'The Same Country' - A Year Old Today

How time flies when your debut novel is being published.

I cannot believe that it was a year ago today that The Same Country was released into the world. So in addition to a little celebrating today, I want to thank, first, all the people who have read my novel. Some have sent me emails and messages; others have posted reviews (so wonderfully appreciated!) Many have come to my readings and book launches and have caught me afterward to let me know what they think (so far, nothing too horrible).

My new series of interviews with readers begins soon! More below.

Let me also thank the bookstores who have been so supportive — I hope all of us remember to be supportive of bookstores in return by purchasing books from them! Special thanks to Griffin Books, for my launch in Cardiff; Waterstones Leadenhall for my London launch; and Cover to Cover in Swansea, October Books in Southampton, P&G Wells in Winchester, and our two independents in Canton, ShelfLife and Ffloc. I always love seeing The Same Country on your shelves.

The Same Country is also available at these bookstore Web sites.

Autumn Events: Readings, Q-and-As, and More

Polls Apart: A Writer’s Role in a Polarized World

Days before the ever-changing American election, I’ll be joining the writers Sophie Buchaillard and Özgür Uyanik — both ex-pat writers based in Wales, from France and Türkiye respectively — at the lovely bookstore by the sea, Bardic Vintage Books in Llanwit Major. Book now to join us on Saturday 2 November at 6:30 p.m.

Watch, too, for some exciting events that I’ll be hosting, or helping to promote, at the University of Southampton, especially my Writers in Conversation events with Xiaolu Guo on Tuesday 15 October and Rebecca Smith on Monday 18 November.

What else I’ve been writing (and talking) about…

My father, Frank Burns. He passed away in February, at the glorious age of 96, and so I’ve been thinking about him a lot these past months. In the days after he died, I discovered this humble notebook amongst his possession — it was the one he’d used when he gave tours at the Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve in Fort Myers, FL.

So of course, I wrote about it. My essay was published this week on the Web site of WGCU, Fort Myers’ NPR radio station, and I was interviewed on their daily talk show Gulf Coast Live, along with two wonderful Slough volunteers. You can read the essay and listen to our conversation here.

I was so glad my father was able to read my novel and see it out in the world before he died - and in case anyone wants to follow his lead? He purchased 30 copies.

One more recent radio appearance: I chatted with host Rhodri Lewis on BBC Radio Wales Sunday Supplement this week, doing the Paper Review with fellow panelist Richard Martin, producer of the Hiraeth podcast.

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The Exciting Crop of Autumn Books: What I’ll Be Reading

So many books, so little time! And so many terrific books coming out this autumn…

But I know I’ll be starting with Rumaan Alam’s new novel, Entitlement, published in September — in part because aspects of his searing Leave the World Behind has influenced the writing of my new novel-still-in-progress. If you’ve seen the film, the novel is better - so I can’t wait to read his new book.

Thrilled to find out the other day that Cardiff-based Tessa Hadley has a novella coming out in October — The Party, I suspect, will at some point make me late to a party.

Rachel Kushner is another favorite American writer whose work I walk/run to read, and Creation Lake looks promising indeed.

And this summer, I’m re-reading Virginia Woolf’s To the Lighthouse — when I need inspiration, I turn to Woolf. Halfway through, I decided I would teach the book this autumn to my MA Creative Writing students. Everything they need to know about writing can be found in the first 12 pages (though don’t worry, they’ll have to read all of it). Above, I used the cover of the edition I’m reading, as the introduction by Eudora Welty is one not to miss.

Whatever book you’ve read recently (including The Same Country!) it’s always helpful to authors if you write a review — on GoodReads, Amazon, or whatever is your favorite books or social media site — or just share a few words on social media.

And look out for my next newsletter when, as promised, I’ll be beginning my new series: interviews with readers. Stay tuned to hear from Miranda Dettwyler, a Cardiff resident, architect, Mom, and avid reader.