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…
Category: Books
“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”
A week of Readings: how was it?
Primarily as a direct result of Ripon's fifth Poetry Festival (RPF), I have read at four events over the past week. So how was it? Thursday: RPF - Open Mic. In many ways it was a typical open mic: massive variety in terms of style, content and quality. The most jarring element of the event … Continue reading A week of Readings: how was it?
“The Book of Form and Emptiness”
I can see why Ruth Ozeki's "The Book of Form and Emptiness" made it to the Booker Prize shortlist. It's wonderful. Don't be put off by the c.550 pages of the paperback version as I nearly was; the novel rewards reading. And persistence isn't really needed as the story keeps up a good pace throughout. … Continue reading “The Book of Form and Emptiness”
When you’re only half-way through…
After far too long I have finally completed the first draft of a long sonnet sequence which has been rumbling along, largely as a background task, since March 2019. If not before. Having consciously given the project a degree of focus over the last few months, I have been able to cover the last of … Continue reading When you’re only half-way through…
In the Library
The library is one large first floor open-plan space. At this end of it, in the reference section, six tables: four uniquely shaped allow pairing to make two octagonals; the other two - rectangles - form a square). Purple chairs surround all three arrangements. Purple is the theme here: chairs (soft and hard), shelf signs, … Continue reading In the Library
Sometimes someone says something…
In the last week I have been struck by two almost throw-away comments made to me by friends. The first, in discussing the role of a writer - particularly when it comes to things like readings and Open Mics - was the statement that "our job is to entertain". I confess I've always struggled a … Continue reading Sometimes someone says something…
“Snow Country”
I liked Sebastian Faulks' "Snow Country". That's the simple summary. It was all you would expect it to be: well-written, well-paced, interesting and complex characters and plot... However, now you expect there's a 'but' coming... But I thought the ending was far too neat and predictable. You could see what was coming from some way … Continue reading “Snow Country”
Does our writing need a regular service?
Driving home the other day, unbeknownst to me the front passenger-side suspension spring broke on my car. I only realised the extent of the damage once I'd got home, when I saw the virtual zero clearance between tyre and wheel arch. Without doubt something nasty could have happened during those last few miles home... The … Continue reading Does our writing need a regular service?
Ian Gouge - Writer 