On Friday 16th February I am having an on-line launch of my most recent books - both of which are published the following day - with a short reading from each of them: - Grimsby Docks ~ A series of twenty-five poems, each written in response to photographs taken during a single morning. In the mid-19th century, … Continue reading This week: new books & a virtual launch event!
I can't be sure (how can you be?) but I think this year's Forward Book of Poetry is better than last year's - whatever "better" means... But I am still dismayed by the gimmicks some people use in order to appear 'original', and consequently the work that can get labelled as 'poetry'. For example, there … Continue reading “The Forward Book of Poetry 2024”
Sometimes, when you read other writers writing about writing, you might be forgiven for imagining that ours is a pastime undertaken in a holiday camp sitting at a desk where our notebooks are accompanied by a packet of crisps and a pint of beer. It’s all a bit ‘Hi-De-Hi’! “Let’s play this game children: it’s … Continue reading Writing as Life or Death – or is it more important than that?
On Friday 16th February I am having an on-line launch of my most recent books - both of which are published the following day - with a short reading from each of them: - Grimsby Docks ~ A series of twenty-five poems, each written in response to photographs taken during a single morning. In the mid-19th century, … Continue reading Virtual book launch next Friday!
I wonder if you are more conscious of cultural divides when one is separated by language above all else? It probably depends who you are. Many, I'm sure, would put religion or colour or politics at the top of that list - and then fight you for it. If I struggled with Yan Lianke's "The … Continue reading “The Years, Months, Days”
There's a simple bottom line here: I like the way Philip Roth writes. And "Nemesis" is no exception. There is something unfussy about his style, the way he paces his work, the emotional depth he manages to achieve... It's also fair to say that some of his subjects - particularly those relating to religion - … Continue reading “Nemesis”
There are some wonderful pieces in Kwame Dawes's collection "Sturge Town", and lots of those "I wish I'd written that moments". So let me recommend it to you right off the bat. But... If I was being picky, for me the book had some downsides: I thought it was too long (there were just too … Continue reading “Sturge Town”
On Friday 16th February I am having an on-line launch of my most recent books - both of which are published the following day - with a short reading from each of them: - Grimsby Docks ~ A series of twenty-five poems, each written in response to photographs taken during a single morning. In the mid-19th century, … Continue reading Virtual book launch!
Rather than you find out here, I'd much rather you sign-up - for free! - on my Substack site, then you'll get access to these posts (and more) hot off the press! Please do; I'd love to see you there... Writing until the light goes out Seriously. Please join me on my other site... Writing … Continue reading What’s being going on in Substack-land over the last week?
You can see why Booker Prize winner George Saunders is so revered as a short story writer, and why his Substack - where he is incredibly generous in his responses to his subscribers - is so well supported. "Liberation Day" bristles with innovation and good writing. Having said that, its two dystopian stories - set … Continue reading “Liberation Day”
Ian Gouge - Writer 