Last week my eye was drawn to a two-inch column about an independent book store in peril. But this was not just any book store: it was (allegedly) the book store immortalised in the film, Notting Hill – you know, the role-reversal scene. Perhaps with a gathering of celebrities endorsements, the doors will be saved from closing. But why…
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Speaking yesterday at the Writers’ and Artists’ Conference, Chair RICHARD CHARKIN presented a gloomy picture of  publishing today. With sales over the last 12 months in free-fall, the number one bestselling book of 2010 was… A Simples Life. I have my own grudge against the world of insurance, but loosing out to a meerkat in a silk…
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Earlier this week, interviewed by Morgen Bailey, I was asked if listen to music while writing. I replied – a little pompously – that I need complete silence so I can concentrate. When the Metro (Wednesday, June 8, 60 second interview) put the same question to Joe Hill (son of Stephen King) he told them, ‘I don’t listen to…
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Congratulations to this year’s Orange Prize winner, Tea Obreht, for her novel, The Tiger’s Wife. Established in 1996, the Orange Award aims to celebrate and promote fiction by women in the English language. Any woman writing in English, whatever her nationality, country of residence, age or subject of choice, is eligible. Born in 1985 in the former Yugoslavia, Tea…
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It is always rewarding to share experiences with fellow writers. Yesterday I was interviewed about my writing and the experience of winning the Daily Mail First Novel Award by Morgen Bailey, whose web site showcases her own work, provides writing tips and features guest authors. A wide range of genres are represented on the site and and you can hear the…
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I applaud the BBC’s decision to dedicate a monthly review show to books. Whilst I have previously ranted about the Channel 4 equivalent, this was a well-produced and intelligent programme. Kirsty Wark chaired discussion in the studio, where the panel included Germaine Greer and Daisy Goodwin, Bettany Hughes presented the short-list for this year’s Orange Prize, Lionel Shriver described her experience of having…
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Our sense that something is ours often has little to do with ownership. In 2007, influenced by the tearing down of my old middle school (not the use of ‘my’), during the writing of Half-truths and White Lies, I allowed Peter to voice my emotions. “I walk past the double glazing and the paved-over front gardens to…
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This is a short piece I have written in reaction to this week’s announcement that Waterstones is to be bought by Alexander Mamut’s A&NN Group, and James Daunt’s wish to give bookshops local appeal: In Memory of my Mother, the Book-Diviner My Mother bought books she didn’t read. Entering our local bookstore with the patience of a water…
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A visit to Churchill’s home at Chartwell was a reminder that the great man earned his living as a journalist, and that his talents as a wordsmith earned him a Nobel Prize for Literature. I thought I would share a few of his thoughts on writing with you. 1908, 17th February, Athors’ Club, London – To…
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