As you will know, over the past few weeks, VentnorBlog has been running the serialisation of David Yates’ The Last Bullfighter. David has received a great response from readers and would like to post the following message. Ed
As you will shortly be able to read the final instalment of The Last Bullfighter, I would just like to thank all of you who have posted notices or stopped me in the street or in a bar to pass comment on my little tale – most of which have been entirely complimentary.
I first came up with the idea of writing this short story in 2002, whilst I was twiddling my thumbs on an oil rig in the North Sea. At the time I had just completed a manuscript for The Laughing Sailor, a topic that eventually achieved publication in September 2006 – as Bomb Alley. Some of you may have read my account of the Falklands War – the only book of the conflict written by one of the Royal Navy’s ordinary sailors.
The Last Bullfighter was specifically written to appeal to the computer animated film market and achieved some notable early success when a student at Aberdeen University gained an honours degree by producing a seven-minute computer animated film.
Thinking this was my springboard to Disney riches I subsequently sat back and waited for the offers to arrive flooding at my doorstep – without success. I have tried pitching the story to a couple of small film makers, but have now decided to try and produce a comic strip or illustrated book instead.
I do have a couple of people trying to come up with some pictorial ideas, but would welcome any fresh approaches from someone who feels that they could take on such a challenge.
My next book, Beaches Bars and Blisters of the Isle of Wight will be launched in March. It is a very simple account of a three-day walk that I conducted around the Island last year. The attractively presented paperback includes several watercolours by the Steephill Cove artist Mandy Wheeler and high sale volumes are predicted amongst walkers, tourists and island residents alike. The book launch party will take place in the Ale and Oyster. See the VentnorBlog for further details.
The book I am currently working on is entitled Giving Up Christmas For Christmas. With over two-thirds of the manuscript now complete, early reviews are very encouraging indeed. This is an account of why and how I gave up Christmas four years ago, and the consequences of my actions. The book will also contain what I am confident will be the most complete history of Christmas ever written, covering the evolution of Christmas from the earliest pre-Christian beginnings to the over-commercialised and virtually non-Christian festival that is experienced today. If anyone would like to convey their own views on Christmas to assist me complete this project I would be most grateful to receive their ideas.
Finally, whatever your literary, religious or cultural preferences, I wish you all a very happy winter and New Year festival. I will think of you all from my beach in Tenerife – where I now go to escape Christmas!
David Yates
Author of:
Bomb Alley
Beaches Bars and Blisters
And writer of:
Giving up Christmas for Christmas
The Last Bullfighter
Image: Maese Jose
