Questions 2006

14/11/06

Yet again, a number of people have asked about me using good old Sean Doyle again...

No plans in the near future but that's not to say the old bastard will never ever see the light of day again...

Becky Roberts and a follow up to Lucy's Child...

Unlikely, Becky. I'm not a fan of sequels to be honest and I certainly never envisaged that one as having a follow up. By the way, you very kindly said I looked a bit yum these days...Now, that leads me to think that 1. Yum is now a modern word for 'wreck' and it wasn't a compliment or 2. Your guide dog isn't as attentive as it should be....Only kidding...Thankyou. You made an ugly man very happy...

Further evidence again this month that my books don't only attract men readers (as publishers seem to think...well, they would wouldn't they, I've only been doing this for 24 fucking years...). Lots of messages from my legion of lovely lady readers.
Why the fuck do publishers do that, I hear you ask? Why do they make the distinction between men and women readers? Isn't a reader just a reader? Yes, would be the answer. The answer would also seem to be my medication is running out...I'm rambling...

Stuart and updating the Dennis Wheatley genre...

To be honest, Stuart, I'm not sure if there's a market for Devil Worship novels these days. However, if I find a suitable idea it's not to say I wouldn't go the Devil Worship/Satanism route...
I can remember the days when the only thing in the horror sections in bookshops were Dennis Wheatley and The Exorcist. Now all that's in there are books about serial killers....

Grace Laycock can never find my books at airports...

Sorry, Grace. Write to my publishers and W.H. Smith and Waterstones etc. and complain. I've found them there in the past but then again, prior to boarding a plane I'm so paralytic with terror that I can't remember my own name anyway so I was probably mistaking myself for John Grisham...

Joanna Keen and inspiration...

The violent scenes in my books don't need inspiration really, Jo, they just seem to come naturally....As for describing which bones, muscles and tendons are destroyed by a bullet, a knife or an axe then it's just a matter of getting your anatomical facts right.

Chris Jermyn and pagan mythology...

I've done a book about pagan mythology before, Chris. RELICS was to do with Druids and their religion. Does that count? Read it and let me know what you think. As with the satanism thing earlier, it's all a matter of whether or not the material comes up. If I find the right subject matter there's nothing I wouldn't write about...

Just a quickie here as Stuart Ward asked for an autograph for his mum...Like I said last time, any requests for autographs, invites to anything, signed books etc. please do those through my publishers. Thanks.

Thomas from France....

Well, small world and all that...From interviewing me years ago for a Belgian magazine to translating DYING WORDS for the French edition.
Congratulations. I was delighted to hear that Bragelonne had bought the rights and I'm hoping they buy plenty more. I met Stephane at the London Book Fair earlier in the year and liked him very much. It's great that you're doing the translation. I know you'll do a great job and, you never know, we might actually meet up one of these days.
You seem to be doing very well yourself with your novels and film work. Good luck with that.
Yes, you were right, I did appear in a film. FOREST OF THE DAMNED. I've just recently played a zombie (type-casting...) for the same director in a thing called WHEN EVIL CALLS. I'm sure there's a website for it with a picture of yours truly in full make-up on it...
All the best with the translations and with your own work.

Right, that's me done again.
Good luck to everyone with their Xmas shopping and, in case I don't have anymore questions to answer before Xmas, you lot make sure you have a fantastic time and a wonderful New Year...
Right, I'm off to see BREAKING AND ENTERING...

23/10/2006

As usual, before I plough on, I'd like to thank everyone who wrote in just to say how much they like my books.
I don't think any of you realize how much I appreciate your kind words and support. Yeah, I know that sounds soppy but, what the fuck, it's what I feel, right....

A few people have been asking about THE SKULL...

Well, it's out of print, needless to say. Macmillan did a paperback version a few years back but, at the moment, it's still unavailable. Apologies too for those of you who have accidentally discovered (on the backs or insides of older editions) that I once looked like a refugee from a Bon Jovi appreciation society but, what the fuck, it was the eighties, everyone had perms didn't they? Nowadays I don't allow photos to be used if I can help it and trust me, if you could see me, you'd know why...

Craig Smith thinks that John Paxton in DYING WORDS is like me...

Could be, Craig, could be. Draw your own conclusions, as indeed you have...Bits of me in him, I will admit. But there's also bits of Sean Doyle in me too (or vice versa). In fact, every central character I've ever created has bits of me in them..

Staying with Doyle for a minute, a number of you have asked if he's likely to return...
To be honest, I'd love to use him again. All I can say is I don't know. If the time and the situation comes then I will. I will just say that I doubt the old bugger's gone for good. How's that?

