Jan 9, 1998

Testing. Simon Clark is one of the most talked about writers in the genre on both sides of the Atlantic. Although he hasn't had a publication out in the U.S. to date...watch this space! Simon Clark has a new novel VAMPYRRIC out next month, I believe. ............................... Andy

Jan 10, 1998

Andy, I read BLOOD CRAZY. I loved that book. It's an apocalyptic novel. All of a sudden, without warning,adults begin killing kids. All kids. No-one is exempt. The adults are all chillingly effective in their murder and mayhem. Why are they doing it? Why are parents systematically killing their children? The answer, at least to me, is a good one. But, I'm not telling it! Read it! Bob, sonofjosie@hotmail.com

Jan 13, 1998

I read Simon's DARKER and didn't think too much of it. This was my first exposure to his work...should I try another or was DARKER a good representation of his material? Clinton

Jan 17, 1998

Clinton....sorry to hear that DARKER didn't ignite you like it did me...then again, I've been a fan since the early days. Try and find a zine or mag that contains a piece of short fiction. Better still pick up Blood & Grit. You should be able to order it through BBR Books. The address is on Simon's webpage. I believe there's a link to it on this site. You could also give NAILED BY THE HEART a go as well. Very claustrophobic. Very good indeed.........Simon (Squane's Journal, Head Honcho: squanes@cableinet.co.uk).

Jan 21, 1998

Here in America, Simon Clark is not very well known (yet) but I was lucky enough to stumble across his work. Clark writes a superior post apocolyptic saga! especially because of the original story line, he didn't use any tired cliche' or such. I must confess that I was attracted to the graphic market- ing cover. I'm now trying to hunt down a collection of short stories he did called "Blood & Grit" Any clues? THMARS@IX.netcom.com

Jan 23, 1998

Dear SIMON I am anxiously awaiting VAMPHYRRIC and after that THE FALL. I wrote you a letter in OCT 1997 and you were kind enough to fax a reply. You are a joy to read and a rare talent, thanks for becoming an author. All the best to you and yours. e-mail sluggers@angel-group.com BRUCE THOMAS.

Jan 28, 1998

Dear Simon Clark I have read your books Darker, Nailed by the Heart and Blood Crazy. I thought they were ultra cool!!!! You are part of three new writers that i am crazy for, including Mark Burnell and John Douglas... The three of you kick ass!!! I live in Canada and was wondering if you knew when your new novel might arrive here. Thanks!! REANIMATED.......(REANIMATED@AOL.COM)

Feb 9, 1998

I have just read my first piece of Simon Clark's fiction. THE BURNING DOORWAY is a short story available in Mr. Wady's quite excellent Squanes Journal #2. What a terrific short story. I look forward to reading all of Clark's novels (as I have for some time). Unfortunately, as I am continuing to write and update the "Masters Of Terror - Horror Author A to Z" guide, I have to read loads of older materia first. Anyway for one of the best short stories I have read in a while buy Squanes#2 - only £1.50. - Andy Fairclough.

Feb 20, 1998

Simon: no e-mail yet (I'm using a friend's computer). It's Mark McLaughlin — we met at World Fantasy. I really enjoyed meeting you and Allen Ashley, Matt Williams, John Travis, Des Lewis, and all the others. I had loads of fun. Hey, I accepted a story from John Travis for the URBANITE just the other day. So how ya been? This is very weird, leaving you a message for all the world to see — not that I have anything provocative to say! Send me a letter someday: Mark McLaughlin, THE URBANITE Magazine, P.O. Box 4737, Davenport, Iowa 52808, USA. And anybody else who is reading this: you can send me a letter, too. I'm a friendly bloke!

Mar 8, 1998

Does anyone know if the new Simon Clark novel "Vampyrrhic" been released yet?

Mar 13, 1998

Hi I am in the Us and would like to try one of Simon's books. Which do you reccomend first? The one about the parents killing the kids?

Mar 13, 1998

Hi I am in the Us and would like to try one of Simon's books. Which do you reccomend first? The one about the parents killing the kids?

Mar 13, 1998

BLOOD CRAZY isn't a bad place to start, or KING BLOOD is also a terrific apocalyptic novel. NAILED BY THE HEART is claustrophobic and very unsettling... Then rumor has it that there's a collection coming from Silver Salamander Press in late summer...

