Another great Macmillan party.

Last night was a sad-happy night. It was the party in honour of Mike Barnard's retirement, Mike being the founding godfather of Macmillan New Writing. Mike ascended even higher in my estimation, when after giving a very warm and witty speech, he joined the live band, strung a guitar over his shoulder and took the lead vocals.

Is there anything that man can't do?

I'm too hungover, I'm afraid, to blog coherently about it, so I will direct you to Matt Curran's blog. Matt's a fellow MNW-er, the author in fact of The Secret War (a copy of which he was good enough to sign for me last night). Matt's said everything I wanted to say, only much better than I ever could.

Other news

I spotted actual copies of A Gentle Axe in Prospero's Books today, even though the official publication is not until next week. It was very unexpected - and exciting.

Never admit to beige.

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.