Excuses, Excuses
By Lesley McDowell
His trenchant views earned him the label 'the first Irvine Welsh' and one of his novels formed the basis for Sam Peckinpah's outrageous Straw Dogs. There's no doubt that Gordon Williams is the hard man of Scottish fiction. But just where has he been for the past 20 years?
The Quiche Incident
From the few interviews he has ever done, it's clear that a conversation with Gordon Williams is an exercise in what you might call 'hard-man rhetoric'. It's a surprise, then, to arrive and find Scottish literature's best-kept secret heating up some quiche for lunch. He chides me because he's too busy talking to notice when the cooker timer goes off. 'You should have told me -- lunch will be ruined!' Thankfully, the quiche -- served with boiled potatoes and broccoli -- is just fine. The point of this introduction isn't really to display the 69-year-old's culinary skills. My meeting with Williams has begun with his keenness to set a few records straight.
The Hard Man Image
Williams is not an easy interviewee -- he walks about when talking, wanders off the subject all the time, answering questions about his place in the Scottish literary canon with yet another drinking story from the past. He veers from Tom Stoppard to John Byrne, dodging questions and evading theoretical conversations. Williams isn't the type of writer to talk at length about his 'art' and gets embarrassed when approached with anything like a theoretical conversation. However, despite his denials, the 'hard man' image is not entirely misplaced.
A Booker Prize Nominee
Williams, one of the few Scots ever to be shortlisted for the Booker prize, gained recognition in 1969 for his moving and scrupulously honest novel, From Scenes Like These. Drawing from his own experiences working on a farm at the age of 13, the novel portrays the journey of a young boy, Dunky Logan, from adolescence to manhood, exploring themes of violence, misogyny, and bigotry.
The Elusive Next Novel
Despite his literary success, Williams confounded critics' expectations by not following up with another novel. He believes that being a successful writer requires internal drive and a genuine passion for the craft. Williams insists that he never stopped working, highlighting his TV and film projects, but there have been no published novels in the past 20 years. The impression of Williams as a 'hard man' of Scottish fiction may be due, in part, to the fact that his life has intruded upon his writing, and he has been more focused on living than producing literature.
Hotels and the Hospitality Industry
Making a Reservation
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Types of Hotels
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The Impact of Technology
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The Future of Hospitality
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Conclusion
Hotels play a vital role in the travel and tourism industry, providing a home away from home for travelers. The hospitality industry continues to adapt and innovate to meet the needs and expectations of modern-day guests. Whether it's a luxury hotel, boutique inn, or budget-friendly accommodation, hotels strive to create memorable experiences and ensure guest satisfaction.