The Author - Jonathan
Greenyer
A first published novel for lifelong writer, wit and artist - Jonathan Greenyer.
My
father had a great sense of the ridiculous. I remember well his stories from when I was a child –
they were spontaneous, funny and surreal. His humour and sideways look at the world remained with him throughout
his life. It was in my blood from day one. I hope I have done justice to his inspiration with A Goldfish
in the Ear.
This is not the first work to be completed though, as I have written and
performed a few satirical reviews and also devised and illustrated many children’s stories. I live with two friends in the small village of Woodside
between Ascot and Windsor and have three grown-up children and three grandchildren. Day to day, I am a busy freelance Marketing/Business
Consultant and the joy of communicating ideas in a creative way and the effective use of language have underpinned both
my career and leisure interests.
This book was first started in 1990. I recorded the story
on a dictaphone whilst I travelled all over the country as Marketing Manager for a major Brewery!! There was no plan, no notes,
just an out-pouring. My life was full of strange and funny events it seemed only right to record them in some form or
other and that turned out to be a novel. Over the years I added content, inserted new ideas and new characters to the book
- I know this is not the orthodox way to write! Stuff just happened to me and I incorporated it into
my writings. I changed my job many times. I got divorced. Found even more new jobs. Made new
friends. Went places did things. New family members arrived. Unfortunately my father died before I completed the manuscript.
All this was reflected in my writing style, content and the number of words.
Eventually a year ago I got down
to the job of redrafting it. All those different writing styles, all the different levels of anger and lunacy had to
be drawn together into something coherent and readable. That was a task. It was impossible to force
the words into one consistant style and, as you will see from the book, my writing style is like my life - idiosyncratic and
full of variety.
Without the assistance of Sherry, who inspired me to pick up the 'book project' and complete
it - then helped me with the detailed checking - this novel would never have been completed. We aren't
perfect though and there are still spelling mistakes. Apologoes to the pedants out there - please email me any
mistakes you find! I can always have the book re-set.
And in my spare time, I also paint, and the front cover illustration
of “A Goldfish in the Ear” is an example of my work, of which there is a great deal more in my studio! Whilst
I do exhibit and sell my work it still seems to accumulates too quickly. I combine my marketing and art interests in
an art tuition website set-up with professional artist Dee Cowell www.Vir2l-artstudent.com , and then I also advise artists on business issues and organise local and community art events.
I hope you
enjoy this novel, I certainly enjoyed writing it. Please email me your comments or join my blog.
Jonathan
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