a very queer few weeks
Hello,
You might have noticed that I don’t do this a lot (maybe you’ve been too distracted by my many pictures of cake and coffee to notice too, that’s ok…you’re forgiven)…but I’m having a very queer few weeks at the end of May and the beginning of June and I’m excited about them and wanted to share…
May 18th, Gay’s the Word, Bloomsbury
The first thing is that I’m going to get to do an ‘In Conversation’ event with one of my favourite new writers Richard House (clicky click). I read The Kills as as part of the Green Carnation Prize judging duties. It is a big, beautiful, ambitious novel and a tour de force of characterisation and plotting. And when I say big I also mean BIG…it is a testament to my love of the book that I carried the length and breadth of South Korea because I was so enthralled.
Anyway, yes, I’m chatting to him on Sunday May 18th at one of my favourite bookshops in the world (I have done some research…) Gay’s the Word in Bloomsbury. It’s going to be brilliant and you will all get to enjoy seeing me blushing and gushing and maybe even asking some interesting questions too. So you should come. Come.
June 2nd - 7th, Queer Fiction with Arvon
I can’t quite believe I’m getting to teach a Arvon course but I am and on something which I care greatly about. As a queer writer - though not usually with overtly queer content - I’m fascinated by how that influences my work in more subtle ways, what makes things ‘other’, how can I harness that different perspective to make my writing better.
I’m teaching this course with Jonathan Kemp who has a giant brain and a huge talent. If he wasn’t such a lovely man I would resent him thoroughly. It’s also being held at Lumb Bank which I have on good authority is one of the most beautiful places you could wish to write some words at. There’s still spaces and I think you should all come, hang out and write some excellent words with like minded folks…
Here’s some more info:
GENRE: Fiction
Jun 02nd - Jun 07th 2014
Lumb Bank
What is queer and how do we write (about) it? This week will provide an energetic, safe environment in which to explore writing about LGBT lives and issues, or lives and characters ‘outside or against the norm’. Whether you’re an experienced writer or just beginning, you’ll be encouraged to be bold in your choice of stories, voice, style and character in representing alternatives to mainstream gender and sexuality.
All genders, all sexualities and all subject matters warmly welcomed.
And here’s a link to the website with all you could want to know…
