A Writer's Life

by Eric Brown

1st edition PS Publishing 2001 trade paperback, new limited edition of 500 numbered copies signed by the author - We have traded for 20+ yearsIn stock shipped from our UK warehouse Each Book is in a protective clear bag, well packaged and normally sent

84 pages, Paperback

First published March 31, 2001

About the author

Eric Brown was a British science fiction author and Guardian critic.

Reviews

[Karl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This hardcover is copy 28 of 300 signed copies produced and is signed by Eric Brown.

Cover by Julian Flynn

In "A Writer's Life" by Eric Brown, we are told the story of mid list writer Daniel Ellis. Ellis becomes obsessed with the life and work of novelist Vaughan Edwards, who had disappeared in mysterious circumstances in 1996.

This is a haunting novella that explores the essence of creativity, the secret of love, and the tragedy that lies at the heart of human existence.

Edwards' novels, freighting and filled with foreboding, tragedy and a lyrical sense of loss, echo something in Ellis's own life. His investigations lead Ellis ever deeper into the enigma that lies at the heart of Vaughan Edwards' country house and the horror that dwells there.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daniel, an established but struggling novelist, deep in a relationship with a woman he loves but who has difficulty loving him in return, discovers and is immediately entranced by the writings of an older novelist, Vaughan Edwards, who disappeared under mysterious circumstances a few years ago. But it seems Edwards semi-plagiarized his works from a writer active in the Victorian/Edwardian era ...

This is a genuinely engrossing tale, quietly but beautifully written -- a ghost story that proves in the outcome to be about something stranger than ghosts, and also about the complications of love. In a sense it's a Lovecraftian piece, and it certainly builds up that sort of atmosphere, although it (mercifully!) lacks Lovecraft's desperate stylistic excesses. And any writer reading this book will recognize that it is also, as the title implies, about the writing life. Great stuff!

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this as part of a Storybundle collection. It's really more novella length, but a wonderful read. First person narrative like this can be hard to pull off and it frequently turns me away from a book. But Brown pulls it off with flourish. It reminded me strongly of Lovecraft, but with a modern literary style that is far easier to follow. The bulk of the authors other works seem to be harder science fiction. I hope he does more in this style.

[Lee Pfahler · Rating 3 out of 5]

More like 3 1/2 stars. The ending came to soon and seemed superficial but other than that it was a very good read.

[Stephani · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised with this short novella.

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this book after reading an excerpt in the anthology / collection called 'Infinities'. While his other entry in the anthology (a short story titled 'Venus Macabre') did not engage me, I was completely sold on excerpt from “A Writer's Life” and bought the book.

The rest of the book did not sustain the promise offered in the first chapter. There was nothing wrong with it, except it did not progress in the manner I had hoped.

The opening chapter is wonderfully atmospheric and had a tone evocative of Edgar Allan Poe or a classic Twilight Zone episode.

I think the book would have been better if it had been left with a supernatural twist or air, rather than grounding it in “science fiction”. I think, Eric Brown addresses that in the book, writing:

“[H]ow many things were dismissed as impossible a hundred years ago, which have come to be accepted now?”

“Ghosts aren't one of them,” she said.

[Katrina Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Writer's Life Author Eric Brown..

I brought this book as part of a story bundle.I was really glad I did, the cover really drew me in.. And after I started reading I couldn't put it down. I thought the relationship between Mina and Daniel was really intriguing the way he was a writer that wanted her love, wanted to feel like his love wasn't a one way thing and Mina not being able to really give him what he wanted. But in a lot of way I think she showed him her feeling.

I loved the mystery surrounding Vaughan Edwards and his books. I couldn't have protected the end, but it was a great one that gave me chills. I also loved how the book was set out, but I would say this book felt more like a novella than a novel.

I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a quick, but very gripping read.

[Pers · Rating 4 out of 5]

As usual Eric Brown's imagination leaves me stunned.

[CinnamonHopes · Rating 3 out of 5]

A creepy page-turner, I read this in one sitting! I would recommend it for, not horror fans, but not people who easily get goose-bumps.