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I was trying to come up with a clever intellectual title for this page but then thought bollocks, if people wanted clever intellectual stuff they'd be reading Bret Easton Ellis (I don't fucking think...)
Anyway, this is me speaking to you, direct (well, sort of).
Want to ask me something? Click here.
Right, here we are again with the usual answers, rantings and general bullshit from yours truly. Many thanks again to all of you who have visited the site or sent in questions and please keep 'em coming...
Donald Mitchell says:
I would like to buy an autographed Shaun Hutson book, how can I do this?
Shaun replies:
Well, Donald, you could write to my publishers who could forward it to me and I could sign it, send it back etc., but that might take a while. Failing that, if you specify which one you want signed, I'll do my best to send you a copy myself. Contact the site for more details.
Tina Brown says:
I am trying to find out if there are any plans to put Terminator back into print. I don't seem to be able to get hold of a copy.This is the only Shaun Hutson book I haven't got.
Shaun replies:
In a word, Tina, NO. Main reason being that the novelization I produced was supposedly based on an unauthorised script... I worked from the 3rd draft screenplay (the first two must have been really bad...) But my publishers at the time, apparently, hadn't bought the rights/cleared it with James Cameron or whatever, so my version was replaced by an authorised version. So, sorry, that one will never appear in print again as far as I can tell.
LFC_honey says:
I've just found your official site, which is nothing short of a very big thrill for me! I loved the site, couldn't have wished for anything more. Until I stumbled across the site, I considered myself to be a bit of a Hutson anorak, but the site provides masses of info about everything and anything, it knocked me down a bit on the knowledge scale!
I've been reading Shaun Hutson books for 13 years. I have always made my first stop at the local book shop, the Horror section, H for Hutson.
My first book was Victims, after that I borrowed DEATHDAY from a friend (and never returned it). Since then I haven't looked back. Every book I read now, I compare to your books and more often that not,(always) they don't make the grade.
I'm so thrilled to have actually found a site that tells me all about you and your work that words have escaped me.
I have no real reason for mailing you, apart from letting you know that I love your books, I re-read them all the time, every new book is nothing short of a God send to me. I didn't realise until I found your site, that there was so many more great pieces of work I was missing out on, although I did read 'The Terminator' and had no idea it was written by you!
I did actually have one question in my mind and there's nothing on the site, but then it may be a rather obscure line of thought (either that or I need to get out more).
In 'Heathen', is Chris Ward based on you? I mean in a deep and meaningful way and not satanically twisted and dead way!
If there is any similarity, apart from the author connection, is the reference in the book to 'two badly-made and unsuccessful films' true of Shaun? I know about 'Slugs' and try to forget about how crappy the film was, but is there another film I'm in the dark about? My one question turned into a bit more than intended!
Really looking forward to all your new work, do you ever do signings in Chester?
Thanks for reading my waffle!
Shaun replies:
The delightfully named LFC_honey asked loads of bloody things and I'm happy to answer them...
I'm glad you liked the site. It amazed me the first time I saw it. You wanted to know if the character of Chris Ward in HEATHEN is based on me... Er... well, yes... More of it than I'd care to reveal to be honest. Certainly in the way his working routine was described, the fact that I use to call the room where I worked 'The Cell' (now the place where I work is known more affectionately and simply as 'the fucking office'...). The fact that I used to eat at Silks restaurant in London (scene of one encounter between Donna and Chris's agent) was also included in the book. As for being in a car crash with a mistress... thank God that's never happened... I will say no more.
Dave Conley says:
Hey, I was emailed about a month ago by someone who read your story based on Iron Maiden's "Eddie" in a magazine. We were both really impressed. I wanted to put it on my website "The Edge of Darkness" but thought it best to contact you first. We couldn't find out how to contact you and I put it on the site anyway - http://www.up-the-irons.com/eddiestory.shtml
I just today saw some more of your work on Metal-Is and thought it best to ask you now if you don't mind it being on my website.
Shaun replies:
Go ahead and put them on your site, Dave. I'm glad to see the Happy Hammers doing better in the league. I hate to say it but you deserved a point against us (Liverpool) at your place in September and I was relieved as you usually beat us at Upton Park.
