THE LAUNCH OF A CLASH OF INNOCENTS

Tonight! I'm running around like crazy trying not to get nervous so this is just a quick hi to say it's all happening at the zoo, over 100 people have said they'll be coming, and hopefully I'll remember to ask someone to take photos so I can post them tomorrow (or soon thereafter). Asia House will be abuzz, I'm sure. There will be photos on display by Cambodian children who are learning about photography at the shelter, Anjali House. And we've put together a power point presentation of more of these amazing photos which will - if all goes according to plan -- be beamed onto a screen behind me as I read some excerpts from the book. I'll be standing on a podium and everything, which is a good thing because otherwise my hands shake terribly when I'm nervous. There will be drinks and Asian nibbles and Cambodian music playing in the background. And of course, my blog tour has already started with the first stops at J.D. Smith's and Sarah Salway's.

And speaking of tours, Vanessa Gebbie asked if I was going to bring my book on tour to Cambodia as I had originally hoped.  The answer is a definite YES! Either this coming February or March, I'll be doing events in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, hopefully in Bangkok (yes JJ, I'm acomin') and perhaps even Laos. This all has to be arranged and finalized but plans are beginning to be made. Fear not - I'll bring you all with me via my trusty laptop.

But first, to New Cavendish Street W1! Wish me luck!

The Writer as Entrepreneur

The wonderful Sarah Salway has asked me to talk about my views on the writer as entrepreneur and to discuss the rather iconoclastic route my own writing career has taken. Teacher that she is, she has asked me for some helpful hints as well which I have happily offered. Go ahead. It's not that far away. Just over here.

Among the Ruins

In the autumn of 1978 I met my husband, Mr. D, at graduate school. He was studying Bronze Age archaeology and I was studying ancient Greek language and literature. Our passion for the classics brought us together and this past summer we celebrated our 28th wedding anniversary. Over these 28 years we moved to a new country and have had the good fortune to travel extensively.  But we never went to Greece. I suppose we thought we wouldn't go until we had a good long time to travel at our leisure and see all we wanted to see throughout the region. Of course, that good long time to travel never happened and, unbelievably, 30 years has passed.  But this past weekend Mr. D had a conference to attend in Athens and I went along. Finally, we made it to Greece and it was a rather emotional experience for both of us.  After spending so much time looking at images in books, we were finally able to see these incredible works of art in real life.  We roamed around the museums seeing things that were "too famous to look at," like this Artemisian Zeus (though some say he's Poseidon):

 

Isn't he amazing?  But when we went up to the Acropolis to look at the Parthenon, the Propylea, the Erechtheion - well, it was pretty overwhelming.

And then, last night, we ate dinner outside at a restaurant with the most amazing view of the Acropolis. I only wish the photograph was better.  But check out the nearly full moon rising on the right (and ignore the strangers eating in the foreground):

Good things do come, I suppose, to those who wait.

An Interview with Clare Dudman

One of the great pleasures of this past summer was reading Clare Dudman's wonderful new novel, A Place of Meadows and Tall Trees. Set in Patagonia in the mid-19th Century, it follows the dashed dreams and stubborn hopes of a group of Welsh colonists determined to create "a new Wales" amidst a cold South American desert surrounded by dangerous Indian tribes.  I love reading historical fiction, though I find the thought of writing it rather daunting.  Clare was kind enough to take the time to answer some of my questions about how she proceeded to create this stirring tale.

SG: I’ve always been intrigued by the importance of place. In my own writing, the setting seems to become a character itself, and I would say that is also true of “A Place of Meadows....” But in order to create that character, how much needs to be rooted in fact and how much can be imagined? How important is it to actually travel to the place you are writing about rather than read or research about it? I know of writers who have written successful novels about places they have never been to but have only read about. Can you talk about that a bit?

