Friday, August 12, 2005

My Ideal Job

Oh, to just be able to read all day and get paid for it! Think I just found my ideal job. "Reader-in-Residence". Is it any wonder that I envy Susan Tranter who holds this post for The British Council?

Her work (and yes, I guess she has to do something other than read, sadly!) includes writing reviews (check out her books of the month - there are some excellent recommendations here if you are stumped for what to read next!), taking part in in regular online discussions, compiling quizzes, and dispensing advice on reading, readers’ groups and the book world in general.

The Encompass website also features an author interview each month which gives readers a chance to get close to writers, by putting their own questions to them. From the website:
This month it's the turn of best-selling travel writer and novelist William Dalrymple. His travel books In Xanada, City of Djinns, From the Holy Mountain and The Age of Kali have been acclaimed by readers and critics alike. His most recent book, White Mughals ('a brilliant and compulsively readable book' according to Salman Rushdie), is soon to be turned into a stage play by the National Theatre.

If you want to play interviewer, send in questions for William by Friday 19th August. You can ask about his books, his writing career, perhaps his enduring fascination with India - or anything else! You can read interviews with previously featured writers including A.L. Kennedy, Alain de Botton, Hari Kunzru, Ali Smith and Toby Litt on the website. Good stuff.

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