Sunday, July 05, 2009

What I Did Today + What's Coming Up

Well, so much for a lazy Sunday (which I'd planned). I took off after lunch, with this book, Niki Aguirre's 29 Ways to Drown and a notebook and headed off to a cafe. I read some stories and then I drafted a set of questions for the next author I'll be interviewing for the blog. And I really enjoyed it - it's a great way to look at writing differently, from a different angle, and it's really good fun; definitely a perk to being a writer and a blogger.

And the list of interviewees is growing. Expect to hear from a children's author, a short story author, a poet, a novelist and more over the next few weeks and months. I know. With these interviews I am spoiling you, and I'm very happy to do so.

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And while I was writing, some Local Wisdom was occuring nearby - which looked particularly exciting (the lovely Fiona blogs about it here).

Saturday, July 04, 2009

London Lists: A Brief Post



Received the handouts from last Friday's Tales of the Decongested yesterday (thanks Martin), which contained my story, Lists (which originally appeared in Dogmatika) and that made me happy. Apologies for the poor quality (the iPhone's camera isn't its best feature) and apologies for the top one being on its end (Blogger knows best, doesn't it).

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And talking of short fiction, the July issue of The Short Review's up - it's a good un.

Thursday, July 02, 2009

Vanessa Gebbie Interview


It's interview time again! It's a genuine thrill to welcome Vanessa Gebbie to my blog. So. Let's get to it...


 

Vanessa Gebbie: short story writer, author of a collection, prize-winner, judge, poet – there are so many things I could call you (all of them nice); which describes you best? 


Dear Nik, I like the word ‘writer’. It’s simple. A bit like me.  I still find it amazing that I have a book out there with my name on it, and another in the pipeline.  I enjoy this journey, mostly, whatever happens round the next corner.  I am enjoying the teaching as much as anything at the moment, and have some exciting gigs coming up – Ipswich, Ireland, Somerset, Kent, Southampton, Dorset, and I’ve just accepted an invitation to do a workshop in Hertfordshire in the New Year.  I’m seeing a bit of these islands as I go.

 ‘Those who can’t do, teach,’ they say. Yep, I’ve met some crap writing ‘teachers’. And some stunningly good ones.  And very special ones who can both teach AND write. Viz the forthcoming text book, ‘Short Circuit’! I would like to be OK at both.

 

Tell us about you.

Eek. Whaddyooo mean, tellyoo about moi? I am a perfickly Nordinary Human Bean. The sort that masquerades as a chubby old bat with a big grin. This farticular Human Bean lives in a village in Sussex, with a load of blokes. Nah. Nothing like that (snigger) - merely an espoused one, a son one and a  cat who is also a bloke or was until he was deknackered.

 

What does the word ‘story’ mean to you?

Once upon a time there was a deep dark cave. And in this deep dark cave lived a lot of deep dark people.  And these deep dark people were utterly fed up of living in the dark so they sent forth one of their number (I believe it was Number 46,) to discover light.

Number 46 left the cave at the dead of night (memo to self, why do we say ‘dead’ of night?) and travelled east, carrying nothing but a large bag made of reindeer skin.  In the east he had many many adventures. Then he travelled to the west, still carrying the large bag made of reindeer skin. In the west he had even more adventures. Then, still carrying the large bag made of reindeer skin, he travelled to the north. But it was cold. So he travelled south to warm up and on his way he passed this deep dark cave, which looked very familiar. So Number 46 entered the deep dark cave.

‘Who are you?’ chorused the deep dark inhabitants.

He thought for a while. “Ah. Number 46?”

“Great. We have waited for a very long, very deep dark time, actually,”  said the inhabitants. “Where’ve you been, and what have you been doing, and did you find the light we sent you out for?”

“No idea,” said Number 46. But I had some walloping great adventures, and I got hot, and cold. It was quite something.”

“Cor,” went up the chorus, “Walloping great adventures? What were they? Hot, what’s that? Cold? What’s that?”

Then Number 46 put down his large bag made of reindeerskin, and invited them to sit round in the deep dark, and he began to tell them of his adventures. He talked for many days, and he told them about the east, and the west. About the north where it was cold, and the south, where it was hot. And when he’d finished, there was silence for a moment. Then a small voice (the latest arrival, Number 103.5, probably) chirped, ‘More, please…’

So Number 46 carried on telling his adventures. And when he ran out of what really happened, he made them up. And know something?

He’s still talking.


.

(PS. And what was in the large reindeerskin bag? I have no idea. It wasn’t mine, it was his..)

 

And the word ‘writer’?

Someone who can’t think of a studious and clever answer to “What does the word story mean to you?” so makes up a story to answer it.

 

What’s wrong with most writing these days?

It’s not FUN. As in original, different, engaging you, challenging you. It’s samey. You’ve met it before.  And however good it is technically, if you’ve met it before, it’s not FUN even if it is sad. There is no joy in the stuff. Is there?

