Nik's Blog

This Site Has Moved

2011-12-29T19:13:00.002Z

This site has moved to here.

I Love You All

2011-09-02T15:08:00.000+01:00

Well, after just over 5 years here, a load of stories, interviews, books, reviews, recommendations, writing tips, music and moaning (and the rest) I've decided to pack up and leave for some place new.

You can pop over to my new online home, with blog, here at nikperring.com - do say hello, I'd love to hear from you.

And a HUGE thank you to each and every one of you, for reading, commenting and putting up with me for such a long time. I honestly can't tell you how much I appreciate it. It's been a pleasure to share a huge chunk of my life with you. Really, I love you all. Especially you.

I hope you'll join me for the next stage. I think it's going to be an exciting one. Well, I hope it's going to be an exciting one.

Thank you.

Nik x

The Tiny Wife

2011-09-02T13:15:00.000+01:00

I reviewed Andrew Kaufman's wonderful 'The Tiny Wife' a little while ago (you can read what I had to say about it all here). I loved it, big time. And today, it's published. Hooray and hurrah. Do have a look.

Freaks!

2011-08-27T15:36:00.002+01:00

On Tuesday I put the almost finished Freaks! cover up here, saying that it was a couple of tweaks away from being the finished article.

Well, my friends, those tweaks have been tweaked and I am thoroughly thrilled to present the official, finished cover, in all its wondrous and splendid glory. I love it. As well as being rather striking, I think it sums up what's inside the book brilliantly. Each of the characters in the 50 stories Caroline Smailes (who talks about it here) and I have written have super powers (or want them), and most of them aren't the usual kind. Most of the characters aren't the usual kind - they're all different, unusual, not quite fitting in - I hope that that makes them, in some way, familiar. And each of those 50 stories and their characters have been illustrated, brilliantly, by Darren Craske (who talks about it here) - it's a genuine thrill to see some of them here, coloured in.

It's such a relief and a joy to have a cover, and illustrations, that I'm as proud of as I am the stories and the book as a whole.

So, here it is - the cover. I hope you like it. I do. A lot.

Now, all we need to do is wait for April for it to be published!

Sneaky, Freaky Peek

2011-08-23T19:36:00.000+01:00

The cover of Freaks! is almost done. And when it is done (it's still a few minor tweaks from being the finished article) it might just look a little like this...

Pretty awesome, no?

Edit To Add

2011-08-22T14:18:00.001+01:00

Just a brief one today, as I'm up to my eyes in work. And it's a rare plug...

As you'll possibly know I do a little bit of editing work over at The Story Corrective. I set it up to specifically help with short stories but I do, on occasion, help with longer stuff too (mentoring and editing full length mss). It's not something I've ever mentioned publicly before, so I thought I'd mention it now. If you're interested you can drop me a line here.

That is all.

Janet Mitchell Interview

2011-08-17T13:12:00.000+01:00

And today I bring you an interview with the very lovely and very talented Janet Mitchell, the author of the wonderful collection, 'The Creepy Girl and Other Stories' which, I reckon, is a bit special...

Welcome to the blog, Janet. It’s a great thing to have you on here. I’ve been reading, and thoroughly enjoying, your short story collection ‘The Creepy Girl and Other Stories’ – could you tell us a little about it?

Want to tell you first off, Nik, how the collection got its name because it didn’t win the prize—thanks Ted, Lance, again—with that title. I won’t say what it was but basically the editor and my then-agent didn’t like the title, and I remembered what a classmate of mine, Holly Brickley, said about my work: she pulled at the skin on her wrist and said, “Your stories just get under my skin and stay there. You are the Creepy Girl!” I found it to be high praise—the part about my stories getting under her skin, not that she thought it was creepy that they did so—and the editor and then-agent thought it was a great title, and so… Though, I have to say, I never have really imagined myself as a stone statue, in wax perhaps, though.

These stories are very interested in language, its rhythms, its possibilities.

They came out of a place that wasn’t always pleasant to be—sometimes when I’m reading one of them out somewhere, I can feel myself want to cry as I did when I was writing them, but I don’t; well, I haven’t yet —and so they are where my heart was when I was writing them.

Why do you write? How did it start?

I have always written and been encouraged to. My mother was always telling me excitedly that she had a writer. She kept most of my writings from when I was very young and I still have them. I can still hear the teachers telling me that I had such a wild imagination. A crazy head. I don’t think of my imagination as wild or crazy because it is just who I am, how I see things.

If I am not writing, I don’t know who I am. I lose my way.

And why short fiction?

I love short stories, the way you can sit down and read one and carry its feeling with you for the day, hopefully longer.

Novels are wonderful too, and I’m working on one now. We’ll see how long it takes.

How would you describe a Janet Mitchell story? Do you think the short form gives you more opportunity to write in the Janet Mitchell way and to address the themes you address?

A story that is interested in language, at times word-drunk and wants to be read out loud. Lyrical but also tough and pulling no punches. My stories cost me and I want them to. I like to dig myself a hole and then get out of it. And there is probably something about my mother, a mother, someone’s mother. She was one of the loves of my life and she was taken from me too soon.

In terms of short form vs. long form, I believe that a story, the writer, will know its length. Kind of like the way a sculptor sees a piece of marble and can see what is inside there.

As to themes, I’m interested in families, especially mothers, for the reasons I said.

What’s your writing process?

Sitting down and peeling away until I get to a sentence I can go forward with. Same time every day is what I prefer and for as many hours as possible. I prefer same place as well.

What does the word ‘story’ mean to you?

‘Story’ means to me giving testimony, the utterances that only you as the writer could give. Your fingerprint, as it were, in lines on a page.

I do have preferences in the kinds of stories that I want to read. Such as not wanting to read something that anyone could have written and that goes from A to B to C without any risks, any costs to the writer.

I want to be taken places where I haven’t gone before and many times I want to fall in love with what I’m reading. I want to be taken by the hand by the write. I do.

Also, I don’t need a ‘story’ to always tell me a story. They can be just a few lines but if there are the right few lines I’m satisfied.

Whose work do you most admire? Is there anyone who’s particularly influenced your writing?

Jack Gilbert for years now. I take him me. He’s essential. Zbigniew Herbert too.

As for prose writers, Marilynne Robinson. HOUSEKEEPING is essential for me and I read it every few years. The silence in it. That train. Those characters. Those sentences.

Who else?

Harold Brodkey. Barry Hannah, dear Hannah. Mark Richard. Marquez, especially CHRONICLE OF A DEATH FORETOLD. And Faulkner. And Kesey. And W.G. Sebald.

There are more. There are always more.

What’s next for you?

Working on the novel. Have a story coming out in the next GARGOYLE, “Scenes From A Funeral.”

Could you recommend a short story collection to the readers here?

Mark Richard’s THE ICE AT THE BOTTOM OF THE WORLD.

Purdy’s 63 : DREAM PALACE.

Anything you’d like to add?

Thank you for having me on, Nik.

JANET MITCHELL received her Master of Fine Arts in Fiction from Columbia University, where she was the Bingham Scholarship recipient. Her work has appeared inThe Brooklyn Rail, The Quarterly, and The Pomona Valley Review and has been optioned by Lifetime Television as well as by independent producers.

She earned her Master of Fine Arts in Film Production from the University of Southern California. Here she won the John Huston Award for Best Director and a Paramount Pictures Fellowship. Her award-winning short film “How Does Anyone Get Old?” starring Mark Ruffalo and Mina Badie was featured on IFC’s “Inside the Indies” and on NBC’s “Starwatch.” The film has been widely acclaimed, including praise from directors Bob Rafelson and Ivan Passer. Her educational video “Behind Closed Doors” won a Cine Golden Eagle and is currently being used in over 250 schools and domestic violence centers nationwide.

She received her Bachelor of Arts from Dartmouth, where she was awarded many honors, including Highest Distinction in English for her creative writing thesis.

She was born and raised in South Jersey, where her heart still resides.

THE CREEPY GIRL was chosen as 1 of the 12 best books of 2011 by the staff of small press distribution.

A Thing Of Great Beauty

2011-08-16T19:58:00.003+01:00

Now, it's no secret that I like my music. I do. It's important and it's brilliant and wonderful when it's done well. And, thanks to places like Jango and Amazing Radio I've made a number of very cool discoveries over the past few years.

And I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that last week's discovery could well be the best.

'These Friends Of Mine' is Rosie Thomas' 4th album (I think). It was recorded in a house and released in 2006. Its sound is small, almost a whisper at times, but it's so strong and honest too. And beautiful. I think that's the best way to describe it. It is a thing of great beauty. The words, too, are the same.

It's so good, in fact, that after buying the album from iTunes I went on to order the actual CD. I can't remember the last time that happened. Mariee Sioux was one who received that treatment way back in 2006 and I bought a Jaymay CD last year.

I am more than a little bit in love with it. Here are a few reasons why.

As you were.

Tiny Wife, Huge Triumph

2011-08-15T12:14:00.002+01:00

I was lucky enough to get my hands on a proof copy of Andrew Kaufman's 'The Tiny Wife' a little while ago. And folks, let me tell you, it is absolutely brilliant.

A man robs a bank. But instead of making off with bags of cash he takes one thing from each of the customers there: one thing which holds the most sentimental value.

The bugger gets away with it and disappears with his swag.

And then odd things start to happen to the folks he's stolen from. A woman's lion tattoo becomes an actual lion and chases her all over town. Another lady wakes up to find that she's made of candy. And, amongst others, a man's wife discovers she's shrinking. Those who've read Not So Perfect, or are fans of Aimee Bender or Etgar Keret or Michael Czyzniejewski, will not be surprised that I like it. But I don't just like it - or to be more accurate, LOVE it - for its imagination. It's, in my humble opinion, the perfect modern fable. It's about love, it's about life, it's about problems and it's about seeing the bigger picture. It's about people. It's brilliant. It's told with delightful imagination and it's exactly the right size.

A lot's made of word count these days (your book HAS to be this length or that length, blah blah blah) and, again in my humble, word count doesn't really matter all that much - what matters is that the words count. Stories are as long as they are. And as I say, this story's wonderful. As are the illustrations that accompany it. AND, it's going to be released as a gorgeous hardback. Seriously, what's not to love?

It's out on September 1st and it's published by the magnificent The Friday Project.

Pre-order from Amazon here.

***

And talking of 'Not So Perfect' I was rather happy to read this yesterday.

Collaborating

2011-08-13T16:31:00.000+01:00

I'm sure I'll blog about this in greater detail at some point in the future (I don't want to give too much away just yet) but, as we've been talking about the front cover of Freaks! this week, I thought I'd mention it a little right now.

Writing and having a book published is always a collaborative process. Writers tend to be good at writing, but not so hot on other things, and that's why publishers employ people who DO know what they're talking about when it comes to cover design, marketing, type-setting, etc, etc. But, for most (and certainly for me, for my previous two books) those discussions don't tend to take place until the book's been written.

With Freaks!, it's been different, in a few ways. The way it was written being the obvious one. Right from the off, when Caroline and I wrote the stories, we were doing it together. In fact, we were doing it together even before any of the stories had even been written - the concept of the book was a shared thing: a collaboration.

And then, once the book had been written we recruited Darren, which brought a different kind of collaboration to the table: the collaboration between two writers and one illustrator. Now, both of my previous books have been illustrated, so I am used to working with illustrators, but for those other books that's been done along with a publisher, and not with another writer.

And, while the experience has certainly been different in a lot of ways, it's been a good one. Working with Caroline has been great fun. Two heads, in this case and for this book, have certainly been been better than one. And having Darren illustrate those stories in his style has been a new and interesting thing too. And the results are good. The results are great.The result is (I hope!) a book, an illustrated collection of short stories, that we're all extremely proud of.

As I said, we're at a stage now where we're talking about the cover with our wonderful publisher. We've seen a few concepts. One has won (after a little discussion). And I've got to say, I genuinely cannot wait to see the finished design. It is going to be awesome.

So, watch this space...

A Musical Interlude

2011-08-08T13:59:00.001+01:00

...because I really, really like this.

Someone take me to Paris, yes...?

This Country

2011-08-01T14:46:00.001+01:00

I'm not the sort of person who jabbers on about what this country has come to, or anything like that. For what it's worth, I think we live in a pretty cool place, with, mostly, great people. And there's a brilliant mix of people, of different religions, political views, sexual orientation, colour, race et al; that's why the world's a cool place.

Seeing shit like this, where you could potentially have to deal with the police BECAUSE OF YOUR POLITICAL VIEWS, is just plain wrong. Call me naive, but surely there's a difference between an anarchist and a terrorist. (Then again, you'd have thought there was a difference between a Brazilian chap going about his business on the tube and a suicide bomber. Others might disagree.) So, while this is happening, in our wonderful democracy (where the leaders of it are only that because of a man who controls a hugely influential chuck of the media, allegedly) we're also invading other countries and forcing it on them. The hypocrisy and the arrogance is both staggering and sickening.

My question is, how long are we going to put up with it?

I mean, we've marched and we've protested and we've signed petitions and we've been ignored. We've been ignored by the people who we've voted into a position to represent us.

And they are not (not all of them) representing us.

Is that not really, really wrong?

So what happens next? Who else will we have to tell the police about? The communists? The socialists? Marxists? Gays? Jews? Muslims? Anyone who has the nerve to openly disagree with the government? Anyone who simply THINKS something they shouldn't be thinking?

And where are they planning to send us? Camps perhaps? Or maybe they could put us to work somewhere.

I honestly feel that letting this slide will lead us all down a very dark and very dangerous path. And, I'll be honest with you, that scares the shit out of me.

And thus ends my rant.

***

ADDED...

it 'could have been better worded' apparently. Doesn't that say it all? Link here.

The Virgin Suicides

2011-07-30T18:33:00.000+01:00

It's not often a film adaption of a book is as good as the book that inspired it, but The Virgin Suicides is. The movie captures the mood of the book perfectly. Both get 5 stars from me. I'd recommend them both, very highly indeed.

Thanks + Someone Else's Story

2011-07-29T12:32:00.000+01:00

First of all - a big thank you to all who sent me birthday wishes. Between here and Twitter and Facebook and email and the telephone, I received a lot - far more than I could have expected. So, yeah - thank you all, very, very much.

***

And back to writing things. I meant to mention this earlier but never seemed to have the time. Long time friend of the blog, Teresa Stenson is in The Guardian Summer Short Story Special, with her story, 'Things Which Are Not True'. It's a top story and Teresa's a top writer and very nice lady, so I'm thrilled for her. Go read.

Happy Birthday To Me

2011-07-26T17:09:00.001+01:00

I am now thirty.

And I have been listening to this a lot.

That is all.

