Teesdale u3a welcomed Neil Hanson back for a second visit. On his first visit, he spoke about his life, having worked in a variety of jobs, including being editor of The Good Beer Guide, having travelled round the world twice and been landlord of the Tan Hill Inn. On this occasion he was talking about his 35 year career as a writer, particularly as an anonymous Ghost Writer.
Neil has been a prolific ghost writer for sports stars, showbiz legends, captains of industry and many others. These have included an American gangster, a well known England football coach, one of England’s best known cricketers, an internationally known American singer, a major food manufacturer, an underwater diving legend and several SAS veterans. Neil has also written or rewritten more than 40 other books.
Neil informed the audience that, without giving away any secrets, the written word is not always what it seems. He spends a lot of time with his authors and they have to be 100% happy with the final product. However, the stories have to be interesting and engage the reader. He spoke of the tyranny of the blank page as it was much easier to rewrite or adapt an existing story.
In addition, Neil had a plethora of amusing anecdotes, including: how fighter pilots manage to go to the loo, how SAS personnel were trained to assist with the birth of a baby, and the reason counter terrorist groups did not use “attack dogs”.
His books have been hailed by critics as astonishing, brilliant, haunting, extraordinary and many other superlatives.
Neil finished his presentation by suggesting that we should all write down our own history, for later generations who might be interested in reading it or even using it. So, he left some homework for u3a members.
The next meeting will be held on Thursday 23rd July when Philip Caine will be speaking on “ a Life less Ordinary”.
Report by Ian Reid