Christopher Fowler Message Board Archive
Jan 13, 1998
Testing. Looking forward to some interesting coments on this diverse author. ........ Andy
Jan 20, 1998
Hi - I'm going to be checking into this message board from time to time, so if you have any questions you'd like to ask, particularly about my books, of horror literature and films in general, I'll do my best to answer them. I'd also like to know if anyone has read my DC/Vertigo graphic novel 'Mewz Insana', as I have had no feedback on this and am currently considering writing another for DC. Christopher Fowler
Jan 22, 1998
Hi Christopher. Thank you for dropping in. I would be interested to know who you particularly admire in modern horror fiction. ... AndyF.
Jan 22, 1998
Hi Call me anal, but a couple of things annoyed me about Disturbia, considering it was put forward as a book about London. One is that Golders Green station is above ground, and so does not have any escalators, and you canot walk diagonally across Red Lion Square. Otherwise, it was an interesting read. The only other stuff I have read is 'The Bureau of Lost Souls'. I found some of those a lot more disturbing than Disturbia. Cheers Sandals ( http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/5479/ )
Jan 22, 1998
Yep, you are anal. You're the type of person who would write to Anne Robinson. Well, you knew somebody would go for the cheap joke.
Jan 28, 1998
Hello Christopher, I'm a great admirer of your novels but haven't read any of your short fiction. Can you tell me who publishes your story collections and if they're still available? I don't have regular access to email, so I'd be grateful if you could just leave an answer here on the message board. Thanks. Doris Butterworth
Feb 17, 1998
Okay, a couple of questions answered about Disturbia: 1.Yeah, mea culpa, I was sure Golders Green station had escalators, thank you for the correction and I'll try to get it into the paperback. 2. I didn't say you had to keep to the path in Red Lion Square, did I? My short stories are published by Warners, but the next volume 'Personal Demons' is published by Serpent's Tail. Some volumes are now out of print. When people ask me who I admire, I never know when to stop; there are a lot of talented authors who don't get enough recognition; Simon McGinn, who wrote 'Sheep', Geoff Ryman's new book '253', Jonathan Coe, Christopher Priest, Joyce Carol Oates, there are hundreds but not many known for horror. The book I hated most in the world was Stephen King's 'The Green Mile', which appeared to be written for attention-deficient under 5's. I want to see more weird urban stuff, more David Lynch territory. What would other readers like to see in horror?
Feb 17, 1998
Okay, a couple of questions answered about Disturbia: 1.Yeah, mea culpa, I was sure Golders Green station had escalators, thank you for the correction and I'll try to get it into the paperback. 2. I didn't say you had to keep to the path in Red Lion Square, did I? My short stories are published by Warners, but the next volume 'Personal Demons' is published by Serpent's Tail. Some volumes are now out of print. When people ask me who I admire, I never know when to stop; there are a lot of talented authors who don't get enough recognition; Simon McGinn, who wrote 'Sheep', Geoff Ryman's new book '253', Jonathan Coe, Christopher Priest, Joyce Carol Oates, there are hundreds but not many known for horror. The book I hated most in the world was Stephen King's 'The Green Mile', which appeared to be written for attention-deficient under 5's. I want to see more weird urban stuff, more David Lynch territory. What would other readers like to see in horror? Christopher Fowler
Feb 24, 1998
Phew! You've got to expect some controversy with your Stephen King comments, Christopher! I haven't read THE GREEN MILE as yet, but it doesn't say much for the HWA and the Stoker awards does it, as it was awarded the "best novel" for '96? Having said which I think the Stoker awards are a bit of a joke anyway.
I certainly agree with your mention of Simon Maginn. SHEEP is a quite incredible novel. What ever happened to him? He had a book out in '96 - Methods Of Confinement but since has disappeared. Even his web page has gone from the 'net.
As for Geoff Ryman's 253, I have to disagree from what I have heard of it. I happened to be at the last BFS do and Mr. Ryman read about ten extracts from the book including it's ending (if it has one). I just can't see the point in the book. Not only does it take an underground journey beyond the furthest bounds of believability, but I personally found the character descriptions to be predictable and uninteresting. It came over as a naive character sketchbook. Still different strokes for different folks....
