Writing Talk: Conversations with top writers of the last fifty years

In his long career in literary journalism, Alex Hamilton has probably met and talked in depth to more of our great writers than anyone else, from the most critically acclaimed to the most hard-nosed bestsellers, from novelists to cartoonists, and in every genre, from Thrillers and Whodunnits to Short Stories, from Poetry to Science Fiction. This selection from a life’s work gives us a stimulating and rare insight into the minds and lives of some of the most fascinating creators of our modern culture. It’s a book that contains many surprises in the revelations given by some of the authors about their struggles and victories, the serious or humorous commitments made by them, and their addiction to the kind of fiction they like to write. The reader will soon realise that no two of these eighty-five featured authors – such as Kurt Vonnegut, Angela Carter, Stephen King, Daphne du Maurier, Ian McEwan, Jorge Luis Borges, Graham Greene or Margaret Atwood – are alike. Splendidly informative and serious, Writing Talk is also often very funny: a book to dip into as the mood takes, or to dive into hungrily. It will appeal to those with a passion for books and for the people who have written them. “I’ve been fortunate to talk to so many marvellous writers. Gathering some of these conversations into a book, rather than their brief life in a daily newspaper, offers a chance for readers to share my pleasure and to introduce a new generation to some past greats,” says Alex Hamilton, behind his reason to create Writing Talk.

About the Author :
Alex Hamilton grew up in Argentina and Brazil and attended Clifton College and The Queen’s College, Oxford. While writing fiction and contributing to and editing many books, both non-fiction and fiction, and a stint on The Times, Alex wrote about books, publishing and travel for 25 years at the Guardian. Married in 1965, he has two sons, and moved from Marylebone to Norfolk in 1997.

Review :
'In this collection, Alex Hamilton seems to have interviewed every writer of distinction for the past half-century. Not only is it very wide-ranging, it also shines a light into some very curious corners. I found it fascinating from beginning to end.' "As varied and quirky a gallery of portraits as you could hope to find. Hamilton is both generous and observant, and he gets the best out of his people." "A rich and fascinating collection, and a great read" 'Eccentric, partial, sometimes gossipy, but well-stocked with sharp observation and deft, frequently witty and astitude judgement.... [an] entertaining guide.'