Also, further to a few queries, I don't think my style has softened recently. Anyone disagree? I reckon my stuff is as hard edged as it ever was (possibly even more so) but, what the fuck do I know...

A few of you also wanted to know why I never appeared at Loughton Library in Essex. Just want to let you know it wasn't me who cancelled it. It was the library. So, go and firebomb them if you like. Probably a celebrity signing at the same time or something and God forbid I should clash with one of those, eh?....

I'd also like to thank all the lovely ladies who write into the site on an occasional or regular basis. For years, publishers have been under the impression that horror (well, my horror anyway...) is read by men and are constantly surprised by how many of you wonderful females read my stuff. Another example of publishers being out of fucking touch I suppose. So thanks ladies (or girls, how the hell are you supposed to address a collective group of women in these ridiculously p.c. days? Not that I'm asking for an answer, just thinking out loud...)

Chris Y. wanted to know if I'll ever do a tour of Scotland...

When I'm asked, Chris, is all I can say. If enough bookshops or booksellers ask for me then I'll be there like a shot. Put in some requests to your local shops, see what happens..

Mark Robinson asked the same about Manchester...

Same answer, Mark. If enough shops or people want me I will be there.
That goes for anywhere in the country by the way. If reps, bookshops or whoever asks for me then, if the publishers see fit, I'll be there...

Dale wonders why my novels have endured when horror has been killed off by the serial killer/detective novel...

No fucking idea, Dale....Mainly because you wonderful bastards keep buying them I reckon....What I am proud of is the fact that I've never consciously changed my style or avoided controversial or unpleasant subject matter. Unlike some authors, I've never found it easy to sell-out or kiss-arse. Oops, was that too confrontational?...God forbid...
You also asked if I'd ever do reality TV seeing as I hate it so much.
I must admit, if there was ever a second series of HELL'S KITCHEN in this country, I'd love to do that. I've got a lot of time for Gordon Ramsay and I'd love to be able to cook properly. I also don't think I'd crumble in that high pressure atmosphere like many of the fucking spineless, pampered twats who appear on stuff like that. As for CELEBRITY BIG BROTHER...maybe, just to piss all the others off....

Rich and films...

Hello, mate...No, still no Hollywood interest as yet (well, nothing concrete anyway..). Like I've said before, there's so many horror films around at the moment it must be the first time in history that a film trend hasn't spilled over into writing.
I saw THE GRUDGE 2 recently and was staggered at how bad it was. SAW 3 was a let down. The remake of THE WICKER MAN was fucking abysmal. PULSE was shite. And so it goes on...

Alison Reed wanted to know my favourite Iron Maiden track..

Bloody hell, Alison, talk about spoilt for choice. I can't name one single track but pick the bones out of this lot... Run to the Hills, Total Eclipse, Alexander the Great, Wasting Love, Montsegur, New Frontier, Drifter. And yes, they're nearly all album tracks and have hardly ever or never been performed live but, there you go...
I'm looking forward to seeing them in December though.

Tina Cocks and being a victim...

I will kill you with greatest of pleasure, Tina. Quite a few of the victims or characters in TWISTED SOULS and DYING WORDS are real people so I'll certainly include you in a future book. And don't worry, there's no fear of me retiring, you lot are stuck with me for years yet....

Big Malky...where have you been (actually, don't answer that). Glad you liked DYING WORDS. And, don't worry, if I ever decide to write the Glasgow gangster book I'll let you know...

John Moran and Astral Projection...

No, John, while researching SHADOWS I never saw or experienced anything like that. I read once that Pete Townsend of the Who once succeeded in Astrally projecting himself when on a plane but I've never met anyone who managed it.

Kevin Barton and horror small press...

No, Kevin, I don't get mentioned by the American small press but then again, how many of their authors do you ever see in bookshops? Er...none...Alot of these little groups exist only to praise each other's writing and generally massage each others egos. I'd rather have the loyalty of masses of readers than a few kind words from some cunt who'd rather talk about his own 'projects' and how important he feels his writing is... I think you understand what I mean, mate. So, the place you live near is publishing a book by Stephen King's son is it? I think that sort of re-emphasises my point. I've had a few requests to appear at signings, shop openings, libraries etc. and I'd just like to say that if anyone's got any requests like that please contact me through my publishers as they arrange and organise stuff like that and not dear old Graeme who runs this site so brilliantly. Same goes for charities and auctions etc. Contact me through the publishers please.

David McSorley and writing a horror novel...

