Is it ever possible for a writer to be happy with what they’ve achieved? Or do the goalposts keep moving? Today we ask a most un-Christmassy question… is it much harder to succeed when you’re a success?
This week, I am in two places at once. I’ve finally achieved what I’ve been trying to do for months – do two things at the same time, while only doing one thing. It’s a miracle – unlike my eyebrows. But what has this all got to do with a writers’ office Christmas party?
Famous writers are regularly asked to provide glowing blurbs, or one-line reviews, for other people’s books. While many find it difficult to say no, it’s impossible for an Irish writer to say no. So because I am always generous and charitable, I decided to write a few honest blurbs which might help them through this particular diplomatic minefield.
Ever since superheroes became part of our staple diet of entertainment in the last century, superpowers haven’t changed all that much. But we need new superpowers today for the Internet generation. So for writers and bloggers, what would they be?
The way that publishing works today is unrecognisable in comparison to 15 years ago. For many readers and writers, it hasn’t changed for the better, resulting in much weeping, wailing, and a deluge of think pieces pretending to know what they’re talking about (just like this one). But you know what else changed as much in that time? Television. And it’s kicking ass. Why can’t publishing?
I went to Wicklow for the day and got all sorts of notions about what I’m demanding from books and TV shows from now on. And just like those shows, some parts of this post will be more enjoyable than others. Boom!
As we are now in a post-thinking society, I’ve decided to pose some questions relating to the publishing world after Brexit, and what it’s all going to mean for writers and readers. Warning: this post contains no fake news, and one shocking lean towards optimism.
I toyed with the idea of bringing you an inspirational, motivational, muppetational post which might fuel you all to sally forth into the world with good cheer. Then I came to my senses, and realised – you don’t want that. Writers want cynicism, bitterness, and hopelessness. Thank Blog you’re here – because I have just the thing for you.
We’re overdue some fun with fictional stereotypes. What would happen to the characters we all know and love if literary genres collided? What if a tortured Romantic Hero were to dwell in tension-filled ennui with the moribund overthinker that is the Literary Fiction Protagonist?
Who reads blogs during the summer months? Particularly if the weather’s nice? Fewer people than watch Love Island, and that’s for sure. This leads me to a little online soul-searching, with the help of such philosophical heavyweights as The Guardian and the, er, Financial Times.
