This is a phenomonal novel. The first in a trilogy and set in Sweden it combines several major plots in one novel. It's more than a murder/mystery novel: there's also an expose of big business and finance.
Sometimes it reads more like a financial journal and this can be a bit tedious at times but it's essential to the plot and I managed to read those parts, as apposed to John, who skim-read them.
But it's really the characters who maintain the interest and push the story forward.
Mikael Blomkist is the leading character in this first novel. As a financial journalist, he has been found guilty of libel and spends some time in prison. However, this is barely covered. The plot revolves around his employment to discover what happened to Harrient Venger, the grand-daughter of the successful and influential Henrik Venger, who disappeared years previously.
If you think you have the family from hell, take a look at the Venger family. They may be rich but they're a nasty lot.
The most interesting character, however, is Lisbeth Salander, who is a disfunctional, possibly autistic, private investigator, who is brilliant with computers. She becomes involved in Mikael's work and together they form a formidable team.
It's written in an incredible amount of depth which I can only, as a writer, marvel at.
It was my osteopath, Nick Harding, who recommended the trilogy and since I value his judgement, I bought all three novels.
John had now read them all but I shall pace myself with the other two. But I'm looking forward to reading them. It's impossible to clear the characters from your mind.
Sadly, the author died at an early age but I'm sure he would be pleased at the popularity:there are ceratinly films to follow.
Tuesday, 15 June 2010
Sunday, 13 June 2010
BLAME IT ON THE OVEN GLOVES
It's the day after the evening before and so, okay, I got the score wrong.
Football is certainly a bitch!
We were ecstatic when Gerrard scored after 4 minutes and thought that England would go on to dominate the game. However, they allowed the US too much possession afterwards and then there was that goal.
I reckon that the gloves the goalie - Robart Green - was wearing were far too large and clumsy. He could hardly have felt enough sensation through the darn things to realise that he hadn't secured the ball. Why didn't he just throw himself on the ball and smother it with his body?
Oh well, he did save an excellent US shot in the second half so we could have actually ended up losing 1-2.
I thought we played good attacking football in the second half and if the US goalie hadn't been so good, we could have won at least 4-1. Perhaps he was wearing better gloves. However, John did point out that we didn't really play as a fluent, co-ordinated team. And this was most obvious when we had a throw in. Poor Ashley Cole was screaming for players to get in place.
When I was in the school netball team decades ago, we used to practice set pieces and we were only amateur. Can't understand why England don't have such moves ready.
And I can't understand why Wayne Rooney doesn't contribute more. He can do more than just wait for a good ball to come his way. In premiership football, he is far more dominant. Imposes himself far more in the game.
So, I was left with that dull feeling of resignation afterwards that I so often feel after England have not fulfilled their potential. It's the same feeling that I had this morning when I tried on my holiday clothes and discovered, as I knew I would, that what looked great last year, didn't this year.
Some good news, though. There have been so many complaints about those damn hooters that they could possibly be banned inside the stadium. Go for it, is what I say.
On a note of past victories, however, I will leave you with the memory of the international match a few years ago when England smashed Germany 5-1. So it can be done.
My final comment- I know England won't win the World Cup but it's still a disappointment. And my advice to Fabio Capello is this : Get some set pieces set-up. Adjust them accordingly at half-time, taking into account the strengths and weaknesses shown in all players in the first half. Stick with the same goalie - he's got something to prove. And if possible, change those bloody gloves, which look like oven gloves, and make him practice holding onto the ball over and over again.
But will he take my advice? I doubt it. Same old story.
Football is certainly a bitch!
We were ecstatic when Gerrard scored after 4 minutes and thought that England would go on to dominate the game. However, they allowed the US too much possession afterwards and then there was that goal.
I reckon that the gloves the goalie - Robart Green - was wearing were far too large and clumsy. He could hardly have felt enough sensation through the darn things to realise that he hadn't secured the ball. Why didn't he just throw himself on the ball and smother it with his body?
Oh well, he did save an excellent US shot in the second half so we could have actually ended up losing 1-2.
I thought we played good attacking football in the second half and if the US goalie hadn't been so good, we could have won at least 4-1. Perhaps he was wearing better gloves. However, John did point out that we didn't really play as a fluent, co-ordinated team. And this was most obvious when we had a throw in. Poor Ashley Cole was screaming for players to get in place.
When I was in the school netball team decades ago, we used to practice set pieces and we were only amateur. Can't understand why England don't have such moves ready.
And I can't understand why Wayne Rooney doesn't contribute more. He can do more than just wait for a good ball to come his way. In premiership football, he is far more dominant. Imposes himself far more in the game.
So, I was left with that dull feeling of resignation afterwards that I so often feel after England have not fulfilled their potential. It's the same feeling that I had this morning when I tried on my holiday clothes and discovered, as I knew I would, that what looked great last year, didn't this year.
Some good news, though. There have been so many complaints about those damn hooters that they could possibly be banned inside the stadium. Go for it, is what I say.
On a note of past victories, however, I will leave you with the memory of the international match a few years ago when England smashed Germany 5-1. So it can be done.
My final comment- I know England won't win the World Cup but it's still a disappointment. And my advice to Fabio Capello is this : Get some set pieces set-up. Adjust them accordingly at half-time, taking into account the strengths and weaknesses shown in all players in the first half. Stick with the same goalie - he's got something to prove. And if possible, change those bloody gloves, which look like oven gloves, and make him practice holding onto the ball over and over again.
But will he take my advice? I doubt it. Same old story.
Saturday, 12 June 2010
WORLD CUP 2010, SOUTH AFRICA
As is quite clearly obvious, I have done very little blogging recently. This is because of my back/neck problems, as those of you who visit my blog regularly (and I love you all!) already know about.
The plan had been to dictate to John, so he could write my blog exerts for me, but it hasn't panned out like that.
However, I'm getting a new chair on Wednesday, which should give far more support for my back, and then John (and this will takes weeks for him to get round to) will lower my table appropriately so that my arms can actually rest properly on the table. Then we'll see if I can write again more regularly without my back seizing up. Fingers crossed because I've found myself very bored not being able to write. (And, by the way, steriod injections have helped greatly.)
But I can't go off to Morocco next week for the Festival without airing my views on the World Cup. So, here goes.
* I adore the World Cup. It's such an opportunity for people across the world to have a positive shared experience. And I like watching football, which helps.
* Very moved by watching and listening to the people of South Africa celebrating this massive event in their country after all those years of exclusion from world sport.
*Supporting England, of course. We have a large England flag hanging out of our bedroom window and I have a flag on my car. Now, we live on a very long street in Winchester and there are only three flags on display. Says a lot about our street. I'm half-expecting some-one to say that we're lowering the tone of the street, so I'm practising my sarcastic, you-must-be-crazy laugh. As one of my friends commented, though, it just confirms to some of my neighbours how crazy I am. (It's always me, never John.)
*Do I think Enland will win? Let me just stop here until my laughter has ceased...As I've been telling all those prepared to listen to me (including total stangers), in order to win the World Cup you need good ball control and accurate passing. I rest my case.
*However, I would love to be proved wrong!
*Think it's very unfair that only days before the tournament started, players have been told that they'll be sent off if they swear. Now, I'm all in favour of that in theory, but to give so little notice I think is asking too much for players who like to let off steam by using an expletive or two. And how can the referrees learn all the different swear words in so many different languages in just a few days?
*The tournament started yesterday and the only match I've seen so far was France v Uruguay, which was so lack-lustre that I couldn't wait for it to end so we could watch Prison Break, which I hope to write about at some time. Suffice to say, we're on Season Three so that tells you something. (Bob Wisdom from 'The Wire', who we met at the Festival last year (such a charming man) is in this season and plays a very different character from the jovial Bunny. Plus the actor, Wentworth Miller, who plays a pivitol role in all the seasons, is a delight to watch because he's so handsome.)
*Back to the football. Must mention those the irriting noise of those foul hooters being blown during matches. Before even half-time of last night's match, I was heartedly wishing they had never been invented.
*In less than half-an-hour England will play their first match against the USA. I predict a 2-1 win for England but that could just be wishful thinking and I certainly haven't put money on it. But fingers crossed!
The plan had been to dictate to John, so he could write my blog exerts for me, but it hasn't panned out like that.
However, I'm getting a new chair on Wednesday, which should give far more support for my back, and then John (and this will takes weeks for him to get round to) will lower my table appropriately so that my arms can actually rest properly on the table. Then we'll see if I can write again more regularly without my back seizing up. Fingers crossed because I've found myself very bored not being able to write. (And, by the way, steriod injections have helped greatly.)
But I can't go off to Morocco next week for the Festival without airing my views on the World Cup. So, here goes.
* I adore the World Cup. It's such an opportunity for people across the world to have a positive shared experience. And I like watching football, which helps.
* Very moved by watching and listening to the people of South Africa celebrating this massive event in their country after all those years of exclusion from world sport.
*Supporting England, of course. We have a large England flag hanging out of our bedroom window and I have a flag on my car. Now, we live on a very long street in Winchester and there are only three flags on display. Says a lot about our street. I'm half-expecting some-one to say that we're lowering the tone of the street, so I'm practising my sarcastic, you-must-be-crazy laugh. As one of my friends commented, though, it just confirms to some of my neighbours how crazy I am. (It's always me, never John.)
