2015 Round-Up

A zigzag trajectory is perhaps a reasonable phrase to describe my flightpath. In 2015 I didn’t write what I’d set out to do. But I wrote. I hardly stopped. It seems the writer can plan a destination but even if he has enough fuel to get there he still has to avoid missiles (in the world of writing think rejections, IT malfarts, etcetera). The work of missiles may of course be countered by the odd thermal current (think constructive criticism and encouragement from respected advisors; competitive success; think agent).

In 2015 I’d intended to complete a collection of humorous poetry. But in January I received an MA in Creative Writing from Kingston University and discovered that the characters from my dissertation were knocking on the door asking for their parts to be expanded. The dissertation, written in 2014, was a collection of short stories around the lives and loves of the same group of chancers, choosers and losers, all of whom are linked in some way to Lassiter Limousines, a luxury car hire company. Two of the stories were short-listed in competition: Burnt Cork in the Labello Press Short Story Competition and The Joy Chair in the Writers and Artists Year Book Competition. Was I encouraged? Oh yeah: these organisations set high standards. Together with a clutch of new stories, I developed all the dissertation short stories into a complete novel entitled The Fruits of Rashness. I’m currently seeking interest from publishers and agents. Think thermal current.

In 2015 I also began work on a new novel. Although I expect the title to change, my working title is Which Art in Heaven. The first draft was completed in October and I’m deep into second draft territory. Like The Fruits of Rashness the new novel is set primarily in Sussex and is comedic; so I get to laugh as I write. Not in a maniacal way, not usually, but in a library-level chuckle. Why not? If I don’t think it’s funny, no one else will. Sadly, the reverse is not necessarily the case.

Although my intention to compile a collection of humorous poems in 2015 took a back-seat to Lassiter Limousines, I still intend to prepare that collection: the time and the timing’s the thing. Missiles and currents will no doubt play their part.

Film in Production

Michael’s one act play, Debts, is currently being made into a film by local East Sussex enthusiasts. Michael wrote the play as part of his Master’s degree course. The play examines the different ways in which people become indebted to others, sometimes without realising the commitment involved. It is anticipated that the film will be entered into a regional festival in 2016.

The Short Story Form Recognised Again

How wonderful it was to learn that Alice Munro has been awarded the Nobel Prize for literature. Not only is it a just reward for a writer of huge skill, it is also recognition for the short story form. As a writer who sweats to get texture and subtlety into a short story, I have often turned to Munro to see how it should be done. It’s always a pleasure to read her work. But studying it to understand exactly how she achieves the pace, the sense of place and the depth in her characters, is something different: perhaps more of a maddening joy than an outright pleasure.

Alice’s retirement announcement will leave a Himalayan size gap in the short story author range. Fear not, I shall be placing my boulder firmly in the void.

Brighton Argus Reviews ‘The Fish On My Ear’

The Brighton Argus edition of the 9th February carried a flattering review of ‘The Fish On My Ear’. The review was written by Sussex writer, Jill Rutherford who was clearly impressed with the collection’s story lines and style. In particular Jill highlighted the twist in the tale in a number of the stories and the humour that was apparent throughout the book.

It’s very encouraging to see a widely circulated newspaper carrying such a strong endoresment of one’s work.

New Stockists Announced

The Fish On My Ear, as well as being stocked in Tome Books on Terminus Road in Eastbourne (tomebooks@yahoo.co.uk) , is now also available from City Books in Hove (23, Western Road, Hove tel 01273 725306, info@city-books.co.uk).

Given that the title story is set in Singapore, the book is also being stocked by the prominent Singapore bookstore, Book Actually, No. 9 Yong Siak Street, Tiong Bahru, Singapore 168645 ( t / +65.6222. 9195 www.booksactually.com).

A Successful Launch

The Fish Has Lift Off

The launch of Michael Fleming’s new book, The Fish On My Ear, at the Tome Bookstore on Terminus Road, was a great success last Saturday evening. Whilst some customers chose to queue for their new purchase to be signed by Michael, others decided to explore the rows of books, old and new, on offer at Tome, before having their copy of The Fish On My Ear signed. Many of the visitors had not realised the vast range of fiction and non-fiction available at Tome and plan to return. These included many members of the Anderida Writers group, some of whom have their own books on offer at the Local Authors section of Tome.

The Fish On My Ear is a collection of six short stories and Michael gave a reading from the book to the enrapt audience before treating them to an extract from his forthcoming project, a collection of witty poems based on fiendish word-play.

Thank you to Tome for hosting and providing refreshments for the event.

Launching ‘The Fish On My Ear’

The launch of Michael Fleming’s new book, The Fish On My Ear will be at the Tome Bookstore on Terminus Road. 

Welcome

The Fish On My Ear and Other Stories is in the final edit stage and the production team (almost all related) are aiming for a print version and an e-publication date early in November 2012!

‘Final editing’ could be seen as a task that never ends. Especially when really helpful feedback has been provided on the content and sequence of stories by trusted readers. However, editing WILL end and we will get the book out for all those who have said they are keen to read it as well as those who we trust are encouraged to read it by reviews and other non-physical methods of persuasion.

So then, interesting times: finalising choice of printers, lining up marketing opportunities and asking potential readers if they will each provide a review. Hang in there, dear reader, The Fish On My Ear will soon be with you.