Lawrence Miles
Encyclopedia
Lawrence Miles is a science fiction
author
known for his work on original Doctor Who
novels (for both the Virgin New Adventures
and BBC Books
series) and the subsequent spin-off
Faction Paradox
. He is also co-author (with Tat Wood
) of the About Time series of Doctor Who critiques.
and run under the generic title Tharg's Time Twisters in the weekly science fiction
anthology comic 2000 AD. It appeared in issue 722 (March 1991) and to date is Miles's only contribution to 2000 AD.
Miles' major contribution to the Doctor Who expanded universe
is the "War in Heaven" arc
begun in his novel Alien Bodies
. He has also written several novels and short stories outside this arc.
After most of the elements contributed by Miles were removed from the BBC novel range in the novel The Ancestor Cell
, Miles reused the major elements of this arc, without the Doctor Who references, to create the Faction Paradox
universe
, which now encompasses books, comic books and audio dramas.
Miles has used his web site The Beasthouse, where he has posted since 2004, initially as a venue for "analysis of British popular culture
using the UK Hit Parade as a framework and all-purpose excuse." Since then, its format has shifted often, from actual diary format entries to postings consisting simply of lists. Currently, the site contains a serialised work of fiction purporting to tell the story of an 1800s criminal mastermind time traveller.
His weekly reviews of Doctor Who
episodes can be found on his other blog
, Lawrence Miles' Doctor Who Thing. In May 2008, Miles temporarily posted online a spec script
for the TV series entitled "Book of the World", in a self described attempt to provide a legitimate basis for his polarising criticisms of the production team behind the revived series.
, the guide contains detailed accounts of the various concerns that fed into the making of the series and a number of essays answering specific questions (e.g. "How might the sonic screwdriver work?" and "Why didn't they just spend more money?"). In contrast to other Doctor Who guides, About Time is divided by "era" rather than by the lead actor, broadly reflecting different production philosophies and cultural climates. The several volumes are published in order of popularity rather than chronologically; volumes three and four were published first, covering the early and late 1970s. There are six volumes in total, the last covering the late eighties, the 1996 television movie and everything up to, but not including, the new 2005 series. Miles chose to leave the project after the completion of volume two, and the sixth and final volume was written by Wood. The sixth volume also featured additional material by publisher Lars Pearson
.
. The interview was not printed in the intended fanzine
, but was subsequently posted on the Internet
. Miles later changed his mind and has conducted interviews since.
Miles created controversy when he posted a review of the 2005 series episode "The Unquiet Dead
", focusing on his perceived political subtext
about asylum seekers. The review produced considerable backlash in various Internet forums, mainly over his comments about writer Mark Gatiss
. Miles conceded in a later edit of the review that the subtext he had written about was probably unintentional, but still felt it should have been detected and edited out of the script, as well as admitting in a later blog that he was intoxicated at the time of writing the original review.
Science fiction
Science fiction is a genre of fiction dealing with imaginary but more or less plausible content such as future settings, futuristic science and technology, space travel, aliens, and paranormal abilities...
author
Author
An author is broadly defined as "the person who originates or gives existence to anything" and that authorship determines responsibility for what is created. Narrowly defined, an author is the originator of any written work.-Legal significance:...
known for his work on original Doctor Who
Doctor Who
Doctor Who is a British science fiction television programme produced by the BBC. The programme depicts the adventures of a time-travelling humanoid alien known as the Doctor who explores the universe in a sentient time machine called the TARDIS that flies through time and space, whose exterior...
novels (for both the Virgin New Adventures
Virgin New Adventures
The Virgin New Adventures were a series of novels from Virgin Publishing based on the British science-fiction television series Doctor Who...
and BBC Books
BBC Books
BBC Books is an imprint majority owned and managed by Random House. The minority shareholder is BBC Worldwide, the commercial subsidiary of the British Broadcasting Corporation...
series) and the subsequent spin-off
Spin-off (media)
In media, a spin-off is a radio program, television program, video game, or any narrative work, derived from one or more already existing works, that focuses, in particular, in more detail on one aspect of that original work...
