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Dec 29, 2023
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Michael Marshall Smith's avatar

I'm s little late on the next one — should come out in the next 24 hours!

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Dec 11, 2023
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Michael Marshall Smith's avatar

Thank you :-)

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Steve Hedges's avatar

A somewhat gruesome, but still awesome read. Thanks

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Michael Marshall Smith's avatar

Thank you!

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Gareth Smith's avatar

You're showing something of a talent for this writing malarkey!

I remember the first time I read this story. I knew/know nothing about technospeak so used my imagination to power through. Imagine that!

The way you write the ordinary, the everyday and subvert it to something supranatural is astonishing.

I can feel goosebumps rising as I read and end up with the same sense of helplessness as the narrator.

Spoilers!

I will pick out particularly Jack talking about the death of his wife and child in Spares and I'm afraid I can't remember the name of the short story but it's the one with the ordinary young fella playing pool with a friend who feels a connection with a girl across the bar, and sets out to pursue her. Absolutely fu£$ing terrifying.

You, sir, rock!

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Michael Marshall Smith's avatar

Thank you! God, I'd forgotten that short story... it's called MORE BITTER THAN DEATH. Really glad you enjoyed the story — and thank you for letting me know!

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Rolf Marvin Bøe Lindgren's avatar

I remeber reading it when the anthology came out. I'd totally forgotten the story, except the quote ”I’m a bloke“, the very last line, and the feeling it gave me. I’ve been thinking about this story occasionally, and thought about rereading it.

Thank you.

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Michael Marshall Smith's avatar

Glad it still works, after all this time!

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Pat O’Hara's avatar

Hi Michael. Thanks for publishing “More Tomorrow”. I really enjoyed the story! After reading it, it spurred me on to reread “The Straw Men”, my initial introduction to your writing. Needless to say, I became a fan! Hope you and your family have a happy and healthy holiday season!

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Michael Marshall Smith's avatar

Really glad you enjoyed it, and thank you for letting me know! Happy holidays to you and yours...

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Ben Mars's avatar

I remember this as being the most disturbing short story I have read.

Particularly because it's the last line that generates the visceral reaction, so I felt it as a proper shock response.

Had to immediately put the book down and take a tea break.

I recommend it to everyone.

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Michael Marshall Smith's avatar

I have to admit all these years later I remember writing that last line and thinking... "Really?" And then I left it there ;-)

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Debs Lyon's avatar

I haven't read this one for years, but I do remember that the ending made me audibly shudder, and nearly vomit. Amazing stuff.

I need to reread your short stories. There's one about a house filling up with rubbish, and I remember feeling like I was IN a nightmare reading that. I can't remember what it's called, but that one and HELL HATH ENLARGED HERSELF have always stayed with me.

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Michael Marshall Smith's avatar

That one was called THE DARK LAND, and did actually start from a dream I'd had...

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Debs Lyon's avatar

Well, that makes a lot of sense. I think it's the only time I've ever felt *trapped* in a story. Insanely well written.

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Michael Marshall Smith's avatar

Thank you :-)

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Tess Parker's avatar

Thanks!

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Nick J Taylor's avatar

This one stayed with me for years.

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Michael Marshall Smith's avatar

Sorry... but not sorry.

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