Back to EYESPIDER index -
The Eye Spiders of Pergross -
Kklak! articles
|
Being one of the world’s foremost experts on Doctor Who is
quite an interesting life, and brings me into regular contact with all manner
of unusual people. When the editor asked me to contribute a regular column, I
decided to share with you the experiences of a typical week in my life. So
join me as I revisit last week.
|
MONDAY
|
I am a little worried about my latest venture into the world of
Who publishing. Whereas I am sure that Doctor Who fans will be only
too happy to pay the asking price for a hardback novella - it will be a
quality piece of merchandise designed to be wonderfully collectible
regardless of whether the fan wishes to read it or not - I am a little
perturbed about the lack of established sf and horror writers coming forward
to contribute to the series. Especially as this was our major selling point.
Telephoned Walker and checked that he had, as promised, sent letters to the
agents of the writers we’re hoping to attract. So all we can do now is sit
and wait.
|
TUESDAY
|
I tried phoning Stammers to see whether he could help with recruiting
authors, but he wasn’t in. He always seems to be out these days. Left a
message on his answerphone. In the afternoon, received a phone call from
Brunt to compliment me on the Toybox. But then he pointed out that the
volume was incomplete at time of going to press since it did not include the
Toybox itself. He’s got a point there actually. I sent an email to
Blumberg to ask whether we needed to rush out the second edition in order to
rectify this omission. So far, he hasn’t responded.
|
WEDNESDAY
|
Got home and found a message on the answerphone from Stephen Baxter.
He says he would be happy to contribute a novella, and wanted to discuss
story ideas. He went on to suggest a story about all eight Doctors teaming up
to help the Ice Warriors launch an attack on Telos to steal the refrigeration
units and help prevent a global warming crisis on Mars. I’m not sure it’s
entirely what I had in mind, but coming from a major writer, I’m sure it will
work out just fine. It’s funny - although I’ve never spoken to Baxter before,
there is something strangely familiar about his voice. Maybe I’m just
recognizing an author’s way of speaking. I tried ringing back, but
unfortunately the number he gave me doesn’t seem to work. Oh well, hopefully
he’ll call back soon. Still no response from Blumberg, so I decided to share
Toybox worry with several other experts.
|
THURSDAY
|
Received an email from Pixley. He suggested that including the
Toybox in the Toybox would be an example of recursive
occlusion. Sometimes, he’s too clever for his own good. Nevertheless, I
decided to check out what he was talking about, and started watching
Castrovalva. Turned off after part 1 when no monsters had appeared.
Discovered to my horror that the kids had broken into my toyroom and removed
several Dapol Daleks from their packaging, and were engaged in a scientific
experiment to see how far they would bounce when pushed down the stairs. I
have stopped their pocket money for the next year. It is possible that I may
have over-reacted, but they have to learn the value of other people’s
property.
|
FRIDAY
|
Michael Moorcock left a message on the answerphone to say he wanted
to do a novella. Mind you, his idea about the Yeti and the Seaweed creature
teaming up to attack Brighton and prevent the opening of the Royal Pavillion
seems even stranger than Baxter’s. Still, I suppose that’s the sort of vision
that distinguishes a proper writer. It’s great to see that an established
author knows so much about Who mythology, and understands the importance of
featuring monsters prominently. Rather annoyingly, I was unable to get an
answer from the number that Moorcock left me, but he seems so enthusiastic
that I’m sure he’ll be in touch again soon. Walker came round in the evening
to dicuss the publishing plans. I was able to play him both answerphone
messages. Oddly, he didn’t seem too excited about it, and asked me if I’d
noticed how Baxter and Moorcock sounded very alike. I suppose he’s got a
point. But then he asked me I’d noticed how much they both sounded like
Stammers. I really can’t see what he’s getting at there. I mean, Stammers is
hardly a writer in the same league, is he?
|
|
Back to EYESPIDER index -
The Eye Spiders of Pergross
|