Faction Paradox
Faction Paradox
Faction Paradox is a fictional time travelling cult/rebel group/organized crime syndicate, originally created by the author Lawrence Miles. The Faction's belief-system as portrayed has some similarities to voodoo, and is sometimes described as such...
. He is also co-author (with Tat Wood
Tat Wood
Tat Wood is co-writer of the About Time episode guides to the television series Doctor Who. This book series, begun in 2004, emphasises the importance of understanding the series in the context of British politics, culture and science. Volume Six is entirely Wood's work.Wood has also written for...
) of the About Time series of Doctor Who critiques.
Life and work
Miles' first professionally published fiction was a 3-page comic strip, illustrated by Richard ElsonRichard Elson
Richard Elson is a British comic book artist best known for his work on Sonic the Comic, 2000 AD and Thor.-Biography:Richard Elson is a fine art graduate with over sixteen years experience as a cartoonist and illustrator....
and run under the generic title Tharg's Time Twisters in the weekly science fiction
Science fiction
Science fiction is a genre of fiction dealing with imaginary but more or less plausible content such as future settings, futuristic science and technology, space travel, aliens, and paranormal abilities...
anthology comic 2000 AD. It appeared in issue 722 (March 1991) and to date is Miles's only contribution to 2000 AD.
Miles' major contribution to the Doctor Who expanded universe
Expanded Universe
The term Expanded Universe is generally used to denote the 'extension' of a media franchise with other media...
is the "War in Heaven" arc
Story arc
A story arc is an extended or continuing storyline in episodic storytelling media such as television, comic books, comic strips, boardgames, video games, and in some cases, films. On a television program, for example, the story would unfold over many episodes. In television, the use of the story...
begun in his novel Alien Bodies
Alien Bodies
Alien Bodies is an original novel written by Lawrence Miles and based on the long-running British science fiction television series Doctor Who. It features the Eighth Doctor and Sam. This story marks the first appearance of Faction Paradox, a time travelling Gallifreyan voodoo cult...
. He has also written several novels and short stories outside this arc.
After most of the elements contributed by Miles were removed from the BBC novel range in the novel The Ancestor Cell
The Ancestor Cell
The Ancestor Cell is a novel by Peter Anghelides and Stephen Cole, based on the science fiction television series Doctor Who. It features the Eighth Doctor, Fitz Kreiner, Compassion and Romana III- as well as a brief appearance of the Third Doctor in a ghost-like state due to the Faction's...
, Miles reused the major elements of this arc, without the Doctor Who references, to create the Faction Paradox
Faction Paradox
Faction Paradox is a fictional time travelling cult/rebel group/organized crime syndicate, originally created by the author Lawrence Miles. The Faction's belief-system as portrayed has some similarities to voodoo, and is sometimes described as such...
universe
Fictional universe
A fictional universe is a self-consistent fictional setting with elements that differ from the real world. It may also be called an imagined, constructed or fictional realm ....
, which now encompasses books, comic books and audio dramas.
Miles has used his web site The Beasthouse, where he has posted since 2004, initially as a venue for "analysis of British popular culture
Popular culture
Popular culture is the totality of ideas, perspectives, attitudes, memes, images and other phenomena that are deemed preferred per an informal consensus within the mainstream of a given culture, especially Western culture of the early to mid 20th century and the emerging global mainstream of the...
using the UK Hit Parade as a framework and all-purpose excuse." Since then, its format has shifted often, from actual diary format entries to postings consisting simply of lists. Currently, the site contains a serialised work of fiction purporting to tell the story of an 1800s criminal mastermind time traveller.