*Do I think Enland will win? Let me just stop here until my laughter has ceased...As I've been telling all those prepared to listen to me (including total stangers), in order to win the World Cup you need good ball control and accurate passing. I rest my case.
*However, I would love to be proved wrong!
*Think it's very unfair that only days before the tournament started, players have been told that they'll be sent off if they swear. Now, I'm all in favour of that in theory, but to give so little notice I think is asking too much for players who like to let off steam by using an expletive or two. And how can the referrees learn all the different swear words in so many different languages in just a few days?
*The tournament started yesterday and the only match I've seen so far was France v Uruguay, which was so lack-lustre that I couldn't wait for it to end so we could watch Prison Break, which I hope to write about at some time. Suffice to say, we're on Season Three so that tells you something. (Bob Wisdom from 'The Wire', who we met at the Festival last year (such a charming man) is in this season and plays a very different character from the jovial Bunny. Plus the actor, Wentworth Miller, who plays a pivitol role in all the seasons, is a delight to watch because he's so handsome.)
*Back to the football. Must mention those the irriting noise of those foul hooters being blown during matches. Before even half-time of last night's match, I was heartedly wishing they had never been invented.
*In less than half-an-hour England will play their first match against the USA. I predict a 2-1 win for England but that could just be wishful thinking and I certainly haven't put money on it. But fingers crossed!
Wednesday, 19 May 2010
Sunday, 16 May 2010
Essaouira Gnaoua and World Music Festival, June 24-27 2010 - dates confirmed
At last, the official dates are now up on the festival web-site and I am pleased to confirm that the 13th Essaouira Gnaoua and World Music Festival will be held Thursday to Sunday, June 24-27, 2010.
The official festival website at http://www.festival-gnaoua.net/ currently says "Under Construction", but I'm sure that they will update it before too long, since the line-up and the updated website are usually posted late-May/early-June. Here's the image that is currently posted there:
If you can't wait until June and need to hear some gnaoua music right now, you'll find plenty on the playlists on the DaftNotStupid blog and DaftNotStupidYouTube channel.
The official festival website at http://www.festival-gnaoua.net/ currently says "Under Construction", but I'm sure that they will update it before too long, since the line-up and the updated website are usually posted late-May/early-June. Here's the image that is currently posted there:
If you can't wait until June and need to hear some gnaoua music right now, you'll find plenty on the playlists on the DaftNotStupid blog and DaftNotStupidYouTube channel.
Saturday, 1 May 2010
A TRIBUTE TO MITZI UPTON
My beautiful...darling...funny...fiesty... sister-in-law, Mitzi, died at seven in the evening on Wednesday 7th April. She had been ill for a long time but that doesn't make the grief any easier.
My husband, John, and his other sister, Marietta, had no idea that they had a half-sister who had been adopted after birth, until they were adults. Tragic but that's often how things are in this world.
However, when John's mother died eight years ago, we decided to look for Mitzi. All we had was an old address in Glastonbury. We set off on Boxing Day, the day after the awful tsunami, and arrived in a cold, forlorn, wet and miserable Glastonbury. It was virtually deserted - all the wierd and wonderful crystal, magicical, hippy shops were closed and a whipping wind chilled us to the bone.
We found the address easily but, no, Mitzi was long gone. Later we discovered that the young woman who lived there had once been a girlfriend of Mitzi's oldest son, Dan. Co-incidences happen a lot in Glastonbury. However, she did tell us that Mitzi had a friend who worked in the nearby Woodcutters Pub. So off we went on our quest.
Of course, the friend wasn't working that day but John explained who he was and left his telephone number, not expecting much but at least feeling he had at least tried.
But just before the New Year he got a phone call: "I'm Mitzi. I'm your sister."
So back we went to Glastonbury in the new year and met up with Mitzi and Dan at The George and Pilgrims Hotel and that was it ...the start of a wonderful new life for us all. We hit it off straight away...all of us kindred spirits.
John and I had never been part of a large extended family and suddenly we had neices, nephews, great neices and a host of friends. It was like we had come home.
.
With the generosty of spirit that was so characteristic of her, Mitzi arranged a special party at The King Alfred Pub in Glastonbury to celebrate both the 21st birthday of her second son, Luke, and John's birthday - they share the same birthday.
We also met Hana, Mitzi's daughter, an absolute sweetheart, and Mitzi's multitude if friends. You all know who you are and I can cheerfully say that we're all as mad as hatters. Naturally, we had a marvellous time. There's nothing like getting drunk together to seal a relationship.
But my over-riding memory of that evening was of seeing Luke for the first time as he toppled over the garden wall and into the party as 'pissed as a newt'.
We knew right from the start that Mitzi had the lung disease emphesema and would need a lung/s transplant. For a long time she was still active and mobile but gradually her condition worsened and she needed to spend long periods of time using an oxygen mask, but that didn't phase her. She would have that transplant and all would be well and she was so determined and positive that we all believed her.
Indeed, she was rushed to the transplant centre in London - Harefields - on numerous occasions, even being totally prepped for surgury, but always someone else got the lungs or the lungs were found to be not of sufficient quality.
And all the time Mitzi was as upbeat as you could possibly get. Far more upbeat than me with my lesser ailments. She was an inspiration. And boy did she know the transplant system and the workings of the social services inside out. And she always had at least a plan B or a plan C in case plan A didn't work.
But in October of last year, the fumes from a new gas fire (possibly furniture polish because it was a showroom fire) affected her very badly and she was taken into hospital, where she stayed apart from a brief return home and to a cottage hospital nearer her home.
Twice we thought she was going to die and twice she revived, issuing orders and commands from her bed like a mafia mother. She was one tough lady but also very caring and compasionate and a lot of fun. I started to call her 'the come-back kid' because the hospital staff said they were amazed that she was still alive. Her desire to live was awesome to watch.
And still she was expecting that transplant. The last time I visited her, just days before she died, I asked if she was still up for a transplant and she said most definitely yes.
But there are some things in life you can't control - like volcanos erupting and floods sweeping away people and homes and the human body, which can only take so much. It's a somber realisation for us all.
Boy did we send her off in style. John and I stayed at Chindit House B+B, which was a perfect place to stay, with its restful gardens and peace and quiet, and friends and family travelled from all over. Sadly, the flight ban stopped a lot of people from getting to Glastonbury for her funeral, again, showing how little we human beings have only limited control over our lives. But we had fantastically warm and sunny weather for her funeral, celebration and wake.
We started off at Bath Crematorium, which is a very restful place, with large glass windows over-looking calming countryside. One of her best friends, Dorothy, read a most appropriate and moving poem, which she might like to leave on the comments section (cos I know you're following this Dorothy) and I recited Psalm 23 : The Lord is my shepherd etc. It's a psalm that I love very much.
Lou had come down from Bristol, where she now lives, so after the service, we took her to Bath, so she could catch the train home.We also took along the beautiful Anna, one of Dan's friends. It was lovely being in Bath - such a beautiful city - and we found a cafe in the sun for coffee.
It was only eleven o'clock but I was absolutely starving, although I'd had breakfast, and only a large piece of coffee cake would do. In fact, I can't remember a day when I ate and drank so many of the wrong things at the wrong time. (I started on the brandy cokes at some riduculous time of five in the afternoon.)
Shayne, Mitzi's long term carer, had provided nibbles at The Bear Inn in Street. I must mention here that Shane has been an absolute rock during these last years and as good a friend to Mitzi that you could get.John went there whilst I rested (it's my age - I can only do so much in one go!) back at Chindit House with bright sunshine pouring through the bedroom windows, comforting myself with the complementary chocolates left in the room.
Then, at 3.30 we all crowded into The Magdelene Chapel in Glastonbury for a service of celebration. There were so many people that most of us had to sit/stand in the small garden. I have never, ever got a suntan at a funeral before.
More people wanted to recall funny stories about Mitzi than we had time for. But the most moving speech came from John, devestated at losing the sister he had only just found. There were lots of tears shed that day and much laughter.
The family had created an enormous montage of photographs of Mitzi and this was displayed firstly at The Chapel and then at The King Alfred Pub for the wake. It was like coming in a full circle.
Most of us sat outside, still in brilliant sunshine. Friends and relatives laid on a fabulous spread and we ate, drank, chatted, laughed until the late evening.
The story doesn't end there, though. Having found and been accepted by all these lovely people, we shall go back often. In fact, a number of us are going to see Madness at The Glastonbury Extraveganza in August in The Glastonbury Abbey grounds. And we intend to have a very good time i.e. behave outrageously, dance a lot and make merry. In honour of Mitzi.
My husband, John, and his other sister, Marietta, had no idea that they had a half-sister who had been adopted after birth, until they were adults. Tragic but that's often how things are in this world.
However, when John's mother died eight years ago, we decided to look for Mitzi. All we had was an old address in Glastonbury. We set off on Boxing Day, the day after the awful tsunami, and arrived in a cold, forlorn, wet and miserable Glastonbury. It was virtually deserted - all the wierd and wonderful crystal, magicical, hippy shops were closed and a whipping wind chilled us to the bone.
We found the address easily but, no, Mitzi was long gone. Later we discovered that the young woman who lived there had once been a girlfriend of Mitzi's oldest son, Dan. Co-incidences happen a lot in Glastonbury. However, she did tell us that Mitzi had a friend who worked in the nearby Woodcutters Pub. So off we went on our quest.
Of course, the friend wasn't working that day but John explained who he was and left his telephone number, not expecting much but at least feeling he had at least tried.
