New Anthology Highlight: Driverless

Posted on June 16, 2023 by simondillon

Over the next few weeks on the blog, I’m delving into the seven short stories and novellas contained within my recently released Love and Other Punishments dystopian sci-fi anthology.

This week: Driverless

Linda Wheeler is a civil servant working at the central headquarters of the Driverless Vehicle Network in London. One morning, she is summoned to an emergency confidential briefing to learn terrorists have hacked their systems. They have already demonstrated their power by causing one crash, and are threatening to crash many more vehicles, with increasing severity, unless their demands are met. As the staff at the DVN try to regain control of their systems, Linda finds a rabbit trail of evidence and begins to suspect an insider may have assisted the terrorists in their attack. But who can be trusted? Nail-biting shenanigans ensue.

I intended Driverless as nothing more than an old-fashioned thriller with dystopian sci-fi trimmings. There’s lots of page-turning suspense, and I was influenced by everyone from Michael Crichton to Alfred Hitchcock. Of all the short stories in this volume, this is the one I most hope makes it to the big screen one day, as I reckon it could be expanded in a number of fascinating ways, including beyond the ending. But I rather like it in this shorter, tighter form too.

It’s worth adding that the previous novella The Thought Improvement Plan is referenced in an “Easter egg” during Driverless. As you may recall, Belinda Barrymore’s mother Jackie is hit by what appears to be a malfunctioning driverless car in The Thought Improvement Plan, causing her to wind up in hospital during the latter part of that story. Here, Jackie is namedropped again during the initial briefing, only it is revealed the malfunctioning car in question was deliberately crashed by the terrorists. So yes, this story takes place in the same universe in a concurrent time frame.

What inspired Driverless? Just how appalled I am at the whole idea of it, to be honest. Driverless vehicles are so rife with the potential for disaster (not just potential terrorist hackers) that I can’t understand why anyone would be crazy enough to get into one of those things. Call me a Luddite if you like, but there it is. Still, perhaps it will never come to pass in the ways we might fear. As former Top Gear presenters Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May once pointed out, the idea of driverless cars on some of the world’s most dangerous roads – including Bolivia’s notorious “Death Road” through the mountains – is utterly preposterous.

To order an ebook or paperback of the Love and Other Punishments anthology, click here (for Amazon in the US), or here (for Amazon in the UK). Digital versions are also available from Smashwords (and their various outlets) here.

New Anthology Highlight: The Thought Improvement Plan

Posted on June 9, 2023 by simondillon

Over the next seven weeks on the blog, I’m delving into the seven short stories and novellas contained within my recently released Love and Other Punishments dystopian sci-fi anthology.

First up: The Thought Improvement Plan

The plot involves a world where thought-monitoring brain implants are standard employment practice. Here a man and woman conduct a secret workplace romance against company policy. Together they find devious ways to fool their thought supervisor by providing false brain metrics.

In a sense, this is a futuristic romantic comedy. The future in which it is set is certainly dystopian. It is also alarmingly plausible considering what is being discussed at the World Economic Forum, regarding potential brain monitoring for employees. However, whilst this story is set in a world where such abhorrent practices are in place, the focus is more on the central couple, Andy and Belinda. They meet one another at work, are mutually attracted, and desperately want to indulge in an old-school workplace flirtation, even though workplace flirtation is considered the height of political incorrectness, and indeed is strictly forbidden.

Andy and Belinda both have a rebellious streak, especially Belinda who is revealed to have significant criminal connections. But her criminality is not violent, nor is she interested in overthrowing their political oppressors through direct activism. Instead, she calls herself an “inactivist”, finding cunning ways to fool the thought monitors, and essentially covertly sticking two fingers up to the system. Andy is swept off his feet by Belinda, but in true rom-com style, their relationship gradually becomes more serious, and is ultimately put to the test.

