Several events have been added to my autumn/winter schedule, perhaps the most interesting of which is an Alan Sillitoe Day in Nottingham, during the course of which a number of people will celebrate Sillitoe's life and work - not just the adult novels and short stories, but also his books for children, films and poetry.
Sandwiched in between John Lucas discussing Sillitoe's writing alongside that of others who took the working classes of Nottinghamshire as their subject matter, and D. J. Taylor on the subject of Sillitoe and Regionalism, I have 15 minutes (5 more than I asked for) to talk about the influence Sillitoe had first on my teaching and then my writing.
Looks set to be a grand day and a mere £5.00 lets you enjoy the whole day or as much as you fancy. Check here
After that, I'm off to Paris to help launch the French translation of Cold in Hand, and to the University of Poitiers to take part in a writing conference. No peace ...
At least, I've (so far) avoided the shoes and eggs.
More details of these and other events can be found on the Events Page and on my blog - link here.
The blog continues to occupy rather more of my time than I suspect my editor thinks it should, with recent posts on subjects as various as James Lee Burke, Angelina Jolie, the best fish and chips in Whitby, Howard Hodgkin's paintings and Colm Toibin's thoughts on the Papacy and the possible attractions for gay men of the priesthood.
When not blogging - and luxuriating in both Notts County's 4-0 victory over Yeovil and Spurs triumph over the oddly named Young Boys of Switzerland - I'm making snail-like progress (there've been problems) with the new novel, Good Bait. Don't anyone hold their breath ...
