Spring is here again and the first buds of new life are apparent on the Halfcut tree in the form of Andrew Hook's forthcoming publication 'Residue'. Following on from the acclaim of his debut novel 'Moon Beaver' and short story anthologies 'The Virtual Menagerie' and 'Beyond Each Blue Horizon', 'Residue' collects 19 of the 2005 British Fantasy Awards winner's short stories, many appearing in print for the first time.

The book is scheduled for an Autumn 2006 release in both paperback and very special limited edition illustrated formats. Discounts for subscribers to the mailing list will be available, and a dedicated Residue section added to the website with music from Peter Escott to coincide with publication.

A mouthwatering taster for Residue, along with three other brand new stories, are currently online in our Leper Colony section:

• Andrew Hook - So The Gods Have Decided To Play Ball After All
• Graeme Larmour - First Of The Fallen Apples
• David Scott - Bruce's Survival Guide To The UK
• Michael O'Brien - 38 Degrees C

Further short stories from Graeme Larmour & Michael O'Brien, as well as a Jandek biography and news from The Waiting Room feature in the first A5 Halfcut zine which can be found in shops across the UK or requested for free from our site.

Meanwhile the opening section of Graeme Larmour's 'PlusOne' novel is now available as an mp3 talking book and is available for free download, as is Bezenby's remix of Primitive Painter's 'Armadillo In The Snow'.

Finally, Halfcut contributors Vicky Larmour and Clare Knox have now returned from their trek across Mexico in aid of Mencap, having raised over £5,000 to date for the charity. Pictures of their jaunt will be online soon.

Until next time...

The Halfcut Team

http://www.halfcutpublications.com/