Tag Archives: Catriona Troth

The Chalfont St Giles and Jordans Literary Festival by Denise Beddows

Posted on by

The Chalfont St Giles and Jordans Literary Festival by Denise Beddows1

The theme of this year’s exciting Chalfont St Giles & Jordans Literary Festival (10-22 May) is ‘Lives in Words’. Sharing their insights into their own or others’ lives will be a stellar line-up of guest speakers.

Participants will include Professor (Sir) Robert Winston, examining ways in which science may increase our happiness, and diplomat Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles, sharing his experiences as a British Ambassador.

Anna Jacobs outlines the background to her best-selling novels, whilst poetry lovers will be well served by the wit of award-winning poet Wendy Cope.  American poet Robert Frost will be the subject of a discussion led by Gabriel Woolf and Linda Hart, and Claire de Carle and Dr Sarah Rutherford will discuss Capability Brown.

Ffion Hague examines the relationship between Robert Walpole and poet Thomas Gray, and Vernon Bogdanor describes the constitutional crisis of 1936 caused by Edward VIII’s relationship with American divorcee Wallis Simpson.

 

In a joint presentation entitled Spooks & Spooks, Denise Beddows, aka author DJ Kelly,  explores our county’s 600 year history of spooks of the spy variety, as featured in her book Buckinghamshire Spies & Subversives; Catriona Troth describes the inspiration for her book Ghost Town and the way The Specials’ chart-topping song of that name eerily reflected the 1980’s urban decay, unemployment and racial violence, and Margaret Whittock  recounts the spooky circumstances leading to her discovering the Gallipoli graves of her two great uncles and to her novel Ghost of Gallipoli.

With coffees, teas, homemade cakes and books on sale, readers and budding writers are invited to pop in to browse books and seek writing and publishing tips from 8 published authors at the Writers’ Café and Pop-up Book Shop (10-1pm Sat 21stMay in The Reading Room, High Street, Chalfont St Giles – admission free). See:www.chalfontstgilesliteraryfestival.org.uk

 

 

Is it Like Herding Cats? by Margaret Graham

Posted on by

Good news, the talented writing group, Chesham Writers and Scribblers’s latest collection of short stories has been launched. Varied, thought provoking, and raising money for charity, what more can one ask from the written word? Well, I wanted to know how a collection of 15 writers could be corralled for long enough to produce such interesting work. So over to Clare.

‘Seasons’: a collection of 15 short stories  by Clare Elstow

Is it like herding cats? by Margaret Graham1

Autumn bonfires, winter snow, spring lambs and summer swifts – all classic elements of the Chiltern seasons. Add in a birth, a marriage, a death and a murder, a couple of holidays and a dream or two and you have the recipe for the entertaining mix of fifteen short stories that makes up Chesham Writers and Scribblers’ second collection of short stories: ‘Seasons’.

The group meets monthly, writing to a themed assignment, and it’s become an annual event to use one of the themes as the basis for a published story collection. We all appreciate having an extra focus and inspiration for writing and as well as seeing our work in print, the project means group members raise money for local charities, including Chesham Museum.

Is it like herding cats? by Margaret Graham2

L – R: Michael Rowan, Catriona Troth, Kate Hutchinson, Denise Beddows (writes as D J Kelly), Clive Hewitt, Clare Elstow and Patricia Heath.
Photographer credit: Emily Conboy

 

How does it work?

Three of us act as editors, making the initial selection of stories and deciding on an order that provides variety and contrast; it’s fascinating to see such varied interpretations of the same theme. Perhaps only these eclectic local collections can provide a home for styles and genres that range from thriller to folktale, historical to contemporary and which encompass both despair and hope, alongside a helping of humour.

Professional local photos ensure a colourful and attractive cover and are provided by Chartridge Photographic, who also print the copies. We decided on an inexpensive stapled booklet style, to keep costs and price down (£3) and attract the casual buyer; it also ensures we can afford to donate a number of copies to our stockists. As well as Chesham Museum, ‘Seasons’ can also be bought at The Drawingroom coffee house in Chesham – the venue for most of our meetings.

For more information about the group:

http://writersandscribblers.wordpress.com/ , or email cheshamwritersandscribblers@gmail.com .

 

 

The Words for the Wounded Litfest – Review by Pat Heath

Posted on by

What a brilliant day at Downley Community Centre, 18th April 2015.