30 - 1 day

2011-07-25T19:02:00.000+01:00

Tomorrow, I turn thirty. And, yes - haven't I done well in not moaning about it? I've surprised even myself.

And I'm at a bit of a loss as to what I should say here to mark the event which, to me, is quite a big one.

I could talk about my highs and lows so far. I could talk about successes and failures. I could talk about great people I've known and those who've treated me badly. I could talk about lost loves, missed opportunities, or those wonderful memories I'll keep with me forever. Or perhaps the wonderful books I've read, the things that have happened that have shaped me, that have made me, me.

But really, none of those things matter too much at the moment (though I am grateful for them and I'm proud to carry them forward with me). There are times for reflection and I'm sure they'll come.

What matters is I'm still here.What matters is what's ahead. What's behind me has helped me get to this stage, the important bits are yet to come. And I'm looking forward to them.

***

And despite not being a man of the world myself, I still think this is very, very beautiful...

On Taking Things For Granted: A Suggestion

2011-07-23T16:58:00.001+01:00

I've been thinking a lot over these past few days about the decision to cut the number of short stories broadcast on Radio 4 from three a week to one. Obviously, it's not a great thing. But there must be some sort of reasoning behind the decision.

And this is what I think.

Much has been made of this in the short story world. Petitions have been set up and signed, it's had coverage in mainstream media, there have been numerous blog posts, loads about in on Facebook and Twitter. In fact, it's pretty fair to say it's been everywhere, certainly in the short story world.

And here's the thing. Before the announcement was made, hardly anyone mentioned it. Before the announcement was made, I seldom saw anyone singing Radio 4's praises in relation to them broadcasting short stories, I saw hardly anyone saying what a great thing the station was doing, I hardly saw anyone linking to the show or even mentioning any of the three stories a week that were broadcast there. Don't get me wrong, this isn't a criticism - I'm guilty of it too (and I'll happily admit to hardly ever listening to them) - but it does make me wonder if we'd have mentioned it half as much while it was going, and spread the word, celebrated it, as we're doing now - would the stories have been cut?

There are loads and loads of excellent outlets for the form and I think it might be a useful thing to appreciate them, to support them, and to spread the word about them, for what they're doing NOW, instead of missing them once they disappear.

Do you think it's time we maybe made more of an effort? After all, no-one likes being taken for granted.

Essie Fox Interview

2011-07-21T13:52:00.001+01:00

Another day, another interview.

I've known (virtually) Essie Fox for a good old while now, and I can tell you she's very lovely indeed (her blog's cool too). What's more, her debut novel, The Somnambulist (Orion) is out now and it sounds brilliant. So it's a real pleasure to have her here today, to talk about it, and writing. Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, I give you Essie Fox...

Welcome to the blog, Essie. Thrilled to have you here. Now, I’ve yet to read ‘The Somnambulist’ (it’s only a matter of time!) – could you tell us a little about it please? Who’s it for and what’s it about?

Hello Nik – thank you so much for having me!

The Somnambulist is a Victorian gothic mystery that follows the physical and emotional journey made by a young woman as she discovers the truth about her life. It’s a story about love, loss, guilt and deception which starts off in the Victorian music halls and then moves on to another ‘conventional Victorian setting’ – a sprawling gothic country house that may or may not be haunted.

Selfishly, I suppose it was written for me, in that I think any author really writes the book they would like to read. I’ve always loved Victorian literature, whether in the original versions or in some of today’s better historical novels.

I think that sales and marketing would probably say it’s a ‘big woman’s read’ but that’s probably because the main narrator is female. Several men have contacted me to say how much they’ve liked it, and there are many male characters who play a big part in the plot.

The title is wonderful. I think ‘somnambulist’ may be my new favourite word. For those who might not have come across it before, could you tell us what it means, and also, what it means in relation to the novel?

A somnambulist is a sleepwalker. In the novel the main character is sleepwalking her way through life, unaware of what’s real and what is deception. There are lots of twists and turns, but there is one major ‘revelation’ that I actually intend the reader to guess from the start (the clues are all there) so that they might engage with the narrator’s plight more forcefully – while she still has her eyes firmly closed to the ‘truth’.

The title comes from a painting by Millais which is featured in the plot. It shows a young woman sleepwalking along the edge of a cliff and was said to have been inspired by Wilkie Collins’ The Woman in White and also a popular Victorian opera – Bellini’s La Sonnambula – both of which deal with cases of sleepwalking. At a time of suppressed sexuality, and also one of enormous interest in the occult, sleepwalking was a very evocative symbol.

The novel is set in Victorian England and I’m well aware that that’s a period that interests you – could you tell us why?

It’s strange but I’ve always loved that era – so much so that I regularly blog about it. All those scientific, industrial and medical developments that still have an influence on our current lives.

And then, there were those old black and white ‘crinoline’ films that I watched as a child on wet Sunday afternoons – and also my early library visits, when I was strongly drawn to the traditional Victorian fairy tales, and books like The Water Babies, and Black Beauty.

As I grew older I really enjoyed studying the era at university – something very alluring about gothic, simmering, complex plots, and so often with women ‘in peril’ – placed in situations that you might find it hard to justify morally with any modern day heroine.

But what really draws me to that time, rather than earlier historical periods, is the use of photography which was developed then. We can actually ‘see’ people from that era, in all the truth of light and shade, rather than simply through works of art. I find that very exciting – to look at a face and wonder exactly what sort of life that man or woman lived.

This photograph of Robert Cornelius is thought to be one of the earliest self portraits. It was made in 1839 but I defy anyone to look at that photograph and not feel that you could ‘know’ that young man as well as any other who passes you by on the street today. In fact, I’ll confess that he might just have inspired one of my novel’s characters.

Now it’s done and written and published and being read and enjoyed, do you find yourself missing any of the characters, or that process of creating the story?

I loved every moment of writing The Somnambulist and yes, I do miss the characters – especially Phoebe and Nathaniel.

And, as far as the writing process goes, as I had no idea if that novel would ever be published, there was something very liberating about totally indulging myself in its world.

How did you write it? What was your routine? (And any tips you might like to give to others who hope to be published?)

My routine was, and is, simply to wake up and make some coffee, then to come back to bed where my laptop sits on a little breakfast table. It sounds very lazy and decadent, but sitting at a desk makes my back ache - and if I’m not ‘up and dressed’ then I’m not tempted to pop out and do other things. Thank goodness for the dog, and having to take her out for walks, or I might never leave my bed at all!

The only tip I can think of is something I touched on right at the start which is to write the book you want to read, something that really inspires you...and then write it as well as you possibly can. And read. Read the best in your genre. In fact, read as much as you can – the best of everything.

What’s the best piece of writing advice you’ve been given?

Don’t be too impatient. It takes as long as it takes...marry in haste, repent at leisure applies just as much to writing as it does to real life.

What’s next for you?

I have a two book deal with Orion, so I’m currently working on another Victorian mystery. It’s going to be called Elijah’s Mermaid, and the central theme is based on an artist obsessed with painting his muse as a mermaid. I think it’s going to be quite dark – and a big fairy tale influence too!

Essie Fox's debut novel, The Somnambulist, is a Victorian gothic mystery which will be published by Orion Books in May 2011.

Before taking up writing, Essie worked as an illustrator – designing greetings cards, gift wrap, and decorative ceramics. Before that she worked in a Dickensian office in Bloomsbury's Museum Street, employed as an editorial assistant by the publishers, George Allen & Unwin. So, in a way, it almost feels as if she has come full circle, returning to her very first love which is the world of books.

Essie is currently researching her second Victorian novel. She also writes the popular blog, The Virtual Victorian.

Born and raised in Herefordshire, Essie now divides her time between Bow in east London and Windsor. She is married with one daughter.

Rowan Coleman Interview

2011-07-19T20:17:00.002+01:00

It's been AGES since I've interviewed anyone on here, mostly down to being too busy doing other things (like being interviewed myself, or writing, or editing. The list goes on...) but that changes today.

So, without further ado, let's chat with splendid novelist (and better mathematician than me) Rowan Coleman, shall we...

Rowan, welcome! It’s great to have you here.

Hello, very pleased to be here, thank you for having me.

It's a pleasure! So, your latest novel, ‘Lessons in Laughing Out Loud’ is out. Could you tell us a little about it? Who’s it for? What’s it about?

‘Lessons…’ is about Willow, one of a set of identical twins, who’s life took a very different turn from her sister’s because of a dark secret from their childhood. Now in her late thirties Willow looks back on her life, her failed marriage and bitter divorce, her estranged step-daughter, her amoral boss and hopelessly unrequited love for a male friend, and realises that if she is to have any chance of a future, she must finally face her past.

What drew you to writing about identical twins?

I always wanted to be a twin, but actually it wasn’t the twins that came first, it was Willow and her story. Willow always had a sister, but about of a third of the way into writing the book, I found myself wondering what if her sister was also her twin, it seemed to make the contrast between their experiences of childhood all the more poignant.

And why did you put them in this situation?

I’ve been reflecting on my own past recently, and trying to work out how its impacted on the person I am now. I wanted to write a book about a person who had been through the very worst and was struggling to let herself become a whole person, despite it all. That makes it sound a bit depressing, any one who’s read any of my books will know there is quite a bit of humour in there too. not to mention kissing and in this book a very fine pair of shoes.

This is (according to my questionable maths!) your tenth book. Does writing them get any easier?

Actually if you count my teen books, I’m up to about nineteen! (Nik looks embarrassed and skulks off to find his abacus...)

No. No, if anything it gets harder, it’s not coming up with ideas, I’ve got loads of those – but the ideas that I do have tend to stretch me much more as a writer, technically in terms of plot and structure and also finding the balance of light and dark. But I wouldn’t want to be writing books that were a walk in park, I suppose if I feel challenged, I feel like I’m doing a good job!

Has your writing process changed?

Not really, I am one of those people who starts at the beginning and then slogs it all the way through to the end, editing as I go so that the finished first draft it pretty near to the final thing. I do plan a little more now than I used to, but not too much. I don’t want to avoid the possibility of killing the spontaneity!

What’s the best piece of writing advice you’ve been given?

Honestly, and this might sound a bit silly, but when I was writing my first novel my editor told me that I didn’t have to describe every little detail in order to one character from scene to the next, for example, putting on her shoes and coat and getting the bus etc etc. ‘Pop in a line break,’ she said. It seems obvious, obviously – but I seriously needed someone to point it out to me, and it’s amazing how many writers I’ve shared that tip with since, and literally seen the light bulb come on over their heads! Sometimes we’re just two caught up in the process to be practical.

What do you think a story needs to have in order for it to be great?

Honest, relatable, very well developed characters, an intriguing, though not necessarily pacey plot, and most of all, it needs to make the reader care what happens next.

What’s next for you?

A small nervous breakdown and a large gin. And them lots more writing, for as long as they will let me.

Anything you’d like to add?

Er…..have I said thank you for having me? My mother would be proud. And also please buy my book, if you don’t mind. A-hem.

***

Rowan Coleman grew up in Hertfordshire secretly longing to be a writer despite battling with dyslexia. After graduating from university she worked in bookselling and publishing for seven years before winning Company Magazine Young Writer of the Year in 2001. Her first novel ‘Growing Up Twice’ was published in 2002.

Rowan has gone on to write eleven novels for women including the bestseller ‘The Accidental Mother, The Baby Group’ and ‘The Accidental Wife‘ and eight novels for children and teens including the paranormal adventure novels Nearly Departed and Immortal Remains under the name Rook Hasting. Her books are published around the world. She now lives in Hertfordshire with her family.

***

And a little more about the book...

-Have you ever wondered what might have been...?

Willow and Holly are identical twins. They are everything to each other. Holly calls Willow her rock, her soulmate, her other half. And Willow feels the same about Holly. They are alike in every respect but one - Willow is afraid on the inside. And all because of a secret - one that binds the sisters closely together and yet has meant their lives have taken two very different paths.

Willow often feels there are large parts of her missing, qualities she only knows she's lacking because she sees them in her sister. For a very long time Willow has felt separated from Holly by one terrible moment in time - a moment that meant Willow's life was never the same again. And when the past catches up with her, Willow realises its finally time for her to face her fears, and - with Holly's help - learn to laugh out loud once more.

Better

2011-07-18T23:33:00.001+01:00

So, it's a little before half past eleven on an evening which has followed a decidedly grey and rainy day. In a moment or two I'll turn off my computer. And the reason for this? I have been catching up with everything I didn't get to do over the past fortnight, when I was ill and working at half-speed (if I was lucky).

I am better now. I am mended and fixed and bloody glad about it, mostly as it lasted far longer than I'd thought it would.

If anyone's still waiting for things from me (and, yes, I know you are) then bear (bare?) with me. You will all have your things very soon. I promise.

Night, night.

Virtually Me

2011-07-18T12:38:00.000+01:00

I've just been tinkering with my website (only minor tweaks, here is still the best place to come to for news) and thought, while I was thinking of it, that now would be a reasonably good time to mention on here my other online hang outs. If you're interested in joining me at any of them, pop across. Don't be shy!

I'm on Facebook here.

I'm on Twitter here.

Here is where I offer short story and editing help.

This is my Goodreads page.

And here is my website.

Hopefully see some of you over there. And there. And there...

Nice Mention

2011-07-15T20:46:00.000+01:00

It was nice to see Not So Perfect being mentioned by Rowan Coleman in an interview yesterday. Rowan, will be on here talking to me very soon.

Have a top weekend, one and all.

Back + Pics

2011-07-14T15:29:00.000+01:00

Hello! I'm back, and feeling much better. I'm not quite back to full fighting fitness, but closer to it than I have been. Which is nice.

Anyhow, a couple of pics from healthier days - from my guest of honour spot at the Flash Mob Literary Salon at Chorlton Arts Festival in May.

Big thanks to EvilBlueRobot for taking the snaps and getting them to me.

Gone Sneezing

2011-07-10T18:34:00.000+01:00

At the moment I am poorly. I started the week with a return of the bad foot (which, luckily, didn't turn into the Proper bad foot thing I get every now and again), and I ended the week with, perhaps, the worst cold I've ever had. It's meant that I've not been able to do all the things I'd planned to do (which annoys me at the best of times) and it's also meant that I've not been writing as much as normal, blogging included. It's meant too, that on occasions I've been a little sharper with people than normal. So, in an effort to not piss EVERYONE off, I think I'm going to not be online too much until I'm better. Which shouldn't be all that long really. I hope.

In the meantime - here's a song. Good, innit?

Another Anniversary

2011-07-04T15:31:00.000+01:00

Tomorrow will be exactly one year on from me launching The Story Corrective - an editing service which deals only with short stories. And it's been a cool and enjoyable year, I must say.