CD: I don't think I'd feel confident about fully describing somewhere that I'd only seen in pictures and not experienced. When I go to a place I discover detail that I couldn't possibly know without being there; the smells, sounds, and how it physically feels - all of these are much more easily conveyed if the writer has personal experience and can use appropriate and accurate descriptions. For instance, when I was in Greenland I discovered that it was easy to locate an Inuit settlement - not from seeing anything, but from the sound of the dogs howling, and then, when closer, the whiff of fish drying on racks. I think I'd have to be lucky to come across that in any accounts.

In Patagonia it was the sound of the wind, and the general bleakness and flatness of the place. And I could see how the animals moved, for instance how the rhea moved in a flock - zig-zagging as they ran. I also had to go there to speak to the people that lived there, and to purchase books that were unavailable in this country. It was only by going to Patagonia that I discovered that they even existed.

I know some authors do not feel the need, but maybe that is because the book is plot rather than character-driven. If it is the plot that is important - as it is in a lot of genre books then it may be sufficient to work from photographs and concentrate mainly on how the setting looks. I think such a book tends to acquire a filmic quality which is fine for a lot of books - but not for what I wanted to do. I wanted to evoke the place as convincingly as I possibly could.

SG: When you write about a place or culture that is not your own, how important is it to get all the details right? For example, do you need to know that you really do turn right off a certain street to get to a specific spot — especially if you are writing about something that your readers will have no personal experience with. Do you feel tied to reality or free to make things up? When writing historical fiction, is this search for verisimilitude freeing because you can assume your reader has no previous knowledge, or limiting because you feel compelled to show how things “really” were. Which leads to the question, “What is reality?” A joke, but not really....

CD: I think it depends. When I was writing about Frankfurt in "98 Reasons For Being" I went there a couple of times and studied maps of the time. I actually walked where I thought Hoffmann, my protagonist, would have walked. Although the extent I could do this was limited because Frankfurt was largely destroyed in the Second World War and so not much from that era remains. However, some of the streets are in the same place, and it was possible to get a feel of how it must have been by just being there. The same applies to several scenes in my Wegener novel.

I suppose for both of these books I did as much as I could. I would settle on a specific place, research that and then place the action there. However, once I had set it up I felt free to invent. I invented character and the detail of what happened, but each time basing my action on some real event - the more meagre the description the better because I then felt more free to invent.

The strange thing is that some things I invented turned out to be true. For instance I invented that Wegener's middle daughter would have an interest in dinosaurs - and I later found out that she did (from the daughter herself who read my book!).

"A Place of Meadows and Tall Trees" is a much more invented and imagined book - mainly because there was much less recorded. I took the bare bones of the lives of the people that went out to Patagonia - the births, marriages and deaths and invented their characters. I decided what they looked like and put them on my wall together with 'thumbnail' sketches of their characters. Then I researched the events and invented how they would individually cope and interact. However, I also researched what they took, the language, the beliefs of the time, and the general and social history of the Welsh. I tried to get to know what they had been through. I felt I had to know their world and therefore, I hope, glean an idea of how they would think, act, react and interact with each other. Again, I suppose it is invention based on as much as I could find out.

I do all this for the sake of the integrity of the piece, not really because I am concerned to get things right for any didactic purpose. In a way it doesn't matter how much the reader knows, the important thing, I think, for me, is to try and get at some sort of truth. It may not be what actually happened in detail, but I hope that it evokes an essence. I want to try and understand, and then make a point. It is what I always aim to do when I write - convey some sort of message, or series of messages on what it all means to us to be human.

Thanks so much, Clare, for giving us all this insight into your process. And thanks for letting me now add our conversation to the growing list of my blog interviews, over there on the right of the screen. Clare also blogs here. I follow her blog faithfully, although the whole snail thing still escapes me....

Strike Up the Mariachis

My friend and fellow poet-playwright, JD Smith, has graciously agreed to be the very first stop on the new yes-it-is-really-happening "A Clash of Innocents" Blog Tour!  And if you allow your mouse to wander over to here, you can see what's been written.  And then, if you nose around a bit, you'll discover what all this mariachi stuff is all about.
  Gracias, mi amigos! (hope that's right - I can't really speak Spanish...)

