A word from the authors
It probably started with a conversation. Someone probably laughed out loud or put their hands over their mouth in delighted shock then said something along the lines of “You should write that down.”
So we did. And it took forever. There is little art required in writing down overheard conversations, but what is required is a good deal of patience. People so often start off a conversation as though they're going to have something moving or amusing to say. But by far the things you'll hear most often are mobile phone conversations about groceries that need to be acquired en route home, baggy gossip with all the most juicy details excised or obliterated by engine noise, and comedic catchphrases nicked wholesale off the telly. The result - frustration. But we persevered dear reader, oh yes we persevered.
In the end, what we found that we'd compiled was a kind of kitchen sink snapshot of society caught resolutely off its guard, being real, being funny, occasionally sad, even terrifying. You could quite easily be in there amongst those rich and diverse voices saying things they probably wished they hadn't. We know we are.
All the vaguely celebrity gossip included here is true - in that it is an accurate record of what was told to us or said in our presence. Often names have been changed to protect the dignity of the innocent. We sincerely hope that no relationships will be harmed with the publishing of this book. But there are a couple of middle managers who had it coming...
So next time you're on your mobile, on the bus or in a restaurant be careful who you're being mean about. We could be listening...
Mark Love & Jacqui Saunders
2008