The inspiration for this story came from the aforementioned horrors at the World Economic Forum. A few minor elements, such as the lab-grown food, also have their origins in real-world scientific research (in the story, only the mega-rich can afford real vegetables or meat, whereas every else is forced to eat lab-grown food). More than anything, the inspiration came from my wife, whom I initially met through a workplace flirtation. Perhaps these days, such a flirtation would be frowned upon. Had corporate thought monitoring software in place, it would have been impossible. I daresay I would have been fired – unless of course, we’d been as devious as Andy and Belinda.

The Thought Improvement Programme is probably the lightest of the stories in this volume, and as such I think the novella is a fine opener for the collection. You can read the first of the six chapters here, as a taster.

New Release: Love and Other Punishments Anthology Out Now

Posted on June 2, 2023 by simondillon

I’m thrilled to announce that Love and Other Punishments, my new dystopian sci-fi anthology, is now available in ebook and paperback. To whet your appetite, here’s the blurb from the back of the book.

From the author of Children of the Folded Valley and Peaceful Quiet Lives, a gripping selection of dystopian science fiction novellas and short stories.

A journalist investigates a company manufacturing nightmare suppressing nanotech for children.

A civil servant suspects terrorists hacking the Driverless Vehicle Network and crashing vehicles may be an inside job.

A man and woman conduct an illegal workplace affair, finding ingenious ways to fool corporate brain monitoring.

All these stories and more in this compelling collection of futuristic satire, technological speculation, alternative realities, and melancholy obsessions. Includes The Thought Improvement Programme, Driverless, Bleed with Me, The Traffic Warden, Sweet Dreams, Apocalypse 1983, and Love and Other Punishments.

Some of these stories had previously been available on Medium (all except one are now removed), but three are brand new and exclusive to this volume. Two never-before-seen novellas of about 20,000 and 18,000 words each, and one new short story at around 12,000 words, have been added to the other earlier novellas and stories earmarked for inclusion. The total word count for the volume is around 85,000 words.

For the most part, each story explores one aspect of futuristic technology (for example, nightmare-suppressing brain implants for children), but is otherwise set in a relatable contemporary-ish setting, just a little way into the future. The stories aren’t bogged down in scientific theory but are much more about the potential repercussions of these speculations on humans.

Here is the complete rundown of titles, plus a little about each story.

Sweet Dreams

A journalist investigates a tech company manufacturing nightmare suppressing nanotech for children. “Sweet Dreams” refers to the technology involved, which the journalist comes to believe may be linked to an increase in suicidal tendencies among young people. Her investigations uncover conspiracies, cover-ups, and eventually murder.

If you want a taster of this collection, all five parts of Sweet Dreams are currently available on Medium, beginning here (each instalment contains a link to subsequent parts).

The Thought Improvement Plan

In a world where thought monitoring brain implants are standard employment practice, a man and woman conduct a secret workplace romance against company policy. Together they find devious ways to fool their thought supervisor by providing false brain metrics. New and exclusive to this volume.

Driverless

When terrorists hack the Driverless Vehicle Network, threatening to crash cars unless their demands are met by the British government, a civil servant begins to suspect there may have been an inside job. New and exclusive to this volume.

Bleed with Me

In the not-too-distant future, ghost sightings are found to be “quantum contamination” or “memory bleeds” that can be easily disposed of via scientific means. A quantum contamination cleaner becomes secretly obsessed with the unsolved murder of a young woman whose memory bleeds occupy his home. New and exclusive to this volume.

The Traffic Warden

A curious IT technician discovers a surreal, sinister truth about traffic wardens. I almost left this darkly comic tale out of the volume, but ultimately felt it made a nice a palate cleanser following the emotionally intense finale of Bleed with Me. Exclusive to this volume, previously available on Medium.

Apocalypse 1983

In a parallel universe, a Soviet Air Force officer holds the fate of the world in his hands. Inspired by the real-life 1983 Soviet nuclear false alarm incident, in which Stanislav Petrov essentially saved the world from nuclear annihilation. Exclusive to this volume, previously available on Medium.

