GUY MANKOWSKI

'If you are focused you are harder to reach. If you are distracted you are available.' I find few ideas as exciting as that of a person or group creating their own system by which to live. The band manifesto is the ultimate statement of intent. In them bands offer up their huge ambitions to the world and potentially expose themselves to great ridicule. Here I have included some of my favourites, which vary from asking you to change your perspective on X Factor to overthrowing capitalism. I have never heard of 'Lunar Youth' but their manifesto (above) is one of the best I have read, perhaps because it contains the bold intent 'We will construct an urban cityscape with shimmering electric guitar'. The post-punk band Wire had a particularly concise manifesto, including the brilliantly simply 'Keep to the point'. The recently departed Chapman Family in their manifesto pleaded for us to to 'ignore the glorification of D-list celebrity...

I'm interviewed this month by Anita Loughrey in Writers' Forum Magazine, in which I talk about my research trip to Russia and the logistics of researching a book in a foreign country. In this two page interview I also talk about the choreographers, ballet artists and musicians who informed the novel and how I got to grips with creating the characters. It's available in all high-street outlets like WH Smith or on the below link- http://www.writers-forum.com/buy.html

'Letters from Yelena' was today added to the Amazon 'Twelve Days Of Kindle' promotional offer, where selected titles are available as E-books for 99p. Excitingly it peaked at #61 in the 'Bestsellers in Contemporary Fiction' chart. And at one point narrowly overtook 'Fifty Shades Of Grey'- which I would not have expected for a particularly dark novel about a troubled Ukrainian ballerina! Would be great if you could share the link below and help push the novel even higher for this short-lived offer- http://www.amazon.co.uk/Letters-From-Yelena-ebook/dp/B008PPMY9W/ref=tmm_kin_title_0

  ‘Guy Mankowski has written a truly wonderful novel. Considering that the author is male, he has managed to capture a realistic portrayal of a female ballerina. I found this beautifully written novel a joy to read. Five Stars.’  New Books Magazine ‘Unfolding through the letters between a Ukrainian dancer and her lover, the novel explores art and how people use it in their lives to complex and compelling effect.’   Attitude Magazine ‘A beautifully written story with convincing characters and a good if sometimes heart-breaking plot. Overall, a great novel from Mankowski.’   Novel Kicks Website ‘This epistolary novel takes the always present fascination with the torments of ballet dancers and adds a romantic twist. Mankowski brings every bruises foot and strained limb to life.’   The Simple Things Magazine ‘It’s unusual to find a young male writer who can write with such sensitivity and maturity. Guy Mankowski’s ...

On 01/10/12 at Dance City in Newcastle guests were invited to a performance of 'Letters from Yelena'. The event saw literature and dance brought to one stage. The night opened with a reading from one of the letters which were then performed by ballerina Laila Sanz, with choreography from Dora Frankel Dance and music from Jeremy Bradfield. A short video of the performance can be watched online on the link below- http://vimeo.com/52803418 'Letters from Yelena' can be purchased now at all good bookstores (Waterstones etc) and bought from Amazon on this link- http://www.amazon.co.uk/Letters-Yelena-Guy-Mankowski/dp/1909039101 With thanks to Hal Branson

I'm very excited that at Dance City, Newcastle this evening my second novel is being released. The launch will coincide with a performance of a scene from the book choreographed by Dora Frankel, featuring the Argentinian ballet dancer Laila Sanz (talking with me above during the development of the performance). In case that is a little too far afield, below are some of the advance quotes for the novel which I hope will entice you to buy it-   ‘It’s unusual to find a young male writer who can write with such sensitivity and maturity. Guy Mankowski’s portrayal of the ballerina Yelena is wholly convincing, taking us inside her thoughts and feelings as she describes the course of her life, from harrowing childhood to professional success, punctuated with turbulent emotional crisis. This is clearly a writer of great talent.’  Andrew Crumey, Booker Prize longlisted author. Guy Mankowski’s second novel, Letters from Yelena, is a fantastic literary achievemen...