This inaugural one-day opportunity for new and established writers, and for readers, did what it said on the packet. We laughed with, learned from, and mingled amongst, experts in the world of writing at the Words for the Wounded (WforW) LitFest. It was organised by the ‘Writing Grannies’ who run the charity.

The Words for the Wounded Litfest - Review by Pat Heath

To open the day, Matt Pain, Trustee, reminded us that the average age of wounded soldiers is 25 years old, which proved thought provoking.

The Words for the Wounded Litfest - Review by Pat Heathwelcome

Margaret Graham (‘writing grannie’) and Katie Fforde (WforW patron) opened the day with conversazione. These two bestselling authors covered key aspects of fiction writing, including sub-plots, the need to inhabit your characters and how to deal with a ‘soggy middle’. Something that troubles many of us – writers or not.

A massive amount of invaluable information was delivered with quick fire wit, during this hilarious and valuable session. Meg Cannell presented chocolates to Katie.

The Words for the Wounded Litfest - Review by Pat Heathkatiemegmg

After book signing and coffee it was time for some murder and mayhem, with two ‘Midsomer Murders’ TV writers, Rachel Cuperman and Sally Griffiths. Rachel and Sally explained the practical aspects of TV play-writing, punctuated with their own amusing anecdotes.

The Words for the Wounded Litfest - Review by Pat Heathrachelsally

Lunch followed, with wine and coffee, organised by Jan Speedie (‘writing grannie’), Margaret’s family and Josh Edwards. It was partially sponsored by Tesco, Morrison’s and Starbucks. A feast, it must be said, and the team did a fantastic job. Seamless.

Many authors choose the Independent Author publishing route and successful ‘Indie’ writers, Amanda Hatter and Catriona Troth, chaired by Penny Deacon, (writing grannie) described how to produce a high-quality self-published book,. This time Penny Deacon (writing grannie) chaired the session as Amanda gave many useful marketing tips, including how to penetrate large chains such as Waterstones, and Catriona explained the advantages of working as part of a writers’ collective, such as Triskele Books.

The Words for the Wounded Litfest - Review by Pat Heathcallum The Words for the Wounded Litfest - Review by Pat Heathtriskele

Felicity Trew, from Caroline Sheldon Literary Agency was introduced by Penny Deacon and gave a power-point presentation in which she explained the role of literary agents: negotiating publishing deals, making sure the contract protects current and future income opportunities, and chasing payments/royalties.

The Words for the Wounded Litfest - Review by Pat Heathpdprojector

She also advised on how writers should approach agents, using amusing spoof emails to illustrate her points, and she reminded the audience to check agent’s submission instructions. Her agency’s website has a useful list of ‘pet hates’ including applicants omitting the requested information and obvious ‘carpet bombing’ applications.

Felicity was at the LitFest all day, and was enormously generous with her time.

Finally, Jan Speedie introduced Penny Deacon who talked about why she ‘turned her back on romance and took to murder’. She compared her experiences of writing Mills and Boon to that of crime fiction. This was a relaxed and amusing end to an inspirational, funny, information-packed day.

The Words for the Wounded Litfest - Review by Pat Heathjan=pd

Prizes, donated by artist Sharon Bennett, Tesco, (Bollinger champagne) The Wellington, and Katie Fforde were raffled for WforW. Speakers were given boxes of chocolates, partially funded by Thornton’s and delegates were given books donated by Random House. Penny Gerrard made biscuits from heaven and Susan Atkins’ chocolate cake was seriously good.

One clever touch was the notepads and biros on every seat, for invaluable notetaking. Everything was so carefully thought out. It makes a difference.

Next year’s LitFest line up of speakers will include Elizabeth Buchan, bestselling author (patron of WforW) Jemima Hunt, Literary Agent, Catherine Balavage, e-magazine owner (Frost Magazine), and Tracy Baines, successful genre short story writer.

A total of £1,500 was raised by the inaugural LitFest for the rehabilitation of the wounded.

http://www.wordsforthewounded.co.uk

 

 

 

Independent Bookshop Opens Doors to Independent Authors

Posted on by

by Catriona Troth.

Foyles on London’s Charing Cross Road, is playing host to The Indie Author Fair (IAF) on Friday 17th April 2015.

IAF 2015 Flyer Front

When we wrapped up the Indie Author Fair 2014, most of us assumed that would be it for another year. That was before the Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi) approached us to run their Member Showcase at the London Book Fair Indie Author Fringe Festival, run by The ALLi /Indie ReCon.

indiereconalli-logo

IndieReCon is a free online writers’ conference, which has been running since 2013. This year, they are working with ALLi to run a live event at Foyles, London’s largest indie bookstore, with the support of London Book Fair’s Book and Screen Week.