Love and Other Punishments

In a fascistic future London, a widowed salesman begins to suspect he has repressed memories when he encounters a mysterious woman. Exclusive to this volume, previously available on Medium.

To order a copy of the Love and Other Punishments anthology, click here (for Amazon in the US), or here (for Amazon in the UK). If you have scruples about Amazon, digital versions are also available from Smashwords here.

Cover Reveal: Love and Other Punishments

Posted on May 30, 2023 by simondillon

Here is the cover for my new dystopian sci-fi anthology, Love and Other Punishments, which is out this Friday (2nd June).

I’ll say more about the novellas and short stories in this compelling collection this Friday. In the meantime, to pre-order a copy of the Love and Other Punishments anthology, click here (for Amazon in the US), or here (for Amazon in the UK). If you have scruples about Amazon, digital versions are also available from Smashwords here.

Coming Soon: New Dystopian Sci-Fi Anthology

Posted on May 26, 2023 by simondillon

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been polishing short stories and novellas to include in a planned new anthology release. Akin to my earlier collection, Infestation: A Horror Anthology, this one won’t be horror but dystopian science fiction. The anthology will be entitled Love and Other Punishments, after one of the stories, previously published on Medium.

The volume is about 80,000 words long. Over half (around 50,000 words) will be new, exclusive material, consisting of two novellas and a short story never seen before. The remaining short stories and novellas have previously been available to Medium subscribers.

Most of these novellas or short stories explore one aspect of futuristic technology, but otherwise takes place in relatable settings a short way into the future. The stories aren’t bogged down in scientific theory but are much more about the potential repercussions of these speculations on humans. Some of them are akin to potential technologies presently being discussed in places like the World Economic Forum.

Here are the titles, plus a little about each story.

The Thought Improvement Plan (exclusive to this volume) – In a world where brain monitoring implants are standard employment practice, a man and woman conduct a secret workplace romance against company policy, finding devious ways to fool their thought supervisor by providing false brain metrics.

Driverless (exclusive to this volume) – When terrorists hack the Driverless Vehicle Network, threatening to crash cars unless their demands are met by the British government, a civil servant begins to suspect there may have been an inside job.

The Traffic Warden (previously available on Medium) – A curious IT technician discovers the truth about traffic wardens in this surreal, sinister, darkly comic conspiracy thriller.

Bleed With Me (exclusive to this volume) – In a world where ghost sightings are found to be “quantum contamination” or “memory bleeds” that can be easily disposed of via scientific means, a quantum contamination cleaner becomes secretly obsessed with the unsolved murder of a young woman whose memory bleeds occupy his home.

Sweet Dreams (previously available on Medium) – A journalist investigates a tech company manufacturing nightmare suppressing nanotech for children. “Sweet Dreams” refers to the technology involved, which the journalist comes to believe may be linked to an increase in suicidal tendencies among young people. Her investigations uncover conspiracies, cover-ups, and eventually murder.

Apocalypse 1983 (previously available on Medium) – In a parallel universe, a Soviet Air Force officer holds the fate of the world in his hands.

Love and Other Punishments (previously available on Medium) – In a fascistic future London, a widowed salesman begins to suspect he has repressed memories when he encounters a mysterious woman.

I shall be announcing a publication date and revealing a cover image very soon. Watch this space.

New Novel Update Plus Title Reveal

Posted on March 24, 2023 by simondillon

One of my major goals this year was to write the first draft of my new gothic mystery novel. I can tell you that I have now completed this. It’s a twisty-turny murder mystery thriller with hints of the supernatural, and I’m rather pleased with how it turned out.

What’s it called?

Drumroll… The title is A Thorn in Winter. This title not only sounds suitably sinister but has a hidden meaning that only becomes apparent as the plot unfolds.

What’s it about?

It concerns a young woman who is being blackmailed. Upon learning her blackmailer is linked to a decades-old unsolved murder, she discovers an alarming personal connection to the victim, and consequently finds herself in deadly peril.

