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Jason Johnson on 'Sinker' and Staying Afloat
Writing.ie | Magazine | General Fiction | Interviews
By Jason Johnson
Jeffrey Archer was on TV the other night talking about writing a book and said 'you need a good run at it.' He said you need an unbroken slab of time and somewhere to escape the daily demands of life to get the work done.
I thought, 'Yep, you're right, Lord Archer.' Then I thought, 'It's well for some.'
It must be wonderful to be able to jet off to the old Spanish holiday home for a lengthy writing session.
It's out of the question for most of us. It's certainly out of the question for me. My financial situation would teeter on a brink or two and, anyway, I have a young family I can barely be without for a day without needing them.
I did try once to get some decent dosh in order to allow myself to clear off and write for a while, before the kids came along. I'd just finished my second novel Alina and was feeling pretty ambitious. I saw an article somewhere about someone selling off a role in a movie, and hatched a plan to auction off a character in my third novel (Sinker, Liberties Press). People would be able to bid to name the character, to give him/her certain personality traits, and I would shape the story to include the winning bidder's needs.
I had a rough plot in mind, but knew I could slot in or rework a character if the price was right. Part of me reckoned it would never work, that at best it would turn out to be a bit of a publicity stunt. Part of me thought, 'well sure what's the harm in a publicity stunt?' And part of me worried how I would justify this seemingly soulless idea to purists who thought my artistic integrity was for sale.
Anyway, I announced the idea on my then website.
No one noticed.
I waited.
Then, on the back of the publication of Alina, I had a sit-down interview with a journalist from The Guardian. I told him about the auction idea and he thought it was pretty quirky. In fact, he led the story with it.
Here's the link: http://www.theguardian.com/uk/2006/oct/01/books.booksnews1
And then everything changed.
In terms of publicity, in respect of an individual who had basically none, things suddenly went bananas. Reuters press agency picked up on it, fired the story of the auction around the world. Half a dozen reporters rang me.
Someone from an Indian newspaper emailed me.
Most of the press just took a few words and didn't grill me on the 'selling out' angle, which was a relief.
But then one night, being interviewed on a BBC Radio Fivetalk show, a furious man phoned in and called me 'a prostitute'. He said I didn't deserve to call myself a writer if I was going to use someone else's idea, for money, in a novel.
Cue my rehearsed response – I said a novel is all about taking ideas from other people, places, situations, about moulding them into a coherent story. It's the connecting of, and smoothing out of, lots of bits that makes every beginning, middle and end. I mean, who but the author can ever really know what influences a writer has seized onand put into their work? Besides, I said, there won't be any novel at all if I can't secure the space to write one.
No, this caller said, I was 'a prostitute.' He said I had sacrificed my artistic credibility, let mere money interfere with my artistic flow.
I've been called worse.
Anyway, all that prostitution aside, I'll get to the point.
Did the idea actually work?
Well, a few people got the wrong end of the stick. A man in America emailed saying he would give me $200 to write his life story, something about the furniture business. He said he had some Irish relatives.
A man in Sweden wanted to know how much it would cost him for me to write a story about a distance runner, loosely based on part of his own life.
And there was a woman in England who didn't mind what the character did or was called, but could I credit her in the book?
There were about five or six emails from people who, I could tell, weren't entirely together in the head, and I chose not to work with them.
And, as far as I can remember, that's about it.
It would have been great though, wouldn't it? Handed some decent money to go off and write a book? Even the idea of having to use an extra bit of creativity to inject some unexpected character into the plot excited me. People, I fantasised, would have been excitedly buying the novel, reading and guessing who the 'paid for' character was.
But, nah. No one really gave a toot.
Some people liked the concept of the auction, but that was it. Yet, all in all, in publicity terms, this made more column inches than my actual novels have. So, to confirm, there is no 'paid for' character in my third novel, Sinker.
I wrote it between working and changing nappies, often while absolutely knackered. It took a long time, on and off, because, unlike the seriously industrious Jeffrey Archer, I couldn't put my real life on hold. Looking back on it now, that's all fine.
I love real life.
I love how there is a bit in Sinker, for example, that will always remind me of the moment my one-year-old son walked into the room, looked me in the eye and was sick on the floor.
You can't buy that.
Looking ahead, yes, I'd love to get that 'good run at it' for novel number four, but I can't see it happening anytime soon. So, like most writers, I'll just get on with it anyway. And that's my story of the auction that never was. Funny enough, a much better story – which is my third novel Sinker – is nothing like the truly weird novel I had planned back then. Sinker is a less-weird dysfunctional love story set in and around the world's most hated and controversial sport, professional drinking.
And, for any purists out there, I'd like to stress no money at all interfered with my artistic flow.
Two brilliant children and a job did, but a writer chooses their road.
PS: A sort-of plug: Sinker is that rare, rare thing in a person's life which works out just how they hoped it would.
(c) Jason Johnson
Sinker is in all good bookshops or pick up your copy online here.
Jason Johnson is a Northern Ireland-based journalist and author. His debut novel, Woundlicker (2005), is a raw yet witty Belfast tale born out of frustration with the then stumbling peace process. His challenging second novel, Alina (2006), set in Romania, uses Irish characters to explore the very worst of what Europe's richer west is offering the emerging east. Sinker is his third novel is published by Liberties Press. Jason is married with two children and lives in Belfast.
About Sinker
Sinker catapults readers into the life of law dropout Baker Forley as he signs up for the world's most controversial and deadly sport, professional drinking. If he plays it right, wins some games and gets out early enough, he might just escape with money, self-respect and at least some of his health.
Sponsored by a struggling singles bar back in Derry, Baker and his licentious American coach Ratface head to sun-baked Mallorca for the infamous Bullfight boozing battle. As protests rage over the rights and wrongs of the reviled sport, he takes his seat alongside some of its most colourful combatants.
But the heat plays havoc with the ginger Irishman's game and a drunken glance at a mysterious Arabian beauty earns a decisive punch from her bodyguard. Her husband, a beer-swilling Saudi oil baron, invites Baker and Ratface to his extraordinary, Gaudi-designed home to make amends – and makes a cash offer they can't refuse.
As illicit lust flares in the boiling heat, Baker soon learns the real reason he's there – he's about to be framed for murder. After days of industrial-level drinking – and dealing with Ratface's random groping – can he break free?
Inspired by the power and complexity of addiction Sinker is a thrilling, yet irreverent yet often joyful take on a hopeless but changing male drinking culture.