Renato from Italy says:
I'm a great fan of the so called Brit-way of Horror (Campbell, Herbert, Barker, etc.), and I've read only one of your books, "Renegades" (as it's the only one available in Italy, it's been translated with the horrible title of "Massacro Infernale" i.e. "Infernal Massacre")... what can I say about it? The story would be even good, especially the end... the point is that some parts of the novel are definitely unreadable for the style itself... I mean: it's as if one read the filthiest porno-magazine, IMHO it
goes beyond the worst pages by Harold Robbins and Jackie Collins... who knows, maybe that's a compliment to you. I wonder whether the other books feature the same sexual-crap...
Just my honest opinion.
Shaun replies:
Sorry you didn't like them, Renato but thanks for getting in touch anyway
Let me digress for a moment. Has anyone else ever found the sex scenes in my books to be disgusting, too explicit, pornographic, offensive etc. etc. Let me know... Actually, fuck it, if anyone wants to tell me their favourite then let rip...
Rachel Boffey from Birmingham says:
This isn't really a question just a comment for yourself really. I have just been on your website and read that Renegades is your fave novel and Sean Doyle also is tops. I must say that I agree with you and beg of you never to kill him off as he has a special place in my heart too !!!!!! Keep up the great work.
Shaun replies:
He is without a doubt my most popular character and he will be back soon. Have no fear.
Jason Smith from Kettering says:
I have been a big fan of Shaun's now for some years (as was my Nan, God bless her!) and own all of his book's. What I want to know is what did Shaun think of his only filmed novel Slugs? (I thought those Yank twats totally cocked it up a treat!)
P.S. I also agree with Shaun and thought Gladiator was the best film this year! And by the way I would like to see Guy Ritchie as the director of ASSASSIN as it is my favourite book. Keep up the good work mate as this is one fan who will always fork out for the next book.
Shaun replies:
Not fucking much, Jason, would be the easy answer. But then when a writer sells screen rights he doesn't expect to see anything too close to his work on the screen. Let's put it this way, I've seen worse... Not often, but I have...
Guy Ritchie to direct ASSASSIN, eh? I'd rather have John Mackenzie who did THE LONG GOOD FRIDAY but, who am I to quibble... Thanks for your interest, Jason.
Anyone else got any ideas who'd make the best directors for any books of mine that were filmed? How about John McTiernan (Die Hard) to do RENEGADES? Joel Schumacher (8mm) to do DEADHEAD? John Woo to do EXIT WOUNDS? Ridley Scott to do WARHOL'S PROPHECY? Michael Mann to do PURITY? I can dream, can't I?
Blue Gemstone says:
Hey Shaun, your No. 1 Fan here!!! Though I'm sure THAT one will start a riot...! Just emailing you after discovering your website (Well D'oh!)! Just wanted to ask you... how the HELL do you keep coming up with such FANTASTIC ideas for your books?! Let alone develop them as well as you do?! And don't say 'It's my job and I love it'. There has to be more to writing than that! I mean, I always wanted to be a writer, but I could never develop any of my crap ideas!! I was surprised when I got a B grade in my English GCSE... even though it was my best subject!! Just keep reelin' out those goods!!!
Shaun replies:
Well, the ideas usually come from something I've read in the paper, heard on the news or read in a book or even heard in conversation. I take one central idea and work it and work it until something takes shape or I realise it's not going to work. I work on a principal of 'what if' and push that to the limit. Many of the books have had things in them personal to me. My worst fears, my constant worries etc. I put those into characters and try to exorcise them. I work on the synopsis for about a month, writing and re-writing it, sorting out the plot and characters then I check for gaps in the plot, add bits to speed it up if I think it needs it etc. Then I write out the cast list and more detailed chapter by chapter notes then, when that's all done I sit down at the word processor and start bashing away until the books finished. I always say that the two best bits of writing a novel are typing the title page and hitting the final full stop. It's just the bit in the middle that's a pain...
Bob Dickerson says:
Just finished EXIT WOUNDS - nice one again! Quick question for you. Have you written under any other pseudonym than the ones listed on the site? If so, what were they? One more as well - why do writers use pseudonyms?
Up the Hammers on Sunday!
Shaun replies:
They are all listed on the site, Bob. By the way, I'm glad you enjoyed EXIT WOUNDS. You also asked why authors use pseudonyms. Well, a couple of reasons. The main one being that booksellers and the book trade in general find it easier to pigeon-hole authors, i.e. Tom Clancy - Thrillers. Ruth Rendell - Crime. Shaun Hutson - Horror. Jeffrey Archer - bollocks. That kind of thing. It confuses them when authors write in different genres so, if I wanted to write a romance (ha ha) I'd have to do it as Edna Higginbottom or something like that. And no, before anyone asks, Edna Higginbottom is NOT my pseudonym that I won't disclose... Also, writers known for one type of work don't want to try writing different stuff because it might confuse the readers too. If you walked into your local bookshop to find my newest book and found one in horror/thrillers and one in children's books then you might wonder what the fuck I was doing. So, most authors usually keep their own names for the stuff they like writing best or which is most successful for them. If that answers your question. Another West Ham fan, eh? I hope it gave you a giggle when we kicked Chelsea out of the Worthington Cup... I pissed myself.
