Michael Tappenden's Blog

Another strong review from BookLife which is further relief and reassurance that the writing is recognised. That's the problem with the creative process - you are bold enough to put stuff out there knowing that there may well be a shower of poison arrows heading back in your direction. What is also interesting are the slightly different views from different 'quality' reviewers (who can also be critical of course - nothing wrong with that if it is constructive). My books observe real life, so inevitably are (and should aim to be) multi-layered. Different people see slightly different things, which is really interesting and also useful as a marketing tool.
it is also quite weird and wonderful to have your work mentioned in the same breath as writers and books that you wish you had written. Oh joy.

A Long Dark Rainbow is to be featured in the Kirkus Review January 15.
Whoopee!
A Long Dark Rainbow

Eden Park Publishing design team (Steve Hayward CEO, Michael Tappenden - author and designer, Neil Breeden - illustrator and Emma Windsor - animator) have reconsidered the book design and content for the ebook market. The content changes are minimal and will have no impact on what is a powerful and important book.
The revised copy will be launched on 10 July 2020 and pre-ordering is possible now from amazon at the introductory price of 99p.
Sadly we were of course not able to travel to Normandy this year to meet old friends and to soak up the momentous sense of history.

At last my second book is out ( 'A Long Dark Rainbow' published by those nice people at Book Guild). Early days but the response has been illuminating and seems to show the gulf between the young and old. Some (I presume the young) just don't get it (don't even want to be reminded that they too will grow old) and are embarrassed by the thought of wrinklies rolling about in bed and also in the garden (to be fair it was at night).
The book touches on the unhealthy impact of the Establishment on the individual, dark secrets, redefining the rules and some surprising eroticism (and all by a couple approaching seventy. How dare they) The eroticism was very difficult to write without being obvious or cheap or crude and of course if you are approaching seventy, then you may well have to shut your eyes and hope for the best.

Great news. P to P is going to be invigorated via Steve Hayward (writer and CEO of Eden Park Publishing). Steve and I will work closely together to push it out to a new audience. For me it is the gratification of telling a story about a crucial time in our history and the ongoing impact that war (any war) has on the individual.

I have just had the indignity of having my web site compromised and finally after a lot of work by the techies, taken down. What is worse is that the 'invaders' turned it into a porn site and what is even worse than that is that it was not even a very good one. Porn tends to be rather boring at the best of times but when it is bad it is best watched with the sound off and a nice cup of tea.

I am currently carpet bombing UK agents. The idea is that marketing is essential, boring, incomprehensible and time consuming but agents seem to know a lot about it. So the deal seems quite straightforward really. I write a second masterpiece, you sell it and I give you a lump of money. Not only that but you are always on the lookout for that new idea, that fresh voice with something to say. I know this because you keep telling me so. WRONG. Those that do actually answer (and so far, after a sizeable period, most haven't) tell me that my masterpiece doesn't fit their 'Commercial Focus.' I think this means that it doesn't guarantee a profit. So my fresh voice (and ear closely attuned to the society that we currently live in) with something to say is apparently of no value. Strange because I see it being debated within the media quite regularly. (it's all about senior citizens, new style relationships and sex). Not sour grapes. Good luck to those who are successful. Just a bit frustrating. Mind you, to be fair, I've had a lot of fun researching the sex bit.

Apparently there is a Good Sex in Fiction Award. There is also a Bad Sex in Fiction Award and it's interesting to see who is included in that one. No names (no matter how big) no pack drill. Just shows how hard this is to write in a meaningful way. (Some would say not that easy to perform either).
Anyway my second novel has a lot of it (and between a couple of senior citizens, just to make it even more complex).
At least it has given me the chance for some in-depth research (perks of the job so to speak).
DH Lawrence, John Cleland, Patricia Highsmith, Henry Miller, Alan Hollinghurst and so on. The result is quite confusing as each seem to have their own approach and particular style (and the participants tend to be young and virile). So what is the recipe for meaningful, passionate, tender descriptions without resorting to soft porn?

There is a genius named Heino probably knee deep in cables and leads and bits of computer at Goodreads who very promptly made it work. The video that is. So now you can all see my 'Speilberg' moment. Do let me know what you think.

Writing a second novel whilst completely refurbishing a flat should not be done in the same lifetime. Late at night I can hear the two main characters sighing deeply, anxious to proceed particularly as they are both 'getting on' - young at heart of course but time is ticking and they have a lot to say, especially about sex. There I've said it.
In the meantime, I have managed to enter 'Speilberg' mode and produce a video with the help of a professional animator (who happens to be my daughter - so all that school expense was worth it after all).
I would love to show it to you but am afflicted by a condition rather like 'bad luck' or 'clumsiness' which manifests itself in making technology behave in a completely irrational way whenever I approach. I'm sure the good people at goodreads will sort it out for me.
In the meantime, can we talk about films? Is that allowed? Have a look at Pegasus@_pegasusbridge. Very close to my heart.