With the exception of a couple of short stints in Europe and the Far East, I have lived in the UK all my life. This is where my - extended - family lives, and is home to the vast majority of my friends and ex-work colleagues. Two weeks ago I published my latest novel, On … Continue reading Home is (not) where the sales are…
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Music: the barometer of your Happy Place?
If you're like me, there will be music you listen to which reflects your mood - particularly at the extremes. Right now The Cure's "Galore" is blasting out of my stereo, one of my 'go to' albums when I'm in a really good mood. Today the weather's great, I went for a run first thing, … Continue reading Music: the barometer of your Happy Place?
Is it acceptable to say ‘Thank You’?
Whether conventional or not, I'd just like to recognise those people who have bought my latest novel, "On Parliament Hill", in the last week. So, "Thank you". It means a lot to me. When you don't have some massive publishing behemoth behind you driving publicity, working with bookshops etc., your readers - inevitably in smaller … Continue reading Is it acceptable to say ‘Thank You’?
“Night Boat to Tangier”
Kevin Barry's "Night Boat to Tangier" is, in many ways, an exceptional book. The first thing that hits you is the style in which it is written: unconventional; short, punchy sentences; lacking much of the traditional format of a novel. To be honest, this can be off-putting. For example, initially I was annoyed by the … Continue reading “Night Boat to Tangier”
“10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World”
While I enjoyed Elif Shafak's unique "10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World", I have to be upfront and say that I'm not sure how it made it to a Booker Prize shortlist. I couldn't help but think that the conceit which provides the structure for the first part of the book - that … Continue reading “10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World”
Published today! “On Parliament Hill”
My latest novel, "On Parliament Hill", has now been published! Her voice is a trigger; a voice which forces Neil to relive the crises and failures of his past - one which offers him the possibility of a positive new future. But before he can decide on what he wants the life ahead of him … Continue reading Published today! “On Parliament Hill”
Think you’re secure with a WordPress ‘Contact’ page?
I was getting tired of being spammed by people using my website's Contact page to do so. Something had to be done. So I added a checkbox that needed to be ticked in order for the contact form to be successfully sent. I thought this might filter out any automated messaging - and maybe help … Continue reading Think you’re secure with a WordPress ‘Contact’ page?
New novel, out next week!
My latest novel, "On Parliament Hill", is published next Friday, the 21st! Her voice is a trigger; a voice which forces Neil to relive the crises and failures of his past - one which offers him the possibility of a positive new future. But before he can decide on what he wants the life ahead … Continue reading New novel, out next week!
“Apierogon”
The irony was inescapable, concluding the reading of Colum McCann's tremendously inventive novel "Apierogon" just as Arab-Israeli violence and tensions escalate to what is perhaps another inevitable war. The irony is that in "Apierogon" McCann presents us with a sliver of hope as two men - one Palestinian, the other Israeli - work together to … Continue reading “Apierogon”
Why I have deleted my Goodreads.com account…
A few days ago I posted a short message on a Goodreads thread asking for anyone who would like the opportunity to review my latest novel prior to publication to get in touch. I did not share my email address. Since then I have been emailed by numerous people all offering to review my book … Continue reading Why I have deleted my Goodreads.com account…
Ian Gouge - Writer 