I don’t really want to get more specific than that at this point, as this is one of the most twist-laden novels I’ve ever written. At the same time, it delves into themes of infidelity, revenge, and even reincarnation. It ticks many of my gothic mystery trope boxes: Imperilled heroine, sinister locations, buried secrets (literally and figuratively), and supporting characters who aren’t quite what they seem. It’s a rollercoaster of suspicion and suspense, and I think it has some emotional heft too (there’s a melancholy romantic subplot of sorts).

“Modbridge” looks a bit like this. Photo by Beth Jnr on Unsplash

The bulk of the novel is set in the fictional town of Modbridge, with occasional visits to Plymouth. Modbridge is a small town based on the real town of Modbury. The name combines the two local towns of Modbury and Kingsbridge. The steep main road running through Modbury, with shops either side, is also a key location that inspired a similar location in the novel.

When can I read it?

Not for a while, as I’ll probably sit on this manuscript for at least a year, per my standard procedure, before looking at it again with fresh eyes. On the other hand, I’m about to polish up the novel I completed this time a year ago, The Hobbford Giant, with a view to submitting it to agents and publishers. So you are one step closer to seeing that one. Watch this space.

Dillon Empire Update February 2023

Posted on February 24, 2023 by simondillon

Whilst I carry on writing the first draft of the new novel in earnest (currently about 75,000 words in, closing in on the end of chapter 18), I’ve continued to be as prolific as ever on Medium and Patreon. Here are a few highlights.

On Patreon, I’m serialising the current unpolished draft of my psychological mystery thriller The Balliol Conspiracy. I’ve also kept up with my awkward video updates, and one or two other bits and pieces. Here’s a sample of what’s available to supporters.

February Video Update

Watch me awkwardly bumble my way through a writing update in a woodland, decidedly in need of a haircut, and sounding out of breath. Plus added snark from subtitles added by my eldest son.

Interviewing My Characters: James Harper from Children of the Folded Valley

I thought it might be fun to run a series of short interviews conducted with characters from my novels. First up, the protagonist of my most successful novel to date, Children of the Folded Valley. Here, I imagine him being harassed by a curious journalist in-between the events of acts two and three (which are alluded to in mysterious, hopefully intriguing terms, but not spoiled for those who haven’t read the novel).

Diary of an Alien Invasion Commander

This is a snippet of a satirical sci-fi comedy project I started fifteen years ago, abandoned, and am considering picking up again. It might wind up as a short story or novella, but this is a sample what I’ve written so far. It concerns an extremely reluctant alien invader, mired in middle management apathy.

The Balliol Conspiracy Chapter 5

In this chapter, bridge engineer Stanley Orchard has an unexpected visit from an old friend, who finds himself in an extremely unpleasant situation.

As for Medium, here are a few highlights of what I’ve been up to over the past month.

A Story Isn’t a Sermon

An interview with yours truly conducted by Ben Human of The Pro Files

Roald Dahl Censored by Sensitivity Readers

Newspeak strikes again. Where does it end?

Schindler’s List: One Person Can Make a Difference

The timeless message of Steven Spielberg’s landmark Holocaust drama.

Titanic in 3D? No Thanks

James Cameron’s romantic disaster epic gets a Valentine’s week cinema rerelease, but the Dillon Empire rages at the absence of 2D screenings.

Oscar Predictions 2023

The Dillon Empire mulls over this year’s Academy Award nominees.

Every Steven Spielberg Film Ranked: Part 1 of 3

The Dillon Empire lists the great director’s films in order of personal preference. (NOTE: There’s a link to the second part at the end, which in turn has a link to the third part at the end.)

How I Brainwashed My Children with Great Films: Part 6

You too can breed smug specimens of cinematic literacy. (NOTE: This is the final part in this series. There are links to all five previous parts at the beginning).

