From doom at guynsmith.com  Sun Aug  4 17:36:08 2024
From: doom at guynsmith.com (Doom)
Date: Sun, 4 Aug 2024 17:36:08 +0100
Subject: [Newsgroup-test] [Test] testing testing 1 2 3 - Is this OK?
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  Official Newsletter No. 7
  Celebrating the Life and Works of Guy N Smith 1939-2020


  A Warm Welcome to Fans, Friends and Fiends From Black Hill Books Ltd

Here is our long-awaited seventh GNS newsletter! We have an overflowing 
basket of goodies for you, including details of the upcoming Crab-themed 
Fan Convention in Knighton on Sunday September 1st (have you registered 
yet?); a peek at some of our favourite author-fans? latest works, from 
blog posts and zines to articles and books; a behind-the-scenes glimpse 
of the creative team behind the relaunch of the Crabs series books 1-3; 
and the book cover reveals, unveiled here first for our most devoted 
fans! And of course, there is the next instalment of Guy?s teenage 
Mystery Man Diary. Dig in!

------------------------------------------------------------------------


  Come to the Crabaret!

Crab Icon

True to decades-long tradition, the next GNS Fan Con will be held on the 
first Sunday of September which, this year, falls on September 1st. Our 
chosen venue is situated in the picturesque Welsh town of Knighton, 
Powys, one of Guy?s favourite haunts, where he set his horror novel /The 
Knighton Vampires/. This free-entry event will kick off at midday and 
includes:

  * *GNS readings* - excerpts from the first three Crabs series books,
    read by Tara Paulsson (Guy?s daughter)
  * Guest author *Mark Morris* reads from his latest novel /That Which
    Stands Outside/
  * *Crustacean-themed quiz* - impress us with your razor-sharp and
    snappy answers to win a prize!
  * *Raffle!* You could win a /Doctor Who: King Crab/ fantasy film poster
  * *Auction* - bid for a *one-off leatherbound */*Night of the Crabs*/
    edition, handmade by our very own web wizard, ?Reverend Doom?, and
    other items including the marked-up manuscript of the latest /Night
    of the Crabs/, Guy?s own crab-patterned tie and his /I Bought A
    Vampire Motorbike/ film t-shirt (see pics below)
  * *Free savoury buffet *for those on a see-food diet (ho ho!),
    including vegetarian and dairy/gluten-free options, provided by
    Julie at the Little Black Sheep Caf?.
  * *Merchandise and books* for sale at our
    One-/Night-of-the-Crabs/-Stand. Grab a claw full of keyrings, pens,
    fridge magnets and postcards. New T-shirts and mugs also available,
    thanks to Ceri Brown of Ceri?s Creative Designs.
  * *Screening* of the prizewinning short film from the competition we
    are launching with Shortly.film (see below and Guy N Smith website
    <http://www.guynsmith.comn/1/?page_id=877> for more details).

To register your attendance, email FanCon2024 at guynsmith.com with your 
name and number of attendees.

------------------------------------------------------------------------


  The Guy N. Smith Short Film Challenge


    Presented by Shortly.film and Black Hill Books

Are you an aspiring filmmaker with a passion for horror? Shortly.film 
and Black Hill Books proudly present The Guy N. Smith Short Film 
Challenge, inspired by the legendary horror writer?s short story, /The 
Vigil <https://guynsmith.com/1/?page_id=912>/. This is your chance to 
create a 15-minute film that captures the chilling essence of Smith?s tale.


      How to Enter:

 1. *Read the Story:* Access /The Vigil
    <https://guynsmith.com/1/?page_id=912>/ for free online at
    Shortly.film <https://shortly.film/short-film-challenge/> or Guy N.
    Smith's official website <https://guynsmith.com/1/?page_id=912>.
    This story will be available for a limited time, so don't miss out.
 2. *Create Your Film:* Use your creativity to bring /The Vigil/ to life
    in a 15-minute horror short.
 3. *Submit Your Entry:* Ensure your film meets all requirements and is
    submitted by 23:59 on August 20, 2024.


      Prizes:

  * *Screening at the Guy N. Smith Fan Convention:* Your film will be
    showcased on September 1, 2024, in Knighton, Wales.
  * *Cash Prize:* ?200.
  * *Recognition:* Featured on www.shortly.film <https://www.shortly.film>.
  * *Crabby Kudos:* Earn the admiration of horror fans worldwide.


