Last night my batty writer went to a party at a Library (a big place full of books like moi!). All these nice people had read bits of moi and wanted to meet HER. Not moi. HER. That stinks.
However what made it OK was that there were crisps and a drink called mulled wine that made my toes warm, and biccies with icing on.
And my bartty writer talked a lot. And then she read a story NOT out of moi (whats going on?) but the people laughed so that must be OK.
Wednesday 17 December 2008
Tuesday 9 December 2008
CHARLES LAMBERT: SOMETHING RICH AND STRANGE
My batty writer has put this on her blog. So I'm having it too.
It is a real privilege to host the Cylone stop of Something Rich and Strange, the blog tour for Charles Lambert's super collection, The Scent of Cinnamon. Charles and I had a quick natter, and decided to concentrate on two stories, Air and Moving the Needle Towards the Thread.
Hi Charles. I am interested but not surprised to see that you had chosen to set both these wonderful stories on islands. That works on so many levels. There is a deep and resonant sense of loneliness, of 'something fracturing, separating', of displacement arising from the setting, and from the characters,. In Air, an important layer of the theme being explored here seems to be voiced by the man met in the bar. Am I right? Can you talk about this? The choice of island for setting for example... was it a deliberate thing? Did it appear as a 'surprise' to you, the writer, from some part of the creative spirit that allows preoccupations to surface in this way... see what I mean?
Well, the two stories came from different places, creatively speaking. Moving the Needle towards the Thread was triggered by one of those what if? things I spoke about with Elizabeth: in this case, the idea of the compromising photograph and the circumstances in which it was taken and found. After which I had to do some work on who and where. I’d just come back from a holiday on Cephalonia, where I’d come across the wonderful, and awful, concept of the pharmacos, essentially a scapegoat but with the idea of healing so firmly implanted in the word, and I know that fed into my choice of setting. This is one of those stories that I wrote and re-wrote (my patient Zoetrope reviewers may remember this!) and I only got it right when I realized it was her story, not theirs, and turned it round to first person. But the fact that it’s set on an island obviously isn’t casual. The story deals with isolation, of the individual and of the couple, and how this both protects us and renders us vulnerable.
Islands, like holidays, are experimental conditions in a way; there’s no escape. I’m sure we’ve all experienced the holiday sensation - I hope short-lived - of being trapped within a relationship and of having nothing else to fall back on because you’re stuck in some place that isn’t yours, with the one person who should be everything and suddenly, disastrously, isn’t. Moving the Needle towards the Thread carries this to extremes. The island I drew on for some of the details, by the way, isn’t Greek, but Italian. It’s Ponza, just off the coast from where I live.
The second story, Air, is also the result of an island holiday, this time on Rhodes, and most of the details in the story are drawn from our experiences. We really did go to the island with the half-baked idea of buying a bar and settling, and so on, and anyone who’s entertained similar thoughts may be able to corroborate the whole Greek business of buying the ‘air’ in order to take a place over. The bar we went to may still exist, and I’m sure the aquarium is just as depressing now as it was then.
So I had a bundle of scenes that felt like material for a story. What I didn’t have was a dynamic, until the final scene came back to me, much distorted, from another incident on another holiday some time before. Once again, the story focuses on a relationship and what happens to it under stress, but here the island becomes a metaphor not only for laboratory conditions, but also for escape. The contrast between the two characters – home-loving, stick-in-the-mud Julian and restless, ever-seeking David – is also, as you say, a contrast between normality and a sense of being special, and this is made explicit when David talks to Brian, the man they meet at the bar, who says: ‘Special? We’re two a bloody penny, we are. You want to know what’s special about us? I’ll tell you what’s special about us. We don’t belong here or there or anywhere else.” The story isn’t sure about this, about who’s right, about whether belonging and exile might be the same thing, and its uncertainty is what drives the narrative on.
Charles, reading at his launch party, in Borders, Oxford Street, London.
Thanks. Now... let's continue exploring your work from this perspective... "We don’t belong here or anywhere else." In the wonderful modern fairy story you read at your Borders launch, The Growing, a child and a parent who live miles away from the city wear masks to make a visit there. Seems to me this explores a similar thing... our need to fit in, to be part of the team. The dissonance that plagues us if we do not, or 'think' we don't. Do we as writers wear masks, in that we explore the world and our places in it through our fiction, our characters, who are invented things, but who still retain the essence of 'us', the writers?
Well, to misquote Frank O’Hara, I am the least introspective of men, so I’m not quite sure what to do with this question, which actually seems to me to be two questions, one about wanting to belong and one about what we’re up to when we write. As far as the first question goes, I’d certainly agree that one of the themes that occupies me is what it means to fit in, what fitting in involves and asks of us. What’s interesting about the girl in The Growing, though, is that she isn’t so much driven by a desire to belong as by a dissatisfaction with the world she’s being offered, and by the fact she’s expected to hide her true self - which she finds beautiful - in order to conform to it, as though fitting in weren’t really a need at all, but a failure of the will. David and Julian are also dissatisfied, in their different ways, by Brian’s analysis in the tavern, and I think they’re right.
Wanting to belong is often a way of saying that we’re prepared to settle for less, and neither of them is willing to do that, which is also, of course, why their relationship is bound to end. The story sides with Julian but I’d be inclined to stick up for David and his claim to be special, primarily because I also regard myself as special (which, I hasten to add, doesn’t mean ‘better’).
And this leads me, indirectly, to the second half of the question. My twin sense of myself as gay and as someone who identifies himself as a writer emerged at the age of eleven or twelve, under the benign influence of Kenneth Allott’s Penguin anthology of contemporary verse, from which I somehow learned that Auden was homosexual. My reading/writing and my sexual self-discovery went hand-in-hand from that point on. Later on, and I’m back to O’Hara, I came across the line, ‘It is the law of my own voice I shall investigate,’ and I think that what I try to do with my writing is not so much wear the various masks of fiction as use the various voices at my disposal to investigate what matters to me, and to make something unique from it. Which is, I’m now aware, pretty much what you’re saying, Vanessa, albeit in slightly different terms.
I think what I want to say is that I don’t see the writing of fiction as the wearing of a mask in the sense that I hide behind what I write; I’ve always seen writing as an opportunity to offer to others the open book of myself, in a cavalier rather than a confessional sense. I particularly like your framing of the question as ‘exploring the world and our places in it’, rather than ourselves, which has always struck me as a rather solipsistic and doomed enterprise, except as an inevitable collateral effect – of course what I write reveals something about me. How could it fail to? What good writing does, though, surely, is engage - through the writer - with what’s outside the writer. And that’s what’s interesting, finally. One of my favourite quotes comes from Ruskin, and I’ll use it to round this off: “A man wrapped up in himself makes a very small parcel”.
Charles, you've given us a fantastic insight into your work. May I wish The Scent of Cinnamon every success... not that it will need it. The collection is superb. Many congratulations indeed.
It is a real privilege to host the Cylone stop of Something Rich and Strange, the blog tour for Charles Lambert's super collection, The Scent of Cinnamon. Charles and I had a quick natter, and decided to concentrate on two stories, Air and Moving the Needle Towards the Thread.
Hi Charles. I am interested but not surprised to see that you had chosen to set both these wonderful stories on islands. That works on so many levels. There is a deep and resonant sense of loneliness, of 'something fracturing, separating', of displacement arising from the setting, and from the characters,. In Air, an important layer of the theme being explored here seems to be voiced by the man met in the bar. Am I right? Can you talk about this? The choice of island for setting for example... was it a deliberate thing? Did it appear as a 'surprise' to you, the writer, from some part of the creative spirit that allows preoccupations to surface in this way... see what I mean?
Well, the two stories came from different places, creatively speaking. Moving the Needle towards the Thread was triggered by one of those what if? things I spoke about with Elizabeth: in this case, the idea of the compromising photograph and the circumstances in which it was taken and found. After which I had to do some work on who and where. I’d just come back from a holiday on Cephalonia, where I’d come across the wonderful, and awful, concept of the pharmacos, essentially a scapegoat but with the idea of healing so firmly implanted in the word, and I know that fed into my choice of setting. This is one of those stories that I wrote and re-wrote (my patient Zoetrope reviewers may remember this!) and I only got it right when I realized it was her story, not theirs, and turned it round to first person. But the fact that it’s set on an island obviously isn’t casual. The story deals with isolation, of the individual and of the couple, and how this both protects us and renders us vulnerable.
Islands, like holidays, are experimental conditions in a way; there’s no escape. I’m sure we’ve all experienced the holiday sensation - I hope short-lived - of being trapped within a relationship and of having nothing else to fall back on because you’re stuck in some place that isn’t yours, with the one person who should be everything and suddenly, disastrously, isn’t. Moving the Needle towards the Thread carries this to extremes. The island I drew on for some of the details, by the way, isn’t Greek, but Italian. It’s Ponza, just off the coast from where I live.
The second story, Air, is also the result of an island holiday, this time on Rhodes, and most of the details in the story are drawn from our experiences. We really did go to the island with the half-baked idea of buying a bar and settling, and so on, and anyone who’s entertained similar thoughts may be able to corroborate the whole Greek business of buying the ‘air’ in order to take a place over. The bar we went to may still exist, and I’m sure the aquarium is just as depressing now as it was then.
So I had a bundle of scenes that felt like material for a story. What I didn’t have was a dynamic, until the final scene came back to me, much distorted, from another incident on another holiday some time before. Once again, the story focuses on a relationship and what happens to it under stress, but here the island becomes a metaphor not only for laboratory conditions, but also for escape. The contrast between the two characters – home-loving, stick-in-the-mud Julian and restless, ever-seeking David – is also, as you say, a contrast between normality and a sense of being special, and this is made explicit when David talks to Brian, the man they meet at the bar, who says: ‘Special? We’re two a bloody penny, we are. You want to know what’s special about us? I’ll tell you what’s special about us. We don’t belong here or there or anywhere else.” The story isn’t sure about this, about who’s right, about whether belonging and exile might be the same thing, and its uncertainty is what drives the narrative on.
Charles, reading at his launch party, in Borders, Oxford Street, London.Thanks. Now... let's continue exploring your work from this perspective... "We don’t belong here or anywhere else." In the wonderful modern fairy story you read at your Borders launch, The Growing, a child and a parent who live miles away from the city wear masks to make a visit there. Seems to me this explores a similar thing... our need to fit in, to be part of the team. The dissonance that plagues us if we do not, or 'think' we don't. Do we as writers wear masks, in that we explore the world and our places in it through our fiction, our characters, who are invented things, but who still retain the essence of 'us', the writers?
Well, to misquote Frank O’Hara, I am the least introspective of men, so I’m not quite sure what to do with this question, which actually seems to me to be two questions, one about wanting to belong and one about what we’re up to when we write. As far as the first question goes, I’d certainly agree that one of the themes that occupies me is what it means to fit in, what fitting in involves and asks of us. What’s interesting about the girl in The Growing, though, is that she isn’t so much driven by a desire to belong as by a dissatisfaction with the world she’s being offered, and by the fact she’s expected to hide her true self - which she finds beautiful - in order to conform to it, as though fitting in weren’t really a need at all, but a failure of the will. David and Julian are also dissatisfied, in their different ways, by Brian’s analysis in the tavern, and I think they’re right.
Wanting to belong is often a way of saying that we’re prepared to settle for less, and neither of them is willing to do that, which is also, of course, why their relationship is bound to end. The story sides with Julian but I’d be inclined to stick up for David and his claim to be special, primarily because I also regard myself as special (which, I hasten to add, doesn’t mean ‘better’).
And this leads me, indirectly, to the second half of the question. My twin sense of myself as gay and as someone who identifies himself as a writer emerged at the age of eleven or twelve, under the benign influence of Kenneth Allott’s Penguin anthology of contemporary verse, from which I somehow learned that Auden was homosexual. My reading/writing and my sexual self-discovery went hand-in-hand from that point on. Later on, and I’m back to O’Hara, I came across the line, ‘It is the law of my own voice I shall investigate,’ and I think that what I try to do with my writing is not so much wear the various masks of fiction as use the various voices at my disposal to investigate what matters to me, and to make something unique from it. Which is, I’m now aware, pretty much what you’re saying, Vanessa, albeit in slightly different terms.
I think what I want to say is that I don’t see the writing of fiction as the wearing of a mask in the sense that I hide behind what I write; I’ve always seen writing as an opportunity to offer to others the open book of myself, in a cavalier rather than a confessional sense. I particularly like your framing of the question as ‘exploring the world and our places in it’, rather than ourselves, which has always struck me as a rather solipsistic and doomed enterprise, except as an inevitable collateral effect – of course what I write reveals something about me. How could it fail to? What good writing does, though, surely, is engage - through the writer - with what’s outside the writer. And that’s what’s interesting, finally. One of my favourite quotes comes from Ruskin, and I’ll use it to round this off: “A man wrapped up in himself makes a very small parcel”.
Charles, you've given us a fantastic insight into your work. May I wish The Scent of Cinnamon every success... not that it will need it. The collection is superb. Many congratulations indeed.
Monday 8 December 2008
Best Reads of 2008
Wheee! I am a reader's choice by the lovely, clever and amazing lady I met in Cork, Nuala ni Chonchuir. On her blog. HERE
She says I am poignant. I dont know what that is, but I bet it has something to do with having a pink jumper.
Monday 10 November 2008
SCHOOL? Yerk.
I have got to go to school. Not only that I have got to go to something called Universisisisty.
Now look. I am not old enough, and I know I an a PEN but that's enough.
My batty writer (who is getting battier by the minute) says I am going to be used at a University to teach from.
