News

Children Missing Out On Bedtime Stories

May 3rd, 2010 | By Kevin | Category: News

A new survey from Oxford University Press of 300 teachers has discovered that more than half believe many children in their classes have never been read a bedtime story.

The lack of storytelling at home is damaging children’s writing abilities, the researchers believe. Pie Corbett, literary expert and former primary head teacher, said: ”To develop [...]



Lost voice of controversial Belfast Poet

May 2nd, 2010 | By Kevin | Category: News

Padraic Fiacc, once called the “patron saint of the insane” is known for his stark and sometimes brutal poems about the Troubles in his native Northern Ireland.

Cold shouldered for parts of his career by the literary establishment, the poet’s work has been criticised for being ‘crude’ and ’savage’.
Now, fellow poet [...]



National Share-a-Story Month

Apr 30th, 2010 | By Kevin | Category: News

May is the month when, each year, events and activities, that celebrate the power of story, are promoted by Children’s Book Groups across the country.

For National Share-a-Story Month 2010 the Federation are delighted to be working puffin 70th birthday with Penguin to celebrate their 70th birthday. Jeremy Strong will be sharing a story with [...]



Why Writers Need Book Clubs

Apr 28th, 2010 | By Kevin | Category: News

Here’s an article I picked up recently from Holly Robinson author of The Gerbil Farmer’s Daughter: A Memoir. It’s all about why we writers need access to book clubs

As a working mother, I have to pursue my literary pleasures with tunnel-vision passion and 007 stealth. I sneak reading time in the bathtub, at lunch, [...]



Christopher Reid Surprise Winer Of Costa Book Of The Year

Jan 27th, 2010 | By Kevin | Category: News

The poet Christopher Reid has been awarded the Costa Book of the Year for a tribute to his late wife.

In a surprise decision, his collection A Scattering was voted the winning book by the panel of judges.
Colm Tóibín, the Irish author, had been widely tipped [...]



Robert B Parker Dies

Jan 20th, 2010 | By Kevin | Category: News

Master crime novelist Robert B Parker dies. The creator of the wisecracking Boston private eye Spenser died on Monday, aged 77.

Bestselling American crime novelist Robert B Parker, creator of the wisecracking Boston private eye Spenser, died on Monday, aged 77.
Author of more than 60 books, Parker passed away at his home in Cambridge, Massachusetts, [...]



Philip Gross wins TS Eliot Poetry Prize

Jan 19th, 2010 | By Kevin | Category: News

Philip Gross wins TS Eliot poetry prize for The Water Table Collection of poems on the Severn estuary lands top award after beating tough opposition, including two former winners

A university professor’s detailed and lyrical meditations on the ever-changing waters of the Severn estuary tonight won him the UK’s most lucrative poetry prize against tough [...]



Glamour Model To Read Starkers!

Jan 18th, 2010 | By Kevin | Category: News, Writting Articles/tips

I couldn’t resist bringing this story to my readers it is all about a glamour model who has struck upon a STARKERS plan to get publicity for her first book.

The blonde stunner is set to appear in an online video to read out the first chapter of her book – completely NAKED.
Author Tracy Williams [...]