Because of the way publishers are nowadays I'm thinking of self publishing - -  I have written a novel called A Comic Breakdown - what do people think of self publishing?  Here's the synopsis:

James Carolan used to be a stand up comedian but suffered a nervous breakdown after years of estrangement from society. His obsessive thoughts about the state and its control over members of society grew to an extent that his confused reasoning led him to believe that all areas of life were directed by the state, and that the state was using him, in his role as a stand up comedian, to propagate propaganda. Being at odds with others in the field of entertainment he hoped to gain greater insights into the mechanism of state control by working in an area of society that has been affected by conflict in an absolute way.

The character becomes increasingly socially alienated as he recedes further from everyday thoughts and pursuits. He journeys inwardly for safety and introspection, but the concerns that haunt him manifest deep distrust and suspicion of everything and anybody around him to a degree where his paranoia renders him detached and dysfunctional in the society he once had such an observant and sharp critical eye upon. How much of James Carolan’s experience is imaginary is impossible to tell. He believes that it is in the realm of the imagination that the state is intent to manipulate for purposes of maintaining control and they will use all measures at their disposal to do so.

Fulham in a European cup final - when they got to Wembley in 1975 I said to myself, 'anything is possible,' and it changed my approach to all things - but now...
I'm going - I have a ticket and will be travelling on the coach from Craven Cottage on Tuesday 11th May - I just wish my poor old dad was here - he would have said , as he always did when Fulham won (which wasn't very often for years), 'did you hear the score Pete? Fulham have goner mad.' - and he was right.

And talking of 'mad,' the election stuff is filling the tele screen - but what is this that has suddenly overshadowed it all? - politics - people really getting involved in politics - in Athens that is - real passion by people who are saying what we know, 'we are run by thieves' - and the tepid mid-manager Berkshire Hunts bleat, drone and bullshit thier way to a status that gives them massive perks, a lot of money and the chance to steal without having to go to court if caught in the act - mind, I will be voting, for what its worth - the first time for years - there's passion for you.

Book launch for my novel Malayn Swing

Wednesday 24th June 2009 at 6.30 pm
Edgar Wallace Public House, 40 Essex Street
London, WC2R 3JE
(Nearest tube - Temple)

Fooligan's out

Just a few words to say that my book An Unlikely Fooligan is out - if one is interested in finding out more he or she can read a sample from the book on this website - I was addding up my wealth and projected earnings, and if it continues as it has done, and I consolidate all my assets, I would say that in about ten years I would be able to buy a pushbike pump.

Johny Brown - just about the coolest guy in town!

The final blog of the year – not that I regularly write on the website, but here we go. Everybody, or nearly everybody who writes knows how hard it is to get published and find an agent, so I’ve been lucky in having a book published, God’s Lonely men, and another coming out very soon, An Unlikely Fooligan – and hopefully in a few months a work of fiction, Malayan Swing. I was also fortunate enough to be asked by Johny Brown to be a guest on his show, Resonance Radio FM 104; it went out on Friday the 19th of December between 11.30 to 1.30 am.
It was a good evening, Johny organised it so that some of my work was read out by an actress, Tilly and an actor Ben, and the engineer, John, asked me questions about my work and ideas that I have – Inga and Johny, as did everyone else, made me feel at home and relaxed – it was an enjoyable time, no doubt I spoke some nonsense, but it struck me that I hardly ever look at the work I’ve written with anyone, and hearing it read out was interesting for me – so, it was a top night with some good people – check him out, Johny Brown, a chap who remembers his punk background, has good ideas and means well – if there was more of them about 2009 would be a better time for us all boys and girls – Happy Christmas and have a good New Year.

So long Tough Alberto

I don’t add much to the website, which I should do, but here’s an update anyway.
My book God’s lonely Men came out last December and although not being featured in the mainstream media coverage, except for an interview with Dotun Adebayo on Radio Five Live, I have been lucky in having the support that I have. I’ve received quite a few e-mails from people telling me how much they enjoyed the book, people who mostly saw The Lurkers back when Fred, Barney and Deano were in the neighbourhood. I’d like to say thanks very much for your interest and support. I’m going to the punk festival in August with copies of my book and will be on a stall with Arturo.
I have another book coming out with the same publisher called An Unlikely Fooligan. It’s an observation of Japan made during my trips to Japan in 2002 and 2003. I have another book, a novel called Malayan Swing being published by London Books in a few months. I wrote the book in 1993 and 1994, I’ve tightened it up but the story has remained the same.
It’s been a year of massive contrasts for me, what with having my book recently published and my other books soon to be published, and my father dying in March. My dad was a sensitive man, and like me he was a bit of a storyteller. He was short in height and came from a large family in an area where poverty was the norm and one had to fight for what one wanted, and then still in his teens being sent to war. I have learned that whilst my father didn’t ingrain in me the skills and ways to be crafty and compete, or have material possessions and money, he instilled far more, and that was his humility; this was done by showing understanding to people who are weak and different and his kindness towards animals.
When I was a child he would tell me tales of a character called Tough Alberto, who would wreak revenge on those who were bullies. Tough Alberto was six feet tall and always dressed in black, he would appear on the scene when an act of brutish and cowardly behaviour was taking place and the bully would be put to right with superior fighting skills.
My dad’s name was Albert, his favourite actor was Douglas Fairbanks and he loved films, especially westerns with Gary Cooper and Burt Lancaster in them – they were always dressed in black; I didn’t piece it together until only a few years ago.
So I take care of my mum now – it’s what Tough Alberto would have liked to do.

Book Launch and stuff

The book launch went well, the people that came along seemed to enjoy themselves. There was a good atmosphere and feel to the place, and I'd like to thank all those who came along. Reading extracts from the book was a bit nervy, but a good time was had by all.
The gig I played with Gary Bushell's Gonads last Friday in Mansfield was a good time, (no money though, so nothing has changed there) long time since I've played the punk drumming though.
Gary turned up at my launch, as did John King, my publisher Martin, along with other good people and my old friends. Thanks for your support, best Pete