Morley Literature Festival

I attend this Festival every year as it is excellent in terms of affordability, so I thought I would blog early about the details so that my followers can snap up a ticket before they all sell out:

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2013 Programme Revealed 4-13 October 2013 10 days of talks, walks, music, art and family events in Leeds Autumn might feel a long way off, but make sure you've got your tickets for the 8th edition of Morley Literature Festival. The full Festival programme is now online at morleyliteraturefestival.co.uk with 10 days of conversations, workshops and imaginative exploits; covering a wide choice of subjects, from the rise of British cycling to the role of British women, recipe books to storybooks... Will you join us? Tickets are available on our website, by phone and in person: find out more here. Make it your own From guided walks to make-your-own fridge poetry there are plenty of ways throughout the Festival to get involved, or to learn from professionals. Enroll in the Penny University, or book in for a workshop with writer Katy Massey or poet Becky Cherriman and get advice and feedback on your own writing. For children, there's Scary Hair to design with Kate Pankhurst and chatty Robots to dream up and build... Want to know more? The Rise of British Cycling Ahead of Yorkshire's leg of the Tour de France in 2014, two of British cycling's most influential men promise us unrivalled insights into the pivotal moments that have shaped recent history. Team GB's Rod Ellingworth and ITV's Ned Boulting,describe the races, the cyclists and the onlookers who have transformed the nation's view of cycling and turned road cycling into a new national obsession. Book Now.. Alison Weir The UK's top-selling female historian Alison Weir discusses the history, intrigue and ruthless ambition that informs her latest novel and it's connection to the mysterious death of Richard III's nephews in the Tower of London. Book Now Andy Kershaw From events manager at Leeds University Union to legendary BBC Radio broadcaster (via a stint as Billy Bragg's roadie), Andy Kershaw takes us on a whirlwind tour of his adventures in music.Book Now Kate Adie Broadcaster and bestselling author Kate Adie turns her attention to the British women who took over traditionally male roles during WWI and the powerful impact they had on equal rights, for their own and future generations. Book Now

Mexican literature, music and performance evening 6 September 2013

Take a trip Down Mexico Way Friday 6 September 8pm-1am Rich Mix, Bethnal Green, London Tickets £4, book online Take a journey into the weird and wonderful worlds of Mexican writer Juan Pablo Villalobos and DBC Pierre.  Both writers will give readings from their new works and explore the influence Mexico has had on them, sharing the music, art and places that have inspired them. Hosted by Shane Solanki with music from DJs Moshi Moshi Records.   Juan Pablo Villalobos was born in Guadalajara, Mexico, in 1973 and wrote Down the Rabbit Hole - shortlisted for the Guardian First Book Award 2011 and the Oxford-Weidenfeld Translation Prize 2012. His latest work Quesadillas, a comic novel about screwed-up families and politics in Mexico, has received an English PEN award. DBC Pierre won the Man Booker Prize and Whitbread First Novel Award for his debut, Vernon God Little. His latest work, Petit Mal, drawing on memoir and fiction, takes us further into the imagination of one of the most radically original prose stylists of the past decade. Michael McClatchey and Stephen Bass are founders of Moshi Moshi Records whose releases include Bloc Party, Hot Chip, Kate Nash, Florence and the Machine, Disclosure, Sweet Baboo, Tilly and the Wall and Slow Club. Presented by English PEN and And Other Stories See our Facebook page for updates on the event

The debut collection of short fictions, philosophical vignettes, and aphoristic interludes from the Man Booker Prize-winning author of Vernon God Little. Accompanied by dozens of full-colour illustrations and photographic 'evidence', the stories here inhabit worlds defined by appetite, excess and transcendence. Anarchy in Mexico – a comic novel about screwed-up families and politics. With Quesadillas, Juan Pablo Villalobos serves up a wild banquet. Anything goes in this madcap Mexican satire about politics, big families, and what it means to be middle class. ‘Villalobos has come to stay – and to say loud and clear that in Mexico almost anything is possible.’ El Periódico de Catalunya

Monsters University film review

Just got back from taking the kids to see this at the L/B Odeon.

The films premise is: A look at the relationship between Mike and Sulley during their days at Monsters University -- when they weren't necessarily the best of friends.

Mike Wasowski (Billy Crystal) and Sullivan (John Goodman) explore the dynamics of their characters in this amusing take on a University movie.  The CG and animation is top-notch as expected and it is the little touches in the 'monster' world that parallel our human world that really make the movie.  The music by Randy Newman is as spot-on as ever and I loved the little nods to the original, though it would still work as a standalone movie.