It takes nutters who create boys who dream about Romans in their sleep, or nutters who create ladies who set up cafés at the South Pole to come to terms with loss, or nutters who are brave enough (because that’s what it IS!) to write something different, without knowing if it is ‘OK’, or ‘will sell’ or if  ‘THEY will like it’ because it is what they love themselves. The world of writing needs more brave nutters, please.

 

(A question from Jo Cooper) Where’s the most unusual place you’ve found inspiration for a story?

Thank you Jo Cooper. 

1) When a train stopped in an old tunnel and there was just enough light to see the grime on the walls, and places where you could still see the old bricks.

And:

2) Hearing a piano being tuned, from an upper floor window in Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego.

And

3) Visiting a tin mine in Cornwall, and reading about an old piece of machinery.

 

Jo also wonders: How do you keep writing and personal life separate? She says ‘I write about what’s going on in my life and struggle to develop ideas as I just want to write about me!’

Very good question. I know many writers who write about themselves, and manage to turn it into sparkling fiction. I don’t think I am interesting enough for that. So I weave a coat of stories to hide behind. My friends and family know the me without the stories. Other writers see the words. But there is nothing to say you can’t write about you if that’s what you want to do! And as for ideas – unless you want to stick 100% to actual events, and are writing a memoir,  try spinning the character that is ‘you’ up and out until that character lives and breathes something different to your everyday life.  Try it! Make them face something that ‘you’ never have, and see what they do.

 

What’s the best way for someone to become a good writer? Any tips or advice?

What do you mean by ‘good’? Do you mean RICH? In which case, find the blockbusters, read those, and write similar stuff. Then find a niche in those styles, and try to create something similar but different. The publishers will love you, and I will wait for the invitation to your new mansion.

Do you mean HIGH QUALITY? Then you need to work like stink. Read high quality work. Every day. Find a group of like-minded people, and work together. Critique each others work honestly. NEVER say ‘Ooh I like this, its good.’ Tell them WHY. Find the things that don’t work, and tell them. Over and over and over. In time, you will begin to avoid putting the mistakes in your own work. And your work will become ‘good’. And mostly, you will not be rich, but will need to sell your body on the streets to eat. (50p goes a long way.)

Find a good teacher. Someone whose own work makes you WANT to write. And learn with them.

 

Do you have any bad writing habits?

Yes. I am lazy, I am a butterfly. I say ‘yes’ too much.  I am inconsistent.  I don’t read enough. I lose confidence very easily.

 

What’s the Vanessa Gebbie Writing Process?

Wake up with good idea in head. Clean teeth, check emails, make tea, toast, read paper. Try to remember what good idea was. Fail.

Open piece of work from yesterday and turn to the sentence I stopped at. Look at said sentence.  Go back to the beginning of the piece, (as I did yesterday, and the day before)… and read it over for sounds. Dislike the lovely new sentence I invented yesterday and change it. Aware that I will change it again tomorrow.

Find a place where a character walks into a room. Place cursor on right place. Switch off the screen. Type like hell. Go and make coffee.

Switch screen back on, drinking coffee. Read back what I wrote with screen off.  Thank the character for doing things I would never have consciously created. Thank lucky stars that I am not a plot-driven writer.

Check word count. Write a few more pieces in the same manner as the first – screen off. (It cuts out the feedback loop.) Discover that some of the things that the characters do makes perfect sense. Edit, deleting bits I do not like.

Check word count and find I have less words than yesterday.

Invent  a few lies for when people ask ‘And how’s the novel going?’


Do short stories matter? Why? Or why not? 

Yes.  Silly question. All fiction matters. Sometimes more than non-fiction. It is good for the soul, the psyche, the spirit, the heart.


The internet + literature = Thriller,  killer


Anyone who writes short stories, or has spent any amount of time on internet writing forums,  is used to (and probably sick to the back teeth of) hearing ‘short stories don’t sell’ – do you think this is true? Do you think that perhaps they don’t sell because of that mantra? Self perpetuation?

 

Of course they sell. The internet is chocca. Many places pay. They don’t sell for MUCH, but that wasn’t the question. If you are picky, if you don’t let your work go for nothing, you can get the odd sou. Enough to buy a stamp for the next submission.  If you want more dosh, aim at the good comps. Work at it. Learn what wins and what doesn’t.  And cross your fingers that the readers like your work.

Enjoy the opportunities afforded by the internet. But don’t become its slave.

 

You’re published by the wonderful Salt. How’s that been?

Fantastic. I love them to bits. The books are beautiful objects, and as the daughter of a librarian, that mattered to me. I would not have wanted a half-baked product. You have to work hard yourself at publicising your book. That is good. I have learned SUCH a lot thanks to having to do all that stuff. And they are prepared to take risks. I like that, hugely.

Salt are a very important part of the publishing world in this country. Without them, a lot would be lost – to writers  and to readers.

In the midst of the recent ‘Just One Book’ campaign, I was incensed to read intelligent writers arguing that Salt should be allowed to fold. There was no good reason given. Because there isn’t one.

