You may have noticed a snazzy new book cover in the sidebar on the home page. You may have seen the announcement on the Facebook page. But if you haven’t, you can admire the cover right now:

_The virus is spreading._

_Born in a test tube, Anthony has never set foot outside the company compound. But when his best friend goes out to rescue the evacuees, Anthony is the only one who can bring her back to safety. He alone is immune to the genetic mutations ravaging the city… because his genes created the virus._

_It’s the greatest experiment yet. One Anthony may not survive._

_Belonging_ is a short story set several thousand years before _Above Ground_, and exploring the origins of the human/infected divide.

And from now until October 31st you can grab a FREE copy of _Belonging_. How? Just leave a comment [on this blog post](https://amharte.com/2011/10/26/interview-her-book-self/)!

I’m not much of a poet
though I can write in rhyme —
the crafting of great verse
just bemuses my mind.

Thankfully not all
writers are like me,
which is why today’s the day
of national poetry.

Across England, Scotland, Wales,
and Northern Ireland too,
we’re celebrating poets
and all the work they do.

So stop reading my lines
which lack aplomb and style;
follow @poetrydayuk
to find something worthwhile.

That’s right: it’s National Poetry Day. Even if you’re not in the UK, go hug a poet near you. And a special shout out Gabriel Gadfly, my favourite poet across the pond.

Guess who’s back… back again.

AG’s back. Tell a friend.

Guess who’s back, guess who’s back, guess who’s copying song lyrics shamelessly….

You heard it. Above Ground has begun posting again! Long time no see, I know. New updates will come every Tuesday at midnight London time (which is Mondays at 7pm New York time — you work out your own time zone if needed).

First off thanks for stopping by. I really appreciate your support and would never have gotten this far without awesome readers.

The GOOD news is it’s going to be a lot better than it was originally. I think that’s already clear from the first chapter, even though Chapter 1 hasn’t changed too much from the original.

The BAD news is that I haven’t finished the rewrite yet, so can’t jump straight into the serial+ model as planned. I blame it on a number of factors, including: lots of 1889 editing work (boo), extended summer holidays (yay!), writer’s laziness (boo), new boyfriend (yay!)… and more besides.

I know, I’m lame. Eugh. However, I’m thinking of offering a compromise: for anyone willing to stump up $20, I’ll give you the chapters as they’re ready (meaning ahead of posting schedule), plus an individualised ebook when it comes out, plus a print book (shipping included). Haven’t worked out the details 100% yet, but that’s the general gist.

Thoughts, opinions, suggestions etc welcome.