I have worked on an awful lot of short stories over this past year and I think the best bit's been that, of all that I've worked on, a huge majority have gone on to be published. That's good in that it means that I must be doing something right. It makes me happy that I've been able to help people too - that's a very cool thing.

Right. Back to the writing for me. If anyone would like any more details on The Story Corrective they can find them here, or alternatively, they can contact me here.

What a Nice Meme That Would Make

2011-07-02T15:52:00.001+01:00

I didn't have the happiest of times at school, and I'm sure I'm not alone in that. But in amongst the rubbishness I had a handful of utterly brilliant teachers. People who got me excited about learning and, in a couple of cases, introduced me to writing. I can honestly say that without them I wouldn't have had the confidence or have been inspired to try my hand at writing. That's a pretty big deal. So, as a thank you, I've always sent the good ones copies of my books.

I received a letter from one of them a few weeks ago saying that he was retiring in July. That's going to be a big loss to that school. This is the person who got me excited about subordinate clauses. This is the person who showed me that poetry was something I could understand. This is the person who assured me that it was fine that I didn't get 'Lord of the Flies' when I first read it for a project when I was (I think) thirteen. This is the person (well, one of them) who stood up for me when he didn't have to. He made a difference. AND he got me excited about literature.

As I've said, he's retiring at the end of this term. Yesterday, I wrote him a short letter, just saying thanks and explaining to him why I'm thankful. I thought it was a good thing for a person to do. So I did it. And it looks like I've done it here too.

***

And here's me from around that time. Bet I'm not all that difficult to spot.

Happy, Sad

2011-06-29T17:38:00.000+01:00

So, earlier today I met up with the lovely Caroline Smailes to run through the first lot of edits for Freaks!. Thankfully, there wasn't all that much to do, but what we needed to do, we did. We changed some words, we re-jigged the story order slightly - that kind of thing. And I've just, this minute, emailed the whole thing to our splendid publisher (I am hoping, very much, that he likes what we've done). That makes me happy. I was happy the other day too, because, as well as including the suggested changes to the manuscript, the feedback was great. It was, as it always is, a relief (I've learned that me thinking something's good, doesn't mean anyone else will!). So, yes, happy.

But a little sad as well. It kind of marks the end of an era in that, I think, this'll probably be the last time I'll need to meet up with Caroline to discuss all things Freaks!. (It also makes me wonder how on earth we wrote the whole bloody thing without meeting once, but that's another story!)

Tonight, I think I'll celebrate. It's been a big job, we started it almost a year ago and, although there'll be more work we'll have to do on it before publication (next April, folks), we've done it. We've made something we're both hugely proud of and excited by - and all this is without mentioning the illustrations Darren Craske has done for it! I don't know where I'll go later, or what I'll do (it's at times like this I kind of wish more of my friends lived closer) but I'll do something to mark the day. It's only right.

For now, I'll simply allow myself a very little, but very satisfied, yay!

***
And a photo - mid-edit...

For Lovers Of Small Handbags

2011-06-27T19:01:00.000+01:00

Thrilled to see the lovely WritersLittleHelper's review of Not So Perfect on her blog today. Big thanks to her, and to Dan Powell whose blog she won the copy from.

She said 'In a few carefully chosen words, Perring can make the reader care for a character who vomits lemurs.' which made me smile and happy.

***

In other news, it was very hot yesterday and it is very hot today. I have been working in shorts. I'm not sure how long I want this to continue for.

***

And in other, other news, I've been writing, which has felt good. I think that little break I had was needed.

New

2011-06-25T18:43:00.001+01:00

Yes, that thing up there is new. I made it in an attempt to give things a bit more colour around here. Do let me know what you think, good or otherwise.

(And, I must give a nod to the very talented Derry Dillon for the Celt illustration, who drew it for the cover of my first book.)

I should be back soon (probably moaning about how I'll be thirty in less than a month). Until then, enjoy!

My Current Favourite Song

2011-06-18T21:24:00.000+01:00

I actually think that if the euphoria and excitement of new found love was a sound, this would be it.

Good News

2011-06-16T15:40:00.000+01:00

Well, my break went well in case you were wondering. I've had a few days off of doing nothing (other than recharging) and that may well continue for a little while. Apologies to those still waiting for things from me - I AM on it.

But I wasn't ONLY doing nothing. Nope. No siree. There was some work that needed to be done, and some meetings I had to go to - and as a result of those I'm very pleased to be able to say that, yesterday, we (me, Caroline Smailes and Darren Craske) were able to deliver the finished manuscript (including illustrations) of Freaks! to our publisher, the very wonderful Friday Project. That makes me happy - I'm very proud of what we've done, but I'm a little nervous too and very much hoping they like it. But mostly, I'm very happy.

It's been a lot of hard work for all concerned. 50 stories. 50 illustrations. Hard work but fun. And to celebrate I wandered into town yesterday evening and treated myself to a couple of beers because, if there's one thing I've learned, moments like that don't happen very often (3 books in 5 years) and I think it's important to mark them in some way - even if it's on your own, relaxing with a beer (because no-one else really gets it, or because they get snooty when they see someone else having a bit of success), or watching a really cool 1963 Doctor Who serial, or eating cake (and yes, I did all three which, interestingly, has resulted in my having a rather unexpected crush on Susan Foreman).

So there we go. More from me soon.

Meanwhile...

Hello!

2011-06-05T19:46:00.000+01:00

It seems like an awfully long time since I posted anything kind of personal on here, and for that I apologise; it's mainly been I'm reading here, or I'm interviewed there, and whatnot, and while that has a chance of being interesting (I certainly hope it does), it can get a bit samey. It's certainly felt like it has. So, sorry.

But there has been a reason for it. Oh yes. And mostly that reason's been: BECAUSE I'VE BEEN EXCEPTIONALLY BLOODY BUSY. And that's no bad thing - I've been busy with good stuff, so I'm not complaining. But it has got me thinking. You know, for the past three years (it may be longer) I haven't stopped. I've written Not So Perfect, I've signed a contract for it, done the edits, then launched it, then promoted it - while setting up a short story specific editing company. And I've, along with Caroline Smailes, written Freaks!, signed a contract, etc etc, blah, blah, blah. On Friday, I finished the final tweak to the final story. The book is done (for now) and can go to the publishers. (Hooray!)

And that means that I can have a break.

Writing a book is hard, hard work. Deeply rewarding and a huge amount of fun (especially if you're lucky enough to have people like it), but hard, hard work. Promoting the book's the same, especially if, like me, you're a bit shy and not too fond of being the person everyone's watching. And I'll not lie: it's been made more difficult by other people, people who might not want me to have a book out there, who might not want me to be on the 'scene' (I've discovered, over the few years I've been writing professionally (my first book was published in 2006, when I was a naive 26 year old) that there are two sorts of authors: ones who like, support and promote good literature and who support the industry (without it, there wouldn't be ANY authors), and those who like, support, and promote their own work, and feel they can dictate what the industry should be; I hope I fall into the former category!).

So, it's been a lot to deal with. It's been a lot of hard work and not, as that naive 26 year would have had you believe, all fun and roses. And I should say, I'm not complaining. I'm simply, err, babbling. I love my job and wouldn't change it for the world. It's just, well, not so perfect (would I want it any other way?)!

So, for now, I've got almost nothing to do. I need to catch up with emails (which I WILL do) and there are a few people I'd like to interview but, those aside, for the first time in years, I'm going to take a short break. I might go for a walk, or go shopping. I might go to a city and wander. I might go to a cafe or doze or read. Hell, I might even go on holiday. We'll see.

But yes, even if it's only for a few days, a break sounds really bloody good.

One Year Ago Today

2011-06-02T16:24:00.001+01:00

I was getting ready to do this.

Yep, I launched Not So Perfect this time last year. It has FLOWN! And it has, mostly, been a great twelve months.

I wanted to take the time here to thank everyone who's bought a copy, everyone who's taken the time to review it (feel free to continue, folks!), everyone who's emailed me to say nice things about it and everyone who's supported me. Thanks also to those who helped out with the blog tour and to those wonderful people at Roast Books, who made the book a pleasure to hold and to look at (and for all the other bits of hard work they've done, and continue to do too).

Yes, thank you, folks. I really, really appreciate it.

***

Also, big thanks to the lovely and talented Lynsey May, who gave me, Not So Perfect and the reading last week a mention on here blog.

It's Been a While

2011-05-31T19:35:00.000+01:00

It's been a while since I've done a meme on here (I think I've actually done this one a couple of times before, but that shouldn't be a cause for worry).

Big thanks to Oscar Windsor-Smith for awarding me a Versatile Blogger Award. Now I must tell you good people 7 things about me that may not be generally known.

Here goes.

1. The first piece of writing I was paid for was written under a pseudonym, the first name of which was Joe. This was, I reckon, a little subconscious nod to Joe Strummer. (It was an article for a county magazine, in case you were wondering. And it featured both Merlin and David Beckham (there was a joke in there about wearing ridiculous robes, from memory).

2. When I started writing I didn't think I would end up writing fiction.

3. My zodiac sign is Leo, and, from what I've read, I sound like a pretty typical one. (And no, I don't know if there's a sign that exists that I'm compatible with.)

4. I have a particular aversion to cliques (this will be a separate post, actually) and tend to avoid them at all costs. This can make me seem grumpy and/or not very social.

5. I mostly don't care what people think about me. Though there's always a strange desire to be accepted, in some way. Actually, I wonder if that's why I write.

6. I can't eat chocolate.

7. I don't have a university degree. Or A Levels. And I have never attended any writing course, aside from those I've run. (Hypocrite, I know.)

So there you go. Now you know a little more about me. Anything else you want to know...?

(I'll not tag anyone specifically to carry this on, but do let me know if you do it too.)

Flash Mob

2011-05-29T16:29:00.000+01:00

First of all, my apologies for being a bit of a crap blogger of late. I've been ridiculously busy (and STRESSED!) and quite honestly haven't had the time (or space in my brain) to post anything vaguely sensible here for a while. But things are better now. I'm almost up to date with things. Everything should improve soon.

***

Last Thursday I went along with Caroline Smailes (Caroline is, for those who were asking, the co-author of Freaks! and best selling novelist) to the Flash Mob Literary Salon event in Chorlton, for their Arts Festival. And it was great. I got to hear all of the Flash Mob Writing Comp short listed short, short stories/flash fiction pieces being read out, as well as pieces from various other short fiction writing folk. And, yes it was fab.

I got to meet the brilliant organisers (who'd invited me there as guest of honour, no less), who were all fab - big thanks to Ben, to Clare, and to Fat Roland, who each and all did a splendid job.

It was also a cool thing to be able to meet other writing folk - most notably the very lovely Lynsey, the super Valerie (plus baby!) and, long time online friend, Sarah. Yes, all very cool.

I read a couple of stories (which I think went down okay) from Not So Perfect (for those of you there: apologies for taking a while to get started - I was trying to suppress what felt like a burp of considerable size and volume - a burp that I didn't want amplified over the mic and forced upon the listeners of Chorlton FM).

And all was good.

I'll pop some links to photos and to the audio broadcast by Chorlton FM as and when I get them.

Congratulations to all the short listed writers, thank you all for reading good stories so well, and a big thank you for having me there.

Minifiction Interview

2011-05-28T19:38:00.000+01:00

And here's me talking to Jamie at Minifiction, about, well, mini fiction. And short stories Vs novels, stories taking unexpected turns, and the short story scene here in the UK (yes, it could be a little less closed). Amongst other things. Do pop along. And feel free to leave a comment (whether you agree or think I'm spouting rubbish!).

More soon. Until then...

More of me chatting

2011-05-25T21:08:00.002+01:00

...can be found here.

Quick Chat

2011-05-25T10:53:00.002+01:00

Here's me having a quick chat with Fat Roland (who will also be there tomorrow - see previous post)...

Awesome S. Manchester Short Story Stuff + Me, Reading

2011-05-24T23:31:00.001+01:00

I have been VERY busy of late (hence still being in my office at this time) and I meant to post this earlier. But, I'm here, and I'm posting it now (better late than never, and all that!). Mostly, because I think it's really cool and it's something I'm really looking forward to (and hoping to see you there too - so let me know if you fancy coming along...).

What is it, you ask? Well, why not let the very lovely, and ace, Clare tell you?

Over to said Clare!...

"On Thursday at 7.30pm, the Flash Mob Literary Salon pops up in Dulcimer bar as part of Chorlton Arts Festival. This spoken word event and glittering awards ceremony is the culmination of the flash fiction writing competition myself and four other writer types launched back in March.

The shindig will have it all. There will be readings by the 12 writers we shortlisted from a pretty much astounding 88 entries. There will be a guest slot by the lovely Nik Perring, who has invited me here today to give you the skinny on the whole shebang. There will be some brand-new creations from the five judges. There will also be surreal story-making, fabulous fun and even the promise of dancing girls. We don’t like to take things too seriously...

So who’s we? We are Sarah-Clare Conlon, Ian Carrington, David Hartley, Benjamin Judge and Tom Mason. We are short-short story writers who regularly read at literary get-togethers and open mic nights in Manchester. We’ve performed as part of Manchester Literature Festival and appeared as a pop-up literary salon at Manchester Twestival 2011. As well as working on stories and reading together, the Flash Mob writing collective members are partial to the odd pub quiz, and we're collaborating with Bad Language to run a literary quiz for the Not Part Of fringe to Manchester International Festival in July.

The Flash Mob Writing Competition and Literary Salon is a first for Chorlton Arts Festival. We came up with the idea because we wanted to introduce a new kind of spoken word event to the 11-year-old festival – something that would be open to everyone and that would promote flash fiction writing, because that’s our shizzle. We set an upper limit of 500 words but no theme in order to encourage as much diversity as possible, and that we definitely got! The 12 shortlisted stories are all very different in style and content, and even length, so it promises to be a varied and entertaining soirée.

Proceedings will be broadcast live on Chorlton FM (87.7 FM across South Manchester and online), so even if you can't come down in person, you have no excuse not to still listen in. The shortlist will also be published in an ebook available via our website once the winners have been announced. Enjoy!

Sarah-Clare Conlon http://wordsandfixtures.blogspot.com/

Flash Mob Literary Salon takes place on Thursday 26 May at 7.30pm, upstairs at Chorlton’s Dulcimer (free). See http://flashmobmcr.wordpress.com/ for more."

Free Books and an ISBN

2011-05-20T17:17:00.001+01:00

I love this idea (explained by Fiction Writers Review here) of giving away a collection of stories for Short Story Month (May) and it's something I'm going to try to do (I just need to decide which collection to give away).

Two people are offering you the chance to get your mits on a free copy of Not So Perfect - Dan Powell's one (and there's a chance of winning a copy of E.J. Newman's 'From Dark Places' too), and Downith is another. Needless to say, I'm flattered and I thank them both very much. So, if you'd like a free book, off you go...

