There is a world of difference between a professional broadcaster and fumbling new author – so I discovered at the Wigtown Book Fair last week. The whole thing was an excellent set up, by the way. Paul Heiney was great value and had everyone roaring with laughter one minute, and on the edge of their seats in suspense at the next. His book, Last Man across the Atlantic, is now on the “to read” shelf.
The other fumbling new author I heard shall be nameless. Sufficient to say that his public speaking needs to be honed, and the book looked rubbish. So speaks the unpublished writer…….. Hmmm……. pause for thought ……….. well I cannot do anything much today. Too many doctors, builders and meetings. I know it sounds like work, but it is still retirement, I assure you.
Hi Freda
Was tempted to send you hate mail because you have done one of the things I long to do i.e. Wigtown – but I’ll get there! Have you found Hay-on-Wye yet? Or almost better – Astley Book Farm outside Coventry – it’s a must. Just back from Surrey and Normandy. Much happening but glad to see you are still out there in cyberspace. Keep writing – and I think 1000 words per day is wonderful. Let me know how it’s done. By the way, if you haven’t read Ian McEwan’s ‘Saturday’ I strongly recommend you do. It has to be one of the best books I have ever read – wonderfully written.
Thanks for the book recommendation, Ann, I am doing an amazon order soon and will look out for it. The only other book festival I have been at is the one in Edinburgh. However, I am now keen to look out for others.