If you ask any of the know-alls who the world’s foremost contemporary cricket writer is, nearly all will say Gideon Haigh.
Haigh is a prolific writer across many genres, publishing more than 50 books spanning business journalism, social history, true crime and a deeply personal memoir. Although best known for his cricket journalism, to me, his versatility across such a wide spectrum sets his work apart.
Gideon was kind enough to sit down for coffee a while back; the only stipulation was that it had to be his home game. I offered to trade cricket IQ for some writing tips. Gideon still plays for South Yarra CC. His favourite shot? The authentic leg glance—not the pissing-dog variation.
There was a stalemate of sorts. He was happy with his cricket and didn’t really want to put me off writing by telling me what a miserable existence it can be. The coffee was good. The server showered Gideon, the local, with questions ranging from the State Library to AFL football and everything in between.
The summary was simple: just write, Nick. And read more.
Below is a picture, again courtesy of the know-alls, of Haigh in his basement office/library. He lives in a Melbourne inner suburb with an AFL team—that’s all I’m saying.
Over coffee, he talked about how he oscillates between the basement and his kitchen table when working. Citing the kitchen table has distinct advantages, I agree.
I have a room with a standing desk, a large monitor and a few more gizmos that purport to help my workflow. I rarely get there, other than to grab the 8-iron and do some shadow swinging. I, too, like the kitchen table.
Perhaps it’s the lack of ceremony. You can sit down and get on with it without setting the table—so to speak. It doesn’t make me a better writer, any more than the standing desk would. It just makes getting started easier.
Gideon Haigh has written more than 50 books. I’m still trying to get one finished. If we share an attachment to kitchen tables, then I’m OK with that. I suspect the similarities might end there, though.
For now, I’ll take his advice. Just write, Nick. And read more.
The 8-iron can wait.
Nick
