The Government has responded to a petition regarding public leanding rights. The petition was concerned about the cut in PLR funding. Here is the Government's response:
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport does understand how many authors significantly depend on Public Lending Rights (PLR) payments for income. The Government remains firmly committed to the PLR scheme, and since April 2008 has worked with the PLR on a number of efficiency measures to ensure that the organisation spends the minimum amount possible on administration. Consequently, in 2008/09 the rate per loan has been maintained.
It is now not possible to reopen the PLR’s funding allocation until the next Government Spending Review. Making funding allocations always involves weighing priorities, and in the circumstances of the last spending round, the allocation made to the PLR represented a fair settlement given the broad range of competing pressures. The Government has demonstrated its support for PLR and for writers through significant increases in previous spending rounds - in 2002/03 funding was increased by 35%, from £5.2m to £7m, and in 2000/01 the rate per loan increased by 58%, from 2.67p to 4.21p.
From: http://www.number10.gov.uk/Page18782
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Friday, 27 March 2009
2009 BBC National Short Story Award
The 2009 BBC National Short Story Award was launched on 26 March. This year's panel of judges are: singer-songwriter Will Young, broadcaster and journalist Tom Sutcliffe (chair), author Dame Margaret Drabble, Orange Prize winner Helen Dunmore and BBC Radio 4’s Editor Di Speirs. The shortlist will be announced on Friday 27 November with the five stories broadcast on BBC Radio 4 each weekday before the winner is announced. The five stories will also be published in a special collection. Entries are now open for the Award. The deadline for entries is 5pm on 15 June 2009
Go to the Beeb for details.
Go to the Beeb for details.
Thursday, 26 March 2009
Investigating Crime with Margaret Murphy
The Crime Writers’ Workshop, held on Saturday 15 March in Hanley Library, was a great success. About a dozen want-to-be writers turned up (including someone from London) and were entertained by, and learned from, Margaret Murphy. Margaret is the author of several crime novels, including The Dispossed and Now You See Me – copies of these two were available for purchase. We also discovered that Margaret is due to take over the Chair of the Crime Writers Association and that she was a founder member of the Murder Squad. The workshop was very relaxed and friendly. It’s a cliché, I know, but it is difficult to imagine such a charming person behind a series of crime books.
The workshop began with a look at villains, how to make them appear more natural – more human – rather than as ciphers. The first exercise was to write a paragraph or two to introduce the villain, who showed elements of empathy, a character who was perhaps monstrous but not grotesque. A few brave souls volunteered to read out their efforts.
After lunch, Margaret gave a talk about CSIs – they used to be called SOCOs in the UK, but our American cousins influence all aspects of our culture, including crime detection. Actually, a Crime Scene Investigator makes more sense than a Scene of Crime Officer since those involved now include civilian scientists and not just policemen and women. The talk, with PowerPoint presentation, covered advances in DNA and fingerprint evidence. Fascinating.
We discussed the extended metaphor, and then the final exercise of the day was to write a piece based on the elements covered earlier in the workshop. Margaret provided two opening sentences. Unfortunately, time was running out and there was no opportunity for everyone to read out their pieces. Personally, I was surprised at how easily I found it to write in a crowded room. Of course, my piece was a tentative first draft and will require a lot of work, but it did provide an idea that I hope to use in the future.
This was a jolly good session, and more importantly, it was inspiring. To find out more about Margaret Murphy visit her website.
© Peter Coleborn
The workshop began with a look at villains, how to make them appear more natural – more human – rather than as ciphers. The first exercise was to write a paragraph or two to introduce the villain, who showed elements of empathy, a character who was perhaps monstrous but not grotesque. A few brave souls volunteered to read out their efforts.
After lunch, Margaret gave a talk about CSIs – they used to be called SOCOs in the UK, but our American cousins influence all aspects of our culture, including crime detection. Actually, a Crime Scene Investigator makes more sense than a Scene of Crime Officer since those involved now include civilian scientists and not just policemen and women. The talk, with PowerPoint presentation, covered advances in DNA and fingerprint evidence. Fascinating.