I am in a few school libraries too. Which is not a good idea if you ask me.
Tuesday 7 October 2008
I AM A PEN!!!
I am loads of pens!
I can now do my own writing stories (when I've learned to spell and stuff) and I don't have to rely on that batty woman any more.
Wheeeeeeeee!
Thursday 25 September 2008
I went to Ireland again
I did. I went to a place called Cork (I thought those were what stops wine coming out of wine bottles?) because there was a festival called FRank O Connor.
Remember? He's the nice man who said I could go and gave my batty writer a few days there as an early Christmas present. Actually, I met his daughter, who was a really lovely lady. I wish SHE had written me. She's much nicer than my batty writer. I wish she hadn't come to Cork, really. I am a real party animal, and she only spoils it.
Still.
There were lots of me on a table every day, and we moved about. One day I was next to Jhumpa Lahiri's book, (Unaccustomed Earth, the one that won the big prize) and the next I was with An Instruction manual for Swallowing, by Adam Marek. He's great. Looks like a film star. I must grow up fast. He bought moi, actually...so there.
There were loads of readings, and they were really good. My batty writer talked to a lot of the writers, and drank far too much Corona which is not pop, like it used to be when she was a girl, but is beer.
One day, my batty writer went for a walk with Mrs Salt (a lady called Jen Hamilton Emery). They went all round Cork, and into this park where there was a Peace Festival. oooo-er. It was full of tents, and music, and clothes and dogs and children and drums and hats and the air was full of sort of blue smoke. My batty writer was dancing, and I was sooooooo embarrassed.
When we came out, my batty writer said 'I feel a bit light headed'. Mrs Salt said she did too.
I doont think it had anything at all to do with the blue smoke.
But anyway. I had lunch with Jhumpa Lahiri who is dead famous. Only even though she is called Jhumpa, mine is better.
My writer takes loads of photos. Only they are all of walls. I SAID she was mad....
Remember? He's the nice man who said I could go and gave my batty writer a few days there as an early Christmas present. Actually, I met his daughter, who was a really lovely lady. I wish SHE had written me. She's much nicer than my batty writer. I wish she hadn't come to Cork, really. I am a real party animal, and she only spoils it.
Still.
There were lots of me on a table every day, and we moved about. One day I was next to Jhumpa Lahiri's book, (Unaccustomed Earth, the one that won the big prize) and the next I was with An Instruction manual for Swallowing, by Adam Marek. He's great. Looks like a film star. I must grow up fast. He bought moi, actually...so there.
There were loads of readings, and they were really good. My batty writer talked to a lot of the writers, and drank far too much Corona which is not pop, like it used to be when she was a girl, but is beer.
One day, my batty writer went for a walk with Mrs Salt (a lady called Jen Hamilton Emery). They went all round Cork, and into this park where there was a Peace Festival. oooo-er. It was full of tents, and music, and clothes and dogs and children and drums and hats and the air was full of sort of blue smoke. My batty writer was dancing, and I was sooooooo embarrassed.
When we came out, my batty writer said 'I feel a bit light headed'. Mrs Salt said she did too.
I doont think it had anything at all to do with the blue smoke.
But anyway. I had lunch with Jhumpa Lahiri who is dead famous. Only even though she is called Jhumpa, mine is better.
My writer takes loads of photos. Only they are all of walls. I SAID she was mad....
Tuesday 2 September 2008
LOVELY MESSAGE FROM A READER
My batty writer got this letter today:
Dear Vanessa,
Hello, hope you're all keeping very well.
I just wanted to send you a note to say how much I liked your book. Thank you.
I think that your writing is very intense and compassionate and also very brave in that it deals with painful subjects. I found the stories gripping.
I hope you go from strength to strength and book to book.
Nice innit?
Dear Vanessa,
Hello, hope you're all keeping very well.
I just wanted to send you a note to say how much I liked your book. Thank you.
I think that your writing is very intense and compassionate and also very brave in that it deals with painful subjects. I found the stories gripping.
I hope you go from strength to strength and book to book.
Nice innit?
Monday 18 August 2008
BUBBLES DOWN UNDER!
I am now big in Australia.
Well, sort of. There is one copy of moi in a library in a place called Perth.
So if you want to see me, yuu can call by but I'm not on loan, you can only sit and read moi. Upside down.
Saturday 9 August 2008
"DOING WELL..."
I dunno. My batty writer decided to ask how I was doing. So instead of asking moi, she asked my publishers, Salt.
Well, I suppose it is six months coming up since I was borned. So, like you take other babies to get weighed and have things stuck in their ears and things, and injections... yerk... I can have an MOT via how many peoples are buying moi, and things like that.
(I am very pleased that I don't have to have injections. My batty writer hates them, and it's genetic. I hate them too even though Ive never had one. I have been glued together though - a painful procedure - and I have been folded in half and sliced in a guillotine. YOU try it. It's not nice.)
Anyway. There is a widget on Amazon, and my batty writer can see where I am relative to sales of other stuff on there, and so far so good... but it doesn't tell you how many of me are whizzing around out there in identical pink jumpers.
Anyway, Mrs Salt-person who is called Jen, was packing to go on holiday and she works hard and needs one, I think. So she couldnt do all the calculations, but sent an email to say:
"Your book's doing well."
I suppose that is what writers of things like moi want to hear.
Well, I suppose it is six months coming up since I was borned. So, like you take other babies to get weighed and have things stuck in their ears and things, and injections... yerk... I can have an MOT via how many peoples are buying moi, and things like that.
(I am very pleased that I don't have to have injections. My batty writer hates them, and it's genetic. I hate them too even though Ive never had one. I have been glued together though - a painful procedure - and I have been folded in half and sliced in a guillotine. YOU try it. It's not nice.)
Anyway. There is a widget on Amazon, and my batty writer can see where I am relative to sales of other stuff on there, and so far so good... but it doesn't tell you how many of me are whizzing around out there in identical pink jumpers.
Anyway, Mrs Salt-person who is called Jen, was packing to go on holiday and she works hard and needs one, I think. So she couldnt do all the calculations, but sent an email to say:
"Your book's doing well."
I suppose that is what writers of things like moi want to hear.
Sunday 3 August 2008
SPOTTED AT CHICAGO AIRPORT
It's true! I have been seen at Chicago Airport (which is not here, but a long way away, I'm told), being read by a woman.
And a friend of my batty writer's saw me, and went up to the woman reading me, and said something like Hey, are you a friend of Vanessa's, I know her...
and the woman looked like she was being accosted by a lunatic, so my batty w's friend said I mean Vanessa G, the writer of your book... that one...
and the woman didn't reply at all, just closed moi and wandered off...
coo.
And a friend of my batty writer's saw me, and went up to the woman reading me, and said something like Hey, are you a friend of Vanessa's, I know her...
and the woman looked like she was being accosted by a lunatic, so my batty w's friend said I mean Vanessa G, the writer of your book... that one...
and the woman didn't reply at all, just closed moi and wandered off...
coo.
Saturday 26 July 2008
SHORT FUSE READING
I had a great time at Short Fuse in Brighton, on 17th July, but my batty writer forgot to post, and I can't spell yet.
There were four reads, me being one, and my writer's friend called Jo Horsman (who is skinny and wears sparkly tights) being another one. It was a fun party.
My batty writer had been asked to read Dodie's Gift out of moi, because it fitted the theme of the party.
There were four reads, me being one, and my writer's friend called Jo Horsman (who is skinny and wears sparkly tights) being another one. It was a fun party.
My batty writer had been asked to read Dodie's Gift out of moi, because it fitted the theme of the party.
Thursday 17 July 2008
ECLECTICA INTERVIEW
My batty writer is interviewed all about Moi on a place called Eclectica. By a nice lady called Tania Hershman, whose birthday it is today, and I hope she is having a cake with lots of candles.
But my writer also managed to get in a few bits about herself and her other writing, which I think is just NOT ON.
She is such a hogger of MY limelight.
If you must, her INTERVIEW is HERE.
But my writer also managed to get in a few bits about herself and her other writing, which I think is just NOT ON.
She is such a hogger of MY limelight.
If you must, her INTERVIEW is HERE.
Sunday 13 July 2008
WEST CORK LITERARY FESTIVAL
I am famous. I am Big in Bantry. I was in a bookshop window for nearly a whole five days, until I got all sold. All twenty copies, or something, which my batty writer says is lovely, and I say there's a long way to go before she's Dan Brown.
He sells squillions of copies of his books, and is very rich.
But.
I have something he doesn't. I have a pink jumper.
(Oh. And the week was great, and the bookshop was full for my batty writer to read out of moi, and I saw three ladies crying afterwards. I hope that wasn't cos I am bad...and I got a second bit read on Friday night at the bedtime reading. Only that was the one about swapping skin with a drug addict. I don't like that one, myself. )
Monday 30 June 2008
On this coooool blog...
Hey, I'm on this cooool blog today, called
LITERARY REJECTIONS ON DISPLAY
and my batty writer is nattering about how I got out there. Moi.
Ich bin ein BOOK!
However. For once she's saying stuff about learning to write before you call yourself an undiscovered genius. Pah and thrice pah!
I can write like a dream. In red crayon... I got a GOLD STAR from Miss Atkins last week. For writing my NAME with only one spelling mistake. So YA BOO SUCKS.
One day, far from BEING a book, I shall write one myself. And show you all how eeeeeeeeeeeeeasy peeeeeeeeasy it is.
And I shall do it in my News Book, in joined up writing. You wait. AND I bet I'll get another gold star.
LITERARY REJECTIONS ON DISPLAY
and my batty writer is nattering about how I got out there. Moi.
Ich bin ein BOOK!
However. For once she's saying stuff about learning to write before you call yourself an undiscovered genius. Pah and thrice pah!
I can write like a dream. In red crayon... I got a GOLD STAR from Miss Atkins last week. For writing my NAME with only one spelling mistake. So YA BOO SUCKS.
One day, far from BEING a book, I shall write one myself. And show you all how eeeeeeeeeeeeeasy peeeeeeeeasy it is.
And I shall do it in my News Book, in joined up writing. You wait. AND I bet I'll get another gold star.
Sunday 29 June 2008
Mr Francis O'Connor
Well, I dunno. She hasn't even met the man, my batty writer, and she refers to him as Frank. I said it was rude, and she didn't reply.
Anyway. It seems that moi was considered for a prize in the name of Francis (see, I'm far more polite...) and I never made it...
But
and of course, this is all about moi, and my jumper, and my stories, and nothing about her at all...
But
we've been asked to go all the way over to the Frank O'Connor Festival, in September, and my batty writer will be reading out of moi! We're going for three whole days, and staying in a real hotel with rooms, and going on a plane, and things. And Frank is paying.
he must be a really nice man, thats all I can say, whether he is Francis or Frank. Who cares?
Oh, I am so pleased, cos I feel far more at home in Ireland than over here. So does she, actually... it will be our third visit this year.
if I can keep her off the Murphy's...
Anyway. It seems that moi was considered for a prize in the name of Francis (see, I'm far more polite...) and I never made it...
But
and of course, this is all about moi, and my jumper, and my stories, and nothing about her at all...
But
we've been asked to go all the way over to the Frank O'Connor Festival, in September, and my batty writer will be reading out of moi! We're going for three whole days, and staying in a real hotel with rooms, and going on a plane, and things. And Frank is paying.
he must be a really nice man, thats all I can say, whether he is Francis or Frank. Who cares?
Oh, I am so pleased, cos I feel far more at home in Ireland than over here. So does she, actually... it will be our third visit this year.
if I can keep her off the Murphy's...
Sunday 15 June 2008
NEEDLEMAKERS' LEWES READING PARTY!
My batty writer has written all about the party last Thursday on her other blog.
Anyone'd think it was SHE did all the work when it comes to reading out of moi. I tell you, she should give me some credit.
She said this:
What a brilliant occasion. Yesterday evening's readings in The Needlemakers' Cafe, Lewes (Janet Sutherland, Catherine Smith and me) performed to a sell out audience.
The cafe is a wonderful space, high brick ceiling, heavy wooden pillars. A massive curved back wall that we stood against to read.
Janet went first, reading her work with quiet authority. She read many poems from her recent collection Burning The Heartwood, and others from magazines previously published. There was gentleness, humour, poignancy, all woven into words I wanted to catch hold of and read myself. So I will!
Catherine came next. Her collection, Lip was the source of her readings - funny, witty and thought-provoking in equal measure. Another one to read later as well!
We then had a break, with drinks and tapas served by the cafe. And I read after the break, choosing the title story from Words From A Glass Bubble. It seemed to go down fine, people were very generous with their commments and natter afterwards. Lovely to see so many writers in the audience, and lovely to talk to writers before and after. Like the cafe was feeding us on all different levels!
Thanks to Matt at Skylark for organising this, for compering so well.
Anyone'd think it was SHE did all the work when it comes to reading out of moi. I tell you, she should give me some credit.
She said this:
What a brilliant occasion. Yesterday evening's readings in The Needlemakers' Cafe, Lewes (Janet Sutherland, Catherine Smith and me) performed to a sell out audience.
The cafe is a wonderful space, high brick ceiling, heavy wooden pillars. A massive curved back wall that we stood against to read.
Janet went first, reading her work with quiet authority. She read many poems from her recent collection Burning The Heartwood, and others from magazines previously published. There was gentleness, humour, poignancy, all woven into words I wanted to catch hold of and read myself. So I will!