If you think you can do it, David then my advice is do it.
Anyone out there who wants to write a book then fucking do it. Don't ever think you're not good enough, don't think only talented people get published (Jordan's new fucking novel came out recently...), don't think that writers are something special...THEY'RE NOT....If you've got something to say on paper then say it. If it's commercial enough then someone will eventually publish it. Good luck to you, David and to anyone who wants to write...

On that subject, Mark Remnant wanted an idea of how I go about writing. Well, it's usually the same every time. I get an idea that appeals to me, a character I want to write about and something I want to say and I work a plot around it. Sounds simple I know but, to be honest, it isn't rocket science despite what other writers would have you believe. A bit of focus, a bit of dedication, lots of passion and off you go....

Garry Charles and sniping from other writers

Garry, fuck them. Fuck them all. Yes I got the copy of the book, mate, thanks very much. You heard I'd had run-ins in the past with Ramsey Campbell did you...Well, he had digs at me and dug back that was about it. Don't ever take any shit from other authors. The only people you have to take shit from are readers because they've paid for the privilege. If you put your writing in front of the public and invite them to read it then be prepared for some criticism. If other writers read it and criticise then they can fuck themselves. Not exactly text book technique but, to be honest, how often do you meet other authors? How many times are you likely to go out for a fucking drink with them? Answer...never. So who cares what they say.
And yes, if you contact me through my publishers and it doesn't clash with any fixtures then I'd be delighted to come to next years FantasyCon in Nottingham, just for you, mate.

On the subject of autographs, a number of you always ask if you can have one, well, of course you bloody can....Send your requests via my publishers though... Thanks...

Someone asked about a character called Benjamin Breeg being in one of my books...

The only Benjamin Breeg I know of is the one in the title of Iron Maiden's new single....

Marcus Brien and shop opening....

Marcus, I absolutely pissed myself reading your letter, mate. I just wish I could have helped out with the shop thing. As I said earlier, if you'd contacted me through my publishers then it would have been easier. I can only wish you the very best with the shop.
By the way, I spoke to Nigel Andrews and he remembers you. He thought you were a Liverpool fan...sorry...Nigel is a wonderful bloke as you know and a very loyal Villa fan. I'm glad they're doing well for his sake.
Sorry again I couldn't help and sorry too that the other people you got in touch with were so stuffy. I don't get it, I really don't...
Tell you what, send me a catalogue or something for the shop there might be something I want to buy. Also, if you want any signed books to sell then let me know and maybe I can help. But, please, do this through my publishers not through this site.
All the very best of luck with it.

Right, that's me done again. I've got the new Evanescence album on in the background and it's pretty bloody good. Soon be time for a sandwich and I'm off to see BORAT this afternoon, my mate who goes to the footie with me is a huge fan so no doubt we'll be talking about that all the way to the Reading game on Saturday.
All of you look after yourselves and keep those questions coming...

