Tag Archives: The Guardian

Once More Around the Sun

And a happy new year to you all (if you go by the Gregorian calendar, there’s obviously still Chinese New Year, Tet in Vietnam and a bunch of others to come). I’m writing this on the morning of January 2nd, remarkably un-hung over (hung-under? Under-hung? No, that’s something else…) after a day with the in-laws.Continue reading “Once More Around the Sun”

The Long Defeat by Akiko Hashimoto and Not The Booker

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”

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”

First Time Solo: Historical Novel Society Review

Editing, editing, editing. Ma heid’s like mince. Congratulations to Kirstin Innes, whose Fishnet has been shortlisted for the Guardian Not The Booker Prize. The reading and voting will commence soon so if you have a moment, head over, check up on the rules and give Kirstin (or one of the other five finalists) your support. FirstContinue reading “First Time Solo: Historical Novel Society 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”

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”