To follow this, Triskele Books are organising a second Indie Author Fair – a pop-up bookshop at which more than fifty of ALLi’s members will be represented. The Fair is being sponsored by XPO North, who are bringing with them an exciting group of emerging writers from the Highlands and Islands.

publishing, book, books, writing, authors, festivals

“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 and look forward to fostering new author-reader bonds at the fair.”

Indie Author Fair 2015 will take place from 16.30–19.30 and is FREE to the public with drinks reception, goodie bags and personalised signed copies available.

You can read about the full collection of books and authors on show at the Fair here.

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, talk to experts and discover great new books.”

 

 

 

How Can Organizing a Literary Festival be Fun? By Margaret Graham

Posted on by

Easy peasey, when it’s for a good cause, and you have fantastic writers in support.

The thrust of our fundraising at Words for the Wounded is two-fold. We feel we must earn our donations which help the wounded, and offer opportunities to aspiring writers, and interested readers – hence the writing competitions.

Remember that the three grannies who run the charity absorb all the costs, so every penny goes to the wounded.

Last year, to raise extra funds for the recovery of wounded troops, we grannies, who run Words for the Wounded, decided to throw ourselves out of a plane (with parachutes and a handsome man to cling to, I might add). This year, in August we’re splodging through mud doing a Military Assault Course.

Not quite the same elan, but sons-in-law, who are doing it too, are very much looking forward to not catching us when we toppled from the tyre wall.
skydive organizing a Literary Festival

It seemed, however, a good idea to do something less strenuous in the meantime. A Literary Festival seemed just about the ticket.

First panic: will people come? Build it and see, seemed to be the thing to do. Wasn’t that what Kevin Costner was told about a baseball field?

Second panic: will we attract speakers? Well, let’s try our mates.

So we get on the phone to call a couple of WforW patrons.

Katie Fforde is a Sunday Times No 1 bestseller and a great pal. ‘’Of course,’ she said. ‘Let’s do it. In fact, you and me together, Margaret, chatting.’ Done.

 

margaret graham

Second call to Rachel Cuperman. Rachel writes Midsomer Murders scripts, and if they’re not bestsellers, I don’t know what is.
‘Of course,’ she said. ‘Can’t wait. I’ll get my co-writer, Sally Griffiths to come too.’ Done.

Sally
I am kissing the hem of their garments by now.

Penny Deacon is one of the grannies, and a crime writer. She will be talking about her work. Done.

penny landed

A past student, Amanda Hatter, and Catriona Troth, who is a committed member of the Alliance of Independent Authors, are to sit on our self-publishing panel. Me too, me too, to try to keep them under control.

kat4Photo attribution: Ruth Jenkinson

Amanda Hatter.

Catherine Balavage, publisher of Frost Magazine, who would have been with us has a far more important project on the go – a son to be born at about the same time.

Finally, we have a fantastic agent: Felicity Trew of the Caroline Sheldon Literary Agency who is really looking forward to meeting all the aspiring authors in the audience. She will be here for the day, so loads of time for networking.

felicity-trew

Then we have the food: As real foodies the grannies have been planning lunch, with wine, and tea with cake. We’re of an age where life seems to revolve around cake… Join us in pursuit of the calories.

Waterstones will be there, writers will sign books. There will be an artist exhibiting her work. There will be a buzz. It’s the inaugural Literary Festival for Downley Community Centre, which has been fantastically supportive.

So come. Enjoy the day. Tickets in advance to facilitate catering.

It’s been fun organizing it, and will be even more so, on the day.

Remember: the grannies absorb all the costs of the charity every penny we raise goes to where it’s needed.

Where is it needed? See the sort of injuries our service personnel suffer:

https://www.frostmagazine.com/2014/12/wounded-the-legacy-of-war-photographs-by-bryan-adams/

Date: April 18th. 9.30 for 10.00 start until 5.00. Downley Community Centre, High Wycombe, HP13 5TR Tickets £50 to include all refreshments.

Contact: Margaret@margaret-graham.com for information and tickets, or go to www.wordsforthewounded.co.uk

 

 

 

The Indie Author Fair – a Pop-up Bookshop at the Chorleywood Lit Fest

Posted on by

Sunday 16th November, 2pm-5pm, British Legion Hall, Chorleywood

indiebanner

Indie authors and indie bookshops ought to be a marriage made in heaven – ideally suited to work together to create something fresh and exciting.