His weekly reviews of Doctor Who
Doctor Who
Doctor Who is a British science fiction television programme produced by the BBC. The programme depicts the adventures of a time-travelling humanoid alien known as the Doctor who explores the universe in a sentient time machine called the TARDIS that flies through time and space, whose exterior...
episodes can be found on his other blog
Blog
A blog is a type of website or part of a website supposed to be updated with new content from time to time. Blogs are usually maintained by an individual with regular entries of commentary, descriptions of events, or other material such as graphics or video. Entries are commonly displayed in...
, Lawrence Miles' Doctor Who Thing. In May 2008, Miles temporarily posted online a spec script
Spec script
A spec script, also known as a speculative screenplay, is a non-commissioned unsolicited screenplay. It is usually written by a screenwriter who hopes to have the script optioned and eventually purchased by a producer, production company, or studio....
for the TV series entitled "Book of the World", in a self described attempt to provide a legitimate basis for his polarising criticisms of the production team behind the revived series.
About Time
Miles is the co-author of the first five volumes of About Time, a Doctor Who episode guide which examines the series in its cultural and historical context. Co-written with Tat WoodTat Wood
Tat Wood is co-writer of the About Time episode guides to the television series Doctor Who. This book series, begun in 2004, emphasises the importance of understanding the series in the context of British politics, culture and science. Volume Six is entirely Wood's work.Wood has also written for...
, the guide contains detailed accounts of the various concerns that fed into the making of the series and a number of essays answering specific questions (e.g. "How might the sonic screwdriver work?" and "Why didn't they just spend more money?"). In contrast to other Doctor Who guides, About Time is divided by "era" rather than by the lead actor, broadly reflecting different production philosophies and cultural climates. The several volumes are published in order of popularity rather than chronologically; volumes three and four were published first, covering the early and late 1970s. There are six volumes in total, the last covering the late eighties, the 1996 television movie and everything up to, but not including, the new 2005 series. Miles chose to leave the project after the completion of volume two, and the sixth and final volume was written by Wood. The sixth volume also featured additional material by publisher Lars Pearson
Lars Pearson
Lars Pearson is an American writer, editor, and journalist. He is the owner/publisher of Mad Norwegian Press, a publishing company specializing in reference guides to television shows including Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel and Doctor Who, plus the Faction Paradox range of novels and comic...
.
Controversies
Miles is also known for being a member of the Doctor Who fan community, having publicly voiced his opinions of other Doctor Who authors and fans in an infamous "final" interview before withdrawing from fandomFandom
Fandom is a term used to refer to a subculture composed of fans characterized by a feeling of sympathy and camaraderie with others who share a common interest...
. The interview was not printed in the intended fanzine
Fanzine
A fanzine is a nonprofessional and nonofficial publication produced by fans of a particular cultural phenomenon for the pleasure of others who share their interest...
, but was subsequently posted on the Internet
Internet
The Internet is a global system of interconnected computer networks that use the standard Internet protocol suite to serve billions of users worldwide...
. Miles later changed his mind and has conducted interviews since.
Miles created controversy when he posted a review of the 2005 series episode "The Unquiet Dead
The Unquiet Dead
"The Unquiet Dead" is an episode in the British science-fiction television series Doctor Who that was first broadcast on 9 April 2005 and is the first episode of the revival to be set in the past. In Victorian Cardiff, the dead are walking, and creatures made of gas are on the loose...
", focusing on his perceived political subtext
Subtext
Subtext or undertone is content of a book, play, musical work, film, video game, or television series which is not announced explicitly by the characters but is implicit or becomes something understood by the observer of the work as the production unfolds. Subtext can also refer to the thoughts...
about asylum seekers. The review produced considerable backlash in various Internet forums, mainly over his comments about writer Mark Gatiss
Mark Gatiss
Mark Gatiss is an English actor, screenwriter and novelist. He is best known as a member of the comedy team The League of Gentlemen, and has both written for and acted in the TV series Doctor Who and Sherlock....
