Apr 2015—June 2015

From little acorns do mighty oak trees grow. I have to remind myself from time to time that you never know what lies around the corner. We are all of us sowing seeds in the writings we publish, seeds that can only germinate when someone reads our words. The trouble is that germination is not the whole process. We need those germinated seeds to grow; we need our words to make such an impression on those who read them that they are not easily forgotten, that news will spread that here is something genuinely worth reading. But, as with an oak tree, success depends on just where the seed falls. There is the famous story of ‘the man who planted trees’, who by his individual effort transformed a large section of barren hillside in southern France into a verdant landscape with trees everywhere. But it wasn’t achieved by random scattering of acorns. Every seed was carefully planted where the soil had enough moisture, and where protection from wind and sun was available. In the same way, somehow, we have to sow our precious words carefully; we need to find those who will appreciate our particular genres of writing, those who have interest in our particular fields. We need to target the right audiences – and that ain’t easy! So, from my musing comes this thought. Please will all NWUK members keep an eye open for opportunities that all of us could benefit from. These may be sales events in which we could participate; speaking opportunities; on-line forums (or fora?). We organise our own book festivals of course – but there is a limit to what can be done centrally. So keep letting Julie or myself know when opportunity knocks, and there will surely be those in NWUK who are ready to go out and sow a few more seeds. Nick Thom

3. The President’s Page Julie Malone 4. Notes from the Editor Rachel Littlewood 5. Update Tom Bryson 6. If I Had a Friend Joy Rice 7. Rob Hann News 8. Narrow Marsh—Review Michael Smedley 10. Mammies Joy Rice 11. In Focus Gareth Mockford 13. The Potter’s Hand—Review Michael Smedley 14. A Little Slice of History Gareth Mockford 19. New Members 21. Events

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Book Trailers

now on the website

www.newwritersuk.co.uk

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President’s Page

These last few months have been pretty hectic, which I suppose is a case of ‘no change there then’. Organising events takes a lot of time and concentration. If I do my job right, everything will go off well and I can relax in the knowledge that out guest speakers have enjoyed their experience and, hopefully, we have helped future aspiring writers put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard.

The 3-day Gedling Borough Book Festival takes place 12-14th June (full details are shown on our Events page) and members are welcome to contact me if they would like free tables on any or all of the days.

We are also holding our own annual Book Festival at County Hall in West Bridgford, Nottingham on Saturday, 24th October and, again, please let me know if you would like to participate.

Over the last couple of months, New Writers UK have welcomed four new members who write in a variety of genres. And, isn’t that what we’re here for? We encourage new writing in all age groups published or in the process of publishing, traditionally or self-published and it’s always a joy to hear of short story competition winners who have gone on to produce their own full length books. Two siblings who have entered our annual creative writing competition for children over the past few years are now collaborating on a book of their own and I can’t wait to see it.

It is because of the success of our competitions, talks presented and the creative writing sessions we offer in schools and elsewhere that we receive the support of experienced and successful authors and local Councils. So please keep up the good work you are doing and let us know about any events you are attending or organising in your area which we can add to our website and newsletter.

Lastly, last weekend I took some time off NWUK admin and organising and, with my family, attended EM-CON. This is a convention for anyone interested in Dr Who, Star Trek, Game of Thones, Torchwood, Red Dwarf and many other Sci-Fi/Fantasy series on television and in film. Some of the finest British actors were in attendance and I particularly wanted to meet Scottish actor, James Cosmo. James played Father Christmas in the ‘Chronicles of Narnia’ and, while writing my trilogy, it was him I visualised as one of my central characters. It is often said that you should never meet your heroes but James has a genuinely friendly and warm personality and, if ever my series is filmed (well, we can all hope can’t we?) he is my number one choice for my Father Christmas.

If you live near enough to Nottingham to visit EM-CON next year and have an interest in this particular field, I would thoroughly recommend the event.

In the meantime, please take a look at our Events page for details of forthcoming events and let us know if you would like to take part.