Catherine came next. Her collection, Lip was the source of her readings - funny, witty and thought-provoking in equal measure. Another one to read later as well!We then had a break, with drinks and tapas served by the cafe. And I read after the break, choosing the title story from Words From A Glass Bubble. It seemed to go down fine, people were very generous with their commments and natter afterwards. Lovely to see so many writers in the audience, and lovely to talk to writers before and after. Like the cafe was feeding us on all different levels!
Thanks to Matt at Skylark for organising this, for compering so well.
Saturday 7 June 2008
SHORT FUSE, JULY
I am going to another party... my batty writer is reading Dodie's Gift at Short Fuse in Brighton on 17 July!
That will be a busy week...home from Ireland on 13th, reading at Stoke Newington Bookshop 14th, Short Fuse Brighton 17th.
Can a girl stand it, I ask?
That will be a busy week...home from Ireland on 13th, reading at Stoke Newington Bookshop 14th, Short Fuse Brighton 17th.
Can a girl stand it, I ask?
Thursday 22 May 2008
Party, 11 June
I'm being allowed out again, to a party at The Needlemakers' Cenre, in Lewes. In the Cafe, 7.15. Ooo, I will be up late.
Its where needles were made in WWI... I hope there aren't any there now. I don't like injections.
However. My batty writer and two lovely poets are going to be reading, and there'll be music, and a bar, and food.
The poets are Janet Sutherland and Catherine Smith
CATHERINE SMITH HERE JANET SUTHERLAND HERE
I hope they do strawberry jam sarnies this time.
Anyway. I'm washing my jumper specially.
Tuesday 13 May 2008
I've been put away...
It's dark in here.
I'm in a place called the attic, with the suitcases.
I can see a bit when the landing light is on, otherwise it's all dark.
My batty writer has got a box of me and she's put me up here, not in the study. There are a few of me on a shelf downstairs, lucky things.
She says she has to move on, get on with writing something else.
It has been fun though.
And another is how my batty writer's found out that lots of other writers don't like people with books out. They get jealous and don't even like other writers doing their marketing how they want to.
Well, as my batty writer says... tuff.
So if you write yourself, best get ready, huh?
I'm in a place called the attic, with the suitcases.
I can see a bit when the landing light is on, otherwise it's all dark.
My batty writer has got a box of me and she's put me up here, not in the study. There are a few of me on a shelf downstairs, lucky things.
She says she has to move on, get on with writing something else.
It has been fun though.
And another is how my batty writer's found out that lots of other writers don't like people with books out. They get jealous and don't even like other writers doing their marketing how they want to.
Well, as my batty writer says... tuff.
So if you write yourself, best get ready, huh?
Sunday 11 May 2008
Good moods again. Nice review from Pulp.net
Who'd be grown up? There's a nice review of Moi again, up at a place called Pulp.net. (whats that then? Pulp is stewed apple mashed with custard...)
Nice Pulp HERE
Nice Pulp HERE
Friday 9 May 2008
Grown Ups are Silly...
Well I think grown-ups are silly.
There was my batty writer ge tting all depressed over something nasty someone didn't say.
I said to her... you can't get on with all the other kids in the playground, so get over it.
go and play with a friend.
There was my batty writer ge tting all depressed over something nasty someone didn't say.
I said to her... you can't get on with all the other kids in the playground, so get over it.
go and play with a friend.
Tuesday 6 May 2008
A NICE MAN CALLED FRANK
I am very fond of a man called Frank O'Connor. He seems very nice, and I am on something called a longlist called after him, with loads of new friends. Roddy Doyle sounds nice too, and so does Jhumpa Lahiri. I already know Ann Enright.
Wonder what sort of jumpers they wear? You've got to look the part, apparently.
Still. Here are my new friends, from all over the place. It's fun. My batty writer says I haven't got a cat's chance in hell. And she's right! Or would be, except for my new flameproof pink jumper...
THE LONGLIST FOR THE 2008 FRANK O'CONNOR SHORT STORY PRIZE
IRELAND (5 authors)
Mary Rochford (IRELAND)
Gilded Shadows
Tia Publishing, Birmingham, UK
Mary O’Donnell (IRELAND)
Storm over Belfast
New Island, Dublin, Ireland
Gerard Donovan (IRELAND)
Country of the Grand
Faber & Faber Ltd, London, UK
Anne Enright (IRELAND)
Taking Pictures
Jonathan Cape – The Random House Group, London, UK
Roddy Doyle (IRELAND)
The Deportees and other stories
Jonathan Cape – The Random House Group, London, UK
BRITAIN (14 authors including 8 authors from Salt Publishing)
James Waddington (BRITAIN)
Torc
Ogo Press, Honley, Holmfirth, UK
Clare Wigfall (BRITAIN)
The Loudest Sound and Nothing
Faber & Faber Ltd, London, UK
Niki Aguirre (BRITAIN)
29 Ways to Drown
Flipped Eye Publishing, Manchester, UK
Wendy Perriam (BRITAIN)
Little Marvel and Other Stories
Robert Hale Limited, London, UK
David Gaffney (BRITAIN)
Aroma Bingo
Salt Publishing Ltd, Cambridge, Uk
Carys Davies (BRITAIN)
Some New Ambush
Salt Publishing Ltd, Cambridge, Uk
Elizabeth Baines (BRITAIN)
Balancing on the Edge of the World
Salt Publishing Ltd, Cambridge, Uk
Padrika Tarrant (BRITAIN)
Broken Things
Salt Publishing Ltd, Cambridge, Uk
Linda Cracknell (BRITAIN)
The Searching Glance
Salt Publishing Ltd, Cambridge, Uk
William Guy (BRITAIN)
The I Love You Book
Salt Publishing Ltd, Cambridge, Uk
Vanessa Gebbie (BRITAIN)
Words From a Glass Bubble
Salt Publishing Ltd, Cambridge, Uk
Richard Bardsley (BRITAIN)
Body Parts – The Anatomy of Love
Salt Publishing Ltd, Cambridge, Uk
Robert Shearman (BRITAIN)
(Writer of the Dr Who series and a contemporary of David Walliams at Reigate Grammar School, has worked with Alan Ayckbourn and had a play produced by Francis Ford Coppola)
Tiny Deaths
Comma Press, Manchester, Uk
Adam Marek (BRITAIN)
Instruction Manual for Swallowing
Comma Press, Manchester, Uk
AUSTRALIA (4 authors)
John Clancy (AUSTRALIA)
Her Father’s Daughter
University of Queensland Press, St. Lucia Queensland, Australia
Susan Midalia (AUSTRALIA)
A History of the Beanbag
Uwa Press, Crawley, Australia
Kathryn Lomer (AUSTRALIA)
Camera Obscura
University of Queensland Press, St. Lucia Queensland, Australia
Nam Le (VIETNAM-AUSTRALIA)
The Boat
Canongate Books Limited, Edinburgh, UK
NEW ZEALAND (4 authors)
Tim Jones (NEW ZEALAND)
Transported
Random House New Zealand Ltd, Auckland, New Zealand
Sue Orr (NEW ZEALAND)
Etiquette for a Dinner Party
Random House New Zealand Ltd, Auckland, New Zealand
Elizabeth Smither (NEW ZEALAND)
The Girl Who Proposed
Cape Catley Ltd, Auckland, New Zealand
Witi Ihimaera (NEW ZEALAND)
Often regarded as the most prominent Māori writer alive today, his novel, The Whale Rider, was made into the very successful film of the same name.
Ask The Posts Of The House
Raupo Publishing Ltd, Auckland, New Zealand
USA (8 authors)
Jhumpa Lahiri (USA)
Unaccustomed Earth
Alfred A. Knopf Inc., Random House Inc., New York, Usa
Wanda Coleman (USA)
Jazz and Twelve O’Clock Tales
Black Sparrow Books, Boston, Massachusetts, Usa
Benjamin Percy (USA)
Refresh, Refresh
Jonathan Cape – The Random House Group, London, Uk
Janet Kauffman (USA)
Trespassing – Dirt Stories and Field Notes
Wayne State University Press, Detroit, Usa
Jim Shepard (USA)
Like you’d understand, anyway
Alfred A. Knopf Inc., Random House Inc., New York, Usa
Marianne Herrmann (USA)
Signaling For Rescue
New Rivers Press, Moorhead, MN, Usa
Don Waters (USA)
Desert Gothic
University of Iowa Press, Iowa City, Usa
Donald Ray Pollock (USA)
Knockemstiff
Harvill Secker Editorial – The Random House Group Ltd, London, UK
CANADA
Alison MacLeod (CANADA)
Fifteen Modern Tales of Attraction
Hamish Hamilton, London, UK
SINGAPORE
Wena Poon (SINGAPORE)
Lions in Winter: stories
MPH Group Publishing, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
TAIWAN
Egoyan Zheng (Qian-Ci Zheng) (TAIWAN)
Urn’s Bottom Village Stories
Press Store Publishing Co., Taichung City, Taiwan
NIGERIA
Tubal R. Cain (NIGERIA)
Dandaula and Other African Tales
Precious Styles Nigeria Limited, Jebba, Kwara State, Nigeria
Frequently asked Questions
What is the Frank O'Connor International Short Story Award?
Frank O'Connor International Short Story Award is an annual award of 35,000 euros, as such it is currently the world's richest prize for the short story form. The award is in memory of the late Frank O'Connor, one of the world's most renowned short story writers. The award is presented in O'Connor's hometown of Cork, Ireland. It is organised by the Munster Literature Centre and funded by Cork City Council. The award goes to the author of the book judged to be the best collection of stories published in English for the first time anywhere in the world in the twelve months between September of one year and August of the next. If a translated book wins, the purse is shared equally between the author and translator.
How are books considered for the award?
Publishers, authors or agents may enter eligible works of short fiction. Self-publications are considered but entries from vanity presses are not. Books must be submitted by March 31st in seven bound copies to the Munster Literature Centre
What sort of books are entered in error?
Vanity press publications, books first published outside the year of consideration, books which collect or select stories published from the author's previous short story collections and collections of novellas.
How is the winner decided?
All eligible titles constitute the long-list which is read by the jury. A short-list of four or six is chosen. The winner is selected after further deliberations from the short-list.
Who will serve as judges?
The judges are selected by the director of the Munster Literature Centre from published short-story writers, academics with a track-record of involvement with the short story and from time to time any other special category person.
When will the shortlist be announced?
the short-list will be announced mid-July in 2008
How will the winner be announced?
The winner will be declared at the closing event of the Frank O'Connor International Short Story Festival in Cork, Ireland on Sunday September 21st
Wonder what sort of jumpers they wear? You've got to look the part, apparently.
Still. Here are my new friends, from all over the place. It's fun. My batty writer says I haven't got a cat's chance in hell. And she's right! Or would be, except for my new flameproof pink jumper...
THE LONGLIST FOR THE 2008 FRANK O'CONNOR SHORT STORY PRIZE
IRELAND (5 authors)
Mary Rochford (IRELAND)
Gilded Shadows
Tia Publishing, Birmingham, UK
Mary O’Donnell (IRELAND)
Storm over Belfast
New Island, Dublin, Ireland
Gerard Donovan (IRELAND)
Country of the Grand
Faber & Faber Ltd, London, UK
Anne Enright (IRELAND)
Taking Pictures
Jonathan Cape – The Random House Group, London, UK
Roddy Doyle (IRELAND)
The Deportees and other stories
Jonathan Cape – The Random House Group, London, UK
BRITAIN (14 authors including 8 authors from Salt Publishing)
James Waddington (BRITAIN)
Torc
Ogo Press, Honley, Holmfirth, UK
Clare Wigfall (BRITAIN)
The Loudest Sound and Nothing
Faber & Faber Ltd, London, UK
Niki Aguirre (BRITAIN)
29 Ways to Drown
Flipped Eye Publishing, Manchester, UK
Wendy Perriam (BRITAIN)
Little Marvel and Other Stories
Robert Hale Limited, London, UK
David Gaffney (BRITAIN)
Aroma Bingo
Salt Publishing Ltd, Cambridge, Uk
Carys Davies (BRITAIN)
Some New Ambush
Salt Publishing Ltd, Cambridge, Uk
Elizabeth Baines (BRITAIN)
Balancing on the Edge of the World
Salt Publishing Ltd, Cambridge, Uk
Padrika Tarrant (BRITAIN)
Broken Things
Salt Publishing Ltd, Cambridge, Uk
Linda Cracknell (BRITAIN)
The Searching Glance
Salt Publishing Ltd, Cambridge, Uk
William Guy (BRITAIN)
The I Love You Book
Salt Publishing Ltd, Cambridge, Uk
Vanessa Gebbie (BRITAIN)
Words From a Glass Bubble
Salt Publishing Ltd, Cambridge, Uk
Richard Bardsley (BRITAIN)
Body Parts – The Anatomy of Love
Salt Publishing Ltd, Cambridge, Uk
Robert Shearman (BRITAIN)
(Writer of the Dr Who series and a contemporary of David Walliams at Reigate Grammar School, has worked with Alan Ayckbourn and had a play produced by Francis Ford Coppola)
Tiny Deaths
Comma Press, Manchester, Uk
Adam Marek (BRITAIN)
Instruction Manual for Swallowing
Comma Press, Manchester, Uk
AUSTRALIA (4 authors)
John Clancy (AUSTRALIA)
Her Father’s Daughter
University of Queensland Press, St. Lucia Queensland, Australia
Susan Midalia (AUSTRALIA)
A History of the Beanbag
Uwa Press, Crawley, Australia
Kathryn Lomer (AUSTRALIA)
Camera Obscura
University of Queensland Press, St. Lucia Queensland, Australia
Nam Le (VIETNAM-AUSTRALIA)
The Boat
Canongate Books Limited, Edinburgh, UK
NEW ZEALAND (4 authors)
Tim Jones (NEW ZEALAND)
Transported
Random House New Zealand Ltd, Auckland, New Zealand
Sue Orr (NEW ZEALAND)
Etiquette for a Dinner Party
Random House New Zealand Ltd, Auckland, New Zealand
Elizabeth Smither (NEW ZEALAND)
The Girl Who Proposed
Cape Catley Ltd, Auckland, New Zealand
Witi Ihimaera (NEW ZEALAND)
Often regarded as the most prominent Māori writer alive today, his novel, The Whale Rider, was made into the very successful film of the same name.
