On the role of the writer

"Obviously, I think of the writer of novels and stories and plays as a moral agent. . . This doesn’t entail moralizing in any direct or crude sense. Serious fiction writers think about moral problems practically. They tell stories. They narrate. They evoke our common humanity in narratives with which we can identify, even though the lives may be remote from our own. They stimulate our imagination. The stories they tell enlarge and complicate—and, therefore, improve—our sympathies. They educate our capacity for moral judgement."

– Susan Sontag

in At the Same Time: The Novelist and Moral Reasoning

Survey reveals that "small indie publishers" report booming sales in the UK

 The article that gives you, at 10:45 a real kick to really start the day!

In my wildest dreams, I didn't think I would read this so soon...

According to this survey: "smaller presses based outside London have found success by reaching markets beyond the white middle classes and recruiting authors from more diverse backgrounds”...

The Guardian:

Small indie publishers report booming sales

In a sector that has struggled elsewhere, figures for 60 of the smallest players in the UK industry show sales up 79% in the last year

Monday 20 November 2017

by Danuta Kean

@Danoosha

Audre Lorde, whose Your Silence Will Not Protect You is one of the success stories highlighted in Inpress’s research. Photograph: Robert Alexander/Getty

Independent publishers have unleashed a boom in sales, according to new research. Latest figures from Inpress, which works with 60 of the smallest players in the books industry, revealed sales up 79% in the last year – a performance hailed by Inpress managing director Sophie O’Neill as phenomenal.

“It’s down to a mix of really good books such as Audre Lorde’s Your Silence Will Not Protect You from the feminist Silver Press,” O’Neill said, “and Dead Ink’s crowdfunded book Know Your Place – which is like The Good Immigrant except about class – and great attention to detail.”

In a market where literary fiction has struggled to find readers, turnover across the Arts Council England-funded portfolio, which includes Seren Books and The Poetry Book Society, surged above its budget by almost £100,000 this year, reaching £277,930. 

According to O’Neill, smaller presses based outside London have found success by reaching markets beyond the white middle classes and recruiting authors from more diverse backgrounds. “It proves that in publishing now, geography is irrelevant,” she said.

At Peepal Tree Press, a member of the Northern Fiction Alliance that specialises in Caribbean writing, operations manager Hannah Bannister said independents were responding to reader demand. “We are offering something that readers want rather than just another novel with a dead girl on a train,” she said. The Leeds-based independent enjoyed critical and sales success this year with Jacob Ross’s The Bone Readers, which won the inaugural Jhalak prize.

Larger houses often base commissioning decisions on past sales figures, Bannister continued, but a sellout event in Manchester for the Northern Fiction Alliance showed there was a thirst for more cutting-edge work. “There were over 100 young people there who wanted to find out about what’s new and interesting. People are tired of being sold books [by large publishers] based on what they bought earlier.”

One reason cited for independents’ success was that they were picking up established authors dropped by large houses after disappointing sales or because they wanted to write in a different genre.

Monique Roffey, who was shortlisted for the Orange prize in 2010, moved to tiny Dodo Ink in Manchester for her latest novel after a larger publisher pulled out.

“Simon & Schuster bought The Tryst in 2013, but got cold feet,” Roffey said. “It’s very sexually explicit.”

Although at first she had misgivings about signing with a small press, Roffey said the experience has been “wonderful … I worried that they would be able to get it into shops, but within two or three months I have sold more copies than my last book did with Simon & Schuster.”

Advances from independents may not be huge, but they compare well with those offered by larger houses for literary fiction without obvious sales potential. And in some cases, they can be higher – And Other Stories is now offering at least £2,500 for each new book.

Independent presses can also take a longer-term view of a writer’s career, Roffey continued, rather than dropping them at the first sniff of failure.

“The worst position you can be in as a writer is if you have been given a lot of money for a book that doesn’t sell,” she said. “That is the common slow death of a writer’s career.”

Topics

• Publishing

• Fiction
 
• news

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Link to article: https://www.theguardian.com/books/2017/nov/20/small-indie-publishers-report-booming-sales

'Shadows' by Ryan Vail

Ryan Vail - 'Shadows'

Published on 26 Sep 2017

http://www.ryanvail.com

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Description: dark melodic electronica. 

 Ryan Vail is a musical pioneer with vision. The Derry born composer has released three EPs to date and a collaborative album “Sea Legs” with folk singer Ciaran Lavery. 

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Bio:

Ryan blends the worlds of electronica, folk and classical, always experimenting combining classical instruments with unique methods of recording and composition.

In 2014, he composed the soundtrack for a full length BBC2 Documentary entitled “The Longest Night” as part of the BBC’s “True North” series.

In 2015, he composed a solo piano piece for World Piano Day which was chosen for Nils Frahm’s Piano day playlist on SoundCloud.

His 2015, collaborative album with Ciaran Lavery “Sea Legs” has been shortlisted for the NI Music Prize (Best Northern Irish Album of 2015) previous winners have included Foy Vance and Robyn G Shields.