***

I was made aware of this the other day too - Freaks! now has its own Amazon page, with an ISBN and everything. That makes me happy.

As you were.

(I'll be back soon, when I have more time to say more. But at the moment I'm eye-deep in emails and edits and time seems to be at a premium!)

Me: Interviewed

2011-05-17T17:01:00.000+01:00

A quick one today, to point you in the direction of Carolyn Jess-Cooke's blog, where I talk to her about writing and stories and all sorts. I really enjoyed that one, I hope you do too.

Alan McCormick Interview

2011-05-16T13:41:00.000+01:00

It's a real pleasure to welcome Alan McCormick to the blog today, to talk to me about his book, 'Dogsbodies and Scumsters' published by the utterly wonderful Roastbooks.

It's a collection of flash fiction. It's illustrated. And, as I said, it's published by Roastbooks. Interesting? I thought so.

Here we go...

Welcome to the blog, Alan. I’m delighted to have you here. How are you?

Hi Nik, I’m delighted to be here; also excited to have a book coming out. I loved ‘Not So Perfect’, and Shark Boy seemed pretty close to perfection to me.

So, your book, ‘Dogsbodies and Scumsters’ – what’s it about? Who’s it for?

Not sure who it’s for. Most of the stories started with character, people I’ve met, seen (more accurately glimpsed) and imagined. They’re normally people on the edge, which in some way reflects places I’ve lived – a council block in Vauxhall for sixteen years – and places I’ve worked. A key place I think was a Victorian Asylum on the edge of a small Sussex town where I worked in the early eighties. I once tried to start a novel drawing on actual patients I met but it didn’t work, but the feeling and sense of the place and the people, rather than anyone in particular, has fed into some of my stories in the book.

Why short stories?

They suit my energy and the time I have to write. I don’t have the stamina for the long haul though I’d like to in some way piece together something longer like a novel in the future. Also I once suffered long-term health effects from a serious viral illness and short stories were what I could read and absorb, they entered my DNA and gradually became the preferred way for me to communicate my ideas and thoughts. A good short story is unique: enjoyment, inspiration and a little magic all in one sitting; I love them.

And why Roast Books (like I need to ask!).

I sent Faye Dayan at Roast Books a collection of my stories and the illustrated writing with Jonny Voss, and she liked them. Faye also had the idea of putting together the stories and the illustrated writing in one collection which was very exciting. Faye has been very easy to work with and though she has a clear vision of how things might go – she decided the order of the stories much better than I could have done – she also listens and is open to ideas and change. Working with an independent publisher with a unique take on things has meant Jonny and I have been creatively involved in putting the book together and getting it out more than perhaps we would have been with a larger, more corporate publisher, it’s been a really enjoyable learning experience.

Many of the stories in the book have been illustrated (excellently!) by Jonny Voss. Could you tell us a little about that? What’s the process? How much are the stories collaborations?

Jonny and I are friends. We started drawing and writing for each other about five years ago. Our work was never intended for publication when we started but over the years we have collected hundreds of collaborative pieces. We began by walking in our local area each morning – me in Vauxhall, Jonny near the Rive Lea in Walthamstow – and I would write and Jonny would quickly draw the first interesting thing we saw and then email it to each other for the other to respond to. Pretty soon it became apparent that it worked best when Jonny drew first and I reacted by writing. I love Jonny’s energy, originality and imagination, and I always write the first thing that comes into my head once I’ve looked at his picture – this has inspired and freed me to write in a way I probably couldn’t otherwise do. It’s a fun and instinctive way for us to work and I hope, even when the work gets dark, that some of this enjoyment and energy comes across.

Where do good stories come from?

I don’t know – strong characters, some craft, and conviction in purpose perhaps? Sometimes stories break all the so-called rules or conventions and just work.

And what do you think makes a story great?

When a story is ‘great’ it absorbs me completely, and often continually surprises (perhaps even unsettles) me as I read it, and then when I’ve finished it, even if I may not quite know why it worked so well, the feeling of the story stays with me long after. For me that’s why good short stories are exciting and great ones are powerful and sometimes even miraculous.

Could you tell us a little about Simon Please, please? He’s one of my favourite characters from the book.

Thanks, I’m glad you like him. In the book, Faye very cleverly placed Simon Please next to another neighbourhood nutcase in the story, Meet the Builder. I like the idea that someone like Simon Please might control his emotions to be seemingly placid and pleasant through the day, and then lose the fight to control things and turn into a rampaging madman like Mad Mike at night. Replying now, though I’m pretty sure it wasn’t in my mind when I wrote it, a couple of lines from a favourite Nick Lowe song (made famous by Johnny Cash), ‘The Beast in Me’, keep popping into my head: ‘The beast in me is caged by frail and fragile bars. Restless by day and by night rants and rages at he stars. God help the beast in me.’

What’s next for you?

I’m going to enjoy the book coming out. Jonny and I are also completing a children’s illustrated book. This time we’ve reversed the collaborative process; I’ve already written the second draft and Jonny is reacting with pictures. We also hope to bring out a small collection of Scumsters – perhaps weirder and darker ones.

Anything you’d like to add?

I’d like to thank you for asking the questions and for giving some exposure for our book. I hope our paths cross sometime soon – it would be good to know about your writing plans and to hear about how the collaboration with Caroline Smailes is going.

Alan McCormick lives with his family in sleepy West London suburbia. He has been a political researcher, trainee nurse, porter in a psychiatric hospital, writing tutor and unsuccessful comedian. Dogsbodies started life on the Writing MA at Middlesex University and was later developed with the assistance of an Arts Council Writer’s Award. He was recently Writer in Residence for the Stroke charity, InterAct Reading Service. His short stories have won numerous prizes and have been widely published and performed.

Us

2011-05-10T21:02:00.000+01:00

Michael Kimball's 'Us' has just been published in the US. I read it (under its UK banner) last year and utterly loved it.

Here's what I said about it at the time:

***

How Much of Us There Was by Michael Kimball, broke my heart. There's not much else to say about it. It is, as I expected, utterly brilliant and incredibly affecting.

An elderly man wakes up one morning to find his wife having a seizure and then slipping into a coma. What follows is the story of the man's wife's death. It's honest and moving and real and it's written in such a sensitive and tender way that it's almost impossible not to have your heart broken by it.

I wanted to describe How Much Of Us There Was as someone coming to terms with losing their partner, but that, I think would be wrong, because, like the man in the book, I don't think many people are able to come to terms with such a tragic event.

An incredible book and one which I was delighted to discover was just as good as Dear Everybody.

It also made me think of my late grandparents, and made me happy that I've dedicated my book to them.

Read it. You will thank me for it.

And you can see me interview Michael here.

Jo Cannon - Not an Insignificant Interview

2011-05-09T16:13:00.000+01:00

Another interview for you today, folks. This time it's with (fellow) Edge Hill Prize long-listed Jo Cannon, to talk about her collection, 'Insignificant Gestures' (Pewter Rose Press) which I've been dipping into and very much enjoying. I give you, Jo...

Welcome to the blog, Jo. It’s a pleasure to have you here.

Thanks for inviting me, Nik, and for your interest and support.

A pleasure! So, ‘Insignificant Gestures.’ Could you tell us a little about it?

Insignificant Gestures consists of twenty five short stories, including some flashes. A recurring idea is exile, in the widest sense. Although some protagonists are far from home for various reasons, others are alienated from society or from their sense of self. Some characters dip in and out of each other’s stories; Eve is seen at different ages and from altered angles, and her long running love story with Tim weaves through the book. Some stories are sad, others are – I hope – funny. Many have a surreal edge, as I play with the idea that the world we inhabit is a projection of our inner life.

Who would you say it was for?

I don’t really write for a readership, so couldn’t say. Creating the first draft of a story seems a deeply personal activity; for a time I become the protagonist, and if I let an imaginary observer read over my shoulder it would feel intrusive, if not indelicate. I’m thrilled that anyone reads my stuff, whoever they are. I’m fascinated and flattered by the various ways readers interpret the stories -- even some I never intended -- and that they name different ones as their favourites. I’ve learned that the interface between a story and the reader is nothing to do with me and cannot be predicted, rather like a child’s relationships outside the family.

How long did it take you to write? How old’s the oldest story in there?

I wrote the stories over about five years, along with others later discarded, and then spent many months rewriting and editing before submitting them as a collection. My writing is sporadic, squeezed in between work and family stuff, so I’m not prolific. The oldest story, Rictus , which is also the first I had published, was written in 2004.

Where do your stories come from?

As with every writer they come from the subconscious, I suppose. The protagonists are invented by me, so their inner life and emotions inevitably have similarities with mine. The backgrounds to the stories come, in a jumbled way, from all I have witnessed or experienced in my different roles of doctor, mother, friend and even newspaper reader. Everyone reaches mid-life with plenty of stories to tell. I am rather a wind-bag, so it is a relief for everyone when I shut up and write instead.

What do you think a story has to do for it to be great?

I think a story is great if it moves me, often by describing an emotion, situation, or moment that I recognise but have found difficult to define or put into words. This needn’t be serious; there may be an ‘aha!’ moment that makes me laugh. It must feel authentic, so I identify with the character and his or her predicament -- or if the story is magical realism, happily suspend disbelief. I love it when language adds further depth to the story, perhaps by the use of metaphor. I admire all this in other writers’ stories, but have a long way to go.

What’s your writing process?

I started my writing life in a reflective writing group for doctors. One exercise was to describe a dysfunctional consultation from the point of view of the patient. For example, I was once perplexed by someone who always appeared hostile and disappointed, yet continued to make frequent appointments. Seeing myself through his eyes led to useful insights and reflections. I still use this technique as a starting point sometimes, but with made-up protagonists. For example, after the London tube bombings I saw a news clip of the terrorist’s terraced house, and realised that his act would irreparably harm his unwitting family. I then wrote a story, Daddys Girl, from the view points of an imaginary bomber’s wife and child.

At other times I take an emotion or incident from my own life and extend it. For example, we all have regrets, but what if one had committed something irrevocably bad? I imagined that feeling and wrote a story around it: One Hundred Days.

Any tips you’d like to share?

I wouldn’t presume to advise other writers. Except to restate the obvious: don’t be discouraged by rejections, but rewrite, edit and submit your story elsewhere. I’m delighted to see my work as a collection, but it was a stroke of luck that the book appealed to my publisher. I know lots of people who write fantastic short stories that deserve a readership. It’s a shame there are so few publishers willing to publish collections, and I salute Pewter Rose Press, and other Indie publishers, for putting their money where everyone else’s mouth is, so to speak.

Anything you’d like to add?

No thanks, Nik. I’m delighted to be sitting on the Edge Hill long-list with you. I enjoyed Not So Perfect and wish you lots of luck with the short-list. (Nik: Thank you, and likewise!)

Jo Cannon is a doctor who has worked in Malawi and Tasmania, and is now a Sheffield G.P Her stories have appeared in The Reader, Mslexia, Cadenza,Brand and New Writer among others, and in anthologies including Route, Leaf Books and Willesdon Herald. Competition successes include Fish International, City of Derby, and Brit Writers Award. ‘Insignificant Gestures’ published by Pewter Rose Press, is her first collection. Jo is married with two teenage sons.

Doctor What?

2011-05-08T20:06:00.001+01:00

I hope you will excuse this brief, Doctor Who based interlude, but there are one or two things I must say and one thing I HAVE to ask.

So. I think it's pretty much fact that the series is a darned sight sharper now the brilliant Stephen Moffatt is at the helm (and that's said with no disrespect to RTD who did a fine job, despite episodes that I thought were a little naff). I thought the last series was brilliant (save two episodes) and it's mostly been so far so good with season 6 (Doctor Who's the only thing I actually watch on the TV), despite me not being all that keen on yesterday's episode.

And this brings me to my question.

Last series, Rory died. Or rather, he never existed. (The crack got him after he was shot by that bugger of a Silurian.)

Then he came back in the form of a Nestine Duplicate. Yes? You following? Good.

In that form (ie made of plastic with a laser gun stowed in his hand) he guarded the Pandorica for a couple of thousand years. Yes? Good. That's what I thought.

So, how come, as of yesterday's episode HE WAS HUMAN?

If I've missed something, please do tell me. I am one confused author/Doctor Who fan.

Thank you. As you were.

***

Added, a little later: and it's all been cleared up now. I was confused and (all right, I'll say it) wrong. Glad we got that out the way. Now, really, as you were.

And The Winners Are

2011-05-07T15:25:00.000+01:00

And the winners from the Unrequited, Love is..., competition, are:

Sarah Ann Watts

and

DebutNovelist.

Congratulations!

If you could let me have your addresses, by contacting me here, then that would be splendid.

Mayhew and The Master

2011-05-04T13:32:00.001+01:00

Just a quick one today - top chap and brilliant writer, Jon Mayhew, is over at The National Short Story Week's website, talking about his favourite short stories. I got a rather nice mention too. Thank you, Jon (though I would heartily dispute I'm a master of anything).

Fiction and the Cathartic Tradition - Guest Post by James Bennett

2011-05-02T23:21:00.000+01:00

James Bennett was, I think, the first person I 'met' when I first joined an online writing group (many years ago now) and he's been a friend ever since. So I'm delighted to welcome him here today to talk about his re-launched novel, 'Unrequited', and about his thoughts on the writing process. And being the generous chap that he is (as well as a very good writer), there are also a number of signed copies on offer - see the details below.

Over to James...

Fiction & the cathartic tradition:

Thoughts on the creative process.

Good writing comes from the heart. On that most of us agree. The very idea of storytelling stems from experience, those deep, dark – and often colourful – roots that make us who we are. We laugh, cry, love, hate – and some of us? Well, we write.

The Greek philosopher Aristotle first used the word catharsis in relation to art, an actor in a play employing emotional energy for dramatic effect. On the stage, behind a mask, actors could express themselves and experience feelings outside their usual reality. Even today, we still view drama in the Ancient World as something more than mere entertainment.

In modern times, art still has the power to move us – a great piece of music or passage in a book prompting laughter, rage or floods of tears. The general belief behind such reactions is that the artists conveyed something of themselves, some indefinable magic that touches us, the audience, across space and time. If that magic succeeds, the audience responds to (or identifies with) the aforementioned catharsis.

The artists feel and so we feel. Art is a shared experience.

(Also a subjective one, because we respond in different ways. Describing beyond a shadow of a doubt what amounts to good or bad art remains a grey area – and a slippery one at that.)

The word catharsis derives from Greek, meaning ‘to purge’ or ‘to cleanse’, a word that originally had a medical use, referring to the evacuation of menstrual blood or other bodily fluids. In that usage, perhaps, we see the seeds of fiction, the bones of the creative arts, from inception to conception. Our experiences, our organ. Our influences, our womb. We fuck the page with words, striving for art that lives and breathes.

