The Writers of Wales Database

STONE, SAM

Email: sam@sam-stone.com
Website: www.sam-stone.com  

Horror writer, poet and consultant editor, Sam Stone was born in Manchester (as Samantha Lee Harrison) in October 1965, which forms the partial backdrop to her novel Killing Kiss. After living in Wales for eight months in 2007-2008, Sam took up permanent residence in North Wales in July 2009.

Following her graduation from the University of Bolton in 2001 with a BA (Hons) in English and Writing for Performance, and completing a PGCE at Manchester University, Sam pursued a career in teaching. Within a year of starting her first post as an English teacher she was promoted to Head of Drama and began writing plays for her students to perform.

Sam continued studying part-time at Bolton and successfully completed her MA in Creative Writing in 2006. It was during this time that the novel Gabriele Caccini (originally written for the MA dissertation) was concluded and later went on to be published in January 2007. In 2008, Gabriele Caccini won the Silver Award for Best Horror Novel 2007 with ForeWord Magazine in the USA.

Sam’s first novel was later re-edited and re-released as Killing Kiss in September 2008 by The House of Murky Depths (www.murkydepths.com). Killing Kiss is part one of The Vampire Gene Series. Sam has since gone on to write the second book, Futile Flame, and is currently working on the third, Demon Dance. She has also contributed to Murky Depths Magazine as Consultant Editor.

About her home and working environment Sam says, “North Wales has become a great source of inspiration and forms a unique basis for my writing. The landscape of the area, particularly Llanberis Pass, forms a huge part of the descriptions used in Futile Flame in the world of the Allucians.”

Reviews:
With respect to Killing Kiss (The House of Murky Depths, 2008)

"…A deceptively readable date with darkness – watch your step! This book is lit for the much more discerning chick (and cock) who likes to walk in the shadows. Relax with it, but be prepared for sudden jewels and little masterpieces – and the rug to be pulled from under your feet…"
Tanith Lee

"…This is not just another vampire novel. Sam Stone takes us into the mind and body of the four-centuries-old young man. We are treated to a tour de force of dramatic lives, gruesome deaths through seventeenth century Italy to cruise ships, Goth clubs, and we participate in present day student life…"
Geoff Nelder, Word Press


With respect to Futile Flame (The House of Murky Depths, 2009)

"…Recommended for fans of the Twilight Saga…"
Borders, Oxford Street, London


Selected Publications:
Gabriele Caccini (Authorhouse, 2007)
Killing Kiss (The House of Murky Depths, 2008)
Futile Flame (The House of Murky Depths, 2009)
Demon Dance (The House of Murky Depths, 2010)
Hateful Heart  (THe House of Murky Depths, 2011)

Contributed to:
Hines Sight: The Life and Loves of One of Britain's Favourite Sons (co-editor) (Telos Publishing, 2009)
The Bitten Word (contributor) (NewCon Press, 2010)
Rules of Duel (editor) (Telos Publishing, 2010)




Futile Flame (The House of Murky Depths, 2009)

The Vampire Gene series continues …

A dark and powerful creature threatens Gabriele and Lilly’s immortal existence and so Gabriele is forced to turn to Lucrezia, his maker. She reveals to him the horros of her teenage years in the sixteenth-century in the house of the Borgias, and the possessive obsession of her brother Caesare. Her Transformation into a vampire gives her freedom, but leads her on a journey of discovery which shapes the events of the past, present and future.

Does Lucrezia’s strange past have something to do with Gabriele and Lilly’s problems in the present? What is the mysterious entity which seems to be stalking the vampires?

To purchase this title from www.murkydepths.com, please click on the front cover