We discussed the extended metaphor, and then the final exercise of the day was to write a piece based on the elements covered earlier in the workshop. Margaret provided two opening sentences. Unfortunately, time was running out and there was no opportunity for everyone to read out their pieces. Personally, I was surprised at how easily I found it to write in a crowded room. Of course, my piece was a tentative first draft and will require a lot of work, but it did provide an idea that I hope to use in the future.
This was a jolly good session, and more importantly, it was inspiring. To find out more about Margaret Murphy visit her website.
© Peter Coleborn
Tuesday, 10 March 2009
More Writing
I've come across this website -- More Writing. I don't have time to explore it at the moment, so I can't comment on its usefulness. Can anyone shed light on More Writing? Is it worth while registering with this website?
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Monday, 9 March 2009
The Write Stuff: competition winners announced
Congratulations to SToW member Jeanette Williams.
The Write Stuff was a creative competiton based on the history of Stoke-on-Trent. The winners were recently announced at a ceremony in Hanley Library -- and Jeanette took first prize. Councillor Hazel Lyth, portfolio holder for enterprise and culture at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: "Some of the stories have been exceptional and it was a really difficult contest to judge."
Jeanette received the first prize of £50 of book tokens. Second prize, £20 of book tokens, went to Colette Alcock; joint third prize winners were Linsay Roger-Coutes, Peter Philips and Noble V Khokhar (each received a £10 book token).
Click here for more information.
The Write Stuff was a creative competiton based on the history of Stoke-on-Trent. The winners were recently announced at a ceremony in Hanley Library -- and Jeanette took first prize. Councillor Hazel Lyth, portfolio holder for enterprise and culture at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: "Some of the stories have been exceptional and it was a really difficult contest to judge."
Jeanette received the first prize of £50 of book tokens. Second prize, £20 of book tokens, went to Colette Alcock; joint third prize winners were Linsay Roger-Coutes, Peter Philips and Noble V Khokhar (each received a £10 book token).
Click here for more information.
SToW Constitution
Constitution
The constitution was adopted on the day of 7 March 2009
1. NAME
The name of the Association shall be Stoke-on-Writing ('The Association')
2. AREA OF BENEFIT
Stoke-on-Trent and surrounding areas
3. OBJECTS
The objects of the Association shall be to:
1) To develop and encourage the creative arts
2) To provide educational and artistic opportunities within the area of benefit
4. POWERS
In furtherance of the objects but not otherwise the Executive Committee may exercise the following powers:
a) Power to raise funds and invite and receive contributions
b) Power to organise activities, events, lectures, discussions and to produce leaflets and other publicity material.
c) Power to consult the public by arranging meetings and surveys.
d) Power to co-operate with other charities, voluntary bodies and statutory authorities operating in furtherance of the objects and to exchange information and advice with them.
e) Power to purchase , take on lease or hire property in furtherance of the objects.
f) Power to pay reasonable out of pocket expenses to committee members and volunteers for costs incurred in carrying out the Associations business
g) Power to remunerate any member of the General Committee for professional services rendered to the Association
h) Power to insure and arrange any insurance cover necessary against all such risks incurred by the Association and volunteers in the course of their duties
i) Power to do all such other lawful things as are necessary for the achievement of the objects.
j) Power to employ staff who will not be members of the management committee
5. MEMBERSHIP
a) Full membership of the Association shall be open to all persons aged 18 years or over interested in furthering the objects.
b) The Executive Committee may for good and sufficient reason terminate the membership of any individual, provided that the individual concerned shall have the right to be heard by the Executive Committee, accompanied by a friend, before a final decision has been made.
6. SUBSCRIPTION
All members shall pay such subscription, as the Annual General Meeting shall from time to determine.
7. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
a) The Association shall be managed by an Executive Committee to be elected annually at the Annual General Meeting.
b) The Executive Committee shall consist of a Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer ('the Officers') and not more than 4 other members.
c) If vacancies occur among the Officers, the Committee shall have the power to fill them from among its members.
d) The Committee may co-opt up to 4 full members of the Association to serve on the Committee until the next Annual General Meeting.
e) All members of the Executive Committee shall retire from office at the annual general meeting following the date on which they came into office but they may be re-elected or re-appointed.
8. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETINGS
a) The Executive Committee shall hold at least 4 ordinary meetings each year.
b) There shall be a quorum when at least one third of the members of the Committee or three members of the Committee, whichever is the greater, are present at a meeting.
c) Every matter shall be determined by a majority of the members of the Executive Committee present and voting. In case of equality of votes the Chairperson shall have a second or casting vote.
d) Minutes shall be kept as a record of the proceedings of the meeting of the Committee and any of its sub-committees.
e) The Executive Committee may appoint one or more sub-committees providing that all acts and proceedings of the sub-committees shall be fully and promptly reported to the Executive Committee and may in addition co-opt up to 2 further people who are full members of the Association.
9. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
a) There shall be an annual general meeting, which shall be held as soon, as practicable after the end of the Association's financial year. Members shall be given at least 14 days notice.
b) The Executive Committee shall present the report and accounts of the Association for the preceding year.
c) Nominations for election to the Executive Committee must be made by members of the Association in writing before the commencement of the meeting.
d) The quorum at the general meeting shall be 4 members, or one quarter of the members, whichever is the greater.
10. GENERAL AND SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING
The Executive Committee may at any time call a general or a special general meeting of the Association stating the business to be discussed. A special meeting may also be called by the Secretary if a written request is received from at least 10 members. At least 14 days notice shall be given for special general meetings.
11. FINANCE
a) All monies raised by or on behalf of the Association shall be applied to further the objects of the Association and for no other purpose.
b) The funds of the Association including all donations, contributions and bequests shall be paid into an account operated by the Executive Committee shall from time to time decide.
c) All cheques drawn on the account must be signed by two Officers and must be approved by the Executive Committee.
d) The Executive Committee shall comply with the obligations for trustees under the Charities Act 2006 (or any statutory re-enactment of modification of the Act) with regard to:
i. The keeping of accounting records
ii. The preparation of annual statements of account
iii. The auditing or independent examination of the statements of account.
12. AMENDMENTS
Any amendment to the constitution shall require the approval of a two-thirds majority of those present and voting at the General Meeting at which it is discussed. Any resolution for the amendment of the constitution must be received by the Secretary at least 21 days before the meeting at which the resolution is to be brought forward.
13. DISSOLUTION
a) The Association may be dissolved at a Special General Meeting called for that purpose and must be advertised 14 days before the meeting.
b) Such proposals to dissolve the Association shall take effect only if agreed by a two-thirds majority of members present and voting at the meeting.
c) Surplus funds of the Association, if it is dissolved, shall be given or transferred to such other charitable institution or organisation having similar objects as the members of the Association may determine or failing that shall be applied for some other charitable purpose.
14. ARRANGEMENTS UNTIL THE FIRST ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Until the first annual general meeting takes place this constitution shall take effect as if references in it to the Executive Committee were references to the persons whose signatures appear at the bottom of this document. The constitution was adopted on the date mentioned above by the persons whose signatures appear below:
Chair: Jan Edwards; Secretary: Mel Baines; Treasurer: Darren Buttery; Committee Members: Gwyn Booth, Jeanette Williamson and Peter Coleborn.
The constitution was adopted on the day of 7 March 2009
1. NAME
The name of the Association shall be Stoke-on-Writing ('The Association')
2. AREA OF BENEFIT
Stoke-on-Trent and surrounding areas
3. OBJECTS
The objects of the Association shall be to:
1) To develop and encourage the creative arts
2) To provide educational and artistic opportunities within the area of benefit
4. POWERS
In furtherance of the objects but not otherwise the Executive Committee may exercise the following powers:
a) Power to raise funds and invite and receive contributions
b) Power to organise activities, events, lectures, discussions and to produce leaflets and other publicity material.
c) Power to consult the public by arranging meetings and surveys.
d) Power to co-operate with other charities, voluntary bodies and statutory authorities operating in furtherance of the objects and to exchange information and advice with them.
e) Power to purchase , take on lease or hire property in furtherance of the objects.
f) Power to pay reasonable out of pocket expenses to committee members and volunteers for costs incurred in carrying out the Associations business
g) Power to remunerate any member of the General Committee for professional services rendered to the Association
h) Power to insure and arrange any insurance cover necessary against all such risks incurred by the Association and volunteers in the course of their duties
i) Power to do all such other lawful things as are necessary for the achievement of the objects.
j) Power to employ staff who will not be members of the management committee
5. MEMBERSHIP
a) Full membership of the Association shall be open to all persons aged 18 years or over interested in furthering the objects.
b) The Executive Committee may for good and sufficient reason terminate the membership of any individual, provided that the individual concerned shall have the right to be heard by the Executive Committee, accompanied by a friend, before a final decision has been made.