What's A Picture Worth?

I know I usually blog on Thursdays, but I couldn't wait.  Look what was delivered today -- and a whole week early. I love my publishers!

And come on -- it's real now. So ask me a question, anything you'd like to know about the book, the process, the research, me. Just leave a comment in the comment box. I'm going to start to feel unloved, otherwise :-)

Choosing a Title

At my urging, loyal blog reader, Qwerty Queen, has dared to step up to the podium and ask a question. As you may recall, as part of the A Clash of Innocents blog tour, I offered myself up to you all, daring you to ask me a question that I'd then answer here on my own blog. As further enticement, the name of one of the bold interrogators will be picked out of a hat or violin case or piece of rolling luggage to receive a signed copy of the new book. Queenie is the first and here's her really very interesting question:
     How do you create/choose titles for your books/poems/plays?
Well my dear, I'm so glad you asked.  When I first started writing seriously, it seemed I couldn't go through a day without coming up with a title. I usually didn't know what the title was for, but these phrases would pop in my head and then I'd wonder what to do with them. Maybe it was a sign that my writing brain was well and truly engaged.  So at first, titles were easy. They would just appear like an additional line of a poem or a linked association. But I'm finding it harder and harder these days.  My play, The Bistro Down the Road, which I hope will be produced in 2011, had a different title for the longest time. I spent days writing a long list of titles before I finally settled on the one that stuck. Tangled Roots was easier. I asked myself, what is this book about, and the answer was clear.  But A Clash of Innocents? That was the hardest yet, but the story is an interesting one.  The book has an epigram taken from a line in e e cummings' novel  Eimi:
     ...an everywhere of fields, spattered with animals, pricked with beings
"An everywhere of...." I loved the use of that word, everywhere, and I thought I wanted to use it in the title. I was wedded to the idea for months.  But every time I tried it out on someone, they'd look at me with slanted brows and worried creases around their eyes. Then when I was staying at Anam Cara Retreat, I was sitting at the kitchen table with Sue Booth-Forbes (who owns and runs the place) and talking about the title problem. She convinced me to let go of "everywhere" used as a noun and move on to something else. But the clause's structure was stuck in my head, and I had already decided that the object of the noun needed to be "Innocents." But what should it be? We got silly.... a gaggle, a murder, a rubbish bin....I was staring into the distance at the mountains. They were all brown and jagged and rough, one seemingly knocking against the other.  Then suddenly, really without any realization of what I was saying at all, the word "Clash" fell out of my mouth. "A Clash of Innocents" - and that was it.  I remembered Sue looked at me and said, "How does your brain work?" But that's a question I don't think I can ever answer.

So, thanks for the chance to talk about titles. It is a mysterious subject, to be sure. And now, anyone else?

PS: Photos

A new Ipad, a new camera. If I only had a new brain to work them all.  Oh well, I'm slowly getting there, so now I have two photos taken at the British Science Festival "There's Science in My Fiction/Poetry" event we just ran. First, the amazing venue, Birmingham' Old Joint Stock Pub:

And now, here's one of my favourite sights of all, a table full of books, all written by me and my friends:

