Well, by “my first signing” I don’t mean the very first time I’ve ever signed my name in my book – I have done that a few times in the privacy of my own home. I mean a real signing – as in, sitting at a table in a bookshop and hoping strangers will not be so terrified by my lack of make-up-putting-on skills that they spin round and exit the shop.

The event was at Waterstone’s, Eastgate Row, Chester, which is rather apt, because the first scene of the book takes place more or less right outside the door. This didn’t occur to me when I was writing it, because that was so long ago now that even finishing the book seemed impossibly distant, let alone the idea of it being on sale...



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I looked and looked at the exhibition postcards but couldn't take to a photo of crumpled gold foil wrapping papers or a miniature medieval map of Iceland. I'd like to go there sometime, though, to take a plunge in those hot lakes. I came away feeling that recent months of gallery-going hadn't done much to help me empathise with such introspective artworks. My feet ached and Waterloo Station seemed far away.

But all that was soon forgotten. What a wonderful surprise, to come across this spendid show of Polish wildlife photos, in a perfect setting: under the trees near the National Theatre.


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What is this urge that’s taunting me to get dressed and visit the local shop for goodies, for stuff that isn’t food? I’m not hungry; I’ve eaten real food today – not traditionally with two veg or anything, but not covered in chocolate or candy either! And now I’m being attacked from the inside; there’s an army of suggestions insinuating themselves deep in my mind alongside a tricky little prompt: you can pick up some bargains for the week ahead and save money. How wily is that?

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If you ever wanted a reason to write, Jack Kerouac is a very good one. Watch this movie http://creativewriterpacks.blogspot.com and I challenge you not to want to tap those keys, or pick up that pen Ð and write, NOW.

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Is there anyone out there who doesn't exhibit the traits of a Prima Donna and who would get stuck into a book idea, that isn't their own? The book isn't written, and the tale is untold. We have designed the book jacket, outlined the story, supplied a diagram of the plot... but you have to write the 90,000+ words that breath life into it... interested? Go to: http://www.shopcreator.com/mall/creativewriterpacks/ and http://creativewriterpacks.blogspot.com/ and think about it carefully. It's all on the websites, get writing now!

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CAMUS AND THE TORTURED WRITER
I was 27 when I read The Plague, by Camus, a story in which a character called Joseph Grand, a 22 year old municipal clerk, is denied workplace promotion. As a result of his inadequate means, he lives in a sparingly furnished apartment. He has difficulty asserting himself and is uncomfortable communicating with others, yet aspires to write a book. The interesting feature of Mr Grand is that he never gets passed the first sentence of his book. (I apoligise if you know this already)
I am now 61 and I have belatedly developed the GRAND JOSEPH CREATIVE WRITING PACK, inspired by the difficulties that Joseph Grand encountered. I realise there are millions of talented writers out there who are in the same position when trying to write a book. I hope that would-be writers of all kinds will find our pack helpful in beginning, and finishing, the novel they've always wanted to write.



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Dogs are not in the least self-aware and Kaos is oblivious to the tatty matted tufts that protrude from his hind quarters and look like an ill-made wig from the cash strapped props department of a repertory theatre company.

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Last night, Jack and I drank three pints of ale in the pub. This morning, I woke up feeling great and ready to face the day. I received a scrumptious cheque in the post from the kind people who are publishing the Dutch edition of my second novel, and I was all set to drive to the hell that is Reading and pay it in at HSBC (which, incidentally, sponsors Great British Dramas, of which my overdraft is one, along with the slightly more interesting Pride and Prejudice).


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This will be fun. These are top, top, top poets. If anyone's going let me know; I'll be going to one, just not sure which yet. More details at circus member (and co-ordinator of National Poetry Day) Jo Bell's website.

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He's in the gallery of literature's lovable rogues -lower class heroes ranging from Richardson's Tom Jones to TV's Delboy Trotter, but more realistically presented. In fairy tales the poor boy wins the Princess by noble acts, which more or less summarises the plot of Q & A. The White Tiger faces the fact that life's not like that. It makes it the more depressing but the more honest book.



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