How I will be supporting authors even more, fisticuffs at dawn & my first radio show
Edinburgh Books Festival announces theme | Popcorn Writing Award with BBC Writers | Penguin Write Now award deadline | New Writers award
My dear wordsmiths,
I don’t know about you but I’m blummin’ shattered. You’ll be unsurprised to hear that with the somewhat demanding full time job in journalism, a new radio show, a newsletter and prevaricating over edits on my novel, I’m flagging. I am delighted to say, however, my first show went off without too many career-ending hitches, swearing on air or abrasive beeps and that is all a girl can ask for at this stage. Plus I played some great music including Bon Jovi Living on prayer for an anthemic singalong. Don’t worry I’ll find way to mention books or writing at some point - North West UK writers watch out.
But I do tend to agree with everyone telling me learn to say no - after all those years learning to say yes it’s hard. No more side gigs, honest. Which brings me to Write Reject Repeat. I’m conscious I haven’t switched up the format since launch and I’m keen to support authors further. So from this week onwards I’m going to shout out incoming bookish newness traditional publishers, indie publishers and self published authors. Get in touch from anywhere in the world!
Breaking news: Fisticuffs at dawn ( actually 4pm)
Sorry I almost forgot news from the shire! The male pheasants have had a fight for dominance which reminded my slightly of that Hugh Grant fight in Bridget Jones’ diary. I’m not sure who won as they both stalked off sulkily with colourful feathers’ akimbo and looking tired. And a hare the size of a small dog has taken up residence on the drive. We are convinced it’s the baby hare which sheltered under our BBQ last year in the rain and is now a teenager in hare years. The roses are looking glorious but the moles are still destroying the garden and infuriating the husband plus some swallows have nested under the eves where they are destroying the integrity of the roof. In other words, countryside life continues.
Nic’s book picks
The Perfect Couple by NJ Cracknell (out now): Cambridge-based Bloodhound Books have published NJ Cracknell’s new novel The Perfect Couple about a personally and professionally successful couple whose life is about to go horribly wrong as husband Nevin, a novelist, hits 40 and starts plotting against his wife Gloria.
Hell’s Bells by Jill Johnson (July 4): The eccentric and intriguing Professor Eustacia Rose is back to solve another murder using her extensive knowledge of botany in Hell’s Bells, the tantalizing sequel to applauded Devil’s Breath, which will be released on July 4. Jill Johnson is a BBC 2 Between the Covers featured author. Watch this space as I will be chatting to Jill Johnson next week..
Curandera by Irenosen Okojie: (June 27) The award-winning author of Butterfly Fish and Nudibranch will release this extraordinary, thrilling, and mythical novel that will explore the darker elements of shamanism, desire, betrayal and friendship - spanning time and dimensions. Irenosen Okojie MBE (Services to literature) is a multiple award-winning Nigerian British writer who is the co-presenter of the BBC's Novels That Shaped Our World podcast, Turn Up For The Books.
News, events and opportunities
Write Now: Deadlining on June 16, WriteNow is Penguin's programme to seek out, nurture and publish new writers from communities under-represented on the nation's bookshelves. The programme is designed to give participating writers the tools, information, and access needed to navigate the publishing industry and launch their career as a successful author. This year's closes on 11.59pm on Sunday June 16, 2024. This year they are looking exclusively for books that fall within the science fiction, fantasy and horror genres.
Scottish Book Trust - New Writer’s Award: Applications for the 2025 New Writers Awards are now open. The deadline for applications is 31 July 2024 at noon. The awards are free to apply to, all travel expenses are covered and awardees are chosen by a panel of judges. The Awards will run from January 2025–January 2026 and during the programme, awardees receive a £2,500 cash award, allowing them to focus on their work plus tailored personal development opportunities, which can include mentoring from writers and industry professionals - and more. You must be based in Scotland.
Edinburgh International Book Festival theme announced: The festival has confirmed its 2024 programme with the theme Future Tense as it moves into a new era and home at Edinburgh Futures Institute (EFI). Taking place from 10-25 August the Festival is the first to unfold under the innovative Directorship of Jenny Niven in the state of the art surrounds of what was Edinburgh’s Royal Infirmary.
Popcorn Writing Award/ BBC Writers: Submissions for the Popcorn Writing Award (for playwrights), run by the Popcorn Group in partnership with BBC Writers, are now open for 2024. This award has a prize fund of £6,000 which goes directly to the writers. and champions brave and imaginative writing at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Playwrights can submit their plays until 10am on 21st June 2024.
Thanks for reading, your loyalty is super appreciated! Nicola. Please subscribe, like & share! x