6. SUBSCRIPTION
All members shall pay such subscription, as the Annual General Meeting shall from time to determine.
7. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
a) The Association shall be managed by an Executive Committee to be elected annually at the Annual General Meeting.
b) The Executive Committee shall consist of a Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer ('the Officers') and not more than 4 other members.
c) If vacancies occur among the Officers, the Committee shall have the power to fill them from among its members.
d) The Committee may co-opt up to 4 full members of the Association to serve on the Committee until the next Annual General Meeting.
e) All members of the Executive Committee shall retire from office at the annual general meeting following the date on which they came into office but they may be re-elected or re-appointed.
8. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETINGS
a) The Executive Committee shall hold at least 4 ordinary meetings each year.
b) There shall be a quorum when at least one third of the members of the Committee or three members of the Committee, whichever is the greater, are present at a meeting.
c) Every matter shall be determined by a majority of the members of the Executive Committee present and voting. In case of equality of votes the Chairperson shall have a second or casting vote.
d) Minutes shall be kept as a record of the proceedings of the meeting of the Committee and any of its sub-committees.
e) The Executive Committee may appoint one or more sub-committees providing that all acts and proceedings of the sub-committees shall be fully and promptly reported to the Executive Committee and may in addition co-opt up to 2 further people who are full members of the Association.
9. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
a) There shall be an annual general meeting, which shall be held as soon, as practicable after the end of the Association's financial year. Members shall be given at least 14 days notice.
b) The Executive Committee shall present the report and accounts of the Association for the preceding year.
c) Nominations for election to the Executive Committee must be made by members of the Association in writing before the commencement of the meeting.
d) The quorum at the general meeting shall be 4 members, or one quarter of the members, whichever is the greater.
10. GENERAL AND SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING
The Executive Committee may at any time call a general or a special general meeting of the Association stating the business to be discussed. A special meeting may also be called by the Secretary if a written request is received from at least 10 members. At least 14 days notice shall be given for special general meetings.
11. FINANCE
a) All monies raised by or on behalf of the Association shall be applied to further the objects of the Association and for no other purpose.
b) The funds of the Association including all donations, contributions and bequests shall be paid into an account operated by the Executive Committee shall from time to time decide.
c) All cheques drawn on the account must be signed by two Officers and must be approved by the Executive Committee.
d) The Executive Committee shall comply with the obligations for trustees under the Charities Act 2006 (or any statutory re-enactment of modification of the Act) with regard to:
i. The keeping of accounting records
ii. The preparation of annual statements of account
iii. The auditing or independent examination of the statements of account.
12. AMENDMENTS
Any amendment to the constitution shall require the approval of a two-thirds majority of those present and voting at the General Meeting at which it is discussed. Any resolution for the amendment of the constitution must be received by the Secretary at least 21 days before the meeting at which the resolution is to be brought forward.
13. DISSOLUTION
a) The Association may be dissolved at a Special General Meeting called for that purpose and must be advertised 14 days before the meeting.
b) Such proposals to dissolve the Association shall take effect only if agreed by a two-thirds majority of members present and voting at the meeting.
c) Surplus funds of the Association, if it is dissolved, shall be given or transferred to such other charitable institution or organisation having similar objects as the members of the Association may determine or failing that shall be applied for some other charitable purpose.
14. ARRANGEMENTS UNTIL THE FIRST ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Until the first annual general meeting takes place this constitution shall take effect as if references in it to the Executive Committee were references to the persons whose signatures appear at the bottom of this document. The constitution was adopted on the date mentioned above by the persons whose signatures appear below:
Chair: Jan Edwards; Secretary: Mel Baines; Treasurer: Darren Buttery; Committee Members: Gwyn Booth, Jeanette Williamson and Peter Coleborn.
