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Difficult second book
Friday, January 04, 2008
Monday sees the launch of my difficult second book, or my booky-wooky as I may have called it were I a former heroin addict and alcoholic who had been introduced to prostitutes by my father at the age of 17 and since gone on to be strangely omnipresent. Life would, I guess, have turned out rather different, but I do have one thing in common with Mr Brand, which is that both of our books appear to be remarkably self-obsessed.
Hence, here's some stuff about my easy first book. I can't claim to have written even half of Access in London, 1996's guide for people who have problems getting around our beloved capital, but I spent a large amount of time wandering the galleries, churches, shops and stadia of the golden streets, tape measure in hand, and at one point I knew every entrance, exit and step free passage in every museum in London.
All of which actually made a difference to the lives of rather a lot of people. Not only did people buy the book, but attitudes challenged by my fellow researchers, regardless of their own capacity to walk, certainly contributed to a changing London. One in which the Crown Jewels were moved to the ground floor, tube maps have accessible symbols on, and in which it became acceptable to see a wheelchair user in a pub (at the beginning of the research in 1995, there were only four pubs in London with both step free access and an appropriately adapted toilet).
All of which makes me remember that my difficult second book, Murder on the Darts Board, won't really change anything. It may make someone laugh, and it may contribute to someone else's decision to give up their job, do something fun, and be happier. Which would be good. But at the moment what it makes me wonder is whether Russell Brand ever sits at home pondering whether he should do something more useful in life.
Hence, here's some stuff about my easy first book. I can't claim to have written even half of Access in London, 1996's guide for people who have problems getting around our beloved capital, but I spent a large amount of time wandering the galleries, churches, shops and stadia of the golden streets, tape measure in hand, and at one point I knew every entrance, exit and step free passage in every museum in London.
All of which actually made a difference to the lives of rather a lot of people. Not only did people buy the book, but attitudes challenged by my fellow researchers, regardless of their own capacity to walk, certainly contributed to a changing London. One in which the Crown Jewels were moved to the ground floor, tube maps have accessible symbols on, and in which it became acceptable to see a wheelchair user in a pub (at the beginning of the research in 1995, there were only four pubs in London with both step free access and an appropriately adapted toilet).
All of which makes me remember that my difficult second book, Murder on the Darts Board, won't really change anything. It may make someone laugh, and it may contribute to someone else's decision to give up their job, do something fun, and be happier. Which would be good. But at the moment what it makes me wonder is whether Russell Brand ever sits at home pondering whether he should do something more useful in life.
Comments
on 02 March 2010, 4:06:06 PM
Hi Justin. Received the book for my birthday and it's the best I've ever read. Many 'laugh out loud' moments - most of which would lead to my girlfriend asking 'whats funny now?'. A great book to relate to. Especially if your an average dart player like myself.
Thanks for the entertainmemnt.
THW
on 24 February 2010, 7:57:10 PM
Hi Justin, Finished reading your wonderful book last night. It's amazing how I've reached your position in the darts hierarchy by a very circuitous route. I've been playing since I was five years old (my parents ran a pub) and reached a standard whereby I was beating England and county players in the Clacton Darts League. I moved to London and continued to play well but, after an enforced break of about fifteen years, started playing for The Crown in the Archway League in Sep 2008. Playing against team mates, friends and anyone else who fancies a game I can regularly hit ton-plus scores and finishes but in league matches my arm tightens and my darts invariably end up in ones and fives rather than twenties. The main thing is, though, that I love being back in a friendly, competitive team and look forward to Thursday nights as the highlight of my week. Incidentally, The Admiral Mann have left the Barnsbury League and have joined ours this season.
on 11 January 2010, 1:34:23 AM
Just finished reading your book and can only echo what everybody else has written - a truly "couldn't put it down" book, further enganced by being able to relate to all the stuff you mentioned. It really has inspired me to play darts better but it was also really interesting that you mentioned how darts reaches further tha just a relatively simple game in a pub. Well done, all the best.
