Writers' craft

The author John Banville has revealed he 'despises the woke movement' and likened it to a religious cult.

The Irish novelist, who won the Booker Prize in 2005, said he would not win the coveted award today because he is a 'white, straight man.'

YOU KNOW HOW, when you roll into a small town for the first time, in search of a slice of pie and a decent cup of coffee, you inevitably uncover a byzantine and nefarious criminal conspiracy, perhaps concerning Russian spies and Nazis?  Read more

Most of us write the first draft of our memoir chronologically, setting down what happened in order, or thematically, thinking of what happened and expanding from that time, place, or feeling. Both are terrific ways to generate a first draft.  Read more

The late Andrea Levy, author of the award-winning Windrush novel Small Island, is to become the first writer of colour to have her pen join the Royal Society of LiteratureThis British site may seem rather formal (stated aim ‘to sustain and encourage all that is perceived as best whether traditional or experimental in English letters, and to strive for a Catholic appreciation of literature’), but has a lively series of lectures and discussions involving distinguished authors. Also administers literary prizes. http://www.rslit.org/index1.html's historic collection, which includes pens belonging to George Eliot and Lord Byron.

Small publishers, along with independent booksellers, have felt the brunt of the pandemic's impact on the book trade. Luckily, they've also led the way in demonstrating the enduring truth of Goethe's famous observation: "Fresh activity is the only means of overcoming adversity."