GUY MANKOWSKI

Was great to talk in this  Youtube interview (Spotify link here ) to Matt with this interview- which isn't just the most in-depth I've done about Kristen Pfaff's life and her passing away- but also the first where an interview has been cut with footage of Kristen herself- performing, recording as well as drawing from some of the photos we've shared on the Substack ( link ) as we've started releasing the book.  The first third of the book was published for monthly subscribers on the 10th Dec. Jason Pfaff's generous sharing of his sisters' archive has very much made for a treasure trove for those longing for new materials about Kristen Pfaff for so long.  Matt and I talked about the tribulations of Pfaff's life growing up, the voice recording journals she left behind and what's in them, her diary, what friends and people close to Kristen have brought to the table and their experiences due to the book. 

Through this Substack, chapters from volume 1 of what No Treble magazine called the 'long awaited' biography of Pfaff’s life will be published from 10th December.  It will be shared in three monthly instalments for paying subscribers (who already are getting unheard media from Pfaff’s life- such as excerpts from her journal recordings and a previously unheard song she wrote). It is a biography that has been in progress for over five years, and draws, for the first time, from the archive Pfaff left behind her after her tragic death at 27 years old. This archive includes hours of Pfaff’s unheard diary recordings, as well as her writings, critical essays, and unseen photographs from her short but compelling life. This archive led to new interviews by those who knew Pfaff best- including some powerful new voices which have not been on record before, and who will change the story about Pfaff. The Substack will begin with the release of volume 1 of 2 in the biography of Pfaff’s life...

 I was honoured to host this event for Lincoln Book Festival. Jane Savidge- as cofounder of the publicists Savidge and Best was behind much of the genesis of the Britpop movement and stewarded the successful public image (after years of obscurity) of Pulp, Suede and other key Britpop bands that reshaped our musical landscape and mindset. I recall as a teenager on the Isle of Wight reading the 'What's Eating Jarvis Cocker? Heroin? Porn?' headline of Select Magazine in my local newsagents, never dreaming I'd get to talk to the person who came up with that whole angle.  Audrey Golden talked about the research process behind bringing to light the painfully overlooked story of the women of Factory Records. Despite this being the night The Last Dinner Party were (not) playing in Lincoln we had a crowd of discerning musical types who asked great questions.  Many others made this event a beautiful occasion. My partner Rachel put together an incredible Pulp / Factory playlist th...

Was great to see the publication of You Complete The Masterpiece in December, hosted by the excellent Sloth Creative Writing night at Lincoln University.  The novelist Amy Lilwall (who wrote the critically acclaimed novel The Biggerers) read, as did exciting talents such as Maya Shell, Em Burton (below) and the brilliant Meg Whitelock who is not only a very exciting talent herself but who put this all together from scratch.  Tim Marks (above) also managed to solve a series of murders (all tied to yours truly) in fifteen minutes of uproarious stand up. The book can be bought  here . I discussed the process of researching it with Jen Bowden, as well as going into knotty subjects such as finding an agent. Interview here . Jen was kind enough to name the novel as #1 in her 'Northern Voices Christmas Book List 2024.'  Reviews 'Trust me when I say that You Complete The Masterpiece is an engaging page-turner that will have anyone and everyone interested compelled to never p...

First reviews are nerve-wracking! So thank you Helen Matthews (prize winning author of Girl Out of Sight) for this most kind review of my first novel in four years- the Barcelona / Marrakech based literary thriller / literary puzzle 'You Complete The Masterpiece'. It's published worldwide 26th November and available for pre-order now (via this link). 'This is accessible literary fiction at its finest. I loved it. Highly recommended.' https://www.helenmatthewswriter.com/post/review---you-complete-the-masterpiece-by-guy-mankowski

(Like a lot of people, being asked for some advice and being asked various questions about getting published went to my head and I spoke to the person who got in touch like I knew it all. I'm aware I don't and that more successful writers can probably offer him better advice. But in the hope this helps some here's my emailed reply-)   'Hi- not at all, you weren’t rambling and you ask the pertinent questions. You’ve caught me on a rather stressful day as I’m in negotiations with a film company about the content of one of my books- actually a lot more tricky than it sounds with no money readily in sight- but I’ll advise what I can and you can perhaps return to me further down the line on another better day if you like.  I’d be interested to know the name of your friends partner. I ask this because (and the same is true of me) in this field a lot of people tend to dish out advice as if they can advise on how to crack it when it’s a moving landscape with one person’s perspe...

  The University of Lincoln were kind enough to film and interview me about my forthcoming novel, which included them coming into one of my lectures! The (very) short film can be watched here The novel is about a group of people working together to expose institutional corruption. Part thriller, part literary puzzle, and set between Morocco and Barcelona the novel looks at artistic legacy and the challenges that arise when our own identity is built around problematic artists. Of the novel, bestselling author Ruth Dugdall said, 'he combines the genres of thriller with literary fiction, and this is his best book yet.'  It can now be pre-ordered here .