I've just bought train tickets to go down to London a week on Wednesday to talk over/sign a book deal for my novel.
Jk Rowling - stick it up yer ass!

Thank you sir. You're one person who knows how much work it takes to write a book - even if they are totally different types

Good luck to you BritishWestHpool, I look forward to reading the book.

and dare I say how easy it is for people to pull out of a deal.....play it smart don't jump in

Well done Mr BWH.

A lad I used to work with has been touting his book round for 5 years without success, so you've done very well. the subject matter is quite controversial like, so I don't think he'll have much luck.

thanks folks

I'll play it cool Katcha and will ensure I'm informed before I go down there, but privately I probably wont be arguing too much if what they offer is standard.

Regarding your ex work mate Nottingham Poolie, my opinion is that the more controversial the better, as long as its written well and doesnt glorify anything it shouldnt. My book was a close call as the editor loved it but didnt think the managing director would go with it, given its from the perspective of a sixteen year old radgee charva who gets involved in crime, violence, drugs etc. Trouble is, like music agents etc I suppose, those with the power want a safe bet rather than take a risk

i didnt rate that book either to be honest

Although I haven't read it, it's about the strained relationship between Islam and The West, symbolised by two people. I think he's having a hard time getting anyone to even take a look because Islam is in the media so often (usually portrayed negatively). Which is a bit odd really, given he's a Muslim.

What's your book BWH?

Its called Intentionally Homeless though it seems the publishers (Beautiful Books) are keen on a title change.
Its told through the words and thoughts of a sixteen year old lad from Benwell in Newcastle as he gets kicked out his house by his mam and so called dad and ends up in an emergency access hostel for the homeless. Its about him coming to terms with rejection, death of granparents, having fun, losing the plot, falling in love- and all the poor buggers who live with him etc.
Its in his language. Its full of smackheads and fat not nice people. The first two chapters can be found under 'post some prose' on http://www.poetsgraves.co.uk

Well, don't forget we all want signed copies!

ps I can't find your chapters on that site?

aye, well in squire good for you!!

Thanks, MJ

BWH, I really think this is excellent. I enjoyed the draft you posted a few months ago, as it was, but this is far better.

(As for Alan Sillitoe, yeah, what's happened to him? He used to be on A-level syllabi and now he's vanished. There were some good TV plays based on his work too)

Just read that there and I agree but as the final comment suggests it'll be a long book in that 'voice' however being local I can understand it and I want to read on.

Valuable

Mr Mad John - heard of Saturday night, sunday morning yes indeed. But havent read it. May have to look that up.
Thanks for comments Grabec and Katcha.
With regards to the 'voice' I understand people thinking a book may be too long for such a style. However, the first two chapters are the only ones that he plows on alone more or less. From the third chapter onwards ten other characters are brought in (the other hostel residents) and they are all very developed and play a significant part. In fact, you could say there's hell on (and fun) all the way through from that stage on.

How did you get on, then?

Next Wednesday Mrs.
Err...I hope so anyway
I'm not expecting any money or advance from an independent publisher - just royalties - though I havent got a clue