West London Literary Festival author profiles
Sunday 7 September 2008
Acton Green, Turnham Green Terrace, Chiswick W4
Main tent:
Bettany Hughes: The 300: The Spartans myth or reality
Buchi Emecheta: Q&A and Book Signing
Focusing her works on sexual politics and racial prejudice, Nigerian author Buchi Emecheta has also written several children’s novels and is a contributor to well recognised published journals such as The New Statesmen, The Times Literary Supplement and The Guardian.
Rose Collis: Reading, Q&A and Book Signing
Author of biographies, exhibitions, and even walks and talks, Rose released her book ‘This Effing Lady’ in 2007, and is currently working on the biography of Oscar-winning writer Clemence Dane.
Siobhan Curham – So You Want To Get Published Reading, Q&A and Book Signing
After self-publishing her new book ‘Finding The Plot’, Siobhan Curham talks about the highs and lows, both humorous and gritty of getting published.
Children's storytelling:
Chinese Dance Workshops – Led by Sinman Dance Company
Firstly a demonstration of Chinese fan and ribbon dance will provide inspiration and techniques, followed by audience participation and involvement.
Akuba: Reading
Focusing her commitment on black learners in education, award-winning Akuba provides an excellent reading of poetry and folktales.
Aiden Potts – Reading, Q&A and Book Signing
A children’s picture book author, Aidan’s latest work about dinosaurs is called Uneversaurus and is aimed at 5 to 7 year olds, written by colourful character name Professor Potts.
Community tent:
Pitshanger Poets: Poetry Reading
Featuring once again at the Ealing Literary Festival, the Pitshanger Poets come from a variety of backgrounds to perform a selection of their own compositions.
Ealing’s Big Read - Jane Yardley
Jane Yardley is an English author, raised in a village in 1960s Essex (where most of her novels are set). She went to university in London and gained a Ph.D. degree from Charing Cross Hospital Medical School. Although living in London she spends much of her time travelling around the world co-ordinating medical trials for a small Japanese pharmaceutical company.
A Saucerful of Secrets is set in 1969. Kim Tanner has been living happily in rural Essex, blissfully unaware that she is not the natural daughter of cleaning lady Peggy. But when the truth is revealed after Peggy's death, Kim heads to Ealing to find the woman she believes to be her birth mother - the glamorous, bohemian writer, Imogen St Clair, who was forced to give her illegitimate child up for adoption thirteen years earlier. Of all the children who have come forward over the years believing themselves to be the baby "Charlotte" of Imogen's bestselling memoir, none has been anything like Kim.
Poetry Slam
Originating in America, Poetry Slam combines poetry with a competitive edge, judged by good writing, the performance and audience response. An entertaining and audience participating event. Chris Tutton will host West London’s Poetry Slam. Your chance to perform your own poetry and get some tips on how to wow the audience. Arrive early to sign up.
Workshop tent:
Neal Zetter
London based comedy poet performer Neil Zetter provides a stimulating and exciting style of poetry, accessible to all.
Chris Tutton
Performing what has been described as an ‘idiosyncratic blend of ravishing linguistic dexterity and intelligent humour’ top poet Chris Tutton has been performing his works at venues throughout the UK.
