For new writers, or writers with a niche audience, if can be a problem that the mainstream publishing industry favours those who are already well known or likely to return the highest revenue. J. K. Rowling for example will certainly get more prominent bookstore displays, a larger print-run, and much more intense marketing than you or me. For first time authors, the difficulties of getting published can be daunting. But publishing is changing. And new technologies like print-on-demand and direct-to-consumer sales make it easier for any of us to get into print.

The largely youth-led protest in Thailand that started last July and lasted for six months not only sparked unprecedented political debate but also defied taboos. Thousands of protesters took to the street and demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha’s administration, constitutional changes and reforms of the monarchy. The Rossi Rossi Gallery is currently featuring the exhibition “Royal Marketplace” the title of which is inspired by “The Royalist Marketplace”, a Facebook group set up in April 2020 to discuss the Thai monarchy freely. The works, by Thai artist Mit Jai Inn, are not explicitly political in nature but, says the gallery, they honour resistance against unchecked power through the artist’s use of colour, the hybridity of their form and the untraditional ways they are displayed.

Last year, the 250th anniversary of the birth of Ludwig van Beethoven, was going to be a big year in Bonn, Germany. The German government had earmarked 27 million euros for some 300 projects planned to celebrate the master. But then came Covid-19, and so the events are now rescheduled for this year. Two weeks ago, when the Cong Quartet came to the studio to tell us about a planned recital at the Museum of Art, they performed some Haydn for us. But in honour of the maestro’s anniversary, they also recorded a piece by Beethoven while they were here. We are bringing you that this week, along with some highlights from their rescheduled recital, which took place online last Sunday.