{"id":925,"date":"2024-08-14T16:53:12","date_gmt":"2024-08-14T16:53:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/guynsmith.com\/1\/?p=925"},"modified":"2025-07-31T21:33:18","modified_gmt":"2025-07-31T21:33:18","slug":"newsletter-no-7","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/guynsmith.com\/1\/?p=925","title":{"rendered":"Newsletter No 7"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Celebrating the Life and Works of Guy N Smith 1939-2020<\/h1>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"175\" height=\"230\" src=\"https:\/\/guynsmith.com\/1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Guy-N.-Smith-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-54\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A Warm Welcome to Fans, Friends and Fiends From Black Hill Books Ltd<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>Here is our long-awaited seventh GNS newsletter! We have an overflowing basket of goodies for you, including details of the upcoming Crab-themed Fan Convention in Knighton on Sunday September 1st (have you registered yet?); a peek at some of our favourite author-fans\u2019 latest works, from blog posts and zines to articles and books; a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the creative team behind the relaunch of the Crabs series books 1-3; and the book cover reveals, unveiled here first for our most devoted fans! And of course, there is the next instalment of Guy\u2019s teenage Mystery Man Diary. Dig in!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Come to the Crabaret!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>True to decades-long tradition, the next GNS Fan Con will be held on the first Sunday of September which, this year, falls on September 1st. Our chosen venue is situated in the picturesque Welsh town of Knighton, Powys, one of Guy\u2019s favourite haunts, where he set his horror novel <em>The Knighton Vampires<\/em>. This free-entry event will kick off at midday and includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>GNS readings<\/strong> &#8211; excerpts from the first three Crabs series books, read by Tara Paulsson (Guy\u2019s daughter)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Guest author <strong>Mark Morris<\/strong> reads from his latest novel <em>That Which Stands Outside<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Crustacean-themed quiz<\/strong> &#8211; impress us with your razor-sharp and snappy answers to win a prize!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Raffle!<\/strong> You could win a <em>Doctor Who: King Crab<\/em> fantasy film poster<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Auction<\/strong> &#8211; bid for a <strong>one-off leather bound <\/strong><em><strong>Night of the Crabs<\/strong><\/em> edition, handmade by our very own web wizard, \u2018Reverend Doom\u2019, and other items including the marked-up manuscript of the latest <em>Night of the Crabs<\/em>, Guy\u2019s own crab-patterned tie and his <em>I Bought A Vampire Motorbike<\/em> film t-shirt (see pics below)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Free savoury buffet <\/strong>for those on a see-food diet (ho ho!), including vegetarian and dairy\/gluten-free options, provided by Julie at the Little Black Sheep Caf\u00e9.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Merchandise and books<\/strong> for sale at our One-<em>Night-of-the-Crabs<\/em>-Stand. Grab a claw full of key rings, pens, fridge magnets and postcards. New T-shirts and mugs also available, thanks to Ceri Brown of Ceri\u2019s Creative Designs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Screening<\/strong> of the prizewinning short film from the competition we are launching with Shortly.film (see below and <a href=\"http:\/\/www.guynsmith.comn\/1\/?page_id=877\">Guy N Smith website<\/a> for more details).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>To register your attendance, email <a href=\"mailto:FanCon2024@guynsmith.com\">FanCon2024@guynsmith.com<\/a> with your name and number of attendees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Guy N. Smith Short Film Challenge<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Presented by Shortly.film and Black Hill Books<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Are you an aspiring film maker with a passion for horror? Shortly.film and Black Hill Books proudly present The Guy N. Smith Short Film Challenge, inspired by the legendary horror writer\u2019s short story, <em><a href=\"https:\/\/guynsmith.com\/1\/?page_id=912\">The Vigil<\/a><\/em>. This is your chance to create a 15-minute film that captures the chilling essence of Smith\u2019s tale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Enter:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Read the Story:<\/strong> Access <em><a href=\"https:\/\/guynsmith.com\/1\/?page_id=912\">The Vigil<\/a><\/em> for free online at <a href=\"https:\/\/shortly.film\/short-film-challenge\/\">Shortly.film<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/guynsmith.com\/1\/?page_id=912\">Guy N. Smith&#8217;s official website<\/a>. This story will be available for a limited time, so don&#8217;t miss out.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Create Your Film:<\/strong> Use your creativity to bring <em>The Vigil<\/em> to life in a 15-minute horror short.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Submit Your Entry:<\/strong> Ensure your film meets all requirements and is submitted by 23:59 on August 20, 2024.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Prizes:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Screening at the Guy N. Smith Fan Convention:<\/strong> Your film will be showcased on September 1, 2024, in Knighton, Wales.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cash Prize:<\/strong> \u00a3200.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Recognition:<\/strong> Featured on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortly.film\">www.shortly.film<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Crabby Kudos:<\/strong> Earn the admiration of horror fans worldwide.