Q&A with Steve Morris discussion

It is looking likely that there will soon be a radio broadcast in the UK of a new short story for 2012.
I'm chuffed about that because it would be an ambition realised. Plus, I don't own a TV and love radio far more!

Which station?

Well it is a regional radio station but it also broadcasts online.
I won't count my chicken yet, as you know how life sometimes lets you down, but this is be something I would really look forward to. So I'll hang fire until it is all done and dusted!

I hope you're taking good time out from the pressure of studies.
I'm sure you're expecting to do well in the A-levels shortly, especially maths. I can't believe how quickly exams are approaching this year.

That's amazing, Steve! If there's a way to access the interview online, do post the link. I'll be listening if at all possible.

Cheers Richard. I certainly will, but I'll wait for it all to be "done and dusted" first. You know what life is like....

Good, keep us posted!

Steve wrote: "Cheers Richard. I certainly will, but I'll wait for it all to be "done and dusted" first. You know what life is like...."

Indeed I do Steve!

How is the anthology progressing, Richard?

I wasn't going to mention it, because I didn't want to steal your thunder. But since you brought it up anyway... :)

I recently ironed out one of the biggest kinks in the story, which had worried me quite a bit (and it was all thanks to a new Goodreads friend!). I'm about to put in the final changes before it goes to the publisher.

Our editor recently threw a pre-publication party. Most of the contributors were there and got a chance to discuss their piece or read excerpts from it. We haven't heard from the publisher yet about the launch date, but we have good hopes it will be out in September 2012.

Excellent. I bet you felt a lot better after you ironed out the kink in the story. I alway notice glaring errors after having seen the finished product come off the press!

I look forward to reading it in September 2012.

Steve wrote: "Excellent. I bet you felt a lot better after you ironed out the kink in the story. I alway notice glaring errors after having seen the finished product come off the press!

I look forward to readin..."

I do feel better. I hope that once I'm done with the story there will be no major errors, but for a perfectionist like me, every error is glaring! September is the date we're hoping for, but we have yet to find out for sure. Even so, after four years of long waits followed by polite rejections, things are suddenly moving so fast! :)

Unfortunately it seems that the radio staition who were interested in broadcasting some new stories are not communicating with me.

I also offered to read them myself on my regional radio station and an overseas station who has recently broadcast interviews by other authors working with my publisher. Neither responded. They are both now off my Christmas card list....

That is a shame. Do you do book signings and things at book shops?

Hi. Yes, I'm disappointed in that. Also this time the magazines aren't so enthusiastic about reviews. I think that the economic downturn makes magazines need to fill each column inch with fee-paying advertising space with little editorial input.

I had a thumb through two magazines today and it was difficult to find any content within page after page of glossy ads for cosmetic surgery, property and holidays.

I'd be happy to do any book signing but I think that for unknown writers they can be an awkward affair.

I popped into a big library on a Saturday morning last summer. A local (mature) writer was immaculately smart sat at a desk in the foyer with a display of his latest books arranged to the milimetre in a geometric pattern.
He sat with silver pen at the ready trying to catch the eye of every visitor. Everyone seemed to avoid his gaze like he was a charity collector. I can't imagine he signed many copies to opportunist visitors.

I popped back a couple of hours later and was pleased to see someone with him asking about his book but it turned out to be the journalist he'd booked from the local paper. He should have asked all his friends and family to turn up at the same time!

Oh, that's a shame. I admit that I often see signs in my local bookshop for signings and meeting the author events but I never get around to going to any. I probably should some day though.

First radio interview for Playing Havoc now being booked after being let down by smaller stations!

Details to follow soon.

Radio interview about Playing Havoc booked live on Talk Radio Europe Hannah Murray Show tomorrow 16th August.

Recording session booked for a short story reading for a radio station in East Midlands.

Both should be archived online.

Ok. I don't think I could get that round here so post links online. :)

I will do although I don't like listening to myself!

Steve wrote: "I will do although I don't like listening to myself!"

I dislike the sound of my own voice as well. I'm told that most people do, though.

I'm with you on this Richard. How do news readers live with themselves? Even worse when your teaching is recorded on video. I really dislke that and can't watch it!