Tag: Music

Return of the Wayward Fellow

On By Paul BrandonIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

I’ve not been writing that much lately.

Well, that’s not true, I’ve not been writing that much down. I’ve been concerned but not too worried. I’ve always figured that as long as I have several books backlogged up in my head, I’m still there (and at the moment I have six I can think of). But of course it’s all about getting the words down. In reality that’s all it’s about. Last year I finished a story for a new anthology by my editor and dear friend Jack Dann (more info about that as I get it), and this year, well, this year I’m going to attempt two novels.

Possibly three. But I realise how daft that might be.

I’m taking a bit of a step back from the music (as my wonderful partner Sarah is about to take big step forwards) and I’ve been given a substantial gift of time to work. I might go into more detail about that in another blog post.

I’m working on a two-book story with the over-arching title of Lovekin & Fable. It’s unlike anything I’ve written before, and will involve a lot of world-building, inventing, darkness, eccentricity, horror, wonder, noir and coffee.

I started the bones of this novel quite a few years ago, and it has nagged at me ever since. I think if I don’t get it down now I’ll go mad.

And I’m going to try blogging about my journey. I’m pretty active on social media, but this is different. This will be the most personal I’ve gotten with my work. Until now, I’ve been superstitious with it, hiding it away in a dank cave, brewing, until it’s done, and woe betide anyone that tried to break the spell. I’m not going to be posting paragraphs or word counts, but rather writing about the journey of writing. Habits, stumbles, tiny victories, mental collapse…

I’m still playing music, in fact it’s shaping up to be a very important year, but I’m doing this too.

I kind of have to.

Stormy Tuesdays

On By Paul BrandonIn Music, Writing1 Comment

Cracker of a storm today. In true Brisbane style with moments of the rain stopping, the sun was out and the streets were steaming. One thing that struck me was the noise of the birds. I was up in the gardens surrounding the University at St Lucia and the parrots, ducks, crows miners and all the other were going insane. It was as if they were all telling each other they were still alive. With the beautiful pre-sunset light, it was just magic.

I’ve been making a lot of notes for this new novel, and I think I’m about ready to start. It’s been occupying a large chunk of my mind (the vacuous bit not consumed with all the upcoming music projects, gadgets or my next meal). Of course, now that I’m ready to start, I have to go away for ten days up to the Woodford festival. Still, I have Evernote on my iPhone, and I might even take my Mac up as this year we’re not performing as Súnas, only as session players. The idea of sitting somewhere shady writing is very appealing!

Those are the intentions anyway. The reality when I’m surrounded my musician friends, fiery tunes and Guinness may be somewhat different.

Beginnings

On By Paul BrandonIn Music, WritingLeave a comment

Right, I’ve started.

I have an odd little ritual when I start a new book. I have to find just the right notebook (I have a small carton full of ones that have taken my fancy over the years, or I’ve been given). For a little while now, I’ve been using Moleskines, mainly because they’re just so nice to work in, but this time, it was an old green velvet notebook that I think I found in Borders many years ago that got the nod. I’m still undecided on the right pen though…

I’m not going to reveal much about the new novel, just to say that it’s a bit of a departure for me (though it could loosely be categorised as fantasy) and the format is possibly going to be very important too. I’m not sure if I can pull this off, but then I guess everyone thinks that when starting a new story.

Not sure how fast this will progress. I’m planning on blogging pretty frequently, more perhaps as a journal for myself than general entertainment. The music side of life is quietening down for a little bit (in regards to Sunas gigs) but I have a couple of new projects forming there too.

2010 is looking to be very busy indeed!