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Rules and Requirements:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Story Basis:<\/strong> The film must be based on the short story <em><a href=\"https:\/\/guynsmith.com\/1\/?page_id=912\">The Vigil<\/a><\/em> and properly credited in the opening text.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Format:<\/strong> MP4.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>File Size:<\/strong> Must not exceed 2 GB.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Subtitles:<\/strong> If not in English, subtitles must be burned in.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Length:<\/strong> Maximum of 15 minutes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Deadline:<\/strong> Submit by 23:59 on August 20, 2024.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Screening:<\/strong> All submissions may be screened on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortly.film\">www.shortly.film<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Don&#8217;t miss this thrilling opportunity to showcase your talent and pay tribute to Guy N. Smith&#8217;s horror legacy. Start filming today!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For Terms and Conditions and more details, visit <a href=\"https:\/\/www.guynsmith.com\/1\/?page_id=877\">www.guynsmith.com<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/shortly.film\/terms-and-conditions-filmmaker\/\">www.shortly.film<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fellow Creatives &#8211; Their Work<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"197\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/guynsmith.com\/1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/50Y.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-883\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><strong>Chris Elphick<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In our GNS Newsletter No.6, we introduced <strong>Chris Elphick<\/strong> &#8211; writer, photographer and GNS fan &#8211; who in recent times has entertained us all on social media groups with his excellent Lego diorama and blog posts. You can view them on his website <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pixie-led.co.uk\/p\/1.html\">The Pixie-Led Blog<\/a> (do visit!). Elphick has just written his \u2018Personal Fanzine\u2019 on Guy, which is full of wonderful facts, insights and images and includes a Smith short story (courtesy of Black Hill Books Ltd) called <em>Toby\u2019s Way<\/em>. The zine was released for sale on August 1st and can be bought either directly from Elphick via his website or on <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.eu\/d\/023y6A8b\">Amazon<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>Richards Daniels<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"478\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/guynsmith.com\/1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/OA.logo_.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-897\" srcset=\"https:\/\/guynsmith.com\/1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/OA.logo_.png 478w, https:\/\/guynsmith.com\/1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/OA.logo_-300x188.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 478px) 100vw, 478px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>We are also honoured that <strong>Richards Daniels<\/strong>, who produces and records the intriguing Occultaria of Albion Podcast, which explores all things mysterious from UFOs and paranormal events to conspiracies and folklore, is to publish an article about Guy in <em>Phantasmagoria<\/em> magazine. The article celebrates 50 years of Guy N. Smith pulp horror novels, which began with his first published book, <em>Werewolf By Moonlight<\/em>. Daniels &#8211; a seasoned writer and creative, has an upcoming event called <strong>The Filing Cabinet of Fear<\/strong> (Live Show) at Louth Town Hall (Lincolnshire) on August 10th. Visit <a href=\"https:\/\/www.occultariaofalbion.co.uk\/\">the Occultaria of Albion website<\/a> for more details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mickey Lewis<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"435\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/guynsmith.com\/1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/boo.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-885\" srcset=\"https:\/\/guynsmith.com\/1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/boo.png 435w, https:\/\/guynsmith.com\/1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/boo-300x207.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 435px) 100vw, 435px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The charismatic author\/actor <strong>Mickey Lewis<\/strong> (see Newsletter No. 5) pops up again with an interview about Guy in <em>The Dark Side<\/em> magazine (out August 29th &#8211; see photo below) and his new book of collected stories, out later this year. The book, called <em>Lucifer Sam 2: The Beast Sides<\/em>, is a sequel to his novel <em>Lucifer Sam<\/em> about a punk band that battles demons and monsters. The opening story features Guy as an evil James Bond-type villain who unleashes the monsters from his books onto the public &#8211; in real life. Lewis\u2019s story is written as an affectionate pastiche and even though the band in the novels love his books they soon find themselves fighting for their lives against a <em>Slime Beast<\/em> and a <em>Werewolf by Moonlight<\/em> &#8211; in Waterstones! And Mickey has given us an exclusive extract! Enjoy\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>\u2018Fuck \u2018em,\u2019 Guy says, as he slams down his coffee mug (it has a picture of him on it with the byline \u2018Writer By Moonlight\u2019 and an inscription which says: smoking is my right, and my choice, and this is my house so anyone who doesn\u2019t approve can go fuck themselves.) on top of the rejection letter from Orbit and draws angrily on his pipe. \u2018Let\u2019s do it!