As for what I would like to see in horror... Recently I have been enjoying a lot of novels published in the 1970's many of which focus on traditional good versus evil plotlines. After 'overkill' of this type of book in the sixties and seventies (Rosemary's Baby, The Exorcist, The Omen, The Sentinel etc etc), I personally think the horror world is ready for a return to a traditional style tale perhaps in a 'weird urban' setting.
I also have to apologise at this point for not having read any of your books but I do have three of them to get through at some point (Rune, City Jitters & Darkest Day).
Andy Fairclough.
Feb 24, 1998
Chris, I guess it's a case of welcome to the hinterlands of horror ,) Nice and spanky comment about Green Mile... I suppose you won't be too surprised to hear Tom Hanks just paid a bomb to act in it... I read the first two parts, and failed halfway through episode three... Personally I think the awards were for audacity, publishing a novel in six parts, necessarily repeating some stuff to hammer points home etc... I didn't think it was anything close to vintage King, the man who had me under the covers with a torch whilst reading Salam's Lot... I would have aimed the reading age somewhat higher tho ,)
Just to let you know, but I am sure you know, Tanjen are finally releasing Redbrick Eden, I am hoping you are still cool to have your story used, I noticed it in Lethal Kisses, but I guess that is what happens when your comissioning publisher bounces the anthology because (and I do quote) homelessness in england just isn't commercial... Anyway, Anthony has done a wonderful job, it looks great so far... Hopefully I am going to make FantasyCon this year, even if I am living in Stockholm now... I am also working on gathering a new anthology around the theme of Answered Prayers, might be something there for you to play with.
My favourite Fowler novel would be Roofworld, but I'm a short story lover, the fact that you are one of the few contemporary horror novelists still able to master the genre is a delight, more power to your pen, mate. Any gossip to share? Steve Savile cinderellaman@gyral.com
Mar 1, 1998
Christopher, Frighteningly enough, I stumbled upon most of your books purely on the basis of the visual appeal of the paperback covers. Spanky struck my eye at first but Darkest Day drew me in and on a whim I purchased the book. It was a frighteningly fun story, one of the best reads I have had in years. And all because of the cover of a book. Once again, a paperback cover drew me to another of your collections, Flesh Wounds. This time I saw the Giger design without knowing who the author was and just looked a little closer and it happened to be yours! It was in the sale bin, to boot. It was serendipity perhaps. I read a review of Rune, I believe, and Psychoville and that makes me excited to know that I have plenty more to read before running out. I just wanted you to know that despite whatever problems you've had with your publishers in North America, this Canadian certainly enjoys your stories and looks forward to more. I particularly enjoyed the Tales of Britannica in Flesh Wounds. Wonderful imagery. Sorry if this sounds blatant. I'm just excited to be reading a fabulous new author. Paul - pdsheen@undergrad.math.uwaterloo.ca
Mar 14, 1998
You know, Mr. Fowler, you're just the sort of writer THE URBANITE is always looking for. I should know: I'm the editor. Why don't you drop me a line at The Urbanite, P.O. Box 4737, Davenport, IA 52808, USA. Your work does not appear in America nearly enough. That situation ought to be corrected :) My name, by the way, is Mark McLaughlin. The Urbanite does consider reprints if the work has not appeared in America before. I would leave an e-mail address, but there's a fly in the ointment in that regard: I don't have e-mail at home. If I did, I would never be off the computer, and I am rather fond of the light of day.