But just before the New Year he got a phone call: "I'm Mitzi. I'm your sister."
So back we went to Glastonbury in the new year and met up with Mitzi and Dan at The George and Pilgrims Hotel and that was it ...the start of a wonderful new life for us all. We hit it off straight away...all of us kindred spirits.
John and I had never been part of a large extended family and suddenly we had neices, nephews, great neices and a host of friends. It was like we had come home.
.With the generosty of spirit that was so characteristic of her, Mitzi arranged a special party at The King Alfred Pub in Glastonbury to celebrate both the 21st birthday of her second son, Luke, and John's birthday - they share the same birthday.
We also met Hana, Mitzi's daughter, an absolute sweetheart, and Mitzi's multitude if friends. You all know who you are and I can cheerfully say that we're all as mad as hatters. Naturally, we had a marvellous time. There's nothing like getting drunk together to seal a relationship.
Maggie, Lou, Mitzi, and Dorothy
But my over-riding memory of that evening was of seeing Luke for the first time as he toppled over the garden wall and into the party as 'pissed as a newt'.
We knew right from the start that Mitzi had the lung disease emphesema and would need a lung/s transplant. For a long time she was still active and mobile but gradually her condition worsened and she needed to spend long periods of time using an oxygen mask, but that didn't phase her. She would have that transplant and all would be well and she was so determined and positive that we all believed her.
Indeed, she was rushed to the transplant centre in London - Harefields - on numerous occasions, even being totally prepped for surgury, but always someone else got the lungs or the lungs were found to be not of sufficient quality.
And all the time Mitzi was as upbeat as you could possibly get. Far more upbeat than me with my lesser ailments. She was an inspiration. And boy did she know the transplant system and the workings of the social services inside out. And she always had at least a plan B or a plan C in case plan A didn't work.
But in October of last year, the fumes from a new gas fire (possibly furniture polish because it was a showroom fire) affected her very badly and she was taken into hospital, where she stayed apart from a brief return home and to a cottage hospital nearer her home.
Twice we thought she was going to die and twice she revived, issuing orders and commands from her bed like a mafia mother. She was one tough lady but also very caring and compasionate and a lot of fun. I started to call her 'the come-back kid' because the hospital staff said they were amazed that she was still alive. Her desire to live was awesome to watch.
And still she was expecting that transplant. The last time I visited her, just days before she died, I asked if she was still up for a transplant and she said most definitely yes.
But there are some things in life you can't control - like volcanos erupting and floods sweeping away people and homes and the human body, which can only take so much. It's a somber realisation for us all.
Boy did we send her off in style. John and I stayed at Chindit House B+B, which was a perfect place to stay, with its restful gardens and peace and quiet, and friends and family travelled from all over. Sadly, the flight ban stopped a lot of people from getting to Glastonbury for her funeral, again, showing how little we human beings have only limited control over our lives. But we had fantastically warm and sunny weather for her funeral, celebration and wake.
We started off at Bath Crematorium, which is a very restful place, with large glass windows over-looking calming countryside. One of her best friends, Dorothy, read a most appropriate and moving poem, which she might like to leave on the comments section (cos I know you're following this Dorothy) and I recited Psalm 23 : The Lord is my shepherd etc. It's a psalm that I love very much.
Lou had come down from Bristol, where she now lives, so after the service, we took her to Bath, so she could catch the train home.We also took along the beautiful Anna, one of Dan's friends. It was lovely being in Bath - such a beautiful city - and we found a cafe in the sun for coffee.
It was only eleven o'clock but I was absolutely starving, although I'd had breakfast, and only a large piece of coffee cake would do. In fact, I can't remember a day when I ate and drank so many of the wrong things at the wrong time. (I started on the brandy cokes at some riduculous time of five in the afternoon.)
Shayne, Mitzi's long term carer, had provided nibbles at The Bear Inn in Street. I must mention here that Shane has been an absolute rock during these last years and as good a friend to Mitzi that you could get.John went there whilst I rested (it's my age - I can only do so much in one go!) back at Chindit House with bright sunshine pouring through the bedroom windows, comforting myself with the complementary chocolates left in the room.
Then, at 3.30 we all crowded into The Magdelene Chapel in Glastonbury for a service of celebration. There were so many people that most of us had to sit/stand in the small garden. I have never, ever got a suntan at a funeral before.
More people wanted to recall funny stories about Mitzi than we had time for. But the most moving speech came from John, devestated at losing the sister he had only just found. There were lots of tears shed that day and much laughter.
The family had created an enormous montage of photographs of Mitzi and this was displayed firstly at The Chapel and then at The King Alfred Pub for the wake. It was like coming in a full circle.
Most of us sat outside, still in brilliant sunshine. Friends and relatives laid on a fabulous spread and we ate, drank, chatted, laughed until the late evening.
The story doesn't end there, though. Having found and been accepted by all these lovely people, we shall go back often. In fact, a number of us are going to see Madness at The Glastonbury Extraveganza in August in The Glastonbury Abbey grounds. And we intend to have a very good time i.e. behave outrageously, dance a lot and make merry. In honour of Mitzi.
Thursday, 29 April 2010
NEW SIX WORD MEMOIR
Crazy nutter requires cosy padded cell
(Might possibly write a short story based on this little pearl of a six word memoir - stranger things happen in life than could ever be made up)
(Might possibly write a short story based on this little pearl of a six word memoir - stranger things happen in life than could ever be made up)
Saturday, 24 April 2010
Saturday, 17 April 2010
A BIG HI TO DOROTHY !!!
Returned home from Glastonbury this afternoon - relieved to be home but glad that Thursday and Friday went so well. There was a fight early Saturday morning, which I'll tell you about personally, but no real damage was done. I knew something would happen and am very glad that it wasn't me who lost my rag although I came close at the pub. Grief and alcohol are not a good mix but sometimes can't be helped.
It was lovely to meet again despite the sad circumstances. It would seem that lots of people want to see Madness at the Glastonbury Extraveganza. I'll post details of dates etc soon. Please think about coming - we'll have a smashing time (possibly literally!).
Hope you got back safely.
Love Maggie xxx
It was lovely to meet again despite the sad circumstances. It would seem that lots of people want to see Madness at the Glastonbury Extraveganza. I'll post details of dates etc soon. Please think about coming - we'll have a smashing time (possibly literally!).
Hope you got back safely.
Love Maggie xxx
Monday, 12 April 2010
GENERAL ELECTION - MAY 2010
Can't stand all the coverage already. It's so depressing - I try not to watch/listen to it. Anyway, it's a no-brainer as far as I'm concerned.
Vince Cable is the only politician who understands economics and the financial crisis we are in. He has been the only politican speaking knowledgably on the subject for several years. The main challenge for our country is sorting out, long term, this financial collapse. Therefore, the next Chancellor of the Exchequer, should the most important position in government.
Vince Cable should be that person. Vince Cable is a Liberal Democrat. So, vote Liberal Democrat.
As I said, it's a no-brainer.
Vince Cable is the only politician who understands economics and the financial crisis we are in. He has been the only politican speaking knowledgably on the subject for several years. The main challenge for our country is sorting out, long term, this financial collapse. Therefore, the next Chancellor of the Exchequer, should the most important position in government.
Vince Cable should be that person. Vince Cable is a Liberal Democrat. So, vote Liberal Democrat.
As I said, it's a no-brainer.
NEW BOOK REVIEW - THE WAY HOME BY GEORGE PELECANOS
George Pelecanos and David Simon are both gods in my eyes on account of their massive involvement (writer/producer)with 'The Wire.' So, I was interested to see how Pelecanos's latest novel panned out. (I've never read anything by him before.)
And it wasn't at all what I expected.
The story, a crime novel, set in America, has a basic plot, which centres around a family in crisis. Other characters come into play but the plot revolves around the family and in particular, Chris Flynn, a teenage tearaway.
Both that basic plot and minimalist writing style reminded me a lot of the two novels that Linford Barclay has written. (Since Pelecanos has written loads of crime novels, I'm not for one minute suggesting he has copied Barclay or the other way around.)
So, it's very different in style to 'The Wire', with its multitude of scenes in one episode and a barrel full of strong characters.
But there are hints of 'The Wire' in some of the dialogue and the disfunctional backgrounds that so easily turn young men towards crime.
Did I enjoy it? Yes, I did, although there were times when I longed for more to happen. However, I still turned the pages/allowed myself 'just one more chapter' so he's a writer I would read again and recommend - just don't expect the full blast of 'The Wire'.
And it wasn't at all what I expected.
The story, a crime novel, set in America, has a basic plot, which centres around a family in crisis. Other characters come into play but the plot revolves around the family and in particular, Chris Flynn, a teenage tearaway.
Both that basic plot and minimalist writing style reminded me a lot of the two novels that Linford Barclay has written. (Since Pelecanos has written loads of crime novels, I'm not for one minute suggesting he has copied Barclay or the other way around.)
So, it's very different in style to 'The Wire', with its multitude of scenes in one episode and a barrel full of strong characters.
But there are hints of 'The Wire' in some of the dialogue and the disfunctional backgrounds that so easily turn young men towards crime.
Did I enjoy it? Yes, I did, although there were times when I longed for more to happen. However, I still turned the pages/allowed myself 'just one more chapter' so he's a writer I would read again and recommend - just don't expect the full blast of 'The Wire'.