\u2019<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong>Jean looks up nervously from the sink where she is washing the breakfast dishes. She is tense, her eyes wary behind the wisps of hair that trail down like ivy from the coiled bun on her hair. \u2018Do what, dear?\u2019<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong>He darts a furious, exasperated glance at her. \u2018Unleash the Beasts of course, and open the Sucking Pit.\u2019<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Well, now we will all HAVE to buy this book!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fiends with Benefits (well, blogs\u2026)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There are many excellent review\/blog sites featuring Guy\u2019s work. Here are a few:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dlsreviews.com\/guy-n-smith.php\">DLS Reviews<\/a> &#8211; has an extensive collection of reviews. &#8211; thanks, Chris Hall<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/hitmewithyourbookreview.blogspot.com\/\">Hit Me With Your Book Review<\/a> Mike Howlett provided this link.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thenamelesszine.org\/\">The Nameless Zine<\/a>The Nameless Zine is pleased to present a variety of news and reviews of interest to the science fiction and fantasy community &#8211; thanks Hal C. F. Astell<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/books.apocalypselaterempire.com\/\">Apocalypse Later<\/a> &#8211; another link from Hal C. F. Astell!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.monsterlibrarian.com\/TheCirculationDesk\/a-look-back-the-monster-librarian-interview-with-guy-n-smith\/\">A Look Back: The Monster Librarian Interview With Guy N. Smith<\/a> &#8211; thanks to ML Staff!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lord Sampers Library (@lordsamper on x.com) &#8211; Thanks, Your Lordship!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pixie-led.co.uk\/p\/1.html\">Pixie-Led<\/a> &#8211; Chris Elphick\u2019s blog, as mentioned before<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Crabs Are Coming!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The first three books in Guy\u2019s <em>Crabs<\/em> series are due to be re-published as ebook and paperback on September 1st (with an audiobook of <em>Night of the Crabs<\/em> in production), and there\u2019s an intention to release the next three (books 4-6) in these formats by Christmas, and the hardback versions next year, hopefully featuring some colourful Rick Melton artwork. Let us introduce you to the current contributors!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Brian Keene &#8211; Night of the Crabs Foreword<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"199\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/guynsmith.com\/1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/image5.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-889\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>As you will know from Newsletter 6, American bestselling and award-winning novelist, comic book writer and film producer <strong>Brian Keene<\/strong> has written an insightful foreword for the new edition of <em><strong>Night of the Crabs.<\/strong><\/em> Keene looks after the literary estate of the late J.F. Gonzalez of <em>Clickers <\/em>fame. Since Gonzalez had himself provided a foreword for a previous edition of <em>Night of the Crabs<\/em>, it\u2019s fitting that the baton has now been passed on to Keene, with whom Gonzalez co-wrote several <em>Clickers<\/em> novels. Keene runs Vortex Books &amp; Comics with his partner and co-writer Mary SanGiovanni in Columbia PA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Anthony O\u2019Connor &#8211; Killer Crabs Foreword<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"450\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/guynsmith.com\/1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/p4.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-902\" srcset=\"https:\/\/guynsmith.com\/1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/p4.png 450w, https:\/\/guynsmith.com\/1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/p4-300x200.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Australian writer <strong>Anthony O\u2019Connor<\/strong>, who wrote post-apocalyptic cult classic novel <em>Straya<\/em> (now in development as an animated movie) referencing Guy and his <em>Crabs<\/em> novels, has graced us with a characteristically entertaining and Aus-tastic foreword to <em>Killer Crabs<\/em>. O\u2019Connor excels in writing genre-bending movies and books. He wrote original screenplays for the inner city black comedy <em>Angst<\/em> and the blood-soaked office horror <em>Redd Inc<\/em>. (aka <em>Inhuman Resources<\/em> in the US\/UK). More recently, he has released spooky YA ghost yarn <em>Emma After<\/em>. O\u2019Connor is currently developing a quiet horror film project and is finishing his third novel. He regularly reviews film, TV and video games for various outlets including IGN, Flicks and FilmInk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/anthonyoconnorauthor.com\/\">Anthony&#8217;s Website<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mark Morris &#8211; Origin of the Crabs Foreword<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"400\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/guynsmith.com\/1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/p1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-899\" srcset=\"https:\/\/guynsmith.com\/1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/p1.png 400w, https:\/\/guynsmith.com\/1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/p1-300x225.