I’m in a kind of a lull at the moment. The manuscript for Crikey is in getting edited. A couple ideas for new books are ‘in development.’ And I’m spending too much time wandering around the web stumbling upon portable shredders from Japan.
The Crikey situation is a bit worrying. I haven’t heard a squeak from my publishers since I handed it in. I’m not sure if it’s because the folk at Random House are simply giving it a spit and polish and plan to present it to me as a fait accompli. Or whether they are tearing their hair out because it is so bad and they don’t know what to do with it.
I suspect the truth lay somewhere in-between. I don’t feel I can ask though when I was so late handing it in. The result is that I can’t answer all the emails I’ve been getting asking me when it’s out.
Developing the new stuff has been fun. I’ve started writing Vroom II and enjoying it immensely. For some reason it’s coming a lot more easily than Crikey – I have less ‘issues’ with Italy, I suppose. I’m also in ‘pre-production’ mode for a big trip through the former Soviet Union in the New Year. So far that has amounted to buying a shit-load of guidebooks and trying on a puffy down jacket in the North Face store in Covent Garden.
I’ve also dug out the manuscript for the first book I ever wrote – an account of a journey around the equator I did back in 1991. It’s a surprisingly good read and I’ve been toying with clever ways of getting it out to you guys. More on that soon, hopefully.
As for my trawls through cyberspace, I’ve come up with another gem – a song called Young Folks by a Swedish band called Peter, Bjorn and John. It’s got a weird, off-kilter whistling hook and is summery and melancholy at the same time. Sally hates it but that could be because the play count on my copy of iTunes shows that I’ve already played it 17 times. You can listen to it on the band’s Myspace profile here.
Anyway, better go. I’m currently ‘working’ at the British Library where, for some reason, the wi-fi can be accessed for free this morning. I want to post this before someone in the IT department realises!
This is where you'll find everything you need to know about me and my books.
At last some Crikey news!! I’ve been waiting ages!! Seriously though, I’m excited about this manuscript for your first book. I’ve always found it really interesting to look back on the work done in the early years, keep us posted.
Peter,
I know that feeling! Waiting to hear back – will they like it? Wont they like it? In the end everything always turns out for the best. Besides, there’s already a cover so they have to publish it!
At the end of the day, you’ve done your job -you’ve written it and delivered the MS. Now it’s down to them to sort out…
Can’t wait!
Mick
p.s North Face in Covent Garden – love it! I have spent more money in there than I care to mention!
I first heard about “crickey!” when i was travelling around Oz, then after seeing the picture of the “big Banana” in coffs i’ve wanted to read about your experiences there, I found it such a dismal place (apart from the great diving though!) but maybe it was because the weather was much like it is at the moment in blighty! I’m sooo lucking forward to it coming out, and esp Vroom II as i loved the first one so much!
Keep up the good work Peter, and if you want a travel partner for the soviet let me know…..i’m itching to travel again!
If the free wi-fi at the British Library runs out, you can always pop along the road and sit on a bench in the garden of the Quaker HQ opposite Euston station. The kind folks there provide free wi-fi
Peter, be sure you email me when you are ready to go to so-called Soviet Union (it DOES NOT exist anymore, I should know
) I would be happy to offer whatever help I’d be able to when you are in Russia. Look forward to your book about it anyway.
Exciting to hear all your updates. Must be frustrating about Crikey, but rest assured eager readers are at hand – give us the word and we can go hold placards outside Random House or something!
Glad to hear some news Peter.I was one of those who sent you an e-mail about crikey-sorry!.Its good to hear of your upcoming stuff.Cant wait as im getting withdrawl symptoms not reading your books!……..Neil
Peter, this song is getting heaps of airplay on Triple J. I like it! Wonder what the rest of the album is like.
Thanks for the news regarding Crikey, it’s been far too long since your last book came out. And thanks again for the signed, photocopied, Vietnamese edition of Vroom you kindly provided me a couple of years ago
Yup, just want to echo the thoughts of everyone else – great to hear some news about Crikey and also Vroom II. I’ve travelled a fair bit around Russia so the proposed Soviet book sounds like it will be interesting too…
Bloody publishers, eh? Peter, I’d love to see your first book. I remember hearing about your struggles to get it out. Sounds like a great read. Ian Rankin got his first book published recently, about twenty years after he wrote it.
I do like your thinking with selling e-books through your website. Coming from a marketing background, and with a knowledge of publishing and writing, I think a lot of the traditional publishing industry needs turned on its head. There are very clever and cost-effective ways now of making a book into a cult hit, and of getting a better deal for yourself. Good luck with your projects.
As for the former USSR trip – it’s a wonderful and wacky place, with no shortage of potential disasters. I had to hold up a bank in Belarus last summer while researching my Soviet cricket book. I look forward to hearing more on your latest adventure.
Hey Peter, have your publishers read Crikey & gone off on extended leave themselves after realising what they are missing?! What’s the score re the date of publication? I am re-reading all your books in anticipation!
Keep up the excellent work.
Hi Peter,
What was the answer to Mike W about a due date for Crikey? Still waiting with bated breath! It must be two years since I asked you about it at the Connaught Rooms
Have been catching up on old blogs and seen you’ve moved to Epsom… will have to keep an eye out for you next time I’m doing the shopping at Asda at Burgh Heath!