[ALFIE]

Good point.

I think it was on Steve Wright that they were most recently talking about this.

It is the most non- fiction books sold in the UK as oppossed to the Nationality of the author.

But if you think about it who else is there? Bill Bryson perhaps, but he doesn't release the volume of new titles. Melvyn Bragg on his historical themes. Learn language books etc.

The biggest contender would be cook books Jamie Oliver etc.

But I have no reason to believe what I heard was not true. I've met Paul Mckenna several times and although I respect his work, I certainly wouldn't go out of my way to big him up!

[S4B]

Bryson would certainly be a contender, what makes you think he publishes less books than McKenna?

I don't think cookbooks would come close to be honest, too limited a market.

Bragg is not in the same league.

John Gray was a possibility a few years ago.

I'm sorry but in my experience this fact is bollox!

[ALFIE]

Well you are entitled to your view.

[ALFIE]

Although...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_McKenna

[S4B]

It's not my "view" it's my experience. I don't believe 90% of what I read in wiki!

[ALFIE]

Well...me neither.

I imagine The Sunday Times website could confirm the "fact" if it is really true.
(which it is)
But so what?
I was only hoping to pass on something I learned about writing. I didn't really want a debate about old Mckenna!

Sorry if something I said rubbed you up the wrong way. I didn't mean to.

Best wishes,

ALFIE

[S4B]

It didn't rub me up any way in particular. Books are just my thing and I don't like unsubstantiated, sweeping statements. It could be true but in my experience it isn't. If I'm wrong I will admit it but I really don't think I am.

[ALFIE]

I see...

Well I am also pretty booky! Let's not have a hard back head to head!

In many was I wish it wasn't true about Mckenna, and therefore if I am wrong I'll happily take it on the chin!

Seriously I meant no offense! But I do like a bit of a debate!

[S4B]

Bet I'm more booky than you!

[ALFIE]

Ooh tempting,

That depends on the genre of course!

My specialist subjects are:

Iroquois Indians 1600-1800

Hypnotherapy

Batman (cough..sorry)

[S4B]

Mine is current books in print! With particular attention to Crime, fiction, children's, biography, Popular psychology, business genres. In conjunction with the merchandising, marketing and availability of titles.


Oh someone else tell him! I'm off to bed!

[ALFIE]

Fine I'll take you on on:

Psychology
Crime (as long as it's James Patterson)
And certainly business!

I am also going as my wife is now 1 day over due for our 1st baby and probably doesn't appreciate me holed up arguing about Paul Mckenna!



Thanks for the chat though!

[catherine]

Well with all the crap you wrote S4B you could of wrote 5 words and told him yourself.

Alfie it isn't that important she just likes to feel significant and congrats on the baby hope it is born healthy and gorgeous.

[kendra k]

alfie- s4b stands for slut for books. she works in a bookstore and acts like it's on par with working in a library.

congrats on the baby! are you naming it mckenna? it could go both ways.

[MK Chris]

I'm sorry but in my experience this fact is bollox!

Please, if I have been wrong all along and there actually is a god, someone prove her wrong.

[ALFIE]

Well with all the crap you wrote S4B you could of wrote 5 words and told him yourself.

Alfie it isn't that important she just likes to feel significant and congrats on the baby hope it is born healthy and gorgeous.

Such a kind comment about the baby! Thank you sincerely! XX

ALFIE

[Sunny So Cal]

Well with all the crap you wrote S4B you could of wrote 5 words and told him yourself.

"Could have" Cat.
Congratulations on the baby, Alfie! Hope he/she arrives swiftly and is healthy and splendid!

[ALFIE]

alfie- s4b stands for slut for books. she works in a bookstore and acts like it's on par with working in a library.

congrats on the baby! are you naming it mckenna? it could go both ways.

Again.
Thanks loads for the baby wishes.
Not sure about names yet. Baby is half English/half Chinese so we need to have a good look and come up with a name that represents both cultures! Also we don't know the sex!

We are extremely nervous and extremely excited.

Just to say re- S4B- Although we had a disagreement re Mckenna. I do respect her opinion. Particularly as she is into books etc. Different opinions make the world spin. (that and galactic forces that I don't understand!)

[ALFIE]

Well with all the crap you wrote S4B you could of wrote 5 words and told him yourself.

"Could have" Cat.
Congratulations on the baby, Alfie! Hope he/she arrives swiftly and is healthy and splendid!

Thanks Sunny So Cal! Appreciate it!

[foot-loose]

We try to avoid conversations with S4B about books cos she owns all the bookshops in the UK. Can't remember which chain specifically, but I think it's a big one.

PS: best of luck with the new arrival, sir.

[MK Chris]

We try to avoid conversations with S4B about books cos she owns all the bookshops in the UK. Can't remember which chain specifically, but I think it's a big one.

I think it's Dillons.

Yes, good luck with the baby. A name to represent English and Chinese cultures is not an easy one to come up with, is it? I know a few Chinese people (due to the sport I play) and in my experience a lot of them adopt English-type names when they come over. (They also change the order of their names round, because they say the surname first, right?)

[Yudster]

Good luck to you both Alfie, hope it all goes well and you don't have to wait much longer. Mind you first babies - could still be a couple of weeks yet! I'll be very interested to hear what you come up with for a name. I recommend Joel......!

[ALFIE]

Thanks guys,

Still nothing today! We have a 40 week mid wife appointment later today.
We are thinking

Johnny Li for a boy.

or

Molly Mei for a girl.

[Yudster]

I love both of them. Johnny Li reminds me of Jet Li, and I think he is brilliant. And Molly Mei is adorable...............keep us posted!

[kendra k]

i know a johnny li. his real name in xiangzen li, but he goes by johnny.

week 40? wow. my cousin was born in week 40. they induced labour and she popped out in minutes. the dad didn't even have time to get to hospital.

i think this board needs a baby gallery.