Marian Keyes does it in bed. JK Rowling does it in cafes. And me? Well, I’m happiest at my own kitchen table with close proximity to the kettle (see above pic). Of course I’m talking about writing - or more precisely, where that writing occurs. I wrote an article recently for e-zine words with Jam where I discussed the trauma I suffered while my house was being refurbished. I’m not talking about walls coming down, builders taking over or the constant noise and dust (although that was pretty awful). No, the real trauma for me was being displaced, having to move from room to room, balancing my laptop on various pieces of furniture – or the floor – while the building chaos went on around me. I know some other writers can work anywhere when the mood takes them, but I just can’t! I need routine and the reassuring solidity of my table – and I need that kettle in arm’s reach!
So, writers – am I weird or do you feel the same way? I’d love to know where you most like to write.
August 23, 2010
Okay, so I love libraries – any libraries, big or small – but my favourite has to be the old British Library in Bloomsbury which (sob) is no longer with us. I used to work there and every morning I loved walking through the round reading room, past the chairs where Karl Marx and countless other notable writers sat and composed their great works.
Public libraries can also be inspirational; recently I saw a new library/community centre being built in an area of London as part of a regeneration project. I think it’s great that libraries can still be a central hub for local communities and even be a design statement in themselves, for example in Peckham and Norwich.
So, what I’d like to know is this: which library do you love and why?
July 18, 2010
Heartening news that debut author Myrrha Stanford-Smith has secured a three-book deal at the age of 82. Her novel The Great Lie has been published by Honno this month and is the first of a trilogy – well done Myrrha! Just goes to show it’s never too late to live the dream.
http://www.honno.co.uk/dangos.php?ISBN=9781906784164
And well done too to Honno – my all-time favourite publishers, for recognising talent when they see it. But then I would say that, seeing as they published my own short story last year!
http://www.honno.co.uk/dangos.php?ISBN=9781906784089
June 27, 2010
Ever have those weeks when the past comes back to haunt you? It’s been a nostalgic bank holiday for me – catching up with old friends (one of whom is a lifelong Chalet School fan) and being reunited with one of my childhood creative triumphs: homemade plaster cast Mr Men circa 1980-something-or-other. Chalet School friend actually visited Innsbruck last year, which was quite exciting, although I was disappointed to hear there’s no actual museum or shrine to the great Elinor Brent-Dyer or Joey Bettany - surely one of the most inspirational schoolgirls of all time? Strong-willed, brave, resilient – even the Nazis couldn’t crush her spirit! Still, it got me reminiscing about all my childhood favourites, from Enid Blyton to Roald Dahl and beyond. Oh, and those good old Mr Men of course.
Speaking of which – which Mr Men are these figures meant to be? Can’t work it out myself.
May 31, 2010
Just wanted to big up my lovely new bookshelves which were fitted over Easter. However, this throws up all manner of problems re. arrangement of books on shelves. I mean, what’s the best way? Alphabetically, by author name? In subject order? Or should I just fill them randomly, which involves weighty reference books rubbing shoulders with my girly pastel-coloured romcom covers? And coming from a library background these things matter to me. A lot. Dewey decimal system, anyone? Or is that taking things a little too far..?
April 25, 2010
A short blog post this month and a serious one. For those who aren’t aware, a new anthology: 100 Stories for Haiti is now available, a project which has united writers via Twitter and an assortment of writing sites and blogs with the aim of raising funds for this very worthy cause. Each story is based on the theme of ‘hope’ and with a hundred to choose from you’re bound to find something you enjoy. Please buy a copy or contribute in some other way if you are able to. Thank you.
http://www.100storiesforhaiti.org/
March 28, 2010
Okay, so Valentine’s Day is looming and if you’re looking for something a little different you can always send an e-card from the British Library. Its range of images are taken from classic prints in the library’s collection – very useful if you’ve forgotten to buy an actual paper card for your beloved (eco-friendly too!)
http://www.bl.uk/ecards/index_valentine.html
With love in the air, my thoughts have turned to our great literary romantic heroes. Heathcliff, Mr Rochester and Mr Darcy – all splendid I’m sure you’ll agree – but who’s the modern day equivalent? I really can’t think of any great original heroes in contemporary fiction who haven’t been based on those three in some way. Time to get writing and create my own then…
February 12, 2010
As it’s a new year I felt the blog needed freshening up a bit, so here it is: the grand relaunch! A bit more cheery and colourful I feel, which helps with the January blues.
My other new project this year is the novel I’m working on, a romantic comedy set in an ice cream van (hence the pic). This got me thinking: how many different flavours of ice cream can I namecheck over the course of the story? Obviously I’ve got my favourites (chocolate has to be right up there) but I’d love to know what others are most popular and maybe try a few, just to make sure they’re suitable. All in the name of research, of course…
So, chocolate’s my number one. What’s yours?
January 24, 2010
Well, that’s 2009 out of the way then. Christmas was a triumph: received lots of lovely books - reading other people’s work is always an enjoyable diversion from actually doing any writing myself. This month also saw the launch of a new e-zine, Words with JAM, which I urge you all to subscribe to if you’re interested in new writing. There are some great articles and short stories in there, plus the editorial team have a blog which is worth following.
http://quinnpublications.blogspot.com/
And so to a review of the year. Lots of firsts: publication, a book launch, a magazine interview – well, it could all go to a girl’s head, but fortunately my feet were kept firmly on the ground thanks to my misadventures with a wheelie-bin, soiled shoes at Chawton House and a blocked loo episode which I like to refer to as The Sewage Crisis. Here’s to a new year of (hopefully) more opportunities and writing to come. Cheers!
December 30, 2009
Well, November started out splendidly as The Parent Prize entered the Bestseller Charts at Youwriteon.com and received its professional critique from Orion’s Natalie Braine. Bless you, Natalie; I’d braced myself for harsh words and a reality check but thankfully received neither. A huge sigh of relief that she got the humour and enjoyed it, as well as finding it: ‘inviting and warm…which instantly draws the reader in.’ The full critique can be viewed on the forum messageboard.
www.youwriteon.com
Comedy accident corner: ok, I’ve been struggling for a couple of months now with pulled rib muscles (ouch) after lifting an over-full wheelie bin. Still, every cloud has a silver lining, so I’m sure it’ll work its way into a forthcoming story at some point. My last domestic disaster (sewage leak all over kitchen floor) inspired The Jane Austen Hen Weekend, so watch this space…
November 19, 2009
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