Ask The Posts Of The House
Raupo Publishing Ltd, Auckland, New Zealand
USA (8 authors)
Jhumpa Lahiri (USA)
Unaccustomed Earth
Alfred A. Knopf Inc., Random House Inc., New York, Usa
Wanda Coleman (USA)
Jazz and Twelve O’Clock Tales
Black Sparrow Books, Boston, Massachusetts, Usa
Benjamin Percy (USA)
Refresh, Refresh
Jonathan Cape – The Random House Group, London, Uk
Janet Kauffman (USA)
Trespassing – Dirt Stories and Field Notes
Wayne State University Press, Detroit, Usa
Jim Shepard (USA)
Like you’d understand, anyway
Alfred A. Knopf Inc., Random House Inc., New York, Usa
Marianne Herrmann (USA)
Signaling For Rescue
New Rivers Press, Moorhead, MN, Usa
Don Waters (USA)
Desert Gothic
University of Iowa Press, Iowa City, Usa
Donald Ray Pollock (USA)
Knockemstiff
Harvill Secker Editorial – The Random House Group Ltd, London, UK
CANADA
Alison MacLeod (CANADA)
Fifteen Modern Tales of Attraction
Hamish Hamilton, London, UK
SINGAPORE
Wena Poon (SINGAPORE)
Lions in Winter: stories
MPH Group Publishing, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
TAIWAN
Egoyan Zheng (Qian-Ci Zheng) (TAIWAN)
Urn’s Bottom Village Stories
Press Store Publishing Co., Taichung City, Taiwan
NIGERIA
Tubal R. Cain (NIGERIA)
Dandaula and Other African Tales
Precious Styles Nigeria Limited, Jebba, Kwara State, Nigeria
Frequently asked Questions
What is the Frank O'Connor International Short Story Award?
Frank O'Connor International Short Story Award is an annual award of 35,000 euros, as such it is currently the world's richest prize for the short story form. The award is in memory of the late Frank O'Connor, one of the world's most renowned short story writers. The award is presented in O'Connor's hometown of Cork, Ireland. It is organised by the Munster Literature Centre and funded by Cork City Council. The award goes to the author of the book judged to be the best collection of stories published in English for the first time anywhere in the world in the twelve months between September of one year and August of the next. If a translated book wins, the purse is shared equally between the author and translator.
How are books considered for the award?
Publishers, authors or agents may enter eligible works of short fiction. Self-publications are considered but entries from vanity presses are not. Books must be submitted by March 31st in seven bound copies to the Munster Literature Centre
What sort of books are entered in error?
Vanity press publications, books first published outside the year of consideration, books which collect or select stories published from the author's previous short story collections and collections of novellas.
How is the winner decided?
All eligible titles constitute the long-list which is read by the jury. A short-list of four or six is chosen. The winner is selected after further deliberations from the short-list.
Who will serve as judges?
The judges are selected by the director of the Munster Literature Centre from published short-story writers, academics with a track-record of involvement with the short story and from time to time any other special category person.
When will the shortlist be announced?
the short-list will be announced mid-July in 2008
How will the winner be announced?
The winner will be declared at the closing event of the Frank O'Connor International Short Story Festival in Cork, Ireland on Sunday September 21st
Monday 5 May 2008
ULLAPOOL BOOKSHOP
Ullapool is a great place! We stayed there for a few days after the book groups, so my batty writer could do some writing. I have to say she didn't do much.
(She kept saying, "I've cracked it!!"... that's not writing is it? I mean. You can't crack writing.)
But we went to visit The Ullapool Bookshop and there I was. Moi! All the way up there.
A READING GROUP!
See I thought you could read a book all on your own.
I mean, I do. Red Book 3 is dead good. Much better than Red Book 2. AND I CAN READ IT ALL ON MY OWN.
So why do big grown up people have to read in groups? Something really fishy going on here. I don't think they CAN read on their own, and that's why they need to be in sixes. Or sevens.
Anyway, my batty writer went up to Scotland to talk to two reading groups. TWO! All together. So see... I was right... they can't read on their own at all. Not even in one book group. They need TWO.
Anyway. They had read Moi, and asked loads of questions. And one lady was going to go off and order Moi from a library. And another was going to go to a school to ask if they could read Moi at the school.
And one said I was 'dark'. What, Moi? Dark?
I said, 'Why d'you think I've got my back to you on the cover?' but no one listened. Not even my batty writer.
It was good fun, though. And it was really nice that they'd read Moi. Even if they had to do it in a group.
Back to Red Book 3.
I mean, I do. Red Book 3 is dead good. Much better than Red Book 2. AND I CAN READ IT ALL ON MY OWN.
So why do big grown up people have to read in groups? Something really fishy going on here. I don't think they CAN read on their own, and that's why they need to be in sixes. Or sevens.
Anyway, my batty writer went up to Scotland to talk to two reading groups. TWO! All together. So see... I was right... they can't read on their own at all. Not even in one book group. They need TWO.
Anyway. They had read Moi, and asked loads of questions. And one lady was going to go off and order Moi from a library. And another was going to go to a school to ask if they could read Moi at the school.
And one said I was 'dark'. What, Moi? Dark?
I said, 'Why d'you think I've got my back to you on the cover?' but no one listened. Not even my batty writer.
It was good fun, though. And it was really nice that they'd read Moi. Even if they had to do it in a group.
Back to Red Book 3.
Tuesday 15 April 2008
Oh for goodness sake. My batty writer is all of a tither. Will someone go and fetch the pink pills?
Moi has pparently been selected for the pick of the short story reviews, on Mslexia's website. CLICK HERE FOR MSLEXIA'S WEBSITE
the feature is headed:
In each issue of the magazine reviewers assess books across selected genres. These are the ones they liked best.
Well OF COURSE they liked Moi the best!! Why are we surprised? I put on my best jumper for this picture, and I am gorgeous.
This is what my batty writer is pleased about, again. I wish she'd just shut up and get on with writing a sister book for Moi...
Full review:
SHORT STORIES
reviewed by Francis Clarke
Words From a Glass Bubble by Vanessa Gebbie (Salt, £12.99)
There is a wide range and variety in the 19 stories in Gebbie’s Glass Bubble. In the poetic ‘The Kettle on the Boat,’ we see events from the viewpoint of an Inuit child and a fragile world is brought to life; a poignant finality is deftly captured in the image of a kettle sinking in the sea. ‘I can Squash The King, Tommo,’ with its Dylan Thomas echoes, has a blithe and energetic narrative drive, and the emotional weight of it is carefully kept in balance with the thread of each character’s revelations so that the climax is genuinely moving. Characters teem throughout the collection, and Vanessa Gebbie boldly takes on different voices, from a teenage boy in care to a boy with a junkie mate. The stories themselves are riveting, but phrases like ‘Billy…always looked wise but hurting like Jesus being nailed to the cross…’ occasionally keep characters at arms length rather than bringing them to life. All of these stories bar one have won or been placed in major competitions and the humour in some of them is especially enjoyable. In the title story, for example, a plastic Virgin Mary is taken out for a drive, ‘...her face like a small boy’s pet mouse in a blue hood,’ and Serbian Vera is a character in the otherwise sad ‘Irrigation’ who is simultaneously tragic and hilarious to great effect.
Moi has pparently been selected for the pick of the short story reviews, on Mslexia's website. CLICK HERE FOR MSLEXIA'S WEBSITE
the feature is headed:
In each issue of the magazine reviewers assess books across selected genres. These are the ones they liked best.
Well OF COURSE they liked Moi the best!! Why are we surprised? I put on my best jumper for this picture, and I am gorgeous.
This is what my batty writer is pleased about, again. I wish she'd just shut up and get on with writing a sister book for Moi...
Full review:
SHORT STORIES
reviewed by Francis Clarke
Words From a Glass Bubble by Vanessa Gebbie (Salt, £12.99)
There is a wide range and variety in the 19 stories in Gebbie’s Glass Bubble. In the poetic ‘The Kettle on the Boat,’ we see events from the viewpoint of an Inuit child and a fragile world is brought to life; a poignant finality is deftly captured in the image of a kettle sinking in the sea. ‘I can Squash The King, Tommo,’ with its Dylan Thomas echoes, has a blithe and energetic narrative drive, and the emotional weight of it is carefully kept in balance with the thread of each character’s revelations so that the climax is genuinely moving. Characters teem throughout the collection, and Vanessa Gebbie boldly takes on different voices, from a teenage boy in care to a boy with a junkie mate. The stories themselves are riveting, but phrases like ‘Billy…always looked wise but hurting like Jesus being nailed to the cross…’ occasionally keep characters at arms length rather than bringing them to life. All of these stories bar one have won or been placed in major competitions and the humour in some of them is especially enjoyable. In the title story, for example, a plastic Virgin Mary is taken out for a drive, ‘...her face like a small boy’s pet mouse in a blue hood,’ and Serbian Vera is a character in the otherwise sad ‘Irrigation’ who is simultaneously tragic and hilarious to great effect.
Saturday 12 April 2008
I WAS ON RADIO!!
I'm famous! I was on the radio! My batty writer was the guest on Coastway Radio in Brighton.
There was loads of natter about Moi, naturally, then lots of boring stuff about writing, teaching, competitions... but my batty writer also talked about going loopy!!
She did. She talked about looping the loop. See. I SAID she was batty. She also talked about seeing a polar bear in Spitzbergen and writing in the garden shed.
THIS was her music. (Cover your ears. I did!)
1) Tom Lehrer, The Elements
2) Tom Lehrer, She's My Girl
3) The Beatles, Ob-La-Di Ob-La-Da
4) Andreas Scholl (Countertenor) Blow The Wind Southerly (beautiful!!)
5) Carl Maria von Weber, Clarinet Concerto no 1 in F. minor op.73, Rondo
6)Donovan, Jennifer Juniper
THEN it was dead funny... we were meant to have Dusty Springfield and, I Only Want To be With You...only Rosemary pressed the wrong button, and instead we had Ken Dodd singing Happiness...
I nearly died. Is there NO style?
A brilliant hour, great publicity and a good laugh!
Friday 11 April 2008
Signed Books
My batty writer went to Brighton today with a pen.
Then she called into Borders Bookshop and scribbled her name in Moi, then a nice man stuck a purple sticker on Moi saying 'Signed by the Author'.
But it's the wrong colour! It doesn't go with my jumper!
But my batty writer was very delighted to see Moi on a table propped up under a sign saying 'Brighton choices'... So I am hopping about when people hover nearby....
Then she went into Waterstones Bookshop and a nice lady found her a table to write her name in a few more of Moi.
In that shop I am propped up so People can see my jumper, too...but I'm next to a funny looking man called John Updike. Don't like the look of him much.
Then she called into Borders Bookshop and scribbled her name in Moi, then a nice man stuck a purple sticker on Moi saying 'Signed by the Author'.
But it's the wrong colour! It doesn't go with my jumper!
But my batty writer was very delighted to see Moi on a table propped up under a sign saying 'Brighton choices'... So I am hopping about when people hover nearby....
Then she went into Waterstones Bookshop and a nice lady found her a table to write her name in a few more of Moi.
In that shop I am propped up so People can see my jumper, too...but I'm next to a funny looking man called John Updike. Don't like the look of him much.
Tuesday 8 April 2008
Readings!!!
My batty writer is going to read.
Well big deal really, we all know she can do that. Just showing off again, I expect.
But she is reading out of Moi... of course, where else? Silly question.
May 14th Border's Bookshop Brighton, evening do.
May 29th (probably) Skylark Bookshop Lewes (watch this space...)
July 6-13th all over Bantry in Ireland (wheee. I haven't been to Ireland. I want to try Murphy's...)
July 14th Stoke Newington Bookshop
What I want to know is what's wrong with June?
Huh?
Well big deal really, we all know she can do that. Just showing off again, I expect.
But she is reading out of Moi... of course, where else? Silly question.
May 14th Border's Bookshop Brighton, evening do.
May 29th (probably) Skylark Bookshop Lewes (watch this space...)
July 6-13th all over Bantry in Ireland (wheee. I haven't been to Ireland. I want to try Murphy's...)
July 14th Stoke Newington Bookshop
What I want to know is what's wrong with June?
Huh?
Saturday 5 April 2008
Reviewed in Mslexia
It is amazing to watch my batty writer opening the post then sitting down with a cup of tea to read a review in a magazine called Mslexia.
Then I see it's a review of me!!! Oh I'm famous. Must be!
And I'm with that Taking Pictures by Ann Enright again... only she, of course IS A GENIUS IN CAPITAL LETTERS, and my batty writer isn't. No way! She's got that Taking Pictures book. I've seen it. I don't think she likes it though cos she keeps saying Oh God and shaking her head when she reads it. I said she was batty.
And another book is reviewed called Far North and other Dark Tales by Sara Maitland... I expect my batty writer will buy that one now.
But the reviewer did say some nice things about me, and I'm dead pleased. And they used a picture of MOI to illustrate the reviews... but I'm not surprised. I AM rather lovely.
