Talking about cutting

‘I’m going away for a bit.’ ‘Can I come?’ says the book. ‘I was hoping to leave you at home,’ … More

Wake up!

‘Wake up!’ The book is shaking me by the shoulder. It is very dark, no sign of light at the … More

‘People are talking you know.’ It is mid-afternoon and I have crashed out for a nap. The book has come … More

I wrote a book with my coat I wrote with the coat of my childhood and I wrote with … More

‘Did you miss me?’ ‘It was only a couple of days.’ ‘Yes, but did you miss me?’ ‘Barely two days.’ … More

I am minding my own business, gazing out of the window, when the book appears. It looks as though it … More

‘I think we’re done,’ the book says. ‘Are you leaving?’ ‘I think so, yes.’ ‘So you’re going then?’ ‘Yes. I … More

‘Have you thought about acting?’ ‘I’m sorry?’ ‘Acting. You’re good enough. Bit of training and you’d be away.’ ‘What?’ ‘Or … More

The book has been working at my desk, which means it looks as though I have been burgled. ‘I can’t … More

I have given myself the afternoon off. I have sat for hours in good faith at my desk, all in … More

I am watching a particularly bleak episode of Wallander when the book pops its head round the door. It stands … More

‘You don’t have to do this you know.’ The book has appeared out of nowhere, while my back was turned … More

It has been a long day. Arriving home late and wanting nothing more than a bath and an early night, … More

The book has vanished. I don’t mean left the house, or popped out to see a friend. I mean vanished. … More

It is my turn to go out for a walk. The book has slept late, and, not for the first … More

We are at the flat. Everything has worked out fine: the journey, our connections and now amazing sense of space. We … More

I listened to the most wonderful radio programme about failure the other day. It featured Anne Enright talking with clear-eyed … More