There's an interesting profile of Jeffrey Archer in the Sunday Times Magazine -'The Big Dipper', written by Roy Hattersley. ( I loved his Buster's Diaries) I can't find the URL, but maybe someone else can.

JA says his books are read mainly on planes and by people on holiday. In my case that's true - I have a mental picture of myself sitting on a bus in snowy Austria reading 'Not a Penny More, Not a Penny Less'.Someone must have left it in the hotel, and I read it with the appetite I used to have for James Bond books. At least Ian Fleming could write proper sentences.

I was, therefore, surprised when an editor and future colleague asked me to bring him a copy of the 'Prison Diaries' out to China. They had none left at the airport, but fortunately my contact was just as happy with JA's latest novel. I couldn't be bothered to read that on the plane.

It's interesting because it suggests that JA's strengths as a fiction writer are: a) he has a shaky grasp on reality (Is this a common characteristic of fiction writers?) and b)his working routine, outlined on the last page of the piece, which strikes me as very sensible. It is certainly effective, going by the amount he churns out.

Sheila

According to my agent, one of the reasons JA is so successful is that everytime he meets a bookseller, he sends them a friendly postcard the next day, saying what a pleasure it was, and wishing them well. Guess whose books the bookseller feels best disposed towards when she/he is next deciding what to put in the window?

Emma

Gosh, I wouldn't have thought of that - but I suppose attention to those minor detail is liable to get you noticed and all helps on the road to success.

Sheila

My agent said, 'this is the only leaf I would ever suggest you took out of his book'.

(She wasn't seriously suggesting I do it, but that that attitude would do no harm.)

Emma

I bet she wouldn't say no to his percentages, though.

Sheila

Probably not. (She does represent Penny Vincenzi, which must keep a few biscuits in the jar). Tom Maschler's memoirs describe JA in all seriousness asking if Tom (as his publisher) could get him nominated for the Nobel Prize for Literature.

Emma

That's a great story. It goes along, too, with what Hattersley has to say about him living in a realm of his own making.

Sheila

Sheila,

I love your comment...'At least Ian Fleming could write proper sentences'. So very true where JA is concerned.

I just wonder if, as shown by his past record that he is a consummate liar, this gives him an edge when it comes to writing fiction... I have no doubt that his 'Prison Diaries' are also completely devoid of any factual content.

I met him only once (thank goodness). I don't like the man nor do I like his writing. I wonder if it is possible to dislike a writer very much but to truly like his writing? How much does the image we have of a writer influence our respect and admiration of that writer?
When I think of JA there is only one phrase that comes to mind... 'Crime does pay'.

Len

Yes, not an attractive character. Doesn't say much for the Tory party that he had them in thrall for so long, or the Honours system.

Emma