As well as being sound advice in general, Never Admit to Beige also happens to be the title of a new novel by Jonathan Drapes, the latest release from Macmillan New Writing.
Luck is one of the book’s themes and I was lucky enough to be at Jonathan’s launch party last night. It was a fun occasion, with a great turn out. Jonathan read a very funny passage from the book and made a touching speech, in which he paid tribute to the camaraderie of MNW authors. It’s strange, but we really do see ourselves as part of a family and it was great to catch up with the following of my writerly siblings last night: Cate Sweeney, Lucy McCarraher, Samantha Grosser, Matt Curran, Brian Martin, Peter Bourne and, all too briefly (my fault), Michael Fuchs. I also had a good chat with the man who started it all, Michael Barnard. Will and Sophie from MNW were there too and it was great to see David Headley of Goldsboro books in attendance. (Sorry if I’ve forgotten anyone!)
I’d like to wish Jonathan the very best of luck with his book, but I have a feeling he may not need it. Never Admit to Beige has already been selected as the Radio Five Live book of the month. It’s also Goldsboro Books’ book of the month and can be found on the 3 for 2 tables at Waterstone’s. All I can say, having sat next to Jonathan at Pizza Express afterwards, is ‘It couldn’t have happened to a nicer chap’.
Oh, Cate – I hope you got your £24 back off Lucy. You have to watch her, you know. Can’t wait to see you both in Ready Steady Cook in January.
To plog or not to plog?
I talked last night to a number of people about blogging. Is it a good thing or a bad thing? Does it get in the way of 'proper writing'? Doesn't it take up too much time? Does it do any good (in terms of book sales)?
The answers I gave, in order:
Urm.
Ah!
Mmmm.
Yynn.
A general conclusion: so.
Anyone who followed that last link and was surprised by what they found, obviously hasn't read this blog before.
8 comments:
Grrrrr! I'm determined to make one of these parties at some point. Pencil me in for a 2007 one, definitely... glad it went well.
Aliya
Hey, Aliya - it would have been nice to see you. I hope things are going well with you.
Roger.
Plog on, Roger.
We'd be lost without you.
jonathan
Hi Jonathan - thanks for popping in! Heard you on the radio, btw. I thought it went really well. They loved the book!
Hi Roger
It was good to see you again... I didn't catch Jonathan's stint on 5 Live (I was immersed in the drudgery of work, unfortunately). Anyone know if there's a recording of it floating about here, there, or anywhere?
Cheers
Matt
Hi Matt, try this:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/fivelive/entertainment/mayosbookpanel/
That link didn't come out very well, so try this.
Hi Roger
thanks for reminding me about the money Lucy owes me. She told me, and then has rather conveniently forgotten since. Mmmmm maybe because we have been filmed for Ready Steady Cook. Watch it Jan 22nd 4.30pm BBC2. Both forgot to mention our books on it too. Must be our age! Good look with new title. Happy New Year!
Cate x
Post a Comment