Jenny Townsend says:
Just wanted to say that I've been collecting your books for years and I've loved every one. There's never a dull chapter and there's always a great ending. You're one of the best, Shaun, so keep up the good work. How come we never see you on Central Weekend anymore?
Shaun replies:
I was on it about two months ago, talking, (sorry, shouting) about BIG BROTHER. However, I must admit that I've limited my TV and public appearances for the past few years. I was so bloody visible in the early '90s it just got too much. I'd rather be a bit more anonymous now (pretty easy for me I can assure you). However, I'm sure if the right programme comes along you'll see my bloody face stuck there on your screen once more and for that I can only apologise.
Alison Wright says:
Wow! I've just finished WARHOL'S PROPHECY and I must say you've done it again! What a great book, the trouble is I read it too quick! I'm going to have to read an old book now just to keep me going, Renegades should do it. Keep 'em coming Shaun can't wait for the next one!
A couple of questions for you!
Which 1 book by any other author do you wish you had written yourself? Also which 1 book by any other author would you recommend to a die hard Hutson fan?
Shaun replies:
Which one book by any author do I wish I'd written? Well, the answer would probably have to be THE EXORCIST. It's brilliant, it made shit-loads of money, William Peter Blatty is a superb writer and it scared the shit out of me when I read it way back in the '70s. There was also a very, very good thriller called HEADHUNTER by Michael Slade (actually three Canadian lawyers using a pseudonym) published in the mid-eighties but I think that's out of print now. I wouldn't have minded writing the Harry Potter novels too, as I'd now be a multi-millionaire... But seriously, there is one book that I wish I'd written, but it isn't horror, it's a thing called BONAPARTE'S SONS by RICHARD HOWARD. I love military history and I picked up a copy when I was at my publishers. It's like a Napoleonic 'Dirty Dozen'. Superb battle scenes, great characters and he's done three or four others too, each one progressively better.
As for one book to recommend to a die hard Hutson fan... Any one of mine. I rest my case. Just kidding. Once again, it'd have to be THE EXORCIST or HEADHUNTER.
R Smith says:
Why is it that some of your books are only on sale in the USA?. I have been reading for 10 years and most of your stuff from Victims to WARHOL'S PROPHECY. Keep up the good work.
p.s. My mum always reads your acknowledgements.
p.p.s. Sean Doyle kicks ass
Shaun replies:
News to me, folks. Someone told me that copies are changing hands for over one hundred dollars a time... Needless to say, I see none of that dosh. Still, never mind, someone's enjoying themselves, eh?
James Scholfield says:
Your books are brilliant beyond belief! My other favourite novelist is James Herbert. He is a genius too! Your books are more 'down to earth' yet every bit as gripping. A true master!
Shaun replies:
Thank you for your kind comments.
Barry Hampshire says:
Thanks for the entertainment the other night. I always listen to James on the weeks when I am on nights and it was very nice to hear one of my favourite authors on as well.
Good luck for the future mate. Hopefully they will turn some of your books into films, after all they would have to be better than Clive's Lords Of Illusions.
Shaun replies:
Thanks, Barry. Glad you enjoyed the latest outing on The James Whale Show. James is a good mate and he and I have been trying to find something to work on together for ages now. When it happens the site will be the first to tell you so keep your eyes peeled. We have some ideas.
Colin Roberts says:
My name's Colin Roberts; you may remember that I spoke to you briefly, right at the end of your appearance on James' show last night (Wed 9th). I was the bloke who'd had a book published electronically, and we spoke for a moment about payment, contracts etc. I was also the bugger who put you on the spot, asking if you'd be kind enough to help a new fish in the professional pond by giving me your opinion on it. I didn't want to do it that way, but, having hung on for three-quarters of an hour, I didn't really get the time to talk with you for as long as I'd have liked. I hope I didn't put you in a can't-say-no position, and that you're still willing to give me your professional verdict.