May 5, 1998
Thanks for the commission offer but I'm all commissioned out at the moment; mt next collection is about to go out; 'Personal Demons' is published June 1st, and I'll be starting my next commission section late summer, after I've tackled a new horror series for DC Comics. This year I'll be hoping to produce some linked horror tales. I'd love to do some more 'Britannica Castle' stuff, but I'm not sure if there's much of an audience for this kind of thing. Still, they're great fun to write. I agree it's time to revive some good 70's style horror fiction, but isn't that what movies like 'Fallen' and 'The Devil's Advocate' are already doing? Best, Christopher Fowler
May 11, 1998
11th May 1998 Christopher- Thanks for your feedback-exciting stuff! As you can see I've found the web site and have passed on details to some of your other fans. Really looking forward to your new books and hopefully the Roofworld film (fingers crossed!!) Good to see it back in the book shops again. Do you know ANYONE who has a copy of Sheep by Simon McGinn? Are you sure it exists?!!(only kidding) I agree 253 is a brilliant book-Have you read his others? They are all good. Will be in touch. Best wishes Irene E
Jun 18, 1998
Chris: just picked up the Serpents Tail anthology, looks very nice indeed... are they a new mid-small-big list place? never heard of them, but being overseas I miss a lot these days... Steve Savile
Jun 21, 1998
Ahhh... They're behind Mask Noir, which I have seen... DO you know if they are going down a horror avenue or are you a one off... btw, I love Spanky's back in town... SteveSavile
Jun 26, 1998
A new novel soon, Soho Black? Any chance of an outline? What can be expected? Looking forward to it. .. Brian Jenkins
Jul 13, 1998
Dear Mr. Fowler: Hello, and thank you for taking the time to read this letter! I'm contacting you in the hope that you find this interesting enough to participate in: I am working on a writing project that compiles the votes of people in various fields regarding subject matter pertaining to their areas of experience. For this particular category, "The Best Horror Films" of all time, I am contacting writers and publishers of short stories, novels, magazines, or comic books who have a little more familiarity with the horror genre than most other writers do. I would consider myself most fortunate if you would help me in this endeavor by casting your vote for the three best horror films of all time, whereupon I will then add them to the pool of submissions and continue the tallying process. Your comments are also welcome and encouraged. I thank you very much for reading this letter and hope that you will take part in the voting. Best of luck to you with all your own projects! Best Wishes, William Kozy c/o billkozy@juno.com or billkozy@aol.com
Jul 14, 1998
Okay, an update: My new collection Personal Demons is out now with Serpent's Tail, a great publishing house whom I hope to persuade to reprint some classics. Soho Black is out around August 10th It concerns the high-pressure lifestyle of a failing film exec who drops dead in a trendy bar one evening, and by doing so revitalises his career. It's the first book I've writeen with a dead hero. Next up, I'm working on a new novel - CALABASH. I have to say it's unlike anything I've done before. Finally, my top three horror films are The Exorcist, Witchfinder General and a tie between Rosemary's Baby and Suspiria. Christopher Fowler
Aug 21, 1998
Hello Christopher--I must say that I can't claim to be a big fan, because I haven't read much, but I can say that I read MENZ INSANA (sp?) from DC and absolutely loved it. It made me want to read some of your other work. I tracked down a copy of THE RED BRIDE and DARKEST DAY. I haven't read them yet (I've got a huge stack of to be read books, it frightens me just thinking about them
Aug 26, 1998
Hi Christopher-have just finished reading 'Soho Black'.Congratulations on another excellent book. Will look forward as always to the new one.Any idea when it is likely to be published? Also have you heard any more news on the film 'front'? best wishes Irene E(irene.elkins@virgin.net)
Aug 28, 1998
Fowler fans, Just to let you know there's a recent (August 98)interview with Christopher Fowler along with an exclusive short story "Home Again" which you'll find on-line at The Barcelona Review -- www.web-show.com/Barcelona/Review You'll also find short reviews of two of his books and an extensive bio plus photo. Jill & Garry
Sep 13, 1998
Hello Christopher It's excellent to see something like this on the net as many people would consider most authors pretty unaproachable, which they aren't. Question for you on the small presses then. Having now well and truly established yourself in the market of mainstream horror do you still take influence and joy from the horror small press magazines such as Peeping Tom and TTA where a lot of excellent stuff is being published? Is it something that you think is a vital lifeline to the horror fiction world? From Jonathan Oliver
Sep 17, 1998
Hello. My name is Andrej Dolinka, and I live in Becej, a town in the north of Yugoslavia. Beeing a horror & sf reader, I decided to contact you, hoping you could help me. As you may know, Yugoslavia is closed to the rest of the world in means of merchandise, cultural and other links. It makes it very hard to follow the news in any aspect of life, and horror literature is not an exception from this rule. Besides, mail-order is something that we in Yugoslavia can only dream of, for we simply cannot make any payments to anyone outside the country. As you may see, our options are limited to the bottom line, and, sadly, there are no hints that this may ever change. All I can do, whitch is actually pretty hard too, is hope that you understand all of the above and that you're willing to help me by sending me a free copy of a book of yours. I am very sorry for being unable to offer you anything in return, but if you think of something, please, don't hasitate to let me know. Thank you very mutch. Sincierly, Andrej Dolinka Stevana Doronjskog 21 21220 Becej Yugoslavia mailto:dolinka@eunet.yu
Sep 18, 1998
Due to the way these submission forms are laid out, it's hard to reply individually to messages, but here are some: Yes, I do read quite a lot of small press imprint stuff, and I guest-edit for Visionary Tongue. I also write a regular column in The Edge, which I consider to be the best of all the subscription mags. I haven't seen Peeping Tom for a while, but will pick up copies when I get time (I'm also reviewing for the Indie On Sunday). Re: availability of books in Yugoslavia, I will be sending you something as soon as I return to London (I'm travelling quite a bit in the next couple of months). Quick update: 'Wageslaves' won the BFS Year's Best Short Story, much to my surprise and delight - the first time I've ever won anything! 'Calabash' is coming along. There's to be a 'Best Of' anthology from Little, Brown featuring my favourite 25 stories, several of which are new, and I'm doing a second graphic novel for DC/Vertigo with artist John Bolton. Best, Christopher Fowler
Nov 22, 1998
Mr Fowler
I have read all your books and love them, many thanks
When is 'Calabash' due for publication, similarly
'Uncut', also, what project are John Bolton and yourself working on at
the moment, any more 'Menz Insana' ?
