In 2022, in the aftermath of the publication of my debut novel Villager, in a wild and impractical dust storm of inspiration, I had an idea for a podcast: a work of fiction, with only the most marginal grounding in reality.
Am in process of reading "Notebook". Not only is the writing entertaining, the pictures by your mum and dad are delightful, and the book makes a fun "wurkle-wurkle" noise when I bend it back and forth. I don't think I've ever had a book do that, so it's like a soundtrack.
(still not 100% on that onomatopoeia -- could be "skwerk-skwerk" or "thworp-thworp".)
Sorry, that should have said "already available to order from the UK". My new publishers are hoping to sort a signed edition and I'm currently waiting to hear about that.
Tom, currently reading Ring the Hill, which I didn't realize takes place AFTER 21st Century Yokel, but now that that's cleared up, I'm much less unsettled. Two things: I'm VERY glad you got out of that house of horrors in Eyam. I'm sure something terrible happened there, or maybe several terrible things, for it to have such bad mojo and give you so many nightmares, etc. Other things is, I totally feel you about swimming in general and swimming in salt water 🌊🏖️ in particular, but, Bro, be careful with the ticks and other hazards. It makes me nervous just thinking about it. Just saying.
Tom, I just finished "Help the Witch" and found it delightful. Your characters are very well-painted and I'm still fascinated by the owl on the fence post. Now I am "reading" it again via Audible, as I sit at my studio worktable.
About to order another of your books. Keep writing.
Hi Debra. Yes those copies are leftover ones that unbound shipped to the US (they’ve been all gone, apart from secondhand copies, in the UK, for a while). When they sell, I won’t get paid for them. It’s the Swift Press listing that I will be paid for. They’re getting the ebook out there before autumn and I will receive royalties for those sales.
This is the writing I pay my subscription for. Ping-ponging between laugh out loud funny, weird and chilling, and poignant.
Thank you!
I’m giving books away due to moving back to Aus. I have a copy of villager that I’m happy to donate should someone who cannot get hold of one want it.
It has been something of a fraught time in my country lately. I deeply appreciate falling into your world for a bit of a respite.
Am in process of reading "Notebook". Not only is the writing entertaining, the pictures by your mum and dad are delightful, and the book makes a fun "wurkle-wurkle" noise when I bend it back and forth. I don't think I've ever had a book do that, so it's like a soundtrack.
(still not 100% on that onomatopoeia -- could be "skwerk-skwerk" or "thworp-thworp".)
Update: after much more bending, the noise has settled to "zwrk zwrk".
This was a delight to read, humorous and evocative. I love a little foray into the surreal/absurd. Thank you for sharing with us.
Thank you, Nadine!
As always I enjoy your writing. Your unique sense of humor brings out the oddities in each of quirky behaviour.
Thank you Tom. These podcasts were a joy to read - alternating between laughter and wonder. Such a relief from the doom loop of the news.
Tom, why can I pre-order Everything Will Swallow You on Amazon in Kindle format but not hardcover?
Hi Deborah. You should be able to pre-order from the US in both formats very soon. The hardcover is already available to pre-order in the USA.
Oh, and there is any place to order a signed copy, since I paid for but didn't get one from Unbound?
I'm in the U.S., but it's showing as not currently available to order on Amazon. Where can I pre-order it?
Sorry, that should have said "already available to order from the UK". My new publishers are hoping to sort a signed edition and I'm currently waiting to hear about that.
I love the podcasts Tom although can fully appreciate that it’s impossible to do everything. Really enjoyed this piece.
Thanks Angela!
Love the throwaway Simple Minds dig. And Beth, naturally.
So delightful, thank you Tom!
Thanks Nicky!
Tom, currently reading Ring the Hill, which I didn't realize takes place AFTER 21st Century Yokel, but now that that's cleared up, I'm much less unsettled. Two things: I'm VERY glad you got out of that house of horrors in Eyam. I'm sure something terrible happened there, or maybe several terrible things, for it to have such bad mojo and give you so many nightmares, etc. Other things is, I totally feel you about swimming in general and swimming in salt water 🌊🏖️ in particular, but, Bro, be careful with the ticks and other hazards. It makes me nervous just thinking about it. Just saying.
Very enjoyable Tom. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks Trish!
Tom, I just finished "Help the Witch" and found it delightful. Your characters are very well-painted and I'm still fascinated by the owl on the fence post. Now I am "reading" it again via Audible, as I sit at my studio worktable.
About to order another of your books. Keep writing.
Great to hear you enjoyed it, Nan. Thank you!
Amazon USA has the Kindle version up for pre-order and somehow the have 15 copies left of the paperback.
Hi Debra. Yes those copies are leftover ones that unbound shipped to the US (they’ve been all gone, apart from secondhand copies, in the UK, for a while). When they sell, I won’t get paid for them. It’s the Swift Press listing that I will be paid for. They’re getting the ebook out there before autumn and I will receive royalties for those sales.
Then it's a good thing I'm trying not to add to what my kids will need to clean out someday and pre-ordered the Kindle edition.