Tea Time for AMS

Walking tour of Scotland Street

2011-10-25T00:00:00.003-04:00

I just watched a video from August of this year where AMS gives a walking tour of the actual Scotland Street. I enjoyed the video but a few thoughts from it are brewing:

Is Scotland Street/Edinburgh really that gray? For some reason while reading the series I always imagine so much more color and life. But I haven't ventured to Scotland so I could be mistaken.

And second, it seems AMS has lost a considerable amount of weight compared to years past when I saw him speak in person. Perhaps the author is now mixing in a work-out routine with his hectic traveling schedule and nonstop writing? I would like to say: Congrats AMS. You are looking better than ever!

Also, this is not related to the video but I cracked down today and ordered a few of his new books off Amazon UK. I just can't handle waiting for the US release dates. It makes me wonder how many other US fans go ahead and do this very same thing?

Background music and a quick update

2011-09-21T00:00:00.002-04:00

Sometimes I am in the mood for a little background music but I don't want actual song lyrics, or anything too distracting. I happen to love using the background music from the AMS Official Site, US version. (You can go to it here.) There is something about this lively piece that puts me in a cheerful mood. Always.

I have been very occupied these days but I am keeping an eye out for the US Tour dates for AMS (it will probably happen in Spring) and I am anxious to read the latest Isabel Dalhousie novel, which will be released in early December. I know most fans pay attention to The No. 1 Ladie's Detective Agency but I am an odd ball who prefers his other series. I am also a die hard Isabel fan.

What book are you looking forward to most in the AMS series?

2011-07-12T00:00:00.002-04:00

I keep a list of the current books by AMS here but I always keep an eye on when future books will be released. Right now I am most looking forward to the release of The Forgotten Affairs of Youth in early December. I suppose I want to know what happens next in the Isabel and Jamie romance, if Cat is given a break in her dating life and if Isabel's first husband, that fiery Irishman, appears. So much to look forward to in one little book!

Scotland Street to take the stage

2011-06-09T00:00:00.002-04:00

It has been announced that the 44 Scotland Street series will take the stage. I realize there are countless characters to consider for this production. And it will be fascinating to see which actors are selected to represent each one.

For me, Bruce is a James Franco.

Mostly because I think of the word pretty in relation to Bruce.

Meanwhile, Pat is a Taylor Momsen.

She is troubled and a bit ordinary. This is how I see Pat.

Who would you like to see play the characters in Scotland Street?

The personal style of AMS

2011-06-08T00:00:00.002-04:00

Like Isabel Dalhousie, AMS has a taste for the finer things in life and these finer things also extend to the author's own personal style. In this post I plan on looking at how the man dresses.

Presenting:

(Drum-roll, please)

The Personal Style of AMS!

Having a hat at hand gives AMS the look of a world traveler while also serving a functional purpose. This is part fashion, part utility. And he seems to pull it off.

Yes, he also wears ties but just as often he seems not afraid of wearing a bowtie. The scholarly glasses are always there and he likes to wear more formal jackets with something more colorful underneath. He is not afraid of wearing pink and why should he be? Now that I look at these photos again I feel as if the bowtie adds a kind of comedic relief, or playfulness to his look.

AMS likes to wear kilts and he seems to do it while traveling in the US most often. I can only assume he wishes to carry on the stereotype that all Scottish men wear kilts all the time. Well, it is working. Also note, he wears a very specific tartan.

And this last photo is a bit of an odd-ball in the bunch. I don't know what to make of it because it appears AMS is wearing crushed strawberry trousers! Is he channeling some alternate identity, or trying to be controversial for readers? I do not know! This was a younger photo and he was probably terribly naive at the time so we should just forgive him.

AMS in France, posts a new competition

2011-06-07T00:00:00.001-04:00

AMS posted a new competition on June 7, 2011 on his official Facebook page. I will post the competition below but you will need to go to his Facebook to participate in this event. (I wonder, is this is his remedy for writer's block? Just kidding.) ;)

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A Mma Ramotswe Competition
by Alexander McCall Smith, Tuesday June 7, 2011

Very well now ... competition time again. I am writing this in France - I shall be appearing at a literary festival in St Malo this coming weekend. So I am in the Charente region for a few days before that. This is where I was when I wrote a large part of "La's Orchestra Saves the World". The skies here, wide and open, are not dissimilar to the skies that La knew in Suffolk.

