Guy N Smith - Newsletter No. 7

Guy N Smith - Newsletter No. 7
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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!
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 for more
details).
To register your attendance, email FanCon2024@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. This is your
chance to create a 15-minute film that captures
the chilling essence of Smith’s tale.
How to Enter:
Read the Story: Access The Vigil for free online at Shortly.film or Guy N. Smith's official website. This
story will be
available for a limited time, so don't miss out.
Create Your Film: Use your creativity to bring The Vigil to life
in a 15-minute horror short.
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.
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
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.
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 and www.shortly.film.
Fellow Creatives - Their Work
Chris Elphick
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
(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.
Richards Daniels
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
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 - has an extensive
collection of reviews. - thanks, Chris Hall
Hit Me With Your Book Review
Mike Howlett provided this link.
The Nameless ZineThe 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
- another link from Hal C. F. Astell!
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 -
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
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
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) 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