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Many thanks for all the e-mails, messages etc., they're all very much appreciated. Here are your questions, and the answers you want (I hope...)
Want to ask me something? Click here.
Hiya Shaun
Just bumped into your site and want to congratulate you on continuing to do what you do. Mik Heslin here...""Who?"". Ooh, way back in WH Allen days, my girlfriend Sheelagh Thomas was your agent, you attended the first gig at the Fulham Greyhound of my band, 'TV Smith's Cheap' (mentioned in the acknowledgements at the beginning of 'Victims'), we spent a night at our place discussing the lyrics of Venom and others and I remember a great night at Wembley Arena watching Deep Purple.
Much water under the bridge since then. I have been married (not to Sheelagh who is now on her second marriage in Denmark), fathered twin girls who are now 17 and am now in Ohio, USA with 'mah new woman' planning the next phase in my life. I see you are still married and are now enjoying fatherhood. Are you still with Belinda?
Anyhow, all the best mate. Let me know how you are. It would be great to here from you.
Oh yeah, and if you think your hairstyle was funny in those days, check out the 'Buried By The Machine' video on my MySpace:
http://www.myspace.com/mikheslin
HA!!!
All the best,
Mik.
I remember you, Mik and Sheelagh and that gig at The Greyhound and watching Deep Purple at Wembley Arena. It's really good to hear from you. I'm glad that you're well and I hope that things are great out in Ohio for you. Yes, I'm still with Belinda (God knows how she put up with me for so long) thank heavens. I'm still doing what I do for the time being...Why did you have to mention hairstyles...my little girl saw a video of me the other day and said my head looked like an exploded cushion...hard to disagree. Now it just looks like a worn out fucking cushion...Take care, Mik.
Hiya Shaun,
loved your books since I was 9 (im now 20) and its your fault i`ve turned out this way!! Nah, just joking...
2 questions for you: what do you think of the band, In Flames?
Secondly, what do you think of rats? As In pet ones?
Actually sod it, heres another one whilst im at it, what would you say to somebody who tried to heap the blame on you for the way they behave? Who says its down to YOUR books that they are fucked up, stark raving mentalists? If it hasn't already been done, im pretty bloody sure it will be at one point....
dont worry, it wont be me, you can sleep easy haha.
Anyhow, thankyou, and i`ll get back to battle royale!
Laura Holt
I assume you're watching Battle Royale on DVD, Laura? It was on TV not long ago too. I saw part 2 but not the first one...Right, er..In Flames...I've never heard of them. Shit, does that make me a sad old fucker whose hopelessly out of touch? Rock band I'm assuming? It would be unlikely if one of my readers was recommending the latest RnB dickhead to me...Rats, as pets...they're supposed to be very clean but I wouldn't really want one. My daughters got a hamster that is fairly homicidal so that's enough for me...What would I say to someone who said my books influenced them? I'd say...sorry but shit happens then I'd ring the papers, sell my story and make a fortune with which I'd retire...this, surprisingly enough, has never happened so far. People have told me I've given them nightmares etc. etc. but never that I've inspired them to slaughter an entire family with a potato peeler...still, you never know...If you like Japanese films, Laura, have you seen AUDITION....give it a try...let me know what you think..
Any news on if/when/where you'll be signing this year?
Cheers
Paul Evans
I don't think I'll be signing anywhere this year, Paul. Sorry. If you want individual stuff signed however, you can always send it to my publishers who will forward it to me. Take care.
Hi Shaun,
I am currently training to be an English teacher and on my second teaching placement. I am planning on using ""The Tunnel"" with my year 10s - Im going to get them to write the ending for their piece of original writing coursework. I know this is a completely random request - but just wondered if you did school visits at all?
Thanks
Ceri
School visits...bloody hell, Ceri..well, I did a few back in the mid-nineties...some of the most terrifying events of my life. Standing in front of a class full of 15 year olds who couldn't give a toss about writing until I mentioned the Black Museum. Once I started talking about murder and mutilation they didn't stop asking questions....I found prison visits to be less intimidating....Are you allowed to use something like "the tunnel" on year 10s? Well, obviously you are or you wouldn't be doing it, I suppose...sorry. I'd be very interested to see some of the results (I mean finished stories..). Year 10, that's about 15 or 16 years old isn't it? Good luck with it.
Hi Shaun.
In this day and age of movie trilogies have you ever thought about allowing Renegades, White Ghost and Knife Edge to be turned into a movie trilogy. It could be titled ""The Sean Doyle Chronicles"" and each movie would be subtitled with the title of each novel.
What do you think? I would be interested to hear your opinion.
Andy Wells
Andy, I would love to have every fucking book I've ever written turned into a film. It isn't a case of allowing it it's just that no one has ever wanted to film the fucking things...bastards...Any thoughts on who you'd like to see play Doyle...
Hi My name is mike and im a big fan of horror i have been since the first time i saw HELLRAISOR.Ive never been a fan of reading tho untill my latest job were a friead said if u like Horror you will defently like this book. It was nemisis and i got to admitt i strugled putting it down, the detaile was amazing and it was so easy to visulize since then i have read that and VICTOMS and SLUGS and enjoyed all as much as the first. Ime struggling to find some more of your books but when i do i should enjoy them aswell. My question is this, have you like myself been a fan of Horror from the beging to get you inspiration for your novels, or did you start on them by accedent from a diffrent angle????. cheers for your time and hope to hear from you soon
Hello, Mike. Yes, I was a fan of horror when I started writing. I loved horror films and I used to read horror books too way back then.. I'm glad you liked the books of mine that you've read. I hope you can find some more from somewhere. Try the library if you can't find them elsewhere. Let me know what you reckon when you've read some more...
Sorry Shaun, I've been a fan of yours for years but ""Unmarked Graves"" is an absolute stinker. No characters I cared about, a complete lack of plot, it is a shocker. I can only think your publishers wanted a quickie to make some money.I hope you take this in the spirit it is meant and go back to writing good old horror thrillers with a first class story.
Andy
Now come on, Andy, don't mince words, say what you think...an absolute stinker...ow...No, seriously, mate, one of the things I respect so much about my readers is their honesty (cue a deluge of comments telling me all my books are shit...) and, if you hated UNMARKED GRAVES then that is your prerogative. If it's any consolation at all it was changed so much in the course of the writing that I think I lost sight of some of the things I started out to say. For instance, one entire character, Julie Bishop, was lost. The main character, Pearson, was originally returning to the town to oversee his dad's funeral and, during the course of the book, he re-kindled his love affair with the wife (Julie) of the police inspector, Bishop. This obviously made their working relationship even more difficult and created even more personal tension...ah, well..pointless telling you that now I suppose. Sorry you hated it. I hope you enjoy BODY COUNT more...all the best and thanks again for your honesty, fortunately I only slashed one wrist before replying...
I suspect this is a question which is unanswerable!
A quiet, retired lady who neither smokes, drinks, swears nor likes heavy metal bands! But.......thoroughly enjoys your books!!
Oh well, 'mine is not to reason why' just carry on writing for as long as your very fertile imagination allows and I'll be grateful!
All the best!!
Helga2
Helga, you are a wonderful woman and I love you...I might ask you a question myself as a man who writes about people who smoke, drink and swear...what the hell attracted you to my books in the first place? Whatever it was, thankyou and I appreciate your continued support.
Dear Shaun
Does it bother you that hardly any of your novels get made into films ?
I think they have only made Slugs but I haven't seen it !
They make everything Stephen King writes into a film or Tv series. Most of these are terrible and his stories are hardly ""filmable"" these days. Hearts in Atlantis, Dreamcatcher, The Mist etc.
Your stories on the other hand seem very filmable. They are quick, concise, action packed, violent with plenty of twists !
Do film company's show any interest in your work ?
Many Thanks
David
Does it bother me, David? Of course it fucking bothers me...Unfortunately, there's nothing I can do about it except moan...Over the years, film companies in other countries (Spain and Australia) have shown interest for about five minutes but never anything from Hollywood...My books are very filmable. It's the film companies you should be asking, David, not me. If they tell you why they don't film my books, let me know...
