Taking a particular interest in introspective novels at the moment, in which I include Roddy Doyle’s Paula Spencer, a highly skilled and totally believable piece of writing, the only problem being that a blow by blow account of Paula’s rather dismal life, despite its momentary triumphs and disasters, just didn’t really appeal to me as … Continue reading Twentieth Century Blues
I’ve only ever read one title from Snowbooks (it could have been two but a gargantuan tome on Schuman defeated me)and that’s the admirable Needle in the Blood, but I do think their blog is excellent. There’s something added every day (including weekends!) and it’s always worth a look. Tuesday was no exception with Emma … Continue reading Of snow and spreadsheets
My reading fest in Spain was highly enjoyable, though I preferred my old favourites to the new voices I took along. Margaret Drabble’s Sea Lady is an absorbing and evocative read. No big surprises in the plot, but a sheer delight for the beauty of the language and the air of quiet reflection, which is … Continue reading Writers old and new
Sometimes Mslexia lies neglected on the coffee table for a few days, other times I leap on it and devour it in one. This month I’ve left the creative writing for a quiet moment, but spent an industrious evening checking out all the notices and links with a view to getting more work out there – and … Continue reading On Pygmygiant’s shoulders
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 … Continue reading Points in between
Ali Bacon, Author 