Monthly Archives: March 2011
Thoughts for the Weekend #4
Yeah, I know it’s not the weekend yet, but I’m in a ‘life gets in the way’ situation, and probably won’t be posting here again for a few days. ITEM: My computer is sick and it’s making me sick. I … Continue reading
An Interruption to Normal Programming
No Black Static story today, alas. I’d planned to do one. Even had one picked out to read last night, but then somebody pointed me in the direction of this train wreck and I spent the time rubbernecking and in … Continue reading
“Fear” by Stephen Volk
While he’s primarily known for his work in films and television (Ghostwatch, Afterlife, Gothic), Stephen Volk is also one of the horror genre’s masters of the short form, with stories such as “After the Ape” and “In the Colosseum” among … Continue reading
Thoughts for the Weekend #3
ITEM: I knew it was a mistake to write about Christopher Fowler’s story “Piano Man”. Ever since I’ve had the words of the Billy Joel song running through my head, and as a fanatical Springsteenista I hate it when my … Continue reading
“Piano Man” by Christopher Fowler
As well writing a column for the magazine, Christopher Fowler has had a couple of stories published in Black Static, and he’s also the contributor whose work I’ve read the most of, some fourteen titles last time I checked, with another … Continue reading
“Teen Spirit” by Gary McMahon
I know Gary McMahon‘s work from way back. I believe I read his first published story (in Nasty Piece of Work?) and I’m certain I have a copy of his first, self-published book Tiny Torments around here somewhere (probably worth … Continue reading
“Tu Sufrimiento Shall Protect Us” by Mercurio D. Rivera
My first encounter with the work of Mercurio D. Rivera was back in the days when I was part of the Interzone editorial team, and the wonderful “Longing for Langalana” turned up in my Inbox via Andy Cox. This story from … Continue reading
Thoughts for the Weekend #2
ITEM: The 3rd of April is Mothering Sunday, and so of course various commercial interests are making suggestions as to what we should purchase for our nearest and dearest. Earlier in the week I received an email from Zavvi informing me of … Continue reading
“Maximum Darkness” by Alan Scott Laney
This story appeared in Black Static #15 and was the first published work of Manchester based writer Alan Scott Laney, which tempts me to shake my head ruefully and say it’s all downhill from now on for Mr Laney, even though … Continue reading
