John Christopher Message Board
Sam Youd posts on 2/9/2008 12:35:46 PM
Chris: like many another writer I do not read the sort of stuff I'm meant to write, e.g. SF or YA. But I still recall from way back George Stewart's Earth Abides as perhaps the best of the disaster scenarios. And I have happy memories of Ward Moore's Greener than you Think, whose premiss I inverted to start off No Blade of Grass.
Joshua: sorry, autographs would be too difficult.
Sam
Chris Tuckley posts on 2/9/2008 9:29:39 AM
I've just stumbled across this group in the course of hunting for John Christopher books to buy online; I'm staggered to see that messages have been left by one of my all-time favourite authors! I can't resist expressing a heartfelt 'thank you' to Sam Youd for having such a positive literary impact on my teenage years (and beyond)! Nor can I resist asking Sam a question (apologies if it's already been answered elsewhere). Sam: are there any post-apocalypse or empty world stories (by other authors) of which you're particularly fond, or that have had an influence on your stories within this genre?
Joshua posts on 1/30/2008 10:11:17 PM
Hi Sam. I just discovered this site and would like to say that I think your works are wonderful. They are truly what what got em interested in reading. I have to ask though, is there any possibility of getting an autograph? If, not thats ok. Thanks for everything!
Michael posts on 1/18/2008 12:14:44 AM
Thanks Alan. My recent splurge on all the short fiction might rule me out for a bit on that one. Anyone interested in buying the collection from me when finished, please email me for the titles (michaelleader @ yaffa.com.au - no spaces)
Alan posts on 1/1/2008 5:37:50 AM
Try Interzone 165 - March 2001 with a 13 page interview with Sam where various unpublished novels are referred to!! Got it for Christmas along with Winter Swan - my wife is a very lovely woman!
Michael posts on 12/19/2007 6:35:03 PM
Thanks Sam. I too have now bought your biography. Maybe that'll answer my questions on novels written long ago.
Martin Gruhn posts on 12/14/2007 8:18:54 AM
already gone! ;)
Nice to see you post more often again, hope that is a sign of more robust health lately
Sam Youd posts on 12/14/2007 7:00:27 AM
The only comprehensive bibliography I know of -- which I think covers all the short stories is by Phil Stephensen-Payne, entitled "John Christopher, Master of All Genres" and available for the modest sum of £3.74 through amazon.co.uk. One copy currently in stock -- don't all rush. The discussion on Hilary Ford is interesting but it's all a long time ago. Sam
michael leader posts on 12/13/2007 9:19:06 PM
Robert, You're welcome to buy them off me for $420 Australian dollars, includes all of them except a Journey South, which is available on-line. About 37 Books and old mags. Of course, when I've finished reading them! Post here if interested (or my email address is michaelleader @ yaffa.com.au with no spaces.
Robert posts on 12/12/2007 11:41:26 PM
re: Michael Dowling - I don't think so either,but easier than Peter d'Aurigny. Sarnia herself said breaking up with him had nothing to do with his retreat. I find it hard to blame him, since we don't actually see what made him abandon her; we have no idea what he went through,only what Edmund told her, which was probably peppered with half-truths and omissions. Since Sarnia didn't see it either, she would be in the same position.
+ Interestingly enough, in general it seems to me that the romances of Mr.Youd's romance novels are not as strong as those of his non-romance novels. Though I liked the matchings of Castle Malindine and A Bride For Bedivere, they pale in comparison to the complex relationship of Veronica and Mikhail(of Patchwork of Death), their rupture of trust, and their heartwarming reconciliation. Or the semi-tragic pair of Tom and Mary from Men With Knives. Their shared dependence was interesting from the start, and the way in which the book leaves the couple intriguingly dangles between despair and perseverance. Or Mat and Cherry(of The Little People). I love how their love rises above their ugly flaws, and I give much of the credit for my now being able to write good romance to the inspiration of that couple. Sam really laid down what true love is(and isn't) in that book.
+ Sam, that line was delivered in the scene where they confront the Jelains with evidence of their crimes. Peter was commenting on Edmund's increasingly feeble counterarguments. It's in chapter 27 if you want a quick look.
+ Sorry I didn't reply earlier, Michael; the JC Cavern is the most complete list I know of. I'm ashamed to say that I have yet to track down a single one of Mr.Youd's short tales!
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