I want this to be a platform for EVERYONE within the horror community; authors, publishers, bloggers, reviewers, actors, directors, artists. I could go on, if you work in the genre then you are more than welcome to apply for the job.
For the sake of Twitter characters and in looking for something a little more punchy, I’ve now decided to call this feature The Graveyard Shift. (#GraveyardShift)
The rules are quite simple…
You are invited to imagine yourselves as warden for an old graveyard, and choose eight books, preferably horror/dark genre, to take with you to cover your shift; here you can discuss why you chose the books.
As well as the books, wardens are allowed one song/album to listen to. Again, an explanation for this choice is required.
You must also discuss one luxury item you can bring, which must be inanimate and not allow communication.
If you’d like to take part in The Graveyard Shift then please submit an application to gavin@kendallreviews.com
A new shift is about to begin and the warden is…
Mark Anthony Smith
Books
Black dogs by Ian McEwan
I really love this Novella. It’s almost Proustian in how the narrator describes the small interactions between the married couple. I can open this book at any page and luxuriate in the deftness of words.
The Hellbound Heart by Clive Barker
It was ground-breaking, I felt. And it’s still readable now. It was just so fresh…and gory. I don’t usually go for too many blood and guts but there was method in the madness here.
The Complete Works of HP Lovecraft
Oh please! Do you need an explanation? Don’t make me gush – haha. It’s just fantastic. He was such a talented Author that went at the height of his powers. Lovecraft permeates so much of modern culture.
The Lottery and other stories by Shirley Jackson
Jackson was a master of the slow-burn. The Witch and the eponymous title are beyond amazing. I think she wrote some exemplars in short stories. They build in tension until you can’t breathe at the denouement.
The Best Horror of the Year edited by Ellen Datlow
Any of these anthologies are at the cutting edge of our genre. There’s always a new Author to discover. Eee! These books are like a box of (out of date) chocolates.
The Rats by James Herbert
I’ve got a soft spot for this trilogy. It was probably the first Horror novel, I read. It’s fast-paced and inventive. I loved James Herbert.
Forgotten Ones: Drabbles of Myths and Legends by Eerie River
I’m featured. Seriously, there are serious talents and awful scares in these 100 words stories. It really is a beauty for Horror fans.
A-Z of Horror: A is for Aliens by Red Cape Publishing
I’m featured. This series will be to die for. There’ll be something to suit all needs and more. Does it sound like a Boulangerie? They’re certainly bittersweet.
Honourable mentions (because 8 books are never enough):
KR: Dress this up however you like Mark but this is cheating. I won’t be too harsh on you as I also really enjoyed the New Fears books. You’ll be notified of your punishment in due course.
New Fears edited by Mark Morris, The Lighthouse by Alison Moore, A Meal in Winter by Hubert Mingarelli and the short stories of Daphne du Maurier.
Song/Album
Get to Heaven by Everything Everything
Any of their albums are fab. They sound like an upbeat Radiohead and more. I just love their lyrics, musical reach and inventiveness.
Honourable mention: Elbow
KR: Come on Mark, this is getting silly now. Honourable mentions, choosing multi-volume books, what next?
Luxury
A latte and a sausage roll with a bar of chocolate
Any of these makes the world go round
KR: There will be a thorough check of your bags prior to starting your Graveyard Shift Mark.
Mark Anthony Smith
Mark Anthony Smith was born in Hull, East Yorkshire. His writings have appeared in Fevers of the Mind, The Cabinet of Heed, Spelk, Nymphs and Pink Plastic House. His stories are due to appear in anthologies by Eerie River Publishing and Red Cape Publishing. Hearts of the matter is available on Amazon.
You can find Mark on Facebook: Mark Anthony Smith – Author
Please follow Mark on Twitter: @MarkAnthonySm16
Forgotten Ones: Drabbles Of Myth And Legend
The battle is upon us, and the old gods are waking.
Tremble as you rediscover the darkness that came before, the darkness that could eat the world. Within these pages gods of fable, creatures of lore, and ancient rituals have been brought back to life in over two hundred drabbles of exactly one hundred words each.
Delve into the madness created by award-winning horror and fiction authors from around the world. We dare you to remember the fear of the unknown, and to dive headfirst into ancient mysteries.
The old gods have awoken, and with them lose chaos will reign again.
You can buy Forgotten Ones: Drabbles Of Myth And Legend from Amazon UK & Amazon US
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