      Rules and Requirements:

  * *Story Basis:* The film must be based on the short story /The Vigil
    <https://guynsmith.com/1/?page_id=912>/ and properly credited in the
    opening text.
  * *Format:* MP4.
  * *File Size:* Must not exceed 2 GB.
  * *Subtitles:* If not in English, subtitles must be burned in.
  * *Length:* Maximum of 15 minutes.
  * *Deadline:* Submit by 23:59 on August 20, 2024.
  * *Screening:* All submissions may be screened on www.shortly.film
    <https://www.shortly.film>.

Don't miss this thrilling opportunity to showcase your talent and pay 
tribute to Guy N. Smith's horror legacy. Start filming today!

For Terms and Conditions and more details, visit www.guynsmith.com 
<https://www.guynsmith.com/1/?page_id=877> and www.shortly.film 
<https://shortly.film/terms-and-conditions-filmmaker/>.

------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Fellow Creatives - Their Work


      Chris Elphick

<https://amzn.eu/d/023y6A8b> <https://amzn.eu/d/023y6A8b>

In our GNS Newsletter No.6, we introduced *Chris Elphick* - writer, 
photographer and GNS fan - who in recent times has entertained us all on 
social media groups with his excellent Lego diorama and blog posts. You 
can view them on his website The Pixie-Led Blog 
<https://www.pixie-led.co.uk/p/1.html> (do visit!). Elphick has just 
written his ?Personal Fanzine? on Guy, which is full of wonderful facts, 
insights and images and includes a Smith short story (courtesy of Black 
Hill Books Ltd) called /Toby?s Way/. The zine was released for sale on 
August 1st and can be bought either directly from Elphick via his 
website or on Amazon <https://amzn.eu/d/023y6A8b>.

------------------------------------------------------------------------


      Richards Daniels

<https://www.occultariaofalbion.co.uk/> 
<https://www.occultariaofalbion.co.uk/>

We are also honoured that *Richards Daniels*, who produces and records 
the intriguing Occultaria of Albion Podcast, which explores all things 
mysterious from UFOs and paranormal events to conspiracies and folklore, 
is to publish an article about Guy in /Phantasmagoria/ magazine. The 
article celebrates 50 years of Guy N. Smith pulp horror novels, which 
began with his first published book, /Werewolf By Moonlight/. Daniels - 
a seasoned writer and creative, has an upcoming event called *The Filing 
Cabinet of Fear* (Live Show) at Louth Town Hall (Lincolnshire) on August 
10th. Visit the Occultaria of Albion website 
<https://www.occultariaofalbion.co.uk/> for more details.

------------------------------------------------------------------------


      Mickey Lewis

The charismatic author/actor *Mickey Lewis* (see Newsletter No. 5) pops 
up again with an interview about Guy in /The Dark Side/ magazine (out 
August 29th - see photo below) and his new book of collected stories, 
out later this year. The book, called /Lucifer Sam 2: The Beast Sides/, 
is a sequel to his novel /Lucifer Sam/ about a punk band that battles 
demons and monsters. The opening story features Guy as an evil James 
Bond-type villain who unleashes the monsters from his books onto the 
public - in real life. Lewis?s story is written as an affectionate 
pastiche and even though the band in the novels love his books they soon 
find themselves fighting for their lives against a /Slime Beast/ and a 
/Werewolf by Moonlight/ - in Waterstones! And Mickey has given us an 
exclusive extract! Enjoy?

*

?Fuck ?em,? Guy says, as he slams down his coffee mug (it has a picture 
of him on it with the byline ?Writer By Moonlight? and an inscription 
which says: smoking is my right, and my choice, and this is my house so 
anyone who doesn?t approve can go fuck themselves.) on top of the 
rejection letter from Orbit and draws angrily on his pipe. ?Let?s do it!?

Jean looks up nervously from the sink where she is washing the breakfast 
dishes. She is tense, her eyes wary behind the wisps of hair that trail 
down like ivy from the coiled bun on her hair. ?Do what, dear??

He darts a furious, exasperated glance at her. ?Unleash the Beasts of 
course, and open the Sucking Pit.?

Well, now we will all HAVE to buy this book!

*

------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Fiends with Benefits (well, blogs?)

