Our second Book Extravaganza at the Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, was a great success with lots of sales and enjoyable conversations with some lovely visitors and fellow stall holders.
I was delighted to meet a blogger about all things bookish, called Sam, who can be found here, and to be invited to talk to a writers’ group in Coventry.
I was also interviewed by David Monks, MBE, for Coventry Talking Newspapers who went away with a copy of No Going Back, the subject of my interview.
David was awarded the MBE for his services to blind and partially sighted people in Coventry by HRH Princess Anne, who was very gracious when he made a bit of a mess of the protocols involved in the ceremony.
I also did a book swap with my next door neighbour Sandra Peachey (what a fabulous surname) whose book Peachey Letters is subtitled Love Letters to Life. I’m looking forward to reading that one.
Sandra describes herself as a lifework coach, author, blogger, podcaster and professional blonde! She can be found here.
She was sharing a stall with Dr Helen Liebling whose autobiography as a human rights researcher is entitled Nalule’s Travels and Adventures subtitled Writing for Survivors in Africa. She can be found on www.helenliebling.com
My neighbour on the other side was author Amy Clennell who was selling copies of her poetry collection Renaissance. Everything from art to news headlines acts as an inspiration to Amy’s poetic output, which also provides her with solace.
“My condition, cerebral palsy, leaves me with some obvious and some hidden disabilities. At times, such difficulties lead to conflict, frustration and insecurity. I have found a refuge in writing. For me, setting words on paper is also a healing and motivating process.”
Amy’s other claim to fame is that her father, Alan, went to school with my husband, Mike. She laughed when Mike told her Alan had been very naughty at school. I think he got those two names mixed up!
This is Amy’s poem called What a Pantomime:
The theatre lights go out,
Then resounds a “Hello!” shout.
That’s the Dame, there is no doubt.
First she sports a cupcake dress,
Now a chandelier? Yes!
Next Eiffel Tower, I guess.
In garish make-up and gaudy attire,
To make folk laugh is her only desire.
The poem is dedicated to Iain Lauchlan who has always believed in Amy and encouraged her to believe in herself. Iain is a familiar sight at the Belgrade as he writes, directs and stars as the Dame in the theatre’s annual pantomime.
Iain kindly toured the Book Extravaganza stopping for photos and chats with the stall holders – sadly not dressed as a Dame!
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