There's Science in Your Fiction/Poetry

I haven't been to Birmingham for over 15 years. What a beautiful downtown area. Victoria Square is lovely with great old monuments and imposing buildings. I met up with Tania Hershman and Brian Clegg for a bite to eat before our session began. I've known Tania for a while now but this was the first chance I've had to meet Brian in person. Sharing a meal with both of them and then working together on the session was great fun.
The building where the session was held, the Function room at the Old Joint Stock pub and theatre, was fantastic. It was a gorgeous old building with an enormous domed stained glass ceiling and we were given a large room full of chairs and wooden tables - too large we feared. To be honest, we were worried that no one would show up at all. But as it happened, people did show up, a small but enthusiastic group, all eager to listen to the 3 of us read and chat, and some eager to read their own work. In the end, the atmosphere was so informal and fun that everyone agreed to read with the result that we had an evening of very varied work shared. Some people came from the festival, but one came after reading about it on Adele Ward's newsletter, and the grand prize winner came from the Apples and Snakes listing (which we didn't even know had included us - thanks Apples and Snakes!). And congratulations to
Heather once again for her winning piece, a biographical poem about the founder of forensic science. There were also poems about quarks,horses, cells and the making of the moon. We were all then able to sit around and chat about writers' favourite topics - process and publication. I also had a chance to buy one of Brian's books which I've been meaning to get
my hands on for a while, "The Instant Egghead Guide to Physics."
I do enjoy reading my work out loud. I read brief excerpts from "Tangled Roots" and from an as-yet unpublished story called "Uncle Isaac's Theory of Time and Momentum," as well as a poem, "What Can Be Taught." It was fun thinking about science again. Although the next novel I'm now starting to plan will have a secondary science theme, "A Clash on Innocents" puts a big toe into the murky waters of politics instead. Being a judge, though, is really quite difficult. Thankfully, Tania led us through with a sensitive and assured hand. I do hope we get to do it all again next year and that more writers discover the wealth of inspiration that science can provide.

Two Events Coming This Week

    There used to be a time when I couldn't bring myself to make long-range plans because I couldn't trust that I or any of my loved ones would be around to see them happen.  It was a sad and difficult time of my life, but now I find myself planning away, months and months in advance, and then being astonished when the time has indeed rolled around and these events are happening here and now.  This coming week sees two of these.

    Last spring, while CurvingRoad was in the midst of producing its fantastic run of one act plays, we were offered the opportunity to participate in the pop-up theatrical event of the year, Theatre Souk. For five weeks, 15 of London's most cutting-edge theatre companies will take up residence in an unused office building near Selfridges - 3-5 Picton Place W1 -  and create a theatrical marketplace.  Each room will have it's own weird, wacky and wonderful happening taking place.  The doors open at 7.00 pm starting Wednesday, 15 September.  Then every Tuesday through Saturday nights into mid-October the Souk will be running, with performers vying for audiences, companies looking to relieve you of a pound here and a pound there in exchange for some new experience.  CurvingRoad is thrilled to have been able to secure the rights to produce extracts from Laura Wade's acclaimed stage play, Breathing Corpses.  Our space on the third floor of the Souk will be transformed into rooms in the "Mount Royal Hotel." Bellhops will escort you there.  But what will you find? Do come and see.  I can assure you, Theatre Souk will be one of the most exciting and unusual theatrical events you'll ever experience.
    But I won't be there on opening night.  And why?  Because even before I agreed to Theatre Souk, I agreed to judge, along with Tania Hershman and Brian Clegg, an event at this year's British Science Festival in Birmingham.  The British Science Festival is one of Europe's largest science festivals, taking place each September. Each year the Festival travels to a different UK location, bringing the latest in science, technology and engineering.  On Wednesday, 15 September, from 19.00-22.00 at The Old Joint Stock Function Room, the three of us will be reading, talking and listening to the writings of others.  "There's Science in My Fiction (and Poetry)" will be free, fun and open to anyone interested in the overlap between science and writing:
  "What if..?" ask both scientists and fiction writers. What if a gene mutates? What if she never married him? Science is fabulous inspiration for fiction - come read out your science-inspired stories and poems to win great prizes, including a Focus magazine subscription and champagne. 

I really am excited about this. Not only will I be able to muse about one of my favourite topics, but I'll be doing it with two of my favourite bloggers.  If you're in or near Birmingham, please drop by and say hello!

Today is the Jewish New Year.  Happy Rosh Hashanah to all my Jewish friends, and to me and my family.  This time of year has always felt like the beginning of a new year to me, much more so than, say, January, which usually feels like the middle of a long winter slog.  But the school year starts in September, and my life has always been circumscribed by the academic calendar, and so having a holiday to underline it all has always felt right.

