If fiction is a well-known form of escapism (and today I think most of us could do with a bit of that) I’m retreating from the news in another direction, by climbing the stairs to an ivory tower. Not that I’m involved in any serious academic research, but cogitations on my third novel and one … Continue reading Academic e-books. What’s the problem?
This week I was delighted to read Emma Darwin’s post with advice on prologues, particularly as it confirmed my own somewhat jaundiced view that a prologue is more likely to hold-up proceedings that engage the reader, and even a good one is a risk, at least for a wannabe author. Then, lo, up popped an … Continue reading Warning: epilogues can damage your imagination
So, according to Penelope Lively speaking at the Ways with Words Festival, e-books are for “bloodless nerds” and something no “no self-respecting bibliophile” should want. Although Lively goes on to concede an e-book reader might have its uses, her reaction strikes me as a surprisingly strong and atypical of anyone I know (none of whom … Continue reading Bloodless nerd or bibliophile?
I’ve always had a lot of respect for Timeout Guides, but for anyone about to set out for Florence (gem of the renaissance, mecca for leather lovers – that’s handbags by the way) here are a few things we found out the hard way. Mosquitos are rife in June/July and both my companions can testify … Continue reading Beyond the guide book