Hi Shaun..
I've read and loved your books..and think your BARKING MAD, this is the highest accolade I can give to you. Years ago I was down on my luck, it got so bad I had to live in Hatfield, my only fun was going to Stevenage (yes I was at rock bottom and very sick at that time) I drank in a quiet little pub near the town centre called Ted The Grass, AKA Edward The Confessor by the posher patrons.
Then it happened, I looked across the bar one night, a vision filled my eyes, at first I thought it was the smoke, but on rubbing them she was still there, She was reading ""SLUGS"", I don't know what attracted me first, her long blonde hair, or her pert breasts, or the way she sat, her legs curled up under her.Then I saw them, her feet....so perfect...so manicured, unfortunately her boyfriend saw me staring and he came to say hello, the barstool didn't hurt that much really, I was as good as new after a few stitches, but alas never saw her again.
Shaun? did you ever drink there, and was it you that hit me with the barstool? can you do me a favour?...I know you get asked all the time..but it's a special one, can you kill me off in that pub drinking with two American board members of Liverpool FC.
P.S I support Spurs, but Liverpool are ok for a northern lot, better than Man United anyway.
Keep em coming
Chaz Fullerton
Barking mad...now, there's a true compliment...if you said that to Ian Mckewan he'd probably be annoyed but not me...I lived near Stevenage but only went there to the pictures (remember the Leisure Centre?..) So, you want to die in a pub, eh?...alright then..I'll do my best. Not sure I can include the warring yank board members though...I'll be at White Hart Lane on Sunday for the last game of the season, by the way. Take care of yourself, Chaz.
Hey Shaun i dont no if you rember me my name is Michael Hanson Im 25 years old i wrote you a letter not long ago about Horror Movies . Anyway since then ive been reading more of your novels at the min im reading Shadows im pretty entreged how you got research on the characters on the book because they are so detailed.Im not one for words but i am many for ideas, I live a pretty normal life a family a job and a ordernary life but like yourself to write you have to pay attention to the detailes and to no notice the detailes you have to be open minded that i try being. I wanted to start writing myself but as you can tell my spelling is not up to scratch thats why i ime writing this. If i wrote a book it would be Based on Horror and it would be based on my life accourencies and how i would connect the person i see down the street to my self. I can get a begining but i struggle to get a middle and a end i would be greatfull for any advice you could give to a Novice like myself. Please Either reply by your website or private Email to this address Rhyce.Hanson@hotmail.co.uk thanks for listening look forward to hearing from you soon..........This is my idea... A man brought up in Northen England from the age of 1 to 13 to respect olders and be truthfull to the ones he loves that being all and true untill a day when his friends and himself take a Bike ride to the local Woods and encounter a hurrific Murder and a rape seen. During this seen the boy stears entreaged and enveyous of the the attacker..... This encourges him during his later life to copy cat future Killers and Rapests but is the Passion of the boy or a spirit within from reincarneted past......
Not a bad idea, Michael. Why not try writing it and see how you get on? Just plan the story on a piece of paper and see how it works out. It's the only way really. I wish I could give you better advice but there isn't a magic formula I can tell you to follow unfortunately. Give it a go. Don't worry about the spelling. If necessary, get someone you know to go over the opening afterwards and correct the spellings for you. Let me know how you get on.
Hi Shaun
Its john again the Manc from the other end of the M62.having just read your article about addiction, dont you think that football is an addiction.I cant wait to see my team again then you speak to other so called fans and they cant even be bothered to switch the bloody television on to watch their beloved team .I am lucky I have just watched Utd progress to the European final alas I cant go will you be travelling to watch Liverpool if they make it.I have also come up with a plan to get you to sign all of my books that you have wrote , I will get you a ticket next to me at Old Trafford when you scouse bastards come next season okay
all the best one happy fan cheers John
Hello again, John. Good to hear from you. Regarding football being an addiction I think it is. I mean, I don't know about you but, unless you're four up by half-time, you can't really enjoy the game and it fucks up your social or family life (because everything's done around fixtures..well, it is in our house anyway..). My mate and I were talking about just this subject the other week, sometimes you don't feel like travelling but you still do it.. you know, much the same as not wanting that next fix of heroin but having to have it...The thing is, I don't mind discussing this with you (even though you're a Manc) because you actually go to the games. Sorry to hear you can't get to Moscow (neither can I because Chelsea got lucky and we scored an away goal for them that decided the tie..) That business about having to apply for final tickets even before the Semis pissed me off too. Talk about tempting fate. But I see now that Uefa have decided to forget about the visas. What a bunch of dickheads. I would wish you good luck for the final but I can't, mind you, I hate Chelsea almost as much and, at least you lot have got some history and you didn't buy your fucking trophies. Thanks for the offer of the ticket but I think I'd rather be in our bit when we come to Old Trafford next season...you're welcome to sit next to me at Anfield though...all the best.
Hello, it's me again...
Just before we get started, did anyone happen to see that programme on BBC 2 last Monday (14th April) about addiction? No, oh, alright then...it's just that one of the doctors on there was saying that, basically, there's no such thing as addiction, it's just a matter of being weak willed. Now, at the risk of offending anyone and also, speaking as an ex-alchoholic, I'm inclined to agree with him...No one forces anybody to drink, smoke or take drugs do they? It's a matter of choice surely. They also touched on the subject of sex addiction too. Fuck that, people aren't addicted to sex, they just like shagging...(taken from THE THOUGHTS OF DOCTOR HUTSON, VOLUME ONE..) Don't get me wrong, I understand (Christ do I understand) the problems of addiction, addictive behaviour etc. but I'm inclined to agree with the old doc above and err on the side of weakness (I'm speaking as a very weak willed bloke here..) Anyone agree? Just a thought...It's like the old shit about rehab...next time you see Amy Winehouse on the front of a newspaper, don't think "ah, poor Amy, she's an addict, she needs help," try thinking "You stupid bitch, you've got everything in your life you could want and you're pissing it away, get a fucking grip," same goes for any of these other parasitic bastards who claim they suffer with mental problems and then sell their stories to the media. Fuck them all...
Right, down to business, but just a quickie first...
Has anyone seen REC a Spanish film that resembles The Blair Witch Project? Jesus Christ, what a scary film. I highly recommend it. Also, anyone seen DIARY OF THE DEAD? What a pile of shit...Someone at the beginning screams "Oh no, this can't be happening." Sorry, I'm afraid it is, George Romero has made another bloody zombie movie...
Hello Shawn,
I'm 15 years old and I have recently started to read my first book of yours and I think its amazing.
The description you depict is wonderful for any readers imagination. The book that I am reading of yours is Assassin, I have only just started to read it and you have already got me thinking.
I will be leaving school soon and i don't really know what I want to do but I have always had a certain interested in writing.
As a child in primary school I loved writing stories in English lessons and I still do , got an A for my English coursework story (although not a thriller/horror) this year .which is nice.
I just wanted to know did you always know you wanted to be a writer? and do you study to become a writer or is it just a natural thing , you have the talent or not?
Also, I would love a recommendation for a next book to read of yours.
Appreciate your time in reading this, I hope you do get time to read this and reply it would be well appreciated.
Thanks,
Luke Cornwall
Right, Luke. Glad you like Assassin. Try RENEGADES next, or DYING WORDS. I didn't always wantto be a writer and no, you don't have to study for it. As for talent, just have a look at most of the books on the shelves these days and you'll see that talent has very little to do with it. If you're going to try writing for a living then good luck.
Hi shaun,
Love your books, just got dying words today been reading it at work and can't put it down as usual?..when is Mr Doyles next outing going to be? Also found this about the number of the beast.
A newly discovered fragment of the oldest surviving copy of the New Testament indicates that, as far as the Antichrist goes, theologians, scholars, heavy metal groups, and television evangelists have got the wrong number. Instead of 666, it's actually the far less ominous 616.