I never even had the chance to tell you that it - "Samhain" - is a horror/thriller, so there's at least a chance that you'll like it!
Whatever - you were kind enough to agree, so I'll send it along anyway - tomorrow, via James as requested (don't know how long it'll take to reach you, which is the main reason I'm bothering you again now)
I'm going to send it on both CD and 3½" disc - just use whichever is more convenient. If you'd rather a printed copy, I'll have to parcel up one of my own print-off review copies, as it won't be in paperback until the end of next month. Let me know if you'd prefer it this way.
Right. This might hamstring any chance I have with you, but some things are far more important than writing. You always sound like such a sensible geezer on the radio, but then I find this load of bollocks on your website:
"I mean, most of the glory hunters who support Man. Utd. are from bloody Devon ..."
We - yes we, from bloody Devon - ain't glory hunters, mate. We just find that all the glory comes our way without even asking for it, never mind huntin' it... But, having worn the same scarf for a quarter of a century, I can still remember the good old days when we didn't win everything in sight - it was your mob's turn then, as I recall. Monotonous, always winning, ain't it? I wish we'd lose a few more now and again, make it more exciting. Know what I mean...?
Yeah... I know, I know. Couldn't resist. Seriously though, it would be a great help to me if you could find the time to look at Samhain. It would be a fantastic boost if I could get a couple of lines from you for the upcoming jacket, but I'm far more interested in your honest, professional opinion.
Well, better shut up and get some work done. Thanks again for talking to me the other night, Shaun.
Shaun replies:
Colin, send your ms. to James show as he said and I'll be happy to read it (you, manc bastard... sorry, couldn't resist it...)
If I can be of any help with the book then I will. (Even to a bloody manc...) Just kidding, mate, I wish you all the best. (And your team all the worst...) Take care.
Sharon Hackett says:
I heard you last night on James Whale, and as always found you very interesting. I have read all your older books and found them to be
excellent, as many people said last night I couldn't put them down. Unfortunately since I started university I haven't had much time to read
any of your newer stuff. However, after listening to glowing reviews last night I am going to go and buy Purity and give it a go.
Thank you for all the pleasure you have given me.
Shaun replies:
Thank you, Sharon, let me know what you think of PURITY when you've read it.
Paul Jolley says:
I am interested to know if its possible, what other names your wrote under, specifically the war books section. I see on your website you wrote a book called 'Blood And Honour'. I have this book the ISBN numbers match but its by a Wolf Kruger, could this be one of your books? I also own the War Omnibus; No Survivors - Forged In Fire - Taken By Force - which is an excellent piece of writing! Also I'd like to know, if you wrote under Sven Hassel - I know this author is very popular (or was) as your writing style are near enough the same! I'm trying not to be a smartarse, far from it - just very interested to know. If you could help me I would be very grateful!
Shaun replies:
Well, Paul, they are, by now all listed on the site. No, I was never Sven Hassel. He was apparently, about seventy years old, Polish, and had never seen a hand grenade in his life, let alone been part of the punishment battalion in the German army in the Second World War... I read all of his books when I was in my teens and loved them. In fact, one of them, WHEELS OF TERROR, almost made me throw up... Quite a feat... I've got a horrible feeling the poor old sod is dead now. A bit like war novels in general... Just an amusing note too. There was also an author of war novels around at the time called Leo Kessler (a good German name, agreed?), he was actually an Englishman named Leonard Whiting... Ain't publishing wonderful... Well, there's some more illusions shattered.
Elli Humphries from Nottingham says:
Thanks for the great books. I have been reading them since I was about 11/12. Whenever I pick up one of your books, I know I am going to find a proper tale/story/ etc., the gore, the blood, the shock, the sex, the down right eugh! They make me feel slightly ill from just reading them (even though I work in a mortuary!)
I had to order "WARHOL'S PROPHECY" from WH Smiths, because they didn't have it on the shelves. I only found out about it from my Mum, who just happens to work there. I didn't even realise that "Exit Wounds" had been released until my Mum told me, so at least Smiths are good for one thing! Can't wait to read it, but I have to wait for it to arrive (arse!) Keep up the damn good work. You are the most shocking author I have read, and I read a lot of books.
p.s Are there going to be any more Sean Doyle books?, he is sooo fine and a f***king hard nut, I love 'im!!!
Oh yeah, keep adding the rock music quotes, us traditional metallers love them!