But enough of that. I think that it's time we visited the world of the No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency in Gaborone, Botswana, home of that remarkable woman, Mma Ramotswe. And of course it is the home, too, of Mr J.L.B. Matekoni, garagiste, Mma Makutsi (97 per cent in the final examinations etc etc) and various others. Those others include the two apprentices, Charlie and Fanwell.

I have been worried about the apprentices for some time. What are they going to do with their lives? Why is their apprenticeship taking such a long time? Is there any hope for Charlie? Will be get on better with Mma Makutsi now that she has become Mrs Phuti Radiphuti? Will he show her more respect? And poor Fanwell - he has a bit of a battle in life, looking after his indigent relatives; what lies ahead for him?

And so we get to the competition. The usual rules apply (whatever they are). The prize, as usual, will be a signed copy of one of the books.

And the question? Here it is. Tell me what you think should happen to the apprentices in the next book. If I get a really good suggestion, it may actually happen!

The competition will run for at least a week - maybe a bit longer, depending ...

Is AMS tech-savvy?

2011-06-06T00:00:00.002-04:00

This is a hot question.

Let's consider this issue more closely.

Cell phones
In the past AMS has spoken about his dislike of cell phones in general. And you will not find mention of them in his novels so apparently his characters have opted to not use cell phones but are communicating through other means.

Twitter
Recently at the Hay Festival he mentioned he ONLY uses Twitter as a result of the nudging of his NY publisher. (Article here.)

Basically, AMS IS BEING FORCED INTO USING TWITTER.

This could also explain why when he does use Twitter he will post paragraphs of text all at once, which is not what tweeting is about. In the past I have wondered, "Will someone ever explain Twitter to Alexander McCall Smith? Or are they too afraid to do so because he is this grand celebrity author now?" I still enjoy his Twitter but his use of it is unique.

In my mind I picture AMS writing comfortably at a worn typewriter, something like this fellow:

Speaking of this fellow, this is writer Skye Ferrante who was kicked out of his writing community in NY because he would not give up using a typewriter and was told to switch to a laptop, or: get out. (Article here.) For some reason this story reminds me of AMS except he wouldn't let himself get kicked out of the writer's club, would he? Obviously not, since he has been FORCED INTO USING TWITTER.

However, one could argue that AMS IS rather tech-savvy too. A few points to consider, in no order.

1. He makes use of the online serial novel (Corduroy Mansions, posted daily in the Telegraph online). How many other authors post an entire novel online?

2. He puts out email newsletters to fans (These arrive about once every season or so).

3. He uses Facebook and has Facebook contests for fans.

4. He participated in a GoodReads.com discussion last year.

5. He might dislike Twitter, but he is using it and updating frequently.

6. He writes his novels on a laptop, that happens to be an Apple too.

I am not going to answer the question for you. But I happen to be leaning in one particular direction on this issue.

What about you?

New competition by AMS

2011-06-04T00:00:00.003-04:00

AMS posted a new competition today on his official Facebook page. This time Bertie is featured. I will copy it below.

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The new competition
By Alexander McCall Smith, Sunday May 29, 2011

Same rules (I'm not sure what they are, but they apply.) This competition will be open for the next nine days. I'll announce the winner(s) when I get back from the Hay Literary Festival. Prize: a signed book.

How about something relating to Bertie, that talented six-year-old from Scotland Street? Bertie has a problem with his mother, Irene. He also has problems with his friends - if one can call them that - Olive, Tofu, and Ranald Braveheart Macpherson.

Bertie goes to psychotherapy sessions (his mother's idea). The therapist says to him: "Bertie, I'd be most interested in hearing about any recent dreams you've had."

"Well, I have had one," said Bertie. 'It was very nice."