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The foreword for the third book in the series, <em>Origin of the Crabs<\/em>, is offered up by Mark Morris, another leading light in the horror fiction world. Morris has written and edited around fifty novels, novellas, short story collections and anthologies, and his script work includes audio dramas for <em>Doctor Who, Jago &amp; Litefoot<\/em> and the <em>Hammer Chillers <\/em>series. His latest oeuvre, from Flame Tree Press, is folk horror novel <em>That Which Stands Outside<\/em>, from which Morris will read at the GNS Fan Convention in September, where he is making a guest appearance and will even sign copies of his own books for fans! Mark has won two British Fantasy Awards, and has also been nominated for several Stokers and Shirley Jackson Awards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Neale Thomas &#8211; Cover Artist<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"328\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/guynsmith.com\/1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/p5.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-903\" srcset=\"https:\/\/guynsmith.com\/1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/p5.png 328w, https:\/\/guynsmith.com\/1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/p5-300x274.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 328px) 100vw, 328px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The <em>Crabs<\/em> book cover artwork has been created by Neale Thomas from Liverpool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Neale gained a BA (Hons) in Illustration at Kingston Polytechnic, London. He worked as a freelance illustrator for 20 years and his work has appeared in numerous magazines and national newspapers. Since 2010, he has developed a focus on the golden era of motor racing and has exhibited his work in the Revival Market, the Silverstone Classic, Race Retro and the Brooklands Museum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Andrew-Mark Thompson &#8211; Graphic Designer<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"257\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/guynsmith.com\/1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/p3.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-901\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Andy is based in East Midlands UK and took up graphic design after studying media at university. He specialises in retro designs based on themes and images from mid-20th century commercial design. He has contributed full covers for Telos Books, Headpress Books, Obverse Books and Scatola Publishing, amongst others, and has also supplied design work for BBC4 and Matthew Sweet about Amicus Film\u2019s King Crab script, which was based on Night of the Crabs. He also published his first book <em>This Is A Fake<\/em> ( <a href=\"https:\/\/www.telos.co.uk\/\">Telos Publishing<\/a>) which puts together humorous design pieces based on the television culture of the 20th century. He lives alone with no cats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pete Gold &#8211; Audiobook Narrator<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"294\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/guynsmith.com\/1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/p2.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-900\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Pete is one of Britain\u2019s busiest and most widely-recognised voice actors. From TV documentaries to radio commercials; stadium announcements to video games; he\u2019s lent his voice to thousands of projects over the last 25 years. His passion is storytelling, and he has featured in many full-cast audio dramas for Audible, as well as several audio books. He is very excited to be narrating <em>Night Of The Crabs,<\/em> and hopes he will do justice to this key part of the Guy N. Smith legacy. Originally from Sheffield, Yorkshire, he now lives in Hertfordshire, with his wife, son, goofy-looking dog and aloof cat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Reverend Doom &#8211; IT and slow painful deaths<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/guynsmith.com\/1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/t2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-906\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>IT Manager, exorcist, a man with a dreadful mission. Doom was an orphan. His parents died in a plague that went through when he was small and, to care for him, the town council apprenticed him to the local gravedigger. For years he served, learning the ins and outs of the physical and spiritual side of dealing with death. He learned about his god, the patron of death, from the gravedigger. But the gravedigger\u2019s worship always seemed a bit hollow, a little too rote. One night Doom picked up the sacred text the gravedigger kept on the small shrine in their shared chambers and read it. He became shocked and dismayed at the disparity between the soft platitudes his guardian parrots and the dire truths uncovered in his god\u2019s scriptures. That night the gravedigger, his home and Doom\u2019s entire life burned to the ground as he set off to become the god of death\u2019s most faithful servant ever. Doom also maintains the website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tara Paulsson &#8211; Editor and Composer<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/guynsmith.com\/1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/tara.