Mar 25, 1998

SALT SNAKE & OTHER BLOODY CUTS will be released in late summer or fall from Silver Salamander Press. Simon and I are still working out details on the book (shall we have a guest introduction, cover artist, etc,); but what I can tell you is that this huge collection comes in at close to 80,000 words, and gathers together all of Simon's best short fiction... Pricing will be the same as for other Silver Salamander titles, and there will be UK distribution in place well before the publication of this book. We will not be accepting orders until a bit later in the year. I'll post a message here when the time is right.<> John Pelan<> jpelan@cnw.com

Mar 30, 1998

Just picked up his collection from BBR. Anybody's thoughts on best stories from this one. I'll be reading it in a week or so and let you know how i found it read. Paul

Mar 30, 1998

Just wondered what kind of stories Clark writes that are in Blood and Grit... What author is he most like, or could someone describe his style to me? Also will the stories from Blood and Grit be included in the upcoming collection: Salt Snake? Aaron Bates

Apr 1, 1998

Do check out Simon's official homepage, you can do a search for "Simon Clark - Nailed by the Heart" and your search engine should take you straight to it, (Or maybe Andy will put a link up) .There's an excerpt from KING BLOOD an interview, and much more.

In answer to the question about the stories from BLOOD & GRIT being included in SALT SNAKE; I'm afraid not... As B & G is still available, it would seem a bit redundant, and also put our book way over budget, (it'll be over budget anyway, but the added content would have brought it up to nearly 100,000 words, the size of TWO Silver Salamander Press books...

John Pelan

Apr 13, 1998

Hey, just to say, I recently found Simon Clark - and he really blew me away - great - fantastic - superb - orgasmic books, lets have some more Simon soon. Aidan mortgage@cableinet.co.uk

Apr 17, 1998

Just finished BLOOD & GRIT and found either I loved or didn't like each story. I liked the following: SKINNER LANE, OVER RUN, REVELLING IN BRICK & SEX, SAVAGERY, BLOOD, BLOOD,BLOOD Didn't care for: OUT FROM UNDER & BITE BACK I loved his style and imagery. I look forward to reading his newer stuff in the future, since these were published in 1990. Anyone have any thoughts on these stories and/or novels I should look to buy?? Thanks, Paul

Apr 20, 1998

hello! I've been away from the computer for a while, so I'm trying to keep up in all the news. I started KING BLOOD yesterday, and I was very disappointed. Why? Because there was fucking pages missing, that's why! Anybody out there purchased a copy of KING BLOOD, and found pages 43 on up to 91 missing? I hope I wasn't the only one! i hope there were other people out there with the same shitty luck. I live in the US. Ain't gonna be easy trying to exchange this book. By the way, I'm refering to the paperback version. Please leave a message. Thanks, Bob sonofbill@centuryinter.net

Apr 21, 1998

That's a bugger that is, pages 43 - 91 contain the best bits.

Apr 24, 1998

'Vampyrric' is in the stores now. Saw it yesterday. A big change on the cover artwork for this one - AF

Apr 25, 1998

Andy, Thanks for letting the readers from across the pond know that Clark's book is in stores now. Will have to call my bookstore dealer over there to insure my copy. Any chance on haveing his book cover in your new author release section. James

Jun 6, 1998

SALT SNAKE AND OTHER BLOODY CUTS is in preparation now, this massive collection comes in at nearly 80,000 words and collects twenty-five of Simon Clark's stories. The book will be published in three states, Deluxe (Leatherbound) $65.00, Limited (Clothbound) $35.00, and Trade (Paperback) $15.00. We're not taking reservations just yet, but I'll post to this board soon with reservation info.

For our UK customers, when the book is released you can forego the horrendous international shipping charges by ordering from BBR. br
In the meantime, has no one read Simon's new novel yet? Why is this board so quiet?

John Pelan

Silver Salamander Press

Jul 1, 1998

Hi John, I am looking forward to the new Clark collection. I am also trying to find his new novel but have not had much luck. Sincerely James

Jul 1, 1998

For those looking for Simon's hardcover novels you might try sideshow@dreamscape.com or sgosden@netcomuk.co.uk, that's Mike Paduana and Simon Gosden respectively...

There's also a wonderful chapbook available entitled "The Derelict of Death" written by Simon Clark and John B. Ford, it's a William Hope Hodgson tribute and well worth checking out:

B.J.M. Press, 95 Compass Crescent, Old Whittington, Chesterfield, S41 9LX, I think that's there were only 250 copies done, so HURRY!

