The Pan of Hamgee, starving outlaw, bumps into Big Merv; the meanest, scariest gangster in the City and without thinking what he is doing, steals his wallet. When Big Merv realises what has happened our hero's future looks short. Will he talk his way out of it or will he be 'recycled' into a stanchion of the Outer Ring Road extension.U certificate. 4,000 words.Written in British English.This comedic sci fi quick read is a short story prequel to the K'Barthan Series. It is a short story in the sense that it is not long rather than that the plot fits with any particular preconceived 'short story' format. Or to put it another way there is no twist in this tale. It takes place in a contemporary setting, in a parallel universe - as does the whole series. This light piece of witty comedy fiction tells us how two of the characters meet. This story sits in the of British tradition of humour and satire. There is also an excerpt from Few Are Chosen, the first book in the K'Barthan series, over and above the word count quoted here (which is for the actual story only).INTERVIEW WITH THE AUTHORQ - So, tell us about the K'Barthan Series. What made you write it? What makes it special?A - There's a saying, somewhere, that if the book you want to read hasn't been written, you must write it. If you want the honest answer I wrote it for me. As a reader, I have always loved British satire and humor or humour. I love funny; funny epic fantasy series like the Discworld novels and comedic sci fi like Douglas Adams. I like a gripping tale that zips along quickly in the time honoured tradition of adventure and action fiction, I love misfit characters, the weirder and more colourful the better. And of course, I like genre fiction mashups; Douglas Adams meets StarTrek, Doctor Who, Terry Pratchett and James Bond. Therefore, my cunning gambit was a fantasy that was also science fiction and would surprise me. I wanted weird alien races, fly cars, car chases, static powered laser guns... you get the picture. I wanted a fast paced story, a gripping tale but also comedy in the tradition of all the great funny British authors, and misfit characters who are searching for somewhere to fit in.You won't find standard mythic creatures in my sci fi - I couldn't face the deluge of emails I'd inevitably get from those who knew more about them than I do, telling me I'd got them wrong. However, you will find all sorts of quirky characters and interesting alien species. From six feet Swamp Things with antennae to cute furry creatures like the Blurpons, with their fluffy ears, big button eyes and penchant for extreme violence.Q - Should the K'Barthan Series be read in order?A - The character development - and some of the technology - will make the most sense if it is. That said, the short series prequel can be read any time. The books go in this order:- Unlucky Dip, K'Barthan Series: Prequel- Few Are Chosen, K'Barthan Series: Part 1- The Wrong Stuff, K'Barthan Series: Part 2- One Man: No Plan, K'Barthan Series: Part 3- Looking For Trouble, K'Barthan Series: Part 4Q - What will readers enjoy most about The K'Barthan Series?A - Hopefully, the same things as I do: Q - What is your favourite kind of Book? Would The K'Barthan Series fit on the list?A - Oh yes. I wrote it entirely for me. If anyone else likes it, that's gravy. I love British humour, especially satire and parody in sci fi and fantasy: people like Pratchett and Adams. There's so much texture and depth in their books. I think if you're funny you can be harder hitting and setting it all in a parallel reality helps.Q - Do you have a target reader?A - Not really. I wrote it with my nephew in mind - he was a teenager at the time - but it's more a mind set and an approach to life that I'm reaching out to. To give you an idea; the oldest fan of the series I know of is in his 90s and the youngest is 10.

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• Literature & FictionHumour & SatireLiterary Humour

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