My latest piece for the Japan Times is a review of Akiko Hashimoto’s brilliant sociological study of how defeat in World War 2 has manifested in contemporary Japanese society. Balanced and insightful, it goes behind the easy simplifications normally attributed to Japan’s war memory. Voting is still open in Not The Booker so if you’veContinue reading “The Long Defeat by Akiko Hashimoto and Not The Booker”
Tag Archives: Not The Booker
Not The Booker
So folks, after the kicking I got in 2014, I’m now back on the Not The Booker shortlist with The Waves Burn Bright and hoping to erase the memory (at least in Google) of that ‘review’. If you enjoyed The Waves Burn Bright and have a spare minute, please head over to the page onContinue reading “Not The Booker”
Award-winning Friends and Reviews
Hi folks, I’ll be back soon with a proper update and some big news but in the meantime here are two nuggets of happiness to tide you over. First off, Kirstin Innes – an old friend and fellow stablemate at Freight – has won this year’s Guardian Not The Booker. It’s a well-deserved victory for aContinue reading “Award-winning Friends and Reviews”
Novels, Poems and Podcasts
So, as Donald Trump might put it, time for a round up. Since last we met I have, with the tireless efforts of Rodge Glass, completed the edit of my third novel. I’m waiting for confirmation from Freight that the manuscript and new title are both acceptable. Once that happens you, dear reader, will beContinue reading “Novels, Poems and Podcasts”
Shiny New Books Review
My first review since the Not The Booker mauling has been posted online and I’m relieved to see it’s a good one. I particularly like it because it’s the first one to look at the prose rather than just the story. Anyone who has been reading this blog for a while will know my thoughts onContinue reading “Shiny New Books Review”
The Workers’ Guide To The World
Good news often comes shackled to bad news. I’m delighted that my story ‘The Workers’ Guide To The World’ is included in the latest issue of Outside In Magazine, unfortunately it’s also the last issue. I hope the two aren’t connected. Outside In is a magazine of literature and travel, featuring fiction, non-fiction and poetry.Continue reading “The Workers’ Guide To The World”
You Pay Your Money
A story of mine called ‘You Pay Your Money’ has been included in the first issue of Chase The Moon. Set up by the editor of Glitterwolf Magazine, Chase The Moon aims to ‘publish stories that haven’t found a home elsewhere. If you’re sick of seeing that line on a rejection, “your story isn’t quite the right fitContinue reading “You Pay Your Money”
First Time Solo, The Making Of …
Another four star review has come in, this time from the lovely people at Our Book Review Online, and you can read it here. In addition, they asked me to write a guest post introducing First Time Solo. I decided to explain something about the initial inspiration and wider themes of the book and you canContinue reading “First Time Solo, The Making Of …”
Short and Listing
Pester power! I’m delighted to announce that I have been shortlisted for The Guardian’s Not The Booker prize alongside five talented and frankly intimidating writers. This is all thanks to those of you who voted and I really appreciate it. There’s now another round of voting before the winner is announced in October, but weContinue reading “Short and Listing”
Not The Booker
I’m delighted that I’ve been included in the long list for The Guardian’s Not The Booker prize. The list will be whittled down to a short list of six by public vote. If you fancy helping me out (and I’d really appreciate it if you did) then follow these simple steps. 1. Follow this linkContinue reading “Not The Booker”