John Pelan

Jul 29, 1998

Hi. I think Simon is a top notch horror novelist, probably the best British horror writer since James Herbert. Howdy, Andy and John. I've given blurbs to Simon's stuff, and am looking forward to meeting him in October at the World Fantasy Convention -- I hear from our mutual agent, the fabulous Bob Tanner, that Simon is planning to attend. Best to everyone, Richard Laymon

Jul 31, 1998

All these comments will be sent to Simon Clark within the next week or so. If anyone has any further questions or comments get them in now! - Andy F.

Jul 31, 1998

With knowledge that Andy F. might kick my butt for doing this here goes:

Simon,

I have read two of your novels, Blood Crazy and Darker. Want to say that you are one super British author. I picked up Blood Crazy on the strength of its gory cover not realizing what was going to be behind it. What was there blew me away. You know when people always ask what are your top ten books? You think to yourself, "well shit, i loved all these so damn much its hard to put the top ten in specific order." Well, Blood Crazy goes somewhere in my top ten list! I remember finshing it in a coffee shop late one night, smoking a cigarette, drinking my third coffee in an hour and wondering if anyone looking at me thought I was a freak because i was soooooo into it...hunched over so that that book was all that was in my sight. Awsome novel.

I'm reading King Blood right and enjoying it. I love the "end of the world" type of stories you write. My fience recently got me one of your short story collections and i'm anxious to read that also.

Thanks for the time...

Reanimated

Aug 1, 1998

Simon Clark's NAILED BY THE HEART is one of the best novels I've ever read. Clark's characters react to the supernatural in a very believable way, making the entire novel almost unnervingly easy to accept. I'd like to speak with Mr. Clark and inquire about the imagery in NAILED, especially about the effective use of the sea as a diminutizing force. Wonderful writing, the kind of stuff that makes me proud to be a horror fan. That's all, Matt Taylor

Aug 10, 1998

Aug 10, 1998

Simon: Nice to see you in here, hope you remember me, thanks for the card when I sold the kids book way back when, things have been hectic, but hectic can be fun... got to dash just wanted to say hi... and I hear a whisper you and Tim Lebbon are engaged in a project? Steve Savile

Aug 10, 1998

Simon

A note to say I love your work. I'm just off to pick up a copy of Vampyrric, if I can find one, but had to jump in here and say hi first. Of your novels, Blood Crazy works better for me than King Blood - probably because I simply prefer the initial premise of parents slaughtering children. That aside, you right a superiror post-apocalyptic tale. I was fortunate to find your short 'Burning Doorway' in Scaremongers, and am looking forward to the new Anthology.

In answer to your question: the world will end because of lethargy. People will simply stop minding that civilisation will end two generations down the line, and no one will act in time to prevent it. Maybe. Ahem.

Richard Wright

All spelling errors are copyright Richard Wright 1998.

Aug 10, 1998

Hi, Simon: Boy, have my views regarding your work turned around! 180 degrees. Though my initial and instant reaction to DARKER was a bit less than enthusiastic, I forged ahead - thanks perhaps primarily because of John Pelan's ardent support (both as a reader and publisher) and I admire John's tastes a great deal - and purchased BLOOD AND GRIT. I was absolutely enthralled by the tone and themes of these stories. And so I was off and running to find other Clark works...picked up BLOOD CRAZY and KING BLOOD and, by God, if BLOOD CRAZY isn't one of the best novels I've read in a very long while! I'm halfway through KING BLOOD as I type this and, unbelievably, it's just as good! I'm already checking avenues to pick up NAILED BY THE HEART and VAMPHYRRIC (sp?) and have leads on both and should have them both in my eager little hands within month's end. And now the collector bug's edging its way in and I'm starting to seek out hardcover copies of each of your books. Your imagination and talent is truly one of the most original and intriguing in horror fiction - hell, in *any* genre - that I've come across in a long time and I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank you - and, again, John P. - for taking me on these thrilling, apocalyptic adventures. And to ask your gracious forgiveness...I don't know what the hell I was thinking of in my earlier post. It all just seems like a bad dream now... Ron Clinton

Aug 11, 1998

Just one further note. As we're doing this by snail mail, messages will be sent to Simon Clark on roughly a monthly basis. The next batch will go off in the post towards the end of the month - AF

Aug 14, 1998

How will civilization end? I'd be inclined to think that the book THE HOT ZONE gave some potentially accurate scenarios... The deeper we muck about in the rain forests, the greater the likelihood of encountering a virus that we've no defense for...

On the other hand, we may all be driven mad by the seemingly endless procession of Xanth novels....

BTW: Dick Laymon mentioned that you're planning on being in Monterey for World Fantasy Convention, I'll be making every effort to have SALT SNAKE ready by then, I should have rough galleys out to you next week.

