The first time I went to the Lancaster Litfest, I went up to Lancaster Priory with Clare Wigfall before our events. One of the guys working there asked us if we'd like to see the practice carvings. These were carvings done on the underside of pews some time around the 1300s by apprentice carvers - I guess before they were let loose on the more … [Read more...]
My first ever story collection (aged 7)
To celebrate the official launch day of my new short story collection, The Stone Thrower, I thought I'd post the first book of short stories I ever wrote, when I was 7. I've typed up the stories beneath the pics in case you're reading this on your phone. I hope you enjoy my stories. The Devil Witch: The Devil Witch is nasty. She lives in … [Read more...]
Litro Magazine review of The Stone Thrower
...addictively off-kilter … [Read more...]
Financial Times review of The Stone Thrower
...this bold young writer is refreshing the form. … [Read more...]
The Guardian review of The Stone Thrower
Hits the target every time. … [Read more...]
Autumn launch events
I’ll be out and about in September and October to launch my new short story collection, The Stone Thrower… Sun 30 Sept – Small Wonder. 6pm. Tickets £9 (£8 Students). Charleston Farm House, Nr Lewes, East Sussex BN8 6LL.Oh I love the Small Wonder short story festival: the only literature festival with its own branded beer, where mooing cows … [Read more...]
Cover design – The Stone Thrower
The moment just before you see the cover design of your book for the first time is a tense one. After years of working on all the stuff that goes on the inside (four in this case), here is its face, the thing that everyone will look at first. The thing that people will judge it on. It has a hell of a responsibility, this cover art. So many … [Read more...]