[John T]

We must venture that way. We’re at the other side of Bannau Brycheiniog near Abergavenny.

[John T]

Salter is an author I’ve never read. 90% of my favourite                                                                                                                                                   contemporary authors are women, but that may be as much about genre as gender. I read very few thrillers or crime novels, and only occasional literary novels, although I do read SF, fantasy (particularly reinterpretations of myths, having a background in storytelling), horror, good romance, YA and children’s.

[John T]

Oh yes, Alan Bennett’s diaries are amazing!

[John T]

Yes, Kurt Vonnegut never hid behind ‘fancy’ writing. He’s a fabulous role model. Amongst contemporary writers, I would love Ali Smith’s way with words, and maybe Philip Pullman’s scope (mine is more like a microscope by comparison). I love the lightness and silly references in Philip Reeve’s children’s books. A lot of my favourite authors write for children.

[John T]

Oh wow! That brings back memories. I heard Pete Atkin (without Clive James) at a soaking wet Bristol Folk Festival sometime in the early 70s, and again in Cardiff Student Union. And I loved his music. I had a Clive James/Pete Atkin LP from that time, but it is one of the many that I sold when I moved to a single room in Scotland in 1980.

As for Chanson, I love to listen to Jacques Brel, but I failed French O level, and so I just guess what he’s singing about!

[John T]

Thank you, Jane!

[John T]

Yes, I saw the TSS tweets. They are good people. I’m in, for one. It’s a great opportunity.

[John T]

One I picked up from Brian Keaney at York for intense, magical or transformational scenes (to be used sparingly). Write it as prose, rewrite it as poetry (however crappy) then rewrite it again as prose. The idea is to knock away your own familiar turns of phrase and find a different language. I’ve already tried it in the last couple of days, and just a few resonant words in the right place make a big difference.

[John T]

A great York festival (when I feared it might not be with all the changes at Jericho Towers) finished off with the best possible treat of seeing you assume your rightful place as keynote speaker, Mandy. The nerves didn’t show (much) xxx

[John T]

Now signed up to ShortStops: job done 🙂

[John T]

I second that, WB – I’d never heard of ShortStops.

[John T]

That’s brilliant, Philippa! I’m submitting two novels at the same time in different ways: one to agents and one to small presses, because it got a lot of praise but no offers from agents. And I’m busy writing the next book: making good progress after a research visit to its setting in Cardiff, where I grew up.

[John T]

It’s fab, JB. Not being computer literate, I’m happy to go with the flow and let others decide the complicated stuff. Also sending cake.

[John T]

Brilliant! Remind us when it’s out, Daedalus.

[John T]

Ooh, I like those fancy patterns!

[John T]

*peeks round corner* ‘Anyone in?’

[Author]

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