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message 51:
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Sue
(last edited Aug 09, 2015 09:19AM)
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Aug 09, 2015 06:45AM
Only just seen it so dont think I'll be able to go. If I can sort accommodation will let you know. What are you going to?
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Mod
Hilary Mantel at 4.30. We're just going down for the day from Barnstaple.
Hi, I'm going to Budleigh! I've got tickets for Poldark, Hilary Mantel on Saturday and Sarah Waters and Patrick Gale on Sunday. Am going by myself so happy to meet up with anyone going to the same talks. It's an incredible line up!
Mod
Hi Kelly - we will be at Hilary Mantel's talk on the Saturday - not sure what else yet. I'll look out for you.
Mod
You can find the programme here - still tickets left for most speakers
http://www.budlitfest.org.uk/
Hi everybody,Just to pass on message I have received from the Budleigh Lit Festival:
"Tickets are now on sale - you can pick up a full brochure at your local library, or see more details online - www.budlitfest.org.uk
We have a really exciting programme this year. I think it’s a real readers’ festival, so we’d love to see as many members of reading groups as possible.
The Festival Marquee is the place to meet up with friends or have a drink or something to eat between events - with the added joy of a stroll by the sea, of course.
See you in Budleigh!”
Mod
Just to pass on message I have received from the Budleigh Lit Festival:
"Tickets are now on sale - you can pick up a full brochure at your local library, or see more details online ..."
Thanks Colin. I'll be there and I know a few others are going too
Mod
Jane Bidder http://www.accentpress.co.uk/Contribu...
Lyn Ferrand – http://lynferrand.com/
Graham Hurley - http://www.grahamhurley.co.uk/
Belinda Seaward – https://belindaseaward.wordpress.com/
R.L.Weekes http://rlweeks.blogspot.co.uk/.
Also, I'm delighted to say that Julie Dent, the new Chair of the developing Library Mutual will also be joining us to update us on how those plans are developing.
Should be a great afternoon - one change to previously advertised programme, though we will be, 1.30 - 3.30; not 2-4. I'll re-send the invitation
Mod
Jane has a wide-ranging career. She has written for a number of national newspapers and magazines as Jane Bidder and has published numerous novels and short stories under the pen names of Sophie King and Janey Fraser. In this article. Jane describes the pros and cons of that approach to writing, and you can find details of her work, through this link https://morgenbailey.wordpress.com/ta....
A fascinating dimension to Jane's career is the three years she spent as writer in residence at Grendon HIgh Security Prison. The insights gained there, working through the medium of writing with the prisoners, has informed recent crime novels.
Until her recent move to Devon, she was a tutor in creative writing at Oxford University. Jane now lives near Exeter. In 2004 Jane was Runner up for the Harry Bowling Award, in 2005 Winner of the Elizabeth Goudge Award and in 2010 The Wedding Party was shortlisted for Love Story of The Year by the Romantic Novelists Association.
We are fortunate indeed that Jane has agreed to join us in Sidmouth.
Mod
Writer and Director, Lyn founded Turning Point Theatre Company in 1989. She wrote, directed and toured theatre, working in association with a variety of voluntary and statutory agencies over a period of 14 years.
She studied with director and humanist Augusto Boal, creator of forum theatre. She wrote forum theatre plays and worked as a forum theatre practitioner for a number of clients in the field of health and social care.
In 2000, Lyn launched Buzzword Interactive Films with Greg Browning and was the Creative Director until 2008. Buzzword won several awards for its training films.
Lyn now works as a free-lance writer and has published three novels. Her latest book THE MAN WHO THOUGHT HE WAS HAPPY is available from http://www.feedaread.com.
Talking to Lyn over the phone, I couldn't help but be impressed by her energy and enthusiasm. She was delighted to be asked to join us and is looking forward to meeting everyone.
Mod
Graham has published 26 novels, a biography and, Airshow, a fly-on-the wall, novel - length piece of reportage. His most recent book "Sins of the Father" is the latest in the crime series featuring D/S Jimmy Suttle. Graham's wider work includes thrillers, social commentary and non fiction.