on 01 December 2009, 11:44:08 AM
hi justin finished your book last night really really enjoyed it just carnt believe you still not going for world champion dont give up keep it going you can do it i know u can plus if u dont i will not be able to play u in the final hope u write another book see you soon mate take care .
on 28 September 2009, 11:27:55 PM
Hi Justin, I just wanted to say that I thoroughly enjoyed your book. I am in my mid thirties and six months ago I took up darts (because I once threw a 180 as a young kid at a friends house!) and I love it...then I came across your book last week and now I love darts even more!! You make me want to take a year off work and go for my dream of becoming a professional sportsman! Already I am hitting 180's and doubles for fun in my bedroom but when I entered a competition recently I could not even hit a single 20! The nerves got me :( Though I need to find my optimum alcohol intake because I was seeing double doubles in my match! Cant wait for my next tourny!...& also I need to find a local darts team! :) Many thanks, Take care, Matt
on 25 September 2009, 8:38:08 PM
Fantastic podcasts you guys, really enjoyed them and i'll be recommending that poeple tune in! Great stuff, keep up the fantastic work!
on 26 June 2009, 11:19:27 AM
Have just finnished reading your book, it was just like reading the last 30 years of my life,very funny and i could relate to everything. Off to the England Open today, you never know i might see you there. ken
on 07 April 2009, 2:06:11 PM
A thoroughly enjoyable read which now sits alongside “Four Iron in the Soul” and “Tilting at Windmills” on my book shelf – all worth a read for an outsiders view on elite sport. A friend and I have recently got back into darts (I’ve only every hit one 180, unfortunately I was on 128 at the time), and face similar problems to those you describe finding places to play in London. We use the Beer in the Evening website to try and find likely pubs but are frequently frustrated that they are no longer there – ever thought about having a section of your website dedicated to pubs in London with dart boards?
on 03 April 2009, 12:21:37 PM
What an interesting and read that was difficult to put down and ended with one or two nights finally turning the bedroom light out at 1.30am! As someone with a dart board in their smallish lounge (like yours, at a position that interferes with sofa usage/TV-watching) I admire your stamina (and darts players alike) at being able to train 4 hours. I'm tempted to go along to one of the qualifying tournaments to soak up the atmosphere (in my best non-home-counties accent...) One thing's for certain though, since I've put the dart board up in my flat my darts has improved and although I'm not a member of a team (and would probably suffer bouts of nerves like you), my throwing has steadily improved. One 16-dart finish and 25 180s must mean progress! It must be my change of throwing style from John Lowe to Darth Maple's that has helped...
on 20 March 2009, 7:43:23 PM
Hi Justin. A great read. I have just joined a local social club league for the first time at the age of 38. Living the dream baby!
on 27 February 2009, 11:46:38 PM
Hi Justin, I'm currently halfway through your book (and reading it quicker and for lengthier spells than I usually do with books...must be a good sign), and I only wish I had the balls to have a bash at what you did. My game seems to be on a par with yours - perhaps slightly better (though trying not to sound big-headed) with an average nearing 70 - and I really want to have a go at some tournaments. It's very similar to yourself I suppose - you never know til you try. My contract is up on my current job at the end of August, my wife works full-time, I have a large lump sum arriving later in the year, so...hmm...do I go for it?! All the best, Paul
on 01 February 2009, 11:48:58 AM
Hi, was a good read.
Shame you gave up so early, as it appeared you was on the border of finding the 'click' how to win. Maybe if you gave it another year you would have found the winning formula. I found all the focus on alcohol a bit much, although I respect your transparency into its' effects. But as Mr. Bristow said: alcohol don't make you play better, it just gives you the illusion that you are, and boosts your confidence. In my opinion you should have not focused on alcohol, and instead focused on getting in the 'zone'. Watch Mr. Taylor, as he steps up to the oche. His eyelids drop and his eyes glaze in to a trance. I have experienced it myself. You could stand there throwing for 6 hours a day and hit average scores. But if you drop into a 'zone' trance your darts go in without knowledge how. Pro's do it every time they step up to the oche.. switch on the trance.