Shaun replies:
Yes, Sean Doyle will return, have no fear. How the fuck do my books make you feel ill when you work in a mortuary... I'm supposed to say, sorry they do but, of course, I can only thank you for what I take as a compliment. Hope you've read and enjoyed WARHOL'S PROPHECY and EXIT WOUNDS by now. Don't worry, with Doyle coming back, there's no chance of the heavy metal quotes disappearing. No doubt you've already checked out the incredible quote section on the site. Thanks again for your interest.
Well folks, that's it for now. More queries, more answers hopefully. Keep 'em coming... Sorry I took so long replying but you buggers want new books to read don't you (thank God).
They'll be an Xmas treat on the site in the next month or so... Some old stories I did years ago for some of the heavy metal mags like KERRANG! etc. They've been out of print for years. So, check out the EXCLUSIVES part of the site and get downloading or whatever you do... In the meantime, if you haven't already, get down your local video shop and rent out THE INSIDER.
I am working on film treatments, another installment of SAVAGES for Iron Maiden's web site and planning the next book so it's pretty busy in this madhouse. However, whatever is going on you'll know about it first on this site.
I thank you all again for your time, your interest, your support and your kindness.
Shaun
Another day, another dollar, as they say, or, in this case, another dose of verbal dysentery from yours truly.
Any big Brother addicts out there? Yeah, I'm sad, I watched the fucking lot on C4. See, Warhol was right, there were ten more nobodies enjoying their 15 minutes of fame... For more ranting on this subject read WARHOL'S PROPHECY and EXIT WOUNDS. I reckon it'll be two months tops before none of us can remember any of their bloody names... Still, by then they'll probably all have written books anyway and publishers will have paid them fortunes for doing it...
STOP PRESS... Although I said I'd never get involved with films I'm due to start work on several projects soon, one of which will rip the shit out of publishing in a way you could not imagine... You will find out the truth, folks... Watch this space, keep buying the books and, thanks again for your interest.
Details of my appearance on The James Whale Show and several appearances at book signings/talks etc. will also be on the site in the next couple of weeks.
So more questions answered, more opinions given. If any of you want to challenge my ramblings feel free, that's what I'm here for. Thanks to everyone who asked me questions, here, I hope, are the answers you seek...
Bryan Cross, from Birmingham, says:
Shaun, I have been a rabid fan of your work ever since leafing through a copy of "Slugs" I found in Dillons. I had read four chapters before someone asked me if I was going to buy it. Stupid bloody question.
What struck me about that particular novel (apart from the gore sodden descriptions), was the constant reference to Iron Maiden - who are my favourite band.
In your work (of which, I now have the complete collection), you seem to have a bullet's-eye-view of the most lethal weapons ever used. On your website, it says you used to shoot pistols for fun, and the question I want to ask is do you still shoot, and, do you have an opinion on the reformation of the handgun laws?
One other point of interest, your scribblings have inspired me to take an interest in the written word, and I am hoping to write stories that affect others the way yours affected me.
Keep up the good work, I am looking forward to it being published.
Shaun replies:
Well, Bryan, the site of course is correct, I used to shoot pistols for a hobby (until Thomas Hamilton fucked things up for everyone that is...) At various times I've also fired blanks out of machine and sub-machine guns such as HK33's, AK47's (Kalashnikovs) and, in fact, I think that almost every gun I've ever mentioned in one of my books I have actually fired. The guys who used to go to the same gun club as me knew what I did for a living, many of them had great collections of their own weapons and let me fire an assortment of guns as well as the .357 Magnum that I always favoured. The reformation of the gun laws were, I think, made too soon and with too much political capital in mind. Hamilton at Dunblane, like Michael Ryan before him at Hungerford, learned how to shoot at a gun club which, unfortunately made them both very good shots but, you can't blame the gun clubs for those disasters. Blame the fucking copper who gave Hamilton his license... I mean, if someone wants to kill people they'll do it with or without a legally owned weapon. You can buy UZI's for less than two hundred quid in parts of Manchester so, if someone wants a gun they'll get one. The government over-reacted as usual. Good job Hamilton didn't drive a car into the school at Dunblane, we'd all have been walking to fucking work now... (Mind you, with the petrol crisis, some of us are...)
John Hill says:
My friend is writing a horror novel and I think it has the potential to be a good sell, but he's coming up against a brick wall with publishers, as most are not interested in horror novels. We both live in Northern Ireland.
Can you let me know any details of publishers who may be interested in his work? I know it could sell as the words flow from his heart. It would be a shame to let a chance like that go to waste, plus, I'm helping him type it out on the PC.
