Friday 30 May 2014

June 2014, Literature Events in Notts



JUNE 2014 is packed with great events for readers and writers to enjoy in Nottinghamshire, including THREE book festivals.

WOMEN’S PRIZE FOR FICTION, June 3
When? Tuesday June 3, 7pm
Where? Nottingham Central Library, Angel Row, Nottingham NG1 6HP
What? Help choose Nottingham’s favourite book from the Baileys Women’s Prize for Fiction shortlist. Hear extracts from the books, share your views, or just sit back and enjoy the discussion.
Cost? Free
0115 915 2828

OUT OF SILENCE, WITH JOHN HARVEY
When? Wednesday June 4, 7pm-8.30pm
Where? Five Leaves Bookshop, 14a Long Row, Nottingham NG1 2DH
What? Launch Event to mark publication of Out of Silence: New & Selected Poems (Smith/Doorstop)
Most well-known for his Nottingham Resnick series of crime books, John Harvey has had a parallel career, if in a minor key, as a poet and for several years published other poets under his Slow Dancer imprint. With his third and final collection, Out of Silence: new and selected poems he signs off by revisiting his poetry over the decades and reading new material for the first time. John Harvey will be introduced and in discussion with his publisher, Peter Sansom, from Smith/Doorstop, editor of The North.
Cost? £3 Redeemable on Purchase
Refreshments Provided

MEMOIRS OF A TRAVEL WRITER
When? Thursday June 5, 10.30am
Where? Clifton Library, Southchurch Drive, Clifton, Nottingham, NG11 8AB
What? Memoirs of a Travel Writer. 50 years in journalism, 15 years as a travel writer. Join Keith Armstrong as he talks about his life as a travel writer and his experiences roaming the world.
Cost? Free
0115 915 2945

ODOUR OF CHRYSANTHEMUMS, June 5
When? Thursday June 5, 10.30am-2.30pm
Where? Bestwood Winding Engine House site, Park Rd, Bestwood Village, Nottinghamshire NG6 8TQ
What? Odour of Chrysanthemums – Film screening and Text Study
Film Screening and Text Study Workshop on DH Lawrence’s short story “Odour of Chrysanthemums” at the Bestwood Winding Engine House site. The event is being run by the DH Lawrence Society.
Cost? £5 per person (includes tea, coffee and light refreshments, plus a visit around the preserved Winding Engine House)

BOLD STROKES BOOK FESTIVAL, June 7/8
When? Saturday June 7, 1pm start, ends Sunday June 8, 2014
Where? Waterstone’s Nottingham, 1/5 Bridlesmith Gate, Nottingham, NG1 2GR
What? A great weekend of LGBTQ fiction at Waterstone’s.
A bevy of authors will be reading from their latest work, discussing the nature of writing, and there will be the ever popular Publishing Panel on the Sunday, over coffee and biscuits.
Hear authors discuss and read from their fiction, then come down to the Nottingham Writer’s Studio afterwards for an author mingle. On Sunday get a sneak peak at upcoming novels, then end the amazing weekend with lunch and giveaways at New Foresters.
Cost? Free admission

AUTHORCRAFT EVENT, June 11
When? Wednesday June 11, 6pm-9pm
Where? Via Fossa, 44 Canal Road, Nottingham NG1 7EH
What? It’s easy these days to get a book published. Making money from your efforts is not so easy - as many authors will attest. Authorcraft is a new group for authors and aspiring authors who want to make more money from publishing. Come and meet fellow authors on the same journey and meet publishers, Literary Agents and industry experts. A practical, hands on event, addressing the problems that so many authors experience.
Cost? £15 in advance or pay on the day.
AuthorCraft is a not for profit author support group founded in 2012 and currently holds events in Nottingham, Stevenage, Croydon, Guildford and London Euston. 