Once again, many thanks
kevin etheridge
kevinetheridge@kevk.freeserve.co.uk
Dec 6, 1998
Hi Christopher, I have just started to read your novels after reading one of your short stories in Scaremongerers. So far I have read Soho Black, disturbia, Spanky and psycoville. They are a stunning set of books. Lately I have become bored with the hoororo genre,there are too many Steven King and Dean koontz wanna bes out there. But your self and Simon Clarke are flying the flag for good thought provoking horror. Just one question in all of the short biogs in your books they say you run a film production compnay, what have you done. ps what is it with the covers for spanky and Soho, try reading them on the bus and see the looks you get from old biddies. cheers Jim email = greebo@compuserve.com
Dec 21, 1998
I have no specific question at this stage - too overwhelmed to discover one of my favourite authors may actually read this star-struck verbiage. Christopher, being a voracious, genre non-specific reader (i.e. not a real horror aficionado), I absolutely adore your writing. To me, it goes far beyond the traditional horror style – i.e. you have a enchanting and engaging literary technique. I enjoy the concept of layers beneath and above London as outlined in various novels. I am particularly amused and simultaneously horrified ("oh gosh this could really happen"), by several short stories referring to the pitfalls of working in an office environment and the corporate world as I do myself. I’ll return to this message board with some more intelligent query in the not too distant future rather than this giggly, girlie attempt at adulation. However, I couldn’t miss this opportunity to thank you for the many hours of reader gratification (is that what is meant by a literary wank?) you’ve brought me. And yes even people in Australia read your words! And out of the dark murk comes a question: how much of your work is even vaguely autobiographical? Jane (jkunstler@cybergraphic.com.au)
Dec 21, 1998
Review of Best New Horror (1997), including Christopher Fowler story, now online at http://www.users.zetnet.co.uk/iplus/
Dec 27, 1998
Christopher, Thank you for writing such enthralling, page turning, impossible to put down, books. I first discovered your work through ‘The Master Builder’, which I still hold to be best short story I have ever read. Of course after that I went out to buy everything of yours that I could get my hands on - I haven’t been disappointed! A friend recently asked me who I would most like to meet and what I would like to do? I said I’d love to tour London with you one night and discover the city for real. My work brings me down to London occasionally and if I have a few hours to spare I always set off to Soho in search of adventure or discovery. Next time I’ll follow your tip and start from the river and work my way outwards. Do you have any further news on the Spanky film? Have you/would you consider writing for the stage? Do you think any of your previous work could be adapted successfully for a theatre audience? I spend most of my spare time at a local theatre and the possibility has always intrigued me. Best wishes for 1999. Michael (michael@mshearer.demon.co.uk)
Jan 14, 1999
Dear ChristopherSorry for the over familiarity but after reading all your books I feel like I know you a little(dont panic Im not a weirdo stalker or anything! well I dont think I am any way) I just wanted to contact you to let you know how much I have enjoyed your books. I just finished Disturbia and I am trying to get a copy of Soho Black. I live in Belfast so I dont know if you know of any book shops selling it here or maybe I could buy a copy(signed)worth a try -from your company dorectly. Your books changed my perspective of the Urban nightmare and have spookly coincided with things that I am doing in my life at that very moment.(ie I just finished Disturbia yesterday and I was on the net looking for reviews of David Sylvians Dead Bees on a Cake album and the search engine brought up your Barcelona review with a direct link to this site-spooky- I felt compelled to write. I write a little myself(doesnt everyone) and I would love to know the best way to approach publishers with your first novel. I have to admit my writing has been heavily influenced by yours because for the first time I realised it was alright to take the mudane and everyday things like brand names and shopping centres and turn them into the extra ordinary. If you ever plan to come to Belfast for a book signing then please get in contact as I would love to meet you for a few pints and a chat.Take the best of care and good luck with your writing - any word of a film or TV drama soon!Joanna BraniffJ.Braniff@btinternet.com