So what they just happen to discover this now??? Really??? And from the new fucking testament as well
Neil Thomson
616...sod that...I'm sticking with 666. It's got more of a ring, hasn't it? I had seat number 666 at Arsenal the other week and didn't really want to sit in it (I'm quite superstitious about things like that...) On the subject of Doyle, you will be delighted to hear that there will be another outing for the old bastard. Exactly when I couldn't tell you but I have a few ideas kicking around so, watch this space as they say.
Dear Mr. Hutson,
My name is Roy Robbins and I am the owner of BAD MOON BOOKS in California. I am a specialty book dealer and publisher. I have been a book dealer for 20+ years.
My line of books is devoted to producing dark fiction in novella and novel form. www.badmoonbooks.com
Would you be interested in having some of your older work (or better yet new stuff) produced in signed/limited editions? In terms of older work, ee would be interested in Slugs, Slugs & Breeding Ground in a single volume, Spawn or Erebus.
Please let me know.
All best,
Roy
Hello, Roy, thanks for taking the trouble to get in touch. I'll have a word about this with my agent. All the best.
Hi Shaun,
I'm just listening to the live Mindcrime album and wonder if you've got it and what you think of it. Do you feel that it was a good idea filling in the blanks in the narrative and giving us a clear picture of what happened rather than leaving it to the listener to decide. I like it personally as it gives the story a sense of justice and to be honest I love the mindcrime story.
Francis Moon
I still think that the story is crying out to be filmed. Operation Mindcrime is one of the finest albums I've ever heard.
Dear Shaun,
I've read a few books, from horror to fantasy, and I have to say that you come out on top every time. I love your stuff. You're a bit of an inspiration to me so I've been trying to do a bit of writing myself, some of it pretty good (even if I do say so). But would you know how to go about sending my stuff off to be looked at and hopefully published....(I read what you said to Matt Hewitt about being a cheeky fucker), so I promise you a free copy of anything that ever does get published.
All the best,
Steve Lewis
Right, Steve, so you're a cheeky fucker too...Just kidding, mate. Things in the publishing business have changed so much since when started that I don't want to tell you too much in case I'm giving you the wrong information but, as I used to do, write your book and send it off to a publisher and then pray...there isn't a magic formula I'm afraid (well, unless you're dad owns a publishers or you've been on a reality show or you've slept with a celebrity..) it's luck and lots of sweat and disappointment (oops, sorry, didn't mean to sound negative..). Just keep at it, Steve. Probably the best tactic is to try and get an agent first or, send a synopsis and some sample chapters to publishers to save yourself writing an entire novel on spec. Let me know how it goes.
Hi Shaun,
Have you ever thought about turning one (or more) of your books into a screen play?..I have an idea that the Doyle books could become a cool movie trilogy, especially if they were given the Danny Boyle treatment.
On that subject, what did you think of 28 Days and 28 Weeks later?
Cheers
Andy (from Norway)
Yes, Andy, every fucking one of them...Unfortunately, this will probably never happen, especially with Doyle as he has balls, hasn't got a soft side and doesn't make stupid fucking jokes every time he kills someone, a bit of a drawback for a Hollywood hero...28 Days later I thought was o.k. but not much more. 28 Weeks Later I thought was not bad but a bit predictable. And, speaking of predictable, has anyone seen the trailer for DOOMSDAY? Fucking hell, talk about MAD MAX meets ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK, how have people got the nerve...
Hello,
I was recommended your books by my manager at work. He has a pretty twisted morbid sense of humour and i think your books may have helped him. I'm half way through Erebus right now and it is fairly disturbing. I've not really read any horror before and i' enjoying your work. I did once try to read some Stephen King as he seems to have done quite a bit for the genre but i realised the cunt doesn't even edit himself, his books being 10,000 pages long and feel like they're 20,000. I barely got through a few of his short stories before trying to commit suicide with the book. Death by a thousand Stephen King Novel paper cuts!
Well anyway i was just wondering how you actually start writing anything, being a bit of a storyteller myself through medium of film i find it extremely difficult to just get started writing anything and was wondering if you had any advice on just being able to get on with it.
Kind regards
Neill West
Neill, glad you're enjoying EREBUS. Like yourself, I find it hard to get started, what with trawling the internet for porn and making cups of tea (just kidding..). I do it because I have to basically. No magic formula. Just head down and keep your fingers crossed.
Hi Shaun
just felt I would let you know that I was also experiencing difficulty in purchasing your books,I first started reading them years ago purchased from a book club but more recently from waterstones in Crewe .yes they do stock your books .but not for long after the release date.Up untill about a year ago it was an Otterkers store and they stocked everything.Smiths in Crewe can't understand why they don't stock your books but will order them for you.I would also like to thank you for the thrills you give me with your books as I have told you on numerous occasions and you always reply to emails sent to you.anyway enough of the boring shite what is happening at Liverpool being a Man Utd season ticket holder it is hilarious .you all thought it funny when we were bought out by the yanks but at least they have left Sir Alex to run the club and to strive for the premiership whereas I think you are no nearer winning it now as you have been in the last15 years.as for everyonr raving about Torres he has not done anything against the top sides.So enough pisstake as we have just been dumped out of the cup against portsmouth ,bastard referee .so if you need to kill a manc in a novel its John from Crewe all the best keep up the good work looking forward to your new novel in August,
cheers John,
a red from the other end of the east lancs road.
Hello, John, sorry to here that you're having trouble getting hold of my books. Write to the publishers and complain...The trouble is, these days, every major shop chain buys centrally and publishers pay for books to go into promotions etc. It really is shit out there these days, mate. I appreciate the support though. A man. Utd. Season ticket holder, my hat goes off to you, John. You must hate the glory hunters you've attracted as much as everyone else does...Don't worry about us with Hicks and Gillet (well, I'm sure you're not but you know what I mean). To be honest, as long as the reds are doing the business on the pitch then I couldn't give a shit and I'm writing to you the week before the Champions League Semi against Chelsea. Torres doing nothing against the top sides...er...he scored against Chelsea at Anfield. Only played the first half (injured) against Arsenal in November. Didn't play against Chelsea in the Carling Cup, was injured against them in the league game in Februrary so didn't play. Scored against Arsenal in the Champions League at Anfield and only played for 20 minutes against them at the Emirates in the League...er...not a bad record. I know he played against your lot twice and didn't score but that was because he was busy having lumps kicked out of him by that fucking donkey Ferdinand.. There you go, Alan Hansen couldn't be fairer could he? And, er, over 30 goals in a season...how many has Shrek scored? And he cost you 30 million from the bluenoses did he not? Enjoy the rest of the season, (but not too much). I'll kill you with the greatest pleasure. Thanks again, John.
hi,
being an avid fan of yours, i was just wondering if there are any plans for the next book????? i own and have read every single book you have wrote and cant wait for the next. i was wondering if you have any tips on writing??
mrs terri gowland
Terri, the next book published is BODY COUNT in August. My tips for writing...DON'T...Many thanks for the kind words and I'm delighted you enjoy my books...
hi shaun just wondering if you could sign a book for me? im a big fan
WAYNE ETHERINGTON
Of course I will, Wayne, just send it via my publishers and it will be done...
If you are not already a member of facebook i suggest you look at it there is a fan club for you, with 27 members including my self I think you on for a winner.
ROBERT LIMBURN
Robert, how does this Facebook thing work, mate? I find that and MySpace and all that other stuff quite baffling and irritating...Don't people talk to each other face to face anymore...However, if there are 27 wonderful people on it who like my books then what the fuck do I know...
Hey Shaun, I love your work, you have a very intreeging mind. I am 17 years old and I want to be a writer for horror, I am hoping to study English and Media after college to go on to University, I generally write horrors for my own interests and satisfaction. I was wondering if you could give me any advice?. Thank you for your time, if you dont get back to me I understand your a busy man.
Richard Isles
My advice to you Richard would be to write what you would want to read...There's more stuff about writing on my FAQ page on this site. Have a look and see if it helps.
