Comments | jonathanlhoward: The Mystery of the Necromancer (plus a couple of links)

jonathanlhoward

The Mystery of the Necromancer (plus a couple of links)

Jul 31, 2009 20:43

I listened to an interesting programme yesterday on BBC Radio 4, entitled "Frequently Asked Questions." It was about the relationship between writers and their readers, ( This way lies the mystery... )

horrorscope, australian horror writers' association, dorothy robinson, jonathan l howard, johannes cabal, johannes cabal the necromancer

Comments 12

earthmarsha August 1 2009, 04:10:35 UTC

Well said, sir!

fabula_umbrae August 1 2009, 07:01:32 UTC

It's hard to find the point between too little information and too much information. I found the amount of history alluded to in Johannes Cabal the Necromancer fit well with the overall feel of the novel. I think if everything had been gone into in detail it would have not only detracted from the story but would have made Johannes as a character seem less interesting and real. There are a lot of things that made me as a reader want to know more of those little stories about his and other characters pasts. But while I would love to read about all those things I don't think they would have had any place in that particular story. It's part of why I'm looking forward to the next book.

There's a difference between not going into unnecessary detail and a plot hole.

jonathanlhoward August 1 2009, 09:48:55 UTC

I should really reply with something measured and writerly, but I am too busy making geekish "squeee" noises about your icon. By a remarkable coincidence, I watched the Quays' "The Cabinet of Jan Svankmajer" just two days ago with my daughter (who has a gratifying interest in surrealist animation). It must have been the first time I've seen it in perhaps ten years, and then -- lo and behold -- you use an image from it for your icon. I love coincidences; they are reality's Pop Rocks. We'll probably watch "The Street of Crocodiles" sometime over the weekend. As a matter of interest, did you catch the nod to Svankmajer in _Johannes Cabal the Necromancer_?

fabula_umbrae August 1 2009, 10:34:38 UTC

I didn't! Now I have to go look for it. Though I'm guessing it'll be something obvious that I missed by being dense. I think I may have been a bit too distracted by other references. Such as the delightful and blatant cries of "ftagn!"

I'm a little surprised that you recognized my icon. I don't often run into people who've heard of the Quay brothers. Generally if anyone mentions them to me it's because they wanted to know who the people I quoted in my LJ bio are or because they picked up the collected works dvd from my shelf and are making odd faces at the box art.

jonathanlhoward August 1 2009, 12:03:34 UTC

That's Cthulhoo from "The Unspeakable Vault (of Doom)"! YUM YUM...

I'm enjoying this. It is a fun game.

Thread 7

Not to 'derail' the discussion... telepathboy August 22 2009, 19:34:42 UTC

I must say, sir, I have just finished reading your book, and found it quite entertaining. I can promise you it will be passed around to and/or purchased for many of my friends.

I don't know of any way to express my appreciation for your work, other than expressing my sheer disappointment that you have no other books published for me to read. I received your book as a gift a few weeks ago, and enjoyed it immensely. It was witty, an entertaining plot, dark and humorous... definitely a worthwhile read. So thank you.

I definitely look forward to reading more of your work. That being said, is there a way to acquire the two short stories you mentioned above? I would enjoy being able to read them (and support you as an author, of course).

Thank you sir, and have a wonderful day.

Re: Not to 'derail' the discussion... jonathanlhoward August 22 2009, 19:57:39 UTC

Thank you for your kind words; I'm most gratified that you enjoyed the book so much.

As to the two Cabal shorts you mention, they are still available in back issues of "H.P. Lovecraft's Magazine of Horror." The order page is here;
http://www.wildsidepress.com/BACK-ISSUES-HP-Lovecrafts-Magazine-of-Horror_c_36.html
"Johannes Cabal and the Blustery Day" was in #1, and "Exeunt Demon King" in #3.

If you're interested in non-Cabal stories, "Between the River and the Road" was published in the June 2001 issue of "Realms of Fantasy," and "The Beautiful Corridor" is in the current issue (#13) of "Black Gate." The latter is obviously much easier to get hold of than the former, not least because RoF recently changed hands and I don't know what their backstock situation is.

Thank you again, and my best wishes.

qualapec September 23 2009, 22:30:49 UTC

I'd like to start by saying that I've read "Necromancer", frankly it's one of the best books I've read in a long time. Johannes is amazingly entertaining, and one of the most engaging characters ever. Also, he was considerably different from the kinds of characters that I usually find myself adoring. Wanted to mention that first and foremost ( ... )

jonathanlhoward September 29 2009, 10:57:53 UTC

Oh, it is perfectly natural; I've done as much myself. The point the programme was making there is that the majority of writers simply want to move on. They've lived with the book for ages and its charms have long since worn off. Readers, in contrast, are currently living with that part of the writer's work and are engaged with it. Further, there are things authors don't want to say because they were sort of hoping the book said it for them. It's a bit like having to explain a joke ( ... )