For most writers, one of the things that drives us is the hope of translating the raw imagination into lucid, legible form. Often, in our creative quest, we talk about ‘looking within’, ‘drawing on experience’, even describing our efforts in terms of ‘blood, sweat and tears’. All cathartic expressions.

Write what you know. What writer hasn’t groaned over that old saw? All the same, it still rings true. Write what you’ve observed and felt. Write what you’ve dreamed.

But catharsis isn’t all there is to it.

In his handbook Revising Fiction, David Madden describes the fallacy of expressive form, the conviction that ‘sufficiently intense feeling on the part of the poet will regularly produce adequate expression in the poem.’ (A Reader’s Guide to Literary Terms). Madden tells us that this is a ‘misconception’, a notion that the Guide supports:

‘This dependence upon imagination…deprives the poet of any external criteria, which are necessary if he is to know whether his work functions effectively for his readers.’

In the same book, Madden also explains autobiographical subjectivity and the autobiographical fallacy – in short that the very act of catharsis can blind a writer to the techniques, the objective framework, required to write a good story.

As Madden puts it: ‘That experience is so real, honest, and authentic, how can the words that express it fail to be? Words written under those conditions seldom are real, because writing is an artificial, unnatural act, which only the conscious art of fiction can make seem real.’

Madden cautions us against ‘making your own navel the centre of the universe’ because ‘nothing written on the me-rack can have any relevance for most readers’.

I mention the above to highlight the apparent paradox that lurks between catharsis and technique as they relate to writing fiction. If you will, raw expression vs. expressive form. The subject is close to my heart as I came to grapple with this issue firsthand during the writing of Unrequited. Today I launch a new edition, so it seemed timely to put my thoughts on the matter down on paper.

Unrequited, initially, was certainly a cathartic experience. I don’t think anyone who’s read the book can doubt that it came from a very dark place. For me, at least, the novel serves as a kind of fictionalised diary to a rather difficult period in my life. Heartbroken, shocked (and at the time, lacking any perspective on the matter), I was unable to relate what I felt even to my closest friends. I can’t remember who suggested I try to write about it (so much back then is a blur, happily consigned to fading memory), but somewhere in the fog, I must’ve taken that advice.

Unrequited started life as a journal, a memoir, if you like, of a disastrous – but ultimately edifying – relationship. In that, it was a self-indulgent endeavour and the writer in me soon came to see it, lying on my bed with X amount of hand-written, scrunched up sheets of A4 paper detailing X amount of perceived wrongs in purple, poison prose...

But what I lacked in objectivity, I seemed to have in imagination. A character was born that allowed me to take that objective stance. Later, I decided that only the elements of my story were actually interesting – the raw emotions, the prevailing themes of love and betrayal. And what was I doing anyway, ‘subconsciously’ writing fiction as an act of revenge? These were the primary sparks of my novel. At second glance, real life seemed fairly generic and boring on paper. Why limit my imagination with such a banal and feeble boundary as reality? No, it was the theme that mattered. The drama was the true adventure. As for the rest – build a bridge and get over it?

I’ve always said that Unrequited was the book that taught me how to write. In hindsight, I could’ve chosen a simpler subject for a debut novel, but translating that period of my life into a dark literary drama went some way – as it does for Aaron Edgeway in the book – toward helping me heal, albeit (and thankfully) in much less ominous circumstances.

In the three years since its release, I’ve been asked (several times) if I’ve gone to the same lengths as Aaron in order to get closure. I hope this post answers that question. My mother couldn’t finish the book, finding the sex scenes ‘much too vivid to read about your son’ (first person can be a funny thing). I even received some hate mail, cheerily hoping that I ‘died from AIDS’.

Having set out to write a passionate and disturbing tale – and one that hopefully flouts the tropes of stereotypical gay literature – I can only take these things as indications of success. In the end, Unrequited is a story about love, loss and twisted redemption. It was often painful to write. In the process, I came to see how catharsis meets technique in the creation of fiction, and how technique, for a writer, is a handy filter to catharsis. The two really do go hand in hand.

Yes, good writing comes from the heart. But perhaps good fiction comes from the art.

I can’t claim that I’ve achieved either, but I know that I’m still willing to learn, and I wanted to share my story with you.

Thanks for listening.

***

Competition!

To celebrate the new edition of Unrequited, there are 2 signed editions up for grabs.

Just complete the tag line below and post your answer with your name in the comments on this page. Winners will be drawn from a hat and announced via here and on the FB page on Friday 6^th May:

Love is ___?

***

About the book (you can read an excerpt of it here):

Aaron Edgeway lives in a ramshackle house in a provincial English town with his sick and abusive father. When he meets Victor, their romance quickly becomes an escape from the dreary prospects of his life. An escape that, unbeknownst to Victor, Aaron will do almost anything to protect. Aaron has secrets: a scandalous videotape unwittingly recorded at a drug dealer's party, and the unwanted affections of Alex Clay, his unruly best friend. Alex tries to free Aaron from blackmail and harassment, building a pressure-cooker atmosphere of desire and deceit. Trapped by a twist of fate, Aaron goes to lengths he never dreamed possible in order to preserve his romance with Victor. Unrequited details a descent into heartbreak and loss, and questions the dangers of love, and the things we do in order to heal ourselves. It is a bittersweet fairytale, an erotic and cautionary fable about revenge for anyone who has suffered from a broken heart.

Writing Advice

2011-04-29T15:29:00.000+01:00

I've been a professional, published, author/writer for a few years now, and for a few years before that I was a writer in search of publication. And in that time I've seen a lot of advice given to writers who want to be published. Some of it I've taken myself, sometimes it's been great and useful, and sometimes I've regretted it. That's not to say that a lot of the advice I've seen is wrong or bad (some is, of course), what I'm saying is a lot of it I don't necessarily agree with.

The thing with advice (and this applies to this post too) is that it can't help but be very general. And I think that's where my problem with it lies - because every writer, every publisher, every agent, every story, every magazine and every book is different and, as such, requires its own advice. It's its own thing.

So, here's my advice to those who want to be published. Take it or leave it. Most importantly - decide if it applies to you...

Stop worrying about being published. The most important thing - EVER - is the book you're writing. Make that book great. Publishers like great books (because they sell) so if you write a great book you're most certainly in with a chance.

So, how do you make it great? That's the trick. You write and read a lot. You practise. You don't give up - even when you're frustrated by your output (everyone writes rubbish every now and again - it's actually part of the process: the Good Stuff comes after) and even when you are and it's rejected. You keep going.

Most importantly: you write for YOU! It's your book after all. So write the book you want to write. Be true to it. Don't write something simply because you think a publisher, or your peers, will like it - make it good in your own way.

Don't be disheartened if you've been writing for ages and you feel as though you're getting nowhere. Nothing's lost. Nothing's wasted. You are building your talent. You are learning your craft. You are gaining experience.You are Getting Better.(You wouldn't expect to be a concert violinist after playing for a year - these things take time. And that's OK!)

Don't worry about building a following, or having a unique selling/marketing point. Sure, those things are helpful once you have a book out (from a publisher's and commercial point of view), but I think you'd be better of concentrating on writing a great book than building up a list of thousands of Twitter or blog followers.

There's an awful lot that's been said about having an established platform but I do worry that the search for that distracts a lot of writers. Let's not forget too that having a huge following doesn't automatically mean that your writing's good.

I've also seen a lot of people saying that you should have some sort of unique marketing slant a PR department can use. And, yes, that can be useful. But, in most cases, I'd guess that publishers would rather have a great book than a book (which ain't that good) written by someone interesting for whatever reason. Unless it's an autobiography.

Good books find readers. And readers find good books.

So, that's about it, I think.

Don't get distracted. Concentrate on writing something good, that you'd love and be proud of. Work hard. And trust yourself. You're probably a better judge than you realise.

And, you know - the whole publishing world, for all its foibles, is actually quite straight forward. Don't assume it's any more complicated than it is. When a publisher reads a submission, they ask, ultimately: will it sell? So, why not try to give them what they want?

***

You can also see my tips on writing short stories here, if you should so desire.

Order!

2011-04-27T17:07:00.000+01:00

I remember (very clearly!) how much hard work it was putting the stories of Not So Perfect in order. We (me and the wonderful Roast Books people) knew which story we wanted to start with and which we wanted to end with, and that was about it. Making sure what went between them flowed (for those who would read it in order) and making sure it was balanced and sensible was, well, it was not easy and it took an awful lot of time getting it right. (And I DO think we got it right, which is good.)

So. Not So Perfect has 22 stories in it.

Freaks!, the next book has 50. And they've been written with Someone Else, ie (should that not really be elle est??) the very lovely and superbly talented Caroline Smailes (more on that, and the process, to come I imagine).

50.

50 stories that needed putting in order.

We tackled the problem head on. We met yesterday morning and spent pretty much the whole day frowning, umming, arring, laying stories on the floor, arranging them, rearranging them, sometimes scratching our heads, and occasionally swearing. It was hard work. But we did it. In the end. Caroline didn't even need to shout at me once. (Huge thanks must go to the brilliant and generous Fabri, who let us borrow the upstairs of the cafe he runs where we had sufficient space to have fifty stories and their illustrations on the floor - it made things SO much easier. The lemonade helped too.)

So, Freaks! is nearly totally finished. There are still bits to do, illustrations to come in, edits to complete and things but, yesterday, for the first time, we got a proper idea of how the book will look. And I've got to say, I'm really, really excited about it.

And some pics...

The manuscript.

Pretty thick.

Scattered Stories

FINALLY! The stories in order! Go, us!

A Few Thoughts On Short Fiction

2011-04-20T19:48:00.000+01:00

A little while ago I was asked, by the super-ace, Clare Conlon, if I could give her some thoughts on short fiction. So I did. And here's her (rather splendid) article, at The Creative Times, which has a few of my words in it.

Anyway, I thought a few people here may be interested to see the whole thing I'd written. So here it is.

Feel free to disagree and to add your own thoughts. It's hardly a definitive piece (and nor is it any attempt to define what a short, short story is or isn't, because that'd be silly and have little point). As I said, I simply thought it may be of interest.

So here are a few of my thoughts:

I’ll be honest, I’m not a huge fan of the term ‘flash fiction’, for some reason it suggests, to me, that it’s something new and less significant than a proper short story (it’s almost apologetic), when it really, really isn’t. I prefer ‘short-short stories’ because that’s what they are. Kafka wrote them. Hemmingway wrote them. Chekov wrote them. Vonnegut wrote them. And that’s only naming a few, and that list goes to prove that they’re neither less significant than longer short stories or anything new.

To me, a story is as long as it is; it’s the writer’s job to find out what the story is and to tell it in the most appropriate and efficient way – be that long or short. A writer, in my opinion, should never be restricted by a form before the story’s written because then the story won’t develop naturally and be as good as it could, or should, be.

So, a story’s a story. Long or short doesn’t mean good or not as good. In this, the Digital Age, the shorter ones do have an opportunity to have a wider audience because they can be read between doing things, while commuting, while waiting for appointments or meetings – someone read one of mine while waiting at a set of traffic lights. And they can be mobile too – having something on your phone for instance (which is pretty much always with you) gives you the opportunity to read something without having to commit to bringing a book, or a number of books, out with you on the off-chance that you’ll fancy, and get chance to, read something from them. Convenience is a good thing!

MELISSA LEE-HOUGHTON INTERVIEW

2011-04-19T15:10:00.002+01:00

I'm thrilled to welcome Melissa Lee-Houghton to the blog today, to talk about her debut collection on poems, A Body Made of You (which sounds fab, by the way). Enjoy!

Hello and welcome, Melissa! It’s great to have you here. So, your debut collection of poems, ‘A Body Made Of You’ was published on April 1^st. How does it feel having a poetry collection out there?

On the run up to the book being published I felt so nervous and vulnerable, as though I was going to appear on tv naked. A lot of what I write comes from a place not even I am comfortable with. Having the book out there does however feel amazing, and I really want people to read the book and enjoy it, and connect with it. I feel like my book is a drop in the ocean, but I hope it will reach people. I don’t expect everyone to like the book, but I do imagine there is something in it for general poetry readers, the non poetry reader and discerning poetry readers alike. It is also a relief to see the book as a physical thing, in print, as it felt so fragile before, and I had invested so much, emotionally, into it. I feel more detached from it now in a strange way; I feel very happy to have achieved it.

Could you tell us a little about it? What kind of poems are in ‘A Body Made Of You?’

The book consists of fifteen portraits, a number of them sequences. The poems range widely, as did the portrait sitters; different people from all different walks of life. What brings them together is inquiry; what things make up a person, their personality, their sexuality and their experience. All of the poems explore intimacy in one form or another. There are some lavish and image-laden poems, there’s some more difficult and some sexually charged pieces, and there is sadness and some more minimal poems. It’s very varied. There are a couple of the poems on Peony Moon at the moment. ‘laid out’ is rich, not quite lucid and tender. ‘Rumi’ is tighter, and I wrote it in a more disciplined way. I think I went through so many fluctuations in style, mood and expression while writing the original draft that I surprised myself when it all started coming together.

And how do you write them? What’s your process? Where do you meet your muse?

The process for this particular book involved corresponding and interviewing the sitters, looking at photographs and in some cases, writing/artwork by the sitters. This was a vastly rewarding process for me. I worked intuitively on long sequences of poems, of up to ten poems in a sequence, for each sitter. I made many sketches and wrote many fragments, all of which I keep as the original text, the book is like all the best bits, a selection. I don’t need much to begin writing, a cup of tea and some silence normally suits me. I like to walk and let ideas roll around, and I have a lot of what I want to write in my mind generally, before I come to sit and write it. I think that ninety per cent of a poet’s work is thinking, and then there’s the writing and editing. I don’t tend to carry notebooks around with me or anything like that. I don’t often get taken by a line I have to get down on paper. I just have a theme or a question, a mood or an experience that I have on my mind for a while. I can save it all up for those moments when I find some space and let it all bleed out.

How would you describe a typical (if there’s such a thing) Melissa Lee-Houghton poem?

Intense. Stubborn. Emotionally tuned. I find that my work varies so much that there aren’t many typical aspects. With the portraits, my writing was intuitive, and the poems happened in concentrated bursts of inspiration that were quite overwhelming at times. I was so into the project at that time. It meant a great deal to me, so I pored over every word, until the poems would hardly budge. I suppose a lot of what I write is unsettling. Not written for the sake of being unsettling but I do like to touch a nerve.

What does the word ‘poem’ mean to you?

A poem, to me, is an exchange of language from one person to another whose interpretation depends on a myriad of things, all of which are subjective and all of which involve a gut reaction.