How does it feel that I was born the year your first book was published?
By the way Warhol's prophecy and Heathen are my fav books
Mel_9
Answer Thanks for that Mel, I now feel incredibly old...Seriously though, thanks for the support. Glad you like the books...
Hi Shaun
Just a quick mail to say cant wait for your next book - body count (sounds like an ICE T rock band )
Been a fan for years going back to the beginning with slugs , erebus and the skull etc.
I would consider it an honor if you could kill me off in one of your up and coming novels , hopefully in the most horrific and disgusting way possible
Cheers
Paul Davis
Consider yourself killed off, Paul. Strange how no one ever wants to just be an innocent bystander isn't it?...
Thank you very much for the answer to my last question, and all the questions I have sent in.
I must point out though that I am not a bloke, never have been and never intend to be!
Do you intend to do any signings for the next book? Or ever again?!
Cheers
Mickey (Michelle)
If I implied you might be a bloke, Mickey then I apologise profusely and grovellingly (no, that word probably doesn't exist..) Any girls called Michelle that I've ever met I've always called chelle but mickey is great (I might use that in a book..) Do you sit with your legs curled up beneath you when you sit down?...
Hiya,
Yep, only just heard about Norton. Now live in Shropshire, so don't get down to that area any more really. However, lots of nice????? new houses make somebody lots of nice dosh - schools, however decent like ours was (well, it was really, compared to some.....) only COST somebody lots of dosh. What a real shame. Anyway, carry on the good works.
Fran (with good feet)
Yes, Fran, Norton is no more. Shame that, like you say, it was a good school. How's life in Shropshire treating you (and your feet...)
Right, that's my lot for another month. By the time you lot read this, Liverpool will either have been booted out of the Champions League or be in their third final in four seasons and I'll either be a) extremely pissed off or b) delighted and booking my flight to Moscow. Other than that, you lot look after yourselves.
I'm off to see STREET KINGS...
Er...as Graeme pointed out to me, I thought I'd finished answering the questions but forgot the last three so, on we go eh? Sorry about that...Actually, something's cropped up that I'd just like to stick my oar into.
J.K. Rowling is suing some bloke over a Harry Potter Lexicon because she fears that if his is published, no one will buy her forthcoming encyclopaedia...give me a fucking break...
Jesus, how much money does this fucking woman need? She's the biggest selling author in the history of the known universe, she's got half a billion quids worth of sales and assorted rights money but now she flies all the way to New York to crucify some bloke whose website she praised a few years back...This is the same author who has always bleated about being private, not wanting to be in the limelight etc. etc. The same author who was in a double page spread in most papers talking about her new image, her list of celebrity friends etc..Ah, well, I'm sure her next book, an adult crime novel, will be a wonderful success and stop her worrying about going broke....Get a fucking grip you greedy bitch...
Right, on we go...
Dear Shaun,
I have just finished writing both 'Hybrid' and 'White Ghost' and I think they are absolutely amazing books. I love all the gore and action that Doyle gets himself into. I almost end up feeling sorry for him at times.I actually stumbled upon 'Hybrid' whilst I was shopping in town with my mum and twin sister and I thought it would be an interesting read. Let's just say it was more than interesting! Sadly, I haven't been able to find any more books of yours. Dear God, what is the world coming to?I've been told by my mum that I've been an avid reader since I was five and I've wanted to write ever since I was eleven. I'm now sixteen. To go slightly off the topic, I would just like to say that both you and J.K Rowling have influenced me in a major way in my writing. I write most of the time and I can see myself improving, but I was just wondering about the format for the story before handing it in when trying to find agents. I've never really been able to figure it out, not that I'm planning on getting a book out there at this very moment (in my dreams!).Is there any set way that the story must be written in? I was also wondering if you have any tips on how to go about creating a well planned plot and characters so the story does not become tedious.
All the best,
Hayley
Hayley, if you want to read more about Sean Doyle then try and find WHITE GHOST and KNIFE EDGE too although, by the sound of it , you might have more chance of finding rocking horse shit...I have no tips on writing I'm afraid, apart from the ones I've given to the other would-be authors on these pages. I wish there was something I could say that would get your stuff published but there isn't. However, good luck with it and let me know how you get on.
I've seen a lot of writers talk about their personal lives, and childhood effecting the way they write. Do you think your up bringing had anything to do with your out look now? (I think I read something about your childhood was good, except for not getting... I think it was a Batman costume when you where...six)
And yes, I am a little bit too deep in psychology.
So there's the one about general outlook effecting your writing.
And....What are the downfalls of being so well known?
Creepy Crawler X
Ah, the wonders of psychology, eh? In answer to your question, did my upbringing affect what I write. Answer NO....I can understand people being interested in the old Freudian stuff and I must say, when I was a kid, my treat on a Friday night was to be allowed to sit up and watch old horror movies so, there is the answer..I was corrupted by my mum allowing me to watch stuff like Werewolf of London and Frankenstein...should have seen that coming shouldn't I? I used to buy magazines like FAMOUS MONSTERS OF FILMLAND too so you could say that was a contributory factor. On the other hand, you could just say that I cynically looked for gaps in the publishing market and tried to fill them. You could also say that the fact I answer my questions on the website in red points at a love of blood...or that I was now talking complete bullshit or that I was due to take more medication and that my hatred of Jordan is because I really want to be her or...fuck this...my upbringing had nothing to do with how I write but thanks for asking.
The downfalls of being so well known...er..well, for a start I wouldn't really call my self that well known, I mean, I don't appear in the papers every few days bleating about not being able to maintain my privacy but, on the whole, there are no downfalls to being well known. Sorry. Seriously though, any more deep probing psychological questions then keep them coming. By the way is that Mr or Mrs Creepy Crawler...?
Hi Shaun,
Do you know why none of your books have been made into a blockbuster film?
If you could choose one book to made into a film what would it be?
If it was my choice I would choose RELICS - I loved that book.
Jovi Lover
Why have none of my books been filmed?...er...because Hollywood is full of ball less pussies who prefer manufactured story lines and predictable endings...er...because I find it hard to write shit...er..no, would be the answer to that. If one was ever filmed I'd have to say RENEGADES but since that will never happen we don't have to worry about it, do we?
Glad you enjoyed RELICS. I agree, it would make a good film but it's not really Hollywood material is it? Perhaps I should start ripping off a few films, writing some romantic comedy and shit about teenagers getting their first shag (while being horribly murdered obviously). Once that's done, I just need to have my brain removed and I can do the script too...
On a lighter note, what are Bon Jovi doing these days.....
Right, that IS it.....see you all soon...
Hello, everybody. Me again. Many thanks for all the questions, queries and kind words again...
The question of girls/women/ladies (how the fuck do you address more than one member of the opposite sex without pissing them off? I always say 'hello, girls' anyone else out there have the same problem...no, thought not...) sitting with their legs 'curled beneath them' has made me laugh. Or, more to the point, the way you wonderful bastards have responded to it has made me laugh. Also my 'thing' about tight jeans, shoulder length blonde hair, perfectly manicured fingernails and perfectly pedicured toes seems to have caused quite a response...So, girls, get the cameras out and send in pictures of your perfectly pedicured feet (ooh, er, missis...), best picture wins something or other....Just kidding (or am I?)...I must admit, I reckon that a beautiful girl's whole appearance can be spoiled by the fact that her feet look like a fucking rhino. Lovely face, stunning figure, fantastic legs then you look down and she looks like she's been training with Liverpool in just her bare feet for the last three hours. I know it's not fair on you girls is it because with the fashion for open toed shoes that's another bit of yourself that you have to refurbish regularly. God, I'm glad I'm not a woman. Legions of my female readers are probably recoiling in horror at this blatant display of chauvinism. Sorry about that. It isn't chauvinism it's just an observation. I make no apology for admitting that I reckon God's greatest creation is the female (well, and TV obviously) I can't help it, I'm a man. You girls must have certain things you like specifically about blokes.