There are many excellent review/blog sites featuring Guy?s work. Here 
are a few:

  * DLS Reviews <https://www.dlsreviews.com/guy-n-smith.php> - has an
    extensive collection of reviews. - thanks, Chris Hall
  * Hit Me With Your Book Review
    <https://hitmewithyourbookreview.blogspot.com/> Mike Howlett
    provided this link.
  * The Nameless Zine <https://www.thenamelesszine.org/>The Nameless
    Zine is pleased to present a variety of news and reviews of interest
    to the science fiction and fantasy community - thanks Hal C. F. Astell
  * Apocalypse Later <https://books.apocalypselaterempire.com/> -
    another link from Hal C. F. Astell!
  * A Look Back: The Monster Librarian Interview With Guy N. Smith
    <https://www.monsterlibrarian.com/TheCirculationDesk/a-look-back-the-monster-librarian-interview-with-guy-n-smith/>
    - thanks to ML Staff!
  * Lord Sampers Library (@lordsamper on x.com) - Thanks, Your Lordship!
  * Pixie-Led <https://www.pixie-led.co.uk/p/1.html> - Chris Elphick?s
    blog, as mentioned before

------------------------------------------------------------------------


    The Crabs Are Coming!

The first three books in Guy?s /Crabs/ series are due to be re-published 
as ebook and paperback on September 1st (with an audiobook of /Night of 
the Crabs/ in production), and there?s an intention to release the next 
three (books 4-6) in these formats by Christmas, and the hardback 
versions next year, hopefully featuring some colourful Rick Melton 
artwork. Let us introduce you to the current contributors!

------------------------------------------------------------------------


      Brian Keene - Night of the Crabs Foreword

As you will know from Newsletter 6, American bestselling and 
award-winning novelist, comic book writer and film producer *Brian 
Keene* has written an insightful foreword for the new edition of /*Night 
of the Crabs.*/ Keene looks after the literary estate of the late J.F. 
Gonzalez of /Clickers /fame. Since Gonzalez had himself provided a 
foreword for a previous edition of /Night of the Crabs/, it?s fitting 
that the baton has now been passed on to Keene, with whom Gonzalez 
co-wrote several /Clickers/ novels. Keene runs Vortex Books & Comics 
with his partner and co-writer Mary SanGiovanni in Columbia PA.

------------------------------------------------------------------------


      Anthony O?Connor - Killer Crabs Foreword

<https://anthonyoconnorauthor.com/>

Australian writer *Anthony O?Connor*, who wrote post-apocalyptic cult 
classic novel /Straya/ (now in development as an animated movie) 
referencing Guy and his /Crabs/ novels, has graced us with a 
characteristically entertaining and Aus-tastic foreword to /Killer 
Crabs/. O?Connor excels in writing genre-bending movies and books. He 
wrote original screenplays for the inner city black comedy /Angst/ and 
the blood-soaked office horror /Redd Inc/. (aka /Inhuman Resources/ in 
the US/UK). More recently, he has released spooky YA ghost yarn /Emma 
After/. O?Connor is currently developing a quiet horror film project and 
is finishing his third novel. He regularly reviews film, TV and video 
games for various outlets including IGN, Flicks and FilmInk.

Anthony's Website <https://anthonyoconnorauthor.com/>

------------------------------------------------------------------------


      Mark Morris - Origin of the Crabs Foreword

The foreword for the third book in the series, /Origin of the Crabs/, is 
offered up by Mark Morris, another leading light in the horror fiction 
world. Morris has written and edited around fifty novels, novellas, 
short story collections and anthologies, and his script work includes 
audio dramas for /Doctor Who, Jago & Litefoot/ and the /Hammer Chillers 
/series. His latest oeuvre, from Flame Tree Press, is folk horror novel 
/That Which Stands Outside/, from which Morris will read at the GNS Fan 
Convention in September, where he is making a guest appearance and will 
even sign copies of his own books for fans! Mark has won two British 
Fantasy Awards, and has also been nominated for several Stokers and 
Shirley Jackson Awards.

------------------------------------------------------------------------


      Neale Thomas - Cover Artist

The /Crabs/ book cover artwork has been created by Neale Thomas from 
Liverpool.

Neale gained a BA (Hons) in Illustration at Kingston Polytechnic, 
London. He worked as a freelance illustrator for 20 years and his work 
has appeared in numerous magazines and national newspapers. Since 2010, 
he has developed a focus on the golden era of motor racing and has 
exhibited his work in the Revival Market, the Silverstone Classic, Race 
Retro and the Brooklands Museum.