Best wishes to everyone Julie Malone Founder and President NWUK

For independent book reviews visit

www.ibreviews.co.uk

Notes from the Editor

Earlier in the year, our President and Founder Julie Malone, won

the Public Servant Award at the Pride of Gedling Awards. The first time

the competition has been run, and Julie was one of the first ever

winners.

As a group, we’re getting bigger and bigger and it’s wonderful to see. I

would like to hear from all of you.

We’re in the process of changing the email system. The NWUK one is

not fit for purpose and we are using our private email addresses which

can lead to confusion. In the near future, we’ll let you know which email

addresses should be used, but in the meantime you can always contact

us through Facebook.

I’m always happy to accept submissions; short stories, book reviews,

poems, bits of news relating to you or anything else you think people

might find interesting.

I look forward to hearing from you all.

Rachel

Tom Bryson

View my novels: In it for the Money Sarcophagus Too Smart to Die

NWUK member Tom Bryson is working hard on his third DCI Matt Proctor novel in the series, again set in familiar Birmingham and Black Country settings. At the same time he is writing a blog sequence describing how he writes his novels from gestation through to the published book. He identifies seven components - Core, Outline, Main Plot, Scenes, Characters, Settings, Synopsis. Each component is covered in a separate blog and to date he has covered Core and Outline. If you would like to read about his approach here's the link. (Click here for website/blog)

Tom's planned events coming up soon include talks at Sandwell (BleakhouseLibrary) on 20th March 2015 and the Library of Birmingham ('Off the Page' series) late May 2015 (details on his website/blog).

Details and reviews of his novels can be accessed via links below.

Click here for my website

Click here for my amazon author page

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New Writers UK Website www.newwritersuk.co.uk

Events www.newwritersuk.co.uk/newsevents.html

Blog newwritersuknews.blogspot.com

Facebook search: New Writers UK

www.newwritersuk.co.uk

If I had a friend…

Joy Rice

If I had a friend who wrote a book,

I'd think that would be really great!

I would go online and buy it,

to show support to my mate.

I'd be curious to see what was in it,

interested in what they'd have to say.

I'd go online to order it,

and hope that it wasn't too much to pay.

So...here it is...a book by me!

Ecstatic Pudding - poems by Joy Rice.

Out there online - Kindles, iPads and more.

Hope that you think it's nice!

Over the years I've sponsored many friends.

Always supporting so many charities.

So, now here's an opportunity...

for you to show some support for me.

Let's face it I'm never going to bungee jump,

or run a marathon or two!

I just come up with the odd poem,

because poetry's the thing that I do.

There's over one hundred poems in my ebook.

Value for money - don't you agree?

For that means each hard worked poem,

Is costed at less than 4 pee!

Rob Hann—News

One of our members, Rob Hann recently received some good news in the post. He was delighted to learn from United Press that a poem he had written about a young WW1 soldier who died 100 years ago and is buried in a West Bridgford church cemetery had made it onto the short list of a competition and was selected from over 11,400 entries nationwide. Rob’s poem will now be featured in an anthology to be published by United Press later in the year. Read Rob’s web site blog http://www.hannbooks.com/index.php/blog where the poem is set out.

Rob also received interest from the National Football Museum recently about another one of his publications - a children’s book called ‘the Legend of Sidney Sneed’. Sidney is a centipede and star of he mini beast football league. Rob is Sidney’s manager and agent and last season Sidney went on loan to Brentford football club where he played a blinder amusing children and helping to improve literacy skills in schools in the Brentford area. Rob has written two other prizewinning books namely ‘The Grumblegroar, Winner of the New Writers; Children’s Book of the Year 2012 and SAS Operation Galia, winner of the Impress Prize for non fiction. Rob’s books can be found here http://www.hannbooks.com/