Many thanks.
Shaun replies:
My advice, get a copy of THE WRITER'S AND ARTISTS YEARBOOK, available at libraries or bookshops. It lists agents. Get an agent. That is the only advice I can give. I wish there was more I could say. Just write what you want to write, stick at it and don't let the bastards grind you down...
Emma says:
I've been reading your books for seven years due to a good school mate of mine, and I'm glad she did. I look forward to every book, and also managed to get my cousin to read them and many other friends who thinks they are brilliant. I have read the majority of the horrors and thrillers and can't wait for more like them. What I must say is that the character Sean Doyle who I have warmed to very much to since he appears in 'Renegade', 'White Ghost' and 'Knife Edge'. Will he be coming back? Anyway carry on with the fantastic work.
Shaun replies:
The answer is yes, probably in a book or so. I'm having big problems with my new one COMPULSION, mainly because the editor is fucking around with it. He finds it nasty, nauseating, blah, blah, fucking blah, so it's being held up at the moment. Anyone wishing to send abusive e-mails to this tit can do so by forwarding their very strong desire to know when the new Shaun Hutson book is out, to Macmillans website.
Actually, that might be a help. This is a message to anyone who wants to see the stuff I write published in the form I intend it to be published in. Do you lot think you're so weak minded that you need an editor to tell you what you can or can't read? Personally, I don't. I think that you, my readers, expect certain things from a Shaun Hutson book and I like to think I give them to you. Someone at Macmillan doesn't want you to read COMPULSION and I think they're cheating YOU... This novel was completed three months ago with a view to a publication date of next July/August. But, because of some obstructiveness in the editorial department, it's being held up. It's being kept from you lot and I don't fucking like that. If it was the new Bret Easton Ellis book no-one would have batted an eyelid.
Bombard Macmillan with e-mails wanting to know when COMPULSION will be available, saying how much you want to read it etc. etc. Feel free. The address you want is macmillan.co.uk. P.s. don't tell them I tipped you off.. (hee, hee)
By the way, the same goes for W.H. Smith. All of you, please feel free to e-mail W.H. Smith to ask why WARHOL'S PROPHECY is unavailable at any branch and demand it be bought by their head office immediately...
Heidi Kerr-Stemp
I don't particularly want to ask you a question, I just wanted to tell you that you are the greatest author I have ever read.
I am 15 years old and I started reading your books just over 4 months ago. The first one I read was Spawn, and I thought it was the most original and gripping stories ever. I have continued reading you since, and have just finished reading my twelfth book of yours (all bought, may I add!). I would consider your best one to be Lucy's Child because it has an excellent mixture of both violence and psychological horror. I'm not afraid to say I had a few sleepless nights with that one!
I would really love to read Chainsaw Terror, as I have read Come The Night, and am curious as to what could have been so shocking? Maybe it's best if we didn't know!
Anyway, I will take up no more of your time, as I am sure you don't want to be listening to me. I would appreciate it if, it's not too much trouble, to maybe e-mail me back with a reply.
Thank you so much, and please don't ever stop using that genius mind of yours.
God bless.
Shaun replies:
Many thanks for the kind words about my book, Heidi. Glad to know I gave you a few sleepless nights (in the nicest possible way of course). I hope you enjoy WARHOL'S PROPHECY and EXIT WOUNDS as much as you enjoyed the others. I appreciate your time and praise.
Adam Dallas, from Tasmania, Australia says:
I am a huge fan of yours from Tasmania, Australia. I have been reading your stuff for about 10 years now and told many a mate about your work.
I read that you are a huge fan of movies. Apart from Sam Peckinpah which other film makers, or films for that matter, do you like? Do you like James Cameron or Steven Spielberg?
Also, do you like The Doors or Guns N Roses?
Keep up the great work!
Cheers
Shaun replies:
Keep spreading the word amongst your mates, Adam. Many thanks.