Sunday, 8 March 2009
Crime Writers’ Day at Hanley Library
Crime Writers' Day with Margaret Murphy
The first half of the workshop will look at creating credible villains. Find out how some authors, e.g. Elmore Leonard and Thomas Harris, manage to do this. Writers will have the opportunity to try out their own skills to this end. Then in the second half, A Crime Scene Uncovered: insights into the real police work behind the fiction – from detectives and CSIs to computer hackers.
Margaret Murphy has written nine internationally acclaimed psychological thrillers, most recently, The Dispossessed and Now You See Me. She has been shortlisted for the First Blood Award and for the Crime Writers’ Association Dagger in the Library. Originally trained as an Environmental Biologist, she has been a biology teacher, dyslexia specialist, tutor for the open College of the Arts, Visiting Professor for the MA in Writing at LJMU and - in addition to tutoring on Arvon courses - she has presented workshops, lectures and readings for libraries, readers’ groups and professional associations across the UK.
Margaret is founder of Murder Squad, Vice Chair of the CWA, and has recently been appointed a Royal Literary Fund Fellow. Venue: City Central Library, Hanley
Date: Saturday 21 March 2009, 10am – 3.30pm. Cost: £7, to be paid on booking. Please make cheques payable to Stoke-on-Trent City Council. To book, telephone City Central Library, Hanley on (01782) 238455.
The first half of the workshop will look at creating credible villains. Find out how some authors, e.g. Elmore Leonard and Thomas Harris, manage to do this. Writers will have the opportunity to try out their own skills to this end. Then in the second half, A Crime Scene Uncovered: insights into the real police work behind the fiction – from detectives and CSIs to computer hackers.
Margaret Murphy has written nine internationally acclaimed psychological thrillers, most recently, The Dispossessed and Now You See Me. She has been shortlisted for the First Blood Award and for the Crime Writers’ Association Dagger in the Library. Originally trained as an Environmental Biologist, she has been a biology teacher, dyslexia specialist, tutor for the open College of the Arts, Visiting Professor for the MA in Writing at LJMU and - in addition to tutoring on Arvon courses - she has presented workshops, lectures and readings for libraries, readers’ groups and professional associations across the UK.
Margaret is founder of Murder Squad, Vice Chair of the CWA, and has recently been appointed a Royal Literary Fund Fellow. Venue: City Central Library, Hanley
Date: Saturday 21 March 2009, 10am – 3.30pm. Cost: £7, to be paid on booking. Please make cheques payable to Stoke-on-Trent City Council. To book, telephone City Central Library, Hanley on (01782) 238455.
Wind in the Willows: story competition
Wind in the Willows Centenary short story prize
Stories: 4000 words max
River related story for young people
Prizes: 1st £500, 2nd £200, 3rd £50 + publication
Entry fee: £4 story,
Closing Date; 15th March 2009
Visit here for details
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Stories: 4000 words max
River related story for young people
Prizes: 1st £500, 2nd £200, 3rd £50 + publication
Entry fee: £4 story,
Closing Date; 15th March 2009
Visit here for details
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Writing competitions
The Bristol Short story Prize
Stories: 3000 words max
Prizes: 1st £500, 2nd £350, 3rd £200 + publication
Entry fee: £7 story,
Closing Date; 31st March 2009
Acadamy of Children’s Writers story competition
Stories: 2000 words max – story for children up to teenage
Prizes: 1st £2000, 2nd £300, 3rd £200
Entry fee: £2.70,
Closing Date; 31st March 2009
Ware Poetry Prize + Sonnet Prize
Poems: 50 lines max or sonnet
Prizes: 1st £500, 2nd £200, 3rd £100 + £1oo for best sonnet
Entry fee: £3 poem or £10 for 4,
Closing Date; 30th April 2009
The Bridport Prize
Poems: 42 lines max
Stories: 5000 words max
Prizes: 1st £5,000, 2nd £1,000, 3rd £500
Entry fee: £7 story, £6 poem
Closing Date; 30th June 2009
Click on links for further information on each competition .