"And what was so nice about it?" asked Dr St Clair.

"It sorted all my problems out," said Bertie."That's what was so nice about it."

"Those are very revealing dreams," mused the therapist."But we mustn't believe that they come true."

"What a pity," thought Bertie.

The competition: What was Bertie's dream?

* UPDATE *

AMS posted the winners on June 4, 2011. I will copy his selection and responses below.

---

Helen Viccardy. Your entry captured the surrealism of dreams. It was poetic and lovely.

Ralph McKay. The appearance of unexpected people is very common in dreams. Of course Gavin Hastings, the great rugby player, would be there. Of course he would see Bertie as a great future star.

Melanie Kindrachuk. What a brilliant idea that the new Scotland would outlaw crushed strawberry trousers. And how thrilling that Bertie turns out to be the heir to the Scottish throne. Is he a Stuart, one wonders? A descendant of the Bonnie Prince himself?

AMS writes to readers while at Hay

2011-06-02T00:01:00.000-04:00

AMS posted a note on his official Facebook page today talking about the Hay Literary Festival, where he will appear. I will copy the message below.

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At Hay while the sun shine
by Alexander McCall Smith, Thursday June 2, 2011

I am at the Hay Literary Festival. Hay, a wonderful little town on the border between Wales and England, hosts one of the largest book festivals in the UK. It is very much a book town, having numerous bookshops of every description If one is looking for a second-hand book on any subject, there is probably no better place to be than here.

Yesterday I went to listen to a talk by Professor John Polkinghorne on the subject of quantum theory. I served with John for some years on the Human Genetics Commission of the UK, and very much enjoy his company. He was Professor of Physics at the University of Cambridge and one of this country's most distinguished mathematicians. He is also a theologian and Anglican priest - a very great man who still at eighty is actively writing books.

A great deal of his talk was lost on me (somebody must understand quantum theory, but I am not the ranks of those who do). He was, however, a very clear lecturer and made us, the weaker brethren, feel that at least we grasped one or two insights.

In the evening we went to hear that extraordinary, unclassifiable band, The Penguin Cafe Orchestra. Their performance was electrifying. Their music is like nobody else's and if you have not heard them, please give them a try. It is a mixture of so many influences - jazz, minimalism, folk, world etc. And all played with such verve and feeling that at the end the audience rose to its feet as one person and gave them a prolonged standing ovation.

Today I do the Good Housekeeping Literary Lunch with Jilly Cooper. Tomorrow I am appearing on stage to be interviewed by Anne Robinson, the well-known quiz-mistress who is widely appreciated for her "Weakest Link" programmes on television (perhaps not appreciated quite so much by those who get the answers wrong.) I am looking forward to our conversation.

AMS recommends: The Penguin Cafe Orchestra

2011-06-02T00:00:00.003-04:00

AMS recently wrote on his Twitter:

Last night at Hay: the Penguin Cafe Orchestra. We rose to our feet at the end and cheered, all of us. Seek them out. Listen.

Spring 2011 newsletter from AMS

2011-05-31T00:00:00.002-04:00

Today I received the latest newsletter from AMS in my inbox. I will post it below.

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Dear Reader,

I am writing this in my study in Edinburgh, where I have just returned after a week or so over in Argyll. Argyll was attacked by massive winds – over one hundred miles an hour in some cases. I have a small boat that sits in a loch there: its poor sails – beautiful red sails – were ripped to shreds. Boats and high winds do not go well together. The sail-makers are busy, but have promised to have a new set ready within a few weeks. So we shall set sail again, I hope.

I last wrote to you, I think, when I was about to set off on a UK tour to be followed by a trip to the USA and Canada. That was in March. The UK tour included events in Hexham, Newcastle, London and Bath. Hexham and Newcastle involved appearances in cinemas, which is always fun. (I did an event in an Australian cinema once where there was a working cinema organ, played before the event). There are no cinema organs in Edinburgh any more: the last one, I think, was in the Playhouse Cinema and rose, as such organs did, from below the screen, propelling the organist upwards into the view of the audience.