Jan 15, 1999
Hi and thanks to everyone who has dropped messages in recently. I'll try to answer a few specific questions. Kevin wants to know how my current projects are going. Well, my next novel 'Calabash' is nearly finished, and is very different in that it contains no gruesome deaths, and is not a horror novel, although it has a strong element of the fantastic and is very much in my style. 'Uncut' is due out in July (I think) and will be a mix of personal favourites and a few new stories. Films of 'Psychoville' and 'Disturbia' are in the works, 'Roofworld' is still sold and a screenplay has been written by Jonathan Hales, writer of 'Star Wars 1: The Phantom Menace', and we recently completed filming of 'On Edge', starring Charley Boorman and Doug Bradley. I'm very pleased with the way it turned out, too. Jim asks about my production company. It's called The Creative Partnership, it's in Bateman St, Soho, and it writes, produces and designs ad campaigns for movies like 'Pulp Fiction' and 'Trainspotting'. Jane asks if any of my books are autobiographical. 'Psychoville' is very much so, to the point where it upset my parents. Also, I often have two characters who kind of represent the two halves of my character, as in 'Spanky' - suave and nerdy - and in 'Disturbia' - naive and crafty. Various characters do recur, and are based on good friends. You'll find Maggie Armitage in quite a few books, and in the story 'Looking For Bolivar'. Joanne - I came to Dublin and gave a talk at the university, then got totally trashed with its very wonderful student union in the excellent bars. I hope to do the same in Belfast some day. I thought my books were available in Ireland - are you sure they're not? Michael - I don't think I have the stagecraft to write a play, but I've often found the idea appealing. I like the thought of being constrained by a particular set in some way, and I love writing dialogue, so maybe I'll have a go when I get some time. I'll check in again to see if you have any further questions. Best, Christopher Fowler
Jan 15, 1999
Hi and thanks to everyone who has dropped messages in recently. I'll try to answer a few specific questions. Kevin wants to know how my current projects are going. Well, my next novel 'Calabash' is nearly finished, and is very different in that it contains no gruesome deaths, and is not a horror novel, although it has a strong element of the fantastic and is very much in my style. 'Uncut' is due out in July (I think) and will be a mix of personal favourites and a few new stories. Films of 'Psychoville' and 'Disturbia' are in the works, 'Roofworld' is still sold and a screenplay has been written by Jonathan Hales, writer of 'Star Wars 1: The Phantom Menace', and we recently completed filming of 'On Edge', starring Charley Boorman and Doug Bradley. I'm very pleased with the way it turned out, too. Jim asks about my production company. It's called The Creative Partnership, it's in Bateman St, Soho, and it writes, produces and designs ad campaigns for movies like 'Pulp Fiction' and 'Trainspotting'. Jane asks if any of my books are autobiographical. 'Psychoville' is very much so, to the point where it upset my parents. Also, I often have two characters who kind of represent the two halves of my character, as in 'Spanky' - suave and nerdy - and in 'Disturbia' - naive and crafty. Various characters do recur, and are based on good friends. You'll find Maggie Armitage in quite a few books, and in the story 'Looking For Bolivar'. Joanne - I came to Dublin and gave a talk at the university, then got totally trashed with its very wonderful student union in the excellent bars. I hope to do the same in Belfast some day. I thought my books were available in Ireland - are you sure they're not? Michael - I don't think I have the stagecraft to write a play, but I've often found the idea appealing. I like the thought of being constrained by a particular set in some way, and I love writing dialogue, so maybe I'll have a go when I get some time. I'll check in again to see if you have any further questions. Best, Christopher Fowler
Jan 17, 1999
Mr Fowler - many thanks for your reply to my query on this page. Just a couple of other questions for you. first, you say about another Menz Insana project with John Bolton. When are we likely to see it and from which publisher - DC ??? I loved the first one ; well wicked. secondly ; I recall reading somewhere ; probably an interview on the net, that your earlier work was humour novels ; is 'How to impersonate famous people ?' one of yours, and are there any more out there like this. I only ask to satisfy my personal curiosity - if you would rather forget this stuff ; fine by me - just nosey that's all.Once again, thanks for the previous answers ; I look forward to Calabash with baited breath ; together with Uncut ; Any chance of any more Bryant & May ??? Many thanks kevin etheridge --- kevinetheridge@kevk.freeserve.co.uk