They said this:
'wide range and variety' (of all of Moi)
'poetic...fragile world brought to life...poignant finality deftly captured' (of Kettle on the Boat)
'Dylan Thomas echoes...blithe and energetic narrative drive... emotional weight carefully kept in balance...' (of I Can Squash the King, Tommo)
'Characters teem throughout the collection... boldly takes on different voices'
'The stories...are riveting'
"The humour is especially enjoyable..'
"Serbian Vera is a character in the otherwise sad Irrigation who is simultaneously tragic and hilarious to great effect.'
phew.
Then I see it's a review of me!!! Oh I'm famous. Must be!
And I'm with that Taking Pictures by Ann Enright again... only she, of course IS A GENIUS IN CAPITAL LETTERS, and my batty writer isn't. No way! She's got that Taking Pictures book. I've seen it. I don't think she likes it though cos she keeps saying Oh God and shaking her head when she reads it. I said she was batty.
And another book is reviewed called Far North and other Dark Tales by Sara Maitland... I expect my batty writer will buy that one now.
But the reviewer did say some nice things about me, and I'm dead pleased. And they used a picture of MOI to illustrate the reviews... but I'm not surprised. I AM rather lovely.
They said this:
'wide range and variety' (of all of Moi)
'poetic...fragile world brought to life...poignant finality deftly captured' (of Kettle on the Boat)
'Dylan Thomas echoes...blithe and energetic narrative drive... emotional weight carefully kept in balance...' (of I Can Squash the King, Tommo)
'Characters teem throughout the collection... boldly takes on different voices'
'The stories...are riveting'
"The humour is especially enjoyable..'
"Serbian Vera is a character in the otherwise sad Irrigation who is simultaneously tragic and hilarious to great effect.'
phew.
Thursday 3 April 2008
Short Story Website and moi...
Me and my batty writer are given a mention on The Short Story Website! I'm sandwiched between two very illustrious writers... Ann Enright and Sophie Hannah... wow
SHORT STORY BOOK NEWS HERE
mind you I'm not surprised. I've always liked sandwiches. Jammy ones are good. Raspberry. And peanut butter, yum.
SHORT STORY BOOK NEWS HERE
mind you I'm not surprised. I've always liked sandwiches. Jammy ones are good. Raspberry. And peanut butter, yum.
Tuesday 1 April 2008
And another nice 'review' thing
I've been over to my batty writer's blog, and she's wittering about being in the local Waterstone's Newsletter.
I dunno what all the fuss is about. They only said this... (well, and interviewed her as well. It'll all go to her head... just you wait...)
"... contains some of the most beautifully crafted and engrossing stories that one can read,...a rare talent...characters becoming real as she relates their tales with wit, compassion and an unflinching eye."
Yes but, no but. Look! This is moi they are talking about. Not my batty writer. Look! 'CONTAINS' they said. SHE doesn't contain all that stuff, I do....
give a girl her due...
huh.
.
I dunno what all the fuss is about. They only said this... (well, and interviewed her as well. It'll all go to her head... just you wait...)
"... contains some of the most beautifully crafted and engrossing stories that one can read,...a rare talent...characters becoming real as she relates their tales with wit, compassion and an unflinching eye."
Yes but, no but. Look! This is moi they are talking about. Not my batty writer. Look! 'CONTAINS' they said. SHE doesn't contain all that stuff, I do....
give a girl her due...
huh.
.
Another party!! Wheee...
The Nightingale Theatre, Brighton..LINK HERE
A huge thank you to New Writing South (link HERE) for organising a lovely party last night to launch Words From a Glass Bubble in my ‘home city’.
The venue was perfect: The Nightingale Theatre, above Grand Central Bar in Brighton. It’s a great space, and for the audience of about 30, there was bubbly flowing, nibbles, and a terrific atmosphere… everything candle-lit.
It was so professionally done. I was introduced very generously by Andrew Marshall (link HERE), with whom I work in a face to face writing group… he’s an extraordinary talent… writes best-seller self-help books, musicals, plays, fiction, and he’s a journalist on several broadsheet newspapers.
I read Dodie’s Gift and dedicated the reading to Zadie Smith, who took such a battering in the press in recent months for sticking up for standards. I think it went down well… although my dear Dad (who is fairly deaf) said afterwards that he thought it ‘went on a bit…”!
I was really delighted to meet up again with Carol Hayman, another extraordinary talent. She is very involved with New Writing South, but was also writer-in-residence for a BBC writing competition in 2006… we met in a one-to one workshop, and she was so positive and encouraging about my writing. I look back now and realise how very important that was… it would have been so easy to lose heart back then.
Read about Carol Hayman HERE… and watch out for her TV adaptation of the sparkling Ladies of Letters radio series she co-wrote… I wonder if it will be Prunella Scales and Patricia Routledge again… fingers crossed.
Sales seemed to go well, lots of signings, and a great couple of hours afterwards in Grand Central bar, with impromptu juggling lessons from the expert Rob Horsman, and rather a lot of crisps. The chef had gone home.
---------------
However, (and this is me talking now, not that batty writer...) I prefer crisps. They had yummy salt n vinegar ones that make your tongue frizzle,and even more yummy sweet chili ones that make your eyes frizzle.
I can juggle anyway so didn't need that Mr Horsman teaching me. Actually, that's what I'm doing in the cover photo, but the photographer just cut out the juggling balls. Clever what they can do. I was successfully keeping 46 red ping pong balls in the air whilst skipping along this road.
Don't believe me?
Huh.
Sunday 30 March 2008
Revewed at 'Stuck in a Book'...
Another review, this time by Simon Thomas at Stuck in a Book.
He says:
Words from a Glass Bubble by Vanessa Gebbie has a … varied group of scenarios, narrators and themes - but her voice is rather harsher, more concerned with the gritty and the earthy. Occasionally a quieter voice creeps through, which leaves one staring at the page at the sheer pathos Gebbie can create. 'The Kettle on the Boat', for instance, where parents quietly take their Inuit daughter away on a boat; she narrates the journey, and leave her for adoption: "If I am not there to help, how will Mama know when the fish are ready?"
The one I wanted to point to, though, is 'Cactus Man'. 'The Kettle on the Boat' was my favourite, but 'Cactus Man' is perhaps more representative. 'Spike', an enthusiast and collector of cacti, wants to discover his real name because he is getting married. He visits a social worker who can look through his files and tell him.
'I was saying how unusual your case is.'
'Can't be doing with too much usual.'
'Sorry?'
'We feed off being unusual, us lot.'
'Oh, I see'.
The story is one of muted disappointment, understated grief and an eventual path of hope for Spike. Gebbie is at her most subtle here, and manages to evoke the lives of her central characters completely, visualised through the stilted attempts of Spike to gain a firmer grasp on his identity. There is nothing so saccharine as a 'love conquers all' message here …but a sense that hope can be found amongst fragility and discouragement.
I'm glad he picked that one to represent the book. It's my favourite story.
Glass Bubble was reviewed alongside Balancing on the Edge of the World, by Elizabeth Baines... he loved her book, as did I.
The whole review can be found HERE
.
He says:
Words from a Glass Bubble by Vanessa Gebbie has a … varied group of scenarios, narrators and themes - but her voice is rather harsher, more concerned with the gritty and the earthy. Occasionally a quieter voice creeps through, which leaves one staring at the page at the sheer pathos Gebbie can create. 'The Kettle on the Boat', for instance, where parents quietly take their Inuit daughter away on a boat; she narrates the journey, and leave her for adoption: "If I am not there to help, how will Mama know when the fish are ready?"
The one I wanted to point to, though, is 'Cactus Man'. 'The Kettle on the Boat' was my favourite, but 'Cactus Man' is perhaps more representative. 'Spike', an enthusiast and collector of cacti, wants to discover his real name because he is getting married. He visits a social worker who can look through his files and tell him.
'I was saying how unusual your case is.'
'Can't be doing with too much usual.'
'Sorry?'
'We feed off being unusual, us lot.'
'Oh, I see'.
The story is one of muted disappointment, understated grief and an eventual path of hope for Spike. Gebbie is at her most subtle here, and manages to evoke the lives of her central characters completely, visualised through the stilted attempts of Spike to gain a firmer grasp on his identity. There is nothing so saccharine as a 'love conquers all' message here …but a sense that hope can be found amongst fragility and discouragement.
I'm glad he picked that one to represent the book. It's my favourite story.
Glass Bubble was reviewed alongside Balancing on the Edge of the World, by Elizabeth Baines... he loved her book, as did I.
The whole review can be found HERE
.
Saturday 22 March 2008
Conversations with Amazon
What do you do when Amazon litter your book page with errors?
Here's the product description as lifted from the Words from a Glass Bubble page:
This passionate new book gathers together for the first time many of Vanessa Gebbiea??s award-winning stories. Described by Maggie Gee as a??a prodigiously gifted new writera??, she is a natural storyteller; her narratives unfold with a deceptively light touch, exploring with compassion what it is to be human and flawed. a??Words From a Glass Bubblea?? is about coming to terms with the cards we are dealt.
Good, innit?
There is, thankfully, as system whereby the author and the publisher can change their product pages. I followed the guidelines exactly, taking careful note of the exhortation to take care, as what I typed into the online form would override the existing content.
Good! That's why I was doing it!
But no. The incorrect paragraph is still there, incorporated into the product description, looking ever so, but ever so slightly amateurish...
The conversation continues.
Sigh. It is wonderful to have a resource like Amazon, but...
.
Here's the product description as lifted from the Words from a Glass Bubble page:
This passionate new book gathers together for the first time many of Vanessa Gebbiea??s award-winning stories. Described by Maggie Gee as a??a prodigiously gifted new writera??, she is a natural storyteller; her narratives unfold with a deceptively light touch, exploring with compassion what it is to be human and flawed. a??Words From a Glass Bubblea?? is about coming to terms with the cards we are dealt.
Good, innit?
There is, thankfully, as system whereby the author and the publisher can change their product pages. I followed the guidelines exactly, taking careful note of the exhortation to take care, as what I typed into the online form would override the existing content.
Good! That's why I was doing it!
But no. The incorrect paragraph is still there, incorporated into the product description, looking ever so, but ever so slightly amateurish...
The conversation continues.
Sigh. It is wonderful to have a resource like Amazon, but...
.
Fame...is Page 5 of the Sussex paper...
So they know about me in Lewes, and in Rye, apparently. I'm in two different papers and two different blogs, but they look scarily similar.
LEWES, SUSSEX EXPRESS
RYE AND BATTLE OBSERVER
LEWES, SUSSEX EXPRESS
RYE AND BATTLE OBSERVER
Wednesday 19 March 2008
BOOK LAUNCH...THE SEQUEL
Lots of piccies of me, here, and far too many of my batty writer. But you get a good idea of my beautiful jumper and skirt.. my favourites. Goes with my hair don't you think?
These were all taken by photographer Cora Malinak at the launch party for Words From A Glass Bubble, March 11th. Friends, family, place, people, books, pictures, and a lot of smiles.
Put your speakers on: the music is the Allegro from Handel's Cuckoo and Nightingale Organ Concerto
Handel makes an appearance in the slide show...in terracotta.
But mostly the best pictures are of moi, the book.
The photographer is whizzo. Ace, and all sorts of clever. Not like my batty writer who has just worked out which way up to hold a camera. Huh.
CLICK HERE FOR CORA MALINAK PHOTOGRAPHY
.
.
These were all taken by photographer Cora Malinak at the launch party for Words From A Glass Bubble, March 11th. Friends, family, place, people, books, pictures, and a lot of smiles.
Put your speakers on: the music is the Allegro from Handel's Cuckoo and Nightingale Organ Concerto
Handel makes an appearance in the slide show...in terracotta.
But mostly the best pictures are of moi, the book.
The photographer is whizzo. Ace, and all sorts of clever. Not like my batty writer who has just worked out which way up to hold a camera. Huh.
CLICK HERE FOR CORA MALINAK PHOTOGRAPHY
.
.
REPRINTS, BOOKSHOPS and MORE PARTIES
LOts of news!!
.
A lovely shop called Skylark, in the Needlemaker's Centre in Lewes, is selling me. I am delighted!
.
I am alive and kicking in Waterstones in Brighton and lots of others. And on lots of web shops, like Amazon, and Blackwells and ..and..and..
.
I am having another party, in The Garden Room, in Lewes, with readings...
There's a launch party being put on by New Writing South, at The Nightingale Theatre in Brighton, just for moi!
.
Monday 31st March, 6.30 to 8.30 pm, free ... and a free glass of bubbles to go with my glass bubbles. Lovely Jubbly!
.
(I expect my batty writer will have to be there. One of these day's I'll be allowed out on my own...)
.
and
I'm being printed all over again cos they've nearly run out.
.
.
.
.
A lovely shop called Skylark, in the Needlemaker's Centre in Lewes, is selling me. I am delighted!
.
I am alive and kicking in Waterstones in Brighton and lots of others. And on lots of web shops, like Amazon, and Blackwells and ..and..and..
.
I am having another party, in The Garden Room, in Lewes, with readings...
There's a launch party being put on by New Writing South, at The Nightingale Theatre in Brighton, just for moi!
.
Monday 31st March, 6.30 to 8.30 pm, free ... and a free glass of bubbles to go with my glass bubbles. Lovely Jubbly!
.
(I expect my batty writer will have to be there. One of these day's I'll be allowed out on my own...)
.
and
I'm being printed all over again cos they've nearly run out.
.
.
.
PICCIES!!
My batty writer signing a book...
.
My batty writer with Jen Hamilton Emery from Salt Publishing (and half a Big Salt Bag for Salt Books...)
.