The London event was at Daunts Bookshop in Marylebone High Street. This is an annual fixture and one that I always look forward to with pleasure. The staff there have become good friends and we had a tremendous, rowdy dinner afterwards. Everybody made an equal amount of noise, which is a good sign. In Bath I did an event at the Bath Literary Festival and visited another favourite bookshop, Topping’s. At the hotel in which I was staying, I bumped into Michael Longley, the poet, and his wife, Edna Longley. I have admired Michael Longley’s work for many years, having first encountered him in his collection No Continuing City. I occasionally quote him in my books, particularly his line about the Scottish island of Harris: I think of … Harris drenched by horizontal rain. I know that rain. I know it.

I spent a few days in New York before starting my American tour. Then, after an event in New York at the Cooper Union, in aid of the New York National Public Radio station, I went on to Boston, New Jersey, Seattle, Bellingham, Chicago, Houston, Clearwater, Williamsburg, Fayetteville, Columbia, and University Park (Pennsylvania). Some of these cities I already knew, others not. I had never been in Williamsburg, for instance: a wonderful, interesting place with its magnificent university. I had visited Fayetteville, Arkansas before, and this visit involved meeting my old friend, Professor Rob Leflar (who appears as himself in one of the von Igelfeld books). I had also been in Houston several times before, and know the bookstore people there quite well. I did a literary lunch at a country club in Houston – the same club in which I spoke some years before – and that was a marvellous, warm event. People in the United States are extremely friendly – I know that sounds a trite thing to say, but it is undeniably true.

My Canadian visit was, alas, only too short, but I shall be back in Canada in August and intend to do a longer Canadian tour next year as well. In Toronto I did an event at the Public Library and had dinner with my Canadian publishers and an old friend, Iain Burgham, the poet. I also had lunch with my editor of many years, Diane Martin, and her husband. Diane has recently retired and is moving to Woody Point in Newfoundland – an Eden-like spot in one of Canada’s most beautiful and colourful provinces. I was there last year and loved it. Diane is one of this life’s great heroines – a superb editor and an example of the human qualities that make Canada the fine country it is. I owe her a great debt for all her encouragement and support.

When I returned to Scotland, Nicholas Ellenbogen, the theatrical director from Cape Town, had already arrived in Edinburgh. Nick directed two nights of the opera, The Okavango Macbeth. Tom Cunningham and I were very pleased with result: the new orchestration by Robert McFall is excellent and the singers were very good indeed. The CD of this production will be released by Delphian in October: www.delphianrecords.co.uk

After all that I was ready for a bit of a break, and so we went over to Argyll for a few weeks. While there, I finished writing the new Isabel Dalhousie novel as well as the next volume in the Scotland Street series. The Isabel book will be published in the UK in early September under the title The Forgotten Affairs of Youth. It will be published in the USA a few months later. Professor Lettuce makes a reappearance (through his nephew); Cat continues to show a lack of judgement when it comes to men; and Grace receives a tip from the other side. Brother Fox is still around.

The new Scotland Street novel, Bertie Plays the Blues, was serialized in the The Scotsman newspaper and will be published in hardback form in the UK by Polygon in July. Bertis appears, along with his friend, Ranald Braveheart Macpherson; Matthew and Eklspeth’s triplets are born; and the oleaginous Bruce returns. There is also some romance for Big Lou – and she deserves it, in my view. I have appended Angus Lordie’s poem to this newsletter.

Other books to come out soon include the UK paperback of volume six in the Scotland Street series, The Importance of Being Seven (Abacus, 2nd June), and the UK paperback of The Charming Quirks of Others (Abacus, 4th August). The UK hardback edition of volume three in the Corduroy Mansions series has just been published by Polygon, under the title A Conspiracy of Friends.

In early October there will be a new von Igelfeld novel appearing in the UK. This is called Unusual Uses for Olive Oil (Little, Brown)

Next week I shall be appearing at the Hay Literary Festival. The following week I shall be at the St Malo Literary Festival in France. On Sunday 3rd July I shall be at the South Bank Centre in London. If you live in London, please consider coming: tickets at: http://ticketing.southbankcentre.co.uk/find/literature-spoken-word/tickets/alexander-mccall-smith-59125

In August I shall be at the Edinburgh International Book Festival – again, may I invite you?