------------------------------------------------------------------------


      Andrew-Mark Thompson - Graphic Designer

Andy is based in East Midlands UK and took up graphic design after 
studying media at university. He specialises in retro designs based on 
themes and images from mid-20th century commercial design. He has 
contributed full covers for Telos Books, Headpress Books, Obverse Books 
and Scatola Publishing, amongst others, and has also supplied design 
work for BBC4 and Matthew Sweet about Amicus Film?s King Crab script, 
which was based on Night of the Crabs. He also published his first book 
/This Is A Fake/ ( Telos Publishing <https://www.telos.co.uk/>) which 
puts together humorous design pieces based on the television culture of 
the 20th century. He lives alone with no cats.

------------------------------------------------------------------------


      Pete Gold - Audiobook Narrator

Pete is one of Britain?s busiest and most widely-recognised voice 
actors. From TV documentaries to radio commercials; stadium 
announcements to video games; he?s lent his voice to thousands of 
projects over the last 25 years. His passion is storytelling, and he has 
featured in many full-cast audio dramas for Audible, as well as several 
audio books. He is very excited to be narrating /Night Of The Crabs,/ 
and hopes he will do justice to this key part of the Guy N. Smith 
legacy. Originally from Sheffield, Yorkshire, he now lives in 
Hertfordshire, with his wife, son, goofy-looking dog and aloof cat.

------------------------------------------------------------------------


      Reverend Doom - IT and slow painful deaths

IT Manager, exorcist, a man with a dreadful mission. Doom was an orphan. 
His parents died in a plague that went through when he was small and, to 
care for him, the town council apprenticed him to the local gravedigger. 
For years he served, learning the ins and outs of the physical and 
spiritual side of dealing with death. He learned about his god, the 
patron of death, from the gravedigger. But the gravedigger?s worship 
always seemed a bit hollow, a little too rote. One night Doom picked up 
the sacred text the gravedigger kept on the small shrine in their shared 
chambers and read it. He became shocked and dismayed at the disparity 
between the soft platitudes his guardian parrots and the dire truths 
uncovered in his god?s scriptures. That night the gravedigger, his home 
and Doom?s entire life burned to the ground as he set off to become the 
god of death?s most faithful servant ever. Doom also maintains the website.

------------------------------------------------------------------------


      Tara Paulsson - Editor and Composer

Tara (Guy?s daughter) gained a First in English Literature at York 
University and worked as an actress and theatre composer for 10 years 
after leaving Mountview Theatre School. She has written music for over 
30 theatre productions and was Resident Composer with Wildcard Theatre 
Company for a number of years. Tara later attended the London School of 
Publishing where she studied Editorial and Proofreading and worked at 
legal publishers Chambers & Partners as a Researcher/Editor before 
leaving to start a family and work as a private music teacher. She now 
lives in Sweden and combines running Black Hill Books Ltd with private 
teaching and writing/composing. Tara worked on the editing and 
production aspects of the new GNS publications, with help and advice 
from seasoned book editor Nancy Webber. She also composed and recorded 
the title music for the Black Hill Books /Night of the Crabs/ audiobook, 
which features percussion, fx and marimba arrangements with West 
Limerick-based musician Dr Boris Hunka.


  And now, what you've all been waiting for - The Crabs Cover Reveals!

We?ve gone for a non-AI retro feel for this series - hope you like them. 
We do! Of course, they don?t replace or eclipse the many amazing covers 
that have gone before, which are now part of 70s/80s pulp horror 
history, but (we hope) they add variety and classic style. Thanks to 
Neale and Andy for their artistry, professionalism and, most of all, 
patience!



------------------------------------------------------------------------


    And Last But Not Least - ?Mystery Man? Diary 1957

Here is the fifth instalment of Guy?s secret teenage diary, originally 
handwritten and published in the GNS newsletters for the first time. Guy 
would have been just 18 years old when he wrote it and was already 
working in the Midland Bank. Enjoy!

*Friday March 8th*

I came home on the 5.15 train with Don Stevenson. I have bought some 
loose shot & tonight I took the pellets oout of six No. 6 cartridges & 
made myself three No.4 cartridges and three BB cartridges. I shall take 
them tomorrow. I have got a strong liking for Gillian Evans & I?m not 
sure that she isn?t a bit keen on me!!!

*Saturday March 9th*

We did fairly well on States today and I got the five-to-one train home. 
I rained consistently. I had the gramophone out in the shed for an hour 
then I went round to see Coles. Fred didn?t think he would come with me 
so I went into Hopwas Wood on my own. I went over the three hills and 
along by Pearce?s. I saw some partridges in one of Pearce?s fields. I 
also saw some cock pheasant. I did not get a shot. They have cleared 
most of the rhododendrons in Rookery Nook. Played subbuteo with Lance. I 
won 5-4.

