I'm pondering a new writing project, catching up with the Solent Welfare Rights Project team after the Universal Credit serial published on this blog at the end of last year but, before getting that underway, I want to read back through the earlier Social Insecurity stories, pick up any odd typos still lurking in the text and write new prefaces to them.
There have been far more damaging cuts to Social Security since Severe Discomfort was published than I saw coming in 2012, particularly for families with children, which are likely to be the focus of the new story. Homelessness is very visibly increasing and the response to it is staggeringly polarised - from decent, humane individuals and charities organising soup runs and night shelters to Councils remodelling their street furniture to deny homeless people a place to lay their heads. There are, simultaneously, signs of worse to come and reasons to be cheerful - not least, perhaps, an Opposition worthy of the name at last and genuine, mainstream debate on Universal Basic Income. The latter would have seemed inconceivable when the Solent Welfare Rights Project's workers were discussing their ideas for a Citizens Allowance in 2010 (written 2012/3).
Something else the new preface probably needs to point out, if a few negative reviews are considered, is that the 'patchy' style of the stories is deliberate. With chapters or sections of chapters being seen through the eyes of different characters, I made a quite deliberate effort to use language, imagery and insights to fit that character's age, background and viewpoint. For some of the principal characters, particularly Lyn Walker, I hoped the reader would note a gradual change as she gains understanding and confidence. I thought that stylistic quirk was obvious enough not to need an explanation but it seems not.
So look out for both new stories and new editions of the old ones during this year. Not just yet, though - it's a bright morning and time to start sowing my broad beans!
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