Prior to writing full time, Graham had a long career in television, working for Southern Television/ITV as a script writer, researcher and director.
Graham moved to Devon from Portsmouth, followed closely by Jimmy Suttle in the novel "Western Approaches", which itself features in a TV series, set in the west country, commisioned by Orion.
A highly versatile writer, it will be a pleasure to meet Graham on 12th September.
I saw the review for Western Approaches in an Exmouth paper whilst on holiday. Loved it! I also bought Airshow: A Year in the Life of the World's Largest Military Airshow for my son (who works with planes) for Christmas one year. So really looking forward to hearing what he has to say. Must try and read next Jimmy Suttle book before Saturday! Pity he isn't O'Hurley for the challenge! (Only joking have found the third 'o' Ian!)
Mod
Belinda grew up in Devon, and her career has spanned journalism (for both local and national newspapers) and teaching. Her academic training is in philosophy which she still teaches. She also runs seminars and other activities through her social enterprise, "Thinking Through Philosophy".
Belinda has developed her ideas through her novels. A review of her most recent novel, The Beautiful Truth (set in present day and wartime Krakow) describes it as concerned with big themes – "our engagement with history, the presence of the past, the dual urges to both remember and to forget – yet wraps them up in a beautifully-written and accessible story that never puts theme before character".
I am delighted that Belinda has agreed to join us on 12th and look forward to talking with her about her work.
Mod
Hahaha - excellent. Am pleased that he is someone you are keen to meet
Ian
Mod
http://rlweeks.blogspot.co.uk/
Rebecca is a newly published novelist, who has just launched her second book "Into The Myth". It is a young adult urban fantasy and will be the first in a series of four. Lily is about to start college when strange things begin to happen and she is thrown into a world of danger where she could lose a lot more than her life.
Rebecca is Devon born and bred in Devon. Her first book, Elizabeth's Betrayal is a gothic fantasy for New Adults. In 1666, Elizabeth is cursed with vampirism (of a kind). The centurues pass and, in modern times, Elizabeth grapples with her identity, with other fantastical creatures (Warlocks and Limnades among others), with love and her destiny. The first in a trilogy, there is much more to come....
Rebecca completes our line-up and it will be a pleasure to hear her talk about her work.
I'm sure you already have this in your diaries, but I'll mention it anyway. Fishstock takes place tomorrow.It's Brixham's one-day food and music festival. It all takes place within the recently-extended fish market with two music stages, two kitchens for fish cookery demonstrations by top chefs, a literary component featuring local authors - and far more than I can mention.
Read about it here: http://www.fishstockbrixham.co.uk/ind...
And don't forget that traditional celebration of everything that's good about Devon - Widecombe Fair - takes place on Tuesday. http://www.widecombefair.com/
It's Kingsbridge Show tomorrow too, at Borough Farm off the A381 (about a mile out of the town). All sorts going on there and I believe the weather forecast isn't bad, so fingers crossed! http://www.kingsbridgeshow.co.uk/
Mod
"A sense of place is essential to me as a writer. I write to explore and find meaning in the places I've visited. My work is inspired by real places and real people. My first book The Avalanche was set on the Devon coast where I spent hours as a child, my second Hotel Juliet was inspired by a visit to Zambia's remote Copperbelt where I flew my first aeroplane, my third The Beautiful Truth explored war-time Poland, home to my father. My latest book finds me with my horses in the lanes and fields of Devon, but also partly explores Everest. I'm delighted to be part of the event in Sidmouth and look forward to talking books over a piece of cake."
Mod
"Over the years, I've found that I have more than one writing voice. My books range from romance with a twist to family psychological dramas. During my workshops, I try to help students find their own writing voices. My next workshop is at Kennaway House, Sidmouth, on Thursday September 17. Please email me for details. Sophie@sophieking.info. I'm very much looking forward to meeting everyone on Saturday"
Mod
"Want to know the truth about global warming and a particularly nasty disembowelling in downtown Lympstone? Winstones. Sidmouth. 12th September. 13.30".
