BRIAN'S WRITING DAYS OVER???

[Silky]

I've seen a query about this so here's the answer...

Brian isn't tired of writing per-se. He's now 71 and wants to enjoy life.

He'll still be writing the occasional novella or short story when the need arises. Brian can never really "retire" as such ... the little man in his head won't leave him alone.

He has on occasion also had ideas for a novel ... but novels, I'm afraid, are over. Brian's novels take a year to write and he doesn't want to spend that much time behind his desk anymore.

Hey folks ... I remember we couldn't even go on holiday and enjoy it because he'd be antsy to get back home because the novel was "calling." Even when we went into town in the mornings he'd be in a hurry to get back home and start work.

When he writes now it's at his leisure. He won't promise anyone anything anymore because that's a deadline involved. Now he'll write the story first and then tell the publishers he's written it.

So here we are, free to go to town every morning and not rush back ... go on holiday and have a really great time ... go out in the garden and putter around ... and to make use of the pool when the whether allows.

Keeping you informed, as always.;)

[Ilya Sul]

That's sad to hear but totally understandable. Enjoy your life master Lumley!

[hopfrog]

So I guess it's utterly unrealistic to hope for a new collection of Titus Crow stories that take place before the events of THE BURROWERS BENEATH. Ah, sigh -- but at least we have the old tales!

[Silky]

There will probably always be books coming out in limited editions and other formats.

Like you get a remix of Coven of Vampires and the two Mythos volumes from Subterranean.

And then there's The Nonesuch coming from Sub too.

[hopfrog]

I'm impressed with how much has been written. My main interest is Mythos, so I think I'll hunt for the Crow novels trilogies. I loved the early stories and it was fascinating how Brian would incorporate them into novels, as in THE BURROWERS BENEATH and BENEATH THE MOORS. The only books I have now (I sold all of my Arkham House books during a time of poverty) are THE TAINT trade pb and the hardcover of THE WHISPERER AND OTHER VOICES, into which I've fastened the letter from 1 March 1977 in which Brian says he'll be using my seashell idea in THE RETURN OF THE DEEP ONES, which at that time was still planned as a wee yarn, not the lengthy work it became. That was a thrilling day for me. I finally used my seashell idea myself in the story I wrote for John Pelan's THE CHILDREN OF CTHULHU, but of course I couldn't describe it with the accuracy that Brian does, since he's an experienced skin-diver and knows all about shells and sea stuff. Wish I could find the story "Fruiting Bodies," that's one of my all-time favourite weird tales. Perhaps it will be in the trade pb edition of HAGGOPIAN? "Haggopian" is another tale that I loved and have not read for many strange aeons. I still remember the weird illustration for it that Allen K drew for an issue of my Lovecraft fanzine, MIDNIGHT FANTASIES. Hard to believe how long ago that was!

[smilielc]

Your both legends Mr Lumley for his writing brilliance and yourself for being such a great wife and obviously inspiration to him - I thank you both for the hours upon hours of reading pleasure I have. I have never read any other book (Horror, fiction or even school books way back when lol) until I was introduced to Necroscope 3 - 4 years ago and now have the complete Necroscope collection, Titus Crow collection, and most of other books in total I have around 38 of Mr Lumley's creations to which I do read more then once.

1 piece of advice - you might want to come to Australia for 1 of those holidays you mentioned (my back yard) and enjoy the beaches you so accurately described in your books ;)

Thanks again xxx

[Silky]

Note from Brian:

"Word of my quitting the field -- not writing noffink no more -- is somewhat premature. Subterranean Press are soon to do a book of mine with a new novella The Nonesuch. Solaris has recently published Harry and the Pirates. Subterranean also has a looonnng new Necroscope novella called The Plague-Bearer, (pub. in about 15 months) and I'm currently at work on a longer long one called The Fly-by-Nights. It's true I won't do any more novels but I'll write novellas or short stories as and when the spirit moves me." ... Brian Lumley

There you do folks, straight from the Master himself.;)

[ShadoeWolfe]

Silky,

So should the thread title be changed from "Brian's Writing Days Over???" to a more appropriate "Brian's Writing Days are IN NO WAY Over! " :) heh heh...