3/5/2006

Lisa Curd and recommendations...
Yes, Lisa I recommended RENEGADES to someone to let their girlfriend read. I was interested to see that you said your sister fancied Nick Ryan in DEADHEAD (fine woman..). If you look at the two characters (i.e. Doyle and Ryan) they're quite similar in many ways. Certainly in attitude. I think you'll find the character of D.I. Birch in DYING WORDS is also similar. Let me know if either of you fancy him...
Kim Scharkie in Australia...
Thanks for the kind words, Kim. Sorry it looks like you've read all my books so far but, I bet if you check the site you haven't...Yes, go on try the war books and the westerns... fuck it, try them all...And thanks for getting some of your mates into them. Look after yourself. A mate of mine is thinking of emigrating to your fine homeland. He lived there for sixteen months once before and loved it...
I get quite a few e-mails from supporters of other football teams and, I must say, the banter between us is all very good natured. I don't care who anyone supports and I'm glad that all of you are good enough to accept me on the strength of my work and not on who I support.
Sorry for that intrusion for any non-football fans but with me being such a fanatical Liverpool fan the subject of football will occasionally get raised. I always say as long as other teams supporters enjoy their own seasons then that's great. It's your teams I hate, not you personally... I'm sure that the Man. Utd. fans hate my team, I'm sure that whoever anyone supports we all hope that no one but us wins anything every season...am I right.
Personally, I'd never even consider making an opinion on anyone based on which team they supported...honest...
Allan and smoking...
Allan wanted to know why every book contains at least one chain smoker...Always Rothmans are they, Allan, fuck, I'll have to watch that. I just hate the fact that smokers are so villified by the rest of society and drinkers are seen as acceptable. Given a choice, I'd rather be cornered by a smoker for three hours than some drunken twat throwing up on me and telling me he loves me...And, as the great Bill Hicks once said, no one has ever killed anyone sitting behind the wheel of a car smoking a cigarette...
Carrie and GOTHIKA...
Carrie, it's entirely possible that the truly appalling film GOTHIKA has elements of LUCY'S CHILD in it. I saw that pile of shit and probably thought the same. It might just have ripped some of the ideas off...1 wish I knew...
Mark Whelan and favourite authors...
You wanted to know who my favourite author is, Mark. Er...I haven't really got one. William Peter Blatty was a genius. I love the style of M.R. James and H.P. Lovercraft but don't read them much anymore. David Morrell used to be a very good writer but I haven't read any of his stuff for years. Apart from non-fiction, I don't read books at all I'm afraid, so I'm probably the wrong person to ask. Having said that, I've actually read two fucking books this year... fanfare...A book called THE BATTLE which is a new study of the Battle of Waterloo and a book called Rafa Benitez which, surprisingly enough, is about Rafa Benitez (Liverpool's manager) and I've just started 1812; Napoleon's fatal march on Moscow...
Garry Charles....
Where's my copy of HEAVEN'S FALLING you bastard?... Send it via my publishers. Seriously though, Garry, I would like a copy and yes, I'll happily give you a quote on it or anything else if it'll help, mate...
Graham Spence...
Graham, you old bastard, I was delighted and highly amused to see your e-mail. In answer to your question, I prefer playing at left back. As I told you when we played that last match I see myself as a destroyer, not a creator...I hope that we'll get the chance to play another match together very soon, Graham.
Apologies to everyone else reading this but Graham and I went to the same school and play football together every now and then (pretty bloody well if I may say so) and while I always play at left back, Graham prefers a marauding midfield role...
Gaz wanted to know about possible films...
Well, Gaz, apart from SLUGS, none of my books have been filmed yet but I hold out hope that one day someone will see the sense of doing it... I think that possibly, they suffer from having stuff like plot, characters and interesting stories. Judging by most of the shite served up by the film industry, I'd be better off writing bollocks then a blockbuster would be guaranteed...
Lisa in Derby...
Didn't I reply to you last month, Lisa? I'm not complaining, I don't mind if you write every month, your opinions and comments are always worth waiting for. I'll have to get Graeme to forward those pictures you sent as I never got them.
I'm really glad you enjoyed THE BUMPER BOOK OF LIES and I'd love to do another comedy book.
Adrien Brody...ah, well, you gave me some stick about Girls Aloud (and quite rightly)...Did I mention the Pussy Cat Dolls too and Fergie out of the Black Eyed Peas... That's what you get for having a ten year old daughter who watches MTV...Mind you it keeps me up to date with the modern music business and, luckily, my daughter also likes Slipknot, Iron Maiden and Green Day. Sort of balances up the Hip Hop stuff in her collection. If I do any signings in Derby, you'll be the first to know...