Any advice to any poets out there?

Learn to accept rejection. Take rejections with comments as a wholly positive thing. Editors don’t waste their time and if they have anything to say at all, that’s a good thing. Read widely, even if it’s not all poetry. Read as much as you can and be disciplined. Write regularly, all writing is good practice. Work primarily for yourself, don’t get caught up in worrying about where or if your work will be published while you are writing. The main thing is to have written anything at all. Poetry is not a means to an end, it is an end in itself. Enjoy your writing. It should be immensely pleasurable.

What’s next for you?

I am working on a second collection but this could literally be years in the making. I’m not forcing it, but have already written a good deal. I am really going to take my time with my work and see what happens. It’s best when I can surprise myself and go down avenues that aren’t predicted. I am a mum to two children and so have my work cut out at home. I also write short fiction and reviews, and wish that I could exploit the same discipline I have for my poems, with my stories. I’m a very lazy, pedantic fiction writer and I’m never satisfied with a draft. I’m happy with the thought that I can work on a second collection indefinitely, without pressure and hope that I can push myself further this time.

Anything you’d like to add?

The launch of A Body Made of You is on Saturday 23^rd April at 7.30pm at Nexus Art Cafe, Dale Street, Manchester. All are welcome and the event is free. I will be reading and signing copies and there will be readings from the stupendously talented Annie Clarkson and Michael Egan.

***

Melissa Lee-Houghton's poetry and short fiction have been published widely in magazines including Succour, Tears in the Fence, Magma and The New Writer. Her work is upcoming in Poetry Salzburg Review, La Reata and The Reader. She is a regular reviewer for The Short Review. Her debut poetry collection, A Body Made of You was released in April with Penned in the Margins. She lives in Blackburn, Lancashire.

...and you can find her blog here.

Soundtrack to my Life

2011-04-17T16:16:00.002+01:00

A couple of years ago I did this meme thingumy to come up with a soundtrack to my life. And it was fun. So, I thought, why not do it again? Just for a bit of fun.

So I did. And it produced some, err, interesting results - especially as a lot of the songs on there I don't listen to.

Anyone else care to join in?

So, here’s how it works:
1. Open your library (iTunes, Winamp, Media Player, iPod, etc)
2. Put it on shuffle
3. Press play
4. For every question, type the song that’s playing
5. When you go to a new question, press the next button
6. Don’t lie and try to pretend you’re cool…because you’re not!
7. Stick the soundtrack on your mp3 player and listen away during the day.

Opening Credits – Monday. Monday, The Mamas and The Papas
Waking Up – Badlands, Bruce Springsteen
First Day at School – Ruses D’Amour, scene III, Horia Andreescu and the Romanian State Orchestra (Glazunov)
Falling in Love – Just, Radiohead
Fight Song – What’s The Frequency Kenneth? R.E.M..
Breaking Up – Capital Radio 2, The Clash
Prom/Dance/Ball – Walk Like an Egyptian, The Bangles
Life's OK – Very Ape, Nirvana
Mental Breakdown – Welcome Home (Sanitarium), Metallica
Flashback – No Man’s Land (Green Fields of France), Eric Bogle
Getting Back Together – Falling, Catching, Agnes Obel
Birth of Child – Devil Tricks for a Bitch, Lightspeed Champion
Wedding – Brand New Cadillac, The Clash
Final Battle – Zozo Noir, Cedric Watson
Funeral Song – Bhindi Bhagee, Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros
End Credits – Disco 2000, Pulp

And here's a little Cedric Watson. There's something a little bit special that they DO still make 'em like this.

Sorry and Funny

2011-04-14T16:25:00.000+01:00

Only a little post today to assure you all that I am still alive and that I've just been a bit rubbish at blogging of late - mostly because I've not been very well (I have been bust writing too). But today is my last day of antibiotics (which, although they clearly help, are bloody 'orrible things), which is, as far as I'm concerned, a Very Good thing.

***

A massive thanks to those who've posted reviews of Not So Perfect on Amazon and Goodreads (et al), following my Twitter plea the other day. If anyone else would like to add them I would be eternally grateful. Seriously, if you've read and enjoyed Not So Perfect, please do spread the word - it really helps.

***

And, to sign off on an amusing note - I give you this: when collaborations in writing don't go exactly to plan.
It's an old one, but that doesn't make it any less funny.

My Life In Stories

2011-04-08T12:51:00.001+01:00

First up: stories. They are important, especially for a short story writer like me. Which probably goes without saying.

And today I'm over at the brilliant Dan Powell's blog talking about them - more specifically, I'm talking about My Life In Short Fiction, which is both an honour (I think Dan's blog is excellent, as is his writing - in my opinion he's one to watch) and and awful lot of fun. And if anyone can tell me what the GCSE deaf story is I might even send them a book.

***

What else? Well there's been a fair bit of behind the scenes work on FREAKS! which is shaping up so, so well. I am really, really pleased with it.

***

In other, not so great news, I've been a little under the weather with an infection that almost hospitalized me (I was stubborn and the doctor was kind and let me go home) when I first got it back in 2008. But, being no less stubborn today I have not let it effect my work too much. Writers can be tough at times.

And that's about it, I think. Well, it is for now.Except to say thanks to all for their Facebook and Twitter good wishes - they, of course, mean a lot.

Interview - Mark Hanks: Non Fiction And Household Tips

2011-04-06T13:15:00.002+01:00

I'm delighted to welcome Mark Hanks to the blog today, to talk about his latest book, the top ten best seller, 'Mum Knows Best' (Square Peg - Random House). It's an excellent book, useful and fun (even my mum thinks so, which is some endorsement), but I'll let him tell you about that - and more, including his expert tips on writing non-fiction...

Welcome to the blog, Mark. It’s pleasure to have you here. So, your book ‘Mum Knows Best’ - could you tell us a little about it? Who’s it for? What’s it about?

Hi Nik, pleasure to be here! The book is subtitled Exceedingly Helpful Household Tips, and harks back to a time when we didn’t use flashy and expensive products to keep our houses running smoothly. There are sections on cleaning, cooking, clothes care, mending things and generally keeping things tickety-boo!

Why did you (and your wife) write it?

We’re both fairly clueless when it comes to household chores, and thought it would be fun to find out how people did things in the past. It’s funny, once you start to discover novel, time and money saving methods of doing things, they become a lot less dreary. Also, we felt a book like this would go down well in the current economic climate – thrift is most definetly ‘in’ right now.

According to amazon, it’s ‘the perfect gift for every mother’ – do you really think that it’s something only mums can enjoy?

Not at all – anyone who has a life to lead and wants to put a bit of fun into household chores and save a few bob will find plenty of useful hints and tips in the book. It’s one of those books you can read to learn from or just dip in an out of.

What are your favourite couple of tips from the book?

Cutting delicate sponge cake with dental floss works a treat, and rubbing your hands with used coffee grounds in an amazing exfoliator! Also, pouring leftover cola down the loo will clean it amazingly. Also, a thick slice of bread is great for picking up small shards of broken glass from the floor. If your jewellery is dirty, toothpaste makes a great cleaner!

Could you tell us a little about your writing process?

It was simple really – first of all we asked our mums for old-fashioned tips, and secondly we acquired tons of books from the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s, read them and picked out tips that are still relevant today. Household manuals were much more common and popular back then so there was a wealth of information. We simply took the most interesting tips and put them into our own words.

Any tips for those who’d like to get into writing non-fiction books?

Yes. Number one is work hard on your synopsis and make your idea as clear as possible. Agents and publishers are very short on time, so if you can sum up your book in a sentence you are far more likely to catch someone’s eye. Also, you don’t need to finish a book before you submit it – a synopsis and decent first three chapters is often acceptable. It’s very hard to get published without an agent, so finding one will greatly increase your chances. They should not ask for money up front, nor take more than 15% of your advance or royalties. Agents understand contracts and will ensure you get the best possible deal for your book – Publishers can offer cheekily low advances to new authors, so it’s often worth negotiating!

Anything you’d like to add?

Write because you want to, but don’t think a publishing deal will make you rich, or bank on big royalty cheques. I’ve been writing for years and manage to earn a living, but have learned to assume an advance on any book will be all I receive. It’s a good idea to think of royalties as a nice surprise rather than a certainty.

***

Mark Hanks is the author of 12 books, including the popular Harry Oliver series. He lives and works in Bollington, Cheshire.

Comic Relief

2011-04-05T15:04:00.000+01:00

The superbly talented Darren Craske, who's illustrating my next collection, FREAKS! (co-written by the superbly talented and lovely Caroline Smailes, details here) has taken a little time out from his scribbling, sketching, inking and bringing our stories to life in such a brilliant way (seriously, just wait 'till you see the illustrations - they are bloody marvellous) to have a little fun. And what form has this form taken, you ask?

He's drawn us.

Yes. He's drawn the FREAKS! team.

Me, Caroline, and the man himself are now cartoon characters. There's sparkling princessy prettiness, there's someone with more than a passing resemblance to the great Buzz Lightyea (no bad thing, Darren, no bad thing), and there's me.

Scarily accurate, don't you think?

Ultimately Satisfying

2011-04-03T15:36:00.000+01:00

Really pleased to see Not So Perfect getting a lovely mention by Carys on her blog - she's reading and reviewing all the collections long listed for the Edge Hill Prize.

And that brings me to another thing. A cool thing. You know, we hear often that short story collections don't sell, and that no-one publishes them. The long list would suggest otherwise though, and that, for me, is a wonderful and encouraging thing.

Have a look. There are collections there from Tindal Street Press, Biscuit, Pewter Rose Press, Impress Books, Penguin, Salt, Seren, Bloomsbury, Virago, Random House, Parthian and, of course the brilliant Roast Books.

So short story collections are being published. I suppose maybe the trick is knowing where to look for them. So go on folks - look! And once you've looked, buy!

The Edge Hill Prize Long List

2011-03-30T18:30:00.000+01:00

Well, that was a nice surprise - finding out earlier that Not So Perfect has made it onto the Edge Hill Prize's long list.

Yes, very cool indeed. And I'm in some great company, as you'll see.

The site says:
'The unique accolade, now in its fifth year, is the UK's only literary award that recognises a published collection of short stories and has attracted entries from a number of distinguished writers and newcomers all competing for the winning title.'

which is true. And cool as well.

It's not been a bad couple of weeks for me, really, all things considered.

Babies, Be Kind

2011-03-28T15:21:00.000+01:00

Quick post here (I'm actually busy writing, writing, writing) - being a user and fan of Twitter, a fan of Charlie Brooker and someone who finds bullying in any form disgusting, I thought this article was brilliant. Go. Read. And babies, be kind.

Genius

2011-03-28T13:13:00.000+01:00

I thought this post from Alison Bacon was most interesting and well worth recommending; it's about Not So Perfect's format which is something that's been often mentioned but not really in this much detail. Interesting indeed. And pleasing. (And I must say that full credit absolutely must go to the wondrous Roast Books for that because it was all their idea.)

***

I thought I'd mention too that there are still a handful of £25 edits left. Details of how (and what!!) here.

Guest Post - Talli Roland: In Defence of Chicklit

2011-03-25T13:46:00.001Z

Another day, another guest post. I know, I'm so good to you! But only because you're good to me. Thanks SO much to everyone who's sent me nice things about my next book (see previous post).

So, over to the very lovely and very talented Talli Roland who, today, is in defence of Chicklit (which is just as well, because she writes it)...

In Defence of Chick Lit

‘What do you write, anyway?’ the academic asked, looking at me with interest (or a squinty eye, maybe?).

My hand slid across my mouth. ‘Um . . . chick lit,’ I mumbled.

‘Oh. All that pink, girly stuff with high heels and cupcakes.’ He backed away, as if curlicues would leap off me and contaminate his rigid Times New Roman.

As exaggerated as that scenario may seem, it’s one I’ve experienced in many forms over the past few years. While I can’t say I’m thrilled with others’ reactions to my chosen genre, what really gets me is my own apologetic stance when it comes to chick lit. I like cupcakes. I like high heels. And I love pink! And while chick lit – or romantic comedy, or light women’s fiction or whatever you want to call it – books may not be in the running for the next Nobel Prize, they are fast-paced and relevant reads.

So why do I sometimes mutter the phrase ‘chick lit’ as if I’m admitting to a STD?

Like many writers, I studied English Literature at school, slogging my way through the great tomes – and flying through authors such as Sophie Kinsella in my down time. I was supposed to be awed by the mastery of the world’s greatest writers, but instead I was just counting the minutes until I could get back to my chick lit. In a way, it felt like my dirty little literary secret: I’d hide the covers on the tube and shove them under my bed, away from enquiring eyes.

Well, no more. From here on in, I’m dropping the repentant tone and standing strong. I’m Talli Roland, and I’m proud to write chick lit!

You see, chick lit can be fluffy and fun, sweetness and light – all those wonderful things that make it so entertaining. But it can also take on more serious issues with wit and understanding. From kick-ass heroines conquering the world to warm, emotional storylines, it tackles a wide range of topics relevant to women – and men. Beyond the pastel covers lies some seriously good writing by authors I’d pit against Dickens any day.

So give curlicues a chance. Or, at the very least, don’t back away from me at a party when I mention chick lit!

Talli Roland has three loves in her life: rom coms, coffee and wine. Born and raised in Canada, Talli now lives in London, where she savours the great cultural life (coffee and wine). Despite training as a journalist, Talli soon found she preferred making up her own stories -- complete with happy endings.The Hating Game is her first novel and she is currently working on her second, Watching Willow Watts.

The Next Book: 'FREAKS!'

2011-03-23T14:35:00.002Z

The other day I signed the contract for my next book, and that’s something that never gets old, believe me. And that means that I’m finally able to tell you what it is.

I am delighted to say that ‘FREAKS!’ – a collection of short, short stories, co-written with the incredibly talented and very lovely Caroline Smailes, will be published early next year by The Friday Project (HarperCollins).

So, it’s co-authored. But that’s not the only thing that’s a little bit different about it. ‘FREAKS!’ is a collection of stories about people with superpowers, real or imagined – and each story (all 50 of them!) is illustrated, in the comic book style, by the supremely talented Darren Craske.

I am VERY excited about this, I really am.

I'll post more details on here when I can.

But, in the meantime: hooray! I am excited!

*

[added: here's what booktrade.info had to say.]

Guest Post - from Editor and Children's Author Gary Smailes

2011-03-21T12:41:00.002Z

I'm thrilled to welcome super talented editor AND author Gary Smailes back to the blog today (you can see our first chat here), to talk about his new series, BattleBooks and what lessons he's learned from writing them. Over to you, Gary...