Mod
"As the director and founder of Devon-based Turning Point Theatre and Buzzword Films for fourteen years, I focused on researching, writing and directing commissioned plays and films on health and social issues. I took up writing novels three years ago and have published three books. I'm on a huge learning curve and that's why I'm so excited about the event at Winstone's book shop on 12th September. It will be my first public appearance as a novelist. I'm really looking forward to meeting everyone"
Mod
It is impossible to summarise the fascinating insights that the 5 authors gave us into the work but a few headlines from me (others who were there, please feel free to add your reflecions):
Jane Bidder aka Sophie King aka Janey Fraser talked about writing in different genres (the reason for her different pen names) and of the transition from journalist on national newspapers to author of books. Her fascinating journey included a number of years (working) in prison. She spoke about the process of writing and urged anyone who felt that they wanted to write to give it a go.
Rebecca Weeks explained why she loves to write for young adults and new adults, saying that she felt the themes were rich and powerful. She loves to use myth in her work but with an edge - picking up on the issues that are of concern to young people and weaving them into her stories.
Belinda Seaward bases her work on ideas, on exploring realities, (she never did get on with Lord of the Rings it seems). She talked about her latest book, The Beautiful truth, which is set in Krakow and of how she loved the city and drew on its rich history and culture as she wrote the novel.
Graham Hurley talked about making the transition, as a crime writer, from the grittiness of Portsmouth to rural Devon. That was a change that challenged his publishers, fearful that Graham's successful formula would not translate to a county like ours. Graham entertained us with accounts of the hotbed of crime that is rural Devon, where his books are now set and, happily, which his readers continue to enjoy.
And, last but not least, Lyn Ferrand eloquently described how she used her life in theatre and as a playwright with an interest in health and social issues as a platform for her novels. She enjoys writing about the social condition, about the dilemmas and challenges that face us at diffent times in our lives. She too stressed that anyone who wanted to write should plunge in.
So, a diverse and fascinating range of insights. Everyone was captivated by our guest authors and the conversation afterwards reflected that - noisy, animated and hugely enjoyable.
Cake and tea followed before I invited Julie Dent to update us on progress towards the new mutual.
Julie spoke with conviction about the role of libraries, a very personal passion for her. She talked about the important role that they play in the modern world but pointed out that many poeple, though supporting their continuation as a public service, did not visit them very often. She urged us all to do so, to use them and help to cement their central role in our culture. She reminded us that they are not just lending libraries but hubs for information, a rich source of archive material for research and a key part of our social life. Also the Chair of the Devon Partnership (Mental Health) NHS Trust and with a breadth of experience to draw upon, Julie's commitment to the future of the service was evident and an inspiration to us all.
Ive posted a few photos - sadly you have to scroll to the end of all the pictures to see them. Goodreads not brilliant in this regard.
So, what a great afternoon. In my opening remarks I said that I thought that the Book Club was helping to join the literary dots in Devon and I think that was clearly demonstrated. Authors, books and cake are clearly a winning combination. Next such event at Crediton Commuity Bookshop on 14/11. Pencil it in - details to follow (NB - This one may be late morning)
Mod
I have never read Margaret Drabble but, after listening to her, I will now. She has been writing books since the 1960s but is still working. Her latest book, "The Pure Gold Baby" is concerned with the relationship over the years between a mother and a child with a disability. Margaret spoke with compassion, insight and honesty about various aspects of the human condition. I didn't quite agree with all that she said but I thought she was a hugely intelligent, articulate and fascinating woman and certainly worth reading - even if I do come to her late.
Also met a few of you yesterday, and some former colleagues who I hadn't bumped into for a while so very much enjoyed the day. Sorry not to find you Jennie Milverton - came looking but we missed you. Another time!
