The Problem with Showing Off

Over posh lunch in a restaurant.

The Geek's Cousin: You're getting published, you say? How splendid! Have I heard of the publisher?

Me: They're called Marion Boyars, they are quite an amazing publisher actually. Yes. They publish wonderful contemporary novels: The Streets of Babylon, The Feather Man. (Casually) You might have heard of a little book of theirs: One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest?

Cousin: Really?

Me (leaning back nonchalently): Yes, Cuckoo's Nest, Last Exit to Brooklyn, you know.

Cousin: Goodness!

Me: Oh yes. (Warming to theme) They are a pretty heavy-weight publisher, in fact. I think you'll find they have published some of the most important works of 20th century. Witold Gombrowicz - you may be familiar - ?

The Cousin nods.

Me: Heinrich Boll, Georges Bataille...You know, that sort of thing. Real intellectual classics of twentieth century literature.

Cousin: Indeed! How exciting. (Pause.) So, tell me, what is your book called?

Comments

[Poppy]

I love the title of yours. Although it may be the reason I can't get into your blog from the school computer - every time I try, a big threatening red warning flashes up.
x

[Moira]

At lunch the other I mentioned (casually, you understand)to my work colleagues that a friend of mine was be published. Inevitably they asked what the book was called.

The silence around the table was palpable.

[RosyB]

LOL!!!

Poppy I know!!!! This blog was classified as porn for bloody ages and even VL won't acknowledge that I am linking - even when Mock Duck is bringing loads of referrals. It's really annoying!

Moira. The Geek was laughing so much yesterday. "That moment" he kept saying, "the timing! Their faces!!" He was giggling about it all afternoon. Blurgh.

Heigh ho. Everyone of taste loves the title mind you. (I mean I have a feeling that some of the palpably silent brigade may not quite be my target audience in the first place.)

[mary]

I've popped over to see what you're up to, Rosy and I see that you ARE GOING TO BE PUBLISHED!!! How fantastic! OK I'm getting all excited but it is wonderful news. Well done.