This is an interesting one. "The Reservoir Tapes" is almost a 'prequel' to Jon McGregor's "Reservoir 13", and actually made its debut on BBC Radio 4. And you can see why. It's made up of a series of monologues that would be perfect for radio. Or, come to think of it, maybe it's a sequel... … Continue reading “The Reservoir Tapes”
Category: Blog
It’s not “a hobby”…
I was in the kitchen at work the other day when a colleague said something about writing books being "a nice hobby to have". Work (defn.) - what you have to do to pay the bills when you'd rather be doing something more meaningful..? It was, of course, small talk, and it was good of … Continue reading It’s not “a hobby”…
Nothing to write about? You’re not trying…
In fact it's almost the opposite; there's almost nothing not worth writing about..! I'm sitting in the casual bar of a reasonably up-market hotel as I write this. In front of me a panoply of characters and interactions, of dialogues and intrigues, of mystery and emotion. Actually there's a whole short story collection right here! … Continue reading Nothing to write about? You’re not trying…
Late Frost
Late Frost Surprised by the renegade day you had expected the temperate, a welcome more fitting for late May. This chilled air has the tell of a first date bound to fail. In the gathering grey, nothing shines, your prospects dimmed as the dial’s sharp shadow declines with the sun. Sails untrimmed you … Continue reading Late Frost
Another American Adventure…
This time next week I will be on a plane over the Atlantic heading for Houston, Texas. I haven't been to the States for about four years or so and I'm really looking forward to it! I love going to the US, and I've never been to Texas before, so I'm really looking forward to … Continue reading Another American Adventure…
“Killing Commendatore”
Having read - and loved - just about everything Haruki Murakami has written, I think I'm allowed to say that "Killing Commendatore" just isn't up to his usual standard. My anticipation for reading this monster of a book was right up there; I had hoped - based on size alone - for something as enthralling … Continue reading “Killing Commendatore”
A Writing CV
At work today I was reviewing some CVs for a role I am likely to need to fill in my team. As I was doing so, I wondered what my own CV - in a writing context - would look like... Wrote my first story - about a boy's adventures in space - including illustrations, … Continue reading A Writing CV
Why do most people who know you, never buy your books?
You would think, wouldn't you, that when you announce to your friends and family that you have a new book out, a good number would buy it. It may only be out of a sense of loyalty - misplaced or not - but there would surely be a few dozen sales you could count on. … Continue reading Why do most people who know you, never buy your books?
“As Slow As Possible”
Sometimes you read something that simply fails to engage you in any way. Try as I might, Kit Fan's volume of poetry - "As Slow As Possible" - is one such book. I looked for stanzas that grabbed me, tried to be benevolent when filtering for ideas, but I simply struggled. Perhaps it's a wavelength … Continue reading “As Slow As Possible”
Champagne and Canapés anyone?
On Saturday 6th April at 3pm, the poetry anthology I am publishing (and contributing to) will be launched to a modest fanfare at The Oak Tree in Helperby, North Yorkshire. The anthology is called "Oak Tree Alchemy". Spot the link? As Brian Clark, co-editor and fellow contributor, notes in the book's foreword: Oak Tree Alchemy, … Continue reading Champagne and Canapés anyone?
