This is one of my occasional series where I share my thoughts on the whole of a book, so if … More
Tag: creative process
Book review: There’s No Such Thing as an Easy Job by Kikuko Tsumura, translated by Polly Barton
There’s No Such Thing as an Easy Job is interesting to me on two levels. First, the literal one. Like … More
Audiobook review: A Theatre for Dreamers, written and narrated by Polly Samson
A Theatre for Dreamers should have been fascinating. Its starting point is the true story of a community of writers … More
Book review: Paul Simon: The Life by Robert Hilburn
I’ve been a fan of Paul Simon since I saw Simon and Garfunkel’s The Concert in Central Park on TV … More
An indefinite present, an unknowable future
This still doesn’t seem real. One minute I’m doing ordinary, everyday things, the next I remember that everything has changed. … More
Book review: The Crossed Out Notebook by Nicolás Giacobone, translated by Megan McDowell
Writers often lament the fact that they are beset by distractions. Some will go to great lengths to isolate themselves, … More
Reblog: Where Writers Write
Not much to look at? Today I’m a guest on the TNBBC blog, arguing that a boring workspace makes for … More
Book review: Misery by Stephen King
I’ve been wanting to read Misery for years but have somehow not got round to it till now (and miraculously … More
Me or my characters – who’s in charge?
Someone recently asked me why I had made Jim, one of the protagonists in my novel Not the End, a … More
Is editing the most creative part of writing a novel?
I sometimes hear writers say they find editing their novel tedious. For me it’s the opposite. I’m currently editing my next novel and remembering why … More