. Miles conceded in a later edit of the review that the subtext he had written about was probably unintentional, but still felt it should have been detected and edited out of the script, as well as admitting in a later blog that he was intoxicated at the time of writing the original review.
Doctor Who
- Virgin New AdventuresVirgin New AdventuresThe Virgin New Adventures were a series of novels from Virgin Publishing based on the British science-fiction television series Doctor Who...
:- Christmas On A Rational PlanetChristmas on a Rational PlanetChristmas on a Rational Planet is an original novel written by Lawrence Miles and based on the long-running British science fiction television series Doctor Who...
(featuring the 7th DoctorSeventh DoctorThe Seventh Doctor is the seventh incarnation of the protagonist of the long-running BBC television science-fiction series Doctor Who. He was portrayed by the actor Sylvester McCoy....
, Chris CwejChris CwejChristopher Rodonanté Cwej, usually just known as Chris Cwej, is a fictional character from the Virgin New Adventures range of spin-offs based on the BBC science fiction television series Doctor Who...
, and Roz ForresterRoz ForresterRoslyn Sarah Inyathi Forrester, usually just known as Roz Forrester, is a fictional character from the Virgin New Adventures range of spin-offs based on the BBC science fiction television series Doctor Who....
) - DownDown (Bernice Summerfield)Down is an original novel by Lawrence Miles featuring the fictional archaeologist Bernice Summerfield. The New Adventures were a spin-off from the long-running British science fiction television series Doctor Who....
(featuring Bernice SummerfieldBernice SummerfieldBernice Surprise Summerfield is a fictional character created by author Paul Cornell as a new companion of the Seventh Doctor in Virgin Publishing's range of original full-length Doctor Who novels, the New Adventures...
) - Dead RomanceDead RomanceDead Romance is an original novel by Lawrence Miles, originally published as part of the Virgin New Adventures series. The New Adventures were a spin-off from the long-running British science fiction television series Doctor Who...
(featuring Chris CwejChris CwejChristopher Rodonanté Cwej, usually just known as Chris Cwej, is a fictional character from the Virgin New Adventures range of spin-offs based on the BBC science fiction television series Doctor Who...
)
- Christmas On A Rational Planet
- Eighth Doctor AdventuresEighth Doctor AdventuresThe Eighth Doctor Adventures are a series of spin off novels based on the long running BBC science fiction television series Doctor Who and published under the BBC Books imprint. 73 books were published overall...
:- Alien BodiesAlien BodiesAlien Bodies is an original novel written by Lawrence Miles and based on the long-running British science fiction television series Doctor Who. It features the Eighth Doctor and Sam. This story marks the first appearance of Faction Paradox, a time travelling Gallifreyan voodoo cult...
- Interference: Book OneInterference: Book OneInterference: Book One is an original novel written by Lawrence Miles and based on the long-running British science fiction television series Doctor Who...
, "Shock Tactic" - Interference: Book TwoInterference: Book TwoInterference: Book Two is an original novel written by Lawrence Miles and based on the long-running British science fiction television series Doctor Who...
, "The Hour Of The Geek" - The Adventuress of Henrietta StreetThe Adventuress of Henrietta StreetThe Adventuress of Henrietta Street is a BBC Books original novel written by Lawrence Miles and based on the long-running British science fiction television series Doctor Who. It features the Eighth Doctor, Fitz and Anji....
- Alien Bodies
- "The Judgement of Solomon", short storyShort storyA short story is a work of fiction that is usually written in prose, often in narrative format. This format tends to be more pointed than longer works of fiction, such as novellas and novels. Short story definitions based on length differ somewhat, even among professional writers, in part because...
from Decalog 5: Wonders (featuring Bernice SummerfieldBernice SummerfieldBernice Surprise Summerfield is a fictional character created by author Paul Cornell as a new companion of the Seventh Doctor in Virgin Publishing's range of original full-length Doctor Who novels, the New Adventures...