3 Writing Lessons BattleBooks Taught Me And How They Can Help You

I live a duel existence, in the day I am a mild mannered editor and
co-owner of BubbleCow, but at
night I don my writing hat and slave away trying to write kids' books. Franklin Watts
recently released my latest book series called
BattleBooks. The best way to think about BattleBooks is, “Fighting
Fantasy meets battles.” They are Interactive Fiction
with a choice driven narrative plotting out four battles in four
separate books – Hasting, Arnhem, Iwo Jima and Marathon.
I have been a writer for a number of years. However, BattleBooks
are like no other book I have written and they taught me three vital
writing lessons. In this post I will show you how you can apply these
lessons to your own writing, allowing you to avoid writing poorly
researched, bloated and boring event driven narratives.

You Can Never Do Too Much Research

Just last week I was standing in the cold on a wet Saturday morning
watching my eldest lad play football. I chatted ideally to one of the
other dads as the kids slugged it out in the mud. The subject of
Battlebooks came up and he asked just how much time I had spent
researching the Arnhem book. I looked at him, smiled and said, “Longer
than it did to write the book.” I am sure he thought I was joking – I
wasn’t.
Before I had even written a word I had watched A Bridge too
Far through twice, read and re-read A Drop Too Many by
Major General John Frost, Arnhem by Lloyd Clark, Arnhem
1944 by Martin Middlebrook, 1951 Infantry Training
Handbook and two chapters of Liddell Hart’s History Of The
Second World War. I had also been on countless websites,
collected hundreds of digital photos and even used Google
Maps to accurately plot the landing zones and paths of advance, so
I could use Street View to get a soldier’s eye view. That’s all before
I typed even a single word.
The reason for all this research was simple – I needed to know the
details so I could be free to write. That’s the irony of research,
when you don’t know the answer to a questions, when you can’t
visualise the world you write about, it’s then that the lack of
research becomes a burden, anchoring your brain and limiting your
vision. When you know every detail, it frees you to write. Do I know
how many British paratroopers dropped on the opening day of the battle
of Arnhem? Yeah. Have I read the pre-drop briefing issued to these
troops? Yeah. Did I use either of these facts in the book? No.
However, knowing that I knew was enough to allow me to begin to think
like a paratrooper and start to have a feel for what he would do and
how he would react to events. The research freed my writing, after all
I was writing about people not facts and events.
Here’s three tips to getting the most out of your research:

Know the difference between specific and general:
These two types of research do two very different jobs. When you start
to research, and are looking to get a feel for the world, then this is
general research. Here films, novels and documentaries come
into their own. Once you have the wider feel, specific
research will allow you to form and then answer specific
questions.
Keep good notes: It is essential that you get
into the habit of keeping good notes. The key is to not only record
important information you learn, but make note of the information you
don’t know. This way you can move from the general to the specific
research with a much more targeted approach.
Form VERY specific questions: When looking for
the answer to a particular problem, it is essential you formulate very
specific questions. For example, if you were writing a scene on a
street in Victorian London and you wanted to know about lighting, the
question, ‘What did a London street look like at night in Victorian
Britain?’ is very difficult to answer. However, the question, ‘What
did a London street look like at night in 1867?’ is a better question,
but, 'In what year was gas lighting introduced to London?' is an even
better question and allows you to find a precise answer.

You can find out more tips in this blog post I wrote about
Researching You Novel.

Events Are Boring, How People React To Them Is Interesting

I worked with Terry
Deary, the writer of Horrible Histories, for many years. I would
often pester him for his secret to writing great kids’ books. On the
surface what he does seems so effortless, but having seen behind the
scenes I knew there was more going on. After one persistent exchange
of emails he finally divulged a nugget of information that has served
me well ever since. It was this, “Events are boring, how people react
to events is interesting.”
This advice has always stayed with me and when I started writing
BattleBooks I stuck a note on my computer monitor that said, ‘Write
about people.’ In Hastings, I worked hard to make William the
Conqueror, a real person. As you go through the battle, you are faced
with a stream of choices. As you react to these events, William moulds
and changes his character. One route sees him becoming more insane,
another has him heading for a nervous breakdown, a third sees him
puffing in confidence. The book is about how a leader will react in
battle, not the events of the battle.
Here are questions I consistently ask myself to ensure my writing
is about people not events:

How does the main character alter during each scene? What ‘state’
are they in at the start of the scene, how has this changed at the
end?
What conflict is the character facing in each scene (external or
internal)? How can I portray this to the reader?
What is the internal dialogue in the character’s head? Do the
character’s external actions follow the truth of their internal
dialogue?

Words Are Precious, Don’t Waste Them

When I first signed my book deal for BattleBooks with Franklin
Watts, I naturally spoke to the editor. When the question of word
count arose he calmly informed me that I had very little room to
manoeuvre and the books were ‘set’ at 100 sections, each with no more
than 300 words. Crap! A whole battle, with multiple streams of action,
all in a set number of words!
Writing to such a tight word count taught me that words are
precious. It was not long before I was able to strip sentences down to
their bare essentials. I would search for the best possible word to
describe a situation. I would self-edit, cutting out whole sentences
without a thought. The surprise was that every time I revisited a
section and pummelled it into submission, the removal of these flabby,
un-needed words, left shaper and better prose.
Here’s two tips you can use to pummel your prose:

Name Things: By giving an object an exact name
you, not only save words, but also sharpen the image in the reader’s
head. For example, the lead character in BattleBooks: Arnhem doesn’t
fire a sub-machine gun, he uses a Sten gun. His men fire, not rifles,
but Lee Enfield rifles. Naming objects, events and actions (does he
walk or shuffle), gives the writer the power to conjure images in the
reader’s mind.
Keep The Plot Moving: Every single word in every
BattleBooks does a job. It gives the reader important information
about an event, the plot or a character. There is no excess. Every
word that didn’t move the plot forward was killed and removed from the
text. Thousands of words became the casualty of my delete key. When
you write, don’t waste the reader’s attention, force the plot forward
with every single word and phase.

Next Step

If you take nothing else from the post, I would urge you to
remember what Terry Deary told me, “Events are boring, how people
react to events is interesting.” Revisit some of your own writing and
look at it with a critical eye. Are you writing about events or
people. Are your characters actions and reactions to events true to
their own internal struggle and dialogue? A character is not judged on
their words, but on their actions.

Winning

2011-03-18T19:14:00.000Z

A huge thanks to all who helped celebrate my blog's 1,000th post earlier in the week. It was a lot of fun, wasn't it? Thanks as well to all who recommended blogs - my google reader list has grown considerably. I especially loved this one, belonging to Katie Sokoler (watch the video and enjoy the 'shadow project' - wonderful).

So, as promised all the names of those who recommended blogs have been put into a hat. I have just pulled five out. And the five people who've won a signed copy of either of my books are:

Martin Reed

DebutNovelist

Downith

Katie Saxon

and Clare (Words and Fixtures).

Congratulations! If you could go here and let me have your addresses and let me know which book you'd like and what you'd like me to write in it, it would be most helpful.

Editing

2011-03-18T15:46:00.000Z

I'm over at the very lovely Dolly's place today, talking about editing.

I'll be making the draw for the winners of signed copies of my books later - there's still chance to enter should you want to. Here are the details.

Guest Post - Helping Young Cancer Sufferers

2011-03-17T13:21:00.000Z

Before we begin - just a note to say the 1000th blog post celebration is going here, so, you know, have a look if you fancy winning cool stuff. I'll announce the winners tomorrow evening. Or Saturday. We'll see.

***

I'm delighted to hand the blog over to Katie Saxon today. What she's doing is rather remarkable and I'm thrilled to be able to help in my own little way. I hope that, after reading this, you might too. So, over to you Katie...

"How Twitter is Helping Me to Support CLIC Sargent

A guest blog post from Katie Saxon, who is fundraising for CLIC Sargent, and blogging about it at www.TrekforHannah.co.uk

nikperring nikperring

Ooh. People are taking me up on my offer. I like it when a plan comes together. http://bit.ly/dqZcKH

It started innocently enough. I spotted a retweet on Twitter that was just begging to be clicked:

A mysterious tweet quoting The A Team, how could I resist?

And when I read the post in question, it just got better – in exchange for recommending a blog I like, I could win a Nik Perring story. So I left my comment, safe in the knowledge that I was in with a chance of winning something awesome.

And then something entirely unexpected happened.

Nik Perring visited my blog – he read what I had to say and he liked it. And he emailed me to see if I would like to write something for his blog. Something to promote what I’m doing, to shine a light on my little blog.

You see, my blog is all about the work I’m doing to support CLIC Sargent.

Last year one of the most wonderful and special people I will ever meet died of a brain tumour. Her name was Hannah, she was one of my best friends and I loved her to pieces.

In early 2009 Hannah started to act a little strange. At first we put it down to stress. She had a job she hated, and worse – a boss who seemed to have it in for her. Hannah suddenly seemed a little distant, complained of headaches and began to forget things. Big things. Like red traffic lights mean you have to stop driving.

We were worried, of course we were, but she was diagnosed with depression and was seeing a doctor regularly. Looking back it seems crazy that we didn’t realise something worse was happening, but, well, you don’t like to think things like this can happen.

Then, on Tuesday 5 May 2009, I looked at my phone. 5 missed calls from Emma, Hannah’s best friend. I had been in the shower for 10 minutes, what the hell was going on? So I called her and was greeted by sobbing. Hannah had had emergency surgery to remove a brain tumour.

The rest of the day was a blur of hospitals and waiting for what seemed like forever to see her. When I finally did see her, I spoke to her for all of 5 minutes, but I’d seen she was alive, and that was all I wanted.

By the end of the week we had heard the earth shattering news – the tumour was malignant and Hannah was going to die. The doctors gave her 6 months.

In the end she outlived their predictions, and lived for another 13 months. She died the week after her 25^th birthday – I still believe she was just too stubborn not to live til 25, just to prove those doctors wrong.

Throughout the 13 months all of her friends did all they could to help her enjoy life. There were trips, and secret cake binges. We pampered her, we went shopping with her, we tried to live life as if nothing had changed.

During this time Hannah always talked about a lady who would call her up to see how she was doing. She was always a little vague about who she was – a nurse maybe, or some kind of social worker?

She was clear that this lady was happy to gossip with her about life, whenever Hannah needed. That the lady wanted to help her do incredible things and achieve all of her goals.

One day, Hannah told us – absolutely horrified with herself – that she had asked the lady to arrange for her to jump out of a plane. “It just sounded like the sort of thing you’re meant to say” she wailed “I don’t want to jump out of a plane. Why didn’t I ask for tickets to London Fashion Week?!”

It was after Hannah died that we found out who this was. A CLIC Sargent support worker who was assigned to help Hannah and her family in any way they needed.

Whether it was arranging birthday treats for her in the hospice where she died, or simply talking to her parents, they were there. It’s so clear when you talk to Hannah’s parents how much they value CLIC Sargent, and how much this charity helped them through this devastating time.

And that’s when I finally tell you what I’m doing – you’ve been patient with me so far. CLIC Sargent is a charity that supports children and young adults with cancer. They help young cancer sufferers to get the most from life, and to rebuild their lives if they’re lucky enough to survive.

In April 2011 I’m going to walk the Great Wall of China to raise money for this great charity. Not all of it – just 35 miles (50km) over 5 days. I want to raise as much money as possible for the wonderful people, who took care of someone so special without once asking for thanks or attention.

Every day 10 families in the UK are told that they have cancer. CLIC Sargent helps each and every one, but they can only keep doing this with your support. So please, go to www.justgiving.com/TrekforHannah and sponsor me - every penny helps.

You might also like to read my blog www.TrekforHannah.co.uk if you want to follow my progress. You’ll find rants on brain tumour research, which is grossly underfunded, fundraising stories and ideas. And you’ll get an insight into the mind of a bereaved 20-something.

So without Twitter I would not be here sharing my story with you, spreading the word about CLIC Sargent and how I’m helping them. It’s amazing where a tweet can lead you."

1,000

2011-03-15T13:54:00.000Z

So, we're here. Finally. This is blog post number 1000!

(I warn you now, this post is a big one. But only because of all the free and discounted stuff I'm giving away!)

First off, thanks to all who've dropped by here to read, and an extra special thanks to those who've come back. I honestly wouldn't have kept at this were it not for you.

So, to celebrate...

This blog, as far as I'm concerned has always been about two things: me burbling on about things I find interesting, and trying to spread the word about good books and fiction and stuff.

So, here's what I would like you to do. Over this week, I'd like you to recommend a book/arts/writer's blog here. Put it in the comments with a link so people can see and visit (and they'll see your blogs too, of course).

And what do you get for doing this? I'll tell you what. You'll get the chance to win a signed copy of one of my books. Either my children's one, 'I Met a Roman Last Night, What Did You Do?' or my short story collection, 'Not So Perfect'. I'll pop names into a tin and pick them out at random (ie when I feel the urge). There will be five winners and I'll write whatever those winners would like me to in their books.

***

In my other job, I edit and give feedback on short stories. This usually costs £45. If you send in a story and include the passcode '1000' I'll do it for £25 (limited to the first 10, with the first one being FREE).

***

And here's a first (well, two firsts, actually!). I never post my own stories here, but as today's a little bit special I've decided to make an exception (well, two exceptions!).

Here's a never seen before story. And it's a love story. I think it's the only love story I've ever written and it feels kind of appropriate.

I Have Never Kissed You in a Taxi

Nik Perring

I have never kissed you in a taxi. It’s true and I tell you that. You say, ‘What?’ so I say it again.

I smile. Meet your eyes and I speak, all serious, like this really, really matters. I really think it does.

I tell you a second time. But before I do I shift closer, put a hand on yours to make my words heavy.

‘I have never kissed you in a taxi,’ I say.

You frown and smile at me, both at the same time. You say, ‘Really?’ and when I nod you go on, you continue, you say, ‘Is that really important?’

Important? Of course it’s important. It’s everything to me.

I want to kiss you everywhere.

I want to take you to Paris, take you up the Eifel Tower, right to the top and I want to kiss you there. I want to take you to Berlin and to Boston and to China – press my lips to yours by the Great Wall. I want to take you everywhere, to show the world that you’re mine, to them all just what we’ve got.

Then I say, ‘I’ve ordered a cab.’

‘When for?’ you ask.

I look at my watch and say, ‘About half an hour.’

You ask me where we’re going.

‘I don’t know,’ I reply. ‘It doesn’t matter.’

You do that smiling-frowning thing again. You look at me. ‘But I don’t know what to wear,’ you say, ‘and even if I did there isn’t enough time for me to get ready.’

‘That doesn’t matter either,’ I tell you, because what matters is kissing you in a taxi, because we’ve never done that before. Because I want to show you to the world.

And because I never want us to run out of places to kiss.