 

Katie McCullough asks: Are there any reoccurring themes or characters in your work?

Yes, Katie, lots. The stories in my collection Words from a Glass Bubble are mostly those which have won prizes for me, and it is interesting to note that prizes are not often given to rip-roaringly funny stories. These stories deal with loss, atonement, miscommunication, love, death.  They are not without lightness though. I had a lovely re view from Mslexia which praised the humorous element therein.


And if we’re talking about themes, are there any that are always present in your writing?

Not ‘always’, no, I don’t think so. Although having said that I find I am often drawn to explore characters who are on the edges of communities, people who are not the ‘movers and shakers’ but who are far more meaningful in many ways than the characters who reckon they are veeeery important..(we’ve all met those!)

 

Is there anything that stops you writing?

Sleep.

 

Talk to us about this word: Rejection.

Seriously. From the point of view of an adopted adult who has experienced the greatest rejection possible on the planet, a few people not wanting to print a short story is, in the words of the prophet, a piece of piss. But I still don’t like it! I DO however, not get arsy. I am an editor too. I can’t publish everything I’m sent, much as I’d like to. Learning to accept rejections gracefully is an important lesson for any newbie writer. They should seek them out actively.  Knock those corners off!


Everyone who writes should...

Be able to accept rejection.

Actually WRITE, not talk about it.

 

What’s next for you?

Short Circuit, a Guide to the Art of the Short Story, (Salt Publishing) (I am editor/contributor) comes out late August. A series of craft and process based essays and exercises from winners of Bridport, Fish, Commonwealth, Willesden, Writers inc. Writer of the Year, Asham Award and many more. Prizewinning writers who also happen for the most part to be excellent teachers of writing.

Finishing the novel, hopefully in the next six months.

 

Anything you’d like to add?

Yes. I’d like to add lots of money, please.

And a big thank you!!

And a sloppy kiss.





Vanessa Gebbie’s short fiction is widely published, is translated into several languages, has been broadcast on BBC radio and handed out on London Underground. She has won several awards at places like Bridport, Fish (twice), Guildford, Per Contra, Cadenza, Daily Telegraph, Willesden Herald, Small Wonder Festival, Binnacle, Flashquake and others.
Her debut collection is Words from a Glass Bubble, and a second collection of surreal micro fiction, Ed’s Wife and other Creatures, is forthcoming in November 2009. She is also contributing editor for Short Circuit, a Guide to the Art of the Short Story. All the aforesaid either to for by with or from Salt Publishing.
  www.saltpublishing.com She is also contributor to The Field Guide to Writing Flash Fiction (Rose Metal Press, USA).

She is founder/editor of Tom’s Voice Magazine, a specialist mag for writing by those whose lives have been touched by addiction. She co-edited Cadenza Magazine, a small press literary magazine. She founded The Fiction Workhouse, an online closed group for lit writers. A Member of the National Association of Writers in Education, she teaches creative writing to students of all shapes and sizes. Her first novel has much in common with the Alpine black salamander, African and Asiatic elephants, Baird’s beaked whale and the white rhinoceros: it is following a record-breaking gestation period.

For further information: www.vanessagebbie.com 


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Wow. Thanks Vanessa! And I should point out that the best (and cheapest!!) way to buy the paperback of Words from a Glass Bubble is by CLICKING HERE.

Monday, June 29, 2009

I Know I shouldn't Moan

but this weather, really! A bit of a reprieve, at night maybe??

So other than moaning about being too hot I've been working, lots and I am ALMOST up to date. Hu-bloody-rrah! And about time too. It's good because it means that I'll be able to concentrate on new projects with a clearer, less cluttered, mind. And with my mind as it is, that is a good thing.

***

Very pleased that I'm an honoree in the Binnacle's Ultra Short competition, sponsored by the University of Maine. I've just finished proofing my story for inclusion in their anthology.

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And (can't believe I've not mentioned this before, my mind and all that...) but Vanessa Gebbie's, Words From a Glass Bubble is a wonderful book - seriously good (and published by Salt, go on, just one book).

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And lastly, I'm rather chuffed to be able to announce some that I've lined up some rather exciting interviews with some rather special authors for the blog. Watch this space.

Friday, June 26, 2009

Big World


Wowsers but it's hot and humid up here in the the north. And it aint something I'm used to. There's a storm coming soon, I've been told, and I'm looking forward to it.

Well, what a week. I've barely stopped (and yes, I am much closer to being up to date now, thank goodness). Writing's been done as has editing and reading. 

And what reading. I've been dipping into, and really enjoying, Niki Aguire's 29 Ways to Drown, which is well worth a look. But mostly I've been reading Big World by Mary Miller and, well, it's gone straight onto my Incredibles list (for those reasonably new to the blog that just means books I think are incredibly good). I'm not going to review it because a) I've not finished it (and don't want to!) and b) I'm not very good at them but I will point you to what Tania Hershman said about it on The Short Review, which was what encouraged me to buy it in the first place.