Stories: 3000 words max
Prizes: 1st £500, 2nd £350, 3rd £200 + publication
Entry fee: £7 story,
Closing Date; 31st March 2009
Acadamy of Children’s Writers story competition
Stories: 2000 words max – story for children up to teenage
Prizes: 1st £2000, 2nd £300, 3rd £200
Entry fee: £2.70,
Closing Date; 31st March 2009
Ware Poetry Prize + Sonnet Prize
Poems: 50 lines max or sonnet
Prizes: 1st £500, 2nd £200, 3rd £100 + £1oo for best sonnet
Entry fee: £3 poem or £10 for 4,
Closing Date; 30th April 2009
The Bridport Prize
Poems: 42 lines max
Stories: 5000 words max
Prizes: 1st £5,000, 2nd £1,000, 3rd £500
Entry fee: £7 story, £6 poem
Closing Date; 30th June 2009
Click on links for further information on each competition .
Minutes from yesterday's meeting
The minutes of yesterday's meeting (7 March) are now available from the committee. Email stokeonwriting@gmail.com if you require a copy. Briefly, the meeting agreed on a membership fee of £20 pa with a discount for the unwaged; a minimum age limit of 18 years; to investigate the costs of various projects; and voted in additional committee members. Details of the committee to follow.
We then did what we were there for: several group members read out items for comments -- a mix of short stories and poems.
Future meetings are scheduled for: 4 April, 9 May, 13 June and 4 July. These are all Saturdays. The meetings start at 10.00 a.m. at the Bentilee Community Centre.
We then did what we were there for: several group members read out items for comments -- a mix of short stories and poems.
Future meetings are scheduled for: 4 April, 9 May, 13 June and 4 July. These are all Saturdays. The meetings start at 10.00 a.m. at the Bentilee Community Centre.
Making comments
If you wish to take issue with or add further information to, or just praise, a blog post, why not send a comment? After each post there are several hyperlinks, one of which is a number followed by the word "comments" (eg, 0 comments). Click on this and fill in the prompts, add you comments, and then click on Post Comment. You should then be asked to enter a verification code by transcribing characters (supplied by the program) -- this is an anti-spamming device. I look forward to receiving your emails of comments.
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Copyright notes
The issue of copyright was recently raised. Here is a very brief explanation. I suggest you look at the relevant chapters in a current edition of the Writers’ & Artists’ Yearbook, or read guides such as The Writer’s Rights by Michael Legat or An Author’s Handbook by David Bolt.
In the UK, if you write something original, it is your intellectual property. You own the copyright to that material. It does not need to be published for the assertion of copyright. Copyright means that no one is allowed to copy that material without your permission – which you give, for example, when you sell a manuscript to a publisher. You can give away or assign the copyright to someone else, should you wish (this may happen with some short story or poetry competitions, I believe). Copyright extends beyond the death of the artist (writer) by 70 years. Often, authors emphasise their ownership by adding © or (c) "your name" to a manuscript, but I don’t believe this is essential.
Remember: you can not copyright ideas. Any author has the right to produce work with similar themes or using the same facts. And of course, if you wish to include a quote (eg, song lyrics) in a story, you must gain permission from the copyright owner.
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In the UK, if you write something original, it is your intellectual property. You own the copyright to that material. It does not need to be published for the assertion of copyright. Copyright means that no one is allowed to copy that material without your permission – which you give, for example, when you sell a manuscript to a publisher. You can give away or assign the copyright to someone else, should you wish (this may happen with some short story or poetry competitions, I believe). Copyright extends beyond the death of the artist (writer) by 70 years. Often, authors emphasise their ownership by adding © or (c) "your name" to a manuscript, but I don’t believe this is essential.
Remember: you can not copyright ideas. Any author has the right to produce work with similar themes or using the same facts. And of course, if you wish to include a quote (eg, song lyrics) in a story, you must gain permission from the copyright owner.
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Wednesday, 4 March 2009
FantasyCon 2009 press release
The British Fantasy Society is holding its annual convention, Fantasycon 2009, in Nottingham, UK, over the weekend 18-20 September. Fantasycon was first staged in the mid-1970s in Birmingham and has run more-or-less continuously since.
The 2009 convention is delighted to announce that the Guests of Honour are Jasper Fforde, Brian Clemens and Gail Z Martin. The Master of Ceremonies is Ian Watson. The convention’s highlights include guest interviews, panel discussion and the British Fantasy Awards Banquet.
