I can’t help but notice that the ratio of my book sales in the last twelve months has turned decidedly towards e-books. Looking back at my last year, sales have gone from 90% paperback last April to the exact opposite for April 2011. 90% e-book sales. This is a very sudden change, which as an…
Collocations are a great idea, really. No need to think too hard, and they make it so simple to become just another one of run of the mill. Some of the all-time favourite collocations include ‘completely satisfied’, ‘excruciating pain’, ‘burst into tears’ and ‘vaguely remember’. Then there are the colourful such as ‘red Ferrari’, ‘a…
Have you noticed that when you meet someone for the first time, your immediate reaction is to make an instant like or dislike decision? This is how it felt for me when I met HAL. Albeit that he was English, extremely tall, clumsy and had a serious allergic problem, he just seemed like a nice…
I can recall the first time I tried Lard de Begnins, just a few days after I arrived in Switzerland over ten years ago. My wife and I were staying at a friend’s house just a stone’s throw from a small butchery owned by Phillipe Grange. Although a specialist grump even on his better days,…
Intrepid Reported Said Orquardly continues his series of interviews with Derek Haines, trying to establish the truth about the writer behind the stories. SO. It’s a pleasure to catch up with you again. DH. Ditto, I’m sure. SO. So, since we last spoke about your book, February The Fifth, you have released another one I…
As part of my ongoing mission to bring abject laziness to the front and centre of world debate, I recently introduced to you and then fully exploited my furry little friend ‘Slug’ the three-toed maned sloth, in my endeavours to bring attention to my cause. Following this shallow attempt at attracting attention to my favourite…