It's a wonderful collection of affecting, realist short stories that are brilliantly written and work perfectly.

Thank you Mary Miller and thank you The Short Review.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Clawing And Frazzled

I know I've said it before I really am so so so so close to being up to date. Huge apologies to everyone who's waiting for things from me - I promise you'll have them soon.

Just to explain a little, this is what's happened:

I had about a month's worth of stuff that I didn't do while I was working on the photo book.
I finished the photo book and started catching up.
Then more, fresh (and cool) stuff kept popping up, all stuff that had to be done QUICKLY.
And then deadlines for other things started looming, getting closer, like, erm, giant things.
So people, libraries, schools, I am on the case. If you're waiting for something from me you should have it next week.

And this is what things look like on this side of the screen. One of the nice things that have happened is I've been able to write again. So, yeah, that's good.

Enough burbling. Back to work, Nik.


Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Tales of the Decongested

Just a little update/plug.

The supercool reading/music night, Tales of the Decongested, (I'd love to be able to go to one, one day) is happening this Friday (details below) and my very short story, Lists (click to see it in its initial outing here) will appear in the handouts, which is something that really makes me very happy.

If you're in London, get yourself down there!

And here are the details:

Date:
26 June 2009
Time:
19:00 - 20:45
Location:
3rd Floor Gallery Space, Foyles Bookshop
Street:
113-119 Charing Cross Road
Town/City:
London, United Kingdom

Monday, June 22, 2009

My Quiet Blog

Well, I did say a little while ago that I thought things might go quiet here for a bit, while I sorted certain things out. And I'm closer to being able to do that. I've just got to get up to date with work first, which as lots of new things I have to deal with quickly keep landing on my desk is proving more difficult, and taking longer, than I thought. I'm not complaining. Just saying.

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Anway. Some things you might like to know:

The wonderful Elizabeth Baines is appearing at the Oxfam shop in Didsbury on July 8th.

And the equally wonderful Vanessa Gebbie's short story collection is now out in paperback.

***

And now back to work. I'm sure normal posting will resume soon.

*** 

PS And I know I said on Twitter that my horoscope said that today was a good for me to get betrothed, but I have done nothing of the sort (there are certain fundamental components lacking) - sorry if I've disappointed anyone! And it's got me thinking, has anyone proposed via Twitter? Or will they? Hmm, I wonder...

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Mammoth

This week I'd been thinking of writing a story which involved a woolly mammoth. I wrote it today (hurrah) and while I was doing my research I happened upon this, which, I reckon, is very, very cool so I thought I'd share.






Tuesday, June 16, 2009

The Things People Say

I had an interesting exchange last night. I was in a pub, reading, when a friend's brother came in with a group of people. They were celebrating an eighteenth birthday and were all rather drunk.

Which is good. It's fine. It's good to have fun.

One of the boys took my wallet from the bar and started going through it. I told him I'd only ask him once to stop. Which he did.

And then he said, and this is a strange thing, he said, 'You know, if someone had a library card in there I'd punch them in the face.'

I opened my wallet and showed him mine. And my Society of Authors card and asked him what he intended to do.

He said sorry.

Now, I know he was just a drunk young boy who'd had one or two too many shandies and was probably showing off, but why would someone say something like that? It just seemed, well, strange.

I wonder what he does when he passes a library.

Strange.

But I think that book and library lovers are probably not in any danger. I certainly hope so.

Monday, June 15, 2009

Up and Down Sort of Day

I Twittered this morning saying that I thought this was going to be a long day. And it has been. It really, really has.

I had A LOT of work to catch up on, and I've not done too badly. Plenty has spilled into tomorrow though, more than I'd hoped. And I wasn't helped by various people drilling and cutting hedges and generally making too much noise. But such is life. I just wish things could be quieter at times, or that I could concentrate on complicated things with lots of noise going on around me. But in spite of all the distractions I've managed to get contracts and permissions and tax forms (ick!) signed and sent so a short story of mine can be used on a distance creative writing course in the US, which is pleasing.

And my head's about full. Time to call it a day I reckon.

Sunday, June 14, 2009

I'm Back

I'm back from a truly fab couple of days spent in The South. 

And have been reminded how it feels to talk and to listen. How it feels to meet new people, to be happy for friends who've done good. To stroll and watch.  To be somewhere different. To laugh wildly, so wildly you think your head could pop or crack. To think about different things, things other than the stuff that's been lodged in my head, going slowly septic.

To be me.

And to be reminded that I actually quite like Abba.

Thank you, friends.

***

Must admit it's not all roses. I've been hard at work pretty much since I stepped off the train (and that's ignoring the writing I did ON the train), and more work keeps sprouting from somewhere.

But it's been nice to have considerably more smooth than rough for a change.

***

I will try (so so hard) to get everything to people who are waiting for things from me tomorrow.

Thursday, June 11, 2009

On and Off Air

I'll be away from my office from tomorrow, so no more blogging till Monday I expect. If anyone's in Oxfordshire and fancies meeting up then drop me a line and I'll see where I'm up to.

