Dave Cousins's Blog, page 4
December 8, 2017
Season's Greetings!
Poster artwork featured in above illo is by Anton van HertbruggenHi folks!
Can it really be that time again? The ice on my keyboard and loss of feeling in my fingers would suggest so! Even the cat thinks that winter is best viewed from this side of the glass.
I'm sure you have much to do, so this is just a brief note to offer my compliments of the season and express thanks for your support once again this year.
If you'd like to read my full Christmas newsletter, please Click here.
Best wishes,
Dave
March 31, 2017
A Thank You . . .
Some time ago I wrote a story called
15 Days without a Head
. It was about two brothers and a single mum struggling to keep their family together. I never dreamed it would ever be published—but it was. When I saw that first copy of 15 Days on a shelf in a bookshop . . . well, I didn’t think things could get much better than that!
And then this happened …
Last Wednesday evening my wife and I went along to our lad’s school. He was performing a short play, based on a book adaptation, as part of his A-level Drama exam. It was a piece he and his group had written, staged and directed, and would be acting in themselves. I’ll admit—as we took our seats and waited for the play to start, I was a little nervous—I knew how much this meant to our lad, how many hours of work his group had put into it. Finally, the lights dimmed and the actors took the stage. They began, and there was something strangely familiar about the opening lines . . . the names of the characters . . . No way! They haven’t! Oh, yes they have . . .
It has to be one of the most surreal experiences I’ve ever had—seeing the characters from 15 Days without a Head come alive right before my eyes! It took a few moments for the shock to pass, but once I’d reconnected my jaw and started breathing again, I got drawn back into the action. What I saw was familiar, but also not. The characters on stage were doing what characters should do—they were taking control of the story, telling it their way. The book was there, but this was better, sharper, leaner. There was Laurence towering over them all, doing his best to keep it together, fighting a losing battle against circumstances, frustration and fear. There was Mum, the anger and bitterness flying from her lips as she slammed around the stage, before slipping seamlessly into another character—local radio DJ Baz, all corny catchphrases and slick delivery. I noticed the quiz questions were new though—chilling statistics about children in care—so much more powerful than what was in the book! 15 Days without a Head is a tough tale to tell—it took me years and two hundred plus pages to get it down! This group had done it in two months, and created a thirty minute play that had the audience rapt. At the end, when Mum is (literally) surrounded by her demons—drink, self-loathing, desperation and anger—while her two boys fight to get her back with nothing more than their simple, heart-breaking offer of love—like most of the audience, I was fighting back tears. Re-running it in my head now, there are so many moments that keep coming back to me—great bits of physical theatre like Jay on the swing made from two other cast members' arms; the brothers cleaning their teeth in a human mirror; the comic relief of the telephone box with its living, speaking adverts—“Call Cheryl for a real good time!”; Baz and his radio crew; Mina and Laurence in the library . . . When 15 Days without a Head was published it was literally a dream come true for me, and I appreciate all the incredible experiences and opportunities I’ve had over the years as a result of writing books. But, I have to say—the events of last Wednesday evening will take some beating. It was a very special moment, and one that I will never forget. So, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the talented cast and writers. Ashlea, Kym, Lewis, Sarah, and Dylan—you were brilliant. Huge respect and thanks to you all.
Dave
And then this happened …
Last Wednesday evening my wife and I went along to our lad’s school. He was performing a short play, based on a book adaptation, as part of his A-level Drama exam. It was a piece he and his group had written, staged and directed, and would be acting in themselves. I’ll admit—as we took our seats and waited for the play to start, I was a little nervous—I knew how much this meant to our lad, how many hours of work his group had put into it. Finally, the lights dimmed and the actors took the stage. They began, and there was something strangely familiar about the opening lines . . . the names of the characters . . . No way! They haven’t! Oh, yes they have . . .
