Nicola’s 2008 Overview

Another year out, it would seem.  Argh.  I just can’t be bothered with any of it really.  It’s 20 minutes until midnight and I’m sitting here on my computer.  Of course, I spent time with the parents leading up to this point, but that’s just coincidence.   I can’t remember the last time I celebrated the new year.  Much because it is such a social event and I’m as far away from social as one can go.  But all that aside, what happened in 2008?  I suppose it was quite eventful.  I suppose.

• I graduated from University:

That was fun.  I got a 2:1 in English Literature.  Yay, me.

• I got my first job after graduating.  Though it’s not very good.  Nevermind!
• Erm… that’s all I can think of.  Oh, oh!   I think I learned what it meant to hate somebody.  That was new!

Nicola’s Top Ten Writers “Hall of Fame”

I am an English Literature Graduate, I work in a library, and I am always reading a book.  There would obviously come a time when I realised that I loved some writers more than others.  Not that my opinion counts for anything, but I am going to throw it out there anyway.  Perhaps someone agrees with me, perhaps my opinion will englighten someone.  You never know, it might happen.  So here are my top ten writers, counting down from number 10.

10. Sarah Waters
Sarah Waters. Let’s see.  Ah, yes.  She is British.  Wilkie Collins is her favourite writer.  She is a feminist.  She sets her novels in the Victorian era.  I think she’s also a lesbian, but that’s neither here or there.  What’s not to like?  Waters tends to write Historical novels set in the Victorian era (notably a time of extreme sexual oppression) with a feminist slant but without sounding preachy.  She creates genuine atmosphere and really knows how to build suspense.  Her work is well researched, and she writes convincingly within the context’s style whilst not alienating her audience.  Her most well known novels are Fingersmith (2002) and Tipping the Velvet (1998), but my personal favourite is Affinity (1999).