I am writing a long sequence of sonnets that will see publication in 2023. I thought it might be fun to share some of them in advance. A sonnet is included below, along with an audio recording of me reading it. On Being Thrown Over Would your love for me increase were I to die? … Continue reading On Being Thrown Over – a sonnet
Category: Blog
You can’t spend time twice…
The phrase is - to the best of my knowledge - original and my own. It is a line from a new poetry project on which I have started work. The only reason I mention it is that I read it out at a writing group today and three people wrote it down. It was, … Continue reading You can’t spend time twice…
“A Good Scent from a Strange Mountain”
If I was disappointed by Robert Butler Olen's short story collection "A Good Scent from a Strange Mountain" then it was not because of the individual stories themselves. They are all well-written, and some of them exceptional. But reading the book cover-to-cover, I couldn't help but be overwhelmed/bored by the lack of variation in the … Continue reading “A Good Scent from a Strange Mountain”
“Secrets & Wisdom” – a new edition
I am pleased to be able to announce the publication of a new edition of my first short story collection, Secrets & Wisdom. This edition contains a little stylistic reworking and a few other minor amendments. There have also been some changes to font and layout to better align with Coverstory books' house style. Secrets … Continue reading “Secrets & Wisdom” – a new edition
On “Four Quartets”
The BBC recently broadcast a reading of T.S.Eliot's "Four Quartets" by Ralph Fiennes. I say 'reading' but with Fiennes, a stage and spotlights, it was more like a performance. Which was fine. Some parts worked especially well, I thought. The programme prompted me to go back and re-read the poem - possibly for the first … Continue reading On “Four Quartets”
“Starve Acre”
It's fair to say that it would be entirely realistic to suggest that one could sit down and read Andrew Michael Hurley's "Starve Acre" in a single session. The book is the right size, well-written, and rattles along at a suitable pace to make consumption in one go not a ridiculous notion. What is less … Continue reading “Starve Acre”
‘Fountains by Floodlight’ – an update
After a little bit of a false start last week, I am pleased to have been able to read yesterday evening at Fountains Abbey's regular October event, 'Fountains by Floodlight'. The event takes place each Saturday during October, and also includes the final two Fridays as well. Tickets are selling fast! In addition to spectacular … Continue reading ‘Fountains by Floodlight’ – an update
Time for a programme of rework…
Following on from the recent issue of a second edition of At Maunston Quay, I have decided that the time is right to work through some of my earlier fiction to offer updated editions. I am staring with Secrets & Wisdom, and have already begun the editing process. Whilst this is in-train, I feel it … Continue reading Time for a programme of rework…
“At Maunston Quay” – a new edition
I am delighted to announce the publication of a new edition of my novel, At Maunston Quay.
“Perfume River”
Riveting and brilliant... After "Late City" I was looking forward to my second Robert Olen Butler - and "Perfume River" didn't disappoint. There were a number of things I liked about this book: The way Butler seamlessly weaves flashback into the present, much as we do when we are thinking back to our own lives. … Continue reading “Perfume River”
Ian Gouge - Writer 