Catriona Troth, from the indie author collective, Triskele Books, is proud to have facilitated one such partnership – the first, she hopes, of many. Chorleywood Bookshop, well known for bringing literary luminaries to ‘the best little lit fest you’ve never heard of’, are working with the Triskele Books author collective and the Alliance of Independent Authors to host the inaugural Indie Author Fair at the Chorleywood Lit Fest.

authorreadings

For the first time, in one place, forty indie authors convene to showcase their work and demonstrate how indie author publishing represents all that is innovative, daring and creative.

The Fair will feature works of crime, romance, historical fiction, comedy and lit fic, all read by the authors themselves. You can join in with story time sessions for children of all age groups, or browse the books while having afternoon tea and discover a hidden treasure.

indieauthorfairchildrensflyerIndie authors are a supportive, enthusiastic gang of professionals, ready to answer questions and share their experiences – good and bad. You can discuss plot with a crime writer, brainstorm covers with a designer, pick historical fiction brains, kick around marketing ideas. Or meet the people who make indie authorship happen: Sponsors Ingram, Matador and Reedsy are available to answer your questions.

Troth hopes it will turn into an annual event. “The Fair seems to have captured imaginations – authors are coming from as far away as Spain and Switzerland.”

Alliance of Independent Authors founder and co-host of the Fair, Orna Ross, is looking forward to, “the connections and collaborations, and the energising creative spirit that always blows when a crowd of dedicated indie authors get together.”

Richard Mollett, CEO of the Publishers Association says, “The Indie Author Fair is a great way of promoting writing and reading in Britain.”

If you love reading, if you enjoy meeting authors, if you’re curious about independent publishing – then come to the Indie Author Fair!

 

For more information, please contact Catriona Troth catriona.troth@gmail.com

 

Event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/727624687310614
Online catalogue: http://issuu.com/janedixon-smith/docs/iaf_catalogue_proof_issuu/0

 

 

 

Chesham Writers and Scribblers Group

Posted on by

Chesham Writers and Scribblers is an informal and inspirational writing group for aspiring authors, which has been meeting regularly since 2012.  The diverse group of people meet each month at The Drawing Room in Chesham to discuss debate and dissect their work. Writing can be very solitary, so to have such support and feedback from likeminded people is an enormous help. Visit their blog  writersandscribblers.wordpress.com New members are warmly welcomed, whether a published writer, scribbler or beginner.

Chesham Writers and Scribblers Group
The group also uses a range of jointly-agreed short assignments to explore various themes, aspects and genres of writing – which they then share at the meetings. They also attend monthly mentoring sessions and have regular six hour daily workshops with published author Margaret Graham

To date some of the group have successfully published novels either through the traditional route, a co-operative or through self-publishing. Others have had their own stage plays performed and submitted various competition entries.
Their aims and achievements

Jane Carling, founder of the group, always dreamed of becoming an author, but life got in the way. She finally self-published her first novel, Pandora’s Box, romantic fiction story set in Greece and is available on Amazon. Her next project is a collection of short stories. Visit her website www.janecarling.co.uk

Clare Elstow has written extensively for television and is now exploring new genres and styles in both prose and poetry. She particularly enjoys short-form writing, but hopes to embark on that elusive novel eventually…

Jan Flannigan has won reader awards for her fan fiction. She decided to join the group with the hopes of improving and is in the process of writing her first crime novel. Visit blog janetfl.wordpress.com

Pat Heath is a doctor turned author, currently working on a self-help book for people who discover they have cancer…

Michael Rowan is yet to publish a book, play or poetry unless you count a poem in the school magazine when he was thirteen. Since this early success he has developed a love of writing nurtured by the group…

Maryam Sharifi is from Animation. The bug started when she helped to develop an award winning animated short story. Now working on ways of promoting her next project, Burrow Market for which she wrote the script, amongst other things, she also wishes to publish children’s stories. 
Visit her blog maryamandjam.blogspot.co.uk

Catriona Troth is a freelance writer and regular contributor to the literary e-zine Words with Jam. She is the author of two novels, Ghost Town and Gift of the Raven, both published with the Triskele Books author collective. Visit her website www.triskelebooks.co.uk

Paul Vates had written for stage, print and screen. His latest play, Voltemand and Cornelius are joyfully returned is in development whilst he is working on his first novel…