Began the week lying on the X-ray table of Leith Community Hospital (I've had better Mondays) so will be offline while I convalesce in a sanitorium somewhere north of Geneva. Will return soon, the grim reaper permitting, to speak to the void on some writing projects I'm working on at the moment. On the plus side, thanks to Grevious Jones Review for kindly reviewing my recent poetry chapbook (their "favourite of 2009" no less). It makes me feel like the Elephant Man when he's allowed to leave the freakshow and go live in a museum. Hopefully there will be a happy ending too just like Mr Merrick's. Incidentally, for those who like seeing the English language dragged into disrepute, Tesla's Ghost is available to purchase from Blackheath Books (quality independent publishers of Billy Childish, Adelle Stripe, Jenni Fagan, Ben Myers and a raft of other fine writers).

just finished reading Ben Myer's forthcoming novel Richard (my bi-polar computer ate it but then it reappeared two weeks ago as if by witchcraft). It's a fantastic read and the man writes with such skill it almost makes me physically sick.
Due out soon on Picador, buy, beg, borrow or steal a copy (preferably buy).
I'm no Richard and Judy but I reckon this, Jenni Fagan's The Panopticon and Lee Rourke's The Canal are the main contenders for this year's underground literary heavyweight belt. Buy them all and do your bit to support your local writer's various vices and addictions.