***

And, as far as I'm aware, Canalside Community Radio will be broadcasting what was recorded at the launch night for 20 Photographs & 20 Stories, this Sunday from 8am (you can listen online here).

Have a great weekend, folks.

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

BRILLIANT POST

Not mine, no no. This one, on God Shuffles His Feet - Can Writing Be Taught?

Monday, June 08, 2009

And quickly...

A link to some of the photos* (courtesy of Tom Lewis) from the 20 Photos & 20 Stories launch (I blogged about it here).

Right. Must dash. I've writing to do...




*(Ignore the one of me. I look stupid.)

Sunday, June 07, 2009

Re: Reading

I'm not one for re-reading books. As a rule I just don't do it. And I'm not sure I should; there are loads and loads of books I've not read and want to, and so little time.

But recently, this past week, I've re-read a few. I don't know why, it's not been a conscious decision. Maybe it's because I've been feeling out of sorts and a bit sorry for myself; maybe it's because I've been busy with writing jobs that haven't involved any actual writing; maybe it's training for the writing I'm going to be doing; or maybe it's serendipity. Don't know. But the point is, I have. I re-read Kafka's The Metamorphosis, and a load of Aimee Bender and Etgar Keret stories. And it's been a wonderful and warming experience. And not just seeing things with fresh eyes, noticing things that'd slipped by me on first readings. More it's reminded me WHY I loved them the first time round; why I love stories.

So, in the spirit of inclusion and sharing (and hoping for recommendations): what books would you re-read, and why?

Friday, June 05, 2009

Hectic

Well, this is the end of another hectic week and I'm really starting to feel like I could do with a little break, or at least a little time to just write. But that'll come. I'm almost up to date, which means that those people who are waiting for things from me won't have to wait much longer. Almost, almost there.

***

And I received this yesterday from the fab Jenn Ashworth, who's doing a terrific job with the Preston Writing Network:

Word Soup #3: The Poetry Edition 
@ The New Continental Events Space, South Meadow Lane, Preston 
01772 499207
£3 on the door 7.30pm - 10pm - Tuesday 23rd June

Up until now our focus has been on prose but for 
Word Soup #3 we're focusing exclusively on poetry. We've three great performance poets booked to perform (see below) and - in a change to our usual format, have open mike spots available to book on the night. 

Each open mike slot will be for three minutes, and unlike our first two nights, there is no theme - the night is completely open to new and emerging talent. 

Sarah Miller is a playwright and performing poet.  She recently performed for Apples & Snakes at PUSH in Contact, Manchester and at the Spoken Word Open Mic in the Brewery, Kendal.  Sarah is influenced by youth culture,  overhearing conversations and  Barrow-in-Furness where she lives.  Her plays Asboy, Ice Baby and Surfacing were recently toured by the Ashton Group Young Apprentice Actors.

Gary Bridgens is new to the spoken word scene but has been performing as a clown and street performer for 20 yrs.  He took part in Superheroes of Slam which was his first slam last year and got through to the semi final.  Since then he has impressed audiences with his witty banter and fast patter uke numbers.  He has been support act to internationally renowned Polar Bear and he's been a guest performer and compere for Apples & Snakes in Cumbria. 

Ann the Poet has been performing poetry in pubs, theatres and at festivals for fifteen years.  She was the Poet Laureate for South Cumbria in 2006.  She's a regular compère at the Brewery spoken word nights and at Solfest.  She published her collectionSynesthestic last year.  She features on the poetry/sonic art net albums The Resting Bench by Ann Wilson and Clutter and The Resting Bench Remix Projects 1, 2 and 3 which can be downloaded free at www.earthmp.com   For more info on Ann the poet or to sign up to her mailing list visit www.annthepoet.com

Word Soup is Preston Writing Network event. For more information, go to www.prestonwritingnetwork.blogspot.com.



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And that is all. Have a top weekend, folks.


Wednesday, June 03, 2009

Strawberries

My very short story, When You're Frightened, Honey, Think of Strawberries has just gone live over at Ink, Sweat and Tears - click here to read it.

Tuesday, June 02, 2009

BubbleCow Interview

I was chatting with, writer and co-founder of the literary consultants BubbleCow, Gary Smailes after the launch of 20 Photographs and 20 Stories, about writing and publishing and stuff. And we decided it would be a fun and good idea to do it properly.

So, here's what Gary had to say about publishing, how the industry's changing, how writers can become more empowered and about how he can help.

me: So, BubbleCow. What is it? What do you do there?

 

Gary Smailes: BubbleCow is a literary consultancy. In essence we help writers to lift their work to a commercial standard. We do this in one of three ways. The first is through editorial feedback. One of our professional editors will provide in-depth and detailed feedback on a writer’s work. The second is through mentoring. This sees a writer working alongside a published author over a period of time. The aim is to not only gain editorial support but to also get constant help regarding the writing process. Finally we offer submission support. Here one of our editors will work alongside a writer to help them produce a synopsis, query letter and fifty page extract of the highest quality. Because BubbleCow is an Internet based company we are able to provide the fastest and most cost effective service on the market.