Mr Kieron Fenton reading moi...
.
My batty writer signing moi for Maggie Gee who says nice things on my cover...
.
Molara Wood and Elaine Chiew
.
Wednesday 12 March 2008
More on the party...
Last night, at London's Foundling Museum, Words From A Glass Bubble was launched.
It was the best possible event. I was surrounded by 130 friends - writers and non-writers. The champers flowed, the noise level was high, there were three readings and a constant opportunity to explore this wonderful place with the help of experienced guides.
I will post pictures when they come through... but HERE IS A LINK to Elizabeth Baines' blog, with her piccies, a lovely account of the party, and the book...
And Sarah Hilary, a super crime writer (and winner of one of the Fish prizes this year) has written it up on her blog HERE
Can't ask for nicer words from either of them. Thank you both. It was lovely of you to make the journey to London, one from Manchester, one from the Cotswolds.
It was the best possible event. I was surrounded by 130 friends - writers and non-writers. The champers flowed, the noise level was high, there were three readings and a constant opportunity to explore this wonderful place with the help of experienced guides.
I will post pictures when they come through... but HERE IS A LINK to Elizabeth Baines' blog, with her piccies, a lovely account of the party, and the book...
And Sarah Hilary, a super crime writer (and winner of one of the Fish prizes this year) has written it up on her blog HERE
Can't ask for nicer words from either of them. Thank you both. It was lovely of you to make the journey to London, one from Manchester, one from the Cotswolds.
I HAD A PARTY!
I did! I had my first party! I must be a party animal, I think. At least that's what people were saying to my batty writer.
There were some brilliant people there. Really brilliant. 130 of them. I counted.
My batty writer read my first story, in three episodes. There was loads of champers and wine, and I wanted a jelly but there weren't any.
There were some brilliant people there. Really brilliant. 130 of them. I counted.
My batty writer read my first story, in three episodes. There was loads of champers and wine, and I wanted a jelly but there weren't any.
Monday 10 March 2008
SALT WINS AWARD
Brilliant news! Salt Publishing have won an award!!
The Independent Publishers Guild is proud to announce the eleven winners of the 2008 Independent Publishing Awards.
This from their blog:
Salt Publishing received the Nielsen Innovation of the Year Award for its imaginative efforts to increase sales of collections of poetry and short stories despite very challenging market conditions. It impressed with its range of web-based marketing initiatives and partnerships and energetic development of its brand. “Salt is bucking the trend in poetry by growing its sales,” said the judges. “Its innovation in lots of small ways adds up to a major achievement."
CONGRATULATIONS JEN AND CHRIS!
The Independent Publishers Guild is proud to announce the eleven winners of the 2008 Independent Publishing Awards.
This from their blog:
Salt Publishing received the Nielsen Innovation of the Year Award for its imaginative efforts to increase sales of collections of poetry and short stories despite very challenging market conditions. It impressed with its range of web-based marketing initiatives and partnerships and energetic development of its brand. “Salt is bucking the trend in poetry by growing its sales,” said the judges. “Its innovation in lots of small ways adds up to a major achievement."
CONGRATULATIONS JEN AND CHRIS!
Saturday 8 March 2008
BRIGHTON BUBBLY LAUNCH THANKS TO NEW WRITING SOUTH
Lovely news. New Writing South, my writing association, are putting on a launch party for Glass Bubble. With a free glass of bubbly for everyone!
BUBBLY LAUNCH PARTY... sounds rather appropriate!
It will be in Brighton at a fab venue, on Monday 31st March, 6.30 pm
Fantastic!
Watch this space for venue.
BUBBLY LAUNCH PARTY... sounds rather appropriate!
It will be in Brighton at a fab venue, on Monday 31st March, 6.30 pm
Fantastic!
Watch this space for venue.
Thursday 6 March 2008
REVIEWED ON NORMBLOG
Words from a Glass Bubble has been reviewed by Adele Geras today on her husband (Norman Geras)'s blog, Normblog.
(I love Normblog. There is always something to provoke, to challenge, to make me think...)
Adele Geras reviews two Salt Collections: Balancing on the Edge of the World, by Elizabeth Baines, and Glass Bubble.
She writes a very good introduction in which she champions the short story.Here is her article in its entirety:
Two short story collections (by Adèle Geras)
Salt is an independent publisher based in Cambridge and it specializes in short stories. I've read two collections by Salt authors recently: Elizabeth Baines's Balancing on the Edge of the World when it came out a couple of months ago, and - the other day - Vanessa Gebbie's Words from a Glass Bubble, to be launched next week.
Some people simply don't like reading short stories and I find this so inexplicable that every so often I'll try my powers of persuasion to win the form a few more readers. Publishers (though not Salt, obviously) think that collections are not a paying proposition and efforts to bind them up individually as tiny little booklets and sell them at railway stations and the like don't seem to have flourished. They crop up less and less frequently in magazines. The broadsheets will carry a story by a superstar writer at Christmas, and occasionally at Halloween, because ghost stories, at least, are perennial favourites. Val McDermid tried her hardest a couple of years ago to get short stories noticed with a superb website and perhaps the internet is part of the future of this genre. But collections like these two show that the form is still alive and well in its printed version.
Those who don't like short stories are disappointed, perhaps, because they expect them to be small novels and they're not. It's like wishing a truly delicious canapé, or an exquisite strawberry tart, were a three-course meal. That isn't going to happen. With a few exceptions, short stories are short - over in a few pages for the most part - and therefore you'd think ideal for journeys, waiting rooms, the time before you fall asleep and any small time slot when getting stuck into a novel means you won't get further than the next few pages and have to leave it hanging till a later time.
Stories, when they work (and in the hands of these two writers they do work), offer us a chance to look into someone else's life. They can throw a stone into our mind that keeps rippling out to the edges of our thoughts all day long. That, I think, is what the blurbese 'haunting' means: you are literally pursued by the story you've just read, as if by a particularly vivid dream. They can terrify you (M.R. James, Franz Kafka), make you laugh (Damon Runyon), and even bring to life, however briefly, a whole distinct world (Katherine Mansfield, Anton Chekhov). They can be extended jokes, or delicious bits of scandal, or an overheard conversation. There are stories to suit every taste.
Elizabeth Baines's speciality is unpacking relationships. She catches perfectly the embarrassment, rivalry, squabbling, envy and love that exist between parents and children and between siblings. 'The Way to Behave' has a wronged wife going to speak to her husband's mistress. Baines is wincingly funny about the creative process and 'The Shooting Script' ought to be required reading for anyone who fancies themselves writing for television. She's both lyrical and clear-sighted when she looks at the world through a child's eyes. Try the stories 'Power' and 'Daniel Smith disappears off the face of the earth'. She moves between the city and the countryside and her internal monologues sound genuine, which isn't a surprise as Baines is a prize-winning playwright. Many of these tales would make good short dramas and perhaps that's one way of approaching them. The difference between drama and stories, though, is this: you have to provide the setting, costume and props in words and Baines does this with enormous aplomb.
The cover image on Vanessa Gebbie's book (which shows the back view of a beautiful red-haired girl going along a road and which reminds me of the Clark's shoe advertisements from the 50s) is an ironic comment on the contents of the book. The stories here are often heart-breaking. The death of children is a recurring theme and tales like 'I can squash the king, Tommo' (with its deliberate echoes of 'Under Milk Wood') are hard to read with dry eyes. Gebbie is never sentimental and the grief felt by her protagonists is brilliantly described. The ordinariness of pain: the way you settle into it, the way you face what's dished out to you, the way you cope, are examined in language that's plain and even brutal when it needs to be, and tender and poetic when that's appropriate. Some of the stories are set in Wales; the seaside is the background for some others. There's a story about an Inuit child which is desperately sad, but still uplifting. Harry in 'Harry's Catch' - which dwells in some detail on the technicalities of fishing - faces the truth about his marriage for the first time. A lowly employee at a hotel works out who wears the shoes he polishes, and in my favourite story, 'Dodie's Gift', you get an entire thriller plot played out in ten pages. It's terrific stuff: wide-ranging, interesting and, like the Baines, very well-written.
I do urge anyone who loves short stories to read these two collections and help me spread the word. (Adèle Geras)
(I love Normblog. There is always something to provoke, to challenge, to make me think...)
Adele Geras reviews two Salt Collections: Balancing on the Edge of the World, by Elizabeth Baines, and Glass Bubble.
She writes a very good introduction in which she champions the short story.Here is her article in its entirety:
Two short story collections (by Adèle Geras)
Salt is an independent publisher based in Cambridge and it specializes in short stories. I've read two collections by Salt authors recently: Elizabeth Baines's Balancing on the Edge of the World when it came out a couple of months ago, and - the other day - Vanessa Gebbie's Words from a Glass Bubble, to be launched next week.
Some people simply don't like reading short stories and I find this so inexplicable that every so often I'll try my powers of persuasion to win the form a few more readers. Publishers (though not Salt, obviously) think that collections are not a paying proposition and efforts to bind them up individually as tiny little booklets and sell them at railway stations and the like don't seem to have flourished. They crop up less and less frequently in magazines. The broadsheets will carry a story by a superstar writer at Christmas, and occasionally at Halloween, because ghost stories, at least, are perennial favourites. Val McDermid tried her hardest a couple of years ago to get short stories noticed with a superb website and perhaps the internet is part of the future of this genre. But collections like these two show that the form is still alive and well in its printed version.
Those who don't like short stories are disappointed, perhaps, because they expect them to be small novels and they're not. It's like wishing a truly delicious canapé, or an exquisite strawberry tart, were a three-course meal. That isn't going to happen. With a few exceptions, short stories are short - over in a few pages for the most part - and therefore you'd think ideal for journeys, waiting rooms, the time before you fall asleep and any small time slot when getting stuck into a novel means you won't get further than the next few pages and have to leave it hanging till a later time.
Stories, when they work (and in the hands of these two writers they do work), offer us a chance to look into someone else's life. They can throw a stone into our mind that keeps rippling out to the edges of our thoughts all day long. That, I think, is what the blurbese 'haunting' means: you are literally pursued by the story you've just read, as if by a particularly vivid dream. They can terrify you (M.R. James, Franz Kafka), make you laugh (Damon Runyon), and even bring to life, however briefly, a whole distinct world (Katherine Mansfield, Anton Chekhov). They can be extended jokes, or delicious bits of scandal, or an overheard conversation. There are stories to suit every taste.
Elizabeth Baines's speciality is unpacking relationships. She catches perfectly the embarrassment, rivalry, squabbling, envy and love that exist between parents and children and between siblings. 'The Way to Behave' has a wronged wife going to speak to her husband's mistress. Baines is wincingly funny about the creative process and 'The Shooting Script' ought to be required reading for anyone who fancies themselves writing for television. She's both lyrical and clear-sighted when she looks at the world through a child's eyes. Try the stories 'Power' and 'Daniel Smith disappears off the face of the earth'. She moves between the city and the countryside and her internal monologues sound genuine, which isn't a surprise as Baines is a prize-winning playwright. Many of these tales would make good short dramas and perhaps that's one way of approaching them. The difference between drama and stories, though, is this: you have to provide the setting, costume and props in words and Baines does this with enormous aplomb.
The cover image on Vanessa Gebbie's book (which shows the back view of a beautiful red-haired girl going along a road and which reminds me of the Clark's shoe advertisements from the 50s) is an ironic comment on the contents of the book. The stories here are often heart-breaking. The death of children is a recurring theme and tales like 'I can squash the king, Tommo' (with its deliberate echoes of 'Under Milk Wood') are hard to read with dry eyes. Gebbie is never sentimental and the grief felt by her protagonists is brilliantly described. The ordinariness of pain: the way you settle into it, the way you face what's dished out to you, the way you cope, are examined in language that's plain and even brutal when it needs to be, and tender and poetic when that's appropriate. Some of the stories are set in Wales; the seaside is the background for some others. There's a story about an Inuit child which is desperately sad, but still uplifting. Harry in 'Harry's Catch' - which dwells in some detail on the technicalities of fishing - faces the truth about his marriage for the first time. A lowly employee at a hotel works out who wears the shoes he polishes, and in my favourite story, 'Dodie's Gift', you get an entire thriller plot played out in ten pages. It's terrific stuff: wide-ranging, interesting and, like the Baines, very well-written.
I do urge anyone who loves short stories to read these two collections and help me spread the word. (Adèle Geras)
Wednesday 5 March 2008
Bubble goes international!
Funny place I've ended up in, I have to say. I thought I was going to be read in United Kingdom places.
(You see, that's nice... I LIKE Kings, always have. I feel a sense of affinity. Must be a throwback to royalty myself. I mean. Look at my hair? Some king was a redhead, wasn't he? QED. Who IS the King?)
But my batty writer has been writing nice things on my title page, wrapping me up in padded envelopes, and sticking stamps on me.
So my sisters and I have gone to England, Wales, France, Finland, and America. Thats just from her box, too. I dont know about the people at Salt.
From this tiny post office in a grocery store in a village in the middle of nowhere much, in UK.
The lady there is nice.
My batty writer and this post office lady had the following conversation:
"Put it on the scales please. Is it inland?"
"No, Finland."
"Yes, inland?"
"No, Finland."
"That's what I said."
"No, Finland. With an EFF"
"Is that inland Finland?"
(I made that last line up. She reckons she's the only one who can make things up round here... pah!)
(You see, that's nice... I LIKE Kings, always have. I feel a sense of affinity. Must be a throwback to royalty myself. I mean. Look at my hair? Some king was a redhead, wasn't he? QED. Who IS the King?)
