stoney

Hm, not too sure about that. Seems a bit of a generalisation. My eldest is coming up to three so we are still at the point where I read to him. But I'll let you know what he thinks in a few years' time. He does enjoy the dvd of the ITV adaptation of Wind in the Willows though, which is quite faithful to the book. David

Hello there. I'm new too. Get stuck in! Nothing wrong with re-reading - unless you reckon you get everything in a book from one reading. David

There is a novel by Vladimir Nabokov called Pnin, about a man called...Pnin. Can't remember whether the P is silent or not. Then there's the whole matter of how to pronounce Nabokov, which could be a thread in itself (but I'm not going to start it!). David

The Barrytown trilogy by Roddy Doyle. Most people only know The Commitments because of the film.

Nice review. Don't think you need to worry about your AS result if this is anything to go by! Great eye for detail - the penguin wrappers - and I know what you mean about short chapters. They do keep you reading and I try to use them in my writing. David

...how impressed I am by what a friendly bunch you are! Now tell me about those book clubs David

put simply lulu is a website that enables you to create a book. You upload your final text, create a pdf, decide on a layout and a cover and you're there. The pdf exists on the website (and on amazon and other sites) where people can order a copy if they want. The interesting thing is that a copy is only ever printed when somebody wants one (it's called print on demand). It is also exteremely accessible and useful to people like me who got fed up with accumulating rejection letters from agents and publishers. The important thing for me is that it is out there, has sold a few copies and I can move on to the next thing. The downside is that I have to market the book myself which is much harder than writing! I've found one useful way of getting people to read my book is to offer discounted copies to reading groups and book clubs (real ones not virtual ones) and offering to go along and talk about the book and publishing. If anybody knows of any that might be interested please let me know! David

...lots of other things besides. My name's David and I'm an author published on lulu. But I also do read a lot and am willing to get stuck into some of the forums here in return for being able to mention my book occasionally (while keeping within the rules). If I'm feeling brave I might even post some of the stuff I am writing at the moment. Looking forward to getting to know you all. David PS Currently reading Laughter in the Dark by Nabokov and Wind in the Willows - an interesting combination.