) - "Vrs", short short story from Short Trips and Sidesteps
- The Adolescence of TimeThe Adolescence of TimeThe Adolescence of Time is a Big Finish Productions audio drama featuring Lisa Bowerman as Bernice Summerfield, a character from the spin-off media based on the long-running British science fiction television series Doctor Who.- Plot :...
, audio drama from Big FinishBig Finish ProductionsBig Finish Productions is a British company that produces books and audio plays based, primarily, on cult British science fiction properties...
(featuring Bernice Summerfield)
Faction Paradox
- Books (published by Mad Norwegian PressMad Norwegian PressMad Norwegian Press is an American publisher of science-fiction guides and novels. The company has worked with authors such as Peter David, Harlan Ellison, Robert Shearman, Lance Parkin, Elizabeth Bear, Mary Robinette Kowal, Seanan McGuire, Jody Lynn Nye, Catherynne M...
):- The Book of the War (fictional work presented in the form of an encyclopaedic guide to the Faction Paradox universe, edited and co-written by Miles)
- This Town Will Never Let Us GoThis Town Will Never Let Us GoThis Town Will Never Let Us Go is an original novel by Lawrence Miles set in the Faction Paradox universe.Although taking place in a shared universe, it is a stand-alone work that does not require any prior knowledge and features no recurring characters...
(first in the series of Faction Paradox novels) - Dead RomanceDead RomanceDead Romance is an original novel by Lawrence Miles, originally published as part of the Virgin New Adventures series. The New Adventures were a spin-off from the long-running British science fiction television series Doctor Who...
(re-issue of the Virgin title, includes short stories "Toy Story" and "Grass")
- Audio dramas:
- (produced by BBVBBVBBV is a video and audio production company specialising in science fiction drama, known for its links with the British science fiction television series Doctor Who...
):- The Eleven Day Empire
- The Shadow Play
- Sabbath Dei
- In the Year of the Cat
- Movers
- A Labyrinth of Histories
- (produced by Magic Bullet ProductionsMagic Bullet ProductionsMagic Bullet Productions is an independent audio-production company formed in 2000 by Alan Stevens, focusing on Doctor Who and Blake's 7 spinoff audios...
):- Coming to Dust
- The Ship of a Billion Years
- Body Politic
- Words of Nine Divinities
- Ozymandias
- The Judgment of Sutekh
- (produced by BBV
- Comics:
- Faction Paradox #1-2 (with Jim CalafioreJim CalafioreJim Calafiore is an American comic book penciller and inker, known for his work on Marvel Comics Exiles, and DC Comics' Aquaman. His other work includes Faction Paradox, and writing Marvel's Exiles and Millennium Visions....
, Image ComicsImage ComicsImage Comics is a United States comic book publisher. It was founded in 1992 by high-profile illustrators as a venue where creators could publish their material without giving up the copyrights to the characters they created, as creator-owned properties. It was immediately successful, and remains...
, 2003)
- Faction Paradox #1-2 (with Jim Calafiore
Other short stories
- Tharg's Time Twisters: "Wraggs to Riches" (with Richard ElsonRichard ElsonRichard Elson is a British comic book artist best known for his work on Sonic the Comic, 2000 AD and Thor.-Biography:Richard Elson is a fine art graduate with over sixteen years experience as a cartoonist and illustrator....
, in 2000 AD #722, 1991) - "Toy Story",Perfect Timing 2 (December 1999), edited by Helen Fayle and Julian Eales
- "Grass", The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction issue 599 (September 2001), edited by Gordon van GelderGordon Van GelderGordon Van Gelder is a Hugo Award-winning American science fiction editor. As of 2008, Van Gelder is both editor and publisher of The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction, for which he has twice won the Hugo Award for Best Editor Short Form...