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-907\" srcset=\"https:\/\/guynsmith.com\/1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/tara.png 300w, https:\/\/guynsmith.com\/1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/tara-150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Tara (Guy\u2019s daughter) gained a First in English Literature at York University and worked as an actress and theatre composer for 10 years after leaving Mountview Theatre School. She has written music for over 30 theatre productions and was Resident Composer with Wildcard Theatre Company for a number of years. Tara later attended the London School of Publishing where she studied Editorial and Proofreading and worked at legal publishers Chambers &amp; Partners as a Researcher\/Editor before leaving to start a family and work as a private music teacher. She now lives in Sweden and combines running Black Hill Books Ltd with private teaching and writing\/composing. Tara worked on the editing and production aspects of the new GNS publications, with help and advice from seasoned book editor Nancy Webber. She also composed and recorded the title music for the Black Hill Books <em>Night of the Crabs<\/em> audiobook, which features percussion, fx and marimba arrangements with West Limerick-based musician Dr Boris Hunka.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">And now, what you&#8217;ve all been waiting for &#8211; The Crabs Cover Reveals!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>We\u2019ve gone for a non-AI retro feel for this series &#8211; hope you like them. We do! Of course, they don\u2019t replace or eclipse the many amazing covers that have gone before, which are now part of 70s\/80s pulp horror history, but (we hope) they add variety and classic style. Thanks to Neale and Andy for their artistry, professionalism and, most of all, patience!<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"462\" src=\"https:\/\/guynsmith.com\/1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Night-of-the-Crabs.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-895\" srcset=\"https:\/\/guynsmith.com\/1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Night-of-the-Crabs.png 600w, https:\/\/guynsmith.com\/1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Night-of-the-Crabs-300x231.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"462\" src=\"https:\/\/guynsmith.com\/1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Killer-Crabs.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-890\" srcset=\"https:\/\/guynsmith.com\/1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Killer-Crabs.png 600w, https:\/\/guynsmith.com\/1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Killer-Crabs-300x231.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"462\" src=\"https:\/\/guynsmith.com\/1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/origin-of-the-Crabs.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-898\" srcset=\"https:\/\/guynsmith.com\/1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/origin-of-the-Crabs.png 600w, https:\/\/guynsmith.com\/1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/origin-of-the-Crabs-300x231.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">And Last But Not Least &#8211; \u201cMystery Man\u201d Diary 1957<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"283\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/guynsmith.com\/1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/MysteryMan.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-894\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Here is the fifth instalment of Guy\u2019s secret teenage diary, originally handwritten and published in the GNS newsletters for the first time. Guy would have been just 18 years old when he wrote it and was already working in the Midland Bank. Enjoy!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Friday March 8th<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I came home on the 5.15 train with Don Stevenson. I have bought some loose shot &amp; tonight I took the pellets oout of six No. 6 cartridges &amp; made myself three No.4 cartridges and three BB cartridges. I shall take them tomorrow. I have got a strong liking for Gillian Evans &amp; I\u2019m not sure that she isn\u2019t a bit keen on me!!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Saturday March 9th<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We did fairly well on States today and I got the five-to-one train home. I rained consistently. I had the gramophone out in the shed for an hour then I went round to see Coles. Fred didn\u2019t think he would come with me so I went into Hopwas Wood on my own. I went over the three hills and along by Pearce\u2019s. I saw some partridges in one of Pearce\u2019s fields. I also saw some cock pheasant. I did not get a shot. They have cleared most of the rhododendrons in Rookery Nook. Played subbuteo with Lance. I won 5-4.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sunday March 10th<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Went round to see Billy &amp; Nellie. He told me the story about the little boy who wanted to watch Pauline Trimby kiss Tony goodbye. Dale\u2019s air raid shelter roof fell in &amp; Billy &amp; Nellie are quite sure that I splodged it in with a fork. We took Daddy down to the hospital at 5 0\/c today. We met one of the sisters &amp; the matron. In the evening I wrote for various free specimens as advertised in the \u201cNational Weekly.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Monday March 11th<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A fairly peaceful day. I got the 5.5 bus home. I went into the wood at dusk with the gun. It was moonlight. A carrion crow passed fairly near but not near enough for a shot. Dr Raybould rang up to say Daddy had had two hernias done, his piles &amp; his appendix taken out. We rang up the hospital at 10 o\/c and they said he was sleeping peacefully. I went down to Grandma\u2019s this evening. Also rang up Mrs Cole to tell her the news about Dad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Tuesday March 12th<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I went up to Mrs Wiinfield\u2019s with Sam Loughead tonight. He liked it very much. I like a girl with a \u201cponytail\u201d hairstyle very much indeed. Next week I shall offer her a lift back to Tamworth with us afterwards. Sam is getting to know the steps. Daddy is progressing well and the hospital is very pleased with him. I shall see him tomorrow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Wednesday March 13th<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We balanced nice &amp; early &amp; I was getting ready to go at 4.45 when old Tovey came &amp; told me I\u2019d got to take the registered letters up at 4.45. I just got the 5.15 train. I went out with the gun but didn\u2019t get a shot. I walked down to the hospital &amp; saw Dad. He looked very much better than I had expected. I got the 9.15 bus up. Auntie Daisy rang.