West London Literary Festival author profiles
Saturday 6 September 2008
Acton Green, Turnham Green Terrace, Chiswick W4
Main tent:
The Write Fantastic- Sarah Ash, Jessica Rydill, Chaz Brenchley, Deborah Miller: Reading, Q&A and book signing
With her first debut novel published at the age of 45, Sarah Ash is in the final stages of completing the second book of The Alchymist’s Legacy, entitled ‘Flight Into Darkness’.
Jessica Rydill is currently working on an epic novel entitled ‘Malarat’, an exciting adventure into the world of the Shamans.
Chaz Brenchley has an extensive portfolio of crime novels, including the most well known series ‘The Books of Outremer’.
Fantasy writer Deborah Miller published her first book ‘Talisker’, the first part of ‘The Last Clansmen Trilogy’, in 2001, and as a survivor, hopes to inspire and raise awareness for Breast Cancer Research.
Andrew Motion: reading, Q&A and book signing
Appointed as Poet Laureate in May 1999, Andrew Motion has also recently been appointed as Professor of Creative Writing at Royal Holloway, University of London. He will be reading through some of his more intriguing poems.
Richard Briers: Desert Island Books
One of the more instantly recognisable and classic actors from the 70s, 80s and 90s, and infamously known for ‘The Good Life’, Richard Briers is bringing forth his superb delivery through Desert Island Books.
Michele Hanson: reading, Q&A and book signing
Former music teacher and now Guardian Columnist Michele Hanson is not only talented in the ways of the piano, harpsichord and flute. She will be reading a variety of excerpts.
Community tent:
Kate Buchanan - Off The Page
A free writing group based in Acton Library, this workshop inspired group focuses on writing for performance and entertainment, including screenwriting, playwriting, radio drama and poetry. The group aim of inspiring the local community to get involved and improve their skills, share works and working with actors to encourage skills growth. This act contains adult themes which may not be suitable for under-14s.
Verna Wilkins – Tamarind Books
Founder and director of children’s book company Tamarind Books, Verna has always strived to provide stories and characters that encompass a variety of races, in the successful attempt to provide easily accessible reading material for children of all backgrounds.
Children's storytelling:
Kevin Graal: Round And Round The Garden
Join storyteller Kevin Graal for a fun-filled session of songs and stories from around the world.
Kellie Strøm – reading and Q&A
Danish born children’s author Kellie Strøm’s latest work ‘Sadie The Air Mail Pilot’ tells the story of a brave and fearless pilot delivering mail across the world. Kellie originally started before he could write drawing a picture book, before moving on in his adult years to illustrations for newspapers in the UK, Ireland and Denmark.
Francesca Beard
Francesca Beard is bringing Dragon, Rabbit, Tiger, Monkey, Snake and all the other stars of the Chinese zodiac to compete for your vote, filled with sparking songs, stupendous stand up and slinky story-telling, who will you decide to win?
James Campbell - Comedy for kids
James Campbell is a stand-up comedian for children. Think there is no such thing - well think again. Over the last ten years, James has been bringing his unique form of comedy for all to theatres, over 1000 schools and festivals all over the world. James talks about everything that is relevant to kids and anyone who has ever been a kid – everything from parents to Playstations, why we have hair and what he had for breakfast. His show is aimed at children aged six and over; their parents; and anyone who enjoys top quality comedy without the swearing.
“The best sort of absurdist comedy there is.” The Guardian
Dean Carter – reading and Q&A
Teen author Dean Carter’s latest fiction ‘Hunting Season’ is an exciting werewolf thriller.
Workshops:
Spread The Word
An organisation focusing on providing London writers the advice, support and tools to assist in every stage of their development, aiding writers to achieve their full potential. Not only do they provide workshops, they also house showcase events and get involved with schools to help develop literacy skills amongst all ages.