A final point before Angus Lordie’s poem. My publishers in New York set up a Facebook page for the books. I think you may enjoy visiting it. The address is: www.facebook.com/alexandermccallsmith.

And now, the poem that Angus declaims at the end of the new Scotland Street novel. The scene: Angus is at 44 Scotland Street. There is a dinner party going on in Domenica’s flat. Angus leaves the dinner party for a breath of air; he encounters Bertie, sitting with Cyril on the stairs. This is what happens:

Angus sat down on the steps.
“Are you having fun in there?” asked Bertie.
“Yes,” said Angus. “And shortly I shall go back in and recite a poem. I always do that, Bertie.”
“Could I hear it?”
“I don’t see why not,” said Angus.
He closed his eyes. The words came to him, and came so easily.

Dear friends, gathered again together in a place
That has become so familiar to all of us,
We might wish to forget the world outside,
Might wish to think that here, with our friends,
We are the world. Would that were true:
The world outside is not the world
We would like it to be; I don’t need
To enumerate its woes – they are legion,
And greet us each time we open a newspaper.
But it would be wrong to become cynical,
Would be wrong to dismiss the possibility
Of making bearable the suffering of so many
By acts of love in our own lives,
By acts of friendship, by the simple cherishing
Of those who daily cross our path, and those who do not.
By these acts, I think, are we shown what might be;
By these acts can we transform that small corner
Of terra firma that is given to us,
In our case this little patch of earth
That we call Scotland, into a peaceable
Kingdom, a place where love and friendship
Are writ large, not doubted, nor laughed at,
But embraced and proclaimed, made the tenor
Of our quotidian lives, made the register
In which we conduct ourselves.
How foolish I once thought I was
To believe in all this; how warmly
I now return to that earlier belief;
How fervently I hope that it is true,
How fervently I hope that this is so.

Angus opened his eyes. Bertie was staring at him.
“Sorry Bertie,” he said. “I got carried away.”
“I understand, Mr Lordie,” said Bertie.
And he gave Angus his hand, and Angus held it briefly. Such a small thing, he thought: so fragile, so human, so precious.

With warmest wishes,

Alexander McCall Smith

How can I remember?

2011-05-28T00:00:00.006-04:00

I did not notice this until today but AMS has posted a competition over on his official Facebook page. The competition involves picking the song that Jamie and Isabel hear playing in the background as they happen to be out dining. I do not plan on entering the contest myself but if I were, I would select this song for the occasion:

If he wanted to use something more modern instead I would select this song from Lykke Li:

* UPDATE *

AMS posted the winners on May 29, 2011. I will copy the 5 winners below with his responses.

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Linda Davis Siess. "True love" (Nice remarks about guardian angels.)

Mary Coffee. "Through lover's eyes" (What a good idea to get Jamie to finish the song he had started to write in one of the earlier books.)

Erin Molony. "La vie en rose". (Yes! Piaf - I can't resist her.)

Richard J. Porter "You're a lady" (Very amusing remark about dessert.)

Jane Brown "Harvest Moon" (Neil Young is a good choice, but what amused me was the fact that you had Isabel immediately thinking about how we commit things to memory - very typical Isabel behaviour!)

Site changes

2011-05-28T00:00:00.002-04:00

I have updated the Current Books page and the About section. Thanks!

From the 2011 US Tour by AMS

2011-05-27T03:00:00.000-04:00

Typically every Spring AMS launches his US book tour that takes him across locations in the US to meet with loyal readers to discuss the newest book in the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series. This year the tour began on March 31 and ended on April 12. I did not have a chance to see AMS this year but have managed to gather photos from flickr that show a few of the events. I will include them in this post as a fun way to "see" his 2011 US Tour. Please note: these are photos from other users and I was not able to find photos from EVERY stop on the tour. Nonetheless, I hope you enjoy.

