My Top Ten Reads of 2012
These are the books I have most enjoyed this year.
1. The Snow Child – Eowyn Ivey
2. My Policeman – Bethan Roberts
3. Alys Alyways – Harriet Lane
4. Tigers in Red Weather – Liza Klausmann
5. Swimming Studies – Leanne Shapton
6. Penny Hancock – Tideline
7. Falling and Laughing: The Restoration of Grace Collins – Grace Maxwell
8.The Land of Decoration – Grace McCleen
9. The Devil’s Music – Jane Rusbridge
10. The Unfinished Work of Elizabeth D – Nichole Bernier
The book I am most looking forward to in 2013 is Maggie O’Farrell’s Instructions for a Heatwave.
For my own personal writing, 2012 was an odd mix of contrasts. I was totally fired up at the beginning of the year and had a concentrated splurge. I had that joyous, rare thing of an idea coming to me in the street, running to a cafe and it spilling out. I couldn’t write fast enough. I used all the paper I had on me and then I started using whatever else I could find – napkins, receipts. I worked on that idea, foregoing my other one The Make Up Girl, until late Summer.
I entered several competitions, won one, and then had a few knockbacks, a rejection, and then things happened in the family, big life events, and then my writing, but more importantly, my inspiration, petered out. I got eaten up by self doubt. I got a reality check. The characters I had created, who normally wait for me until I’m ready to sit down with them again, seem distant and I can’t hear them.
My resolution is to find some refocus, spend some time on a writing retreat perhaps. But that seems like a huge luxury right now.
What books did you enjoy in 2012? What books are you looking forward to? Have you made any resolutions?
Alison – I”m very sorry to hear about the knockbacks and other setbacks. That can play havoc with anyone’s inspiration and motivation. I’m glad you’re taking some time to stop and refocus yourself. I wish you a very successful 2013.
Thanks Margot. Thank you for continuing to read. I wish you a very Happy 2013 too!
I seem to have been reading books to review rather than books of my own choosing, until I eventually got round to reading the book we talked about last time with the great title, ‘The Hundred Year Old Man who Climbed out of the Window and Disappeared’ I loved it. Very simple language, a unique story. A cross between Forrest Gump and Voltaire’s Candide.
Here’s to a successful 2013 when your characters spring back to life and inspire you.