Anyone remember that bloody awful film BOOMERANG with Eddie Murphy a few years back? He was the same. There's a scene where he slips back the covers to inspect his sleeping girlfriend's feet and is usually disappointed, except for Halle Berry...Sorry, I'm just a fucking pervert, what can I say. But then again you lot know that, you read my books...So, no surprises if there's a toe sucking scene in the next book then (the one I'm about to write I mean..). However, knowing me, the closest I'll ever get to 'foot sex' in a book is someone being kicked in the bollocks...
Right, that's enough of me airing my little kinks in public, on with the answers...
Hey Shaun,
As a fellow ex-pupil from your secondary school, same classes, year etc. I was amazed to read that you were expelled!!!! Wow! how good is that? Mind you, I knew your future was going to be pretty much mapped out, because every single bloody essay, in practically every single subject at school, you wrote bloodily and gorily. Every single time (except perhaps in maths). Absolutely great stuff. Also, glad you're a fan of Kerrang! radio - my daughter works in the same building as their studios in Brum and regularly goes to the lunchtime gigs. Anyway, just wanted to congratulate you on your superb career, every time I buy one of your books, I just have to smile, thinking back to Norton and how you used to write your essays then. Great stuff, mate, keep going and the best of luck.
Best wishes to you, Fran (nee Dade), ex Humphreys, now Drake (yep, all those jokes at school, now I really AM a Frances Drake, spooky or what?)
Fran, many thanks for the e-mail, nice to know someone remembers me...Yes, my essays were a bit on the bloody side as I remember. Still, I look at it as training, eh..Norton road is now, sadly, rubble isn't it? A shame that but you can't half fit a lot of new houses on that much land...Congrats on becoming the real Frances Drake by the way... anyone for bowls...
Dear Shaun
Just reading 'Kelly from up north' letter she sent you. Just to let you know, i read your books with my legs curled up underneath me!!!!!! I find it the most comfortable way to sit and read.My toes are fairly well manicured(i think), but my hands only when im going somewhere special.Afraid im not blonde!!!! Long dark hair, actually. I have been a avid reader of yours for about 20 years now, and would consider it a great honor to be killed off in one of your books(the sickest way you can imagine, please). I am quite happy to join the extremely long queue, i know it will be worth it!!!!!
Many thanks
Denice ANDREWS
XXX
Thankyou, Denice...I am picturing you at this moment...legs curled, book in hand etc. etc. and no, it won't be a problem killing you off. Probably while you're sitting with your legs curled beneath you massaging your own feet...And don't worry about being a non-blonde...Long dark hair is fine with me...
Hi,
Just wondering what you thought of Alien Vs Predator; Requiem?
I can't wait till your next book comes out - since I have all the books written under your own name and quite a few of the others its really hard waiting for a year for something decent to read!!
Mickey
(from Cornwall - again)
P.S. I always sit with my legs curled up underneath me
I'm not a fan of the Alien vs Predator movies to be honest, Mickey. However, Requiem was o.k. for about twenty minutes then became very samey I thought...One film I was appallingly disappointed with was I AM LEGEND...I'd been looking forward to it so much and have seen the other two versions of the book THE LAST MAN ON EARTH and THE OMEGA MAN (which is one of my favourite films of all time) but thought this new version was pretty poor.
Sorry you have to wait a year for each book but I can only write so fast you know...
p.s. It doesn't matter if you sit with your legs curled up underneath you because you're a bloke aren't you, Mickey (or is that short for Michaella?)....thanks for telling me anyway...
Dear Shaun,
Thanks very much for answering my questions... I think Necessary Evil would make a peach of a film and i really do think it's a pisser someone hasn't tried to do a graphic novel of your stuff (i may have to bombard them with emails!). Anyway, I see everyone's asking to be killed or horribly maimed in some way in your next book(s)?! So i have to ask...If the list isn't too long would you do me the honour too, mate? If you could that'd be magic!
Would you believe i picked up a copy of your novelization of The Terminator last week for 20p... Charity shops, i love 'em...what a find!
Rob (sitting patiently, north of inverness, waiting for Amazon to send out Unmarked Graves)
By the way my particularly wonderful girlfriend does indeed sit with her legs curled up under her and has shoulder length blonde hair and has immaculately manicured fingernails too... so at least there's one....although i'm saying nothing about her toenails or else i won't need you to write me a horrible death.
Robert Ross
Hello, Rob. 20p for a copy of TERMINATOR, you jammy bastard...Yes, I'll kill you too mate, no problem. As a matter of fact, it's helpful to me sometimes to have plenty of names to use as characters because that's always been a thing I find hard, picking names etc. so, even if you don't get killed, your name should appear somewhere but, I'll try my best to off you... Nice to hear your girlfriend sits with her legs curled up under her etc. etc. (I'll stop there...) Let me know what you reckon to UNMARKED GRAVES when Amazon finally deliver it....All the best..
Hi... Er... I've got a video somewhere of 'The Last Resort' from years ago with you on around the release of Victims? Just wondering if you'd been on his shows again over the years. I think I missed one that you might have been on? Me Mum remembered your name and said you were in the programme with Vinny Jones? To cut a long question short: Have you been on T.V again over the years?
Rob
Rob, you're not the one who put that fucking clip on You-tube are you?...I actually did Jonathan Ross's show four times during the eighties and early nineties and, as for other TV, well, I did shitloads as a guest during the late eighties and early nineties including the ever wonderful Mr James Whale (I was on his show about five times in all its guises), I did MONSTERS OF ROCK on Sky as a guest and sometimes as a host...(if I could put all these clips on You Tube then all of you could have a laugh at my hair do and dress sense...) I did discussion programmes (mainly CENTRAL WEEKEND, a Friday night live show that went out about 10.30 every week). All sorts of stuff really. My daughter still finds it hilairious when she sees clips now...
If anyone knows how to transfer video to computer then I'll do it and you can all share my misery....there must be a computer whizkid out there somewhere...
NOTE FROM GRAEME... I am going to get these videos on the site as soon as I can.
Hi Shaun
I hope tou don't mind me asking you a question outside of the website - issues with outlook!?!
I read your profile and at the end you mentioned a certain pair of shoes. I'm intrigued as to how (and why) you got to be in possession of, not just one, but two pairs of Michelle Pfeiffer's shoes?
I'd love to write novels, have you git any top tips/hints?
John King ( and not the same John King who wrote Head Hunters, Football Factory England Away...)
Fucking typical. The month I start ranting about the beauty of the female foot, John, you go and question me about Michelle Pfeiffer's shoes...Only kidding...How did I come to be in possession of two pairs of that magnificent woman's shoes, I'll tell you, John...There's a shop in the Strand in London called Frasers. They sell signed memorabilia, photos of film stars, signed guitars from rock stars, stuff like that. I went in there to buy a couple of medical certificates for actors from THE WILD BUNCH and, while I was in there I spotted these gold high heels that Michelle had worn during the promotional tour for THE FABULOUS BAKER BOYS (another of my favourite films). They had certificates of authenticity by the way before anyone thinks the shop just pissed off down to their local Brantano and bought a pair of shoes saying they'd once belonged to Michelle Pfeiffer...A few months later, I bought another pair that she'd worn for the premiere of BATMAN RETURNS (black high heels as a matter of interest...) So, that's how I got to be the owner of two pairs of Michelle's shoes...I wish I could tell you a more interesting story but that's it I'm afraid...
Any tips for writing novels....er...DON'T....
Seriously though, no, I haven't. Write what you want to write and go with it, that's all I can say...
Good luck.
Hi I just wanted to say I am a big fan of your books and I really admire your work. I love horror stories and yours are the goriest I have ever read and I love it.
Kayleigh :)
Thanks, Kayleigh (lovely name...) How do you sit when you're reading them...(just kidding..)
Hi Shaun,
nice to see your getting to your site a bit more. Just wanna say I'm a big fan and your style of writing has inspired me to have a go myself. One question though, is the world ready for a post apocolypse horror novel set in the north east of yorkshire (Hull & Robin Hoods bay to start with).