NEW PEARLS OF WISDOM - SPECIALLY FOR WRITERS
There are three ways to write a novel. The trouble is that nobody knows exactly what they are. Somerset Maughan.
Friday, 9 April 2010
Wednesday, 7 April 2010
HELP - I HAVE ACUTE BACK PAIN !!!
I've had problems with my back for years but over the last few months it has reached the stage that my back muscles are totally seized up most of the time. Not only is this painful and distressing, but it means that I'm having difficulty writing on my computer.
The problem areas are my neck, shoulders and between my shoulder blades.
I've hardly used my computer over the last month to see if it would make a difference but it hasn't.
I'm actually writing this under the influence of paracetamol and codeine, ibruprofen, and tramadol. Also, I have magnets all the way down either side of my spine, and am wearing a tens machine, neck collar and shoulder brace.
Believe you me, you have to really want to write to be togged up like this.
Also, I sit on a special back-less chair and my key board is raised on a slant.
I'm doing everything I can to strengthen my back: swimming, walking, daily stretches and pilates; I pace myself and give myself plenty of time for relaxation; I go to an osteopath regularly and I don't lift heavy things etc etc. But at the moment all these things aren't enough.
SO, IF YOU HAVE ANY OTHER SUGGESTIONS THAT MAY HELP ME THAT I HAVEN'T MENTIONED, PLEASE LET ME KNOW !!!
The bladder problem was a mere inconvience (pardon the pun) compared with this.
The problem originated from a slightly twisted spine and pelvis and made considerable worse by a chiropractor who over-treated me, including my neck, which I'd never had trouble with before.
Hey-ho. Such is life.
The plan for my writing, therefore, is as follows:-
* I shall concentrate on my second novel Winchester Blues, working for no more than 30 minutes twice a day
* My technical manager i.e.John, will write posts for this blog and the new additions of Facebook and My Space as I dictate to him (lying on a comfy duvee and tickling the dog). Since he has a full time job, this will only be roughly once a week and it may take time to answer comments.
By the way, a big Hi to Dorothy, who has left comments on all three of my sites. Very briefly, I'll reply. Yes, Amsterdam is a beautiful, friendly and interesting city, with a wide variety of small shops along most of the canals. And no, we aren't going to the festival in Mali unless there's a hotel with a balcony right next to the venue!
For those of you who have happened upon this post, let me tempt you with reading some of the many posts already written, including:-
* My first novel Cyprus Bluesin its entirety (it can be read on your computer or downloaded)
* Accounts plus photographs of the Essaouira Gnawa and World Music Festival in Morroco
* A short video of Bob Wisdom (Bunny from The Wire) and myself in conversation at last year's festival
*The Wire, which is the best TV series ever made
*Further TV and film reviews
*Book reviews
*Pearls of wisdom
*6 word memoirs
*Posts about Winchester, where I live, local groups etc
*Posts about the newspaper reports and short stories I've had published
*Posts about the writing process
*and not forgetting my most popular post - my open letter to Van Morrison (who still hasn't replied yet!)
Plus much, much more.
Sadly my 30 minutes is up but can I ask again, if you've any advice about how to help with back/neck/shoulder pain, I'd be very, very grateful.
Cheers!
The problem areas are my neck, shoulders and between my shoulder blades.
I've hardly used my computer over the last month to see if it would make a difference but it hasn't.
I'm actually writing this under the influence of paracetamol and codeine, ibruprofen, and tramadol. Also, I have magnets all the way down either side of my spine, and am wearing a tens machine, neck collar and shoulder brace.
Believe you me, you have to really want to write to be togged up like this.
Also, I sit on a special back-less chair and my key board is raised on a slant.
I'm doing everything I can to strengthen my back: swimming, walking, daily stretches and pilates; I pace myself and give myself plenty of time for relaxation; I go to an osteopath regularly and I don't lift heavy things etc etc. But at the moment all these things aren't enough.
SO, IF YOU HAVE ANY OTHER SUGGESTIONS THAT MAY HELP ME THAT I HAVEN'T MENTIONED, PLEASE LET ME KNOW !!!
The bladder problem was a mere inconvience (pardon the pun) compared with this.
The problem originated from a slightly twisted spine and pelvis and made considerable worse by a chiropractor who over-treated me, including my neck, which I'd never had trouble with before.
Hey-ho. Such is life.
The plan for my writing, therefore, is as follows:-
* I shall concentrate on my second novel Winchester Blues, working for no more than 30 minutes twice a day
* My technical manager i.e.John, will write posts for this blog and the new additions of Facebook and My Space as I dictate to him (lying on a comfy duvee and tickling the dog). Since he has a full time job, this will only be roughly once a week and it may take time to answer comments.
By the way, a big Hi to Dorothy, who has left comments on all three of my sites. Very briefly, I'll reply. Yes, Amsterdam is a beautiful, friendly and interesting city, with a wide variety of small shops along most of the canals. And no, we aren't going to the festival in Mali unless there's a hotel with a balcony right next to the venue!
For those of you who have happened upon this post, let me tempt you with reading some of the many posts already written, including:-
* My first novel Cyprus Bluesin its entirety (it can be read on your computer or downloaded)
* Accounts plus photographs of the Essaouira Gnawa and World Music Festival in Morroco
* A short video of Bob Wisdom (Bunny from The Wire) and myself in conversation at last year's festival
*The Wire, which is the best TV series ever made
*Further TV and film reviews
*Book reviews
*Pearls of wisdom
*6 word memoirs
*Posts about Winchester, where I live, local groups etc
*Posts about the newspaper reports and short stories I've had published
*Posts about the writing process
*and not forgetting my most popular post - my open letter to Van Morrison (who still hasn't replied yet!)
Plus much, much more.
Sadly my 30 minutes is up but can I ask again, if you've any advice about how to help with back/neck/shoulder pain, I'd be very, very grateful.
Cheers!
Friday, 26 March 2010
Wednesday, 10 March 2010
Review: FACELESS by Martina Cole
This is definitely commercial fiction and Cole breaks many of the 'sacred' rules of fiction: she includes great chunks of telling rather showing and repeats each character's motivation endlessly. The editing is also suspect at times:she has obviously experimented with several ways of writing the same thing and then has not totally deleted all the redundant words. And-sin of sin-sometimes commas are not used correctly.
Her main character, Marie, who has just been released from prison for a double murder (but I don't believe she did it),speaks in a very middle class way, when she's supposedly working class, apart from a few "me's' instead of 'my's' and the occasional 'fuck'.
HOWEVER, not only am I really enjoying the read but also, Martina Cole is a best seller and must have made more than a few bucks and I still can't find an agent, so I don't feel in way superior about her not particularly fantastic writing skills.
Her characters, most of whom are scumbags, are believable, if somewhat over-stated, and she writes about an underclass where drugs, prostitution and violence are prevelent so it makes for a fascinating read. I don't know what 'rocks' are but I'd certainly not like to get addicted to them.
Okay, the Festival is over, so here's my second 'take' on novels I've been reading recently.
But before I do so, I want to set the scene about my reading preferences.
Because I studied literature for 'A' levels and then my degree in the 1960s and 1970s, I've already read many of the great novels of literature.
Favourites that readily spring to mind are: 'War and Peace', Doctor Zhivago', 'The Alexandrian Quartets', 'Gone With the Wind', 'Madam Bovary', 'How Green Was My Valley', 'Pride And Prejudice' in fact, all of Jane Austen's novels, 'Tess of the Durbevilles', 'Far from the Madding Crowd' (don't you just hate the hypocrisy of Angel!),'Exodus', 'Catch 22' (brilliant), 'A Town Like Alice', 'A Tale of Two Cities', 'For Whom The Bell Tolls'( a real weepy) - the list is endless.
I also had a penchant for authors like Alistair Maclean, Agatha Christie, Jack Higgins etc, what I would call more commercial writers. I lapped us these books whilst living in Cyprus. One of my employers (mother of the two children I was a sort of governess to (Dimitri and Louisa - a lot of fun)) had an enormous selection of paperbacks which I was able to borrow.
The only writers I have a real dislike for, despite the fact that are world renowned and I know that technically they are brilliant, are D.H.Lawrence, E.F. Foster and Joseph Conrad. Their novels are just too dark for me and somewhat boring. I would also never even attempt work by authors like Proust: life's just too short.
There are very few authors that I've come across who make me laugh out loud, which is a real pity, but both Evelyn Waugh and Lyn Truss do that for me, plus Tom Sharpe and not forgetting 'The Little World of Don Camilo' series. I'd love to be able to write a comedy -I think that making people laugh is a wonderful gift - but it's very hard to do, which is why there are so few genuinely funny novels about.
If you come across any, then please leave details in the comments section!
More recently, I've become addicted to crime novels, particularly those written by Michael Connelly (I'm partly in love with Harry Bosch, who is the detective most featured in the novels - although he must be hell to live with), Mo Hayder and Mark Billingham. I'll also read anything by John Le Carre, who is the greatest living novelist of our time, in my opinion. But because I want to break into publishing, I'm devouring novels that are very popular with agents/publishers/book awards/the general public in some hope of seeing where my Cyprus novel would fit in.
Her main character, Marie, who has just been released from prison for a double murder (but I don't believe she did it),speaks in a very middle class way, when she's supposedly working class, apart from a few "me's' instead of 'my's' and the occasional 'fuck'.
