Michael crosses the pond

As a writer who has lived in both the UK and America, Michael Harling is well placed to write about life in both countries. His non-fiction humour book Postcards From Across the Pond, a look at British life from the point of view of an ‘accidental expat’, has recently been published.

Postcards From Across the Pond was originally self-published, but was given a new launch following help from one of Michael’s friends. ‘Another writer found Postcards and liked it so much, she began championing it. When she was approached by a publisher she thought would be right for my book, she sent their e-mail my way and suggested I reply to it. A week later, I had a contract. Expanded, revised and graced with a new cover, Postcards From Across the Pond has been given a new ‘official’ life.’

New-York born Michael has now become used to the British sense of humour and has found definite differences in what British and American people find funny. ‘One of the things I have noticed about the UK is that the average Brit is a lot funnier than your average American, so being a humorist here is more of a challenge, as the bar is a lot higher.  And what our two nationalities find funny is subtly different—the British enjoy more satire, puns and clever word play and many Americans really don’t get irony. But above all that, and specific to my humour, is the problem of culture and cultural references.’

Now based in Sussex, Michael has managed to create his own support system and is very much at home in his adopted country. ‘If you’re connected to the Internet, there are ample online writing groups and expat forums. And no matter where you are, you shouldn’t have to go very to find a writers’ group, if that’s what works for you. What works for me is having an understanding and supportive wife—but she’s taken, so you’ll have to find your own!’

Details: Postcards From Across the Pond is available at £9.99 from Amazon.

Michael’s website: www.lindenwald.com