***

So, what are you waiting for?

Once again, a really heartfelt THANK YOU for reading and for your support. It means an awful, awful lot.

Looking forward to your blog suggestions.

Much love, thanks and appreciation,

Nik.

The Man With The Ridiculously Huge Coupon

2011-03-14T14:55:00.000Z

As you'll know, if you're a regular reader here, a few weeks ago I was guest editor for Smokelong. I got to read a ton of brilliant submissions (I blogged about it here) but was only allowed to pick one that they'd publish.

And here it is.

It's called 'The Man With The Ridiculously Huge Coupon' by Rolli and I think it's brilliant. Go see. Go enjoy.

(This, by the way, is Rolli.)
***

And my next post will be my 1000th here.It'll be up this week. It will be about Very Cool things. Don't touch that dial, as it were.

A Friend of a Friend

2011-03-11T15:49:00.000Z

Just a quick post to let you know that a friend of a friend is on the telly tonight, with what looks like a really, really interesting documentary on being a closet gay on a council estate where being gay was not accepted all that well. Looks good.

(Two more posts to go...)

Cool Stuff, Shared

2011-03-06T16:20:00.000Z

I've always seen this blog, since its inception nearly five years ago, not only as a place where I get to waffle on, but also as a place where good stuff, by good people, is shared. Today is no exception.

Allow me to point you in the direction of this week's Culture Show, where long time friend to the blog (and all round lovely person, not to mention brilliant writer) Jenn Ashworth makes an appearance. Very cool indeed.

Click thee here to view.

(Three more posts to go till exciting things happen...)

I Hope I'm Not Tempting Fate

2011-03-03T15:19:00.000Z

I've been very lucky as most of the reviews of my books have been pretty positive. I do realise, however, that it's not like that for everyone and I'm sure there'll be some negative ones at some point in the future. There's not much, as an author, that I can do about that - all I can do is write the best books I can. And that's what I try to do.

Anyway. I stumbled upon this yesterday and I think it should be required reading for anyone who wants to review books, and I doubt it'd hurt those who already do to have a look. It's the Ten Commandments of Book Reviewing and I think every one is spot on.

Any more you'd add to the list?

A Week Of Firsts (and we're into the top 5)

2011-02-28T15:55:00.000Z

Yes, that's right. Five posts to go before the big 1000 here. Watch this space. Cool stuff is being planned. And free stuff, which is probably better.

***

So, the firsts. Last night I stayed up and I watched The Oscars. I'll be honest, I was a bit disappointed and underwhelmed. It simply didn't seem that exciting, or glamorous or, well. Yes. It was a bit of a let down (Melissa Leo, Robert Downey Jnr, and Jeff Bridges aside - I also quite liked Kirk Douglas and was impossibly thankful that I didn't have to put up with anything remotely Gervais like and impressed that Russell Brand's appearance was fleeting).

But what I thought was the biggest let down was the length of time given to the winners to say thanks. Now, I know that there have been occasions in the past where certain people have gone on and on and on and on. But, come on, this is quite the thing for these people - it's quite the accolade - and I'd have liked to have seen a little more time given to the people who'd won stuff. It's their night, after all.

***

My other first is much more exciting. A few people have likened some of my stories to Murakami. I knew this was quite the compliment but I didn't quite get what they meant because I'd never actually read any of his work. My bad. I put that right this week and have started 'After Dark' which I am enjoying immensely. I very much like his style (and am even more flattered by the comparisons). More to come on that, I'm sure.

An Interesting Thing Happened Last Night

2011-02-24T15:24:00.000Z

Yesterday evening I met up with a friend of mine and his wife (who, I should say, is also a friend). My friend is a writer (of non-fic, but that's kind of irrelevant) and I got to see what happens to me SO often happen to him; I got to be an observer. It made for interesting watching and conversation afterwards.

So. We, the three of us, got into conversation with a pair of chaps who were up here for work.

'What do you do?' one asked my friend.

'I'm a writer,' he replied.

And then it came. That test. That demand for someone to justify, to prove himself.

'Are you published?' asked the chap. 'What books have you written?'

Now, there was absolutely no malice or anything like that in the chap's question. But as my friend said afterwards, when you say you're a writer you almost always have to back it up.

If, for instance, someone said they were a bus driver, I very much doubt that anyone would have followed it up with, 'Really? So have you driven any buses? Have you driven any buses I'd have heard of?'

Or, if someone was a car salesman I doubt whether they'd have been asked if they'd sold any cars. Fish monger? 'Monged any fish?' And so it goes on.

Now, this whole thing raises two interesting points, as far as I'm concerned.

The first being that it can be frustrating to have to justify one's occupation (let's not forget that being a writer doesn't necessarily mean one writes books...). I AM a writer, I shouldn't have to give evidence - or should I? I know I've felt that often there's a level of suspicion when I tell people what I do (in fact, as an aside, I remember saying a little while ago, that I might stop telling people I write books because they often expect me to be far more interesting than I actually am).

(The second part of the first point is: writers can be grumpy and often mistake genuine interest for this supposed demand for evidence.)

Second point: what about those who call themselves writers but have yet to be published? Does someone asking them to prove themselves compound the worries and stresses they'll already have? Does it make them feel like failures? If it does, then does that mean that unpublished folk shouldn't say they're writers/novelists etc until they have something in print?

I'm not sure I know the answers to any of these questions and I'm certainly not suggesting that writers are being picked on - these are just some thoughts I've had that I thought I'd put out there. I'd be curious to know what you folks thought...

***

(6 to go...)

Yours

2011-02-22T14:02:00.000Z

I am a little bit in love with this at the moment. I think it's fab. And I like sharing. Enjoy!

(7 to go...)

8 To Go

2011-02-21T16:19:00.000Z

So. Only eight posts to go before I hit the 1,000 post mark. Wowsers. And I think I know what I'll do to celebrate. More of that closer to the time, though you can rest assured that it'll be pretty good. There will be discounts, there will be give aways, there will be signed books up for grabs and, most importantly (because we're all in this together) there will be sharing (and you, dear readers, I hope, will be very much involved).

As I say, more soon.

***

For now I'd like to point you in the direction of, the lovely, Jenny Beattie's blog, where she's had some pretty lovely things to say about Not So Perfect - which is always an ace thing to read - especially as she's very much GOT it. So, a rather big thank you to her.

(Incidentally, if anyone would like to share what they've thought of Not So Perfect on amazon, then I shall not stand in their way. Don't feel you have to but if you did you'd be doing me, and the book, a favour.)

My Friend's In a Huff

2011-02-17T15:57:00.001Z

How cool is this? My friend, the very talented, Harry Oliver is in The Huffington Post today, talking about one of his books and the origins of expressions. It's rather interesting stuff. Go see.

And more of Harry's books here.

(9 posts to go...)

Things Like This Make Me Happy

2011-02-16T14:31:00.001Z

I am a big believer in sharing. I like the idea of sharing good stuff, of helping to spread the good word of good literature. That kind of thing. And I try to do it on here, as much as I can. (This blog isn't always only about me, I hope!)

That's why seeing this kind of thing makes me happy. Not just because MY book's on there, but because it's on there with others, for people to see. A big thank you to top bookseller and brilliant writer (and, no, I'm not just saying that - it is very much true) Sara Crowley for taking the time to do things like this and also for posting pics like this one... (She didn't have to, you know.)

***

(Only 10 posts to go till the 1000th now...)

If You're Alone Today, It's All Right

2011-02-14T18:56:00.002Z

(11 to go...)

V Day

2011-02-14T14:07:00.000Z

So, it's that day when greetings cards companies are about as happy as they get. Oh yeah, and people talk about, and celebrate, that crazy little thing called love. Which is no bad thing. It makes the world go 'round after all, doesn't it?

Now, anyone who's read my stories or my books may have noticed that I don't do love stories. Not in the traditional sense. Mostly, when love's involved, it's in some sort of tragic way. I'm not very good at love - and I have tried. And that's why, perhaps, I have so much admiration for anyone who CAN do love well.

So, in the spirit of that, and in the spirit of Valentine's Day. Here's love done, in my opinion, very well.

First up, Jaymay. I LOVE the words here and the story as much as the sentiment. If I were to ever get married I think this might be a strong contender for first dance.

And then there's this. I don't think it matters which version you listen to, it's simply a beautiful, beautiful thing. I think an old Johnny Cash singing it gives it a little extra. It feels as though he's had years to know that this is exactly how he feels.

Any other suggestions?

***

And only 12 posts to go now, till the big 1000!

Your Suggestions Please

2011-02-10T12:51:00.000Z

As I mentioned briefly yesterday, I noticed that I'm not too far off the 1000th entry here, on the blog.When I started it (to babble on about this book) in 2006 I think I kind of hoped I'd still have something to say a few posts/years down the line. And I'm very, very lucky because I have. And I'm very, very lucky because you folks keep coming back here and reading what I have to say (or should that be: indulging me?).

Anyway, without wanting to come across as arrogant or anything horrid like that, and to show my appreciation to everyone who's read what I've had to say here on my little old blog, I'd like to do something to mark the occasion. I'd like to celebrate it with you.

So, if anyone has any suggestions as to how we might celebrate this (mid-sized) milestone - do leave a comment.

And, if there's anything you'd like to see here, or for me to talk about, then let me know. I'll do my best to oblige.

(I've just had a look at the first few posts I did and found this photo, from the August of 2006. I doubt that suit still fits me.)

13 posts to go...

Nearly 1000

2011-02-09T23:17:00.000Z

I've just noticed that in fourteen more posts I'll have hit 1000. Which is a lot. Any idea on how we can celebrate? Come on, let's have some suggestions...

Nearly 80 and Rejections

2011-02-07T17:51:00.002Z

No. The title does not relate to how old I might be feeling. I'm actually feeling rather well at the moment. Let's hope that lasts.

"Nearly 80" refers to the number of stories I've read over the past seven days, while being Guest Editor at the wonderful Smokelong Quarterly. I enjoyed it enormously, mostly, because the majority of those stories were really, really good, if not excellent. Which makes picking a winner very difficult. You will have to wait until the middle of next month to see which I picked.

What I wanted to say though - and this is An Important Thing, for any writer - is that even really excellent stories get rejected and being rejected isn't necessarily a reflection of a story's quality. Sometimes, of course, it is - and that's an easy thing to fix: keep writing and keep improving. But what to say to the writers of good stuff that, despite it being good has been rejected? Mostly: don't take it personally. Look for potential new homes for it and accept that, sometimes, it's not what an editor's looking for. Simple as that.

Of course, you should look at your story again and see if it can be improved, whether or not you've achieved what you wanted to achieve with it. And you should probably call the person who rejected it an idiot. I'm fine with that.

But don't, whatever you do, give up.

Someone said to me once that 'getting rejections means you're a writer' and they were right.

So, thanks to all who sent things in and I'm sorry if I've disappointed people in rejecting them. But at least I know that everyone I did say 'no' to is a writer. And that can't be too bad a thing, surely...!

News

2011-02-06T15:58:00.000Z

The very lovely Claire Marriott has a piece in the current issue of Writers' News about the evolution of language. It's a good piece, and interesting. And there's a bit from me in there too, on why I'm drawn to short fiction.

And I said (among other things you'll have to buy the magazine to see..) this:

"I like that, in the short form, we're able, as writers and as readers, to get right to the point. We have the opportunity to tell the story of a moment, or a series of moments, efficiently and in one sitting. Often, the stories are exactly as long as the moments they're telling and I think that means that they can be effective, affecting and - I hope - accessible and, in some way, familiar. It's a bit like a first kiss - it may not last all that long but it stays with us for a long, long time."

I just thought I'd mention it.

Busy, busy

2011-02-05T18:48:00.000Z

Well, I've been reading stories for Smokelong for six days now and I've been terribly impressed by the quality of what's been sent in. Picking one winner is going to be very, very difficult. But there are still a couple of days to go so, you know, you still have chance to have something considered. Just saying...

And We're Off

2011-01-31T15:29:00.001Z

Just a quick one to let you know that submissions for my week of reading for Smokelong Quarterly are open. So, send me something brilliant please. Before next Monday.

And whoever's story I choose gets a copy of Not So Perfect. What's not to like?

And as a brief aside - please could you not tell me when you've sent something in. I need to be totally impartial and have absolutely no clue who's written what.

Get to it!

Editing for Smokelong

2011-01-27T18:34:00.000Z

Next week, for one week starting Monday, I'll be the guest editor over at the wonderful Smokelong Quarterly.

It is an honour. Smokelong has been about my favourite place for short fiction for a good few years. The stories they publish are consistently brilliant and interesting. It's a quality place. I can still remember how thrilled I was when they published one of my stories.

So, if you've got something (which is less than 1000 words) that you think is particularly brilliant, why not send it in? I'd love to read it.

You can read the guidelines here. And here's one of my favourite stories that have appeared there recently. It's called 'Pregnant With Peanut Butter' by the brilliant Michael Czyzniejewski.

Good luck!

Stories + Moving Pictures

2011-01-25T12:50:00.000Z

I'm a pretty big fan of stories. This should not surprise you, I know. And I don't only mean written ones. Stories are everywhere: in life, on the streets of towns and cities and in people's houses and heads; they're in films and on radio and just about everywhere. And that's exciting. Mostly, because a lot of them are waiting and wanting to be found.

But today, I'd like to focus on films. I don't watch as many films as I should (not a conscious decision, it's just how things are) and I thought I'd mention a few I've watched recently that I've thought excellent and that you may just want to check, if you've not done already. (Actually, if you have, it's nice to know what you thought...)

So...

and an old favourite

Him And His Shorts

2011-01-21T18:25:00.000Z

Rather thrilled to be mentioned here. And mentioned in the same sentence as Murakami no less. Cripes.

(I'm just looking forward to him reading Aimee Bender.)

(And, nope, no word from Jaymay. Yet...)

Romance Isn't Dead

2011-01-20T14:05:00.000Z

Confession/Disclaimer: I am a little bit in love with Jaymay.*

I have been listening to, and loving, her music for a little while now and I think I know why (her album's here by the way - I would recommend it highly). Sometimes art simply works. But I think it rarely (if ever) works without reason. There has to be craft there and there has to be truth. There has to be that special, that magical, that certain something. And all that has to appear to be effortless. And it has to move me (a person) in some way. It has to feel right in what it is.

And Jaymay's music does that. It's brilliant and it's moving and there's a universal truthfulness to it.

Take this one, 'Rock, Scissors, Paper'. Listen to it. And I mean listen to the words. There's a story there. It's a story. A good story.

It simply works. Magic, see!

*And if Jaymay ever happens to be reading this and ever happens to be in the UK and at a loose end, then she is more than welcome to join me for coffee and conversation about art and stories and, well, whatever she likes.