I’d Like To Draw Your Attention To

Firstly, Madras Press.

I mentioned them here a little while ago and I love what they’re doing. I love that (like the wonderful Roast Books) they make sure their books are as good on the outside as they are on the inside. I like that they donate some of  their proceeds to charity. And I like how they embrace the shorter form.

They’re based in the US, but that didn’t stop them getting Aimee Bender’s, The Third Elevator to me in a couple of days. And they even hand wrote my name inside. Lovely.

And what a delightful short story it is too. As is usually the case with Aimee Bender’s work, it’s different, it’s imaginative, it has oodles of heart and charm and humour. And it’s moving. There’s a reason why she’s my favourite writer – and she makes it, the writing and telling of damn near perfect stories, seem effortless.

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Secondly…

Anyone have any idea what this could be, over on Scott Pack’s blog? It has me flummoxed.

Blogger Award

Well now, that was nice. The lovely Dolly has given me a Creative Writer Blogger Award. Thank you very much Dolly.

And now I have to list six fibs and one truth. Feel free to guess which is which.

1. I can’t stand onions.
2. I have read a lot of Dickens.
3. I once wrote a story about a character called Dolly.
4. The weather’s looking better up here today.
5. My handwriting is very, very neat.
6. I am good at being patient.
7. I am almost always smiling.

I’ll not nominate anyone (there are SO many brilliant blogs that I read) but I’d love to see the results if anyone decides to have a go.

Baroque and Roll

Nothing to do with writing I’m afraid. Just something that’s interested me that I thought I’d share.


I’m partial to a bit of Baroque music every so often, and while searching on youtube for what I’ve been listening to of late (Fux, Handel and Gallo mostly) I happened upon this.

And, I tell you, if I was every going to learn another instrument it would sooooo be the Viola D’amore. And that’s not just because it has such a brilliant name.


Must confess, I also rather fancy a go on that great big banjo (a theorbo, apparently).

More on That Book About Publishing For the Kindle

What book would that be, you might ask?

This one, I would tell you.

It’s not out for a little while yet but if you’re interested in publishing for the Kindle or even just how the whole thing works I’d recommend getting a copy. It is thorough and informative and explains (in a way that even I understood) just about every aspect of electronic publishing you could think of.

And I’ve contributed to it.

And so have other good writers.

And so has John August. Yes, I’m in a book with John August. The chap who wrote the screenplays for Big Fish (one of my all time faves – see below), The Corpse Bride (another), Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. And others.

Didn’t expect that, I can tell you!

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And I’ve just (while I was having my hair cut) been thinking about writing and how much fun it should be. Because we all know how much bloody hard work it is. But it should be fun. We should enjoy it.

And I ended up comparing it to football. It’s fun to kick a ball about with your mates in a park, and it’s fun to write. But writing for publication (without meaning to sound like a big head) is more like playing professionally, I think.

Any thoughts?

Kindle/ eReader Thoughts

I was asked by Cynthia Reeser, a little while ago, if I’d like to contribute to a book she’s writing on how to publish for the Kindle. Of course I said yes, and I wrote a little something about what I thought about eBooks and, mostly, what I thought the publishers and manufacturers need to do to make the whole thing work.


I received the PDF of the whole book last week and decided to read it on my iPhone (getting into the spirit and all that – plus – it’s a 150 page ms and I didn’t want to carry it around with me).

Now, the book aside (which is EXCELLENT and I’m thrilled to be in it) it was a disappointing experience, and one that’s reaffirmed my doubts about the iPad as an electronic reader.

My main problems were:

The screen.

People developed E-ink for a reason. Reading anything of any length on a backlit screen is a chore and it’s painful.

Usability. The iPhone is intuitive and clever. It’s excellent for web browsing and for emailing and whatnot. 

What it isn’t good at (and to be fair, it wasn’t designed as such) is being anything like a notebook. I thank all that’s holy (and you all so know I don’t go in for any of that malarkey) that I was able to find the GoodReader app – because it’s the only one I did find that didn’t take me back to the beginning of the ms every time I came out of it (to email, to use the phone etc).

Two little problems that made a really big difference. And, as I said earlier (and even earlier here) makes me really wonder how useful the iPad will be as something to read books on. If I was going to get one (an eReader) it would HAVE to have E-ink.

That’s it for now. I’ll talk about the book at some point soon.

Busy, Busy

It’s been a busy week (or three) and to be honest I’m surprised I’ve found as much time to blog as I have. There’s lots to tell you about, and tell you I will soon.

In the meantime. A couple of links.

The fab folk over at Flash Fiction Chronicles have reprinted my short story writing tips.

I love what Roast Books have in their fridge.

A reminder that the ever-lovely Kate Long is interviewed at Sally Quillford’s blog – and there’s a fab competition running with it.

I’ve been really enjoying Kelly Railton’s blog of late – a splendid new addition to the blogosphere.

Err, and that’s it. For now.

There will be more soon.

Beautiful

Firstly…

This came in the post today. It is very beautiful. And someone from the publishers has written my name on the inside so it’s clear who the copy belongs to. And while I’m talking about the publishers (Madras Press), you might want to check them out; individually bound short stories and novellas; proceeds going to author nominated charities, exceptionally beautiful books. Aimee Bender…
I should also say that I was alerted to the existence of the book by the wonderful Short Review.

, Th

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Secondly.

I was reminded recently how much I liked the movie, Big Fish, and last night I sat down and watched bits of it (it was late so I didn’t have time to watch it the whole way through).

I love it. Definitely. And I wonder just how much of an influence it’s been on my writing – without me even noticing. Wonderful film. If you’ve not seen it – do.

This might be one of my favourite scenes from it. I love the imagery. And I think I secretly might want my life to be like that.