2016 seen Ryan release his debut album For Every Silence. For Every Silence quickly got a lot of attention and became BBC radio 1 Album of the week with Hue Stephens and Phil Taggart. Irish times Album of the week. Finally nominated for the 2016 Ni Music prize (Best Northern Irish Album of 2016).

2017 Ryan released Love is a Crow, a collaborative single with Jealous of the Birds that debuted on Lauren Lavernes 6 music show. Ryan Also featured in Nils Frahms national piano day.

Ryan has had radio play or performed live Sessions with BBC Introducing, Other Voices, Lauren Laverne, Steve Lamauq, Annie Mac, Tom Ravenscroft, Across The Line, Tom Robinson, Phillip Taggart and Zane Lowe.

Ryan has supported many international live acts such as Nils Frahm, Jamie XX, Jon Hopkins, Tycho, David Kitt, Todd Terje, Phil Kieran, Luke Vibert and Orbital.

Bordeaux, parce qu'elle est jumelée avec Bristol, est pour moi une première étape!

Etape comme début d'une réflexion sur le rôle des villes, des politiques de la ville, des artistes et musiciens au niveau local, dans le changement culturel et social. 

D'autres sont au programme pour 2018. 

Stay tuned ;)

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Merci au blog "SERIAL BLOGUEUSE" d'avoir relayé :

God save THE CULTURE UNDERGROUND à Bordeaux !

SAVE THE DATE ! Le Café Politique de Bordeaux 2020 sur le thème de Bordeaux et la culturec’est dans une semaine ! Au programme de cet événement  éminemment plein de Jugeote :

• Bristol, capitale européenne de la culture, un exemple pour notre ville ?
• Quelle place pour la culture underground à Bordeaux ?

Bristol un exemple passionnant pour Bordeaux

A partir de 1982, la ville anglaise de Bristol a vu exploser plusieurs mouvements artistiques polymorphes, multiculturels, et surtout totalement underground et spontanés, sans aucune aide publique.

En dix ans, post-punk, reggae, puis hip-hop et donc graffiti ont transformé cette ville moyenne, alors engluée dans le chômage, en un pôle de créativité sans comparaison.

Le collectif Le Wild Bunch, qui ressemble les meilleurs de leurs DJs, va se produire à Londres puis à Birmingham et même à Tokyo en 1986. De ce collectif naissent ensuite le groupe Soul II Soul en 1988 puis le trio Massive Attack et Tricky.

Des studios se créent plus facilement dans la ville, les collaborations abondent. Björk et Madonna veulent travailler avec ces Bristoliens…

Aujourd’hui, 12ème ville du pays en terme de population, avec 450 000 habitants, jumelée avec Bordeaux depuis 1947, dont les artistes sont mondialement connu (Damien Hirst, Banksy, Massive Attack, Roni Size, JK Rawlings y son nés), Bristol peut être un exemple passionnant, métissé, moderne, en matière de politique culturelle et urbaine, pour de nombreuses villes d’Europe !

Venez débattre avec :

– Melissa Chemam, Journaliste et auteur du livre En dehors de la zone de confort, de Massive Attack à Banksy, sur la ville de Bristol (éd. Anne Carrière)
– Nathalie Lanzi Bucero, Vice-présidente en charge de la jeunesse, de la culture, du sport et du patrimoine au conseil régional Nouvelle-Aquitaine
– Philippe Barre, Co-fondateur de Darwin
– Renaud Cojo, Comédien, metteur en scène, auteur, performeur, fondateur de la cie Ouvre le Chien
– Ivan Torres, Artiste mexicain
– Pierre Chavot, Auteur, historien, enseignant

« La fonction sociale de l’art est de placer le citoyen à hauteur d’une réflexion. »

Bordeaux 2020, think tank citoyen, vous propose de débattre de la culture à Bordeaux et d’être force de proposition pour son avenir.

Bordelais, Bordelaises, jeunes et moins jeunes, je compte sur vous pour être présent en masse sur cet événement !

Jeudi 23 novembre à partir de 18h30 à la Faculté, place de la Victoire.

Partagez !

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Lien : https://www.serialblogueuse.com/2017/11/16/bordeaux-2020-culture-cafe-politique/

Marx dans Le 1 Hebdo - hors-série

 Après la chute de l’URSS et la conversion de la Chine communiste au capitalisme d’État, on a pu croire le marxisme mort et enterré. 

Mais les analyses du philosophe, avec tout ce qu’elles ont de percutant, ont resurgi de plus belle après la crise de 2008. 

Le Capital fête ses 150 ans. Il reste néanmoins, à bien des égards, pertinent dans son déchiffrement du système capitaliste. 

Le 1 Hebdo revient sur la vie, la pensée et l’héritage de Karl Marx.
Un hors-série disponible en kiosques et librairies, 4,90€.

Avec : 

Raoul Peck Vincent Martigny Aude Lancelin Edgar Morin Eric Fottorino Julien Bisson Isabelle Garo Erik Olin Wright Alain Badiou Louis Althusser Pierre Dardot Louis Chevaillier Robert Solé Cosette Mondabi Natalie Thiriez

Lien - FB : https://www.facebook.com/le1hebdo/photos/a.854398024577656.1073741830.850828794934579/1965216543495793/?type=3&theater

Björk's new song and video: "Blissing Me"

"Falling in love to a song"...