Book Review by Michael John Smedley

‘NARROW MARSH’ A.R. Dance

History is not my strongest subject. Trying to remember all those dates never worked for me. 1066 and 1812 are the only memorable dates that stick in my mind: the latter one because of the music rather than for events that took place. I am not the only one who struggles with history. Didn’t Henry Ford remark, ‘History is bunk!’ It is probable that his words fell on more than a few sympathetic ears. But historical novels are a totally different matter and it is fair to say I probably learnt more about past events from reading about them in a novel than I ever learnt in the history lessons I sat through at school. Historical novels put flesh on the bones, bring the participants to life and explain the reasons why certain events took place. And it is all down to the skilful research of the historical novelist. I have learned about Boadicea, the warrior queen of the Iceni and her struggles against the Romans from the novels of Manda Scott. Facts about the Peninsula War from Bernard Cornwell’s books and the power struggles in ancient Rome from the writings of Robert Harris. Now ‘Narrow Marsh’ by A R Dance brings alive to me past events much nearer to home. If you live in or around Nottingham then you will certainly have heard of Broad Marsh. But how many people remember Narrow Marsh, or even know that such a place existed? I didn’t until I read Mr Dance’s excellent book.

Cont…

His narrative is fictitious but his settings of the early 19th century, his descriptions of the city as it then was and the dramatic events he brings vividly to life are true to type. It is a fascinating book to read and carries the reader back to a time of fear, poverty and the unbelievable hardships suffered by working people. There were times when I thought the author might have dramatised the action a little more, but then I thought, no, that wouldn’t work. It is because he does not over-sensationalise events that they come across as genuine and believable. That is not to say the story lacks excitement, it has it in abundance and in the final chapters the author cleverly builds the tension to a climatic finish. You must not miss it. But wait! There is also a sequel which promises to be every bit as exciting … and I for one can’t wait to get hold of a copy of ‘Leen Times’.

Michael J Smedley

Mammies I’ve got to get my mammies grammed. I’m really not too keen, to have my mammies, squashed inside a great big photo’ machine! I’ve got to get my mammies grammed. I’m really not quite sure. So, I’m practicing at home, by trapping them inside the refrigerator door! I’ve got to get my mammies grammed. That big machine really is the pits. To get a decent photograph, it just has to squish and squash my tits! I’ve got to get my mammies grammed. The screening unit isn’t too far. Time to shower and pamper myself, and get dressed -up in my bestest bra! The technicians are highly qualified. I’ve heard they’ve all been to “Uni“. But if I’m to get my bosoms out, I’d prefer it to be for George Clooney! Joy Rice

In Focus—Gareth Mockford

What made you decide to join New Writers UK? I'd been self-publishing for about six months and I did the usual thing of joining lots of groups on Facebook aimed at, primarily, promoting your books. While I "friended" a few people, I didn't really feel like I was learning anything or getting any benefit out of being in these groups, and my wallet certainly didn't. Fellow member, Marilyn Rice, suggested I joined you when we became friends on Facebook. She couldn't recommend you highly enough. I wanted the opportunity to meet other writers to share experiences, and, what with me living in Stapleford at the time, it was a logical and simple choice. I've been a member for almost a year now and I've enjoyed the benefits, especially the support and the festivals. How many books have you written? At the moment I have one self-published book called Where Wolves Fear to Prey. My second novel, Never Forgotten, is "resting" before I go back to edit it one last time. I hope to have this ready for The Gedling Book Festival, but I've learned not to rush these things. I'm currently writing my third novel. I have also written a book for children, but it will probably never see the light of day. What do you like to do when you're not working or writing? I used to read a lot, but since picking up the pen, it has suffered. I still try to read one book a month. I'm currently reading Void Moon by Michael Connelly. I've recently taken up walking as a form of exercise as I really need to lose some weight. I've just bought a new house, so in spring I hope to create a border in my garden. What has been your most embarrassing moment? My most embarrassing moment would be at last year's Nottingham Festival of Words. I was lucky enough to get a place on a writing course with Stephen Booth, who very kindly supports NWUK events. I arrived late and so he guessed who I was from the delegates list. "I've just been looking at your website, Gareth," he said. I was immediately filled with pride. "Your video (book trailer), did you pay for it?" he asked. "No," I answered, thinking he was impressed. "I made it. Did you find a spelling mistake?" I joked. "Two, actually," he replied. I could have died. I know he didn't mean to embarrass me in front of everyone. I've since done a five week course with him. He's a lovely man, and a good teacher. Who has been the greatest inspiration to you? I was recently reminded that my maternal grandmother used to write poetry. She would do it to keep her mind active as she found it hard to move. Nanny Goble was a wonderful woman who was kind and loving and had lead an interesting life. She had worked for a Maharajah, and was buried in the Blitz while she was in hospital in the late stages of pregnancy. My paternal grandmother was also a very special woman who was awarded an MBE for services to the community. Her maiden name was Mockford, and that’s when I get my pen name from.