Since Jasper Fforde’s first novel - The Eyre Affair - was published in 2001 he has consistently blurred genres, producing a wonderful series of reality-bending, funny, complex, literate and very silly books. His Tuesday Next series follows the adventures of the eponymous heroine and Literary Detective as she solves crimes against fiction in an alternative Republic of England. The Nursery Crime series, starring DCI Jack Spratt, have addressed both the murder of Humpty Dumpty (The Big Over Easy, 2005) and porridge-smuggling by bears (The Fourth Bear, 2006). A new series begins with his latest novel Shades of Grey.
Brian Clemens was born in Surrey in 1931. He is best known as the creative force behind The Avengers, for many of us epitomised by the image of Diana Rigg starring as Mrs Emma Peel. After service in the Army he worked in an advertising agency, during which he wrote a script which attracted the attention of the BBC. And from small beginnings... He later wrote the pilot episode of The Avengers, first shown in 1961. Besides writing for this, he scripted TV shows such as Adam Adamant Lives, The Persuaders, The Professionals and Thriller.
Gail Martin is the author of the Chronicles of the Necromancer series: The Summoner, The Blood King, Dark Haven and Dark Lady’s Chosen (coming in 2010). She discovered her passion for science fiction, fantasy and ghost stories in elementary school. The very first story she ever wrote — at age five — was about a vampire. Her favourite TV shows as a pre-schooler were Dark Shadows and Lost in Space. At age 14, she decided to become a writer, and launched a fanzine when she was in college.
Ian Watson was born in 1943 and graduated from Balliol College, Oxford, in 1963; he spent time working abroad before becoming a full-time writer in the 1970s. His work includes The Embedding, his first novel and which won the John W Campbell Memorial Award. His other books include: The Power, The Fire Worm, Whores of Babylon, Miracle Visitors, God's World and The Gardens of Delight.
For information and booking details, visit the Fantasycon website and blog: http://www.fantasycon.org.uk/ and http://fantasycon-2009.blogspot.com/
The 2009 convention is delighted to announce that the Guests of Honour are Jasper Fforde, Brian Clemens and Gail Z Martin. The Master of Ceremonies is Ian Watson. The convention’s highlights include guest interviews, panel discussion and the British Fantasy Awards Banquet.
Since Jasper Fforde’s first novel - The Eyre Affair - was published in 2001 he has consistently blurred genres, producing a wonderful series of reality-bending, funny, complex, literate and very silly books. His Tuesday Next series follows the adventures of the eponymous heroine and Literary Detective as she solves crimes against fiction in an alternative Republic of England. The Nursery Crime series, starring DCI Jack Spratt, have addressed both the murder of Humpty Dumpty (The Big Over Easy, 2005) and porridge-smuggling by bears (The Fourth Bear, 2006). A new series begins with his latest novel Shades of Grey.
Brian Clemens was born in Surrey in 1931. He is best known as the creative force behind The Avengers, for many of us epitomised by the image of Diana Rigg starring as Mrs Emma Peel. After service in the Army he worked in an advertising agency, during which he wrote a script which attracted the attention of the BBC. And from small beginnings... He later wrote the pilot episode of The Avengers, first shown in 1961. Besides writing for this, he scripted TV shows such as Adam Adamant Lives, The Persuaders, The Professionals and Thriller.
Gail Martin is the author of the Chronicles of the Necromancer series: The Summoner, The Blood King, Dark Haven and Dark Lady’s Chosen (coming in 2010). She discovered her passion for science fiction, fantasy and ghost stories in elementary school. The very first story she ever wrote — at age five — was about a vampire. Her favourite TV shows as a pre-schooler were Dark Shadows and Lost in Space. At age 14, she decided to become a writer, and launched a fanzine when she was in college.
Ian Watson was born in 1943 and graduated from Balliol College, Oxford, in 1963; he spent time working abroad before becoming a full-time writer in the 1970s. His work includes The Embedding, his first novel and which won the John W Campbell Memorial Award. His other books include: The Power, The Fire Worm, Whores of Babylon, Miracle Visitors, God's World and The Gardens of Delight.
For information and booking details, visit the Fantasycon website and blog: http://www.fantasycon.org.uk/ and http://fantasycon-2009.blogspot.com/
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