But my batty writer has been writing nice things on my title page, wrapping me up in padded envelopes, and sticking stamps on me.
So my sisters and I have gone to England, Wales, France, Finland, and America. Thats just from her box, too. I dont know about the people at Salt.
From this tiny post office in a grocery store in a village in the middle of nowhere much, in UK.
The lady there is nice.
My batty writer and this post office lady had the following conversation:
"Put it on the scales please. Is it inland?"
"No, Finland."
"Yes, inland?"
"No, Finland."
"That's what I said."
"No, Finland. With an EFF"
"Is that inland Finland?"
(I made that last line up. She reckons she's the only one who can make things up round here... pah!)
Sunday 2 March 2008
More on marketing
INTERVIEW
I was interviewed this week by Kelly Spitzer on her 'Writers' Profile' Project.
INTERVIEW HERE
The first day the interview was up Kelly tells me she had 500 hits.
COMPETITION WIN AND PUBLICATION
I won the 2nd Per Contra Prize, announced on Saturday (the same day the book was officially published)
Publication and of course mention of the book in the bio, alongside work by none other than John Updike. Can't get better than that.
ANOTHER ACCEPTANCE
Wei Ch'i, piece of flash fiction, accpeted by the lovely Smokelong Quarterly, for publication this month. Mention in bio, and another interview.
I was interviewed this week by Kelly Spitzer on her 'Writers' Profile' Project.
INTERVIEW HERE
The first day the interview was up Kelly tells me she had 500 hits.
COMPETITION WIN AND PUBLICATION
I won the 2nd Per Contra Prize, announced on Saturday (the same day the book was officially published)
Publication and of course mention of the book in the bio, alongside work by none other than John Updike. Can't get better than that.
ANOTHER ACCEPTANCE
Wei Ch'i, piece of flash fiction, accpeted by the lovely Smokelong Quarterly, for publication this month. Mention in bio, and another interview.
Wednesday 27 February 2008
TIM LOVE'S REVIEW
I must be careful how I get out of bed. Last night my writer was very over-excited, because she had something called a review. Whatever that is, she was pleased.
There's this place called Tim Love's Literary References. He does something with computers, or er (I don't know) at Cambridge University.
Cambridge University is a few old buildings and a few old professors. I am still in Infants myself, and am just starting Red Book 3. We have new buildings and I like that. Less spiders.
However. This person has this great website that's chocca with information and links and this and that all to do with his love of literature.
That's why he is called Love. I don't know why he's called Tim.
But HE says I'm OK.
So that's good.
He even says I've got enough good stories in me that I could be used to teach how short stories ought to be written... Wow.
That means I am nearly better than Red Book 3.
TIM LOVE'S REVIEW HERE
There's this place called Tim Love's Literary References. He does something with computers, or er (I don't know) at Cambridge University.
Cambridge University is a few old buildings and a few old professors. I am still in Infants myself, and am just starting Red Book 3. We have new buildings and I like that. Less spiders.
However. This person has this great website that's chocca with information and links and this and that all to do with his love of literature.
That's why he is called Love. I don't know why he's called Tim.
But HE says I'm OK.
So that's good.
He even says I've got enough good stories in me that I could be used to teach how short stories ought to be written... Wow.
That means I am nearly better than Red Book 3.
TIM LOVE'S REVIEW HERE
Tuesday 26 February 2008
Finalising Launch Party Arrangements
So today, I got stuffed in a bag and taken to London. I was left under a table while my owner (the batty writer) had lunch, then taken in a taxi... (I like those. The engines make a good noise. Better than her car).
Then we were in this amazing place full of pictures, and exhibits about a foundling hospital, and something to do with G F Handel...
My writer gave me to a lady who said I was beautiful. (I like that!!)
Then there was a lot of talk about a party with 110 people so far and some haven't replied yet...that seems a lot to me. I'd tell a few not to come, myself. Parties should be nice and intimate...
But then we went into this room where it's being held. I have to say it is great. Beautiful, and huge, with these extraordinary paintings. The nice lady held me the right way up too.
(You see, books like me hate being held upside down. It makes the words rush to our heads...)
Anyway. We had a private tour round. Just like the guests will on the night. It IS amazing.
The writer can take up the wine and the books well before the party. Which is good, apparently.
And they might be selling me in their shop. I have to behave though, or they won't.
Then we were in this amazing place full of pictures, and exhibits about a foundling hospital, and something to do with G F Handel...
My writer gave me to a lady who said I was beautiful. (I like that!!)
Then there was a lot of talk about a party with 110 people so far and some haven't replied yet...that seems a lot to me. I'd tell a few not to come, myself. Parties should be nice and intimate...
But then we went into this room where it's being held. I have to say it is great. Beautiful, and huge, with these extraordinary paintings. The nice lady held me the right way up too.
(You see, books like me hate being held upside down. It makes the words rush to our heads...)
Anyway. We had a private tour round. Just like the guests will on the night. It IS amazing.
The writer can take up the wine and the books well before the party. Which is good, apparently.
And they might be selling me in their shop. I have to behave though, or they won't.
Sunday 24 February 2008
The 'Is one of those for me' issue
It is fascinating. Seems people assume that the books in the box are freebies.
NO they aren't.
They cost me to write. Time and tears. Why should they be freebies?
NO they aren't.
They cost me to write. Time and tears. Why should they be freebies?
Friday 22 February 2008
My Second Outing
I reckon there is something odd about this person who takes me out of my box.
This morning we went to a church, at Berwick.
"Not to worry, "she says "I'm not a churchy sort..." then she sticks me down on a pew and starts doing stuff with spray polish, dusters and a bright red Henry hoover.
Haven't been in one of these places before, although they are mentioned in one of my stories.
And I was wondering if they are all covered in paintings like this one is. Just covered. Not old paintings. Newish ones.
Anyway, when she'd done with the hoover, this batty woman I've been landed with propped me up on the chancel steps (she said) and took my picture a couple of times.
Seems like the paintings are by something called The Bloomsbury Group. People called Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant and their mates. Quentin Bell too. What sort of name is that, then?
Apparently, this Vanessa had a sister who wrote a bit, but committed suicide just before the paintings were done. I wouldn't know anything about that.
I would like to ask this person I've been landed with why she cleans the place. I expect it's because she's fond of it.
MY FIRST OUTING!
Well. I was let out last night, taken out of my box, and driven all the way into Brighton! Oooh it's a scary place.
My writer was one of the judges at a short story slam event at the Komedia, put on by Short Fuse.
She had to kick start the event with a reading, and she chose something out of my pages! I was so proud, I can tell you! She read two flashes from a story called Closed Doors.
And people clapped! It was lovely. Then she put me on a table while she listened to twelve stories read out and I think I had some Budweiser dripped on me at one point.
What DOES she think she's doing? Think's she owns me, I expect... huh.
Actually, I quite liked the Budweiser. And the stories, some of them. The winner was really great... she won the Small Wonder Festival Slam too, last autumn. Gosh I was tired when we got home.
Its all very well being born, but all this activity is a bit much so soon.
My writer was one of the judges at a short story slam event at the Komedia, put on by Short Fuse.
She had to kick start the event with a reading, and she chose something out of my pages! I was so proud, I can tell you! She read two flashes from a story called Closed Doors.
And people clapped! It was lovely. Then she put me on a table while she listened to twelve stories read out and I think I had some Budweiser dripped on me at one point.
What DOES she think she's doing? Think's she owns me, I expect... huh.
Actually, I quite liked the Budweiser. And the stories, some of them. The winner was really great... she won the Small Wonder Festival Slam too, last autumn. Gosh I was tired when we got home.
Its all very well being born, but all this activity is a bit much so soon.
Thursday 21 February 2008
The Strange Case of the Boxes in the Hallway...
"Watson?"
"Yes, Holmes?"
"Watson, did we find the drinks cabinet?"
"I'm afraid not. That will remain a total..."
"...mystery. Thank you Watson. I have the good lines."
"May I ask what that is on your head, Holmes?"
"It is a bandage, Watson."
"Ah."
"Precisely. Some confounded idiot left a load of boxes in the vestibule."
"Ah"
"And I fell over them. However..."
"...however?"
"I am assured that I will recover fairly quickly and will only require calf's foot jelly in the afternoons for a week. No more."
......
"Watson?"
"Yes?"
"Where are you going?"
"To catch a calf, Holmes."
"A what?"
"A calf. So I can remove it's feet, to make ..."
"...calf's foot jelly. Right. get to it. But before you leave..."
"Yes?"
"Pass me something to read, will you?"
"One of these? I found them on the floor of the vestibule...they seem to have come out of those boxes you fell over."
"Have to do, I suppose. Fetch my monocle, Watson. What is the title? Who's written the thing?"
"Words from a Glass Bubble. By someone calling herself Vanessa Gebbie."
"A bloody woman? Forget it, Watson, bring me The Times.... and Watson?"
"Holmes?"
Hurry up with that calf..."
.
"Yes, Holmes?"
"Watson, did we find the drinks cabinet?"
"I'm afraid not. That will remain a total..."
"...mystery. Thank you Watson. I have the good lines."
"May I ask what that is on your head, Holmes?"
"It is a bandage, Watson."
"Ah."
"Precisely. Some confounded idiot left a load of boxes in the vestibule."
"Ah"
"And I fell over them. However..."
"...however?"
"I am assured that I will recover fairly quickly and will only require calf's foot jelly in the afternoons for a week. No more."
......
"Watson?"
"Yes?"
"Where are you going?"
"To catch a calf, Holmes."
"A what?"
"A calf. So I can remove it's feet, to make ..."
"...calf's foot jelly. Right. get to it. But before you leave..."
"Yes?"
"Pass me something to read, will you?"
"One of these? I found them on the floor of the vestibule...they seem to have come out of those boxes you fell over."
"Have to do, I suppose. Fetch my monocle, Watson. What is the title? Who's written the thing?"
"Words from a Glass Bubble. By someone calling herself Vanessa Gebbie."
"A bloody woman? Forget it, Watson, bring me The Times.... and Watson?"
"Holmes?"
Hurry up with that calf..."
.
The Strange Case of the Disappearing Books...
"Watson," said Holmes, "bring me my violin. I feel a need for melancholia. And a small glass of claret."
"Ah."
"Ah? A simple request, I believe, Watson. My violin. Nothing to shake Baker Street's foundation, my friend."
"The claret, Holmes. Why not concentrate on the claret?"
"That will not do at all, Watson. Prior to claret, I must have melancholia. I need high, mournful notes, minor keys, the distant wail of a child in distress..."
"No can do, Holmes."
"What sort of futuristic language is that? And do I sense a mystery? has my violin gone missing? Never fear. We shall examine every square inch of the house, leave no corner unsearched..."
"No, not your violin, Holmes. Your books. The entire library... and the drinks cabinet..."
"Not the claret?"
I'm afraid so, and you recall I have no doubt that your pipe rack was on the cabinet..."
"What! Gone, my pipes? Call a bloody detective!"
---------------------
Which is, in a roundabout way, saying that yesterday, my books were delivered to Jen In Great Wilbraham, and somewhere between Great Wilbraham and Ringmer, there is a lorry parked up with the driver deep in a book.
It's THAT good folks!
"Ah."
"Ah? A simple request, I believe, Watson. My violin. Nothing to shake Baker Street's foundation, my friend."
"The claret, Holmes. Why not concentrate on the claret?"
"That will not do at all, Watson. Prior to claret, I must have melancholia. I need high, mournful notes, minor keys, the distant wail of a child in distress..."
"No can do, Holmes."
"What sort of futuristic language is that? And do I sense a mystery? has my violin gone missing? Never fear. We shall examine every square inch of the house, leave no corner unsearched..."
"No, not your violin, Holmes. Your books. The entire library... and the drinks cabinet..."
"Not the claret?"
I'm afraid so, and you recall I have no doubt that your pipe rack was on the cabinet..."
"What! Gone, my pipes? Call a bloody detective!"
---------------------
Which is, in a roundabout way, saying that yesterday, my books were delivered to Jen In Great Wilbraham, and somewhere between Great Wilbraham and Ringmer, there is a lorry parked up with the driver deep in a book.
It's THAT good folks!
Tuesday 19 February 2008
Numbers creeping up...
We are now at 85 for the launch party...still waiting for lots of replies... and are struggling with the logistics of carting me, husband, wine, books, friends, up to London in a small Golf.
Friday 15 February 2008
Between the covers!!
Hilarious things happen...
I've had some lovely people pre-ordering the book, giving me a cheque.
One was popped though the door yesterday from a squash partner of the husband. The accompanying note said: 'I am very much looking forward to climbing between your covers...'
hmmm.
I've had some lovely people pre-ordering the book, giving me a cheque.
One was popped though the door yesterday from a squash partner of the husband. The accompanying note said: 'I am very much looking forward to climbing between your covers...'
hmmm.
Wednesday 13 February 2008
A week today?
It's possible that a week today I will have boxes delivered full of my book.
I can't quite... you know... (she said with the ultimate in her articulate toolkit...)
Launch list going well. Son's godmother Jane coming from deepest Wales (my oldest friend, who has never met her godson. Well that will be interesting. He's coming up 30...)
Sue Booth Forbes from Anam Cara Writers' and Artist's Retreat coming on her way back to Ireland from the USA. ( work that out for me someone)
Tania is coming from Israel (yes, I know... not only for this, she is reading at several UK events...)
Fictionbitch and bloke!
Some party. ...
I can't quite... you know... (she said with the ultimate in her articulate toolkit...)
Launch list going well. Son's godmother Jane coming from deepest Wales (my oldest friend, who has never met her godson. Well that will be interesting. He's coming up 30...)