Mod
Mod
Virginia's new novel ‘Early One Morning’
came out in the UK this summer to critical and public acclaim. Set in Rome in the 1940s and 1970s, it is “fearless, witty and full of flair” (The Guardian) and “as gripping as any thriller” (Daily Mail). It was Waterstones, Goldsboro Books and Hatchards' ‘Book of the Month’ in August, hit the Sunday Times bestseller list that month and is currently being dramatized on BBC Radio 4. It was published in the US in late September, Holland in October and is being translated into 10 other languages. Her first novel ‘Africa Junction,’
set in Devon and West Africa, won the McKitterick prize in 2012. She used the prize money to live in Rome for three months to research ‘Early One Morning.’ (It's a tough life for authors but I suppose someone had to do it!)Virginia’s short stories and poetry have been widely anthologized. She is the co-founder and editor of Riptide short story journal, based in Exeter. She is also the editor of the Africa Research Bulletin. She holds a degree in French and Italian, an MA and PhD in English, has two sons and lives, mostly, in Exeter. So, a broad range of interests and insights to underpin her writing.
She is represented by Nicola Barr at Greene & Heaton agency.
Mod
, was published that year and Elizabeth was runner up (but top placed novelist) in the Writing Magazine's Self Published Book of the Year Awards.Her second novel, Counterfeit, will be launched at the end of July 2016. It is set primarily in Africa and is based on dodgy goings-on in the world of pharmaceuticals.
Under the Chudleigh Phoenix Publications imprint, she has published one solo collection of short stories and co-authored another two. She also writes and lecture on business skills for writers running their own small business.
Elizabeth is editor of the Chudleigh Phoenix Community Magazine, a monthly online newsletter and runs the Chudleigh Phoenix Annual Short Story Competition. She is a member of the Chudleigh Writers' Circle and one of the organisers of the annual Chudleigh Literary Festival. She is also a member of ExeterWriters.
When I spoke to her about joining us at this event, Elizabeth's enthusiasm to be a part of our reading community, was infectious and I know we will all enjoy hearign about her work and talking with her when we meet on 14 November.
You can find out more about Elizabeth and her work at http://elizabethducie.blogspot.co.uk/
Dartmouth Food Festival begins today and continues until the 25th. Full list of events here: http://www.dartmouthfoodfestival.com/...
Mod
Michael has written one of the longest running crime series. Set against the turmoil of the 14C, a century that began with the arrest and torture of the Knights Templar. Michael's books are based on Dartmoor (where he lives) and show how ordinary people lived. How the peasants in the wastelands survived, trying to eke out a living far from the nearest town. How farmers lived, while still being legally owned by the lord of their manor. How the manorial lord existed far from the supposed benefits of civilisation.
HIs first book, The Last Templar, was published in 1994. In 2007 Michael's twenty-first novel, The Death Ship of Dartmouth was short-listed for the Theakston's Old Peculier prize for the best crime novel of the year - a rare accolade for a medieval novel.
Michael's newest books are a departure for, having embarked on a trilogy of Hundred Years War books, based around the experiences of a vintaine of archers. Think of Band of Brothers, or All Quiet on the Western Front and you'll have the idea. This is a story of comradeship, trust and deceit. Friendships won, enemies won, and faith and heroism tested. The series started with Fields of Glory (now out in paperback in a smart new edition) and book two, Blood on the Sand, is out now.
Add to this a wide range of other interests - ranging from archery, and shooting to Morris Dancing - although the free beer attached the latter seems to be a part of its attraction!
It will be a pleasure to meet Michael and to hear more about his work, the history of Devon... oh, and the Tinners' Morris...
http://www.michaeljecks.co.uk/mjecks....
Mod
Kathy says of her books that they are "character-driven mysteries, stories of intrigue and suspicion, tales of bitter family secrets, deceitful friends, thwarted ambitions and unspoken desires - because sometimes people tell lies; sometimes they just hide the truth; and sometimes the nicest people are actually the most dangerous. And because most of us only hear what we want to hear, which is the most dangerous thing of all"
I am always impressed by the range of experience and interests of our guest authors. Kathy has been a physiotherapist, a freelance artist (painting landscapes, seascapes and interiors, working mainly in watercolours and oils, exhibiting, supplying galleries and teaching). She also plays acoustic guitar, mandola and fiddle, reads avidly and says she has a weakness for old musical films and donkeys. (I dont think she meant she likes musical donkeys - but then who wouldn't!)
