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Doom
doom at guynsmith.com
Sun Aug 4 17:36:08 BST 2024
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 Café.
* *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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