WRITERS’ DAY AT LOWDHAM, June 14
When? Saturday June 14 – all day
Where? The Old Ship Inn, Lowdham, Notts
What? A full day of readings held in The Old Ship’s function room, with a marquee full of stalls, open mic sessions, a Writing Doctor, and speed writers in the pub garden. There will also be live music throughout the day.
Along with writers’ groups from across the country Weathervane Press authors will be at this Lowdham Fringe event. They will be on at 5pm as part of the Nottingham Writers' Studio reading.
Cost? Small donations please, to the Old Ship’s charity.
Part of the15th Lowdham Book Festival (20th - 29th June) 

CRIME & HISTORY DAY, June 20
When? Friday June 20, 10am-5pm
Where? Richard Bonington Theatre, Arnold, Notts NG5 7EE
What? Gedling Book Festival’s Day One - Crime & History Day 

HELEN HOLLICK 10.30am
A talk by Helen Hollick on ‘Getting  good reviews by getting your novel right’. Helen is an author & the Managing Editor for Historical Novel Society’s Indie Reviews.

ELIZABETH CHADWICK 11.30am
Elizabeth Chadwick talks about ‘Research and Preconceptions’. Elizabeth is a best-selling historical fiction author. 

STEPHEN BOOTH 1.30pm
Stephen is a best-selling crime writer. His talk and Q&A will focus on the new book in his Cooper & Fry series, ‘The Corpse Bridge’.

PENNY LUITHLEN 2.30pm
Penny Luithlen is a Literary Agent so this is a great opportunity for writers to ask questions. 

STEVE MOSBY 3pm
Steve Mosby is an award winning Crime Writer. His talk is entitled ‘Nightmare Places: Ideas’.

Cost? Free (no booking required, just turn up to any of the talks)
Part of the 2nd Gedling Book Festival June 20-22

CHILDREN’S DAY, June 21
When? Saturday June 21, 10am-5pm
Where? Gedling Borough Council Civic Centre, Arnot Hill Park, Arnold, Nottingham, NG5 6LU
What? Gedling Book Festival’s Day Two – Children’s Day. For adults and children!
PETE JOHNSON 10.15am and 11.45am, Creative writing
JEREMY LEWIS 11am, Writing the news (for all ages)
RAJ PATHAK 12.30pm, Scriptwriting and film direction (for all ages)
JOHN STIRLAND 2.30PM, The BBC Gardener talks about ‘Growing for Victory’
KATY PERRY TRIBUTE ACT 3.30pm
Plus storytelling with Cherie Zamazing, sticker fun, face painting, pebble painting, science for children, magic, creative writing competition, puppets, book stalls, refreshments.
Cost? Free admission (no booking required, just turn up to any of the talks).
Part of the 2nd Gedling Book Festival June 20-22

SCI FI/FANTASY DAY, June 22
When? Sunday June 22, 10am-5pm
Where? Gedling Borough Council Civic Centre, Arnot Hill Park, Arnold, Nottingham, NG5 6LU
What? Gedling Book Festival’s Day Three – Sci Fi/Fantasy Day. For writers and readers!
ALEX DAVIS 10.30am
A creative writing workshop with Alex Davis, events’ organiser, author and Edge-Lit Coordinator.
DAVID HOWE 12.45pm
David is a writer and researcher for Dr Who and the Director of Telos Publishing. David’s contribution to the range of factual books published about Doctor Who is staggering. He is undisputedly the most prolific author of Doctor Who non-fiction ever.
ADAM DALTON 2pm
A creative writing workshop and advice on ‘How to Approach Publishers’ from the acclaimed dark fantasy author.
Plus STEVE DEAN (Nottingham Fantasy Writer)
SAM STONE (Commissioning Editor, gothic, horror and fantasy fiction)
Shadow Games Gaming Store, Book Stalls Refreshments
PANEL Q&A 3.45pm
Cost? Free (no booking required, just turn up to any of the talks or activities).
Part of the 2nd Gedling Book Festival June 20-22