Jan 19, 1999
Dear Chris, I've seen several references to 'More City Jitters' - is this a recent collection or is it an out-of-print thing? When I first started reading your stuff, I was also reading Mark Morris' books ('Toady' etc.). He seems to have vanished of late... do you know if he's still writing/have you come across his work/do you know him? Having read the previous messages on this page, it appears that a number of your stories are in various stages of becoming films; are these to be cinema or TV films/series or both? Does the prospect of the finished article fill you with trepidation, and do you have much input regarding screenplay, casting ideas etc? I've just finished Christopher Brookmyre's first two books and read somewhere that the film rights to 'Quite Ugly One Morning' have been sold. I think it would make a good film, providing the story isn't relocated from Edinburgh to London or New York or somewhere; do you have similar fears for your stuff? Cheers, Sean O'Farrell. sean@sofarrell.freeserve.co.uk
Jan 19, 1999
Mr Fowler.. Firstly, thanks for the books, they've given me a lot of reading pleasure since I started reading them. Now I've got the slightly disturbing idolisation bit out of the way, a few questions.. You do this for the fans, which is excellent, but no web page.. just wondered why? Are you a Bryant or are you a May? Is there anywhere where a list of all your short stories, and where they appeared, available? And finally.. I notice that you quite often write short stories for small publications and the type, but I haven't seen any interviews listed. Have you done any, if so where, if not, why not? If you're looking for someone to interview you, then I'll quite happily volunteer. I'd even offer buy the drinks in the dive of your choice in soho, (well,as long as my limited budget allows it...) I used to work in Poland Street, so I know the area, and the really cheap pubs well... And with that sudden outburst, I shall leave. Thanks Gareth Williams (armadillo@ccm.co.uk)
Jan 19, 1999
Oh, and another thing, does anyone know where I could find a copy of Menz Insan in London, or am I far too late.. Thanks Gareth (armadillo@ccm.co.uk)
Jan 22, 1999
Hi, Christopher Fowler here catching up with a few FAQs. First, Kevin & Gareth - Menz Insana got great notices (notably from people like Harlan Ellison), but didn't sell well in the US. DC Comics declined the idea of further Menz adventures, and we subsequently presented loads of other ideas to them, but to be honest I don't think DC really understood them. They're a great bunch of people to work with, though, and I'm hoping that John and I will get something else off the ground with them. You can still get Menz in places like Megacity, Camden Town. Yeah, I did some comedy books, 'How To Impersonate Famous People' and 'The Ultimate Party Book' most notably, (I wrote about six, they're still in my bottom drawer) Some are horrible, some (my favourite is 'The Urban Guerilla') still make me laugh. Bryant and May are in Soho Black, of course, but I had planned to give them their own book called The Casebook Of Bryant & May'. If there's enough interest from a publisher, I'll do it (I already have a great plot figured out). I'm a bit Bryant and a bit May, but then all of my books have two characters you can roll together into one whole, so I guess I'm a little schizophrenic. Sean - 'More City Jitters', and a considerably different version of 'City Jitters' - came out in the USA, and are now out of print. Great covers of people imprisoned inside buildings, hard to track down. I'm still heavily involved in film versions of several novels, and although directors keep changing, casting is still in place; Jude Law and Sadie Frost for Psychoville, Jonny Lee Miller and Sean Pertwee for Disturbia. We're also talking to Billy Zane about another one. Gareth - No web page yet, but I'm setting up one for The Creative Partnership, my movie company, and that will have some stuff on it. There's no list of short stories around - maybe I'll do one when I get time. 'Uncut' will be a pretty accurate retrospective of my stuff, and I'll post the contents next time. I do a hell of a lot of interviews, and a regular column in 'The Edge' for editor Graham Evans - check out their web site - but don't keep tabs on them all because it's impractical. Hope this keeps you up to date
Jan 24, 1999