I would also like to ask your permission to use some of your data of gun specifications (bullet speed, damage to the body of a person, etc) and incorporate them into the run of the novel.
Anyway what I was going to ask mainly is what do you think of the current trend in torture horror movies (Wolf Creek, Saw, Creep and the kind) and do you feel like I do that they should pay you royalties for nicking some of your ideas (the violation with a large blade in Creep for instance).
And on the subject of video games have you played F.E.A.R. and do you think it's spooky. The idea of a small spooky girl taking out a squad of marines is a cause for concern and the game engosses you and hits you with shock after shock and makes you crap yourself sometimes like Resident Evil did a few years ago.
Any way I'll quit jawing but keep the grotesque and horribly violent and stomach churning books coming.
Yours
Francis Moon
Francis, just a word of encouragement to go ahead with your writing and good luck with it. Feel free to nick my gun specifications by all means...
My thoughts on the current trend of torture movies is that most of them sadly are just so pointless (witness CAPTIVITY), I thought CREEP was a decent idea but a fairly poor film while WOLF CREEK was pretty good. There's another one around at the moment called WAZ but I haven't seen that yet. As for video games, I've never played F.E.A.R. I'll try and check it out though. Look out for BODY COUNT in August. Someone reckons it's like the literary equivalent of a video game (a really nasty, violent one, obviously)
Hi Shaun,
You've probably heard this a million times, but I love your books, many of them would make great films.
I've brought just over 20 of your books, and hope to get round to reading them all.
I just finished reading 'Relics' for the first time and wanted to ask you a question about it.
What exactly happened at the end of the book ?
I get the impression that it was basically the end of the world, but I'm not exactly sure.
Hope you get chance to reply, this is bugging me a bit.
Kind Regards
Graham Showell.
P.S. If someone was to send you a copy of one of your books, would you autograph it..?
Graham, I agree, my books would make good films, I just wish Hollywood agreed...20 books at one go, fucking hell...I hope you like them...The world, as you suspected, ends at the climax of RELICS....I thought it was fairly clear but what the hell do I know...hope you liked it all the same. And yes, if you send a book via my publishers I will sign it with the greatest of pleasure,
Shaun,
I have just received this via the e-mail and wondered if you promoted your books this way, as it is eye-catching.
Me and my wife Nikki are massive fans of yours, keep up the excellent work.
Kind Regards
Steve Catlin (Spurs fan - 2008 Carling Cup Winners !!!)
Answer Steve is no. Well done on winning the Carling Cup and there wasn't even a 1 in the year was there...only kidding...hope you and your wife like BODY COUNT as much as the rest of my stuff.
Shaun,
I absolutely loved compulsion, I have since read Lucy's child which I honestly struggled to put down it got me so hooked. Tonight I begin Exit wounds.
Looking forward to it.
Also, I just thought I'd let you know I generally sit with one leg curled under me... so I am half way there.
Amanda Keeble
Get that other leg curled up beneath you Amanda and a bit sharpish too...Also, once your nails have been perfectly manicured and pedicured let me know...Very glad you enjoyed the books.
Right, that's me done once again. Just one more quickie before I go. I've just got back from the pictures (I saw THERE WILL BE BLOOD which I thought was pretty good, not brilliant as all the critics have been saying but not too bad at all..) and, for the umpteenth time, before the film started, one of the adverts was for the fucking Chris Moyles show on Radio One...Jesus, isn't it bad enough having to hear the fat cunt first thing in the morning while I'm getting my breakfast without having to listen to his moronic tones during a trip to the cinema. Is anyone else being subjected to this shit every time they go to the pictures? On the subject of that advert, the bloke with him, the one called comedy dave, (the one with the really effeminate voice) now, does anyone know, is that ironic? He's meant to be 'comedy Dave' but he's actually not funny at all, or is it me missing something, is the faggot sounding little twat really hilarious and it's beyond my meagre sense of humour? Answers on a postcard...
Sorry, I can't stand Moyles and I can't stand the advert either. His 'one of the lads, going down the pub' persona makes me sick.
The advert for the new Renault on the other hand is wonderful. Gorgeous French woman lying in the bath with her feet waving about behind her....Heaven....
Right, that's it. See you next time. Look after yourselves....
Hi, can you tell me if there is a follow up book to stolen Angel, I just finished it, and was wondering if it goes onto another book, I am a fairly new reader to you, but I love the books I have read so far. Keep up good work.
Suzie
No, Suzie, no follow up I'm afraid. Well, not unless I decide to do a sequel. You wouldn't be the first person to ask.
Hello Shaun
I would just like to say that i have been reading your books for years and love all of them!
I got Dying Words for Xmas and as with all your books i read it within a day (seriously my hubby hates it as i tend to shut off from the world).
Keep up the brilliant work and hope the New Year brings you all you wish for (Harry Hill's head on a spike?).
Emma
Thanks, Emma, glad you enjoyed DYING WORDS. I don't think there's a spike big enough for all the heads I want mounted in 2008...
Shaun,
I am a little confused.
I always get your books as close to release date in hardback but this year I was unable due to my wifes pregnancy/birth, but thats another story.
Anyway picture this I get all the kids ready and wrapped up for an outing and we trog on down to my local Waterstones (Bromsgrove) the only book shop in our town (also to give my wife a couple of hours break) to buy your latest book. I was shocked when I couldnt find the book on the shelf, to top it I couldnt find ANY of your books on the shelf. I quizzed a member of staff who was also puzzled as 'we used to stock them'
No worries I decide to travel into a larger Waterstones in Birmingham City centre, guess what the same here?
Have you fallen out with them?
More importantly who does stock your latest books?
Kind regards
Mark Jackson
Bromsgrove
I'm beginning to wonder who does stock my fucking books, Mark...Waterstones vary from branch to branch..No help to you I know. So many books in bookshops are there because they've been paid for by publishers to put in promotions etc. or they're the latest shit on Punch and Judy's reading list etc. etc. I looked in W. H. Smith on Euston the other week and there weren't even any James Herbert books there...(not that I'm bothered, I'm just making a point..) And people wonder why I keep talking about packing up...
You're probably safer getting stuff online to be honest. It's a shame it's come to that but there's nothing I can do about it unfortunately. I obviously didn't do the required amount of arse kissing when I should have... I heard a rumour that Borders is shortly to be taken over by Waterstones so that should be the end of the world as we know it...(just thought I'd let you know..) Happy New year..By the way, I hope your wife and new baby are doing well.
shaun just like you to know think your the dogs bollocks mate been reading your stuff for years deathday personal fav would love to be killed in a most disgusting twisted way in your nex novel [join the cue!] if it helps i am a chelsea fan! BOO! keep up the top work mate been having nightmares since i was 14 thanks to you ! wicked
all the best
john baker
northampton
Thanks, John. Killing off a Chelsea fan should be even easier for me...(only kidding..)
Alright there Shaun,
I was lookin' through your Questions pages on the website and noticed a message I must have missed in 2006... long time eh?
Where have I been? Mostly Amsterdam for weekends at a time heheh. While I was away I managed to pick up a copy of Dying Words, again, sitting on the edge of my luxury 3 star hotel chair (I swear I can feel scars on the back of my legs from the wicker) engrossed for all of a day reading from front to back. Another success mate.
On your rant about music in December... I agree fully, the mass of talentless, trackie wearing, bobble hatted fuckwits that pollute my ears with songs about their cars, money and women that have been earned by drug dealin', pimpin' and possibly even selling their arses to fat sweaty men in public toilets while shootin' up heroin and eating three cheeseburgers make me want to vomit... and that doesn't even begin to touch on Leona or Fearne. Indeed, learn guitar. Even better, plug yourselves into the amp while stood in a tin tub full of water. Look at this Big Brother crap with apparently 'talented' youths on it, if these are today's heroes, we're all fucked in the future.