Keep 'em churning out in all forms: shorts, novellas, one-liners - we love 'em all!

[marky]

Fantastic news! I've just finished Harry and the Pirates. I utterly loved it. I could read about Harry's exploits all day. I'm so glad there will be more to come from the great man.

[Cathy]

Silky,
I just read your message and am sorry to hear about no commitments for new novels. However, I can understand wanting to enjoy life. When you stated Mr. Lumley's age, it brought a smile to my face. You see, I was afraid I would maybe be one of his oldest (age wise) fans. I'm only 4 years younger than him. I sincerely hope you both enjoy the future and I'll eagerly read any book he writes in the future.
Your new member,
Cathy

[jello]

Brian,
You could stop writing if you so choose, and everyone would no doubt be disappointed. But you have every right to enjoy you life and do as you please, and I think your fans would appreciate it.
Even if you do stop writing, I know I'll be reading your books for many years to come.

Thank you for showing me I love reading!

jello AKA Jeff

Forever enthralled.

[Silky]

Brian is at this moment writing another novella!:D

[jello]

Hi Silky.
That is most excellent!!! I wasn't fishing for information though. My statement still stands. Brian can do whatever he pleases. I won't complain about a new novella though;)

[sdkdmd]

That's great news, Silky

[dunnthat]

Silky, take care of your man. He has given much with his stories. Here's a thought, just to keep the stories coming, why not find someone with the same writing style as Brian and for a nice neat royalty, continue the series. Just a thought that flitted through my mind...OK it's gone now.

[Hia]

Yeah its good that he has choosen to stop writting novels since people would only ask for more and more, which isnt fair to a man who has given us so much.

But the fact that he still wants to write is a great thing.

Have a good one kind sir :)

Thanks for everything which came and all that will come

[BIG DADDY]

I AM A LONG TIME READER OF THE NECROSCOPE SERIES. I READ MY BOOKS OVER AND OVER . I USED TO HAVE A COMPLETE FIRST EDITION HARDBACK OF THE SERIES BUT THEY WERE DESTROYED IN A FIRE . I LOST EVERYTHING , INCLUDING MY LOVING DOG WHO WAS FOUND RIGHT BESIDE THE FRONT DOOR. I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO GET ALL THE BOOKS BACK AND I WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU FOR WRITING SUCH GREAT BOOKS . I HAVE ALSO READ THE HOUSE OF DOORS AND LOVED IT . I AM THRILLED TO SEE THAT THE NECROSCOPE BOOK(S) MIGHT BE PUT INTO MOTION PICTURE . THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR HARD WORK AND YOU SHOULD DEFINETELY ENJOY THE FRUITS OF YOUR LABOR.

[sdkdmd]

Welcome to the board Big Daddy. There is a member of this board who is selling off his HC necroscope books if you're interested.

[BIG DADDY]

OK WHO IS SELLING AND WHAT DO THEY HAVE I NEED BLOOD BROTHERS AND BLOOD WARS IN HARDBACK

[Mike C]

Since I last posted. I have been busy with work and school, but I took a moment to see what was going on with Brian and Silky. I am disappointed for us readers that there won't be more novels from Brian, but I am very happy that Brian has been successful enough to determine how much he wants to work.

Thanks for all the great books Brian, and thank you Silky for keeping our favorite author so accessible.

Mike C.

[sdkdmd]

OK WHO IS SELLING AND WHAT DO THEY HAVE I NEED BLOOD BROTHERS AND BLOOD WARS IN HARDBACK

Check for Nathan under members and sent him an IM. If you have no luck I might be able to help you out.

[Felis the Doppleganger]

It's always sad when your favorites are no longer there, but Brian Lumley has writtten so many great stories filled with great characters. I'm re-reading some of them now and remembering things I've long forgotten. There is no way that anyone should ever deny him his retirment, or slowing down. Heck I'm still trying to find some of his other works and by the looks of the book list I'll be looking for those stories for a long time to come.

[Ilya Sul]

Felis, you too should check out Nathan's "auction" thread.