Cont…

If you had access to the T.A.R.D.I.S, where and when would you go? All my crime novels are set in a fictional part of Nottingham called Manor Park. It's called that because back in the seventeenth century there was a manor there. I would like to write an historical novel about the last days of that estate and the people who lived there. Despite a degree in history, and a love of historical fiction, I'm not sure I could pull it off. Fans of the genre can be very picky. If I had access to the blue box, I'd visit Nottingham at that time and immerse myself in the lives and trials of the rich and poor of that time.

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up? I'm not sure I ever really thought that far ahead. I know what I didn't want to be – a shepherd. My father was and as a result I was always cast as one in the school nativity. It used to dry me nuts. What's next for you? As I've said, Never Forgotten will hopefully be out in June. On Kindle, certainly, and I'm on my third Manor Park Mystery. After than I may do something with my children's book, but I think I'll definitely try something new, maybe a fantasy novel. The main issue I am considering is: do you use a different name for different ages and genres of books or sell under one name? If your book(s) were to be made into film, who would you like to see in the cast? This is hard because while I do watch some TV (mostly crime, and comedy on Dave), I don't really know any actors. You'd have to ask my fans. What three songs make up the soundtrack to your life? As a child - System Addict by Five Star As a student - Common People by Pulp Now - Just Be by Paloma Faith.

Book Review by author Michael John Smedley

‘The Potter’s Hand’ A.N. Wilson

A few years ago I offered one of my books to a friend to read. He’s an honest man and I sensed his reluctance to accept it. Later he sent me an explanatory email, ‘What if I don’t like it,’ he wrote, ‘what am I going to say? I’ll have to tell him the truth.’ Fortunately for me he enjoyed it and subsequently has read every novel that I have written. I had much the same feeling when the retired librarian who runs the Reader’s Group to which I belong handed me a weighty tome of a book by the author, A.N.Wilson. ‘The Potter’s Hand’ is an historical book based on the life of Josiah Wedgwood. It is written as a novel part fiction and part fact. You may well ask; how does that work? There is only one way to describe the result – It’s brilliant. Be warned if you intend to read it. The novel has a gruesome start. Set in the eighteenth century when surgeons operated on their patients without the benefit of modern anaesthetics the story begins with Josiah’s two years old daughter, Sukey witnessing her father’s leg being sawn off. She wasn’t supposed to be there but the door to the operating room creaked ajar at the precise moment the saw bit into his flesh and the little girl saw what happened. After such a beginning I felt compelled to read on and I’m delighted that I did. The sweep of this novel is amazing. It is set at a time, towards the end of the eighteenth century and the beginning of the nineteenth, when the Industrial Revolution was getting into its stride. Josiah Wedgwood’s obsession was pottery and I was amazed to learn that the white clay, used by Wedgwood (Kaolin) came from America because his main competitor had persuaded the government of the day to give him a monopoly of Cornwall’s China Clay. Josiah bought his clay from the Cherokee Indians who held ‘Wooden Leg’ in high esteem. Having used the original five tons of kaolin Josiah persuaded his nephew, Tom Byerley to visit the Cherokee to buy more. However it was the time of the Boston Tea Party and a time when the settlers in America, burdened by the taxes imposed upon them by the British, began their fight for independence. Tom Byerley, Josiah’s nephew inadvertently becomes involved in the struggle when the innocent Cherokee Indians are attacked and massacred by desperate settlers. Tom escapes to England, gives up his dream of being an actor and settles back into the family business. Wedgwood’s world-wide fame is assured when he is commissioned by Catherine the Great to produce a one thousand piece set which features typical English scenes. The effort and imagination Josiah puts into completing such an incredible order seals his fame and his name becomes worldwide. Yet he remains a down to earth man with a passion for perfection. He is also a practical man and becomes involved in the construction of a canal system which allows his goods to be safely transported from the Staffordshire potteries to London. As I read I was continually surprised by the information packed into the pages of the novel; finding out in the process that Josiah Wedgewood’s daughter, Sukey was the mother of Charles Darwin, a fact one is unlikely to learn from history books. Now I come to think about it my knowledge of history has probably been greatly enhanced through historical novels, far more than I ever learnt from the dry as dust history lessons I was given in school. Why? Because a good historical author puts flesh on the bones of characters and brings them to life. There is so much more about this book that I could reveal but I have no wish to lessen the pleasure of those who decide to read it. Perhaps the story tails off a little towards the end, but isn’t that what happens to the life of everyone? So it reflects reality. It’s the most enjoyable book I have read in years and I would strongly recommend it.