It has to be one of the most surreal experiences I’ve ever had—seeing the characters from 15 Days without a Head come alive right before my eyes! It took a few moments for the shock to pass, but once I’d reconnected my jaw and started breathing again, I got drawn back into the action. What I saw was familiar, but also not. The characters on stage were doing what characters should do—they were taking control of the story, telling it their way. The book was there, but this was better, sharper, leaner. There was Laurence towering over them all, doing his best to keep it together, fighting a losing battle against circumstances, frustration and fear. There was Mum, the anger and bitterness flying from her lips as she slammed around the stage, before slipping seamlessly into another character—local radio DJ Baz, all corny catchphrases and slick delivery. I noticed the quiz questions were new though—chilling statistics about children in care—so much more powerful than what was in the book! 15 Days without a Head is a tough tale to tell—it took me years and two hundred plus pages to get it down! This group had done it in two months, and created a thirty minute play that had the audience rapt. At the end, when Mum is (literally) surrounded by her demons—drink, self-loathing, desperation and anger—while her two boys fight to get her back with nothing more than their simple, heart-breaking offer of love—like most of the audience, I was fighting back tears. Re-running it in my head now, there are so many moments that keep coming back to me—great bits of physical theatre like Jay on the swing made from two other cast members' arms; the brothers cleaning their teeth in a human mirror; the comic relief of the telephone box with its living, speaking adverts—“Call Cheryl for a real good time!”; Baz and his radio crew; Mina and Laurence in the library . . . When 15 Days without a Head was published it was literally a dream come true for me, and I appreciate all the incredible experiences and opportunities I’ve had over the years as a result of writing books. But, I have to say—the events of last Wednesday evening will take some beating. It was a very special moment, and one that I will never forget. So, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the talented cast and writers. Ashlea, Kym, Lewis, Sarah, and Dylan—you were brilliant. Huge respect and thanks to you all.
Dave
March 29, 2017
Gonzo shortlisted for German Children's Literature Award!
Photo: Thanks to "a tempo" – Das LebensmagazinI don’t normally shout about this kind of stuff, but I’m really chuffed about this one and wanted to share the news! The German edition of Waiting for Gonzo, Warten auf Gonzo, has been nominated for this year’s Deutscher Jugendliteraturpreis in the Young Adult category. Gonzo is one of six books on the shortlist announced at the Leipzig Book Fair last week (see photo!).
The Deutscher Jugendliteraturpreis/German Children’s Literature Award is the most prestigious award for children’s and young adult literature in Germany, so it’s a real honour to be included. The results will be announced on October 13, 2017 during the Frankfurt Book Fair, with the Federal Minister Manuela Schwesig presenting awards to the winners in each of the five categories.
Waiting for Gonzo was the second book I had published in the UK. I was warned that second books are notoriously difficult to write, and Gonzo duly proved the rule! It is also the book of which I’m most proud, partly because of the blood, sweat and tears shed in order to get it right! I’m always extra pleased when readers tell me they enjoyed it, and despite the many drafts, long hours, and sleepless nights, in the end I had a lot of fun with Gonzo.
In 2013 I was lucky enough to fulfil one of my dreams when I was invited to the BBC studios in Bath to narrate the audiobook. Somehow, I then ended up going into a different ‘studio’ with one of my old bandmates to record a full soundtrack album to accompany the book—ten tracks of original songs by four of Oz’s favourite bands. Which, of course, needed music videos to go with them. Lots more work, but again, good fun.
There are lots of different language editions of Waiting for Gonzo out now, and I’d like to thank my publishers across the world for introducing Oz and the gang to so many new readers. But of all the editions, I have to say that my German publisher, Verlag Freies Geistesleben produced an exceptionally beautiful one.
The cover, featuring Meg in her Dr. Marten boots, captures the mood of the book perfectly. The typography and page layout is wonderfully subtle and gives the whole edition a lovely feel. There’s even a QR code on the jacket linking to the aforementioned soundtrack. Superb stuff. Sadly, my sub O-level German isn’t anywhere near good enough for me to read this edition (though I am trying to learn in preparation for my trip to Frankfurt!). But I’d like to take the opportunity to thank Anne Brauner for translating this and the German edition of 15 Days without a Head. Judging by the nomination, I’d say she did a pretty good job!--------------------------------------------------------------------
P.S. Should you wish to, you can find out more about the Waiting for Gonzo soundtrack here.
March 16, 2017
Gosforth Community Book Festival 2017
Hi folks!
I hope all's well, and that those of you taking part in the recent World Book Day celebrations had a good one. I'm almost at the end of my current WBD 'tour', so a big shout out to everyone I met over the past couple of weeks—you guys ROCK!
This is just a quick post to tell you about a public event I'm taking part in this weekend. If you live anywhere hear Newcastle, and feel like some book-based fun on Saturday, why not come along to the GOSFORTH COMMUNITY BOOK FESTIVAL!
There will be some great authors appearing, including Andy Briggs, Chris Callaghan, Tom Palmer, Hannah Russell, Holly Sterling, and me!
As well as the author events, there will be activities throughout the day—arts and crafts, creative writing, plus the chance to purchase books from the Seven Stories Book Shop and get them signed by the authors. I did hear rumours of tea and cake too . . .