That’s a wrap for this month. Thank you again for all your support, and as always, a massive extra huge thank you to all my supporters on Patreon – Claus, Robin, Eric, David P, Steve, Emma, Sterling, Galina, Ian, Gillian, Yasmine and Ville, plus those who have contributed one-off donations on Ko-fi. Also, thank you to Ruth and Iain, and David S, and to everyone who has bought books, reviewed books, and promoted or supported me in other ways. You are hugely, hugely appreciated, and I couldn’t do this without you.

If you aren’t already a supporter on Patreon, please take a look at this link, which outlines my writing goals for the next year, clearly stating how much I wish to raise and why, and offering support levels of £2, £4, £8, and £25 per month, with different benefits at each level. Please consider supporting me, even if only at the lower level, as every contribution helps.

Those of you who aren’t Medium subscribers get three free reads per month. However, if you decide to subscribe to Medium to read all my work (and the work of many others), please do so via this link, as it means I financially benefit from your subscription.

Thank you again for supporting my writing.

Spectre of Springwell Forest and The Irresistible Summons: Two Rave Reviews on Medium

Posted on February 10, 2023 by simondillon

I sometimes mention reviews for my novels received in places like Amazon or Goodreads. However, I’m thrilled to see a pair of great reviews for Spectre of Springwell Forest and The Irresistible Summons on Medium, by the excellent Arpad Nagy. Word is spreading, and soon my nail-biting horror-thrillers will take the world by storm. Or at least, that’s always the aim.

In the meantime, here are a few of snippets from these greatly encouraging reviews. First up, concerning Spectre of Springwell Forest, Arpad says this:

“A fright-inducing, panic-charged paranormal mystery… Putting the book down is nearly as impossible as stopping the horror the story reveals.”

“With each turn of the page, unease swims in your stomach, and your throat goes dry. The reader wants to know what’s beneath the veil and needs to see the truth revealed, all the while wishing the main character would relent in pursuing the mysterious secrets of Springwell and the abnormal behaviours of its citizens.”

“Creepy, dark, shocking, and spooky from beginning to end… Don’t forget to take a long look at the book’s cover when you’ve finished reading.”

Ah, yes. The cover. Anyway, for the full article, click here. On to Arpad’s other piece, this time concerning The Irresistible Summons. Here are a few of his thoughts.

“An unstoppable descent into a paranormal nightmare.”

“From romantic nuance and religious references, Dillon drives the story into dark places. Horror arrives in various forms, and all of them are unnerving and most frightening is the possibility of some of them being real issues we could be facing soon.”

“The story makes you think, unwind and rewind the implications of what is happening, and you quickly lose faith in which characters you can trust. Dillon delivers the right amount of twists and turns, none of which I could accurately predict, and one of them is a real “didn’t see that coming” doozy.”

Arpad’s full review of The Irresistible Summons is here.

To pick up an ebook or paperback of either of these novels, click here (for the UK) and here (for the US). Alternatively, click here to obtain copies via Smashwords and their associated distribution channels.

Medium and Patreon Update: January 2023

Posted on January 20, 2023 by simondillon

I’ve had a busy start to 2023. Whilst writing the first draft of my latest novel, I’ve also been posting on Patreon and Medium, as usual.

On Patreon, I’ve added a number of new insights into my writing, updates, and other exclusive bits and pieces for my supporters. For instance, they now have chapters three and four of my novel The Balliol Conspiracy, which I’m serialising the draft, pre-edited version of, as a special bonus for those supporting at “Knight of the Dillon Empire” level (£8 per month), or higher. The Balliol Conspiracy, which will almost certainly be retitled when I eventually decide what to do with it, is a romantic psychological mystery-cum spy thriller a genre apart from my usual gothic oeuvre.

For Knights of the Dillon Empire, here are the two latest instalments.

The Balliol Conspiracy Chapter 3

Bridge engineer Stanley Orchard goes to Heathrow airport to collect the mysterious left luggage suitcase he bid for in an online auction, only to become suspicious he is being watched.

