Occasionally - at various and irregular points in time - I like to stand back and review where I am with my writing. This normally happens either a) when nothing has been going on for a while(!), or b) after something significant has actually happened! So, with the completion of my submission yesterday to the PS … Continue reading March ’17 – Quick Review
Author: Ian Gouge
As a compulsive writer, I have authored nearly thirty books: novels, collections of short stories, volumes of poetry, and some non-fiction. As an independent publisher (using my Coverstory books imprint), I have also produced a number of books for other writers, plus anthologies in which many contributors have had their work showcased - some for the first time. All of which is somewhat irrelevant without you, my readers. Please check-out my sites - including the links to my podcast. I would be delighted if you found something you decided you would like to read.
Instant Inspiration
At Ripon Writers' Group (28th February) there was an 'Instant Inspiration" exercise. The idea was that from a number of objects / props / photographs you selected one thing, wrote about it, and then read to the whole group the end result. Once you had chosen your item, writing time was about 25-30 minutes. I picked … Continue reading Instant Inspiration
Competition time!
I have just submitted a 53-page manuscript for the Prairie Schooner 2017 Book Prize. Prairie Schooner is a long-established magazine based out of the Nebraska in the US. Part of the first prize is to have the winning entries published - hence them needing to be 'book sized'. And - hey! - if I don't … Continue reading Competition time!
More silk purses..?
Within the next hour or so all my paperback fiction should be available in their new improved livery! I just need some brave souls to start buying them!
New cover for Nev…
Just in the process of finalising a new cover for the paperback edition of "The Big Frog Theory". If it turns out OK, likely to redraft covers for all my paperbacks. #BigFrogTheory
“All For Nothing”
by Walter Kempowski. In many ways a remarkable book. I always find myself wondering, when reading something in translation, just how close it is to what the author actually wrote / actually wanted to say. It is inevitable that something is added / taken away because of the translation. #Reading
Is there really “Writer’s block”?
The only reason I ask the question is that I've been struggling with an unfinished story in my draft "Secrets and Wisdom" collection. And that struggle has seen nothing much added for a while - and created a roadblock for the whole thing. And now I think I recognise that I don't actually care about … Continue reading Is there really “Writer’s block”?
All Joined Up?
In a shameless attempt at self-/book-promotion, I have now linked this website with my Facebook page, a new Twitter account (@BigFrogTheory), and a dedicated LinkedIn account. Posts from Writeral will appear in all locations - so apologies to anyone who might think my writing irrelevant... But you can't blame a fella for trying..!
When is a Copy not a Copy…?
I have just watched the 2016 remake of the 1960 classic, "The Magnificent Seven", [56 years - really?!] and I was struck by the question as to when a copy ceases to be a copy and becomes something else. Something original. In "The Magnificent Seven", although there are echoes of the earlier film's music and … Continue reading When is a Copy not a Copy…?
What’s Next?
Having spent so much of the first part of 2017 focussed on getting my paperbacks ready and then drafting this site and putting it live, you would imagine that something of a pause would be welcome. Not so, I find. I guess it comes from being goal-oriented, but not having something to 'finish' in the … Continue reading What’s Next?
Ian Gouge - Writer 