by James Hannah
Which authors inspire you? Why?
I’m not a flag-bearer for any particular author (although I do have a master’s in Samuel Beckett studies, which is more of a certificate than a flag). So much of it has depended on where I was as a reader and what I’d already encountered. I think it was pure luck whether I encountered the writer I needed at a given time.
Roddy Doyle’s Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha achieved the sleight of hand of appearing to get inside my head and talk in my voice (a common response to this book, I’ve subsequently heard), and Doyle is altogether humane, which appeals. Kurt Vonnegut’s humaneness too. Beckett’s appalled amusement hit me at exactly the right time and absolutely feeds my need for core rhythms in expression.
I’m drawn to warmth, and when I really needed some warmth and brightness and positivity, I happened to read Maya Angelou; she’s really stayed with me. For some reason, I always feel a great urge to write when I watch anything by TV writer Dennis Potter; his 1980s Singing Detective series is unsurpassed in the size of splash it made in my writing development.
I’m always drawn to complex ideas approached with a youthful enthusiasm: Douglas Adams, certainly. And Caitlin Moran feels very good at this on a social/cultural level.
If there’s one thing you’d like readers to take away from The A to Z of You and Me, what would it be?
I don’t know if I could say that. I think it’s much more about readers bringing a part of themselves to it. And it depends on where they are as readers and what they’ve already encountered. They might find something here; they might not. Maybe the thing that leaps most readily to mind that they could take away is that laughter and tears are incredibly closely linked. And it’s possible—no, it can be extremely helpful—to laugh at how utterly hopeless a situation has become. If you don’t already know that, it’s very helpful to realize it.
Acknowledgments
“Team…”
Thank you first of all to my two brothers, who have put me up and put up with me; to my mum and my dad, who afforded me time and space; to my bandmates, inspirations all; and to the Jolly family of Preston, who had me over for Christmas once.
Thank you too, Catherine O’Flynn, for support, positive discouragement, and inadvertently giving me the title.
I am grateful for the advice given to me by Dr. Alice Myers, David Abdy, Sally Quigg, Ian Abdy, Shonagh Musgrave, Carolyn Willitts, Simon Wheatley, Sara Grainger, Su Portwood, Frith Tiplady, Anna Davis, Chris Wakling, and the autumn 2011 cohort of the Curtis Brown creative writing school.
I am indebted to many people for taking and making this book: Susan Armstrong, Jane Lawson, Alison Barrow, and the talented teams at Conville & Walsh and Transworld; Shana Drehs, Heather Hall, Jillian Rahn, Adrienne Krogh, Brittany Vibbert, Nicole Komasinski, and all at Sourcebooks.
I have never met John Murray, author and benevolent editor of Panurge New Writing. But I am grateful for a few typewritten notes from him back in ’94 and a phone conversation in ’03. It takes only a few words to change your world.
This novel has been tested on, discussed with, and occasionally bundled past the incomparably marvelous Christine Jolly. Jols, I cannot thank you enough for everything you’ve brought to this book. But I can try: thank you times, like, fifty.
About the Author
Photo credit: Claire Cousin
James Hannah has an MA in Samuel Beckett studies. The A to Z of You and Me is his debut novel. He also sings and plays guitar and drums in various bands with friends. He lives in Shropshire with his family. www.jameshannah.com
Thank you for reading!
At Sourcebooks we are always working on something new and exciting, and we don’t want you to miss out.
So sign up now to receive exclusive offers, bonus content, and always be the first to get the scoop on what’s new!
SIGN UP NOW!