John

Aug 17, 1998

Displayed exclusively on the front page of 'MASTERS OF TERROR 2' is the rough cover artwork for Simon Clark's next novel THE FALL as sent to me by Simon himself. (Thanks to SW for scanning the cover). MASTERS OF TERROR 2 can be accessed from the bottom of the main MASTERS OF TERROR page or by going to /Area51/Stargate/8997/
As it is a rather large graphics file it may take a minute or so to load. - AF.

Aug 18, 1998

Here's a review I wrote for Simon Clark's BLOOD CRAZY, a book that I urge anyone who will listen to me to grab a copy! RATING 9.5 / 10 Hodder and Stoughton (hc); New English Library (pb), 1995 Richard Laymon has labeled Simon Clark "A master of eerie thrills" and Deathrealm calls Clark "One of the best contemporary British horror writers". Glowing comments such as these and many others like it are being deluged upon this new horror writer whose debut novel (NAILED BY THE HEART) did not even appear until 1995. Heady stuff for a newcomer...and yet it's all completely deserved. And BLOOD CRAZY may be his best work yet. Told in the first person by apocalyptic survivor Nick Aten, BLOOD CRAZY is the shocking and brutal tale of adults becoming murderously insane - literally. They've become infected with a crazed, uncontrollable urge to kill anyone under the age of 20. Including their own children. In just days, civilisation is in ruins and the young survivors must learn to survive and adapt in a world where their existence is being rapidly erased by an older population with a sinister, mysterious purpose. Told in the staccato-paced style of Richard Laymon's ONE RAINY NIGHT, Clark has produced a masterpiece of horror fiction whose shock value is tempered only by the rich, poignant characterizations of his protagonists. Simon Clark's lean prose resonates with an honest and unflinching look at the savageness of human nature...and BLOOD CRAZY is (thus far) his ultimate achievement. Highly recommended! -- Ron Clinton, USA (For anyone interested in other reviews of Clark's work - or works by other exciting writers - be sure to visit the SAME VEIN page at the RICHARD LAYMON KILLS! website at http://www.crafti.com.au/~gerlach/samevein.htm

Aug 19, 1998

Mr Clark, no, I did not get another copy of KING BLOOD. BOOKPAGES wouldn't e-mail me back. Never fear, though! I will be home(Belfast)this September, so I will be picking up KING BLOOD, and VAMPHYRRIC, and anything else I can get me hands on.I will be buying a lot of books when I get home. I have a large empty suitcase(heh, heh, heh, the wife'll have to tour the area naked). Anyway, living over here in the good old USA has it's drawbacks. Getting your superb novels is one of them. BLOOD CRAZY is one of my all time favourite novels. Thank you. Bob. sonofbill@centuryinter.net. ps It's so good to be back online again!

Aug 27, 1998

Mr Clark - Just wondering what a typical day is like for you? What balance do you try to keep between work and play? What do you do on the days when inspiration hides away?
Richard Wright

Aug 28, 1998

Hi Simon, I saw on the message board that you'll be attending the World Fantasy Convention this October. I was wondering: any chance you'll be doing a book signing or two while you're in California?? Maybe even make it down to Southern CA/Los Angeles, perhaps (hint, hint)? Thanks, Paul Miller

Sep 3, 1998

Sorry Richard & Paul those last two messages didn't get included in the latest mailing to Simon. However, I'll be sure to include them in the next batch - Andy.

Sep 3, 1998

Sep 4, 1998

Simon

Heh. Alright, giants ants it is. I'd like to have seen the Romans deal with THAT. A sequel to Blood Crazy would not, to my mind, be a bad thing. I'd be interested to see how the end point expanded into a new novel - all sorts of places you could take us...

I was really just popping in to say thanks for replying, but while I'm here, a (nother) question. When you have time to pick up a book and enjoy a good read, what's most likely to come to your hands? Who do you rate at the moment? Okay, that's me. Thanks again for posting back.

Richard W

Sep 11, 1998

British horror writer Simon Clark writes about the terror of being a TV presenter in his new article 'Adventures in Television'. It's available now on NAILED BY THE HEART - the official Simon Clark website: http://www.bbr-online.com/nailed Chris Chris Reed ------------------------------------------------------------------ BBR * PO Box 625 * Sheffield * S1 3GY * UK E-mail: mailto:c.s.reed@bbr-online.com * http://www.bbr-online.com

Sep 15, 1998

Hi, Simon. Julian Henley here. I am an aspiring horror writer and have just started to find success in the independent press. I am writing this from a Cybercafe in Fishguard. Anyway, I read your introduction to John Ford's book "Macabre Delights". What a talented bloke that Ford is. And a nice old boy too! Amyway, watch out for my name in the indepentent press at the end of the year. See you at the Nervous? Convention - I'll be the one in the wheelchair.

