Ted Mahsun

A bit late posting this but better late than never? Some photos from the previous Kata-Suara event, courtesy of Firdaus Ariff . I was too busy running around doing stuff to take notes so you'll have to make do with these for now. Siti Zainon Jiwa Rasa Dewangga Sakti Gerald Chuah Zakaria Ali U-Wei Shaari Chuah Guat Eng and Dangsuria couldn't make it so we've reserved them for future Kata-Suara events. Hope they can make it next time!

This review was published in The Star on 30 March 2008 . AUTOFICTION By Hitomi Kanehara Publisher: Vintage, 216 pages ISBN: 978-0099515982 A WORK of auto fiction is defined as a fictional autobiography, or an autobiography with fictional elements. So one has to wonder how much of author Hitomi Kanehara’s real life is mirrored in her latest book when she calls it Autofiction . The book’s protagonist, a young girl called Rin, is an author who has made a name for herself. Kanehara herself became famous when, at just 21 years old in 2004, she won one of Japan’s most prestigious literary prizes, the Akutagawa Award, for her debut novel, Snakes and Earrings . One wonders, indeed.... Snakes and Earrings shows Tokyo’s darker side, and features a character who wants to split her tongue and who delves into the culture of skin piercing and mutilation. Those who fancy Ryu Murakami’s works might feel at home reading it – which, perhaps, explains why Kanehara won that award, as Murakami was one o...

This review was published in The Star on 23 March 2008 . Everyone’s favourite horror writer is on the road to a return to form. DUMA KEY By Stephen King Publisher: Scribner, 612 pages ISBN: 978-1416552512 HORROR meister Stephen King is now in what could be called his “post accident” era. Since his near-fatal accident with a truck in 1999, he has divided his fans, and had critics sitting on opposite sides of the spectrum. Either they completely deride his recent work, or applaud thunderously. The novel he released in 2006, Lisey’s Story (pronounced “lee-see”), seemed to be King’s attempt to break into the literary crowd, and it seems he’s proud of the book – his fans, though, were not so approving. Perhaps King sensed their disappointment, because he dusted off a story he originally wrote in 1973, polished it up, and released it into the wild last year under the name of his previously declared “deceased” pseudonym of Richard Bachman. This novel is Blaze, and its release placated King’...

Sorry for not updating. My circadian rhythm is wacked. I even almost forgot about tomorrow's event! :o Have many things to blog about, including Arthur C. Clarke's passing, but I might not get round to it until next week when my brain clears up. Also, I master at procrastination. Also, also: I kannot spel.

KATA-SUARA 3 featuring Chuah Guat Eng Gerald Chuah Dangsuria Zainurdin Dewangga Sakti Jiwa Rasa Siti Zainon U-Wei Shaari Zakaria Ali Date: Saturday, 15th march 2008 Time: 5pm Venue: RA Fine Arts, 6 Jalan Aman off Jalan Tun Razak Food and Drinks Provided. Admission Free. Directions: View Larger Map Or if you choose to take the LRT, take the Kelana Jaya line (Putra line), and drop off at the Ampang Park station. Coming out of the ticket turnstiles, turn right and take the escalators up to get to the Ampang Park shopping mall. Go round Ampang Park and walk across the pedestrian bridge over Jalan Tun Razak to get to City Square. Walk past City Square and Empire Tower beside it to get to Jalan Aman, which is a small road by the side of Empire Tower. RA Fine Arts Gallery is the white bungalow house on the corner of the road with the number 6. You can't miss it. And if you're interested, there'll also be an art exhibition launch earlier that day at 3pm at the same place.

The Hindu interviews Paul Theroux where he talks about travel writing, Naipaul, India among other things. He also finds the time to dish out writing advice: I would say: Go away from home. College doesn’t matter. But read. If you come from Chennai, go to Assam... The first thing is to go away. You need to be independent... Don’t stay home and take lessons on writing. Every night, your mother will say to you: “You are a great writer!” or “Get yourself a real job.”… Writers associated with colleges and universities tend to have a very different career. I am not saying that it is better or worse. But it helps to go away. More precarious but, in the long run, more satisfying.

I'd just like to say, thank you, Malaysians, for doing the right thing. I just hope the people we voted for do their jobs as promised. At least we showed those arrogant morons who's boss!

I guess no one can roll twenties forever. Rest in peace, Mr. Gygax. Your contribution to the gaming world and culture in general exceeds boundaries. For those interested, io9 also has a science fiction-skewed look at his influence . Via Wired .