Kathy's first novel,
(set in South Devon) was published early in 2014 and the second,
(set in Provence) is also now available.Kathy is a founder member of Devon Book Club and has been a huge support during our first year. I am very much looking forward to talking with her and learning more about her work.
You can find more about Kathy through her website http://www.kathyshuker.co.uk/index.html or on Facebook
I've just added a photo of the display in the Crediton Library advertising our event (see the group photos). It's a good job we are going to the library as well as the bookshop- the library needs all the support it can get at present. The council keep threatening to relocate the local Children's Centre into the library's little building which would mean halving the space available to the library :-( I am sure this kind of event can only help give the library support and show how vital their space is!
Mod
Thanks Ellen. It's very tricky to balance all the competing demands for councils at a time of such major budget cuts. We are fortunate that DCC has shown a high commitment to our library service - many others haven't and have closed lots down. I didn't know of the suggestion to combine children's centre with the library. Sounds challenging in terms of space but may be a creative solution to keeping two very important services in the town?
Ellen wrote: "I've just added a photo of the display in the Crediton Library advertising our event (see the group photos). It's a good job we are going to the library as well as the bookshop- the library needs a..."Great display, Ellen.
Mod
Virginia Baily says that it is:"a tender love story between woman and child, set during and long after the Nazi occupation of Rome. It explores themes of identity, belonging and loss."
I asked her what the book meant to her and she told me:
" For me personally, the book is my love song to Rome. It gives life and form to the Italian part of me. It offered an infallible excuse to drink prosecco and call it research".
I can't wait to hear Virginia tell us more
I can highly recommend Early One Morning It is a compelling and beautifully told story - I loved it!
Mod
I'm part way through it Liz and also enjoying it
Mod
Telling me about her work Kathy says:
'My novels are multi-layered, contemporary mysteries.
is a suspenseful tale of loss, intrigue and long-held secrets. It’s set by the coast in Devon against the backdrop of a nature reserve and the rhythm of the tides.
is set in the fine art world in deepest Provence, where sinister shadows from the past haunt the present: an intricate mystery with themes of guilt, jealousy and regret. In both books, I think of the setting as almost a character in the story and integral to the plot.In response to my question about how she felt about the process of writing, Kathy said:
'I still find it astonishing: yes, there’s research and lots of work and there are endless drafts - I regularly despair that I’ll ever get there - but once the novel is finished and in my hands, it’s as if someone else wrote it. Where did it all come from, I wonder? What magic is this? And all the angst is forgotten.
Thank you for the invitation to Crediton. Looking forward to meeting and talking books with everyone.'
We're very much looking forward to meeting you too Kathy
Mod
"I was a successful international manufacturing consultant, then I decided to start telling lies for a living instead."
Elizabeth is a local author who helped modernise a key Russian industry in the chaotic days following the end of the Cold War and who recalls her experiences in her debut novel,
."I also asked her what it meant to her to see her books in print. She told me:
"It gives me a real thrill to hear that someone has enjoyed one of my books; and I still go and visit each time I pass a library or bookshop where a copy is stocked".
I am sure you'll agree that Elizabeth wil make a very entertaining contribution to our line up on Saturday and I look forward to meeting her
Mod
On being a writer, Michael told me that:
"I had thirteen jobs in thirteen years when I was a computer salesman. When people asked me whether I liked my job, I could honestly have said “Sometimes”. I used to dream of different lives and longed to get home to a new book. Now I’m a novelist, I have to reply that it’s harder work, but at least I’m paid to daydream".
On what drives his writing and how he writes Michael says:
"My books are inspired by the country and my love of history, but most of all by my fascination with stories and making them work for people. Now I’m embarking on my 40th novel, I’m relearning the use of fountain pens and giving up on computers. The old ways are, I think, better!"
It will be a privilege to meet with Michael and discuss his work with him.
Mod
Damian recently had his second collection, The Best of All Possible Worlds published. This is a collection of 101 poems about power and its consequences, one for each year from the Great War to the present day, together making a history of the past century. All is for the best in the best of all possible worlds.