HOWEVER, not only am I really enjoying the read but also, Martina Cole is a best seller and must have made more than a few bucks and I still can't find an agent, so I don't feel in way superior about her not particularly fantastic writing skills.
Her characters, most of whom are scumbags, are believable, if somewhat over-stated, and she writes about an underclass where drugs, prostitution and violence are prevelent so it makes for a fascinating read. I don't know what 'rocks' are but I'd certainly not like to get addicted to them.
Okay, the Festival is over, so here's my second 'take' on novels I've been reading recently.
But before I do so, I want to set the scene about my reading preferences.
Because I studied literature for 'A' levels and then my degree in the 1960s and 1970s, I've already read many of the great novels of literature.
Favourites that readily spring to mind are: 'War and Peace', Doctor Zhivago', 'The Alexandrian Quartets', 'Gone With the Wind', 'Madam Bovary', 'How Green Was My Valley', 'Pride And Prejudice' in fact, all of Jane Austen's novels, 'Tess of the Durbevilles', 'Far from the Madding Crowd' (don't you just hate the hypocrisy of Angel!),'Exodus', 'Catch 22' (brilliant), 'A Town Like Alice', 'A Tale of Two Cities', 'For Whom The Bell Tolls'( a real weepy) - the list is endless.
I also had a penchant for authors like Alistair Maclean, Agatha Christie, Jack Higgins etc, what I would call more commercial writers. I lapped us these books whilst living in Cyprus. One of my employers (mother of the two children I was a sort of governess to (Dimitri and Louisa - a lot of fun)) had an enormous selection of paperbacks which I was able to borrow.
The only writers I have a real dislike for, despite the fact that are world renowned and I know that technically they are brilliant, are D.H.Lawrence, E.F. Foster and Joseph Conrad. Their novels are just too dark for me and somewhat boring. I would also never even attempt work by authors like Proust: life's just too short.
There are very few authors that I've come across who make me laugh out loud, which is a real pity, but both Evelyn Waugh and Lyn Truss do that for me, plus Tom Sharpe and not forgetting 'The Little World of Don Camilo' series. I'd love to be able to write a comedy -I think that making people laugh is a wonderful gift - but it's very hard to do, which is why there are so few genuinely funny novels about.
If you come across any, then please leave details in the comments section!
More recently, I've become addicted to crime novels, particularly those written by Michael Connelly (I'm partly in love with Harry Bosch, who is the detective most featured in the novels - although he must be hell to live with), Mo Hayder and Mark Billingham. I'll also read anything by John Le Carre, who is the greatest living novelist of our time, in my opinion. But because I want to break into publishing, I'm devouring novels that are very popular with agents/publishers/book awards/the general public in some hope of seeing where my Cyprus novel would fit in.
Review: THE READER by Bernhard Schlink
This is the novel made into a film which got Kate Winslett (do you spell her surname like that?) her Oscar. I chose to read it because the story sounded most interesting - the German woman who seduces a young boy only to be revealed as a guard who worked at Austerlitz etc and was possibly responsible for a number of deaths.
It's mainly an interesting read and I could really imagine the character of Hanna Schmitz being played by Winslett, portraying her detached, unemotional personality. But the novel (a translation) breaks all the rules about show rather than tell and when Schlink tries to examine the role of Germans during the Second World War and the concentration camps, it felt rather forced.
I'm glad I read this novel but I wouldn't want to read it again.
It's mainly an interesting read and I could really imagine the character of Hanna Schmitz being played by Winslett, portraying her detached, unemotional personality. But the novel (a translation) breaks all the rules about show rather than tell and when Schlink tries to examine the role of Germans during the Second World War and the concentration camps, it felt rather forced.
I'm glad I read this novel but I wouldn't want to read it again.
Review: GEORGIANA DUCHESS OF DEVONSHIRE by Amanda Foreman
This work of non-fiction, based on extracts of diaries and newspaper articles, is a real Jekyll and Hyde read. I haven't seen the film, which looks lavish from previews, although why they chose stick-thin Keira Knightly is a mystery because apparently Georgina had a most ample figure, but I had heard an adaptation on Woman's Hour, which was excellent, so reading the book seemed a good idea.
Reading the book, though, is a different matter and it's very much a 'dry' read. The sections about Georgiana are just about bearable but the vast descriptions of the politics of the time left me with no option but to skim read. So, no, I wouldn't recommend this book.
Georgiana, by the way, was the Princess Diana of her time, married to a husband who didn't love her and kept a mistress, literally under the same roof, and who fell in love with some-one else. So it should have been far more interesting than it was. Very glad to have finished it!
Reading the book, though, is a different matter and it's very much a 'dry' read. The sections about Georgiana are just about bearable but the vast descriptions of the politics of the time left me with no option but to skim read. So, no, I wouldn't recommend this book.
Georgiana, by the way, was the Princess Diana of her time, married to a husband who didn't love her and kept a mistress, literally under the same roof, and who fell in love with some-one else. So it should have been far more interesting than it was. Very glad to have finished it!
Review: THE OVERLOOK by Michael Connelly
This is another of the Harry Bosch detective novels and it progresses at a fair lick, engaging interest immediately and maintaining it throughout. Connelly has such an easy writing style, with just the right mix of plot, characterisation and description and there's always a real sense of place in these novels. You do actually feel as if you are in Los Angeles. My only criticism would be that I found the cessium part of the plot somewhat far-fetched but sexy, maverick Harry makes up for that in bucket loads.
BRISTOL SHORT STORY PRIZE ANTHOLOGY 2008
When I entered The dog in the Pram for the 2009 competition, I ordered a copy of the anthology of last year's winners and runners up, 20 in all.
The standard of writing was very high and I enjoyed all of stories bar one, which made me feel very uncomfortable. There are obviously a lot of very skilled writers in the UK, all vying for publication, which explains why there are so many rejections: a publication can only include so many stories.
The range of subject matter, mood and style was wide so there was a good balance and variety.
My favourites (none of which were in the first three) were:
'Facing Facts' by Susan Akass, a very funny story despite the seemingly somber setting of a widow faced with the problem of sorting out her recently deceased husband's possessions.
'Life Sucks' by Fran Landsman, again a funny story about a teenager who discovers an uncomfortable secret about her father.
*'Virtue in Danger' by Nick Law, a salutary tale set in a time of brothels and rogues and written entirely in verse.
'Killing Me Quietly' by Dominica McGowan', a far blacker take on the death of a husband.
'Intervention' by Charlotte Mabey, about the dilemma of a young man with first-aid knowledge.
'Burying The Presidents', yet another funny story and certainly not what I expected from the title.
'Going Down Brean' by Rebecca Watts - my very favourite. It's a gentle, nostalgic story of a small group of children taken on their annual day-trip to the sea-side, accompanied by the church vicar and the formidable Mrs Chubb, who won't stand for any nonsense. The descriptions of the small, pleasurable activities that the children indulge in, plus their meticulous choice of small gifts in the old gift shop, brought back very many happy memories and the ending is brilliant.
The short story is a difficult genre to write and to read because the writer is trying to say so much in a relatively few words. Full-length novels have the luxury of development of characters and plot, the continuity of the build up.
I personally enjoy reading and writing short stories that tell a story. It's been fashionable for some time with short story writing that language is often more important than plot and characters, that the more flowery the language then the more likely it is to be published (apart from national magazines like Women's Weekly and The People's Friend, where the feel-good factor is the most important criteria). Also, there seems to be a penchant for gloomy or fantastical tales. My kind of story writing doesn't really fit in with these criteria but it's just the way I prefer to write and I'm hoping that, one day, the good old-fashioned story will become fashionable again.
However, this anthology is a really good read and to purchase a copy log onto http://www.bristolprize.co.uk/
The standard of writing was very high and I enjoyed all of stories bar one, which made me feel very uncomfortable. There are obviously a lot of very skilled writers in the UK, all vying for publication, which explains why there are so many rejections: a publication can only include so many stories.
The range of subject matter, mood and style was wide so there was a good balance and variety.
My favourites (none of which were in the first three) were:
'Facing Facts' by Susan Akass, a very funny story despite the seemingly somber setting of a widow faced with the problem of sorting out her recently deceased husband's possessions.
'Life Sucks' by Fran Landsman, again a funny story about a teenager who discovers an uncomfortable secret about her father.
*'Virtue in Danger' by Nick Law, a salutary tale set in a time of brothels and rogues and written entirely in verse.
'Killing Me Quietly' by Dominica McGowan', a far blacker take on the death of a husband.
'Intervention' by Charlotte Mabey, about the dilemma of a young man with first-aid knowledge.
'Burying The Presidents', yet another funny story and certainly not what I expected from the title.
'Going Down Brean' by Rebecca Watts - my very favourite. It's a gentle, nostalgic story of a small group of children taken on their annual day-trip to the sea-side, accompanied by the church vicar and the formidable Mrs Chubb, who won't stand for any nonsense. The descriptions of the small, pleasurable activities that the children indulge in, plus their meticulous choice of small gifts in the old gift shop, brought back very many happy memories and the ending is brilliant.
The short story is a difficult genre to write and to read because the writer is trying to say so much in a relatively few words. Full-length novels have the luxury of development of characters and plot, the continuity of the build up.
I personally enjoy reading and writing short stories that tell a story. It's been fashionable for some time with short story writing that language is often more important than plot and characters, that the more flowery the language then the more likely it is to be published (apart from national magazines like Women's Weekly and The People's Friend, where the feel-good factor is the most important criteria). Also, there seems to be a penchant for gloomy or fantastical tales. My kind of story writing doesn't really fit in with these criteria but it's just the way I prefer to write and I'm hoping that, one day, the good old-fashioned story will become fashionable again.