 

me: So you cover all the bases! Do you cater for all sorts of writers and abilities - and genres? Or do you have an area that you specialise in?

 

GS: BubbleCow has developed over time to try and offer a writer all the support they need. The company is a family run business and my wife (Caroline Smailes) and myself are both writers. Before setting up BubbleCow we both worked on a freelance basis in the publishing world. During this time we picked up lots of tips and tricks that would help a writer get published. BubbleCow grew from the goal of trying to take some of the pain out of the process of writers trying to find a publisher and/or agent. In regards to focus we are able to help just about any kind writer. If we don't have the in-house expertise for a particular genre then we will assign an external handpicked editor. All of these editors work for publishing companies, so they have their finger on the pulse so to speak. I suppose our expertise is in the realities of trying to get published.

 

me: I'm impressed. That sounds comprehensive. And anything that takes the pain out of publishing can only be a good thing. You've been in the industry for a good while, and clearly have oodles of experience - is the industry changing? I'm thinking more along the lines of the internet and POD and eBooks and eReaders and the like. Has BubbleCow had to change? Where does it fit in? Or, as it was set up as an internet company, do you think you were already there?

 

GS: The publishing world is in the middle of a huge period of change. Only today Google announced that they intended to move into the ebook market. Technology plays a huge part in the challenges that face publishers and it is still not clear just what role eBook, POD and eReaders will have on the industry. One thing that is clear is that it is 'content' that is becoming the focus. In the past a book was a format (paper and ink) but today the format is fluid. Readers are demanding that 'books' are available in paper format, as well as digital delivery and even in audio.

 

I think that this represents an opportunity for new writers. In the past a publisher's role was to provide the finance to pay for expensive printing and marketing. Today it is possible for a writer to write, publish and market their own books. This means that potentially a writer no longer needs a publisher. In fact some writers would be better off financially self publishing and promoting their own work.

 

I suspect the role of the publisher will change in the coming years. There remains a certain prestige in being selected by a publisher and this will always be the case. Publishers will become the champions of the 'best' talent. They will also be the people with the biggest marketing budgets, so focus will shift ever more towards the superstar writers.

 

me: So you think there's more potential space (or will be) for those who aren't superstars? Does this also mean that there could be more room for smaller independent, maybe specialist, publishers?

 

GS: Perhaps. My feeling is that we are going to see an empowerment of the writer. My prediction is that in the next few years we will see the growth of writers who have developed their careers on the Internet and sell thousands of self published books without a publisher ever getting involved. As it stands today it is the publisher who decides which books they think will sell. As writers get better a promoting their own work it is going to become the readers who make or break a writer.

 

BubbleCow are already looking at this shift. We have been developing a new package that sees us working closely with a professional cover designer and two self publishing companies. The idea is that writers will come to us for a professional edit and in return we will connect them with top quality industry professionals who will be offer their services at a discount. We are hoping it will take some of the guess work out of the self publishing process.

 

me: I'd guess there is a lot of guess work that goes with self publishing. As well as acting as (reasonably) efficient filters, publishers employ people who are qualified to do things that writers don't have to worry about (like cover design, distribution et al). So back to BubbleCow, can you give us an idea on how much it would cost and how quickly an aspiring author can expect to be snapped up by a huge publisher? Or is it not always that simple?

 

GS: OK. We charge £5 per 1000 words for an edit. This means if you wrote a 50,000 word novel it would cost £250 for an edit. This would be turned around in seven working days. However, our minimum word count is just 1000 words and we find a lot of our clients develop a relationship with their editor and send work a chapter at a time as it is written. Our submission package costs £125 and includes the synopsis, query letter and an edit on the first 50 pages of your book.

 

Writers get just one chance to impress an agent or publisher and we always advise that they make their work as good as possible. In regards to the time it takes to get published, the answer is ??? As a rule of thumb I would say that you are looking at about 12 months from signing a contract to seeing your book on a book shelf. However, it is not that simple. It is not unusual for an agent or publisher to take months to look at a submission.

 

The best approach is to send your work to say five agents/publishers at a time. If possible send the initial query by email. If you are sending it to the correct person you can normally get a response in days rather than weeks. However, they will normally ask to see your synopsis and then the full manuscript. If you are lucky enough to get to that point then it’s fingers crossed time.

 

me: And my next question was going to be: any advice for writers! You beat me to it! Thanks so much for your time and for sharing all of this with us. Is there anything you'd like to add? Any places we can see your work?

 

GS: I would point your readers to our blog at www.bubblecow.co.uk. Anyone who wants to ask advice can email me gary@bubblecow.co.uk or follow us on twitter @bubblecow.

  ...thanks Nik.

 

 ***

 

 Thank you, Gary! 



Sunday, May 31, 2009

And Another Song

An all time fave - just found this vid on youtube and I LOVE it


Don't Give a Damn

This song has been going around and around and around my head of late. Love it!