Sep 24, 1998

Simon, read Blood Crazy and King Blood first and ........ well they simply blew me away then I found a copy of Nailed and I found it ok'ish but nowhere near the standard of the other two. What I have come on here to ask you is ............ I bought a copy of Blood & Grit - and pages 97 - 100 are repeated right after each other, as with pages 101 - 104 , so my question being - is this a rarity and is it worth anything as a collectors item?? Keep up the good stuff - and I love the way you use Yorkshire in most of your books - but don't you think that some of your characters are a little too intellegent to be true Yorkshire folk???? Best wishes --- Hugh Janus (Lancastrian) bastard@cableinet.co.uk

Sep 24, 1998

Generally speaking, a book that has printing errors does not have additional collectible value. In fact, the collectibility is almost always diminished. Book collecting isn't like coins - errors hurt the value. Sorry. A Book Collector.

Oct 6, 1998

Simon Clark book out of print; Clark story available on-line
------------------------------------------------------------

BLOOD & GRIT, the short story collection by British horror writer Simon Clark published by BBR in 1990, is now officially out of print. (You may still be able to find a yourself a copy from one of the better second-hand dealers, such as Andy Richards, Cold Tonnage Books, 22 Kings Lane, Windlesham, Surrey GU20 6JQ, UK.)

In the meantime, you can now read a complete short story from the collection, "Out From Under", on NAILED BY THE HEART - the official Simon Clark website:

Chris

Oct 8, 1998

Hey all -- Anyone know just what the print run was for the 1st ed of Blood and Grit?? Thanks! Paul Miller

Oct 11, 1998

Hi, Simon. I may have been responsible for the rumor that you would be attending World Fantasy in Monterey. It was the result of a little misunderstanding from a telephone talk with our mutual agent, the fabulous Bob Tanner. However, I'm delighte you'll be going to World Horror in Atlanta. We're are planning to attend, and I'm looking forward to meeting you. As you know, I thought NAILED BY THE HEART was a really excellent, spooky book. But I just finished reading BLOOD CRAZY. It's one of the best horror novels I've read in a very long time. You took a very difficult subject -- the end of civilization!!! -- and created a very believable, shocking story with a cast of wonderful characters. You really made the story work. I'm glad to see that you're thinking about a sequel to it. I know I'd gobble up a sequel. Oh, yeah, and I do think a Masters of Terror party at World Horror would be a neat idea. Andy has done a terrific job with this website, hasn't he? So long for now. Best regards, Dick. Richard Laymon

Oct 19, 1998

Has a release date been set for Salt Snake and Other Bloody Cuts? I've heard so much about it, and am looking forward. I like the title. When I first heard about it, the gentleman informing me called it Salt Snake and Others. The addition of "and Others", to me, has always sounded like an Arkham House title: The Outsider (and Others) Skull-Face (and Others) etc, etc. That is not a bad thing, mind you. I do not know why I mentioned it, even. Back to my question, then. Does anyone know the release date for Salt Snake and Other Bloody Cuts?

Oct 21, 1998

I've just received the galleys for SALT SNAKE & OTHER BLOODY CUTS; there's some very minor corrections to be done and then we're off to the printer! Signature paages still need to be shipped to Simon and then back to the US, but there's no reason to think that we won't have finished books at the end of November or first of December.

Deluxe Edition - $65.00

Limited Edition - $35.00

Trade Edition - $15.00
<
Customers in the UK can order from me direct if they want to pay the outrageous shipping charges that our Postal "Service" applies; or you may order from BBR-online.

Cheers,

John Pelan

jpelan@cnw.com

Oct 21, 1998

Are any of his books avail to buy in US? I want NAILED, BLOOD CRAZY and KING BLOOD in paperback.anyone know where I can get them herein US??? Tanthonyam@aol.com Is Nailed and Blood Crazy still in print?

Oct 30, 1998

Paul Miller wrote:

"Hey all -- Anyone know just what the print run was for the 1st ed of Blood and Grit?? Thanks!

Well, I printed 500 copies, and the first 100 copies were numbered and signed by Simon and the illsutrator Dallas Goffin.

Hope that helps!