James' Weblog

Radio and Polite Put Downs

James — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 19:59:19 +0000

Radio Nottingham have recently got in contact about appearing on a morning show. I hope to do this soon. It will be good to discuss the frustration of waiting years to get that first novel out on the shelves and the endless unpaid observations which have appeared on the printed page…

Regarding journalism, I recently got this lovely polite put down from John Harvey (90 publications under the belt and a Notts County fan). I needed an interview for the next edition of Leftlion and rather aptly ‘left’ it to the last minute. A day before my deadline in fact. Having met John at the recent Lowdham Crime Festival he agreed to do an interview (a lovely man I should add with an ace autograph). This was brilliant news as in a similar fashion to Sillitoe, he’s really put Nottingham on the map.

Anyway, here it is:

Crikey !

Talk about leaving it till the last moment!

I’m leaving for Cornwall at some Godforsaken hour in the morning and have most of today already spoken for, so, much as I would love to follow up the Guardian with Left Lion, there’s no way I can deal with James’ questions at such short notice.

I should hasten to add that he has kindly put aside some time which I’m really looking forward to. You know you’ve made it as a writer when you later add that you will not be answering emails or phonecalls between particular dates. How I would one day love to be in that enviable position

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.

The 23 Enigma - New Article for Stimulus Respond

James — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 22:01:25 +0000

I’ve just written an article on the ‘23 enigma’ for the ‘magic’ themed issue of Stimulus Respond. Stimulus is a high quality publication which mixes photography, art, poetry, prose and cultural analysis and is refreshingly unique in content, breaking into the ‘high’ class mould without becoming pretentious.

This will be my third publication with them and I am delighted to announce they are making the successful transition from pixel to paper. So it’s good to be on board for the inaugural edition, although I won’t be able to make the launch at The Studio, 55 Leroy St, London, SE1 4SN on the 21st September

People said the internet would kill the publishing industry but the reverse has happened. It’s opened up more opportunities and the possibilities of a wider audience, as well as giving readers the opportunity to ‘test’ publications out before subscribing. Everyone’s a winner, apart from the contributors of course. Yes, that’s right. Another unpaid one to add to the list, but at least this publication is a class act, aesthetic and thought-provoking. Definitely worth the long hours of coffee, cigarettes and keyboard tapping.

www.stimulusrespond.com. Subscriptions are priced at £30 (UK), £40 (Europe) and £50 (Outside Europe).

Shameless self-promotion

James — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 22:00:16 +0000

Just a brief note to let you know that I am featured on Dee Rimbaud’s website under the Writers Websites Links page at www.rimbaud.org.uk This isn’t due to any skill or talent on my part. It was requested. Unapologetic self promotion. But you have to, don’t you? Well, sometimes. Rimbaud’s site is a sublime writers’ network, with arguably the most comprehensive database on the net for sourcing magazine information and placing stories and articles.

Another website I have been featured on can be found at http://www.literatureeastmidlands.co.uk/ and entailed a more vigorous inclusion policy. My motivation for appearing on this website is networking. I need like minded people from the region to get involved in a musical I am writing called the Council. Let’s see what happens.

Waiting for God

James — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 22:20:08 +0000

I was delighted to have ‘Waiting for God’ published in Creature Mag. The illustration is fantastic. Just having a complete stranger illustrate your work, and so well, is really worth the effort. It is easily my favourite so far. I never thought I would say it, but slowly I’m being drawn to electronic publishing. I just need to work out how to surf and read in the bath…
To read the story. To see more of the illustrator Ed Rea-Allison