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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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Steve Hedges's avatar

A somewhat gruesome, but still awesome read. Thanks

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!

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!

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.

Michael Marshall Smith's avatar

Glad it still works, after all this time!

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!

Michael Marshall Smith's avatar

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

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.

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 ;-)

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.

Michael Marshall Smith's avatar

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

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.

Tess Parker's avatar

Thanks!

Science Fiction Stories's avatar

This one stayed with me for years.

Michael Marshall Smith's avatar

Sorry... but not sorry.