Of course it's not easy or I would be on T.V myself! ... but if you clicked how to achieve 'relaxed concentration' you would have not cracked up in matches. Of course highly debatable what i said, just my opinion :-) Enjoyed the book very much, and gives amateurs motivation. Mike
on 08 January 2009, 12:43:08 PM
Hi Justin. Bought your book as a present to myself for Chritstmas. Hope you're proud of it as it makes for a compelling read. Great insight into darts culture. Cheers Simon
on 23 October 2008, 12:12:45 PM
Hi Justin, Just finished reading your book, it was a great read, I am just getting back in to darts again at 28 but i dont think i'll be able to quit my job unfortunatly, but i will definitely be looking for a team to play for. Some great chapter titles, but my one complaint is the annoying Sophie Ellis Bextor tune that kept going round in my head every time i put the book down. :) Cheers Kevin.
on 21 October 2008, 1:16:28 PM
Really enjoyed your book - a great read. I play in a London darts league and hadn't realised that many of the terms we used were in fact part of the standard darts vernacular. We ALWAYS end in the 'madhouse' though - we're nowhere near your standard. I also work in Chiswick and hadn't realised there were darts teams around here. Will perhaps bump into you in a Chiswick pub sometime!
on 09 August 2008, 1:32:28 PM
Even though I am only three chapters in I feel compelled to write. Probably the best book I have read in terms of being able to relate to particular events and feelings. I only wish I'd have thought of it first! It makes me want to chuck in graphic design and concentrate fully on darts. I once knew a team-mate when I played in Essex, who I considered good enough to become a pro, and I was convinced the reason he was that good was only because he was unemployed and could practice 24/7. Ten years later I find out he won the winmau masters in 2003! I'd love to give you a few legs if you're ever in the Devon area on holiday; £1 a leg should get the nerves flowing! ...got to go, got a book to finish.
on 29 May 2008, 11:45:59 PM
My mate lent me your book which I read on my hol to Fuerteventura (got back last night, well early this morning if you want to be precise, 29th May). Enjoyed the book very much so, shame you didn't manage to qualify for the World Chmapionships but at least you had the bottle to attempt it.
on 21 May 2008, 6:38:23 PM
Bought the book on Saturday and couldn't put it down until I finished - a huge achievement for an author as my previous book reading record was 2 days to finish "Spot the Dog"! Thanks for having the balls to do it and the nous to write about it.
on 01 May 2008, 10:49:59 AM
Justin, Just wanted to commend you upon your dream to become a 'dartist'. Read your book in 2 sittings, absolutely compelling, it is a good feeling to know there are people with balls enough to give it a go. Believe me, I know the pain of 'knowing' you can play, to the reality of the 'game on' feeling, the hand shakes, the fear, and the humiliation if the arrows continually sail into the 1 and 5. Fair play to you... Would love to 'toe the oche' someday with you!!
on 22 February 2008, 10:57:45 PM
Justin I have been saying to friends for at least 10 years that if I took a year off work I could qualify for the World Darts Championship. Imagine my horror when I came across your book in Waterstones. I literally stood looking at the cover for 10 minutes open mouthed. Well done for not being as lazy as me and saving me a year of undoubted disappoinment. I shall have to go back to writing the novel about my obsession with music. I'm thinking of Hi-Fidelity for the title, how does it sound? Bought you book at 1pm today and have just finished it. It evoked so many fond childhood memories for me. I am going to listen to Dexy's and The Beat while playing 101 at Matthew Drapers house. If I only knew where he lived these days I could at least send him your book. Thanks for a great great read.
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