The festival is at Newcastle School for Boys, The Grove, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 1NH on Saturday 18th March, and runs from 10am to 3pm, with talks staggered throughout the day. Entry is FREE!
It would be great to see you there.
Cheers for now,
Dave
September 22, 2016
Authors for Refugees Auction
Hi folks!Just a quick one to let you know about the Authors for Refugees Auction currently running at https://authorsforrefugees.wordpress.com/
It's live now, and will stay open for bids until 8PM MONDAY (26 Sept).
There are some amazing items up for grabs, from signed books to manuscript reviews and author school visits. And most importantly, it's all to raise money for a very important cause.
Thanks for your support.
Cheers for now,
Dave
July 19, 2016
Charlie Merrick's Misfits and more at Brentwood Children's Literary Festival
Hey folks! If anyone lives near Brentwood and is looking for summer holiday activities for the youngsters, check out what's on at the Brentwood Children's Literary Festival (22-30 July). Full details here.
If you're really stuck for something to do, I'll be at Brentwood Theatre on Thursday 28th, to talk about writing, drawing and how to survive should you meet a bear! The event starts at 3pm and tickets are only £3 per person. Click here for more info and tickets.
It would be great to see you there!
CheersDave
February 29, 2016
On The Road for World Book Day 2016
I'm heading out on the road again for a bunch of events around World Book Day. Wish I still had this van—and the hair!
For more World Book Day 2016 info check out the official site.
Plus the special World Book Day Teen Fest events on the 2nd and 3rd of March.
Have a good one y'all. Maybe see you on my travels.
December 20, 2015
Season's Greetings!
Thanks for all your support this year folks!Enjoy the holiday, and all the best for a happy, healthy 2016.
November 26, 2015
Charlie Merrick's Misfits at The Book Nut Bookshop, Billericay
I've been invited along to the Book Nut Bookshop in Billericay on Saturday (28th November 2015).
At 1pm I'll be under the Story Tree to talk a bit about Charlie Merrick's Misfits , before reading a couple of extracts, answering questions and signing books. The event is FREE and open to the public. Do come along and say hello if you're in the area.
The Book Nut can be found in Studio 54, Barleylands Craft Village, Billericay, Essex CM11 2UD.
For further information visit the Book Nut website .
November 20, 2015
#fridayreads: Phil Earle and Hounslow 2016 Teen Reads Book Award Shortlist
A veritable shelf load of book recommendations this week!
On Tuesday I was invited to speak at the Hounslow 2016 Teen Reads Book Award launch event at the Paul Robeson Theatre . I had a great morning chatting with staff and students from six local secondary schools before the shortlist was announced.
Hounslow 2016 Teen Reads Book Award Shortlist
Between now and March, students will read and discuss the six shortlisted books before casting their votes to decide the winner. All the books are standalone titles, written by UK authors, a couple of which I've already read and enjoyed. There's lots of variety on the list and a couple in particular with a really interesting premise. I'm hoping to head down to my local library this weekend to see if I can get copies.
This weeks #fridayreads — Phil Earle!
I've been travelling a fair bit during the past two weeks, doing events up and down the country—lots of fun and also a good opportunity to catch up on some reading. Saving Daisy by Phil Earle kept me company for most of last week and, to be honest, the miles flew by. I'm a huge fan of Phil's stuff, he manages to tackle difficult subjects with honesty and great warmth. Check out any of the titles in the picture—you won't regret it.
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Happy reading!
Cheers, Dave.
On Tuesday I was invited to speak at the Hounslow 2016 Teen Reads Book Award launch event at the Paul Robeson Theatre . I had a great morning chatting with staff and students from six local secondary schools before the shortlist was announced.
Hounslow 2016 Teen Reads Book Award ShortlistBetween now and March, students will read and discuss the six shortlisted books before casting their votes to decide the winner. All the books are standalone titles, written by UK authors, a couple of which I've already read and enjoyed. There's lots of variety on the list and a couple in particular with a really interesting premise. I'm hoping to head down to my local library this weekend to see if I can get copies.
This weeks #fridayreads — Phil Earle!I've been travelling a fair bit during the past two weeks, doing events up and down the country—lots of fun and also a good opportunity to catch up on some reading. Saving Daisy by Phil Earle kept me company for most of last week and, to be honest, the miles flew by. I'm a huge fan of Phil's stuff, he manages to tackle difficult subjects with honesty and great warmth. Check out any of the titles in the picture—you won't regret it.
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Happy reading!
Cheers, Dave.