Saturday, May 30, 2009

All Quiet

Not much to report on the Nik front, really. I've managed to get all the post launch errands done which has left me free (well, as of Thursday afternoon) to write which has been a real treat. It's been good to get back into it.

Along with some pieces of really rubbish news (which I can't talk about) there have been some good bits, which I will be able to talk about soon.

So, until then, I will have to remain vague.

Hope you're all enjoying the sun.

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Stuff (Including poetry pics and the problem with my brain)

First off, this self imposed blog going quiet for a while doesn't seem to be happening. Not sure why. Maybe that's a good thing.

Secondly, just received these photos from the lovely Jo Bell - they're a few of the people who wrote poems in the pub last Thursday (mentioned here by me, and here by Jo). She had 41 in all which is  just fab!




And thirdly, a disclaimer of sorts: The problem with Twitter = The Problem With My Brain. Now, I can be very easily distracted. Honestly, at times my brain can be everywhere; a hudred places a minute - and having lots and lots going on doesn't help this. One moment I'll be thinking of how cool it was to do such and such and the next I could be cross about XYZ. And I might Twitter these thoughts.

Now, this is the important bit: it doesn't mean the two are related! And if it appears that I'm cross (for example) with you, I'm probably not (if I am I'll have told you long before). So if there has been any confusion, I apologise.

Blame my brain. And Twitter for being so tempting to just fire things off as they flit into my head.

But I will try to do better in the future.

Right. Back to it.

Ooh, trees...

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

20 Photos & 20 Stories Launch


It is with great, great pleasure that I can say that the launch on Sunday for the photo book I helped out with for The Alzheimer's Society went brilliantly. Katherine Elizabeth Lewis whose idea the whole thing was, and who'd been seriously under the weather for the whole of the week before, was able to come which made me very happy. And the turnout was splendid - the venue was full and a huge thanks to Julie and to Freya who provided first class service and cake.

The readings and readers were fab, and went down a treat (with one minor exception - here's a Nik tip: If you're thinking of getting very, very drunk and attending a book launch with the intention of making a scene you're likely to make yourself look very, very silly).

Hearing the readers' work aloud was, for me, the best bit - it was a powerful reminder of the quality of the work, both the stories, poems and haiku that are in the book and things people read that weren't were all brilliant and varied. We even got to hear former Cheshire poet Laureate, Joy Winkler sing as part of a piece from the show she's doing with other contributors Jo Bell and John Lindley. And I thoroughly enjoyed the reading work of people who weren't able to attend, through bank holiday trains and living in foreign countries and being poorly (hope I did them justice!!).

And books were sold. Money was raised. And a good time was had by all.

And I got to go for a drink afterwards, and meet and chat, with some lovely people, including Janette Jones  Caroline Smailes, Mr Bubble Cow and many many more.

Brilliant. Brilliant night all round, really.

Here are some pics of some of the readers. There'll be more to come.

Me signing - photo by Jo Belfield




And some photos courtesy of Rick Martindale
Steve Howe
Karen Crook
Joy Winkler
Caroline Smailes

Jenny Martin, reading Last Post
Jo, from The Alzheimer's Society
Me handing Caroline her framed story and pic, bought for her by a very generous anonymous fan (the other side of it was FAR more interesting).

Thrilled with how it went and thrilled that so many people made the effort to be there. And reminded me how much I enjoy doing readings.

Huge thanks to all!

***

And I received a message on Twitter yesterday from Jo Belfield who, after attending the reading, had been inspired to write a poem. Here it is:

"Hello Kettle, I'm Pot" you say,
As we sit here similar but different
With our own assigned places and roles.

Put here together
We observe each domestic incident and event,
Rising to the task, providing comfort and sustenance.

Often we bubble along - contentedly simmering,
Or we clash loudly,
Bumping each other, vying for room.

Sometimes we are steamy, fiery to the touch.
We spit and jerk, jolt and burn,
Volatile vessels of anger and noise.

But always there is quiet at the end of the day,
Intimate in the knowledge of each other's dents and curves,
Content in our places, me Kettle, and you Pot.



Monday, May 25, 2009

Books From People In The Book

If you were at the launch last night you'd have heard (as well as some wonderful readings) me mentioning the contributors to the 20 Photos 20 Stories book were both local writers and professional authors; you'd also have heard me mention said authors' books by name. But you'd have also been very excited by the quality of the readings and might, in the excitement, not have remembered the titles of those books.

So, here, in no particular order, they are:


I do hope I've not left any out.

***

There'll be more on the launch soon, with some pics. And vids and audio, hopefully. But, for those of you who just can't wait, click here for a teaser courtesy of Jo Bellfield, or here courtesy of Bubble Cow. Or here, if you'd rather see someone who wasn't me.

***

On a personal and mental note, I'm shattered. I have a lot to catch up on and a lot to write. And I can't wait to get back into it. I have loved working on the photo book but that, and all the other stuff that's happened over this past few months, has been tiring and a bit of a strain. So if things go a little quiet over here for a wee while, you'll know why - I'll just be getting back to being me again. And getting organised.