Anyway, enough rantin' from me, how goes it and have you had a go of Guitar Hero 3 yet? Dunno if you play these games or not but they rock. If ye do I suggest playing a rival writer's venture into the gaming world... Clive Barker's Jericho, your type of fluff I should think.
Anyway, I'm off to try and beat my son's score on Number of the Beast, which I remind you, has been changed to 616... fuckin' Oxford students, they do manage to make everything that was cool sound shite eh?
Rock on,
Big Malky
(Paul Graham)
Big Malky... I have to say, I've never had a go on Guitar Hero. My little girl got SINGSTAR ROCK BALLADS for Xmas so I was delighted to see that they had some stuff on there that I knew (like HEART and ALANNAH MYLES). I beat her easily... ha ha, and I can't even fucking sing..perhaps I should go on X-FACTOR... Having suffered the new series of BIG BROTHER (or should that be Celebrity Ego Massage... ) I agree with you, if those kids in there are the hope for the future then, as Bill Hicks used to say, I pray for nuclear holocaust every fucking minute... Trouble is, you can bet your arse that at least two of them will come out of it with recording contracts...
On the subject of video games. I love THE WARRIORS, based on the film. My missis got me KILLZONE last Xmas and I like that too. Apart from that I usually stick to Pro Evolution soccer although I did rent out GOD OF WAR the other week and really enjoyed it. Good luck beating your son on NUMBER OF THE BEAST...(PLEASE tell me you're kidding about it being changed to 616..)
Hi Shaun
Just wanted to say I have just finished unmarked graves - it was excellent!! I have been a big fan since way back when. When is the next book out?? Can't wait.
Keep up the good work - happy New Year to you and your family
Tania x
Thankyou, Tania (lovely name, I like that), glad you enjoyed UNMARKED GRAVES. The next book, BODY COUNT, is out in August this year in hardback. Let me know what you think of it..
When you write your books which comes first the plot or the characters?
Adam
It always used to be the plot, Adam. Now, it depends. Sometimes I have a character in mind and need a story to slot them into. But, usually, I have a rough idea of what the book will be about before I start working on the characters.
Hi,
Sorry to bother you. I have just managed to get my second book published in paperback 'Alhazreds Nightmares' by M.J.Hewitt . It is a book of short horror stories.
Would there be any remote chance you could give me a small amount of blurb for the back cover? If you feel it is deserved of course. I could email to you just a snippet to look at? I would be over the moon if you could do this for me.
I don't mean to take up too much of your time.
All the best.
Matt.J.Hewitt
Many congratulations on getting your second book published Matt. Well done. Any chance of me scrounging a copy...(sorry, I've always been a cheeky fucker..) I would love to give you a recommendation on the back. No problem. Tell me where to send it. All the best.
Dear Shaun
I've just finished reading James Whale's superb autobiography 'Almost a Celebrity' that I got for Christmas at your recommendation. Verdict? I loved it. It was the best book I've read in a long time. My only gripe is that it wasn't long enough. I read it in a few days and was left wanting more.
How much of an input did you have in the writing of the book and how long did it take to write?
Best Wishes
Paul.
Thanks, Paul, I bet james will be delighted to hear that. If it wasn't long enough that's because there was quite a bit of stuff cut out of it. James having a go at various celebrities etc... My input basically consisted of listening to audio tapes that James had made then putting his thoughts on paper in a readable way. I've known him for more than twenty years so it was good fun to work on. It took about four months to write if I remember correctly. Glad that you enjoyed it, Paul.
Hi Shaun
It's Kelly from up North again, I keep reading questions asking you to kill people off and I'm thinking that I want to be killed off too!!! So, Dear Shaun, please can you fix it for me to be possessed, psychotic or brutally murdered in a future novel? I'd be so happy!
Kelly Foster, North of Inverness, In the snow...
P.S. I'm another one that doesn't sit with my legs curled up under me. I do have blonde, shoulder length hair though...
My God, are there no women out there who sit with their legs curled under them?... So, how do you sit, Kelly? I'd better not have you sitting with your legs curled up when I kill you then had I? Ah ha, shoulder length blonde hair, I knew it...Now don't you wonderful female readers start telling me that none of you also have shoulder length blonde hair or that you 'kick off your shoes' when you get in... (another favourite of mine). Someone pointed out that my women characters all tend to have 'immaculately manicured' fingernails or 'perfectly pedicured' toes... Oh, really, come on ladies, help me out, some of you must have the above...
I met Shaun when he came to Chiltern Books in 1988. I was an employee there and we all went to the pub for lunch with Shaun. I have a photo of me and Shaun both wearing W.A.S.P tshirts. Does he remember me?
Billy Boy
Billy Boy, Chiltern books in 1988...Jesus..I bet my hair looked like an explosion in a pillow factory didn't it? I've probably still got that WASP t-shirt...probably still fits too... Me in a pub, now there's a thought...
G'day Mr Hutson,
Firstly I'd like to say thanks. Thanks for helping me stay entertained during my nights shifts at work. The first book of yours I read, I had found at a 2nd hand book store called 2nd chance books (rather clever name I thought) it was Relics, since then I've been hooked. that was at the beginning of 2007 and now my collection is rapidly growing..
Ok Question time.
You've probably been asked this question a million times. But I'll ask anyways.
Where do you get your ideas from? Theres some pretty freaking wierd shit in your novels (its great)
Have you ever been approached by anyone wishing to make a movie based on one of your creations? If one was made I'd watch it but It really pisses me off when parts of a book are left out in a movie, i can't believe how many times I have seen a movie based on a book and i end up yelling at the screen 'thats not how it happened' or 'they left out the part where...' - I'm rambling...
Who are your favourite authors?
Was it always your dream to be an author?
Think thats all for now. I am half way through 'Compulsion' better get back to it.
Cheers
Amanda
Right, Amanda...My ideas come from all over the place, mostly from real events which are then twisted to suit me. No one has ever approached me to film one of my books. People over the years have asked me to become involved with 'projects' they're doing but that usually means they haven't got any money to make a film and it usually falls through. My favourite author...hmm... probably Thomas Harris because he only writes one book every seven years so I don't have to read very much... No, it wasn't always a dream to be an author. I wanted to be an undertaker...My dream now is to be an author... Let me know what you think of COMPULSION...
Hello man!
My name is Pedro, I'm a brazilian Iron Maiden fan and I've been wanting to ask you something... something that, probably, you've been questioned about countless times. So, I'm sorry if I'm bothering you.
What Benjamin Breeg has to do with you or your books? I've been researching about this character and all the ""evidences"" points to you! I don't want you to tell me who is this B. Breeg, 'cause I want to find it out by myself. But I need more clues and I guess you can give me some valuable information... was it you who created the website www.benjaminbreeg.co.uk, claiming to be A. Breeg? You created that whole story about a disturbed cousin called Benjamin Breeg? You know something about all this? And a last question... how did you manage to appear on stage with Maiden 13 TIMES?!? Was you disguised as Eddie? Hahahahahahahahahaha
Well, I'm waiting your answer. Anyway, I'm having a lot of fun tryin' to figure out who is Benjamin Breeg, it's worth the try. Since you're a fan, you should try to research about it aswell(if you don't already knows what it is about, off course hahahahaha).
By the way, I've just read some of your book's sinopsis. I like it very much! I'll begin to read your books!
Sorry for the english...
Cheers!
Pedro
Right, Pedro. Have I got anything to do with Benjamin Breeg? I can categorically say that it wasn't me who created the Benjamin Breeg website. I will admit to having chatted to Rod Smallwood about Benjamin Breeg but he was the creation of Steve Harris, not me. Let's just say that I love Maiden as much as you. When you find out who Mr A Breeg is then let me know will you... All I will say is that it isn't a member of Maiden (as a rock journalist mate of mine thought) Read some of my stuff and see what you think. And, by the way, I was on stage with Maiden 13 times, dressed as myself, not as Eddie... All the best...
