If actors are ‘between jobs’ I’m in the pleasant position of being between holidays, last week in a chilly North Wales (pictured is Beaumaris, Anglesey, whose pint-sized pier must have one of the best views ever) and next week to sunny (we hope) Spain. Being similarly poised between novels it’s also a good time to get in some reading, and for those in Bologna who enquired, I’ll be taking with me Margaret Drabble’s Sea Lady (as recommended by Juliet Doyle), and a Philippa Gregory historical (for my local library book group). Next on my list, but so far not in my possession, is Playing with the Moon, by Eliza Graham. It was recently listed in the World Book Day promotion and has apparently now been picked as a Borders choice. Apart from the fact that it comes well recommended, PWTM is also from the Macmillan New Writers stable. MNW offers a new publishing model intended to encourage and promote previously unpublished writers. I sent off New History to them a very long time ago and although I don’t hold out a great deal of hope (Will Atkins, writing in the latest Writing Magazine explains they get 8000 submissions a year of which 30 may get taken up!) I’m more than curious to read one that has made the grade.
Oops – forgot to mention my other holiday choice – Winter in Madrid, which my wonderful local library has just obtained for me. It’s always good to be reading something that resonates with the surroundings (if not the weather!) Time to check the baggage allowance?
Ali Bacon / Books and Other Things 