Mr Fowler - can't use the christian ; it's respect. Thank you for the answers ; If you're not doing another 'Menz' - what next with Mr Bolton ? Yes please ; a list of the stoies in the two city jitters books - i thought and understod that more and II (city jitters) was and became 'The Bureau of lost Souls'? Is locus wrong ? The genre is right ; we're talking major urban unease - calabash can't be a millenium novel - are we looking at a post millenium one ? If you want Urban unease visit manchester - I've lived in london and around with all it's foibles and quirks and Manchester 99' scares the crap out of me !!Ypu're a readable writer ; please let us know whats readable and where !! Once again - many many thanks - cheers kevin
Feb 16, 1999
Hi Chris, Is that you on the back cover of SoHo Black is this your non-egotistical way of showing us how handsome you are? Melissa (Jon@Greaves39.freeserve.co.uk)
Feb 24, 1999
Hi Chris, I dont know if you'll remember but we met briefly at Nick Kirbys birthday party at the King William a couple of years ago. I work for Anxious Music and we had a brief chat aboutmusic publishing. I was wondering if you would like to hear material from some of the artists we represent with a view to music usage or whether you have specific projects at the momentlooking for music. My contact number is 0181-341-4322 or e-mail Juliette@anxiousmusic.com or check us out on www.anxiousmusic.com. finally - Soho Black - Brilliant - what a romp! Best wishes - Juliette Somogyi
Mar 15, 1999
Mr Fowler ibs = Christopher Fowler - Uncut - Short Story collection Released July by Warner... How do you plead? Juliette - Why did you let Curve go? Is Terry Hall still with you?
Mar 15, 1999
Where would we be without the internet!! Brilliant idea this message board. I woun't bother you with how much I like your books or why ... if I wouldn't like them I would not have found this site. I wasn't aware that you did a graphic novel, sounds interesting. I'll try to find it when I buy the last Sandman tradepaperback. Is there any possibility to send you a book in order to get it signed? I suppose you woun't be seen doing a signing in Cologne/Germany too soon ;) It would be really nice of you to do this. Anja Gildenpfennig (gildenpf@hartree.pc.uni-koeln.de)
Mar 30, 1999
Mr Fowler, Managed to track down a City Jitters, very good.. currently reading BO Lost Souls Magacity do not have any copies of Menz... any other ideas.. sob.. I'm turning into a desperate collector type.. Uncut... as I said in my last post.. any more info.. nice to see it confirmed though! Thanks Gareth
Apr 6, 1999
Me again.. 'The Master Builder' - hmmm... just finished 'Bureau of Lost Souls', and this is right at the end.. either you're not telling us something, or someone's nicked your story, because I have seen a TV film of that story... Anyone else seen it? Mr Fowler, did you know, am I just slow, and the last one to realise? Gareth
Apr 7, 1999
Time for a Message Board update... Kevin - 'City Jitters 2' shared some same stories as 'Bureau' but was presented in a very different format for the US (as was the first volume) Part of this unseen stuff has now found its way into UNCUT, which features four new stories and an intro, together with personal favourites. I don't find Manchester scary (Newcastle, now, that's a different matter!) 'Calabash' is a milennium novel insofar as it's a little warmer than past books. Melissa - Yeah, that's me on the back cover of 'Soho Black'. We were mucking about and I thought it'd be fun to have a different kind of author photo. Juliette - these days we only tend to use existing soundtracks, unfortunately, but if that changes I'll let you know. Anja - You send 'em, I'll sign 'em! Gareth - 'Uncut' is locked & at the printers, a big fat 21 tales, some new, some out-of-print, some you may already know. 'Personal Demons' mass-market pb has a spiffy new cover...'Menz' should - in theory - be orderable from any good comix store. John Bolton and I are desperate to work together again, but DC won't allow us to do the things we most want to (one idea was to revive 'The Metal Men') Yes, that's my TV film of 'The Master Builder', although who the hell Tippi Hedren was supposed to be playing is a mystery! 'Calabash' hasn't got a pub. date yet but it will hopefully be later this year - it's finished and delivered. Thanks to everyone who's been showing an interest in this board - keep it up, I need the exercise! Best, Christopher Fowler
Apr 29, 1999
If I was going to make up a name for a Kentish town I couldn't get any better than Invicta Cross. That,s brilliant. I wondered about the cover of Spanky. Most horror novels have in common one thing ; terrible covers. Spanky was good and stuck out from the rest because of this, but did you intend the homoerotic overtones ?
