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You are here: Home / Arts / Sshhh – Do You Want to Know a Secret about Chandlers Ford?

Sshhh – Do You Want to Know a Secret about Chandlers Ford?

June 13, 2017 By Karen Stephen 4 Comments

Sshh – do you want to know a secret about Chandlers Ford?  You may not be aware that last year, we were thrilled and proud to publish a collection of short stories called “Secret Lives of Chandlers Ford” . Together with my writing chums,  Maggie, Catherine and Sally, we spent a year researching, writing and publishing our first anthology of short stories:  “Secret Lives of Chandlers Ford”. We wanted to write stories that were locally set and derived from the happenings and history of this lovely area. We also wanted to reflect Chandlers Ford modern and diverse characteristics.

Fast forward a year. The first book sold extremely well and generated much local interest.  Based on this feedback, we developed volume two, “More Secret Lives of Chandlers Ford” which was published earlier this year. Like the first, this second collection of fictional short stories is set in and around Chandler’s Ford. The stories are a mix of contemporary, historical, fun and romance.

Boook 2: More Secret Lives of Chandler's Ford by four Chandler's Ford authors. (Image credit: Karen Stephen)
Book 2: More Secret Lives of Chandler’s Ford by four Chandler’s Ford authors. (Image credit: Karen Stephen)

2016 was a thrilling, nail-biting, roller-coaster  ride for us. It was the first book we had published. In many ways the writing and publishing were the easy parts. The harder part was working on marketing and selling the book. .

Although always available on Amazon as a Kindle or hardcopy book, we wanted the book to be accessible locally. We have been over-whelmed by the tremendous support we have received from Mibi,  Andersons, Bay Leaves, WH Smiths, Hospital of St Cross among others who sell the books in their shops. We have also held   “Meet the Authors” events at Bay Leaves and Smiths. We plan more events this summer.

Meeting readers at Chandler's Ford Library.
Meeting readers at Chandler’s Ford Library.

We were excited to participate in events at Chandler’s Ford library and the Hampshire Writers’ Society. Indeed, one of the best (but most nerve-wracking events) was our slot as guest speakers at a recent Hampshire Writers’ Society meeting.

Our books now regularly feature at the monthly Chandler’s Ford Produce and Craft Market at Age Concern and the monthly Ampfield Market.

Two of the authors, Sally Howard and Karen Stephen. Image credit: Karen Stephen.
Two of the authors, Sally Howard and Karen Stephen, at Chandler’s Ford Produce and Craft Market. Image credit: Karen Stephen.

This has been an adventure. All of us agree that the most rewarding part of the journey has been meeting Chandler’s Ford residents. We’ve met hundreds of lovely people at various events during the last year. There have been many fun conversations with people concerned that “their” secret has been revealed (you know who you are – and sshh, your secrets are safe…for now!!).

There have also been fascinating discussions about the history of Chandler’s Ford and the many ways it has changed. These discussions provide more inspiration for further volumes. It has been a privilege to meet everyone. It’s especially exciting when someone says they’ve heard about the books or they loved the first one and want to buy the second.

The books have received great reviews. Despite the rather racy title, they are suitable for all ages and readers.

We hope you buy the books and enjoy them. We love to hear from readers. We love to chat. Contact us on:

Facebook: Secret Lives of Chandlers Ford – Home
Twitter : 
Chandlers Ford Lives @chfordlives

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Secret Lives of Chandler’s Ford How Have Your Reading Habits Changed? Richard Hardie’s Book Writing Fun at Chandler’s Ford Library Meet the Author Claire Fuller at Chandler’s Ford Library World Book Night 2016 and the 400th Anniversary of Shakespeare
Tags: books, Chandler's Ford Library, Chandler’s Ford community, community, event, Hiltingbury, Hiltingbury Road, local interest, publishing, reading, writing

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Comments

  1. Allison Symes says

    June 13, 2017 at 11:37 am

    Well done everyone!

    Reply
    • Janet Williams says

      June 13, 2017 at 1:37 pm

      Indeed, it’s a great achievement! I think their success also comes from their hard work, including meeting readers and engaging with them regularly.

      It’s so great to see great local writers around.

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Writers at Hiltingbury Extravaganza 2017 - Chandler's Ford Today says:
    September 14, 2017 at 6:00 pm

    […] Sshhh – Do You Want to Know a Secret about Chandlers Ford? […]

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  2. Hiltingbury Extravaganza 2017 - Chandler's Ford Today says:
    September 18, 2017 at 12:33 am

    […] of em>Secret Lives of Chandler’s Ford were there (I met Maggie Farran, Sally Howard and Catherine Griffin). Allison Symes, author of From […]

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