In March 2014 I went on my first solo trip (you can read about my thoughts on my solo experience here); The destination was the beautiful town of Bruges in Belgium. Whenever I have been away previously, I have stopped in hotels; this time to save money and also to hopefully meet like-minded travellers I chose to stop in the Bauhaus hostel which is part of the St. Christopher's Inn chain of hostels. Overall I was extremely impressed with the Bauhaus - I wasn't sure what to expect and was a little apprehensive, however it proved to be a really cool place!
The Bauhaus is located on Langstraat, and is in the North Eastern part of the old town centre inside the encircling canal. To get there I got a bus from the train station to the famous Market Square (The bus cost €1.20) and walked from the Market square to the hostel which took around 15 minutes and was easily manageable with a suitcase.
As Bruges town centre is fairly small, the Bauhaus was in a perfect location - close enough to walk to the main sights/attractions, and far away enough to avoid the crowds of tourists (like me!!!!! :p). At the end of my stay I caught the bus back to the station - there is a bus stop 20 metres from the hostel and both buses that stop there (6 and 16) go to the station.
The Room - I stopped in a four bed mixed dorm, I had no clue what this would be like but it was fine! The room had keycard entry and also a locker for each bed (bring your own padlock). As my main concern was safety this was a big plus and the doorlock/lockers put me at ease. There were also two bunk beds and a sink, plus some charger points - it was basic, but it was clean, comfortable and I had no complaints whatsoever.
Showers - The showers were again fine, on my floor there were two different shower blocks, both of which had multiple showers, sinks, toilets and mirrors. The showers were the kind where you had to keep pressing the button to make a continual flow of water - for me this wasn't a problem at all. On the Sunday one of the showers was out of order, however I never had to wait to use one.
Breakfast - Breakfast was served in the bar; there was a selection of cereal to choose from with milk and some bread/cobs (cobs are buns/bread rolls for you weirdo's who don't know ;)) plus various toppings for the cobs such as butter and jam. It was by no means a first class eating experience however it was more than adequate and more than enough to start the day on - for the price I paid, it was really good value. The only thing to bear in mind was that the food was limited in supply so it is advisable to get up around 8-8:30 to make sure you get something!
Drink - The bar was brilliant, such a fun, chilled out environment, with decent prices and good offers for people staying at the hostel. When checking in at the hostel you get vouchers for 2 for 1 on spirits and select bottled beers, and also for a €5 pizza and €1 shots. I spent every night in the bar and found it was a great way to meet new people - I spoke to someone different every night and met some really interesting characters who loved travel too and wanted to chat; it was just what I was looking for from a solo trip. Bruges locals also frequented the bars and it was great to speak to them and learn about the city from the people who live there.
The staff in a hotel/hostel always make a big difference for me, and the Bauhaus had some standouts. The bar staff were so friendly, funny and helpful - On the first night I got talking to Will (a fellow Englishman), he recommended beers for me to try, and also had a few cheeky Jaegers too, he was genuinely interested in my travels and likewise I found it fascinating to here about how he fell in love with a girl from Bruges. It's people like that, who I have unlimited time for!! The other staff were all spot on and made my stay at the Bauhaus that extra bit special.
The Bauhaus was a perfect first hostel for me - I can't compare it to other hostels, but if this is what hostels are like in general then I will be stopping in many more! A perfect combination of value for money, great conversation and location - What more could I have asked for!