However, this anthology is a really good read and to purchase a copy log onto http://www.bristolprize.co.uk/
Review: CHANGE OF HEART by Jodi Picoult
Boy, am I glad I found this writer because she really knows how to tell a good story. This one is about the dilemma that a mother and daughter face: the daughter needs a heart transplant and the only heart available would be from the murderer of the rest of their family. Shay Bourne, on death row, feels that this will be his only way to redemption. But he's due to be executed by lethal injection, which would make his heart unsuitable. Enter attorney, Maggie Bloom, an anti-death penalty campaigner, and Father Michael, Shay's spiritual adviser, who has his own secret.
It's compelling reading and I kept pushing myself to read more because I wanted to know more. And Jodi Picoult's style is easy to read; I'm somewhat jealous at how good she is. She presents the story through the eyes of several different characters, which seems to be one of her trade marks, as is flashbacks, and all her characters are drawn sympathetically, no matter who or what they are. My favourite in this novel is Maggie's father, Rabbi Bloom, who has a wonderful sense of humour.
If you're not put off by the controversial themes, including, in this novel, is Shay Bourne actually the Messiah? (that should really get Christians rattled), then it's a great read.
Read June 2009
It's compelling reading and I kept pushing myself to read more because I wanted to know more. And Jodi Picoult's style is easy to read; I'm somewhat jealous at how good she is. She presents the story through the eyes of several different characters, which seems to be one of her trade marks, as is flashbacks, and all her characters are drawn sympathetically, no matter who or what they are. My favourite in this novel is Maggie's father, Rabbi Bloom, who has a wonderful sense of humour.
If you're not put off by the controversial themes, including, in this novel, is Shay Bourne actually the Messiah? (that should really get Christians rattled), then it's a great read.
Read June 2009
Review: DEVIL BONES by Kathy Reichs
Kathy Reichs is a best selling author. A working forensic anthropologist, she uses her knowledge in her writing and boy, don't you know it. This is the first and last book I shall read of hers. It was all about the forensic stuff, which became really boring. Characterisation was weak and the plot slow and tedious and quite gory at times. Bones have been found in an old building and it appears that some kind of witchcraft is involved. Yawn, yawn. And the main character, Dr Temperance Brennan, is an alcholic. How novel. As you can gather, I didn't rate this book highly and am perplexed at how she sells so well.
Read August 2009
Read August 2009
Review: FAMILY CONNECTIONS - short stories by Chrissie Gittens
What a delight it was reading these short stories, all so very different and yet maintaining the theme of relationships. Most are set in present time and are based on the kind of situations you or I might find ourselves in, although there are two exceptions: a fairy tale and a story set in the future. Thet are all short and perfectly crafted.
At last, a short story writer who doesn't use obviously flowery language, I thought. Very down to earth and no-nonsense kind os stories. So impressed was I that I took my favourite story - Onyx, about a tenant getting revenge on an unscrupulous landlord - with me on holiday to see more closly how Chrissie achieved this. I could get some good writing tips here, I thought.
However, I was most surprised at the results of my research. I highlighted all the adjectives and adverbs and found, to my astonishment, that the story was rich with such parts of speech. And then I highlighted the verbs and saw what a variety she used.
To me, this is what makes a good writer. They use a richness of language that doesn't shout out 'Hey, this is very descriptive writing - look at me and never mind about the story'. No wonder many of these stories have been published previously or been read on Radio 4 (who I know, to my cost, only use stories of a very high standard.)
Salt Publishing
Read August 2009
At last, a short story writer who doesn't use obviously flowery language, I thought. Very down to earth and no-nonsense kind os stories. So impressed was I that I took my favourite story - Onyx, about a tenant getting revenge on an unscrupulous landlord - with me on holiday to see more closly how Chrissie achieved this. I could get some good writing tips here, I thought.
However, I was most surprised at the results of my research. I highlighted all the adjectives and adverbs and found, to my astonishment, that the story was rich with such parts of speech. And then I highlighted the verbs and saw what a variety she used.
To me, this is what makes a good writer. They use a richness of language that doesn't shout out 'Hey, this is very descriptive writing - look at me and never mind about the story'. No wonder many of these stories have been published previously or been read on Radio 4 (who I know, to my cost, only use stories of a very high standard.)
Salt Publishing
Read August 2009
Review: THE WHOLE TRUTH by David Baldacci
This is another best seller that had me scratching my head in puzzlement. Why so popular? In fact, I considered ditching it before even reading a quarter of it but John's alternative 'The Budda of Suburbia' didn't appeal and so I stuck with it.
I'm glad I did, because it got better until near the end and then it was just ridiculous. The plot is based on the desire of an extremely rich arms manufacturer who wants to restore the old balance of power world-wide by creating a phony crisis.
Nothing wrong with the plot. It was exciting and fast moving and the chapters were short, which makes for a good 'no-brainer' read. Plus, the description of 'perception management' (companies who artificially create situations for wealthy clients) was fascinating.
What infuriated me was that there were a number of chapters 'telling not showing' to move the plot along and I found them tedious and lazy writing; the characters were one-dimensinal and I couldn't visualise them; and with each new setting came a description which appeared to come out of a travel guide.
For example, anyone who has been to Amsterdam several times will know that The Bulldog it is famous for its coffee shop, where cannabis is sold, and not as a hotel.
However, all that said, I would recommend it because it is generally a cracking good read and its flaws are bearable. How's that for a recommendation!
Very aware that my novel 'Cyprus Blues' (unpublished) has long chapters and I've tried everywhich way but can see no way of shortening them without an editor to guide me. However, 'Winchester Blues', which I've now started will certainly have shorter chapters. Or perhaps I just need a boob enlargement, a racy life style and a willingness to tell all to the media, like Jordan.
On the subject of Jordan, it's in the news that leading booksellers are considering boycotting her latest autobiography (4th in 5 years or 5th in 4 years) because they don't want to be seen to exploit her fans. Maybe so or maybe they just want a better deal with the publishers.
However, frustrating as it is to see Jordan in print so often when she doesn't even write the darn things, I think the booksellers should give their customers the choice.
And also, when I was part of the 'Sexy Shorts' forum, where the writers exchanged news, one of the writers, who worked in W.H.Smiths, praised Jordan for her willingness to do personal signings to promote 'her' books. She certainly has an astute business mind and you can't fault her for that.
Macmillan 2008
Read on holiday in September 2009
I'm glad I did, because it got better until near the end and then it was just ridiculous. The plot is based on the desire of an extremely rich arms manufacturer who wants to restore the old balance of power world-wide by creating a phony crisis.
Nothing wrong with the plot. It was exciting and fast moving and the chapters were short, which makes for a good 'no-brainer' read. Plus, the description of 'perception management' (companies who artificially create situations for wealthy clients) was fascinating.
What infuriated me was that there were a number of chapters 'telling not showing' to move the plot along and I found them tedious and lazy writing; the characters were one-dimensinal and I couldn't visualise them; and with each new setting came a description which appeared to come out of a travel guide.
For example, anyone who has been to Amsterdam several times will know that The Bulldog it is famous for its coffee shop, where cannabis is sold, and not as a hotel.
However, all that said, I would recommend it because it is generally a cracking good read and its flaws are bearable. How's that for a recommendation!
Very aware that my novel 'Cyprus Blues' (unpublished) has long chapters and I've tried everywhich way but can see no way of shortening them without an editor to guide me. However, 'Winchester Blues', which I've now started will certainly have shorter chapters. Or perhaps I just need a boob enlargement, a racy life style and a willingness to tell all to the media, like Jordan.
On the subject of Jordan, it's in the news that leading booksellers are considering boycotting her latest autobiography (4th in 5 years or 5th in 4 years) because they don't want to be seen to exploit her fans. Maybe so or maybe they just want a better deal with the publishers.
However, frustrating as it is to see Jordan in print so often when she doesn't even write the darn things, I think the booksellers should give their customers the choice.
And also, when I was part of the 'Sexy Shorts' forum, where the writers exchanged news, one of the writers, who worked in W.H.Smiths, praised Jordan for her willingness to do personal signings to promote 'her' books. She certainly has an astute business mind and you can't fault her for that.
Macmillan 2008
Read on holiday in September 2009
Review: TOO CLOSE TO HOME by Linwood Barclay
One thing is for sure - Linwood Barclay does not write literary prose, which is why I like him!
The emphasis in his writing is character and plot and just like his last novel (his 1st?), he takes an ordinary family and puts them into a nightmare situation. For most of the novel you've no idea what the actual answer is, which makes for a perfect page-turner of a novel. He's easy to read and the story and characters pull you in effortlessly.
The plot of this novel goes like this: the central family of dad, mum, and teenage son live next door to a house where the family have just been murdered but they are far more involved than they care to be. I shan't say anymore. Buy the book if you're interested and need an easy, exciting read.
Orion Books 2008
Read Sept/Oct 2009
The emphasis in his writing is character and plot and just like his last novel (his 1st?), he takes an ordinary family and puts them into a nightmare situation. For most of the novel you've no idea what the actual answer is, which makes for a perfect page-turner of a novel. He's easy to read and the story and characters pull you in effortlessly.