Taken from that collection (with Damian's permission) is this thought-provoking and very moving Remembrance Day poem, 1920...
The Unreturned
In the first year of remembering
they were remembered
as the living are remembered
then we raised a cenotaph
out of wood and plaster,
in its hollow – the empty tomb
of an unknown soldier.
When the returning parade
they suggest a greater
march past of the unreturned:
three days to clear Whitehall,
the ghost horses take another day;
it is a week on the Champs-Élysées;
in Germany, they crawl –
a fortnight has passed
and still they worm their way
in this, the second November
after the one before.
You can find further details of Damian's book here http://www.shearsman.com/ws-shop/cate...
Damian is also very closely associated with the Exeter Poetry Festival, with whom I hope we can build stronger relatonships during 2016
Mod
The event will start at 11.30 at Crediton Library (many thanks to them for their hospitality.
The format will be broadly as follows
11.30 – Welcome to the library and and update on progress of the service towards its new community mutual status
11.35 – Introduction to the Devon Book Club and today’s event
11.40 – Introduction to the Community Bookshop
11.45 – Author talks: Kathy Shuker, Michael Jecks, Elizabeth Ducie and Virginia Baily
We’ll all then mix a little until around 12.30 when we will follow Pied Piper Andrew Davey to the Bookshop (a gentle but healthy 10 min stroll) for tea, cake, book give - aways, book buying and signings (with Xmas coming a great time to support your local independent book shop). Please join us for the whole event - the informal chat is so enjoyable.
The Crediton Library address is Belle Parade, Crediton EX17 2AA
The Bookshop is 100 High St, Crediton EX17 3LF
Any questions - please ask. I'm looking forward to seeing you all there
Best Wishes
Ian
Just to add, re. Parking in Crediton: there is a big car park just off St Saviours way, behind the high street with cheap pay n display (£1 for 5 hrs), which is a 5 min walk from the bookshop but the free on-road parking near the library is limited to 40mins and there isn't much of it. There's a small car park just off the corner of the square near the library but it gets v full and is quite expensive. To get to the big car park follow the signs from the high street! It's only a 10min walk to the library if you use the little lane that cuts down to the high street from the far end of the carpark.Looking toward to meeting you all tomorrow!!
Books, cake and authors. DEVON Book Club, the new forum for book chat of all kinds will be coming to Crediton on Saturday, November 14. http://www.creditoncouriernewspaper.c...
I so enjoyed meeting everyone at Crediton library and the Crediton Community Bookshop yesterday. Great hospitality and a lovely welcome. Thank you to Ian and Ellen for all the organisation (and refreshments!) and all the others who contributed to make it such a good event. It had a great buzz and several people remarked on it. :)
Kathy wrote: "I so enjoyed meeting everyone at Crediton library and the Crediton Community Bookshop yesterday. Great hospitality and a lovely welcome. Thank you to Ian and Ellen for all the organisation (and ref..."Ditto your comments, Kathy! And lovely to meet you.
Very interesting to hear each author's mini-talk at the library and then to chat in the bookshop afterwards. Look forward to the next venue at some time in the not-to-distant future!
Wendy wrote: "Kathy wrote: "I so enjoyed meeting everyone at Crediton library and the Crediton Community Bookshop yesterday. Great hospitality and a lovely welcome. Thank you to Ian and Ellen for all the organis..."It was lovely to meet you too, Wendy. Good to finally put 'real' faces to all the virtual ones!
Mod
Was a great event Kathy. Many thanks for your contribution. Was a lot of fun.
Mod
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Devon Book Club
Books mentioned in this topic
Secret of the Song (other topics)The Best of All Possible Worlds (other topics)
Gorgito's Ice Rink (other topics)
Silent Faces, Painted Ghosts (other topics)
Deep Water Thin Ice (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Damian Furniss (other topics)Jane Bidder (other topics)
Sophie King (other topics)
Janey Fraser (other topics)
Sarah Waters (other topics)
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