I'm not going to stop blogging - far from it - there are some fab interviews I've lined up for one thing. But I thought I'd let you know.

There. That's it I think.

Quick Post

Just a very quick post to let you all know that last night's launch for the photo book was fab. Lots of brilliant work read brilliantly. And I got to chat with some really lovely people too. I'll blog in more detail about it soon, once I've done my chores and once I have photos and things.

To all the lovely people who came - thank you!

Sunday, May 24, 2009

Musical Interlude

Thanks to the super Sarah Salway for this. It's brill, and will give those not out in the sun something to listen to while I'm out setting up for tonight's reading/launch, and getting nervous about it.


Friday, May 22, 2009

Pub + Poems = Fun

I went to an event of Jo Bell's last night and it was brilliant.

This was the idea: go to the pub and write poems.

On plain beer mats.

And it worked so well.

Jo's an excellent poet, and she's lovely (I knew these things already) so I knew it would be good - and it really was. She had some fab exercises for us to do and managed to get people who were just there for a beer and a chat to get writing - with terrific results. Seriously, some great and hilarious poems were produced. I think we counted 40 poems by the end of the evening, which is pretty darned good in two hours.

What a great idea. She should do it more. And it was so nice for me to be on the other side of things for a change. I had a lot of fun.

(And I must place on record my jealousy for her having been to 826 Valencia Street.)

***

And everything's pretty much sorted and in place for Sunday's book launch. Looking forward to it very much.

Right. Back to work.

THIS IS IMPORTANT

Salt are an incredibly good publisher of short story and poetry collections. Incredibly good. And they're dedicated to forms (ie short stories and poems) that are often overlooked. 

And they need your help because they've really suffered as a result of the economic downturn.

Please look at their catalogue and if there's something there you like please buy it (there should be) - you'll be making a huge difference. 

Their website is here, but buying their books from any seller will help.

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Busy

Well I think I'm as busy as I've ever been, possibly even as busy as when I was doing the Roaming Roman Book Tour all those years ago.

And what have I been doing?

Photobook work, mostly to do with the launch now and posting books (and it's not just editors, type-setters and the like who I have a new found greater respect for, it's everyone who's involved in small presses and small publishers - hats off - it must be INCREDIBLY hard work).

And Katherine, the supercool photographer and collaborator is poorly - good vibes to her please folks. Desperately hoping she'll be able to make the launch.

On top of that there's my work I've tried to do (looking at my white board I've twelve stories that are waiting, eagerly, to be sent to places) and that's not taking into account stuff I want/need to write - that's had to be put off, sadly. But I NEED to get back to doing that soon. I need the money! And I miss it.

And I went to a reading yesterday morning at the local Drop-In Centre. Which was fun. My stories were really well received, which was great and I got to listen to some really great poems too. And, possibly best of all, I was able to see the lovely Joy Winkler sing - she was great - what a performance! (Btw, Joy'll be there on Sunday, maybe we should convince her to do a rendition...)
 
And on top of all of the above there have been a handful of really crappy situations. I'm not going to go into them here, but they've got me down and, mostly, could have been avoided.

I'm just tired now. And looking forward to Sunday's launch, and to a bit of a rest and then getting back into things - especially another really cool top secret project.

And thus ends my rather garbled post. There should be something more cohesive soon. Unless I melt.

Monday, May 18, 2009

A Lovely and Productive Day

Yup, that's precisely what today's been.

At lunch I met up with the truly lovely Caroline Smailes. We had tea, posh tea. The cups it was served in were floral and china and tiny. Caroline was addressed as Madam. I was addressed as Sir. None of this was expected. It was hilarious. (But the tea was very nice and so was the cake.) And I had a great old time.

This afternoon I was able to post all of the photo books I'd had orders for, which is pleasing. Really hope you like them, folks!

And I've been able to make some final arrangements for the book's launch this weekend. And I've been able to get some writing done.

So, all in all, a rather good day.

Tomorrow, I have to decide what to read at an open mic event on Wednesday. Any suggestions? Or something new perhaps? (Those may have been rhetorical questions.)

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Generous

Everyone involved with the photo book has been amazingly generous. And it gets better because Jilly Duffy-Unwin (whose amazing work is up with ours at the exhibition) told me earlier that she wants to donate a big percentage of anything that's made from her work at the exhibition to the Alzheimer's Society too.

Wow.

And thanks.

Aren't people just lovely!

Right. Off to dinner now with family (including a sister who's over from Vietnam).

Friday, May 15, 2009

Exhibitionist

This afternoon was spent in the company of the lovely and talented Katherine Lewis and the lovely and talented Jilly Duffy-Unwin (who doesn't have a website but really, really should). We were at the Cafe Waterside to set up our exhibition of stories and photos which we're sharing with Jilly's brilliant paintings and textiles. And it looks brilliant. I'm very, very pleased.