Seven days later

Last Sunday’s event in Presteigne’s Assembly Rooms was the first time in almost three months that I was allowed out from hospital. It was such a delight that so many friends, family, neighbours and old collaborators were able to attend. When I agreed to do the event, back in the spring, I said that I wanted it to be a fundraiser for Mid-Border Arts, and we raised more than £900 which will help towards funding future arts events in Presteigne.

I talked about what I had in mind for the book when I wrote it. One of my central ideas was that I wanted to try and write a book about the reality of being in a band (not to mention the even harsher realities of a cancer diagnosis). So I’ve had messages from people who tell me that I’ve captured the spirit of what it’s like to play music with people, and to know what it’s like to be in a band, to rehearse and stand on stage and play a gig. A few people who know my work well have said that this is my best book. I don’t know about that, but it is for sure my best novel. (Nobel Prize committee, thank you for your attention to this matter.) It is also, beyond all question of doubt, my last book. I am simply not well enough to muster the resources to do it again, and I’ve run out of story, I think. But I live in hope that paperback and Kindle editions will be available in the new year.

Obviously, like any author, I hope for a wide readership. I hope that people will continue to buy the hardback. (This includes delivery - if you’re able to collect the book, this option avoids the postage cost.) I hope that people will lend the book and share it so that it begins to get a truly wide readership even in its current limited edition. If you have any ideas about publishing the paperback, please contact my agent Charlie Campbell (charlie@greyhoundliterary.co.uk). If you would like to write to me, to talk about issues raised by the reading of the book, or anything else, please feel free to contact me (ian@moodindex.co.uk)