AMS in New York, NY. March 31, 2011. WNYC event at Cooper Union. Cooper Square (7th Street).

AMS in Seattle, WA. April 1, 2011. Seattle Public Library.

AMS in Clearwater, FL. April 6, 2011. Clearwater Public Library System.

AMS in Fayetteville, AR. April 8, 2011. Fayetteville Public Library.

AMS in Columbia, MD. April 10, 2011. Howard County Library.

Tea tips from AMS

2011-05-27T00:00:00.000-04:00

Photo source: photo by Graham Jepson

There is no doubt that tea plays a major role in AMS' life and work. In a recent article by the author he discusses tea in greater detail and puts together suggestions for the reader on this very fine beverage. I have pulled out several of the "tips" and put them in bullet form for you below.

Accept herbal infusions in the world of tea:

"One of these is the question of herbal infusions. These are becoming more popular, with sales rising 60 per cent in a year, and it would be unwise for purists to point out that they are not real teas. They are, in fact, allies of tea, being drunk in similar circumstances, and in the same spirit. These friends of tea should not be cold-shouldered."

Do not use tea-bags, instead carry actual tea leaves with you:

"The average bag produces a rather bland, flat brew quite different from the freshness and vigour of proper leaf tea."

AMS praises two tea companies: the Republic of Tea in the US and the Rare Tea Company in the UK.

"Their work is noble."

Do not make your tea in pot that previously held coffee. American hotel rooms are notorious for this:

"One of the horrors of staying in an otherwise excellent American hotel is to discover that you are expected to make tea in your room in a pot that has contained coffee.This is anathema to a tea drinker, because of the terrible incompatibility of the two flavours."

Adding milk to tea is acceptable:

"A very grand tea drinker will not take milk, as it confuses and destroys the flavour. Others – like me – will do so unapologetically, for much the same reason as they will add whisky to water: because they like it."

Although I enjoyed this recent article I am still a greater fan of a tea article AMS wrote back in January 2010, which can be found here. In this article he goes into even more detail about tea and how it has shaped his life. He also mentions he carries his own teapot and "tea supplies" wherever he goes. I believe this is typical behavior for any tea enthusiast.

In honor of The Saturday Big Tent Wedding Party

2011-05-26T00:00:00.003-04:00

Grace Makutsi finally gets the wedding she desires in The Saturday Big Tent Wedding Party. In honor of the event I have gathered a few big tent wedding photos from the web to (hopefully) capture the spirit of her wedding.

I hope Grace Makutsi would approve.

Image sources: first photo, second photo, third photo, fourth photo.

Caption this photo

2011-05-25T03:00:00.000-04:00

Photo from this article.

I am not quite sure of the art direction in this photo. It looks like they placed AMS in a garden and told him, "Quick! Look natural with your teapot! Water the plants!" and as a result this photo was born.

Book cover released for next Isabel Dalhousie novel

2011-05-25T00:01:00.001-04:00

@ Amazon

This cover does not say a lot to the reader. I am going to take a wild guess and assume this jacket belongs to Isabel's former Irish husband who makes an appearance in this novel at long last. Or I suppose the jacket could belong to Jamie. I will be interested in seeing the photo version of this book cover.

When I am not reading AMS I am usually reading...

2011-05-24T03:00:00.001-04:00

There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly by Melissa Webb

Now that I have a baby in my life everything has changed in drastic, incredible, often shocking ways and my bookshelf has also gone through certain changes with it. For one thing, I have probably read this fine piece of literature 100 times by now. I actually have the book memorized, which is useful, because if the baby needs distraction I can begin reciting the entire piece on the spot which only delights my son. It is also useful because you realize old ladies should practice more caution about swallowing flies!

But even though I have this worn favorite I would like to begin introducing AMS to my baby in order to spice things up and so that we can eventually move onto books such as Scotland Street. But before I can get to the more serious reading I might start with something lighter.

Last year AMS released Precious and the Puggies: Precious Ramotswe's Very First Case, which is a children's book from the perspective of Precious Ramotswe as a young girl. I happen to love the vibrant cover art.

