Wednesday 22 June 2016

A Right Bloody Mess sent to the Printer.

Finally, after much effort and gnashing of teeth, I have finally sent the book to the printers.

So when do I get my copy?
The printer is sending me a proof so I can check things, mainly colour reproduction of photos. Once I get it back it should be a week or so to confirm the copy, last proof-read, etc. and then I will order a quantity.

They should be available at Eureka Miniatures by the start of September, hopefully earlier. If you are located outside Australia then you can order copies direct from me, and the printer will ship then directly. The delays are now about printing schedules and shipping, the book is finished.

It is a 266 page cloth bound hardcover, 6x9 inches, covering the first year of the conflict, with plenty of historical detail on every faction plus all the things a wargamer may want to know.

Having finally sent the book, I am back to the painting table and enjoying the break.

Matt

Monday 25 January 2016

Lead Adventure Forum

There is a very interesting discussion going on Lead Adventure about ARBM. It is well worth a look.

http://www.lead-adventure.de/index.php?topic=79914.0

While playing on the net, have a look at the Abyssinian Crisis. These guys have done a tremendous job. Their  figures are inspirational and most of them are perfect for re-purposing to ARBM.

https://abyssiniancrisis.wordpress.com/

These borrowed images from their site could be straight out of ARBM.
IMG_4575


OOS Brits
Matt

Tuesday 5 January 2016

A Right Bloody Mess Publication

It has been a while since I updated the Blog, but things have been far from quiet.

The Good News:
We should publish in time for Little Wars Melbourne. It will probably be a 96 page A4 Hardcover
 "Wargamers Guide to the Australian Civil War - 1933" 

Now for the story.
I completed the edited draft of the manuscript in early December 2015, and gave it to someone for review and sought opinion from numerous people. It was running to 70,000 words (a 400 page novel is 80,000)  and I had not completed the appendices. It included everything people had said they wanted to see, or at least my interpretation of it.

The general consensus was that it was a complete guide to the lead up to, and beginning of the conflict. People were startled at some of the detail I had found and learnt a lot about the period in Australia, but, there is always a but.

But it read as a piece of non-fiction, a history book. It was to detailed, too much information. Wargamers wanted a more quick reference guide they could  turn to the various factions and understand its place, allies and enemies, potential uniforms, military capability and organisation. I admit I had set out to be as close to historically accurate as events would allow, and not prescribe where possible.

So, with a draft faction approved by all, it has been a rewrite and restructure. I hope to complete it by the end of January and get it into editor and reviewers hands. Writing and maps are going well, so here's to publication.

The information is not lost, I still intend to publish the history book as I now call it. It will probably be a PDF available through Wargames Vault, and will have about 50% new material.

Matt