Only Strange People Go to Church
Page 30
My original publishers were initially nervous about the concept. The Brian/Dezzie storyline made them distinctly uncomfortable, and the idea of a comedy based around a group of mentally disabled people freaked them out. But tone is everything, and once they had read early drafts and were assured that I wasn’t exploiting disability or taking cheap shots at anyone, they came on board.
When I produced the show in Glasgow it was a wonderfully exciting and desperately sad time. I believe the heightened emotion kept every moment of it crystal clear in my mind. Later, in Barcelona, I realised that Only Strange People Go to Church was a story I had been bursting to write for many years. The novel is a tribute to everyone involved, but especially to my good friend John Grant.
Also by Laura Marney
NO WONDER I TAKE A DRINK
NOBODY LOVES A GINGER BABY
MY BEST FRIEND HAS ISSUES
Published by Saraband
About the Author
Laura Marney tries to do a good deed every day. Occasionally bad deeds do accidentally slip in, but there you go, nobody’s perfect. She is the author of four novels: this one and No Wonder I Take a Drink, Nobody Loves a Ginger Baby and My Best Friend Has Issues. She also writes short stories and drama for radio and the stage. She lives in Glasgow and holds a part-time post at Glasgow University.
Acknowledgements
In memory of John Grant, a terrific co-worker and great friend, who made the show such a success and made dreams come true. Thanks to Stuart McDonald for the room with the best view in the world and to Francesca Liversidge for the advice I wish I’d taken first time around. Newly arrived in Barcelona ready to spend the next three months finishing the book, I had a bizarre accident involving a skateboard and a giant television set. This resulted in me cradling a broken wrist for several months. I owe a huge debt of gratitude to my nurse, my scribe, my minder and my wing man. These were all the same person: my best pal David Ramos Fernandes.
Copyright
Published by
Saraband
Suite 202, 98 Woodlands Road
Glasgow, G3 6HB, Scotland
www.saraband.net
Copyright © Laura Marney 2006, 2012
A complete catalogue record for this book can be
obtained from the British Library on request.
The right of Laura Marney to be identified as the author of this work has been asserted by her in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.
Copyright under international copyright conventions. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage-and-retrieval system, without prior written permission from the publisher. Brief passages (not to exceed 500 words) may be quoted for reviews.
All characters in this book are fictitious, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.
ISBN 978–1–908643–06–3
First published in 2006.
This edition has been revised by the author.
Editor for this edition: Craig Hillsley
Cover illustration and design: Scott Smyth
Text design and layout: Marta Wawro
Printed in the EU on paper sourced from sustainably managed forests.
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