The Balliol Conspiracy Chapter 4

Stanley Orchard goes to visit his mother, having picked up the mysterious left luggage suitcase he’d bid for in an online auction. His mother has some surprising personal news, and an intriguing visitor.

January Video Update

My awkward video update shenanigans continue, and once again, as per my December update, my eldest son tries to muscle in on the act, leaving various sarcastic captions as I spout about what I’ve been up to. I’ve had some supporters tell me they are patrons for these video updates alone, as they enjoy watching me squirm on camera. I shall continue to indulge their sadistic whims. These updates are available from the lowest support tier and up, so if you wish to become an “Ally of the Dillon” Empire, it’s a mere £2 per month.

New Gothic Mystery Novel: January 2023 Update

Supporters on Patreon at “Free Citizen of the Dillon Empire” level or higher (£4 per month) get these exclusive updates and insights into progress on my latest novel, and my writing process in general. If you want news about what I’m up to, you’ll hear it here first.

Elsewhere, I’ve been busy on Medium. Herewith some highlights, beginning with the first part of this series I’ve just started.

How I Brainwashed My Children with Great Films: Part 1

You too can breed smug specimens of cinematic literacy.

Do I Stay for the End Credits?

The Dillon Empire’s take on when to sit through the cinematic slow curtain.

Why I Defend Dances with Wolves

Over thirty years later, despite criticisms, this Avatar-inspiring epic western remains a triumph for Kevin Costner.

How to Plan the Perfect Double Bill

Intriguing cinematic pairings, and how to curate them.

My Fifteen Favourite Beautiful Films

A personal selection of sublime cinematography.

That’s a wrap for this month. Thank you again for all your support, and as always, an extra huge thank you to all my supporters on Patreon – Claus, Robin, Eric, David P, Steve, Emma, Sterling, Galina, Ian, Gillian, Yasmine and Ville, plus those who have contributed one-off donations on Ko-fi. Also, thank you to Ruth and Iain, and David S, and to every one of you who has bought books, reviewed books, and promoted or supported me in other ways. You know who you are, and I wouldn’t be here without you.

Thank you again for supporting my writing.

Happy New Year!

Posted on January 1, 2023 by simondillon

Happy New Year from the Dillon Empire. I hope you’re enjoying your holiday. Time to reveal some of what I have planned for 2023, writing-wise.

Firstly, I’m penning another gothic mystery novel. This one involves a young woman caught in a web of blackmail, but that noir-ish opening gradually gives way to potentially supernatural horror elements that creep into the narrative. I don’t want to say too much more at this stage, but I’ve already written chapter one, and I hope to have a first draft within the next three months. The finished novel should sit nicely alongside my previous gothic horror-thrillers, including Spectre of Springwell Forest, The Irresistible Summons, and Phantom Audition.

Secondly, I plan to make good on one of my unrealised goals of 2022 and publish an overdue second volume of short stories. This one will probably stay away from horror, but it will contain romance, science fiction, fantasy, dark comedy, and various other genres. Most of the stories have been previously published on Medium and one or two other places, but at least two stories will be exclusive to this volume.

Thirdly, I plan to revise and polish The Hobbford Giant, so it is ready to show to agents and publishers, should the need arise. I wrote this novel last year, so I’m ready to take another look at it, having given a decent interval of time for the dust to settle on my objectivity. I have a good feeling about this one, so watch this space.

Fourthly, I shall continue pushing my gothic mystery The White Nest (real title still redacted for now) with literary agents, in the hope of securing mainstream publication. I’ve had some encouraging noises on that front, but nothing certain yet. It would be great to get to the end of 2023 with something concrete.

On top of this, I plan to continue writing on Medium and Patreon, and I have one or two other platform launches I’m planning for 2023, which I’ll keep quiet about for now. As ever, watch this space. Thank you for all your support of my writing endeavours, and once again, Happy New Year.

Simon Dillon Books

Updates and insights into Simon Dillon's novels