You wanted to know which other film makers I liked apart from Peckinpah (rest in peace...) Well, I think the greatest living film director is Martin Scorsese (TAXI DRIVER, RAGING BULL, GOODFELLAS and CASINO are, I think, masterpieces, as is AGE OF INNOCENCE.) I also think that the Coen brothers (BLOOD SIMPLE, RAISING ARIZONA, FARGO, THE BIG LEBOWSKI etc.) are probably the most original film makers working today. Francis Ford Coppola's first two GODFATHER films, APOCALYPSE NOW and THE CONVERSATION were brilliant but he's gone sadly down the pan with shit like THE RAINMAKER and JACK. Of the newer directors, David Fincher is, I think, superb. SEVEN, THE GAME and FIGHT CLUB were all great films. I'll even forgive him ALIEN 3... Walter Hill made some great films years ago such as SOUTHERN COMFORT, THE WARRIORS and 48 HOURS but has dropped off a bit apart from GERONIMO recently. Sorry, just remembered, the other greatest director working at the moment, Michael Mann (MANHUNTER, THIEF, LAST OF THE MOHICANS, HEAT, THE INSIDER). Also, not forgetting the early brilliance of Ridley Scott with THE DUELLISTS, ALIEN and BLADE RUNNER who fell from grace so far with GI fucking JANE it's hard to imagine he's been responsible for one of the greatest films I've seen in five years GLADIATOR, no, hold that, GLADIATOR is one of the greatest films I've EVER seen. Also, let's not forget Oliver Stone. JFK, TALK RADIO, SALVADOR and NATURAL BORN KILLERS I think are all superb films.
Do I like James Cameron? A short answer would be no... I think he's very overrated, he has a tendency to let his films run too long (look at TITANIC). Good action director but can't direct actors... Spielberg? Brilliant story teller, great entertainer but, apart from JAWS, has never made what I would call a truly great film. Yes, I loved CLOSE ENCOUNTERS, thrilled to RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK and admired SCHINDLER'S LIST but let's not forget HOOK, 1941, THE LOST WORLD (I wish someone had fucking lost it...) But, he's worth billions so what does he care...
Gun 'n Roses or The Doors? APPETITE FOR DESTRUCTION is one on the finest albums ever. The Doors were very good but I think Denis Leary had it nailed when he said Jim Morrison's story could be told in 30 seconds... 'I'm drunk, I'm nobody. I'm drunk, I'm famous. I'm drunk, I'm dead'.
Thank you and good night.
Hope that answers your queries, mate.
Just a word to those of you trying to get hold of some of the older stuff. I'm afraid your best bet is a library as most of the early pseudonym stuff is out of print and not available anymore.
Right, coming this month is EXIT WOUNDS in hardback and WARHOL'S PROPHECY in paperback. 25th August and 11th August respectively. EXIT WOUNDS was originally titled BASTARDS but too many objections were raised to that title. I had originally titled KNIFE EDGE the same way back in '97 but it was also vetoed... I'll get it through some day, I promise.
I'm still working on next year's novel, COMPULSION, probably the nastiest, most vicious piece of work I've done for years. I've already run into furious opposition from the publishers about it and one scene in particular that has been cut. The last time anything was so violently opposed was DEADHEAD, which led to a blazing row between me and my publishers at the time and saw an editorial meeting concluded with me throwing a waste bin through a window... Not very literary I know but I love my fucking work. So, COMPULSION is going to be quite something. It's not as violent as EXIT WOUNDS though, which, I am convinced, is the most violent novel I've ever written. Let me know if you agree.
Right, that's it from me for the time being. I'm off on holiday for four days then it'll be time for me to get in training for the new football season (watching, for me, can be as exhausting as playing...) and, hopefully, a long overdue 19th Championship for Liverpool.
Just one other thing. Am I the only other person who thinks that 'Gladiator' is the finest film of the year so far? Closely followed by 'The Insider'. I'm off to see 'Gladiator' for the 14th time this afternoon...
Speak to you soon.
Mark Boffey, from Birmingham, says:
Did Clive Harold get fed up with writing The Uninvited & Shaun took over or is it one of Shaun's pseudonyms ?
Shaun replies:
Clive Harold didn't get fed up with writing the Uninvited books, he got locked up, at least that was what I heard. Apparently, he was done for G.B.H. and was, obviously, indisposed... when the time came for a sequel, my publishers at the time asked me. The result was Uninvited 2 and 3 under the pseudonym of Frank Taylor. These are no longer available I'm afraid.
Alec Bright says:
We have found you are from Hertfordshire. Are you allowed to be a little more specific? What school did you go to, and how come you know Chris Ripple from Ripple Records?
Shaun replies:
My origins... Yes, I was born in Hertfordshire. I went to Norton Road School in Letchworth. As a matter of fact I was back there two weeks ago playing football for a kind of 'Over the hill XI' against the first XI (we won...) Something I'll be doing again towards the end of September. The reason I know Chris Ripple from Ripple Records is that I used to buy all my records there... logical enough. I was also madly in love with one of the girls who used to work there at the time... we went to school together and she was gorgeous. Her name was Kim (my God, I can still remember...)