31/1/2006

To Paul Hutson and family trees...
I have no idea if we're related, Paul. Surely you couldn't be that unlucky. You say your family are from Norwich...my dad's dad was from Norfolk and he had a brother in Wells (the place, not the holes in the ground..) so, you never know...I'm glad you like the books by the way.
Dan Walford and violence and gore...
Welcome aboard, Dan. Nice to have another reader on for the ride. Your ideas about children eating and kids getting raped by grannies cracked me up by the way (I'm just trying to work out a suitable plot...), I'm trying to sort out my new novel at the moment, i.e. decide what the fuck I'm going to write about so, if someone ends up getting a blow job by an o.a.p. then I'll bung you a fiver. Can't say fairer than that can I...Take care, mate..
Guy Rufus and used manuscripts...
You asked what I did with my manuscripts once the book was finished. Well, to be honest, Guy, I keep the fucking things. They're done on disk first so I keep them all like that but I also keep printed copies and I usually have the copies with the editors comments on as well. Maybe I should run a competition and give one away...
As for appearing in one of the books, I can use your name, no problem. People ask me that quite alot, especially when I do signings or talks. It's just that most of the time I just use the name and it's not always in the next book. In other words, your name might get used but not for two or three years (and no, that isn't a ploy to keep people buying them...)
I was doing a talk in Birmingham once and asked people to write their names down on a "deathlist" if they wanted to be killed but some of them actually specified how they wanted to die...Now I've got a warped mind but "suffocation by face sitting nun" and "anal injection of sulphuric acid" are beyond even me...So, anyone wishing to die DO NOT specify how you want to go, right...
Just a quick note, as I know that some of you like to know the ins and outs of writing but one of the reasons I do this is so T've got some fucking names to use...Names are always tricky.
I can never get going on a novel until I've got the names of the main central characters. Same with a title, unless I've got a title I can't start...
Anyway, on we go...
Lisa and other websites...
Hi, Lisa, good to hear from you again. I checked out that website you recommended but, being the complete fuckwit that I am where it comes to technology I didn't have clue what to do but thanks anyway...
I'm really glad that you enjoyed THE BUMPER BOOK OF LIES (why aren't I surprised that bookshop staff had trouble finding it for you...) Pleased that you got hold of it in the end and liked it. I'm supposed to be doing some more comedy stuff later this year so, when everything's sorted there will be details on the site...
On the film front, I've just got back from seeing WALK THE LINE which I enjoyed. Great performances by Joaguin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon. I've also recently seen NORTH COUNTRY...o.k...FUN WITH DICK AND JANE...(oh, dear) and CHICKEN LITTLE...(disappointing).
I agree with you about the films of last year. CRASH has got to be right up there. If there's any justice it'll win a few Oscars. I thought SIN CITY was o.k., clever but knew it. A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE had the balls that SIN CITY lacked, in my humble opinion.
KING KONG was, I thought,...slow for the first hour (and trust me I love Peter Jackson's stuff) but the special effects were mind-blowing. However, for my money, old Pete will never ever top the LORD OF THE RINGS TRILOGY but then, who could...
Anyway, I hope one day again soon to see you in Birmingham at a signing or talk or something. So, until then, look after yourself.
June Smith and Queensryche...
Now, look, June, I am so happy that someone else shares my love of Queensryche. It might shock you to know that I'm sitting here at the moment typing this listening to the new ASHLEE SIMPSON album shock, horror, no, listen, before you all rush off and start burning my books...it's a good album, honest...
Anyway, forgive me and keep on reading...
Tanith and web sites...
Please feel free to post some wallpaper on your websites, Tanith. You have my humble permission...
Jay Crawford and re-joining the ride...
Sorry I lost you in the first place Jay, especially as it was to a scene in DEADHEAD. I would have thought, being a regular reader prior to that that you'd have known that anything goes in one of my novels. But it's all down to personal taste.
I've met Simon Clark by the way, nice bloke. So, according to you, he's taking my crown is he? Ah, well, everyone has their own opinions don't they?
Try some of my newer stuff, you might want to re-join the ride. But if not then, as I said, it's all opinions, eh, Jay?
Your opinion was that I'd ignore this letter...No chance, I can take criticism, that's one of the things that goes with this job.
Just a guote for you to end with, from DARK SIDE magazine...(about TWISTED SOULS)..."One of the best fiction books of the year and one that has strengthened Shaun Hutson's reputation as Britain's greatest living horror genre author."
All opinions, eh, Jay...
On that note, I'd like to say a big thanks to DARK SIDE magazine for that wonderful review in their December issue. The fact that TWISTED SOULS was voted HARDBACK OF THE YEAR was also nice...Thanks, you lot...
I'm also curious, if anyone else thinks I've got boring then please let me know won't you? Any thoughts anyone...
Woody W...hello, again...
How are you doing, mate. Glad you appreciated my comments about the twats who subscribe to Political Correctness.
My wife and I went to my little girl's school recently to talk about the kids being split into "ability groups" and this subject came up. Apparently, the top groups can't be called "gifted" anymore as it upsets the dummies. I suggested calling the groups "dumb and dumber"...didn't go down too well...
Some of those killings in SAW 2 were inspired, as I think I've said on the site before, I'd have been proud of two or three of them, especially the hypodermic needle pit...
Denice Andrews and graphic sex...
My God, Denice, you're obsessed with it aren't you...(fine woman...). Sorry there wasn't any in THE BUMPER BOOK OF LIES but it was a comedy reference book...Don't worry, there's a cracking sex scene in the new book (out in August in hardback)... Let me know what you think when you read it...
Richard Watson and library talks...
Glad you enjoyed the talk, Richard and thanks for the congratulations on Peter Crouch coming good. It's only the doubters who don't see him every week who don't realize what a good player he is. I just hope he doesn't have to play in the World Cup...mingling with a deadbeat like Rooney could damage him forever...All the best to Rushden and Diamonds...
Alex Davis at Derby City Council...
If you want me to appear at any events, Alex then please contact my publishers ... they'll sort you out.
Right, that's me done for another month. Thanks again to all those who've written in and asked questions or just said how much they like the books.
As I said earlier, I'm at that horrible stage of the year where I've got lots of ideas flying around in my head but no clue as to how to use them... Still, I'll sort it eventually. I'll have to or you wonderful bastards will have nothing to read in 2007...
Until then, look after yourselves...