Will or Trust? Or Both?
In general, estate plans are either will-based or trust-based. Both wills and trusts are powerful estate planning mechanisms (and each has its own advantages and disadvantages).
But does it ever make sense to have both a will and trust in your estate plan? The answer is…yes.
Our trust-based estate plan packages always include a "pour-over" will to provide for the distribution of any assets inadvertently excluded from the living trust. In other words, the pour-over will acts as a backstop that can be used in the event certain assets are accidentally omitted from the trust. This allows the client to rest easy, knowing that all of his or her property will be properly distributed.
Also, sometimes a will creates a trust after probate. These kinds of trusts, which arise from a will and become effective when the testator dies, are referred to as "testamentary trusts." Testamentary trusts are often created to care for young children because minors cannot directly receive substantial gifts. A testamentary trust allows the testator to leave a gift to a minor child and appoint a trustee to manage the trust until the minor becomes old enough to handle that responsibility him or herself.
One of the most fundamental estate planning decisions is whether to make a will or a living trust.
But it is important to remember that trust-based plans should also include a will, and wills can create testamentary trusts.
Does the terminology confuse you? Don't worry – you are not alone. To learn more, visit the estate planning section of our web site, or contact an attorney today.


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Get up to the minute results for our tournaments and results for our completed events.
Contact us with any questions you have and meet our staff.
We strive to fulfill the mission of the STLDGA, conducting annual golf tournaments at various District clubs, giving our members the opportunity to participate in competitions in accordance with the USGA. Our events are the result of tremendous support of our many Volunteers, District Representatives, Tournament Directors, Head Golf Professionals, General Managers and Superintendents.
The St. Louis District Golf Association conducts 10 competitions that are open for members of our 25 District clubs.
Learn about some of the past champions of The St. Louis District Golf Association.