Sue Booth Forbes from Anam Cara Writers' and Artist's Retreat coming on her way back to Ireland from the USA. ( work that out for me someone)
Tania is coming from Israel (yes, I know... not only for this, she is reading at several UK events...)
Fictionbitch and bloke!
Some party. ...
Tuesday 12 February 2008
Conversations, conversations
I spoke to an organiser at Cancer Research yesterday, inviting him to the launch party. All royalties from this book are going to them, (I lost my mother 17 years back to cancer, and my friend Jan to whom the book is dedicated died just over a year back, and since then three good friends have gone, all in their early sixties....)
I can't do much, but this I CAN!
Besides which it was Jan who said "Writing is your gift. Use it," or words to that effect. And I am, as much as I can. I often wonder if I'd have given up during the down patches over the last few years if it wasn't for her positive take on things even when she was seriously ill.
So.
Launch part admin going well so far. Fifty three coming... still waiting for lots and lots of RSVPs.
I can't do much, but this I CAN!
Besides which it was Jan who said "Writing is your gift. Use it," or words to that effect. And I am, as much as I can. I often wonder if I'd have given up during the down patches over the last few years if it wasn't for her positive take on things even when she was seriously ill.
So.
Launch part admin going well so far. Fifty three coming... still waiting for lots and lots of RSVPs.
Endorsement by Zadie Smith...
It's been a roller coaster over the last week, reading the Willesden Herald Blog, and Zadie Smith's wake-up call to writers of short fiction to do do better. Her refusal to award the prize this year has caused ripples, and they are still spreading:
The Sunday Times carried almost a whole page: HERE
Yesterday's Daily Telegraph followed suit: HERE
But hey:
If people want to know what she does like, there are two in this book... In Words from a Glass Bubble.
One joint first prizewinner from 2006 (Dodie's Gift), and one runner up from 2007 - the title story that went on to take second at Fish.
The Sunday Times carried almost a whole page: HERE
Yesterday's Daily Telegraph followed suit: HERE
But hey:
If people want to know what she does like, there are two in this book... In Words from a Glass Bubble.
One joint first prizewinner from 2006 (Dodie's Gift), and one runner up from 2007 - the title story that went on to take second at Fish.
Monday 4 February 2008
Making writing work...
What better way to get the message about the book 'out there' than to get a few acceptances, and put a mention in the bio?
Acceptances this year so far:
Beat the Dust ezine (Neo Punk)
Right Hand Pointing ezine (nice, small lit zine)
Innisfree Poetry Journal (poetry)
Current: GUD print journal (cult cutting edge literary/fantasy/genre)
Birmingham Arts Journal print (nice little print magazine linked to Birmingham Arts organisation, USA)
Forthcoming: Night Train ezine (strong literary outlet)
See You Next Tuesday Anthology of Sex Stories...Better Non Sequitur Press.. (er...sex stories?)
Acceptances this year so far:
Beat the Dust ezine (Neo Punk)
Right Hand Pointing ezine (nice, small lit zine)
Innisfree Poetry Journal (poetry)
Current: GUD print journal (cult cutting edge literary/fantasy/genre)
Birmingham Arts Journal print (nice little print magazine linked to Birmingham Arts organisation, USA)
Forthcoming: Night Train ezine (strong literary outlet)
See You Next Tuesday Anthology of Sex Stories...Better Non Sequitur Press.. (er...sex stories?)
Sunday 3 February 2008
THE COVER SAGA
Although the painting is beautiful, Chris at Salt had worked on something quietly, and he surprised me with this...
and I LOVE it. So here you go. This is the new cover:
and I LOVE it. So here you go. This is the new cover:
Saturday 2 February 2008
COVER STORY CONTINUES
I know the most fabulous artist,Cecil Rice. And I have several of his paintings. And his book.
It suddenly struck me that one of his paintings would make a very strong cover...
watch this space.
He had agreed, and the image is gong through to Salt for them to have a look, to see if it's suitable. Fingers crossed...
It suddenly struck me that one of his paintings would make a very strong cover...
watch this space.
He had agreed, and the image is gong through to Salt for them to have a look, to see if it's suitable. Fingers crossed...
Thursday 31 January 2008
Cover issues and invites...
It is looking less and less like this will be the cover.
The agency can't track down the photographer, but a person there who knows him well says he is unlikely to approve it because of the colourwash and text over the image.
It's one of his favourites.
I understand that. I wouldn't want someone editing my work without my permission, and I wouldn't want them to turn a piece into something other then itself, if itself was already as I loved it. (grammar, woman!)
So. Yes, I just went and cried. And yes, it's awful, as all the promotion's been done with that cover, and its built up recognition already. And yes, it won't be the same without it.
But hey.
Worse things have happened.
and I'm handwriting invites to the launch today... so lets hope the Foundling Museum doesn't fall down.
.
The agency can't track down the photographer, but a person there who knows him well says he is unlikely to approve it because of the colourwash and text over the image.
It's one of his favourites.
I understand that. I wouldn't want someone editing my work without my permission, and I wouldn't want them to turn a piece into something other then itself, if itself was already as I loved it. (grammar, woman!)
So. Yes, I just went and cried. And yes, it's awful, as all the promotion's been done with that cover, and its built up recognition already. And yes, it won't be the same without it.
But hey.
Worse things have happened.
and I'm handwriting invites to the launch today... so lets hope the Foundling Museum doesn't fall down.
.
Tuesday 29 January 2008
GOOD COMPANY, ANTIDOTE TO THE BLUES...
Hey, no point in being depressed about the cover problems. I can do nothing about it, and I know that Salt will do all they can, both to sort the problem, and if it all falls flat, they'll come up with something brilliant instead!
So look at what's coming out later this week, from Salt Modern Fiction.
Richard Bardsley's BODY PARTS
Now THAT has to be on my list of 'must reads'...
.
.
.
So look at what's coming out later this week, from Salt Modern Fiction.
Richard Bardsley's BODY PARTS
Now THAT has to be on my list of 'must reads'...
.
.
.
Monday 28 January 2008
My lovely cover....
Might not be my lovely cover. I have to face that. I heard today that the photographer has not given his approval for the use of his photo in this way, and is being chased to do so.
So, I am sad, to say the least. He's away travelling, apparently, and unless we can get his agreement in the next day or two, ....
So, I am sad, to say the least. He's away travelling, apparently, and unless we can get his agreement in the next day or two, ....
PROOFREADING
Oh I am such a bad proofreader. My brain works creatively, and I don't SEE any little glitches. I read the words as they were born.
It's bad enough proofing a story for publication submission, or for a competition.
I won't let anyone else do it, because it's MY responsibility.
So. This is how this writer does it:
1) Make coffee or tea. Feel inspired to get going on proofreading.
2) Drink coffee or tea, and make a phone call or two. Feel a bit guilty that I haven't started reading my own work yet.
3) Wander up to the computer and write a flash. Feel even more guilty.
4) Go downstairs, put fre on, and sit down with my proofs. Read half a story.
5) Realise I am READING the story, NOT PROOF-READING.
6) Make more tea.
7) Find that the cat is curled up on my proofs, by the fire.
8) Start reading the story again.
9) Tell self 'Cor, this is good. Did you write it? When was that then?'
10) Smack own wrist. Get ruler, and tray.
11) Follow each line separately holding ruler underneath.
12) 150 pages, 31 lines, .... 4,750 lines.
13) Find it extraordinary that I only found eight tiny twiddles this pass.
It's bad enough proofing a story for publication submission, or for a competition.
I won't let anyone else do it, because it's MY responsibility.
So. This is how this writer does it:
1) Make coffee or tea. Feel inspired to get going on proofreading.
2) Drink coffee or tea, and make a phone call or two. Feel a bit guilty that I haven't started reading my own work yet.
3) Wander up to the computer and write a flash. Feel even more guilty.
4) Go downstairs, put fre on, and sit down with my proofs. Read half a story.
5) Realise I am READING the story, NOT PROOF-READING.
6) Make more tea.
7) Find that the cat is curled up on my proofs, by the fire.
8) Start reading the story again.
9) Tell self 'Cor, this is good. Did you write it? When was that then?'
10) Smack own wrist. Get ruler, and tray.
11) Follow each line separately holding ruler underneath.
12) 150 pages, 31 lines, .... 4,750 lines.
13) Find it extraordinary that I only found eight tiny twiddles this pass.
Wednesday 23 January 2008
Final Proofs...
The final proofs arrived yesterday afternoon. One hundred and fifty something pages. Now all I have to do is find that chicken...
(For new visitors... Charlotte Chicken is my editorial assistant, seen below at work on the first proofs...)
(For new visitors... Charlotte Chicken is my editorial assistant, seen below at work on the first proofs...)
Sunday 20 January 2008
The Difficult Question of Reviews
It's vital that a book is reviewed independently. But how on earth do you achieve that?
I have to say I am impressed with the numbers of Salt titles that end up with a review in the broadsheets, and of course, that would be a real dream. Every review is valuable. Its out there for people to read... giving the book a stronger profile every time. (Of course, you can do nothing to influence the content... you just have to hope... but the exposure is GOOD.)
And like everything else, I can't sit back and assume it's just going to happen. I need to do my bit.
So, anywhere I see books reviewed seriously, I email to ask whether it might be possible... and it is lovely to report that several have said 'yes, send me a copy'.
------------------------------
Aside: I am a reviewer myself, for The Short Review LINK HERE
If you want to find insights into short story collections, new and classic, take a look.
I have to say I am impressed with the numbers of Salt titles that end up with a review in the broadsheets, and of course, that would be a real dream. Every review is valuable. Its out there for people to read... giving the book a stronger profile every time. (Of course, you can do nothing to influence the content... you just have to hope... but the exposure is GOOD.)
And like everything else, I can't sit back and assume it's just going to happen. I need to do my bit.
So, anywhere I see books reviewed seriously, I email to ask whether it might be possible... and it is lovely to report that several have said 'yes, send me a copy'.
------------------------------
Aside: I am a reviewer myself, for The Short Review LINK HERE
If you want to find insights into short story collections, new and classic, take a look.
Wednesday 16 January 2008
LONDON LAUNCH AT THE FOUNDLING MUSEUM
The Foundling Museum; the perfect place to launch this book.
The room shown above, the gallery, will be where we hold the launch. This is a family 'do'. I have older son organising the wine, younger son desperate to get off school for the evening, husband helping with guest lists.
Why is this place perfect? For many reasons. I am drawn to the place personally, and have been ever since I was introduced to it by the friend to whose memory the book is dedicated, Jan Newton. She was a patron. We shared the often difficult experience of being adopted kids, as do many of my closest friends. And The Foundling Museum gave all of us a strong sense of validation.
I'm taking the whole place over for an evening, so guests have the place to themselves. They can wander at will round the collections, ask questions, enjoy, and be moved. This is an extraordinary place.
The Museum is a tribute to the collaboration and vision of three men, a sea-captain named Thomas Coram, a musician called George Frederic Handel, and a painter called Hogarth. It is a beautiful, outstanding place. It will be a privilege to bring friends here.
Foundling Museum Website HERE
I quote from the website:
The Foundling Museum not only showcases the Foundling Hospital art collection and the Gerald Coke Handel Collection but most importantly tells the story of the 27,000 children who passed through the Hospital between 1739 and 1954.
Monday 7 January 2008
Readings; getting 'out there'
Well it's lovely to have a book on the chocks, but you can't sit back and relax! It's not going to market itself.
Quite rightly, Salt Publishing expect their writers to put in a lot of effort to complement the effort Salt put in themselves.
So, so far, the organised events, readings and so forth are as follows:
Feb: workshop with group of would-be writers, wanting to write and wanting to talk about Glass Bubble.
March: 2 private launch parties, 1 London, 1 Sussex.
1 workshop with book, Sussex
April: 2 reading groups Scotland,
May: 1 maybe 2 reading groups Sussex.
July: Reading slot at West Cork Literary Festival, Ireland.
September: Reading Group Sussex
I am delighted to come and read, do a workshop. 1 hr from home, is perfect, further might need talking about.
Quite rightly, Salt Publishing expect their writers to put in a lot of effort to complement the effort Salt put in themselves.
So, so far, the organised events, readings and so forth are as follows:
Feb: workshop with group of would-be writers, wanting to write and wanting to talk about Glass Bubble.
March: 2 private launch parties, 1 London, 1 Sussex.
1 workshop with book, Sussex
April: 2 reading groups Scotland,
May: 1 maybe 2 reading groups Sussex.
July: Reading slot at West Cork Literary Festival, Ireland.
September: Reading Group Sussex
I am delighted to come and read, do a workshop. 1 hr from home, is perfect, further might need talking about.
Saturday 5 January 2008
Quotations, ellipses...
We're off into The New Year, with a request for a story file from Jen at Salt, advice on dropping an ellipses from a story title, and a deep think about a quotation.
The quotation is
"You make a living from what you get. You make a life from what you give."
And it was said by Sir Winston Churchill.
Now I'm no rampant anything, politically, other than definitely left of centre, and I couldn't care less who said it. I found the quote, it perfectly sums up the friend to whose memory the book is dedicated.
But mention of Sir W C will not go down well in all quarters, it seems.
So, out it comes.
Sorry Winston.
The quotation is
"You make a living from what you get. You make a life from what you give."
And it was said by Sir Winston Churchill.
Now I'm no rampant anything, politically, other than definitely left of centre, and I couldn't care less who said it. I found the quote, it perfectly sums up the friend to whose memory the book is dedicated.
But mention of Sir W C will not go down well in all quarters, it seems.
So, out it comes.
Sorry Winston.
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