A Little Slice of History

By G Mockford

Edward Atkins' perfectly groomed moustache was a matter of pride. So was the fact he was one of the youngest men in the British Army to hold the rank of Sergeant. In a matter of hours he'd take part in his final parade and then, like his non-commissioned rank, the moustache would go. He placed the grooming scissors back in the bathroom cabinet and his eyes fell on the forgotten cutthroat razor hidden behind the toiletries. It had sat there for almost a year. Out of sight and waiting. Arthur Atkins, his grandfather, had bought it while serving in Hong Kong. He’d used it every day and swore he never cut himself with it. When Lance Corporal Atkins survived the D-Day landings, so did the blade. Arthur passed it on to his son, Frank, who also joined the army. When he fought in Korea he took the lucky talisman with him, and despite being a POW and returning home a ghost of the man who went, he did come back. Then his son joined up. Edward Atkins. Aged just sixteen. Edward looked at his reflection in the mirror. The last ten years were etched in his face. '73 sign up. '77 Berlin. '79 Ballykinler. Then last year the Argies invaded some tiny, forgotten islands in the South Atlantic. The battle for Goose Green had cost Two Para fifty men, and their commanding officer. Over a

thousand Argentinians were captured, and the peninsula and airfield were declared safe. That night

Edward waited until his men were fed and given duties, and then saw to his own needs.

He retreated to the latrines. It had been a devastating twenty-four hours and he couldn't bear the blood, dirt, and gunpowder that stained his body any longer. He stood under the shower and thanked his lucky razor, which he clutched in his hand, that he had survived the day long firefight. Edward was halfway through shaving when he heard someone drop their rifle outside his stall. He turned and opened the door, unashamed of his nakedness, his lungs filling with air ready to unleash a tirade of abuse at the unfortunate paratrooper. Edward's eyes widened. It was an Argentinian. His submachine gun lay at his feet. He looked barely old enough to shave. His eyes were full of fear. The enemy screamed something in Spanish and Edward found himself rushing towards him, razor in hand. The shower room was sprayed red as the blade sliced through the young man's throat. He gurgled

for a moment, then dropped to the cold, hard floor.

Edward stared at his blood soaked hand. It trembled, but somehow he was unable to let go of the

blade. When he noticed the boy's life splattered all over him, he staggered back into the shower.

The razor mercifully slipped from his grip and the water around his feet slowly turned pink.

Once the shower had run clear, he skirted the sea of blood outside, and picked up the submachine gun. Mechanically, Edward removed the magazine, and brought back the cocking handle. The weapon slipped from his shaking hands, and clattered to the floor, the sound filling the still, empty room. The breach was empty.

