User:Custard82/JayMandal

Biography
Author Jay Mandal comes from southern England. He has written three novels: The Dandelion Clock, Precipice and All About Sex; and three collections of short stories: A Different Kind of Love, The Loss of Innocence and Slubberdegullion (published by BeWrite Books). He also has a collection of short stories and another of flash fiction awaiting publication. He has had work published in Best Gay Romance 2009; and further work has been accepted for Best Gay Romance 2010.

Books by Jay Mandal
The Dandelion Clock (novel)

Precipice (novel plus nine short stories)

All About Sex (novel)

A Different Kind of Love (collection)

The Loss of Innocence (collection)

Slubberdegullion (collection)

A Different Kind of Love was reviewed by Gay Times. Reviews of The Dandelion Clock and Precipice appeared in the Sunday Express. Comments on short stories have been received from Sir Ian McKellen, Sir Alan Ayckbourn, Graham Norton, Dame Beryl Bainbridge, Fay Weldon, Ron Donaghe, Sarah Waters, Alan Sinfield and Hanif Kureishi.

A short story of Jay’s was placed first in a competition with over 1,000 entries. Two short stories were read out at literary events at Foyles bookshop in London. Jay won a bottle of champagne for completing a limerick in a competition run by The Independent. By the end of 2008, over 2,500 books had been sold. For the year July 2007 – June 2008, Jay’s books were borrowed over 600 times from UK libraries.

The Dandelion Clock

"“My personal recommendation is this excellent book by Jay Mandal. … sensitively, humorously and believably related. An engrossing read.” The Sunday Express" “It is a marvellous story from start to finish … your work struck a deep chord with me.” Ronald L. Donaghe

A Different Kind of Love “Jay Mandal’s … sometimes funny, sometimes bitter-sweet stories … are written with a good ear for dialogue and are both affirming and insightful.” Gay Times

All About Sex “A hilarious and quirky book. Many of the individual scenes are laugh out loud funny. The characters, dialogue, and actions are incredibly entertaining and humorous. [The toothbrush scene] is one of the funniest scenes I've read in a book.” Rainbow Reviews

Slubberdegullion "'I enjoyed reading [Taxi for Mr Smith] and wish you well with it.' Sir Ian McKellen" "'[Crying for the Moon] was a good tale, with a rare sense of optimism, and some lively dialogue. Well done!' Russell T Davies" "'very enjoyable and readable...' Graham Norton" "“Thanks for sending me The Restaurant. I particularly enjoyed the punch line.' Kevin Elyot" "'Thank you so much for sending your wonderful story (Crying for the Moon). Good luck for the future and don’t give up!' Hanif Kureishi"

Precipice "“Thought-provoking, warm, heartbreaking and honest.” The Sunday Express" "“I found it a fascinating - if also rather painful - read. You certainly capture the nuances and claustrophobia of a relationship in a state of breakdown.” Sarah Waters about All Worked Out short story"

The Loss of Innocence "'I found [The Loss of Innocence short story] very engaging. You characterise your people well through their speech and sympathetically. I’d guess this would adapt well for radio, too.' Susannah York"

General Reviews of Jay’s work, together with excerpts and trailers, may be found on his publisher’s website