​Way back in 1686 Newton, the English physicist and mathematician, stated in his third law that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.

How does that apply to the everlasting conundrum of which came first; an attempt to preserve a thought or action in an enduring shareable form or a thirst to find out what someone else had recorded?

Well, for every writer there is surely an equal and opposite reader. It seems likely that every writer has at least one person who likes what they write (even if it’s only their Mum) and at least one who hates it. If a writer is very lucky the likers will outnumber the haters but this can’t be counted on. 

So how should a writer set out to find the equal readers? Should they try to analyse what it is about what they have written that people like? Should they try to emulate other, more successful writers? Or should they continue to write what they like writing? 

Equally, how should readers set out to find books they will like to read? Should they go for the same genres or writers that they have previously enjoyed or try something new or as recommended by friends? 

The answer is most likely the same - there is no answer. Writers will always write and readers will always read and mood, situation and idiosyncratic aspects specific to the individuals will always come into play. There go the laws of physics! 

The only thing that impresses me more than either good food or a good bookshop is good food followed by a good bookshop. And the place to go for that is in Edinburgh's Stockbridge area, where of course you can also find Comely Bank Publishing. Stockbridge is in fact awash with fabulous eateries, and at the bridge end you can find – for a start – Chinese, Spanish, Italian and traditional Scottish food plus an excellent Pizza Express. All good, but you can check those out for yourself.

But the biggest surprise was Golden Hare Books, a small independent bookshop in St Stephen's St which has been around since the middle of 2014 but only came to my notice thanks to one of those pull-out features in the Scotsman – on this occasion probably timed to coincide with this week's Stockfest 2015, running from this weekend until Sunday 20th September.

When you step inside Ian Macbeth's bookstore, you're reminded that this is how bookshops used to be. It's a fairly minimalist white interior, with a varied stock but not a massive one, and the visitor is left with the impression that the books on display are those which Ian himself personally approves. This is not a place to find latest bestsellers piled high and flying out in quantity; the books here are about quality. More to the point, if I wanted to go in and ask for a recommendation for a present, I reckon Ian would give me one – even enjoy the challenge – and not behave like some pain-in-the-backside-let-me-do-my-job sales assistant. We haven't had that sort of service in Stockbridge since Read Books in Raeburn Place closed.

One last thing. If you ever want to order a book, support your local independent bookseller. They'll do it just as cheaply, probably quicker, make sure it's done correctly, and your custom will help them stay in business.

– Gordon Lawrie

Reading other people’s diaries is a secret pleasure of mine. Not obviously, that I would illicitly read other people’s diaries without their permission – although given the opportunity…

No. Smack hand. Never do that!

Anyway, I really mean the Mass Observation Unit diaries submitted by ordinary people at first during WW2 but continuing on after that.

The writers often commented on how boring their lives must seem to readers but they absolutely are not. They provide a fascinating insight into the minutiae of other people’s lives at a time of uncertainty and genuine fear but also beyond that into humdrum times of simply getting on with things.

I love to read about the worry of what the neighbours will think of this or that minor infringement of respectability. What tactless thing a husband (always a husband in those days!) might have said about a carefully prepared meal or a garment secretly knitted as a Christmas present from prudently hoarded wool.

The apparently tiny preoccupations of previous generations provide plenty of food for thought. Which of our current concerns will amuse future generations?

From a diary writing point of view, as opposed to reading, I only ever kept one for my own use when carrying out a research study. We were told to write a “reflective” diary. I bitterly resented it at first but soon came to value it highly. It was up to me what I recorded.

At first I’d just note what I planned to work at that day. Then I began to add in whether or not I’d done it, if not, why not and what thoughts arose while doing it. From reading over this as time went on, I could see emerging strands of thinking and ideas that led my study into different and fascinating avenues.

Even the emotions I was experiencing as I progressed were useful to note as the study went through various ups and downs. Breakthroughs and disappointments were faithfully recorded.

Thus it became a record of activity but more than that, far more than that. The diary itself became a major propelling force behind my study. Re-reading it, I can clearly see the whole study crystallising. Entire sections from the diary could be transplanted into the discussion section of the thesis and contributed considerably to the conclusions drawn.

Now I write fiction I wonder if I should start a diary?

Excuse me while I reflect on that! 


Pic thanks to Feeling My Age on flickr