; also appeared in The Year's Best Fantasy and Horror 15th Annual Collection (2002), edited by Ellen DatlowEllen DatlowEllen Datlow is an American science fiction, fantasy, and horror editor and anthologist.-Biography:Datlow was the fiction editor of Omni magazine and Omni Online from 1981 through 1998, and edited the ten associated Omni anthologies...
and Terri WindlingTerri WindlingTerri Windling is an American editor, artist, essayist, and the author of books for both children and adults. Windling has won nine World Fantasy Awards, the Mythopoeic Award, the Bram Stoker Award, and her collection The Armless Maiden appeared on the short-list for the James Tiptree, Jr. Award...
Non-fiction
- (published by Mad Norwegian PressMad Norwegian PressMad Norwegian Press is an American publisher of science-fiction guides and novels. The company has worked with authors such as Peter David, Harlan Ellison, Robert Shearman, Lance Parkin, Elizabeth Bear, Mary Robinette Kowal, Seanan McGuire, Jody Lynn Nye, Catherynne M...
):- About Time: The Unauthorised Guide to Doctor Who: 1963-1966: Seasons 1 to 3 (co-written with Tat WoodTat WoodTat Wood is co-writer of the About Time episode guides to the television series Doctor Who. This book series, begun in 2004, emphasises the importance of understanding the series in the context of British politics, culture and science. Volume Six is entirely Wood's work.Wood has also written for...
) - About Time: The Unauthorised Guide to Doctor Who: 1966-1969: Seasons 4 to 6 (co-written with Tat WoodTat WoodTat Wood is co-writer of the About Time episode guides to the television series Doctor Who. This book series, begun in 2004, emphasises the importance of understanding the series in the context of British politics, culture and science. Volume Six is entirely Wood's work.Wood has also written for...
) - About Time: The Unauthorised Guide to Doctor Who: 1970-1974: Seasons 7 to 11 (co-written with Tat WoodTat WoodTat Wood is co-writer of the About Time episode guides to the television series Doctor Who. This book series, begun in 2004, emphasises the importance of understanding the series in the context of British politics, culture and science. Volume Six is entirely Wood's work.Wood has also written for...
) - About Time: The Unauthorised Guide to Doctor Who: 1975-1979: Seasons 12 to 17 (co-written with Tat WoodTat WoodTat Wood is co-writer of the About Time episode guides to the television series Doctor Who. This book series, begun in 2004, emphasises the importance of understanding the series in the context of British politics, culture and science. Volume Six is entirely Wood's work.Wood has also written for...
) - About Time: The Unauthorised Guide to Doctor Who: 1980-1984: Seasons 18 to 21 (co-written with Tat WoodTat WoodTat Wood is co-writer of the About Time episode guides to the television series Doctor Who. This book series, begun in 2004, emphasises the importance of understanding the series in the context of British politics, culture and science. Volume Six is entirely Wood's work.Wood has also written for...
) - Dusted: The Unauthorised Guide to Buffy The Vampire Slayer (co-written with Lars PearsonLars PearsonLars Pearson is an American writer, editor, and journalist. He is the owner/publisher of Mad Norwegian Press, a publishing company specializing in reference guides to television shows including Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel and Doctor Who, plus the Faction Paradox range of novels and comic...
and Christa Dickson)
- About Time: The Unauthorised Guide to Doctor Who: 1963-1966: Seasons 1 to 3 (co-written with Tat Wood
External links
- Miles' general blog and Doctor Who blog
- An interview concerning the Faction Paradox comics with online comicComicsComics denotes a hybrid medium having verbal side of its vocabulary tightly tied to its visual side in order to convey narrative or information only, the latter in case of non-fiction comics, seeking synergy by using both visual and verbal side in...
fanzineFanzineA fanzine is a nonprofessional and nonofficial publication produced by fans of a particular cultural phenomenon for the pleasure of others who share their interest...
Ninth Art - Interview with Miles on the BBC Doctor Who website
- Mad Norwegian Press, who publish most of Miles' current output
- Magic Bullet Productions, publishers of Miles' Faction Paradox audios