Tiah Beautement's Blog, page 150

Faulkner

Since I am not really here, but probably getting lost in Cape Town traffic (I really shouldn't be allowed to drive in big cities, South African or otherwise), I thought this would be a lovely time to share a very interesting link that was emailed to me on Faulkner's Voice. Interesting, not only to hear his voice, but on what he has to say about creating characters.

Behind Every Successful Man...

I am developing a bit of a crush on Zukiswa Wanner. Been following her blog for a few months, and while I don't always see eye to eye with all she has to say, I enjoy hearing her point of view. (Often I do agree, which is fun, too.) But her book is PINK. And I confess to having a wee bit of problem with pink. (Looks a bit purple in my photo, but I assure you it is not purple. PINK!) My problem is not so much with the colour itself, but with what the colour represents. But trying...

Almost ready...

I am gearing up for Cape Town - what a mess. 1. Mr Fuzzy. We have a lovely volunteer to watch his fuzzy bum. Yet, I now realise how much stuff one little rabbit has. 2. Handbag. I realised that my perfect, sling it over, hands free, stuff it, can do a doctor's waiting room for three hours (with kids!) and explore book fair all day bag without backache has one major draw back...it doesn't zip up. It does not close. It is WIDE OPEN. Did I mention I was going to Cape Town? Yeah. Lovely place. Bu...

Old Spice Library

I posted this on ReadSA recently after seeing the spoof on White Readers Meet Black Authors. But I wanted to share this with blog readers, too. Everyone needs a good Sunday laugh.

Media Freedom

Do we have it? Do we value it? And is it in danger? Protection of Information Bill - whose following this? Zaprio has much to say, in his own way, see here and here. The problem is that the corrupt are the ones that get to vote, not the people. The Scorpions are gone and...it looks like their replacement has done next to nothing. I know people get fed up with only bad news being broadcast about South Africa. I know. But this seems rather important, don't you think? Freedom of Speech - I wonde...

Andie Miller on the Shelf

Litnet is still running its seminar South Africa on the Shelf. There are many new voices, but I'd like to draw your attention to Andie Miller's piece. Miller's thoughts are intriguing and a pleasure to read, along with a positive argument for the ebook*. If you love books, you will enjoy this, no matter where you live. But what I really loved was her "car boot" bookseller. Where can I find one of these people? Actually, don't tell me. I spend too much on books as it is. *I agree that ebooks a...

Ambience into verb

Somehow summer crept into the middle of winter. Yesterday reached 27C. We all knew it was temporary. A blip, yes. But two-days typing without fingerless gloves - bliss. Night came, but the evening chill did not. The children, doing as children do, became loud and crazy, and I picked up my glass of wine and wandered out onto the balcony, where the children's racket diminished, and gazed at the sea, lit up by the moonlight and a cruising ship with spotlights turned on high. The night was full o...

M&G and André Brink

Regardless if you enjoy reading Brink or not, this interview is one to read.

Bobby Brown

Can't get the man off my mind. The painting still sits in my house, near the entrance to my office. I will never know why Matthew painted it or the story behind this man with his guitar. But the painting did inspire a fictional story of my own of a man who could recite any word from the Oxford Dictionary:There was a man people called Bobby Brown; and, rain or shine he could be found playing his guitar under the sign Bobby Brown's Bunny Chow. Except Wednesdays. Never played on Wednesdays. But ...

A Million Miles from Normal

Remember how last week I said people shouldn't review books in genres they're not good with? That's me and chick lit, although what counts as chick lit seems to always be up for debate. (Even the term chick lit, is up for debate - and I'm all for coming up with a new word.) Sure, I want to be entertained. There are times when a bit of fantasy is good, both in books and movies. Where life is too much, and I just want a damn good laugh. Nor is chick lit always fluffy, plenty of serious issues s...