The plot of this novel goes like this: the central family of dad, mum, and teenage son live next door to a house where the family have just been murdered but they are far more involved than they care to be. I shan't say anymore. Buy the book if you're interested and need an easy, exciting read.
Orion Books 2008
Read Sept/Oct 2009
Review: TRIBUTES by Nora Roberts
My friend, Sheri, has been recommending Nora Roberts for some time because we're both heavily into crime fiction (sounds like some kind of fetish) and she said that Nora Roberts wrote crime fiction. However, I found Tribute eventually at my local W.H.Smiths under the Romance Section, so initially I wasn't too keen to read it, 'cos I'm not into romantic fiction.
However, I was pleasantly surprised when I started to read it. There are crimes involved but the emphasis is definitely on relationships.
The two main characters are Cilla McGowan, once a T.V. actress and now into renevating property. The property she's renovating in this novel is the farm house owned by her famous actress grand-mother, Janet Hardy, who died under mysterious circumstances.
And her closest neighbour is Ford Sawyer, who is a free-lance writer and illustrator, and very convienently unattached.
So, the focus is about how their relationship develops against a background of the unfurling of the mystery as to how Janet Hardy died and who is trying to stop Cilla from renevating the property.
I found myself drawn into the story pretty quickly because the two main characters are just 'darn attractive', plus the rest of the characters are interesting, too.
Plus, the descriptions of the farm house and its renovation were very enjoyable.
And Nora Roberts' writing style? Fully and extensively descriptive, is how I would sum it up, including the sex scenes (not that I'm interested in such things).
I shall certainly read another of her books.
She also writes under the name J. D. Robb, described as 'futuristic suspense'novels. Sounds promising.
Apparently, she's highly successful and prodigious, so I'll have plenty of tomes to enjoy.
Piatkus 2008
Read Nov/Dec 2009
However, I was pleasantly surprised when I started to read it. There are crimes involved but the emphasis is definitely on relationships.
The two main characters are Cilla McGowan, once a T.V. actress and now into renevating property. The property she's renovating in this novel is the farm house owned by her famous actress grand-mother, Janet Hardy, who died under mysterious circumstances.
And her closest neighbour is Ford Sawyer, who is a free-lance writer and illustrator, and very convienently unattached.
So, the focus is about how their relationship develops against a background of the unfurling of the mystery as to how Janet Hardy died and who is trying to stop Cilla from renevating the property.
I found myself drawn into the story pretty quickly because the two main characters are just 'darn attractive', plus the rest of the characters are interesting, too.
Plus, the descriptions of the farm house and its renovation were very enjoyable.
And Nora Roberts' writing style? Fully and extensively descriptive, is how I would sum it up, including the sex scenes (not that I'm interested in such things).
I shall certainly read another of her books.
She also writes under the name J. D. Robb, described as 'futuristic suspense'novels. Sounds promising.
Apparently, she's highly successful and prodigious, so I'll have plenty of tomes to enjoy.
Piatkus 2008
Read Nov/Dec 2009
Thursday, 4 March 2010
GLEE + BBC4 DRAMAS
Glee (E4 Monday 9p.m.): I love this high-school-musical soap. It makes me laugh, sing and dance so I rate it highly. I thought it might be cheesy, but not so. It's the ultimate in the feel-good-factor thingymijigs but tackles challenging subjects such as disability, homosexuality, teenage pregancy etc etc, effortlessly and with compassion.
The music and dance numbers are spectacular and I have already bought the CD of Season One. Lou came home for a few days last week and I said: 'Let's listen to this,' whilst she was a captive audience in the car.
Not having seen the show and being very much her own woman, she turned her nose up. However, after the first four tracks, she said: 'Okay. I'd like to download this onto my computer.' (Please, Web Sheriff, cut me some slack here. I'll buy her a copy if you object - just let me know if you're annoyed but don't sue me.)
For those of you who are still sceptical, it's worth watching if only for the brilliant character of Sue Sylvester, the teacher who's in charge of the cheerleaders. She's a wonderful arch-villian - says what she thinks, which is often pretty extreme - and bullies the kids in a brutal but extremely funny way.
And as the Season progresses, we get to see each character develop more fully, including Sue, so there's a real depth to the show.
Brilliant. What more can I say. If you loved Mamma Mia, you'll love this. (And if you hated Mamma Mia, you'll hate this!) Each to their own.
BBC 4 Dramas: Over the last year, BBC 4 have produced a series of dramas of the highest calibre, focusing on the lives of famous women. The acting, pace and drama have been impressive in each one. This is how TV drama should be.
I haven't kept a list, so I might miss out a few, but from the top of my head, I can remember dramas about:-
Barbara Cartland
Margot Fonteyn
Enid Blyton
Gracie Fields
Mo Mowlem
Heather Brooke (On Expenses): she was the American woman who used the freedom of information act to release details of MP's expenses. Eventually, The Telegraph published the full lists so took all the glory, but it was her dogged groundwork that enabled that to happen. So, good on her. (Can't believe MP's are getting a pay increase of £1000 per annum during this terrible economic downturn, when so many people are losing their jobs/taking pay cuts because of their inability to regulate the investment bankers.)
By the way, I once saw Mo Mowlam sitting in the lobby of The House of Commons, a number of years ago. I was with a group of pupils from Henry Beaufort School, visiting Parliament on a school activity week.
There she was, sitting cross-legged on a comfy chair, looking relaxed, confident and extremely attractive. This was before the brain tumour and it's such a pity that we lost her - she was that rarest of people: a politician with integrity, guts, compassion and an ability to make a difference.
We were actually heading for the House of Lords, where we had been invited to watch a railway bill going through. Not what you'd call interesting. I'd actually read a copy of the report and the Peers who spoke just didn't seem to have a clue, making we wonder if they had even read their own copies at all.
The big surprise for me, though, was being very impressed with Cecil Parkinson. He didn't speak but was sitting on some steps at the peers' entrance, watching and listening intently.
I'd always thought of him as a slimy sleezeball (sorry, Cecil) but actually he had a remendous presense about him. A sense of authority and intelligence. What a shame that he disgraced himself, like so many men, John Terry being another example, who can't keep their flies unzipped. I suppose, that's men for you.
Now there's an opening for comment. Come on guys, give me hell over that last statement. Show me that I'm wrong.
The music and dance numbers are spectacular and I have already bought the CD of Season One. Lou came home for a few days last week and I said: 'Let's listen to this,' whilst she was a captive audience in the car.
Not having seen the show and being very much her own woman, she turned her nose up. However, after the first four tracks, she said: 'Okay. I'd like to download this onto my computer.' (Please, Web Sheriff, cut me some slack here. I'll buy her a copy if you object - just let me know if you're annoyed but don't sue me.)
For those of you who are still sceptical, it's worth watching if only for the brilliant character of Sue Sylvester, the teacher who's in charge of the cheerleaders. She's a wonderful arch-villian - says what she thinks, which is often pretty extreme - and bullies the kids in a brutal but extremely funny way.
And as the Season progresses, we get to see each character develop more fully, including Sue, so there's a real depth to the show.
Brilliant. What more can I say. If you loved Mamma Mia, you'll love this. (And if you hated Mamma Mia, you'll hate this!) Each to their own.
BBC 4 Dramas: Over the last year, BBC 4 have produced a series of dramas of the highest calibre, focusing on the lives of famous women. The acting, pace and drama have been impressive in each one. This is how TV drama should be.
I haven't kept a list, so I might miss out a few, but from the top of my head, I can remember dramas about:-
Barbara Cartland
Margot Fonteyn
Enid Blyton
Gracie Fields
Mo Mowlem
Heather Brooke (On Expenses): she was the American woman who used the freedom of information act to release details of MP's expenses. Eventually, The Telegraph published the full lists so took all the glory, but it was her dogged groundwork that enabled that to happen. So, good on her. (Can't believe MP's are getting a pay increase of £1000 per annum during this terrible economic downturn, when so many people are losing their jobs/taking pay cuts because of their inability to regulate the investment bankers.)
By the way, I once saw Mo Mowlam sitting in the lobby of The House of Commons, a number of years ago. I was with a group of pupils from Henry Beaufort School, visiting Parliament on a school activity week.
There she was, sitting cross-legged on a comfy chair, looking relaxed, confident and extremely attractive. This was before the brain tumour and it's such a pity that we lost her - she was that rarest of people: a politician with integrity, guts, compassion and an ability to make a difference.
We were actually heading for the House of Lords, where we had been invited to watch a railway bill going through. Not what you'd call interesting. I'd actually read a copy of the report and the Peers who spoke just didn't seem to have a clue, making we wonder if they had even read their own copies at all.
The big surprise for me, though, was being very impressed with Cecil Parkinson. He didn't speak but was sitting on some steps at the peers' entrance, watching and listening intently.
I'd always thought of him as a slimy sleezeball (sorry, Cecil) but actually he had a remendous presense about him. A sense of authority and intelligence. What a shame that he disgraced himself, like so many men, John Terry being another example, who can't keep their flies unzipped. I suppose, that's men for you.
Now there's an opening for comment. Come on guys, give me hell over that last statement. Show me that I'm wrong.
Monday, 1 March 2010
NEW BOOK REVIEW: A DARKER DOMAIN by VAL MCDERMID
Publisher: Harpercollins 2009
Val McDermid is a very popular, high profile crime writer so I was expecting great things. However, I found this novel very pedestrian.