I have high hopes for this year. I'm a bit afraid to say it all out loud just in case my grandmother's evil eye worries are true.  But between you and me, there's a lot to look forward to.
    *First and foremost, of course, is the launch of my new novel, A Clash of Innocents.  Plans for the launch event are well underway, and promotional activities are also starting up.  There will be a blog tour full of interesting discussions and general writerly chat.  Which reminds me.....ASK ME A QUESTION. I DARE YOU, and win a free signed copy.  Plus, there will be magazine articles, at least one radio interview, hopefully lots of visits to book clubs.
     * In the midst of all this, I'm producing through CurvingRoad a portion of a new London pop-up theatre event called Theatre Souk.  It runs from 15 September - 9 October.  More on that later this week.
     * A December retreat to my beloved Anam Cara in Ireland.
     * A possible production of my own play in January or February...again, stay tuned.
     * A charity/ book signing tour to Cambodia and Thailand in February or early March!!
And undoubtedly, all sorts of other unforeseen things that any year might throw at me.  But for now, I need to focus on today, which means, first and foremost, spending the holiday with my family, and then  the book launch and Theatre Souk. 

     With all this looking ahead, it's also good to take a look in the "rear-view mirror" so to speak, to remember where I've been.  I just finished reading a book that is helping me do just that.  This Wheel's on Fire: Levon Helm and the Story of The Band  was written over ten years ago, but my niece just gave it to me this summer.  I didn't know Levon Helm had written this book, nor did I know the full story (at least from his point of view) of The Band's history.  The Band was always my favourite.  Even with all the other rock n roll that I've loved over the years, it has always been the music from Big Pink that has stayed in my heart.  But it's a sad story and goes the usual route from teenage dreams to adult hubris and greed.  I loved this book and all of Levon's wild stories and name dropping.  But the best is the depiction of how all that great music got written and recorded.  If you're an old rocker like me ( at heart) you can't go wrong.  And with this crazy new year ahead of me, the story of The Band and their music will help keep me grounded.  Now here's some for you......
Ps People have asked how the Hyde Park Race went.  Thanks for asking.  It was wonderful. 15,000 women running, and I made it around in about 34 minutes, which is damn good for an old lady like me.

Question Time

I should be sleeping now, especially since I'm due to run in the Hyde Park 5k Challenge tomorrow, but instead I'm writing this blog. And why? Because I'm writing this on my new Ipad! I've convinced myself that I needed one because of all the travel I do. This way, I can stay in touch and still save my poor shoulder by not lugging my laptop everywhere. Plus, it's fun. But like anything new, it's taking some time to get the hang of it. So bear with me while I ramble on.
Let's see if I can add a link. How about if I link you to my revamped and whizzy website here? Did I show you before how my books are all whirling around now, and if you click on a cover such as, say, "A Clash of Innocents," you'll be taken directly to the publisher's site where you can read all about it and even order a copy? And that reminds me, in the weeks to come I'll be going on a blog tour where I'll be talking about all sorts of things, related to the book or not. But I've been thinking. Maybe some of you might have some questions that won't be answered by these blog visits. So I thought I'd offer up myself to you. Go ahead. Ask me a question. It could be about the new book or about an old one or about my process or my hopes or fears, likes or dislikes, anything. It doesn't even have to be about me. It could be about Cambodia, where the new book is set, or about Moscow where Tangled Roots is set, or anything. Yes. I mean it. Let your imagine run wild. Post your question in the comments anytime over this pre-launch month, and I'll choose the most
interesting or funny or difficult ones to answer. Then, as an added incentive, I'll draw a name from among those who ask me something, and the winner will get a free, signed copy. Go
ahead. I dare you.
And now, I better turn off the light and get some sleep or tomorrow's run will be a disaster.