Broomeshtick

Here’s an extract from my novel, A is for Angelica.

It comes right in the middle of a chapter that’s right in the middle of the book. The chapter is called New Testament.

There’s quite a bit of dialogue in the extract, which is generally trickier to read/perform, but that’s also why it’s worth recording and listening back. You know, for practice and that.

Hope you likey.  

Extract: A is for Angelica / Iain Broome

Tomorrow I am reading at an event hosted by my agency to celebrate their third birthday. I’m fair looking forward to it, especially as I haven’t read this particular extract to an audience before.

Like all writers should, I’ve been practising my reading out loud, recording it and playing it back. It really helps you get the rhythm of a passage and iron out any crinkles. If you can spare two minutes, have yourself a listen.

Extract: ‘Ignore the Real World’ from Rework / Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson

The latest in my new Extracts series. I’m currently reading the excellent Rework by the folks at 37signals. It’s a fantastic read and full of common sense. Hugely recommended.

This extract in particular resonated with me. I hate that we’re constantly told we can’t do stuff. We can do stuff. All of us. We just need a little willpower and plenty of luck.

Extract: ‘Steal’ from Whatever You Think Think The Opposite / Paul Arden

This is the first post in a new, occasional series on Broomeshtick, simply called ‘Extracts’. I’m using the fantastic Audioboo service to read, record and publish passages from some of my favourite pieces of writing.

Notice I didn’t say books. That’s because I’ll be including fiction and non-fiction, sure, but also fantastic articles and blog posts. When that happens, I’ll always include a link back to the author, of course.

I decided to do this after being inspired by James Bridle’s fantastic work in digital publishing, including his delightful side project, Mattins. This first post is a tribute to the art of ‘borrowing’ someone else’s work.

Rather than outright copy his idea - Mattins is a single site featuring readings from books taken from James’ own shelves - my extracts will be less frequent and sit alongside the rest of the content posted here on Broomeshtick.

Finally, another reason for me to start doing this now is to get a little reading-out-loud practice. Next month I’ll be heading to my agency’s annual shindig and reading my work in front of all manner of important and exciting people. 

It’s good to be prepared. All feedback welcome.