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Ozzy Osbourne is "doing incredibly well" and is now almost three months sober since his latest drug relapse, says his wife Sharon Osbourne.
"He's doing incredibly well. He is," Sharon tells USA Today. "Eighty plus days clean and sober. He's working his program rigidly. It's amazing to see how somebody in just over 80 days can change their life around. You know, miracles happen all the time and he has (gone from) hating himself, from a place of despair, to being a responsible husband and father again and it's amazing to see. I'm very proud of him."
"He's a great example, too, for people," Sharon continued. "He's not the only person that suffers from addiction. Tomorrow's a new day and you start all over again. You just don't give up, it doesn't matter what you have, or your position in life, you still have those demons in you. This problem affects so many people. It doesn't matter what you have. It's the same battle for everyone."
In April, Ozzy shared the news with fans that he's been dealing with a drug relapse issue and was working through his recovery. The singer's note came on the heels of rumours that he and Sharon had split, with reports suggesting the pair were living in separate locations.
Ozzy and Black Sabbath recently wrapped up the initial dates of their 2013 world tour in support of their forthcoming album, "13," which will be released June 11.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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Stansted willow tree RIP
A WEEPING willow tree which has become a popular landmark in Stansted Mountfitchet is due to be cut down. Parish Clerk Ruth Clifford said: Unfortunately the tree at the Fountain at the top of Chapel Hill has reached the end of its life and will be felled
A WEEPING willow tree which has become a popular landmark in Stansted Mountfitchet is due to be cut down.
Parish Clerk Ruth Clifford said: "Unfortunately the tree at the Fountain at the top of Chapel Hill has reached the end of its life and will be felled soon.
"The tree has been monitored by an independent expert, David Brown, over the last ten years and surgery has been undertaken as and when required. Mr Brown inspected the tree again in 2009 and now advises that the tree should be felled.
"We will, of course, plant a replacement tree, probably towards the end of this year, once the ground has recovered. The open spaces committee will be meeting soon to discuss the species."
In his report, arboriculturalist Mr Brown said that it would be possible to extend the tree's life, but because a crack in one of the major limbs presented a "high failure risk" it would have to be removed.
He said: "This would result in a large gap in the crown of the tree and will substantially reduce its visual amenity.
"It is therefore probably the right time now to seriously consider the removal and replacement of this tree."
DO you think the tree should be removed? What should it be replaced with? Let us know by emailing editor@saffronwalden-reporter.co.uk


The delivery guy obsessively honked his horn and then called before he finally came to the front door. In the past he has called and wanted me to come out and pick up the order from his car. The reason I have my food delivered is because it's difficult to leave the house. I also don't want to disturb my neighbors and announce to everyone that my dinner is being delivered.
Great food! Came still hot!
So easy to order online and food is delicious from this place..
Food was very good. Delivery was fast. Great fried rice. Daughter didn't care for the ginger in her lo mein though. I liked it!!
Used to live in Plainfield and now Dunellen, thank goodness they deliver here and FAST!
Fast delivery. No problems and food was very good. Friendly delivery staff.
This is easily the best Chinese restaurant in a 10 mile radius and our go-to for last minute takeout. Always perfect food, always fast, always great service. You can't go wrong here.
They're always friendly and ready when I get there.
Screwed up my order but they fixed it. Food was great will order from them again.
Han Hin is in my humble opinion the best chinese food in my area. There are a few closer to me but I prefer the taste of Han Hin's food over the others. They seem to put more care and love into their food and service.
The hot and sour soup was really spicy, which I love! Chicken and broccoli was great and the spring rolls were tasty and larger than what you usually get. Only slight disappointment was the fried dumplings, which were a little soggy. I'll be back!
the food was tasty especially the sesame chicken !
I love Han Hin's food. I have eaten a ton of Chinese food which is another fav of mine. They cook with fresh ingredients and you can taste that in the end product. Their people are some of the most polite I have encountered. I would definitely buy anything off menu from them as well. I definitely recommend them.


I would like it if we could recursively search for image files in the "Image File List Options" menu. That would make it so all images within those subfolders would show up. Due to the way Macrium Reflect handles image IDs, I need to create multiple folders to effectively organize different images.
I'm surprised this isn't already in the software. There's already implementations inside Macrium Reflect that search all subfolders. Maybe this was overlooked or something.
The current version of Reflect doesn't support recursively searching. However I have passed your comments onto the development team for evaluation.


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This guide is not complete, please check back for new information over time.
Can only activate this when your Psionic power is charged.
— Press two of the Attack Buttons at the same time.
Contributions to this guide by SFilp, Ragionus, NekoStar, Raijin, Cyclone_Arkana, Janomy, Kanta Kun, Bad_Ken, TomatoHat, Poll Dog, FeelmissUU, Trintin and Akasha.
MadnessFamilyguile said on February 1, 2011 at 5:50 p.m.
AceJace2 said on February 3, 2011 at 9:31 a.m.
Can this guy even block? Every video I see he is getting beat up bad! I know he at least has a reflector shield.