New song, new video, Björk, more herself than ever:

björk: blissing me

Published on 16 Nov 2017

the official video for blissing me from björk's upcoming new album utopia.

utopia is out november 24. pre-order here: https://bjork.lnk.to/utopiaYT

video credits:
Directed by Tim Walker & Emma Dalzell
Creative Direction by Björk
Director of Photography - James Henry
Lighting Director - Paul Burns
Producer - Jeff Delich
Stylist - Edda Guðmundsdóttir
Dress – Pam Hogg
Shoes by Gucci
Braid ornaments - James Merry
Makeup Artist - Hungry
Steady Cam Operator - Tommi Marshall
1st Assistant Camera - Þór Elías
2nd Assistant Camera - Daníel Gylfason
Gaffer - Finni Sænski
DIT - Benedikt Vilborgar Og Jóhannesson
Local Production - Oli Páll Torfason & Daddi Bjarna
Post Production - Coffee & TV


click here to subscribe to the official björk channel: http://bit.ly/subscribetobjork

http://www.bjork.com/
https://www.facebook.com/bjork
https://twitter.com/bjork

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Lyrics:

"Blissing Me"

All of my mouth was kissing him
Now, into the air, I am missing him
Is this excess texting a blessing?
Two music nerds obsessing

He reminds me of the love in me
I'm celebrating on a viral sea
Sending each other MP3s
Falling in love to a song

This handsomest of recommend
He asked if I could wait for him
Now, how many lightyears is interim
While I fall in love with his songs?

His hands are good in protecting me
Touching and carressing me
Well, would it be trespassing
Wanting him to be blissing me?
Probing in and out of his ears

Lift under like suspension
My longing has formed its own skeleton
Bridging the gap between singletons
Sending each other's these songs

The interior of these melodies
Is perhaps where we are meant to be
Our physical union, a fantasy
I just fell in love with his song

So, I reserve my own intimacies
Abandon 'em all in packages
My woe and longing are too visceral
Did I just fall in love with him?

M-Shed's "What is Bristol Music?" exhibition

 The M-Shed, historical museum of Bristol, ideally located on the other side of the harbour (don't miss the lovely view) is preparing a very special participative exhibition...

Details:

What is Bristol Music?

Posted on August 29, 2017 by Lauren MacCarthy.

Next summer M Shed will open its doors to Bristol Music – and we’re looking for you to play a leading role.

Since the 1950s, Bristol has been one of the UK’s most vibrant music cities, incorporating a rich mix of styles, genres and sounds.  Not only has this been driven by artists and producers, but crucially by the people of Bristol themselves.

With that in mind, we’d like you to tell the stories that have shaped Bristol’s music scene.

Ashton Court, 1990

Music, as we all know, provokes the senses and stimulates debate.

For the past year and a half, we’ve listened to the views of our advisory panel of music practitioners, researchers and academics from across the city.

Some great stories have already emerged – from anecdotes about unlicensed blues parties in St Pauls, to DJing at The Dug Out and shoegazing at The Tropic.

Now we’d like to build as full a picture as possible by hearing from you.

Bristol Music is an open book, to be co-authored and re-authored by you. The exhibition will be informed by your opinions, your memories and your emotions.

Share your story!

Bristol Music will run from May – October 2018 at M Shed with exhibits, displays and events generating conversation, debate and enjoyment.

Main image: Filwood, 1964

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More soon...

Marx versus Marx

 Le Jeune Karl Marx, le film de Raoul Peck,  par le critique René Marx :

"Le Jeune Karl Marx" de Raoul PECK - La Critique de la Semaine

Film allemand de Raoul PECK (2017) avec August DIEHL, Stefan KONARSKE et Vicky KRIEPS. 1h 58. Sortie en salle le 27 septembre 2017.

La Critique de la Semaine, présentée par René MARX, Rédacteur et critique à l'Avant Scène Cinéma.

'Rachel's Song'

 Today's mood.
Thinking about human and artificial intelligences....

This came in.
And there is nothing random.

'Rachel's Song' - Blade Runner - Vangelis

Souvenirs from 2015.

'Sunsetz'

Yesterday's mood, also.

"And when you go away, I still see you

The sunlight on your face in the rearview"...

Thanks for sending this, YouTube...



Sunsetz - Cigarettes After Sex

'Sunsetz'

Sun sets, we wander through a foreign town
Strangely, there's nobody else around
See you open your dress and show me your tights
On the swing set at the old playground

And when you go away, I still see you
The sunlight on your face in the rearview

Sun sets, I want to hear your voice
A love that nobody could destroy
Took photographs like prodigals
Book covers that we both adored

And when you go away, I still see you
The sunlight on your face in my rearview
This always happens to me this way
Recurring visions of such sweet days

And when you go away, I still see you
The sunlight on your face in my rearview
When you go away, I still see you
The sunlight on your face in my rearview