News
National Year of Reading 2008
“The 2008 National Year of Reading will create a powerful focus of opportunities and activities so that children, families and adult learners understand the benefits that reading for pleasure and purpose can bring to change their lives,” Ed Balls MP. http://www.yearofreading.org.uk.
For more on NYR in Northants, see http://litnorthants.wordpress.com/nyr/.
Northants writer Judith Allnatt shortlisted for the Portico Prize
Judith Allnatt’s first novel, A Mile of River, has received yet more crtical acclaim by being shortlisted for the Portico Prize. The Portico Prize for Literature 2008 is the only book prize exclusively for books about, or set mainly in, the North of England. http://www.theportico.org.uk/portprize.htm.
A Mile of River was also was chosen as book of the month by the Simon Mayo show on Radio Five Live where it received excellent reviews. Judith attended the show in April to discuss the book with Simon Mayo, the book panel reviewers and Will Self. To read the reviews and download initial chapters for free, please go to http://www.bbc.co.uk/fivelive/entertainment/mayosbookpanel/month/apr2008. To read Judith’s feature ‘A Book at the Beeb,’ please go to http://www.between-the-lines.co.uk/?p=20.
Book launch for Royal Bastards
Historians and Genealogists Roger Powell and Peter Beauclerk-Dewar were at Waterstone’s Northampton to talk about and sign copies of their fascinating book about illegitimate offspring of the British Royal family ‘Royal Bastards’. Bestselling novelist Louise Bagshawe and Wellingborough MP Peter Bone were present in an audience of the great and the good of Northants. A civilised and entertaining evening was enjoyed by all. Manager Emma Mileham is very grateful to Roger Powell for all of his hard work in setting up the evening.
Above: Roger Powell and Peter Beauclerk-Dewar at Waterstone’s Northampton
Synopsis of Royal Bastards: This book includes sex, power, mystery and blood - gripping, untold stories about the British monarchy and their unofficial offspring. Since 1066 when William the Conqueror (alias William the Bastard) took the throne, English and Scottish kings have sired at least 150 children out of wedlock. Many were acknowledged at court and founded dynasties of their own - several of today’s dukedoms are descended from them. Others were only acknowledged grudgingly or not at all. In the 20th century this trend for Royals to father illegitimate children continued, but the parentage, while highly probable, has not been officially recognised.This book - split into four sections: Tudor, Stuart, Hanoverian and, perhaps most fascinating, Royal Loose Ends - is a genuinely fresh approach to British kings and queens, examining their lives and times through the unfamiliar perspective of their illegitimate children. Interviewees include many of their descendants. But beyond personal narratives it also sheds light on the perennially fascinating topic of sexual habits; the links between politics, power and patronage; the class system, scandal and celebrity; and the different expectations we have of men and women.
Three year plan for literature in Northamptonshire
For the last few months I’ve been working with literary consultant Steve Dearden, and in consultation with a cross section of Northamptonshire’s literary community, in order to develop a new year year plan for literature in the county. The plan identifies areas of need which I, as Literature Development Officer, will aim to address over the next three years. The plan is available in summary form: 3 year plan. I hope you find it as exciting and challenging as I do. Thanks to all who contributed to this process.
New book by Northants writer Sue Moorcroft
A helicopter crash. And one secret after another is spilled. Diane Jenner’s isolated world is rocked when she discovers her husband has been enjoying a double life. Perhaps Diane’s parents were right to oppose her marriage to Gareth 25 years ago over his impoverished background - it’s money that’s at the root of every one of Gareth’s betrayals. James North has money but he knows it doesn’t buy him happiness because the lifestyle of his wife, Valerie, the pilot of the helicopter, has caused James problems for years. He’s desperate for her to be more stable for the sake of their fragile daughter, Tamzin. And Diane’s daughter, Bryony, needs a father to rely on. Which is more important? Money or family?
Sue Moorcroft’s new novel, Family Matters, will be published in March 2008. For more information, see http://www.suemoorcroft.com/.
New H. E. Bates anthology: now on sale
The 2007 anthology of top stories from the H.E. Bates Short Story Competition, entitled ’Spreading Wings,’ is now on sale. Anthologies are available for £3.50 from most Northamptonshire libraries or from Kate Wilkinson on the details below:
Kate Wilkinson
Arts Development Team
Northamptonshire County Council
Music & Performing Arts Centre
125-129 Kettering Road
Northampton NN1 4AZ
01604 824155 / kwilkinson@northamptonshire.gov.uk.
Please make any cheques payable to ‘NCC.’
