As always it's an absolute pleasure to see how many aspiring writers are producing inspiring work. It makes our task hard though, as a fine line separates the good from the excellent, but we'll get there in the end. Well done everyone, and June 6th will see the winners announced on the website.
Whilst on the subject of Independent Authors, I am posting a press release from Catriona Troth, (one of the independent authors sitting on our Self-Publishing Panel at our Words for the Wounded LitFest on 18th April:
Independent Bookshop Opens Doors to Independent Authors
Foyles on London’s Charing Cross Road, is playing host to
The Indie Author Fair (IAF)
on Friday 17th April 2015.
Part of the London Book Fair Indie Author Fringe Festival, run by The Alliance ofI Independent Authors/Indie ReCon, the fair is organised by Triskele Books and sponsored by XPO North.
After the success of IAF 2014 at Chorleywood Literary Festival, the event has grown to include over fifty authors who represent the best in independent author-publishing.
Organiser Catriona Troth said “The Indie Author Fair is an unmissable event for readers, writers, publishers and observers of the publishing scene, providing an opportunity to meet the best indie authors in the business, meet suppliers, talk to experts and discover great new books.”
“Bringing writers and readers closer together is a core part of ALLi’s mission," said Orna Ross, Director of ALLi (Alliance of Independent Authors). “We are delighted that the Indie Author Fair will showcase the talent and enterprise of so many ALLi members at Foyles, London’s largest indie bookstore, with the support of London Book Fair’s Book and Screen Week, and look forward to fostering new author-reader bonds at the fair.”
The fair will take place from 16.00–19.30 and is FREE to the public with drinks reception, goodie bags and personalised signed copies available.
Sadly, the three grannies who run Words for the Wounded will be too busy to go, as we will be preparing for our LitFest which is the next day, (baking cakes is one of our tasks - all rather nerve wracking when it's for others to consume) but we're really looking forward to seeing you all.
Matt Pain, one of our trustees will welcome you and then Katie Fforde will kick off the day at 10.00 in conversation with me. Then we have our two Midsomer Murders writers, Rachel Cuperman and Sally Griffiths in conversation - wait for it - with me. They are breaking their necks to complete their latest script at the moment, as they are first up in the new series about to be filmed at any moment. No doubt we'll hear all about it in April.
After lunch, you are then saved from an overload of MG as Penny Deacon chairs the Self-Publishing panel comprising Amanda Hatter and Catriona Troth who will talk about their experiences as highly successful Indie Authors, and the pros and cons of the whole thing. There will be plenty of time for questions. Janet Speedie will introduce the lovely Felicity Trew, literary agent with Caroline Sheldon Literary Agency, and Penny Deacon will close the day, chatting about her route from Mills and Boon to crime writing.
My publishers, Random House, have provided a massive box full of free books as gifts for you, and we also have a bookstall with the speakers' books so you can buy signed copies.
The Litfest is to be held at Downley Community Centre on 18th April from 9.30 (Registration) - 5.00. Price £50.
You can book a ticket by sending a SAE, enclosing a cheque for £50 payable to Words for the Wounded to Words for the Wounded, 12 Woodcote Green, Downley, High Wycombe HP13 5UN.
Do rest assured that all money raised does go to the wounded, as the grannies absorb the costs of the charity. Hope to see you at Downley on 18th April. We have fans coming from as far away as Lyme Regis and Sussex - we can't wait to meet you all.
