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Come and talk to author NICK HORNBY about his latest novel, Funny Girl, his previous bestsellers and his exceptional writing career on Wednesday 1st July, 9-10pm

3 replies

TillyMumsnetBookClub · 15/05/2015 12:07

Nick Hornby’s sunny new novel FUNNY GIRL is set in the 1960s, in a burgeoning era of television comedy where old rules are beginning to crumble and a new energy is transforming the scene. A young beauty queen from Blackpool arrives fresh in the big city, changes her name to Sophie Straw and lands a part in a new sitcom, written by comedy aficionados Tony and Bill. Her natural talent captivates an enormous audience and catapaults them all to national stardom. Hornby has always been a master at capturing the zeitgeist, with a knack for pulling out the right detail or the perfect reference. In this novel, he beautifully captures all the exuberance, social upheaval and excitement of the period, suffused with a love for this golden age of light entertainment.

You can find out more on our book of the month page, or take a look at Nick’s own website for the latest updates and info on all his (stunningly redesigned) previous books.

Penguin have very generously offered 50 copies of FUNNY GIRL to give to Mumsnetters. To claim yours, please go to the book of the month page and fill in your details. We’ll post here when the copies have gone. If you’re not lucky enough to bag one of those, you can always get a copy here

We are thrilled and honoured that Nick Hornby will be chatting to us live on Wednesday 1st July, 9-10pm. So whether you have a question about FUNNY GIRL, about any of Nick’s bestselling novels or would like to hear more about Nick’s writing life, please come along and say hello. Look forward to seeing you on Wednesday 1st..

TillyMumsnetBookClub · 01/07/2015 21:00

Evening everyone

Firstly, thank you to all those who have posted their reviews and questions so far.

I’m thrilled and honoured to welcome author, screenwriter, essayist and all-round literary hero Nick Hornby to Bookclub this evening. From the autobiographical Fever Pitch to the essays in 31 Songs, the Young Adult novel Slam to the Whitbread-shortlisted A Long Way Down, Hornby’s writing is always beautifully observed, funny and perceptive. Funny Girl is particularly uplifting and an ideal companion to these sunny days. I am delighted that we have the opportunity to talk about them all with Nick over the next hour.

Nick, thank you very, very much indeed for giving us your time tonight. We've already got a fair few questions to get through so I'll just add the standard Mumsnet ones that we like to ask all our authors...

What childhood book most inspired you?

What would be the first piece of advice you would give to anyone attempting to write fiction?

What is the best book you’ve given someone recently?

And the best you’ve received?

Over to you...

TillyMumsnetBookClub · 01/07/2015 21:35

Looking at your reply to mollkat, I'm amazed all over again by how prolific you are. In an average writing day, would you alternate between projects or do you give each a very separate schedule?

Also, I realised I should have added lyricist to my intro about you! Kazuo Ishiguro mentioned that he learnt how to write by penning endless songs in his bedroom as a teenager. Do you find yourself drawn as much to lyrics as to screenplays or essays? Could you ever say that you have a favourite medium, or are they all equal?

TillyMumsnetBookClub · 01/07/2015 21:58

We are running out of time... it has gone unbelievably fast. Thank you to everyone for your excellent questions and for making it such a fascinating chat.

Nick, you are so generous to give us your time tonight. It has been an absolute pleasure hearing about the genesis of Funny Girl and having an insight into your writing life. Good luck with all your ongoing projects (especially with the Brooklyn film, I cannot wait to see that) and looking forward to seeing/hearing/reading the future ones.

Many thanks once more for a wonderful evening.

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