Sad news today that Russell Hoban has died. The author of Riddley Walker and so many other wonderful books has left this world without me ever having the chance to say how much I loved his books and how much I learned from them and from him. He taught me to trust being “friends with…
Month: December 2011
Tuesday’s Overlooked Films: The Long Kiss Goodnight
I got into a discussion on Twitter with Anne Billson about Finnish music and films, and we both lamented the lack of love in Hollywood for Renny Harlin when people like Ridley Scott continue to be trumpeted. I suppose I have a weakness for a Finnish director who always manages a little nod to his…
Obsession: Guest Post at Trestle
I’m up on my publisher’s blog today with a piece on obsession. Yeah, you wouldn’t imagine it, eh? Me? Obsessed? Nah. Here’s the first part of it. Read the rest over at Trestle and feel free to share. K.A. Laity- “Obsession”- Guest Post, author of “Drunk on The Moon-It’s A Curse” ObsessionI seem to have…
Friday’s Forgotten Books: Young Men in Spats
“I never want to see anyone, and I never want to go anywhere or do anything. I just want to write.” — P. G. Wodehouse There’s some kind of fundamental perversity in my nature that made me choose at the library this week a 5 CD unabridged set of Beckett’s Malone Dies as well as…
BitchBuzz: Penguin’s Vanity Press
Great night out with colleagues at the tapas restaurant and then the French bistro. It’s supposed to get very cold tomorrow, so an excuse to hide inside. At least we’re not getting the much worse storms that are hitting Scotland — take care up there! Today’s column takes up the latest cynical move to fleece…
Converting Galway
Thanks to Michael, there’s a photo of me giving my talk at the Moore Institute yesterday. There was quite a good turnout! I suspect it was the sandwiches. The audience seemed to be receptive and laughed in the right places, always a good sign.I will put the talk on line when I get a moment….
Krampus and Digital Monks
Did the Krampus visit you last night or did Saint Nicholas fill your shoes with gifts? Happy Independence Day, Finland (let’s have a little Värttinä for that). My talk is today at the Moore Institute. It’s an update of my keynote address from April; I wanted to hit a lot of the same issues, but…
Publication: It’s a Curse
Whoohoo and hoooowwwwwwl! It has arrived. My contribution to Mr B‘s fine Trestle Press series Drunk on the Moon: IT’S A CURSE. Yes, of course of course, it takes its title from a song by The Fall and yes, there may be a few references to other Mark E. Smith lyrics in there. You’re shocked,…
Kipper Lost! and Found!
UPDATE: He’s been found! Now being spoiled with some tuna — a neighbour let him in and then he was retrieved. Whew!! Poor little guy! He got out of Barb’s house. We’re hoping he hasn’t gone too far and can be lured back in. She saw him on the porch, but he ran off. She’s…
My Birthday Month Wish
I mentioned this yesterday, but I’ll provide helpful links today. I’m claiming the whole of December for my birthday. Why not? I already have to share my birthday month with both Markos, Jane Austen, Hannukah and Xmas, so there’s barely any month left for me! But I’m not demanding to be showered with gifts! All…