Cont…

Dressed in civilian clothing, Edward stepped off the train at Nottingham, left the station, and walked to Manor Park. The church looked beautiful and imposing in the early evening fog. Entering the graveyard, he followed the lines of gravestones until he found the one he was looking for. Edward knelt beside the headstone, and using the razor sliced out a piece of turf. The cursed object was put inside and the turf replaced. The ex-soldier kissed his fingers and ran them over the words Arthur Atkins. Then, not knowing where his feet would take him next, he left the graveyard.

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Edward is a supporting character in my next novel, Never Forgotten, due for release June 2015.

Find out what happens to him twenty years later when he helps a man search for his missing sister.

My first novel, Where Wolves Fear to Prey, is out now, and available on Amazon.

“I’ve been told my book needs to be proof-read and edited. It’s my story! I don’t want to lose my ‘voice’. Editors are just going to change everything I want to keep.” “I know I should get into things like Facebook and Twitter, but I haven’t a clue where to start!” “I’ve got my Facebook page set up, but I simply don’t have the time to run it.” “I’d love to get my book out there more, how can I get more reviews?” “I’d love to be more active with local press, where on Earth do I start?” Any of the above sound familiar? Author Press is the brainchild of Rachel Malone, an experienced proof-reader and copy-editor, she has recently branched out into publicity and marketing for the independent author. “So many times I hear the same things, and there are authors out there whose work should be read but they get overlooked for a variety of reasons. I hate seeing writers giving up on their dreams simply because they’re not getting any further towards their goal.” Getting publicity can be extremely difficult for independently published authors and Rachel is offering publicity packages that include Blog Tours, contact with local radio stations and press releases for local newspapers. Blog Tours are a fantastic way of getting your book out to millions of potential readers, bloggers are usually more than happy to have something different for a week. Organising the tours, however, is rarely straightforward. All of the packages can be tailored to suit depending on your need. For more information, You can visit www.authorpressediting.co.uk or contact Author Press Editing via Facebook, give us a call on 07771 601431 or drop us an email at r.malone@authorpressediting.co.uk

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‘Mad Worlds’ is a novel set in an era when England still operated under harsh, stigmatising Victorian legislation in the field of mental health. Readers are invited to eavesdrop on realistic scenarios, both within and outside a mental asylum of the 1950s. With flashes of dark humour, this is an intriguing, sometimes horrifying tale suitable for fans of historical fiction and those who are interested in the issues of mental health, relationships and loss.

Mad Worlds (published in October 2014). Available from all major retailers (Amazon, WH Smith, Waterstones, Blackwell's, Formby Books, The Olde Bookshop) as well as Troubador.

My dad was the most easy-going person I ever met, until he encountered anything that struck him as unfair. He’d fly into a rage if a criminal got a lenient sentence for a heinous crime, for example. Our bookcase heaved with every Agatha Christie novel she wrote – my mum read every one. So when I started writing, it was inevitable that someday, I’d write a crime novel about revenge and justice. I hope it strikes a chord with anyone who felt like my father. One reviewer suggests that there’s so much unfairness in the world and usually so little we can do about it. Blazing Obsession tells the story of someone who is obsessed with righting a wrong, posing the question for the reader: is revenge ever justified? Paperback: 304 pages Publisher: Matador (22 Oct. 2014) Language: English ISBN-10: 1784620513 ISBN-13: 978-1784620516

At the age of seventeen Michelle Sherwood moved to Scotland, where she began to

write. Made to feel useless at school because of her dyslexia, she bought her first

typewriter and wrote stories for a hobby. She has only recently rediscovered writing.

Molly's Mouse is Michelle's first children's book and is a charming tale that will capture

the imagination of children aged 7-11. Michelle's ambition would be to have one of her

stories staged at a west end theatre. Michelle has written many other stories that will be

coming out very soon. She is also looking to rewriting some stories she originally wrote

twenty-six years ago, and have not been touched or even looked at again since. They

are boxed up and still in the original electric typewriting form!

