"Beginnings are always bullshit." Evan Hunter (Nobody Knew They Were There)

Oh, yeah?

I’ll keep this brief.

A couple of weeks ago someone asked me what I hoped Noir Originals would achieve. The idea for the website stemmed from a love of noir fiction. Since I write noir fiction, the New Writers part of the site was an obvious choice. But I also read noir fiction (in hefty doses), and I was determined to offer something that might satisfy other readers of this terrific genre.

I had an idea. I asked a few friends and acquaintances if they’d be interested in contributing an article or a review for a new website dedicated to noir fiction. I received an overwhelmingly positive response, out of which Noir Originals Zine sprang into life.

During the course of collating the fiction, reviews, articles, essays and interviews for issue #1, I have been prompted to read a lot of books I’d never have read otherwise. And there, in a nutshell, is the answer to the question of this website’s aims.

Whether it’s a book by one of our contributors, a classic of the genre, a book you never knew you wanted to read, a book you never even knew existed – it doesn’t matter. This website is a success if it inspires you to read. Fingers crossed, there’s something here for almost every taste. As long as it’s noir.

I owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to my fellow contributors, enthusiasts who have given freely of their time, effort and words. Please take the time to read their books, or take a minute to visit their websites and/or email them with your comments on their contributions to this website.

And let me know what you think, too. Your feedback is invaluable.

Allan Guthrie