I know that these days this blog is not exactly a hive of activity, particularly on the Simple Minds front currently as there isn’t much to report when it comes to the band, but also over the past 12-18 months my fandom has waned and I had also been writing my book (yeah, that still feels unreal to me too, trust me!).
This week I am back to uni studies. I am in my final year for my Diploma of Higher Education in English with the ultimate goal of moving on to a BA in Creative Writing (certain things permitting). This final module is an English Literature one and requires A LOT of close analysis reading. We have 13 set texts to read within the next seven months – a very heavy workload for a slow reader such as myself.
Speaking of books – Our Secrets are the Same is officially released tomorrow. In anticipation, the first chapter has been made available to read for fans that are signed up to receive the Simple Minds newsletter via email. I received the email giving access to the first chapter this morning and I am yet to read it. I just gave it a cursory glance. I will give it a quick read once I have posted this blog post.
I just wanted to come on here and give an advance apology for what might be a lack of content in the coming weeks. I have a busy time ahead, what with returning to uni studies, a trip to Newcastle, gigs, a “school day” at Caledonian Uni and lastly my birthday all within this month. My time is going to be spread quite thin.
I had said that I would review the book upon its release but honestly right now I don’t know when I will fit in the time to even read it. When I’m away in Newcastle? Probably not. Then when? I’m not sure. I’ve never been great at reading two books at a time. I mean I can barely cope with one! At least not at a pace most people seem to be able to devour a book – and at a pace that my uni studies DEMAND of me. Thankfully no one is hanging on my review of OSATS in any case. Those interested in it will all have their own copies anyway. I know that Graeme Thomson knows I am a fan of his writing, testament of which was my review of Themes for Great Cities. All I hope is that he was able to curb (Kerrb?) Kerr’s propensity for repetitious anecdotes. I have a genuine fear that the only ‘new’ things in this book will come from Charlie Burchill. I will soon find out for myself either way.
I know I’ll want to read it sooner rather than later. And there will be a slight pressure to have it read by the time of the ‘In conversation’ event at the Citz.
In the meantime, uni studies have started in earnest although the first week of study doesn’t officially begin until Saturday. I always try to stay ahead of the study planner and this time I really do need to as I’ll be taking 4 days away during the second week of uni.
I will try to keep you abreast of things when I can but honestly these days you’d be better following the SM social media (though even THEY aren’t the fastest at providing fans with info) or joining some of the SM fan pages on Facebook. They are more up-to-speed with stuff than I am these days.
Thanks for reading and adios for now 🙂