My personality test described me as a spontaneous idealist and I have to agree. I am at my best and liveliest when playing with new, creative ideas. I'm a great believer in freedom to express without restraints and being passionate about your work. If what you do doesn't bring you joy then you shouldn't be doing it; you'll never do it well. Writing: Whilst I have had many freelance roles in this field writing for tabloids, magazines and businesses, my preferred style is of a whimsical nature. I like to observe people, life and situations and find the humour within. I enjoy reaching into the deeper emotions of readers and making them feel. I write in a storytelling fashion that enables me to engage with the reader and paint a visual picture that they can relate to, or empathise with. Strengths: Accidental life coach and practicing mentalist. Weaknesses: Bad hair days but sexy hair made me what I am. Dreams: Floating above castles in the air, from a pipe. Realities: What? Again? Likes: Hammocks on beaches with a margarita in each hand, Apple products to an alarmingly, unhealthy degree, junkets, travel, reading, exploring, bacon, freedom, red lippy, chess, backgammon and word games. Would like to be best friends with Tyrion Lannister, Stephen Fry or David Walliams. Dislikes: Hierarchy, control, English weather, black pudding, long queues, strawberries, maths, internet failure and spiders.

Events Page 29-31 May 2015

Hilton Birmingham Metropole

National Exhibition Centre

Birmingham B40 1PP

United Kingdom

12-14 June 2015

From 10.00am-5.00pm each day

Gedling Borough Council Book Festival III

Arnot Hill House, Arnot Hill Park, Arnold, Nottingham, NG5 6LU

Guest speakers, writing workshops, children’s activities, refreshments, parking available, books for sale and the launch of this 2015 Creative Writing

Competition for Children and Young People

Please see our website Events Page for full details Programme available soon

20-21 June 2015

Saturday from mid-day to 5.00pm

Sunday from 11.00am to 5.00pm

Arnold Carnival

Come and see us at the New Writers UK marquee

Arnot Hill Park, Arnold, Nottingham, NG5 6LU

Saturday, 24 October 2015 10.00am-5.00pm

County Hall, West Bridgford, NG2 7QP New Writers UK 11th Annual Book Festival

Guest speakers, writing workshops, advice for authors, refreshments,

books for sale, parking available, awards presentation for the finalists of the Creative Writing Competition for Children and Young People of

Nottinghamshire More details to follow, please keep an eye on the Events Page of our

website for details.

Gedling Borough Council Book Festival 2015

Friday 12 June – General Fiction 10.00am Festival Opening by the Mayor of Gedling Borough Council

10.30am David Ebsworth

‘Women on Napoleonic Battlefields’

11.30am Alison Moore 'From Debut to Second Novel'

12.30-1.20pm John Baird

Websites and Software for Authors'From Debut to Second Novel'

2.00pm Stephen Booth ‘Bring In the Bodies!’

3.00pm Eve Makis ‘History Through Human Stories’

Saturday 13 June – Children’s Day

10.00am Open

10.10am ‘Granny’s Tales’ Storytime with Julie Malone

10.30-11.00am Storytelling for younger children with Rob Hann.

11.10am-12.10pm ‘Tales from the TARDIS’ with David J Howe

12.20pm Best Literary Character Children’s Costume Award

12.30pm Steve Bowkett ‘Adventures of a Visiting Author’

1.30pm Sam Stone – Spooky Stories for Children – Creative Writing Workshop

2.30pm Launch of 2015 New Writers UK Creative Writing Competition for Children of Nottinghamshire

3.00-3.30pm Storytelling for younger children with Steve Taylor

4.00pm Katy Perry Tribute

Sunday 14 June – Non-Fiction Day

10.30am Dr Nick Thom ‘Ancient History: The Truth Is Out There Somewhere’

11.15 am Frankie Owens ‘Prison Is An Interesting Place To Visit But You Wouldn't Want To Live There’

12.15-12.45pm Frank Earp ‘The A-Z of Curious Nottinghamshire’

12.45-1.15pm Joe Earp ‘Nottingham From Old Photographs’

2.00pm Vince Eager ‘Rock n’ Roll Files’

3.00pm Professor Alison Milbank ‘Tolkien's Fetishized Ring’