Andrew Oldham's Boneyard
Viewpoint
Redefining Liberalism
I was recently asked to contribute to the Gladstone Library project Redefining Liberalism. This is from their website ‘This is the question we want you – whoever you are, whatever your political affiliation, and wherever you’re from – to answer. Tell us why and how you are liberal. Tell us why you are not liberal – … Continue reading
John Christopher Dies
When I was nine there was a book scheme at my school. The idea was to get young boys like me to start reading more. I was already a great reader but couldn’t give up the chance to read more. More importantly this was a chance to own a book, though I owned some books … Continue reading
The Artist and The Reader
Having a toddler curtails your cinema going. Though I have always bought DVDs and watched them, it is often cheaper nowadays to wait a year after a DVD release to watch the film all the critics raved about when it was at the cinema.
The Art of Great Storytelling: Francis Firebrace
The art of the great storyteller seems to be on the demise in the world today, as we turn to new technologies, faster ways, we forget the power of one man, one story and a roaring fire. This may be the romantic image of storytelling, more akin to scout camp, scary stories and frightening the … Continue reading
Steampunk: Morlock Nights
A University colleague (thanks Peter) recommended to me as I started to write my MA dissertation to read K.W. Jeter’s Morlock Night but as time became pressing I never got round to it.
Harry Harrison – West of Eden
A few weeks ago in a Creative Writing class I was leading I mentioned Harry Harrison’s West of Eden trilogy. Over the last few months I have been reading for my MA.
Shelagh Delaney Dies
Morrissey loved her, hell there wouldn’t have been The Smiths without Delaney. Her impact on British theatre is still felt today. Her influence can be seen in Jeanette Winterson, Caryl Churchill and many more.
The Future Is The Past
There is much to discuss on the future of the book. Arguments abound that e-books have killed off the book and with the decline in funding for libraries and the startling figures that we have lost over 400 independent bookshops in the last 10 years, what future does the hard copy book have?
perfect pitch
Thanks to Andrew for giving me the opportunity to blog here. It’s been fun. I’ll round off with one of my own poems, from Centuries of Skin (Ragged Raven, 2010). The line Memory has no perfect pitch comes from a poem by Pauline Stainer, The knowledge of water, in The Lady & the Hare, Bloodaxe, … Continue reading
and a round of applause goes to…
anyone who has already visited all the websites in this post. What dedicated writers! http://www.poetrykit.org/ The Poetry Kit. Events, competitions, courses, poetry and more. http://www.writeoutloud.net/public/index.php Write Out Loud. I really like its calendar format that allows me to see which readings are taking place on any date and anywhere in the country. http://www.le.ac.uk/engassoc/publications/bookmarksa.html The English Association … Continue reading