This film makes for an enjoyable family movie and with an ending that you rarely get in a kids movie, thanks to the brilliant 'hard work reaps rewards' theme echoed throughout, it comes as a nice surprise.

The new characters are a breath of fresh air too, Don the mature student and the complicated Art, being particular standouts.  Helen Mirren voices Dean Hardscrabble to great aplomb and Steve Buscemi (Randy) and Alfred Molina (Professor Knights) are also excellent.  The University theme may be well worn, but this a twist on it that makes me look forward to a third Monsters movie.

All in all it plays out a little like The Internship with monsters.                       7/10

The Wolverine movie review

We went to see this yesterday with our good friends C, M and H and as huge Marvel fans (and of Hugh Jackman in particular) were expecting a great movie.

The taglines for the movie are: The hero. The fugitive. The warrior. The survivor. The legend.  The IMDB synopsis is: When Wolverine is summoned to Japan by an old acquaintance, he is embroiled in a conflict that forces him to confront his own demons.

There is a little more to the film than this, but I have to say the movie did play quite slowly.  The action when it came was very Japanese influenced, which is to be expected when set in Japan, and the scenery was quite beautiful, though my favourite aesthetic scene was Wolverine atop his motorcycle in the snow looking down at the small village in the hilltops.

Hugh Jackman (Les Miserables, Australia) was exceptional as anticipated and it was lovely to see Famke Janssen (X-Men, Taken 2) reprise her role as Jean Grey, even if it was only on the periphery.  Rila Fukushima was fantastic as Yukio considering this was her first full film role and apart from Wolverine, was my favourite character.

Model Tao Okamoto as Mariko was ethereal in her role and Russian actress Svetlana Khodchenkova (Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy) was creepy as Viper.  Hiroyuki Sanada (The Twilight Samurai, Rush Hour 3) and Brian Tee (We Were Soldiers, Austin Powers in Goldmember) were good as bad guys but Hal Yamanouchi (The Way Back, Push) as Yashida played the most convincing part, (Ken Yamamura as young Yashida) was a little bit too perfect with his English to convince in his role for me, but as this was his first film role, it was an good debut.

You must stay to the end credits as there is a teaser for the new film X-Men: Days of Future Past, which whets the appetite well for the next X-Men instalment.

A slow burn.                                    7/10

Fort Paull

We visited Fort Paull yesterday and we really enjoyed it.  Fort Paull is Yorkshire's only intact Napoleonic Fortress and yesterday was part of their Knights in Battle event.

As part of the event there were many people dressed in period costume, cooking medieval food in their tents and there was even a feast.

My two enjoyed looking round the various exhibits from World War I and II, including planes, unexploded bombs, tanks and anti-aircraft guns and my son loved the inflatable slide.  The best bits were the Knights in Battle events that included an archery display, where the archers were timed and were aiming at advancing knights, the costume tents where you could find out more about swashbuckling, panaches and even try on the clothes or your hand at wielding the weapons and the knights battles (my favourite part), where you could cheer on the knight of your choice, or boo if he was unlucky enough to be beaten.

The Knights in Battle event is on today too, so if you fancy a lovely sunny day out surrounded by knights in battle, click on the link below to find out how to get there:

www.fortpaull.com

Other events planned for 2013 are 31 August/1 September: Miniature Static and Miniature Steam Traction Engine Rally, 22 September: Vintage and Classic Car Rally and 29 September: American Car Rally.

Authors Publish Magazine Issue 17

In case some of my followers are not registered to receive these magazines, I thought I would publish the details here:

Issue Seventeen Thank you for being a subscriber to Authors Publish Magazine. We send you reviews of publishers accepting submissions, and articles to help you become a successful, published author. Places to Get Published Paper Nautilus and the 2013 Vella Chapbook Prize (They are currently open for submissions of fiction, poetry, and "aphorisms." The deadline for their chapbook contest is coming up very soon.) Lunch Ticket: Open For Submissions (They accept poetry, prose, and "writing for young people.") Featured Article 3 Steps to Complete Your Manuscript (So It Can Finally Be Published) (If you want your book to be read, you've got to complete your manuscript. Here is how to do it.) More... Writing Prompt: Circus Time (This prompt gets you writing by combining the familiar and the unfamiliar.) Inspirational Quote of the Week (This quote gets you thinking about the value of writing -- especially if you are a literary writer.) Sincerely, Jacob Jans Editor

Short course in Crime Writing starting 3 September 2013 & writing competitions 31/8/13

Thanks to my fellow blogger Blog About Writing for the following information:

Short Course: Crime Writing with Chris Collett

Back to Calendar

When:

September 3, 2013 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

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Where:

Writing West Midlands
Unit 204
The Custard Factory,Gibb Street,Birmingham
B9 4AA

£90 for all six sessions.
This course aims to solve the mysteries of crime writing. It will include:
An introduction to the genre: exploring the scope of crime fiction, both novels and short fiction, along with a discussion of your own understanding and interests; structuring a plot – drama, conflict and resolution; building suspense and achieving the right pace; developing three-dimensional characters, avoiding stereotypes and unfolding a back story; writing realistic dialogue; establishing the setting; creating atmosphere; finding a voice; research and realism.
There will also be advice on getting published, polishing your work and writing a pitch or synopsis. Sessions will be delivered through a combination of interactive teaching, group discussion and exercises, and there will be opportunities (for those who want to) to share and peer-critique work.
Chris Collett has been a special needs teacher and university lecturer in Birmingham for thirty years, but for the last ten of these has also turned to crime. The latest in her series of police procedurals, featuring Birmingham DI Tom Mariner, will be published by Severn House in June 2013. Chris has extensive experience of working with agents and editors for the publication of her six crime novels and short stories in other genres and is a manuscript assessor for the Crime Writers Association (CWA).
This course will run from Tuesday 3 September – Tuesday 15 October (excluding Tuesday 8 October), 6 – 8pm.
How to Book:
To book your place, please visit our box office, The Box, online by clicking here. You can also call to book on 0121 236 4455

Writing Competitions for Unpublished Writers. Closing date: 31/08/2013

 Best-selling romantic novelist Miranda Dickinson, who’s a member of the RNA (Romantic Novelists’ Assocation) is running the 'New Rose Prize' for the second time and there are plenty of opportunities for unpublished writers to submit their work by 31st August.

competition guidelines - There are 5 different categories to choose from: Crime, Literary Fiction, Romantic Comedy, Young Adult or First Chapter of a novel and you can enter as many as you like, as long as you send each entry on a separate email.

Writing Competitions 2 September, 16 Oct & 7 November

Thanks to my fellow blogger Blog About Writing:

Erewash Writers - running a free-to-enter short story competition here, which is open to anyone, worldwide and has an interesting theme: ‘full stop’ and closes on 7th November 2013.

Festival of Romance/Piatkus Entice competition

There’s not long to go for this one but if you’ve written (or are in the middle of writing) a romance novel, you might be interested in winning an ebook publishing contract with Piatkus Entice.

The winner will be announced at the Festival of Romance in November.

You have to email the first two chapters of your novel and a short, enticing synopsis of no more than 100 words to Piatkus.Entice@littlebrown.co.uk before the closing date of 2nd September. But read all the rules here first.

Christmas Novel Competition c/d: 16th October 2013

And talking of romance, there’s a competition for a romantic ‘Christmas Novel’ (or New Year or Hannukah), here. The prize is a three-book contract with HarperImpulse and afternoon tea at Fortnum and Mason in London. - See more here.

The closing date is 16th October and I rather fancy this one myself!

Chicken Soup For The Soul

The US publisher of 'inspirational and heart-warming stories' is looking for anecdotes about the relationships between owners and their cats and dogs.

Submissions should be non-fiction, no longer than 1.200 words, and comply with Chicken Soup for the Soul's detailed guidelines.

There is a payment of $200 for each accepted story. The deadline for submissions is 30 September. (But they seem to be calling for submissions for other books too, if you look here on the ‘submit a story’ page).

Legend by David Gemmell book review

I read several books on my recent holiday and I thought I would start my reviews of them with this one:

My fellow Cleckheaton Writers Group member Neil recommended I read David Gemmell’s fantasy books and I began with the one that started it all.  Published in 1984 it established Gemmell as a major fantasy novelist and introduced us to Druss, who would appear in several other novels. 

Druss is the Legend of the title, who when faced with attack by the Nadir is the only man capable of helping hold Dros Denloch, the fortress guarding the Drenai empire.  For me, the main character is Rek the baresark, who falls for the Earl of Dros Drenloch’s daughter and it is his humanity against the backdrop of battle and the supernatural elements that make the book for me.  Gemmell excelled at creating a world inhabited by believable characters who try to live in extraordinary circumstances – even Ulric, who is the leader of the Nadir forces, is a charismatic leader who is forced into the positions he takes.

I particularly enjoyed the otherworldly element of The Thirty, the albino in particular and it raised interesting psychological interpretations of the human spirit battling against the vagaries of life (the six walls concept, e.g. wall one, exultation, wall two, despair etc.).  Gemmell wrote the novel with the spectre of cancer at his back (one of the biggest human battles there is) and as a fellow survivor and writer, I can see the connections between the battles in the novel and the battle he was fighting with his own mortality and this added the depth to balance the violence of the fighting.

