Xandra Bingley, an 84-year-old former literary agent, editor, and even a spy, has published a new collection of short stories titled Ways Of Telling. The book offers razor-sharp observations of everyday human life, ranging from conversations on buses to memories of James Brown concerts.
A Life in Literature
Bingley's career in publishing included reading unsolicited manuscripts for the publisher Casper. She recalls the frequent appearance of the phrase "proud breasts" in romance novels, which always brought laughter. The pile of 3,000 yearly submissions often included clichés like "It was always sunny when I was a child" or tales of beloved pets.
As an agent for authors including Ali Smith, Bingley honed her editorial eye. Her new book, however, is a personal project born from a daily habit: "I write most days, but not with the intention of being published. It's like going for a run," she explains.
Inspiration from Everyday Moments
Bingley's stories are grounded in reality, though she quotes Henri Matisse: "Remember it never harms to exaggerate in the direction of truth." She describes her work as a form of reportage, capturing the textures of life. Margaret Atwood, a longtime friend, praises the collection's unique blend of conversation and soliloquy.
One remarkable chapter in Bingley's life is her brief stint in the Secret Service at age 18. Motivated by a novel about a Communist takeover in Britain, she applied and was accepted after mentioning she read Horse and Hound. However, she quickly grew disillusioned: "They were bugging working-class people on strike for fair pay. I really didn't like that."
Breaking Grammar Rules
Bingley's prose is deliberately unconventional. Inspired by friend Margaret Atwood's comment that punctuation is the hardest thing, she adopted a minimalist style using only full stops and ellipses. "The reader knows how to breathe," she says. "What is a comma? It's telling you how to breathe!"
Rhythm is essential to her writing, so she is learning to play the drums. "My grandson has a drum kit. I played it and enjoyed it. It will help me with my rhythm," she notes.
Ways Of Telling is published by Notting Hill Editions at £11.99.