*Sunday March 10th*

Went round to see Billy & Nellie. He told me the story about the little 
boy who wanted to watch Pauline Trimby kiss Tony goodbye. Dale?s air 
raid shelter roof fell in & Billy & Nellie are quite sure that I 
splodged it in with a fork. We took Daddy down to the hospital at 5 0/c 
today. We met one of the sisters & the matron. In the evening I wrote 
for various free specimens as advertised in the ?National Weekly.?

*Monday March 11th*

A fairly peaceful day. I got the 5.5 bus home. I went into the wood at 
dusk with the gun. It was moonlight. A carrion crow passed fairly near 
but not near enough for a shot. Dr Raybould rang up to say Daddy had had 
two hernias done, his piles & his appendix taken out. We rang up the 
hospital at 10 o/c and they said he was sleeping peacefully. I went down 
to Grandma?s this evening. Also rang up Mrs Cole to tell her the news 
about Dad.

*Tuesday March 12th*

I went up to Mrs Wiinfield?s with Sam Loughead tonight. He liked it very 
much. I like a girl with a ?ponytail? hairstyle very much indeed. Next 
week I shall offer her a lift back to Tamworth with us afterwards. Sam 
is getting to know the steps. Daddy is progressing well and the hospital 
is very pleased with him. I shall see him tomorrow.

*Wednesday March 13th*

We balanced nice & early & I was getting ready to go at 4.45 when old 
Tovey came & told me I?d got to take the registered letters up at 4.45. 
I just got the 5.15 train. I went out with the gun but didn?t get a 
shot. I walked down to the hospital & saw Dad. He looked very much 
better than I had expected. I got the 9.15 bus up. Auntie Daisy rang.

*Thursday March 14th*

We balanced O.K. today & I got the 4.42 train home. I received a letter 
today telling me I was on the permanent staff. That?s a relief!!! I had 
a 2/6d P/O from Stockwells!!! I went in the wood with the gun but didn?t 
see anything. Helen came to teach me book-keeping & I walked down the 
road with her to meet her friend outside the Chequers. Dad is 
progressing well. Mr Outhwaite rang up.

*Friday March 15th*

Caught the 4.42 train home. I missed the bus up home but Mum was in town 
& she gave me a lift up. I got a record of Gerry Grant singing 
?Moonlight Gambler.? I went in the wood with the gun but didn?t get a 
shot. Went down to see Dad tonight. He is looking very much better. I am 
looking forward to the weekend.

*Saturday March 16th*

Mr Brewster drove the ?bus into B?ham today. I had a chat to him. I came 
home on the 1.5 ?bus. The 2.15 was just moving out as I ran up. He saw 
me but wouldn?t stop. I walked home & rang up the Midland Red and 
reported him. I did some digging in the garden. Went shooting up Hopwas 
Wood with Fred Cole. Had 4 shots at crows but got nothing. Went down 
with Grandma to see Dad. He is going along nicely.

*Sunday March 17th*

Did some gardening in the morning. Put in 1 row of peas, 3 of lettuce, 2 
of radishes & 4 of parsnips. Saw Billy & Nellie in the afternoon. Stayed 
there till 4.30pm then I came home. I didn?t feel too well then, but I 
took no notice. Went down to the hospital to see Daddy at night. Saw the 
play on T.V. ?The Cask of Amontillado.? Felt lousy. Went to bed early.

*Monday March 18th*

Had a rotten night & in the morning I had a temperature of 99?. I 
stopped in bed for the day. Mum rang up the office & spoke to Ray 
Maskell. As the day went on I began to feel better. I shall go to work 
tomorrow. I am looking forward to going dancing tomorrow evening & 
seeing that girl again.

*Tuesday March 19th*

Felt much better. Went to work. Got back on the 4.42 train. I went up to 
Mrs Winfield?s with Sam Loughead. The usual crowd of girls were working 
?afternoons? at de Hamill?s factory & there were only about eight 
couples up there. I had to rely mainly on ?excuse me? dances. Next week 
should be better - then I?ll see that girl again!

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Newsletter written and compiled by Tara Paulsson. Black Hill Books Ltd 
would like to say a big thank you to all our guest contributors.

Copyright ?? 2024 Black Hill Books Ltd

Guy N Smith - Newsletter No. 7
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