote:
"Thanks Emma, I really liked URBAN SHAMAN. I've actually tried divination by channel hopping, and I think it's really interesting how people are looking at all these new kinds of signs for their connection with the other things that are out there.
There seems to be a whole new generation of magically/shamanically attuned people who are both practicing this new magic, and also writing stories about it. I find it fascinating how comics are the primary medium that these new ideas are coming out in, and wonderful how two of the industries most successful figures (Beardy and Baldy) are very probably the two most important magicians in Britain at the moment.
There are kids out there who really are living the thing that you wrote about in URBAN SHAMAN - there's a fascinating article about kids who live on the streets in Miami and their experiences with a 'Blue Lady' who seems to be some kind of spirit guide.
ODDCASES is based on people I know, and stories I've heard. What I'm trying to do with it is to have Clarissa and Jani as having been the very first of a new breed of techno/magical types when in their prime, who've been doing their thing for a very long time, and are now very, very knowledgable and professional. They know that you can't just cast spells and make everything better - you have to sort the actual problems out.
I'm ten pages in to the next story, which will introduce their niece, drop some hints about their past - and turn into a big, big fight. And it's got Monkey in it. No, not 'a monkey'. Monkey. The best mythological character ever. Oh yes.
Anyway - I'm flattered people want stuff signed. Next Bristol we're hoping to have a trade paperback collection available.
Oh, and for those of you who don't know what we're talking about - you can read it online here:
http://www.opi8.com/sequence/oddcases/oddcases.php Right - off to make a cup of tea. Why is it some people really don't like brown sugar in tea? I much prefer it."