Well, happy New Year to you all... Hope everyone had a good Xmas. I was just looking out at the rain and thinking it's no wonder more people top themselves in January than any other month of the year is it? Nothing to look forward to now except credit card bills... Being such a miserable fucker, I hate the summer too so the thought of light nights and sunshine is horrible for me but, what the fuck...
Anyway, on to the questions;
Hi Shaun
What's going on at Liverpool?
Why is Mr Parry keeping very quiet?
Why is he not dealing with all the shit and letting RAFFA get on with what he does best?
And how good is Torres? Absolutely brilliant, I think he is going to be our best ever signing/scorer!
Anyway keep up the good work but please no more snails YUCK!
Regards
Dave Collins.
Now this is just an opinion, Dave, but, regarding goings on at Liverpool, I reckon the yanks should just keep their fucking noses out or take their money (if they've actually got any...) and fuck off...that seems to be the general feeling anyway...I've just got a horrible feeling that Rafa will end up walking at the end of the season anyway because of the shit he's had to put up with from Hicks and Gillett. Hope I'm wrong. In the meantime, yes, Torres looks pure class, the cheapest 20 million I've ever seen spent. Still along way to go in all competitions so let's see what happens.
Hello,
Does you scare your wife as much as you do me? (laugh out loud) Where did you get your inspiration for Lucy's Child?
Oh and if you're looking for a name for a character in an upcoming book, can it be mine?!
Lorna
I don't know if I scare my wife as much as I scare you, Loma, you'd have to ask her... I suspect after living with me for all these years she's probably immune to my talents, such as they are... The inspiration for LUCY'S CHILD came from bits of true stories that were in a newspaper at the time and also to speaking to a mate of mine who had worked in a supposedly haunted psychiatric hospital... I'll kill you with the greatest of pleasure by the way...
hi Shaun,
Just finished Renegades (my girlfriend handed me a hardback copy out of the blue and said 'i know you like this guy so i got this for you'...didn't even want anything in return,what a gal!) anyway, thought the book was great and as i find so often with your books it occurred to me while i was reading sections how cinematic they are...i don't know if that's a very good explanation but hopefully you know what i mean...? I guess it must be the Peckinpah/movies influence and I think it's a great shame that there haven't been films made of your books because they would translate brilliantly onto the screen. (Incidentally, If you could choose a book of yours to be filmed which one would it be and which living director would you like to direct it?)
That aside,what i really wanted to know is have you ever considered or been approached to do any Graphic novels? I tried doing a couple of layouts of your scenes and i think with a decent comic artist they'd look fantastic.
Looking forward to the next book
rob
Rob, first of all, I must say, your girlfriend sounds like a particularly wonderful girl and I'm glad her efforts weren't in vain and that you enjoyed Renegades. Just like you, I find it a great shame that my books haven't been adapted for TV or film but, then again, films tend to go for stuff that's a little less, how can I put it, lacking in the balls department... Perhaps if I wrote a novel about a teenager trying to get shagged for the first time while being chased by a robot while his single parent dad looked for love with a career woman who finally decided that her real aim in life was to give up her fantastic life and live in a shithole with no money somewhere (as long as she had a wonderful family around her) then I might have a chance... Also, none of my stuff comprises remakes, sequels or prequels so I think I'm fucked. Same with the graphic novles... Same principle... If anyone ever did make a film of one of my books, I'd hope it would be RENEGADES and I'd love to see David Fincher direct it but, back in the real world...
Hi Shaun!
A long time ago, in a galaxy far far away (Milton Keynes I think?) I interviewed you for a horrid local TV programme called 'Premiere' in which, at the end of the interview, you strangled me. I used to emulate Alice Cooper and had the long black hair and plastic blue pants. (Alice never wore plastic blue pants however) Hopefully you will remember me, but you may not. Depends if you were drinking at the time.
Anyway, my mum said to me yesterday to write a christmas list of all the things that I want for xmas and I decided to check your back catalogue and get all the Shaun Hutson books that I aint got. Hence, i found this site!
With you being my fave author and all, I thought i would tell you that I finally got a decent TV show that I now host called CHUTE which, believe it or not, is on CBBC on a thursday at 5pm. I'd like you to watch because its actually quite dark considering that its a kids show and Ive heard that some kids went out TRICK OR TREATING dressed as me! Amazing! Also had a few complaints (got electrocuted when i put my hand in a video recorder)
Please watch, I want you to write a story about me one day. About a TV presenter that goes mad. (which im doing on a thursday at 5, BBC1!)
I still have the hard back you gave me with the inscription, 'Ross Lee, a man you just have to strangle!' ACE!
And i love your blog page!
Check my silly life out at
www.myspace.com/rossdavidlee
Keep up the great work and i look forward to a Shaun Hutson Christmas!
Cheers
Ross
Ross, I do vaguely remember strangling you because I vaguely remember the plastic trousers... Well done to you getting onto the BBC though, seriously. I'm going to check out your programme and don't knock it, mate, at least you've done something worthwhile. I'm glad you like my rants (I hate caling them blogs because I reckon blogs are a waste of time... But, each to his own, eh?) I'll be watching for you...
'Growler, have you seen DIE HARD 4.0 by any chance? In that film, Bruce Wilis uses a fire extinguisher to blow a baddie out of a window, he shoots it, it explodes and out goes the villain... If it's good enough for Hollywood, it's good enough for me...'
It may be good enough for Hollywood but the problem is Hollywood is crap and shouldn't be good enough for any one with any intellectual ability
Thanks
Growler
Treasurer
DOGS R.C.
Point made and point taken, Growler...
Hi Shaun
Love your website (just discovered it), and I found myself grinning in affirmation on more than a few occasions to comments you have made in the "Shaun's Shit" section.
Having immensely enjoyed 'Exit Wounds', I'm currently enjoying being half-way through 'Compulsion'.
But here's a question: why haven't more of your books been adapted into films/TV mini-series?
I mean... I fondly remember reading Assassins (that one in particular) back in the early 90s whilst away studying in Wrexham to become an illustrator and thinking: 'God, this is really fast-paced and visual... heck, this stuff would make for a potentially terrific film adaption'.
So: the question is, have any film/TV producers even to you about doing any adaptations, Shaun?
I (and, I'm sure many others) would love to know.
Merry Christmas, by the way.
Regards
GARY
P.S. Really looking forward to the release of 'Body Count'.
P.P.S. I too am on anti-psychotic medication. However, ahem, my psychiatrist has assured me that it has nothing to do with ever reading your books damaging my fragile little mind!!
As I said earlier, Gary, not much hope of any film or TV adaptations I'm afraid. I'd say, 'you never know' but, unfortunately, I fucking do. If anyone had been going to film something, they'd have done it by now. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy 'Body Count' when it comes out. That's very cinematic too so, another one to be ignored by Hollywood I suspect...
Thanks to your psychiatrist..nice to know I'm not responsible...
Hi Shaun,
I just want to say I love your books, they keep me enthralled, but I just want to know why all your female characters sit as you say 'with their legs tucked or curled up under them' is this a Shaun Hutson thing or do all the females you know sit like that. I don't. I have actually fought over your books so keep them coming but can your next character please sit with outstretched legs or squat or straddle the sofa etc etc....to minimise the pins and needles effect.
Michele Lechangeur xx
To be honest, Michele, I've never really noticed if all the women I know sit with their 'legs curled up under them'... How do you sit then? I reckon it's just a nice image... It's a sort of Hutsonism (?), like the 'coppery smell of blood'. All my women tend to be slim and wear jeans too (I had one of my female characters in jogging bottoms once and a female friend of mine told me that was crazy too...) I also got in trouble with a lady friend for saying that all my women characters had pert breasts and shoulder length blonde hair... In the next book, the female character will be bald, wear a boiler suit, have no boobs and squat every time she stops moving... How's that... Seriously though, I'm glad you like the books and are you trying to tell me you don't sit with your legs tucked beneath you when you're reading them...
Right, folks, that's it... I'm off to see 'No Country for Old Men' and 'Aliens Versus Predator; Requiem'... Look after yourselves...