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Thursday March 14th<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We balanced O.K. today &amp; I got the 4.42 train home. I received a letter today telling me I was on the permanent staff. That\u2019s a relief!!! I had a 2\/6d P\/O from Stockwells!!! I went in the wood with the gun but didn\u2019t see anything. Helen came to teach me book-keeping &amp; I walked down the road with her to meet her friend outside the Chequers. Dad is progressing well. Mr Outhwaite rang up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Friday March 15th<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Caught the 4.42 train home. I missed the bus up home but Mum was in town &amp; she gave me a lift up. I got a record of Gerry Grant singing \u201cMoonlight Gambler.\u201d I went in the wood with the gun but didn\u2019t get a shot. Went down to see Dad tonight. He is looking very much better. I am looking forward to the weekend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Saturday March 16th<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Mr Brewster drove the \u2018bus into B\u2019ham today. I had a chat to him. I came home on the 1.5 \u2018bus. The 2.15 was just moving out as I ran up. He saw me but wouldn\u2019t stop. I walked home &amp; rang up the Midland Red and reported him. I did some digging in the garden. Went shooting up Hopwas Wood with Fred Cole. Had 4 shots at crows but got nothing. Went down with Grandma to see Dad. He is going along nicely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sunday March 17th<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Did some gardening in the morning. Put in 1 row of peas, 3 of lettuce, 2 of radishes &amp; 4 of parsnips. Saw Billy &amp; Nellie in the afternoon. Stayed there till 4.30pm then I came home. I didn\u2019t feel too well then, but I took no notice. Went down to the hospital to see Daddy at night. Saw the play on T.V. \u201cThe Cask of Amontillado.\u201d Felt lousy. Went to bed early.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Monday March 18th<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Had a rotten night &amp; in the morning I had a temperature of 99\u00b0. I stopped in bed for the day. Mum rang up the office &amp; spoke to Ray Maskell. As the day went on I began to feel better. I shall go to work tomorrow. I am looking forward to going dancing tomorrow evening &amp; seeing that girl again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Tuesday March 19th<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Felt much better. Went to work. Got back on the 4.42 train. I went up to Mrs Winfield\u2019s with Sam Loughead. The usual crowd of girls were working \u2018afternoons\u2019 at de Hamill\u2019s factory &amp; there were only about eight couples up there. I had to rely mainly on \u201cexcuse me\u201d dances. Next week should be better &#8211; then I\u2019ll see that girl again!<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"121\" src=\"https:\/\/guynsmith.com\/1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/sig.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-905\" style=\"width:295px;height:auto\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>Newsletter written and compiled by Tara Paulsson. Black Hill Books Ltd would like to say a big thank you to all our guest contributors. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Copyright \u00a9\ufe0f 2024 Black Hill Books Ltd<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Here is our long-awaited seventh GNS newsletter! We have an overflowing basket of goodies for you, including details of the upcoming Crab-themed Fan Convention in Knighton on Sunday September 1st &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/guynsmith.com\/1\/?p=925\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading<span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Newsletter No 7<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":54,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[14],"tags":[13],"class_list":["post-925","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-newsletter","tag-newsletter"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/guynsmith.com\/1\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/925","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/guynsmith.com\/1\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/guynsmith.com\/1\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/guynsmith.com\/1\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/guynsmith.com\/1\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=925"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/guynsmith.com\/1\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/925\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1152,"href":"https:\/\/guynsmith.com\/1\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/925\/revisions\/1152"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/guynsmith.com\/1\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/54"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/guynsmith.com\/1\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=925"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/guynsmith.com\/1\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=925"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/guynsmith.com\/1\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=925"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}