After a bit of looking around online I noticed there will be a follow up to this series titled, The Great Cake Mystery. The posted release date is January 3, 2012. And I am assuming now he will continue the series past just these two. Perhaps AMS has decided he can successfully release children's books in the US as well as his current adult mystery novels.

Perhaps while reading these stories to my son we can also enjoy delicious cake? Right now my son is a bit indifferent to cake but once he is introduced to the world of Precious Ramotswe all that could change...

A part of me would also like to see Isabel Dalhousie as a young girl...

On Auden

2011-05-21T03:00:00.000-04:00

"I think of him every day: W.H. Auden, a humane and lovely voice. Read his "In Praise of Limestone" and poem to Freud." - Alexander McCall Smith

from his official Twitter page

I woke up today thinking about Belgian shoes...

2011-05-20T03:00:00.000-04:00

And then I began to think about, "What pair would Grace Makutsi actually wear?"

I believe she would chose these Belgian shoes to be exact. They are colorful and flashy so of course she would be drawn to them.

Does AMS wear Belgian shoes, I wonder?

(For those of you who don't know: the topic of Belgian shoes appears in the Corduroy Mansions series.)

Illustration by Andy Bridge

2011-05-19T03:00:00.000-04:00

I happened to come across this excellent illustration for The Saturday Big Tent Wedding Party by artist, Andy Bridge. I realize the latest book in the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series came out in March of this year but it is still sitting on my desk. Unread. Life has been busy but I plan on getting back into the works of Alexander McCall Smith and I hope to continue updating this blog. I can't wait to get back to the world of Mma Ramotswe... I have a cup of hot tea with a large slice of cake just waiting for when I read its pages.

Observations about the world of AMS

2011-05-18T03:00:00.000-04:00

If a character becomes engaged in one of his books there must be several books before we actually reach a Wedding. These things take time and planning. You can't rush things!

Very few villains or "bad guys" appear. Often the actual villains are mild characters who come and go.

If a series has Bertie in it, he will remain the star and will dominate the entire series. So if you read the Scotland Street series you will become familiar with BERTIE! BERTIE! BERTIE! Sometimes I feel the series should just be renamed BERTIE! instead. I happen to like Bertie, so I would be supportive of such a change. He is the perfect little boy so of course he deserves such attention.

There is a tremendous focus on the local within each series. So as a reader you will be taken to local establishments and haunts. No McDonald's or trips to the Apple store (yet).

"The Sunday Philosophy Club" is not actually a club. At least, they do not have formal meetings that I know of. But I suppose if these meetings ever happen then they would take place on a Sunday. I imagine they would meet in Isabel's Living Room and she would be too busy staring at Jamie to notice what was going on.

In the novels that take place in Europe you will be exposed to countless works of art you will never be able to afford. Because you can't actually "see" all the paintings mentioned you might want to open Google Image Search.

AMS is in love with Auden. Or perhaps AMS IS Auden. The jury is still out. But while many writers might cite Shakespeare, AMS is content with citing Auden but only every other sentence.

Do not let Isabel run your cafe when you need a day off. She will probably hand it over to Eddie because she has better things to do. And Eddie has his own issues.

Often people say a certain celebrity is an example of "the woman who has it all" but I would say Isabel Dalhousie also fits this. Beauty, money, a career, a beautiful baby, the younger sexy boyfriend? She is living the life!

Sometimes AMS likes to talk a lot about Scottish whiskey but do we really want to hear about whiskey all the time? I prefer his characters drinking espresso or tea.

If you have any of your own observations to share, please do so in the comments section below.

