The best part of a week since I returned from my retreat and, in terms of ‘what next?’, things are now clearly in focus. Which was one of the things the retreat was all about, to answer questions like that. And the ‘what next’ things are tangible and solid. Firstly: finish my next novel; second… Read More After the dust settles…
06:55 – 13th May 2022 Another decent day yesterday with the majority of my time spent on editing ‘Reunion’. Some work on the Sonnets as I edge closer to drafting #80. Plus I started work on my Reviewers’ list by reestablishing control over my Goodreads author profile. I think I’ll be doing some work on… Read More Retreat – Day 3
A good day yesterday. Most of the creative effort went into editing “Reunion” plus some sonnet-dabbling. Had a snooze after lunch to try and catch-up on Tuesday’s poor night’s sleep, and another short walk before dinner for cobweb-blowing. The highlight was the ‘open mic’ though. I read my short story “Downsizing”, two sonnets – “Pilgrimage”… Read More Retreat – Day 2
For as long as I can remember, when it comes to my writing I have always found myself desperate for positive endorsement – both my own and from others. In the first instance we’re talking about self-esteem; in the second, about reviews, comments, feedback, sales. Actually in my case it’s about more than just endorsement;… Read More Imposter Syndrome – the worst possible thing for a Writer?
A small number of places remain on Writers’ Retreat UK’s June retreat in Lincolnshire. Having been on a number of retreats now, I know just how stimulating and rewarding – and productive! – such retreats can be. You can find details of the retreat here.
I have been wondering how I would answer if someone asked me what I was up to – in a literary sense, of course! In the broadest sense I think I am trying to build something, firstly in relation to my own writing, and secondly with Coverstory books. In many respects the second is easier… Read More Trying to build something…
David Constantine’s collection of short stories, “The Dressing-Up Box”, is, in many ways, unlike any other volume of short stories I have ever come across. Many of the narratives are slightly surreal, other-worldly, and in some cases the stories fail to follow the beginning-middle-end convention – not that there’s any problem in that at all… Read More “The Dressing-Up Box”
I thought I’d take you on a brief tour of my writing space: And in case you wondered where all the novels are – or some of them anyway…
I have hurt my back. Yesterday, while stretching before going for a run, I managed to tweak it a little – and today I’m in agony. Ever since I damaged it a few years ago, my back has always been my weak spot. I suspect we all have them, somewhere that fails first and fastest… Read More The perils of sitting down
I have just started a brand new Podcast in which I will pull together readings from my various collections of poetry, some short stories, and potentially the serialisation of some of my longer fiction. The Podcast is called ‘Walking Thru Fire‘ and can be found by following the link.
Having read almost everything Haruki Murakami has written, I feel I’m entitled to say if I don’t feel one of his books has reached his usual standard – and I don’t think “First Person Singular” comes close. The stories feel insubstantial and vague, and they lack the precision, drive and mystery of the majority of… Read More “First Person Singular”
Absolutely delighted to have received the following feedback after mentoring at a Writers’ Retreat last weekend: Ian joined us as our guest writer for our February retreat. It was clear that he had carefully thought out the creative exercises for the retreat and, although they were optional sessions for our writers, they were extremely popular.… Read More Writers’ Retreat – Mentoring Feedback
I have now created a YouTube channel where I will publish readings of some of my work. Initially I have uploaded nine pieces, eight poems and one short story, and I intend to gradually build up a catalogue of readings. I hope you like them!
And they published one of my photographs of RHS Harlow Carr too..!
An article that has appeared on-line today and will be in the print run of the newspaper on Thursday this week: Ripon author Ian Gouge has seen his publishing popularity grow over the last few years.
I keep a kind of ‘tracker’ on which I record my daily activities as they relate not only to all things writing-related but a little to well-being too. The tracker is broadly split into: my own writing projects, my publication work (through Coverstory books), sundry writing activities – such as poetry groups, retreats etc. –… Read More It’s okay not to be on top form every day…
Jan and the team at Writers’ Retreats UK have their next three-day event scheduled for the 11th February 2022 in the northern Lake District, not far from the Scottish border, and I am delighted to have been invited as a guest in order to run some workshops and offer a little ad-hoc mentoring as and… Read More Writers’ Retreat – The Lake District, February
It was mere coincidence that saw me reading Denis Johnson’s short story collection “Jesus’ Son” immediately after Kevin Barry’s “That Old Country Music” – but it was a coincidence which served to throw the two into sharp contrast. Where Barry’s stories are softer, somewhat gentle, filled with ‘Irishness’, Johnson’s are raw, hard, uncompromising, and paint… Read More “Jesus’ Son”
Kevin Barry’s collection of short stories, “That Old Country Music” is, in its own way, a gem. Although the subjects of the stories are often serious and sombre (e.g. teenage pregnancy, abandonment, failed love), Barry handles his material with such subtlety that at times you perhaps can’t help but wonder if the tone isn’t a… Read More “That Old Country Music”
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