Ink Splott | I would like to thank the Academi...

...or rather the newly branded shiny fabulous people that are behind Literature Wales and the fabulous panel members for Literature Wales Writers’ Bursaries 2011-12: Katie Gramich (Chair), Catrin Beard, Catherine Fisher, Carolyn Jess-Cooke, Amanda Hopkinson and Idris Reynolds. Thanks very much all.

Yes the clever people at Literature Wales have awarded me money to take time off from all the other pay-the-rent journalism, PR etc. work I do to immerse myself in writing The Novel. My very first novel. I began their funded time off on Friday 1 April 2011. I shall be posting updates of what I am reading and thinking about and how all the writing process is going or not going on my new process blog Ink Splott. All other news and attention-grabbing will continue to be posted here, in Wildlife.

Otherwise, in social networking and journalism terms I shall be much quieter than usual for a spell. You will still see me performing here and there but otherwise enjoy the peace.

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The New Elysium is Open!

It was an absolute joy to be in Swansea for the opening of the new Elysium Gallery art centre in the city centre, I'm so proud of Jon and Dan and the team who have all worked so hard on this, and over the preceding years and many, many venues... It was lovely to see friends old and new there and nose around the open studios. Do go along and use the cafe, go to events, see the shows... I will be getting involved with some literary things there in the future too... Andre Stitt – Estateless continues at the new space on Belle Vue Way. Music continues at the old venue, now called Down by Here but still programmed by Scott, who is putting on some class acts.

Open newslist

Guardian open up their newslist. Helpful and insightful or another step towards the takeover of less-informed citizen journalism and media cost-cutting/ job cuts? Discuss... More: http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/series/open-newslist?fb=native In other media news... The Times and Sunday Times cut 150 editorial posts More: http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2011/oct/20/times-job-cuts?fb=native

MS: The Book Launch: A Mini Series, Part One

Preparing for a book launch is a little like – I imagine – preparing for birth may be, or your wedding day. Except better. Far better. In my eyes. So this week I’ve been worrying about the guest list, nesting, cleaning, plucking, preening and outfit planning. I’ve also been wondering if any of the guys are having the same reserves and rigmaroles as me. Probably not. I doubt they’ve bought new heels. I’m having to put away any spoilt child tendencies too. For my book launch(es) will involve sharing the spotlight with the three other titles and authors that make up the Parthian Bright Young Things series – Tyler Keevil, Wil Gritten, and JP Smythe. This has pros and cons. Pros include getting to have more launches (Cardiff, Swansea, Bangor and London) as we pool marketing budgets, cons include the party not being exactly as you, singular, would want it – glitter, cupcakes, my favourite band in my case – and the impossibilities of arranging so many dates where all ...

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