Not only did I enjoy this novel, but my husband (who normally only reads Jeremy Clarkson or Karl Pilkington) loved it, so much so I think he may read the other two novels I purchased by Gemmell before I do.

A Tolkien-esque fantasy with a human core.                                                8/10

Upcoming Kirklees Libraries events, today onwards

Just received information on upcoming Kirklees Library events from Diane Green that I thought my followers may be interested in - please see details below.  I have already booked a pair of tickets to see Peter Robinson for both myself and my Mum, maybe see you there?

·         Write out Loud.  Wednesday 21^st August, 7.30-9.30pm at Marsden Library.  £2 incl. refreshments.  Popular open mic poetry group- a friendly and supportive bunch hosted by Julian Jordan.  Whether you write your own or bring along a favourite poem or just come along to listen you are most welcomed. http://www.kirklees.gov.uk/community/localorgs/orgdetails.asp?OrgID=6945

 

·         Wednesday 28^th August, 7.30-9.00pm at Huddersfield Town Hall.  Meet best-selling author Chris Ryan.  Chris Ryan, author and former SAS officer, has sold over 4 million books.  His latest book Masters of War will be available for signing after an entertaining and informative talk.  Tickets at £3.00 (£2 Kirklees Passports) are available from any Kirklees Box Office 01484 223200 or on line.

https://tickets.kirklees.gov.uk/esro/loader.asp?target=hall.asp?event=3845105&interface=15

·         Wednesday 4^th September, 7.30-9.30pm, Marsden Library £2 including refreshments. Marsden Storytelling Club is now Marsden Yarn Spinners. Come and tell a tale, play a tune, sing us a song, or simply listen and enjoy!  This is a small, welcoming group who love a good tale. You are most welcome to join us

http://www.kirklees.gov.uk/events/eventdetails.asp?evID=18451&evDtID=119246

·         Sunday 8^th September, 2pm at Standedge Visitor Centre, Marsden.  Magical family storytelling walk from fantastic storyteller Peter Findlay.  Fantastical tales inspired by the wild life and scenery on the new accessible walk which is suitable for pushchairs, and half the walk is suitable for wheelchairs. £2 donation to Marsden Walkers are Welcome on the walk but you need to  book via the library 01484 222555 or by email Marsden.lic@kirklees.gov.uk  An event from Kirklees libraries and Marsden Walkers are Welcome.

·    Thursday 12^th September, 7.30-9.00pm at Huddersfield Town Hall.  Meet Peter Robinson – best-selling crime author. Peter Robinson born in Yorkshire is author of the well-known Inspector Banks Mystery Series and will be signing copies of his new book Children of the Revolution after his talk. Tickets at £3.00 (£2 Kirklees Passports) are available from any Kirklees Box Office 01484 223200 or on line. https://tickets.kirklees.gov.uk/esro/loader.asp?target=hall.asp?event=3845106&interface=15

 

·         Saturday 14^th September, 1.30-4.00pm, start at Marsden Library.  A Samuel Laycock/Yorkshire Poetry Walk.  Part of the South Pennine Walk and Ride Festival: starting at Marsden Library, via Marsden Park to Intake Head.  A joint event with Marsden Walkers are Welcome. Meet in the library at 1.30pm for a few poems to set you on your way, walk the 4 mile Intake Head Route to see the birthplace of Samuel Laycock, hear some of his poems, some penny poet history, see some stunning views and walk varied terrain.   Accompanied by Paul Salveson, Yorkshire and Lancashire Dialect expert and Julian Jordan, performance poet from Write Out Loud.  Book via the library 01484 222555 or by email to marsden.lic@kirklees.gov.uk

 

Watch this space!

We have more events planned for later on including a crime panel evening on Tuesday 24^th September and at Holmfirth Library on Wednesday 25^th September we have Andy Holdgate. Andy Holgate is, by his own admission, not your average triathlete. When he signed up for his first event, he was 18 stone and "couldn't swim and didn't have a bike." "I definitely break the mould of a typical Ironman competitor," said the 39-year-old from Lancaster. A full Ironman triathlon involves a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride and a full marathon completed one after the other. Mr Holgate's interest in the event started in 2006, when a friend dared him to enter a local triathlon. Six years later, the father-of-one has a top 10 book about his adventures, which has been nominated for a prestigious award.'Can't Swim, Can't Ride, Can't Run' has now reached the final six in the New Writer of the Year category in the 2012 British Sports Book Awards.