James' Weblog » Novel news

This is all I Know

James — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 22:03:26 +0000

I am delighted, relieved and excited to announce Route liked the second edit of This is all I Know. I was pretty ruthless with it, taking it from a story set over four seasons to one split into three parts. There will be more carnage to follow. It was very interesting to hear Ian Daley’s comments and his synopsis of the book. Although you have intentions when writing a novel, often people pick up on other aspects or point out elements which you did not always consider. This isn’t to say those thoughts weren’t there, they were just vying for attention with the nine million other ideas. It’s a curious process having someone dissect your work, a bit like someone discussing your sexual prowess or similarly embarrassing scenario. Anyway, there is more work to be done and I hope to meet up with Ian over the next few months. This book must be my priority having worked on it for so long on it. Hopefully, it will be worth the wait. Hopefully, soon it will be real.

A lesson for all first time novelists.

Admin — Mon, 16 Jan 2006 22:45:59 +0000

I had a manuscript entitled â€˜This is all I Knowâ€™ accepted for publication with Pomona in 2002. Over the next three years it kept getting pushed back further down the line. The reason for this was often fair but frustrating e.g. â€˜We need to build up our reputation more before we publish a first time novelistâ€™ â€“ consequently other books jumped the queue such as Barry Hines etc, â€˜We need a new distributor as we are having trouble getting our books in the shopsâ€™. Eventually the head of Pomona, Mark Hodkinson, declared that the publishing industry was a depressing cut throat business and he was winding it up. This was fair enough as a small press barely has little opportunity of getting books into major stores where as large corporations can mass produce and swamp the market with low priced offerings to retailers. This is the story of capitalism the world over and so no surprises there.

From this I would offer the following advice to other writers. 1) Shit happens, get over it. 2) If your book keeps getting put back, keep an eye out for other publishers/agents and move on 3) Donâ€™t tell anyone you are having something published until you physically have a copy in your hand or else your mates will think you are a bullshitter. 4) Increasingly marketing is becoming more important than the actual writing. Therefore, I would consider thinking of avenues though which your work may be reviewed, contexts through which it could be placed, audiences and situations it may appeal to. The more of these you can offer, the more appealing your work will become. Itâ€™s soul destroying, but letâ€™s be real; never forget the nature of the beastâ€¦

I hope that none of this comes across as bitter as it is certainly not intended this way. I truly believe Pomona had good intentions, but these donâ€™t have much sway Iâ€™m afraid in a commercial and profit geared environment. Consequently, I have reread my original manuscript and trimmed it down by 40,000 words to 130,000 and sent it off to Route for a â€˜first novelâ€™ opportunity they advertised. They may ignore it, they may accept it and then put it on the shelf for a couple of years, or they may give it a shot. Either way, this time I will keep my mouth shut and remember in the grand scale of things it hardly matters what ever happens. This, from experience, is the only way to retain your sanity in the publishing industry.

So long and all the best…

Updates

Admin — Sat, 12 Nov 2005 16:54:42 +0000

The ‘Completed Works’ page has now been updated with some all-important information about ‘The Problem with William G Stewart and Hoovers’.

Read all about it.

Brian Clough

James — Mon, 04 Jul 2005 21:48:29 +0000

I had an interesting conversation with the Cultural historian and documentary maker Patrick Wright concerning the appeal of Cloughs’ personality type to the English and with Matt Connell (who is currently writing a book on Theodore Adorno) about his supposed authoritarianism. I’m not looking to pinpoint Clough down into an easily manageable category which proves a certain theory – that would be ridiculous, rather to explain the many dimensions through which he may be viewed.

Usually my writing involves nothing more than coming up with stories for random thoughts and consequently is quite an isolated and introverted experience. Doing the Clough book can be incredibly frustrating, particularly when trying to get into contact with ‘famous’ people. Often an interview is promised and then cancelled at the last minute. Often, I find myself completely ignored no matter how polite my enquiry – however I take this in good faith. I am entering a different type of world where I am at the bottom of the ladder and really can’t expect to be treated as anything other than second best until I have earned my spurs.

Fortunately the ‘ordinary people’ I have interviewed are fantastic. I have just received the greatest quote so far from a Deacon visiting the Church on the Corner near Goose Fair roundabout. ‘Brian Clough was a straight talker – just like the people in Bulwell. If you want straight talking go to Bullwell market on a Saturday morning.’ Priceless.

Next on my contact list is Elis Cashmore who recently wrote a post structuralist account of Beckham. I am interested in his views on how Clough is being fought over by those with a legitimate link e.g. Boro as a striker, Derby – Forest as manager etc.

This is all I Know

Admin — Mon, 07 Mar 2005 22:46:06 +0000

My first novel, ‘This is all I Know’ has unfortunately been delayed.
Publisher, Pomona Books have introduced some additional titles into this year’s schedule and so the publication dates for some of their previously announced projects, including my novel, have been moved back.

Rest assured, the ink is dry and the book will be out there soon.

http://www.pomonauk.com/books/jameswalker/index.php