Butch Hewitt says:
Where are the new installments of "Red Stuff"? I read your first two "online" chapters, and they kicked my bloody arse!. Since then, I have bought your novels "DEATHDAY" and "Nemesis" and I can't wait to read them! I read "Slugs" and still have the original versions of "Spawn" and "The Skull". I've even leant some of your novels to some of my friends to read, and I must say, they consider you the "British Stephen King"! This, coming from hardcore James Herbert and Ramsey Campbell fans! I just don't understand why you're not "super famous" here! Too many "s**t for brains" people that would rather read the rubbish put out by Tom Clancy and John Grisham, than an honest to goodness "no holds barred" horror-fest at the hands of a very talented horror scribe such as yourself! I am looking forward to "Exit Wounds"!
I can't for the life of me understand why not many people here in the States haven't read any of your kick-ass horror novels. I am currently reading "NEMESIS", (the part where Paula started cannibalizing Jennings at the hotel was so fucking cool) and can't wait to start "DEATHDAY"! I mean, don't get me wrong, I really dig James Herbert, Ramsey Campbell, Peter Crowther, etc., but why you're not as popular over here as you are in Great Britain, I HAVE NO FUCKING IDEA! I guess sometimes there is no accounting for taste! I'm sure J.K. ROWLING is a very nice woman and all, but the popularity of her books (hell, she even bumped STEPHEN KING off the bestseller list) escapes me no end! The people here to contact to get your name out among the horror reading public are Dave Hinchberger or Richard T. Chizmar and they can be reached via a computer on THE OVERLOOK CONNECTION or CEMETERY DANCE PUBLICATIONS websites. Well, gotta turn in now, so I'll talk to you again soon. Sincerely, your fan from "across the pond", Butch.
Shaun replies:
Butch, I don't know why I'm not more fucking popular in the States either... I think only 'Slugs', 'Spawn', 'Breeding Ground' and 'Heathen' were ever published there and with no publicity at all. I'm glad you and your friends like my stuff though and also that you enjoyed the first two installments of 'Red Stuff', fuck knows when the next one will appear. I hope you also like the extract from EXIT WOUNDS on the site. Thanks for giving me the names of the guys in the States to contact to 'spread the word' about my stuff, unfortunately, I'm not even in possession of a computer yet but I'm grateful anyway. If it's any consolation, I, like you, get pissed off that 'big names' continue turning out crap and making fortunes. Just the way it goes I'm afraid. Thank God for discerning readers like yourself... All the best until next time...
Dave Moules says:
I'm sure you get plenty of twatting fan mail, but I thought I would tell you how much an 18 year old lad enjoys your books. For me they are an escape from reality. Forget the critics, what you do is excellent so keep on going - I'll always be buying. Also, on a final note, Liverpool rule, yet Heskey and McAllister are shite.
Shaun replies:
Glad you're enjoying the books, Dave. Glad to see you're a red too. McAllister shite! I reckon he'll be o.k. when he's settled in. I saw him in a friendly against Stoke and he looked good. Bernard Diomede looked very good. I can't wait to see Markus Babbel in the red shirt too. Time we won the league again I think, grind those Manc bastards into the dirt where they deserve to be...
Jordi Garcia says:
Just finished NEMESIS in Spanish: disturbing... cheap... insane... revolting... I love it!!
When I buy one of your books I know what I'm gonna find: sex, violence & horror in heavy doses. It's so extreme that is pure fun! I couldn't stop reading until the end.
I remember now that the first book that I read in English many years ago was... Erebus!
Thanks from a Spanish reader. Keep on writing!
Shaun replies:
Keep your eyes open for others as sick and insane as NEMESIS... Thank you for your message.
James Hood says:
My name is James and I am a big fan of Shaun. I have got all his books which includes a signed copy of 'Lucy's Child'. If you know him could you tell him that I think he writes cracking good books and I can't wait for his latest novel. Keep up the good work.
Shaun replies:
Don't worry, I'll keep the books coming. EXIT WOUNDS and WARHOL'S PROPHECY in August. I hope you enjoy them. Take care.
Mandy Campbell says:
Can u please make a sequel to 'The Skull'? Thanks.
Shaun replies:
There will be no sequel to THE SKULL, sorry, well, not unless someone offers me a ridiculous amount of money to do it or I do it under a pseudonym... (you never know.)