JUST IMAGINE, WITH NICK SHARRATT, June 23
When? Monday June 23, 4.30pm-5.30pm
Where? St. Mary’s Church, Church Lane, Lowdham, Notts
What? Children’s author and illustrator Nick Sharratt’s entertaining performances are a delight to children (and adults) everywhere. In this celebration you can be as small as a mouse, as big as a house, explore the depths of the ocean or travel to the future. A lovely, lively, after-school event for all the family.
Cost? Tickets £4 adults, £2 children, 2 adults + 2 children £10, 1 adult + 2 children £6 (includes tea, soft drinks and cake)
0115 9663219
Part of the15th Lowdham Book Festival (20th - 29th June)  

AFTERNOON TEA WITH JUDITH ALLNATT, June 24
When? Tuesday June 24, 2pm-4pm
Where? WI Hall, Main Street, Lowdham, Notts
What? Afternoon tea with Judith Allnatt, author of The Moon Field.  The Northamptonshire author’s novel The Moon Field is a wonderful read. Set before, during and after the Great War it explores the lives and loves lived out of a small community against the backdrop of a terrible war which destroyed so many.
Cost? Tickets £7, £6 concessions, £5 festival friends (includes a cream tea)
0115 9663219
Part of the15th Lowdham Book Festival (20th - 29th June)

A PARALLEL LIFE – BONNIE GREER, June 24
When? Tuesday June 24, 7.30pm-9pm
Where? St. Mary’s Church, Church Lane, Lowdham, Notts
What? Bonnie Greer, OBE, is a multi-award winning playwright, novelist and critic, and a regular contributor to BBC’s Newsnight Review and Question Time. A Parallel Life is Bonnie’s first volume of memoirs, telling of her early years in segregated America and her arrival in Britain. She will be speaking to Giles Croft, Artistic Director at Nottingham Playhouse.
Cost? Tickets £8, £7 concessions, £6 festival friends (includes a glass of wine)
0115 9663219
Part of the15th Lowdham Book Festival (20th - 29th June)  

JOHN HARVEY, June 27
When? Friday June 27, 7.15pm-9pm
Where? St. Mary’s Church, Church Lane, Lowdham, Notts
What? A talk from John Harvey about his final Charlie Resnick novel Darkness, Darkness. John will be accompanied throughout the evening by his fabulous jazz band Second Nature. He’ll also share his love of jazz and talk about his writing career.
Cost? Tickets £8, £7 concessions, £6 festival friends (includes a glass of wine)
0115 9663219
Part of the15th Lowdham Book Festival (20th - 29th June)  

BOOK FAIR & CAFÉ
When? Saturday June 28, 10am - 5pm
Where? Village Hall, Lowdham, Notts
What? Lowdham, The Last Saturday. A marquee, assorted gazebos, booksellers, organisations and displays. TWO children’s tents with interactive storytelling sessions. Plus talks throughout the day:
MICHAEL PAYNE 11am, A short History of Cinema in Nottingham. Methodist Chapel, Main Street
WILL BUCKINGHAM 11am, Writing East Midlands: What is a novel? And how do you write one? Committee Room, Village Hall
SARAH DALE 11am, How to Age Well. Marquee A, Village Hall
DAVID BUTTERY 11am, Waterloo… was Napoleon’s defeat good or bad for Europe? WI Hall, Main Street
ANN FEATHERSTONE & DEBORAH TYLER-BENNETT 12.30pm, The Days of the Music Hall. Methodist Chapel, Main Street
JOHN LUCAS 12.30pm, A Brief History of Whistling. Committee Room, Village Hall
CHRISTY FEARN 12.30pm, A talk on Mary Shelley. Marquee A, Village Hall
SCOTT LOMAX 12.30pm, Medieval Nottingham, an illustrated talk. WI Hall, Main Street
GILLIAN DARLEY 2pm, An illustrated talk on Ian Nairn. Methodist Chapel, Main Street
DERRICK BUTTRESS, RENNIE PARKER 2pm, A Shoestring Press poetry reading. Committee Room, Village Hall
MEGAN TAYLOR, MICHAEL SMITH & ROBERTA DEWA 2PM, Smith will read from The Deed Room, Dewa from The Esplanade and Taylor will introduce her forthcoming collection of short stories The Woman Under the Ground, to be published this summer. Marquee A, Village Hall
EMMA BAMFORD 2pm, Casting Off. An illustrated talk about ‘letting go’. WI Hall, Main Street
ADRIAN JONES 3.30pm, Towns in Britain, an Illustrated Talk by ‘Jones the Planner’. Methodist Chapel, Main Street
JOEL STICKLEY 3.30pm, Writing East Midlands: How to Write Badly Well. WI Hall, Main Street
DANNY RHODES 3.30pm, How one Forest fan’s life was affected by the Hillsborough Disaster. Marquee A, Village Hall
DUKERIES ACADEMY 3.30pm, with Dukeries Academy First Story Writers’ Group. Committee Room, Village Hall
Cost? Free, no booking required.
Part of the Lowdham Book Festival (20th - 29th June) 