Set in Scotland, cold case expert DI Karen Pirie is asked to look into two unsolved mysteries: the disappearance of two coal-miners during the miner's strike, plus the murder of rich-girl Catriona Grant and the disappearance of her young son.
You don't need to be a rocket-scientist to realise pretty quickly that the two cases are linked, although it takes forever for Karen Pirie to work this out. Hence there was very little in the way of suspense.
It's written in terms of time and place and jumps back and forward constantly, which was confusing at times, given that there were two cases and lots of characters. But my main critisism is that the pace doesn't vary at all. The plot just plods on with no variation until it reaches the end. And then it stops.
Plus, the development of Karen Pirie's relationship with her subordinate officer, Phil Parhatka, is a mystery to me, given the way that McDermid presents Karen Pirie (she doesn't come over, to me, as a very appealing character),and I don't have a clue about Phil Parhatka. So, what happens between them didn't work for me - it seemed a lazy way to come to some conclusions about the pair.
On the plus side, I really liked the character of Bel Richmond, the journalist, and scenes including her came more alive for me. Also, I did at least finish the book. But I shan't buy another one of hers. Life's too short and there are too many fantastic books out there to read.
Val McDermid is a very popular, high profile crime writer so I was expecting great things. However, I found this novel very pedestrian.
Set in Scotland, cold case expert DI Karen Pirie is asked to look into two unsolved mysteries: the disappearance of two coal-miners during the miner's strike, plus the murder of rich-girl Catriona Grant and the disappearance of her young son.
You don't need to be a rocket-scientist to realise pretty quickly that the two cases are linked, although it takes forever for Karen Pirie to work this out. Hence there was very little in the way of suspense.
It's written in terms of time and place and jumps back and forward constantly, which was confusing at times, given that there were two cases and lots of characters. But my main critisism is that the pace doesn't vary at all. The plot just plods on with no variation until it reaches the end. And then it stops.
Plus, the development of Karen Pirie's relationship with her subordinate officer, Phil Parhatka, is a mystery to me, given the way that McDermid presents Karen Pirie (she doesn't come over, to me, as a very appealing character),and I don't have a clue about Phil Parhatka. So, what happens between them didn't work for me - it seemed a lazy way to come to some conclusions about the pair.
On the plus side, I really liked the character of Bel Richmond, the journalist, and scenes including her came more alive for me. Also, I did at least finish the book. But I shan't buy another one of hers. Life's too short and there are too many fantastic books out there to read.
GREAT STUFF !!!
1. Cyprus Blues is up and running. Please try to read it/some of it and give me feed back. My e-mail address is on the title page of the novel, after you've pressed read more.
2. Back to more mundane issues - i.e. the ultrasound today. I don't know why I was so worried. It was an absolute dodle. The hardest part was drinking 1 litre of water all in one go.
The incontinence pad (can't believe I'm telling you this) was unnecessary. I managed to hold all that water in successfully although my heart did sink when I arrived in the reception area and saw about eight people waiting. Didn't think I could last eight examinations before mine.
However, they were all waiting for different scanners so I was soon being dealt with. And you'll be pleased to know that I have an properly functioning bladder, so I've probably just got an irritable bladder, which aparently is possible and which just about sums me up. For those of you with similar problems, I'll let you know what treatment my doctor recommends when I manage to get an appointment.
And since this blog is bordering on the abnoxious, just to let you know that I had great plans for the rest of the pads in the packet in terms of travelling. So, I had a little experiment to see just how waterproof they are. And my conclusion: don't try to pee into your pad when you're on a plane!
2. Back to more mundane issues - i.e. the ultrasound today. I don't know why I was so worried. It was an absolute dodle. The hardest part was drinking 1 litre of water all in one go.
The incontinence pad (can't believe I'm telling you this) was unnecessary. I managed to hold all that water in successfully although my heart did sink when I arrived in the reception area and saw about eight people waiting. Didn't think I could last eight examinations before mine.
However, they were all waiting for different scanners so I was soon being dealt with. And you'll be pleased to know that I have an properly functioning bladder, so I've probably just got an irritable bladder, which aparently is possible and which just about sums me up. For those of you with similar problems, I'll let you know what treatment my doctor recommends when I manage to get an appointment.
And since this blog is bordering on the abnoxious, just to let you know that I had great plans for the rest of the pads in the packet in terms of travelling. So, I had a little experiment to see just how waterproof they are. And my conclusion: don't try to pee into your pad when you're on a plane!
Cyprus Blues - A Novel by Maggie Knutson
I intend to publish this novel as an e-book, so read it here while you can.
PART ONE: THE BLUE, BLUE SEA
PLEASE DO NOT READ CHAPTER ONE !!! IT NEEDS TO BE SERIOUSLY EDITED - AS IT STANDS IT IS WAY TOO LONG AND LONG-WINDED AND I NEED TO EDIT OUT ONE OF THE CHARACTERS - BUT THE REST OF THE NOVEL IS JUST ABOUT GOOD TO GO !
CHAPTER ONE: KATE
Do I ever regret getting on that plane? No. Never. Not even for one moment.
Because if I hadn’t, if I’d stayed in England, then I would never have discovered that life truly begins only when you start to live with intensity, with passion, and with love. And until then, you’re only existing…nothing more…as I was.
And then, when you allow yourself the freedom to be yourself, life becomes so wonderful that you can feel your heart beating with its own beautiful rhythm and you enjoy each new experience with the pleasure of a small child.
But it doesn't last. Of course it doesn't last. Nothing does.
Because just when you feel that life couldn't get any better, it starts to fray around the edges ,whoever you are, and then your heightened senses make you more likely to feel the hurt…the pain…the dismay of it all.
I can say this now, because I survived.
But it is only now, when I look back, that I can see so clearly that life is more like a game of snakes and ladders than anything else. Once you pick up the dice and make your first throw, the only way is up and off you go, shouting and whooping with joy. And when you reach the top of each ladder, you can look down, with great satisfaction, and see how far you have advanced.
And, boy, does the world look good from up there.
But then, on the next throw, you can land at the top of a slippery, slidey snake and swoop back down, often passing places that you had already reached…and it can be devastating.
And then you have several options to choose from. You can dash your dice against the wall and refuse to play…or huddle yourself into a sulk and behave like a spoilt child …or you can get up and start all over again.
Only this time you’re very wary of those snakes.
But snakes and ladders is a board game and no-one dies…not as they do in real life. And your ups and downs are often the result of other people’s choices, not your own. And until you realise and accept that, you’re going to be a very bitter person.
Am I bitter? No, I’m not bitter… because I know the difference between merely existing and living life as fully as I can and I choose the fullness despite all those bloody snakes.
~
For me, my life began in that way, when I knew I was truly alive rather than existing, when I was twenty-two years old. The date was July 21st 1973. Hard to believe it was so long ago, but it is as clear in my mind as if it were yesterday. It still is, every single day since then, because I was living it... really living it.
You can preview and buy my novel CYPRUS BLUES here on Barnes and Noble
PART ONE: THE BLUE, BLUE SEA
PLEASE DO NOT READ CHAPTER ONE !!! IT NEEDS TO BE SERIOUSLY EDITED - AS IT STANDS IT IS WAY TOO LONG AND LONG-WINDED AND I NEED TO EDIT OUT ONE OF THE CHARACTERS - BUT THE REST OF THE NOVEL IS JUST ABOUT GOOD TO GO !
CHAPTER ONE: KATE
Do I ever regret getting on that plane? No. Never. Not even for one moment.
Because if I hadn’t, if I’d stayed in England, then I would never have discovered that life truly begins only when you start to live with intensity, with passion, and with love. And until then, you’re only existing…nothing more…as I was.
And then, when you allow yourself the freedom to be yourself, life becomes so wonderful that you can feel your heart beating with its own beautiful rhythm and you enjoy each new experience with the pleasure of a small child.
But it doesn't last. Of course it doesn't last. Nothing does.
Because just when you feel that life couldn't get any better, it starts to fray around the edges ,whoever you are, and then your heightened senses make you more likely to feel the hurt…the pain…the dismay of it all.
I can say this now, because I survived.
But it is only now, when I look back, that I can see so clearly that life is more like a game of snakes and ladders than anything else. Once you pick up the dice and make your first throw, the only way is up and off you go, shouting and whooping with joy. And when you reach the top of each ladder, you can look down, with great satisfaction, and see how far you have advanced.
And, boy, does the world look good from up there.
But then, on the next throw, you can land at the top of a slippery, slidey snake and swoop back down, often passing places that you had already reached…and it can be devastating.
And then you have several options to choose from. You can dash your dice against the wall and refuse to play…or huddle yourself into a sulk and behave like a spoilt child …or you can get up and start all over again.
Only this time you’re very wary of those snakes.
But snakes and ladders is a board game and no-one dies…not as they do in real life. And your ups and downs are often the result of other people’s choices, not your own. And until you realise and accept that, you’re going to be a very bitter person.
Am I bitter? No, I’m not bitter… because I know the difference between merely existing and living life as fully as I can and I choose the fullness despite all those bloody snakes.
~
For me, my life began in that way, when I knew I was truly alive rather than existing, when I was twenty-two years old. The date was July 21st 1973. Hard to believe it was so long ago, but it is as clear in my mind as if it were yesterday. It still is, every single day since then, because I was living it... really living it.
You can preview and buy my novel CYPRUS BLUES here on Barnes and Noble
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