May 6, 1999
Christopher, The anthologies you mention in Personal Demons by Christopher Evans; Are they still in print ? I'm having trouble getting them. david Lloyd.
May 7, 1999
Sadly, the Christopher Evans books were published by Panther, and are long out of print (although they sometimes turn up - in pairs! - in secondhand shops). They have distinctive black covers. Speaking of covers, I didn't really worry bout the homoerotic element of the Spanky cover because if you read the book the image so clearly fits. I figured that anyone who bothered reading me would be able to handle a so-called threatening image. Christopher Fowler
May 14, 1999
Hi Chris-Soho Black was great. Spanky's still my favourite though-look forward to seeing the film! Re-read Darkest day recently (also one of my favourites) Hopefully my book 'Strange World' will see the light of day soon and then you really will see a 'Tower of Power' in the West-End Anyway, I'm looking forward to 'Spanky 2' or 'Return of Spanky' or maybe 'Spanky's back' (Hint hint) Regards-Gary.
May 18, 1999
Hello, Mr Fowler
Talking of Spanky, I thought your short story "Spanky's Back in Town" was far better than the original. I must confess that I'm a much bigger fan of your short fiction than of your novels, but then it's the same with almost every writer I like.
This aside, I don't find the homoerotic content of your book covers disturbing the least. But of course this is pat the bat talking, the token gay at MoT. In fact, seeing Marc Anthony on the cover of "Psychoville" certainly speeded my decision in buying the book!
Since my favorite works of yours are short stories, I've been trying to pick my favorites, and in the process realized how hard that was, not only because of their high quality but also because of the versatility you show as a writer.
And the winners are...
David Leavitt Award for most re-read short story: NORMAN WISDOM AND THE ANGEL OF DEATH
[sounds of clapping and cheering in the audience]
John Rechy Award for most beautifully haunting story: CHRISTMAS FOREVER
pat the bat Special Award for sexiest horror story not written by Poppy Z Brite: EVIL EYE
[enthusiastic whistle left of the back row]
Oops, almost forgot:
M.R. James Memorial Award for most frightening story: THE MASTER BUILDER
[grumble in the front row: "they give an award to a damn thing that kept me awake that night?"]
So, Mr Fowler, when is the next collection coming out? And most importantly, who will be featured on the cover? :-)
pat the bat
May 21, 1999
Dear Christopher, Just a short note to say thanks for a great series of novels. As a committed non reader, it was only on a whim that I purchased Rune. I did find this a most enjoyable read, and ended up at the end of the book within about a week. In truth I have never found it that easy to be pulled in by horror writing, but this was changed by Rune. Almost immediately I went out in search of Disturbia, which I read in about three days…..this was starting to get serious. Perhaps I should explain that I live in London, but have been working in Germany Monday to Friday for the last eight months. So I am fairly familiar with the locations in you writing. After Disturbia I needed another fix & was lucky enough to find a book shop in Bromley, with almost the full Fowler collection. I bought one of everything that I could get my hands on. I thought well that will keep me going for a month or so, but no. Again I was getting through each book in only a matter of days. You really mucked my sleeping pattern around, I kept on thinking "Just one more chapter before bed" The best of all for me, was Psycoville, that was a brilliant piece of work, and I thank you for it, as I do for all the novels you have written. I do not know if you will even read this short praise, but your writing style & humour are greatly appreciated. I still smile when I think of "My wife’s clitoris is located on the ground floor of …" On a slightly selfish note, please keep up the good work, I just love it. Many thanks for the great efforts you have made, I know I appreciate it, I just hope it is as rewarding for you to write it, both creatively and financially. I have one question, in each book I have come across usually one obvious mistake, like giving an incorrect road name or location. It does not spoil my enjoyment but it does make me read it again. I can’t remember the others off the top of my head, but is it intentional? Thanks once again. John Beale mailto: jbeale@email.com