Current Books - Updated 1/31/11

2011-02-10T18:36:00.007-05:00

The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency Series:

1. The No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency
2. Tears of the Giraffe
3. Morality for Beautiful Girls
4. The Kalahari Typing School for Men
5. The Full Cupboard of Life
6. In the Company of Cheerful Ladies
7. Blue Shoes and Happiness
8. The Good Husband of Zebra Drive
9. The Miracle at Speedy Motors
10. Tea Time for the Traditionally Built
11. The Double Comfort Safari Club
12. Saturday Big Tent Wedding Party (2011)
13. The Limpopo Academy of Private Detection (To be released April 3, 2012: Amazon)

The Sunday Philosophy Club Series:

1. Sunday Philosophy Club
2. Friends, Lovers, Chocolate
3. The Right Attitude to Rain
4. The Careful Use of Compliments
5. The Comfort of a Muddy Saturday
6. The Lost Art of Gratitude
7. The Charming Quirks of Others
8. The Forgotten Affairs of Youth (2011)

44 Scotland Street Series:

1. Scotland Street
2. Espresso Tales
3. Love over Scotland
4. The World According to Bertie
5. The Unbearable Lightness of Scones
6. The Importance of Being Seven
7. Bertie Plays the Blues [@ Amazon, 2011]

Corduroy Mansions:

1. Corduroy Mansions
2. The Dog Who Came in from the Cold
3. A Conspiracy of Friends (May 2011) [@ Amazon

The 2½ Pillars of Wisdom Series:

Portuguese Irregular Verbs

The Finer Points of Sausage Dogs

At the Villa of Reduced Circumstances

Unusual Uses for Olive Oil

F.A.Q. // About this Blog

2009-11-10T03:01:00.007-05:00

What is the purpose of this blog?

This blog is a place to keep track of all the main series by author Alexander McCall Smith. He happens to be my favorite author and his stories are ones that keep me coming back for more.

Are you affiliated with Alexander McCall Smith or his publishers? Are you getting paid to run this blog? Are you AMS in disguise?

No, no and no.

Where can I see AMS in person?

For the US: Go to the official Alexander McCall Smith website and click on Events at the top. A copy of his current schedule will be posted.

AMS has about one US tour a year and it usually happens in the spring with the release of the newest novel in the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series. In 2011 he began his US tour in March.

For the UK: Go to the official Alexander McCall Smith website and click on News & Events at the top, then click on Forthcoming Events to find his schedule.

Where can I find out more about the author besides this blog?

I recommend the following sources on the web:

The Official Alexander McCall Smith Website

Alexander McCall Smith on Twitter

Alexander McCall Smith on Facebook

Alexander McCall Smith on Wikipedia (not affiliated directly with the author)

Do you have a list of his current books?

I keep a list here.

I also like the Wikipedia page which lists all his books you can find by going here.

Is it AMS or AMcS?

I use the abbreviation "AMS" because it is short and simple. It is also what I started using when I would talk about the author with my friends and when I launched this blog. I believe it works for the purpose of this blog. However, Alexander McCall Smith uses "AMcS" when he abbreviates his name. But I am sure he will forgive me.

Have you ever met/seen AMS in person?

Why, yes, I have. I have met AMS twice in the past- on his US book tour in 2008 and 2009. He is incredibly charming and I can only think of positive things to say about him. If you have the chance to attend one of his book signings do go. You won't be disappointed. After meeting him I only loved his books more.

What is your favorite series by AMS?

My current favorite is Scotland Street. I realize most fans would select the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series as the favorite.

Do you think that one day AMS might find this blog and become frightened by it?

Well, you know, this blog is in the spirit of celebrating his books and talent so if anything I would hope AMS would be flattered. I don't post spoilers and 99% of what appears here is praise. He is my favorite author after all.

I found an error on your blog...

My apologies! I try to proofread everything that appears here but the reality is typos and errors happen. I am only human. If this bothers you then please send me an email and let me know.

Where are you blogging from?

I am currently located in the Eastern Time Zone, United States. So when I post release dates I am often posting the US release date.

How can I contact you?

Feel free to use this email: tea time for ams AT gmail dot com.

Can you tell us anything about you?

Sure, why not. I call the United States home. I'm in my late 20's. I have a degree in English and an adorable baby at home that keeps me busy. Before having a baby I was that girl in the bookstore with a latte in one hand and a book in the other. I appreciate the simple things, which might be why I am drawn to the worlds created by AMS. If there is anything else you wish to know, just ask.