Thursday 22 May 2014

Lowdham Book Festival

The Box Office for the 15th Lowdham Book Festival is now taking bookings.
I'll feature it in more detail next month but here's the programme:
VIEW PROGRAMME

Book Launch - Survivor



Book Launch: Carrol Rowe:  Survivor

Nottingham Central Library.  Wednesday 28th May 6pm  FREE EVENT

Carrol will be talking about her autobiographical novel,  "Survivor" and sharing the story of her struggle against domestic violence, school bullying and abuse.


Survivor  is  Jamaican born, Nottingham based writer Carrol Rowe's first novel which looks at the personal experiences of a young Jamaican woman living in the UK.  The novel, written in the first person, explores the narrator's experiences with a violent father, school bullies and a deceitful first love.  Carrol's story is one of courage and hope.

Ask for a free ticket at the Central Library Helpdesk, email enquiryline@nottinghamcity.gov.uk or ring 0115 915 2825.

Women's Prize for Fiction



Baileys'  Women's  Prize for Fiction

Tuesday 3rd June.  7pm  Nottingham Central Library   FREE EVENT

A look at the books that have been shortlisted for this year's Women's Fiction Prize.  Hear extracts from the books, share your thoughts on the books you have read and the extracts you have heard, or just sit back and enjoy the discussion.  At the end of the evening we will be choosing the book that we think should win the prize.  To check out the shortlist  and find out more about the prize visit www.womensprizeforfiction.co.uk

Ask for a free ticket at the Central Library Helpdesk, email enquiryline@nottinghamcity.gov.uk or ring 0115 915 2825.

Making Books Talk



Making Books Talk!   FREE EVENT
 
Wednesday 4th June  at 2pm. Nottingham Central Library

A fascinating talk by actor and audio book narrator Saul Reichlin.
Learn more about the process of bringing audio books to life.   
Saul is an actor who has worked on  stage, and in  television and film and has narrated over 50 television documentories.  His audio  book recordings include work by Val McDermid, David Hewson, Henning Mankell, Deon Meyer and Steig Larsson. In 2010 his recording of "The Girl Who Played With Fire" won the audible "Sounds of Crime" award.   Saul will be speaking about his work narrating audio books, in a session that will appeal to readers, listeners and performers alike.

This is a free event with light refreshments provided.  No advance booking is required.



This talk is part of a showcase event at the library in partnership with Mysight.  From 10-4pm there is also an opportunity to try out a range of equipment designed for visually impaired people and to recieve support and advice from local organizations.  The day also inlcudes IT help sessions, building tours and an audio book group.  If you would like to hear Saul Reichlin, please just come along at 2pm, but if you would like more information on the showcase event please ring 0115 915 2825