Chandler's Ford Today

books

Life as a Small Publisher: Allison Symes Talks to Gill James

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Gill James and I met at the Isle of Wight Writers’ Conference, which was run by Felicity Fair Thompson from 2000 to 2005.

This was a weekend conference based in Shanklin or Sandown with guest speakers. There was a special speaker after the main Conference dinner on the Saturday night. David Nobbs (Reggie Perrin) and Raymond Allen (Some Mothers Do Have Them) were just two of the after dinner speakers who entertained us all. [Read more…] about Life as a Small Publisher: Allison Symes Talks to Gill James

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No Books = No Movies?

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One of the great joys of stories is that there are so many formats in which to enjoy them. It is far easier now to have stories on demand especially via laptop, tablet or mobile. The Banbury Cross lady had music wherever she went but I’d rather have stories wherever I go!

There are flash fiction stories, standard length stories (usually up to 2000 words) [Read more…] about No Books = No Movies?

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Local Author News – Allison Symes

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Have you heard of the Society of Authors?

Congratulations to local writer and regular contributor to Chandler’s Ford Today, Allison Symes, who has been elected to become a Full Member of the Society of Authors.

[Read more…] about Local Author News – Allison Symes

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An Interview with Author Richard Hardie by Allison Symes

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I met Richard Hardie, walking Benji, whilst walking my first dog, Gracie, in the Hiltingbury Recreation Ground. Not only did we have dog walking in common, we soon discovered we shared a love of books, especially Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series, and creative writing.

Richard and I have work in The Shambelurklers Return, which is raising money for the National Autistic Society and is available in W.H. Smith in the Fryern Arcade of Chandler’s Ford. [Read more…] about An Interview with Author Richard Hardie by Allison Symes

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Sir Terry Pratchett 1948-2015: An Appreciation from Chandler’s Ford

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While I was interviewing local author, Richard Hardie (author of Leap of Faith and Trouble with Swords), we discussed favourite books and writers. Then came the sad announcement of Sir Terry Pratchett’s death after a long battle with a rare form of Alzheimer’s.

Richard and I share a huge admiration for the Discworld novels. [Read more…] about Sir Terry Pratchett 1948-2015: An Appreciation from Chandler’s Ford

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Jane Austen: An Appreciation by Allison Symes

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It is a truth universally acknowledged that Pride and Prejudice is the greatest of all Jane Austen’s works.

It is a blueprint for romantic comedy and Elizabeth Bennet remains one of my favourite literary heroines, being quick witted and intelligent at a time when that was not particularly welcomed. (It isn’t always welcomed now in some places, unfortunately). [Read more…] about Jane Austen: An Appreciation by Allison Symes

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Hampshire Libraries and My Love for Graphic Novels

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I’ve stated before that I like Chandler’s Ford library and Eastleigh library.

One of the reasons is that both libraries have a small but pretty good selection of comics and graphic novels, where I get some of mine from. [Read more…] about Hampshire Libraries and My Love for Graphic Novels

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Book Review: The Daughter of Time by Josephine Tey

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Books can be dangerous because they deal in ideas so I reckon the two most dangerous places in Chandler’s Ford are our wonderful library and W.H.Smith at Fryern since one lends out books and the other sells them!

It is also fantastic that, especially after the loss of The Arcade Bookshop, we have another bookseller and our library is a real asset. May both keep going from strength to strength.
[Read more…] about Book Review: The Daughter of Time by Josephine Tey

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How to Publish Your Book

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By Brenda Sedgwick

Will Self said, “Writing the book is the easy bit. When your writing is finished the real work starts.”

If you are publishing and marketing your book, would you like to meet with other writers in the area who are doing the same thing?

I am about to publish my book and think [Read more…] about How to Publish Your Book

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Support Chandler’s Ford Authors: Books Available from Fryern Arcade WH Smith

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From today, WH Smith in Chandler’s Ford has started selling two novels by Chandler’s Ford author, Richard Hardie.

Richard Hardie’s two books are: Leap of Faith and Trouble With Swords.

Currently, WH Smith in Chandler’s Ford is the exclusive bookshop selling Richard Hardie’s books. [Read more…] about Support Chandler’s Ford Authors: Books Available from Fryern Arcade WH Smith

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Interview Chandler’s Ford Writer Allison Symes: Part 2

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In the last post, Chandler’s Ford writer Allison Symes shared her passion with writing. She has taken us into her Fairy Kingdom.

Allison writes on her websites, Fairytales with Bite and This World and Others.

Today, Allison shares with us her publishing journey, and gives us some publishing tips. [Read more…] about Interview Chandler’s Ford Writer Allison Symes: Part 2

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Interview Chandler’s Ford Writer Allison Symes

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I have had the pleasure of interviewing Chandler’s Ford writer Allison Symes.

Allison Symes loves reading and writing fairytales.

Novels are her first love, though she also flirts with short stories, occasionally has a fling with poems and now writes radio scripts.

[Read more…] about Interview Chandler’s Ford Writer Allison Symes

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WH Smith Chandler’s Ford: Good Books In Community

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I am delighted to see WH Smith at the Fryern Arcade in Chandler’s Ford has started selling books.

Yesterday afternoon I saw a good selection of books at WH Smith. One book relevant to Chandler’s Ford is The Chandler’s Ford Story: From Earliest Times to the 21st Century, by Barbara Hillier and Gerald Ponting. [Read more…] about WH Smith Chandler’s Ford: Good Books In Community

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Fantasy Books by Richard Hardie: Now in Chandler’s Ford Library

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Would you like to encourage your teenage children to read over the half-term holiday?

The fantasy books for Young Adults by Chandler’s Ford writer Richard Hardie are now available in Chandler’s Ford Library and Southampton Civic Center Library, on the Teen / Young Adult shelves.

The two books are: Leap of Faith and Trouble With Swords. [Read more…] about Fantasy Books by Richard Hardie: Now in Chandler’s Ford Library

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Chandler’s Ford Needs Better Shops!

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Today I would like to talk about … shopping.

On Friday, a new WH Smith opened in Chandler’s Ford, where I live. This added yet more stationery and more newspapers to a stationery and newspaper filled arcade.

I think, in order to be more varied, Chandler’s Ford needs to be [Read more…] about Chandler’s Ford Needs Better Shops!

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Doctor Who Series 8 Episode 1 Review

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After 8 months of waiting, Doctor Who Series 8 has hit the television with Peter Capaldi as the Twelfth (or the 13th if you count John Hurt, or the 14th if you count John Hurt and the second David Tennant) Doctor. So how good is his 75 minute long opener Deep Breath?

Also, spoilers incoming. All my reviews will be in-depth, so make sure you watch the episode first. [Read more…] about Doctor Who Series 8 Episode 1 Review

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My Doctor Who Series 8 Anticipation

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Ladies and gentlemen, it is 9 days until Series 8 airs, and all around the world Whovians are counting the days until Capaldi’s Doctor brings his own take to the Doctor.

But how much do we know about the series?

Well, unlike last year where returning monsters and plots were revealed months in advance, this series [Read more…] about My Doctor Who Series 8 Anticipation

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Published: Trouble with Swords by Richard Hardie

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In the Was Camelot Really In Chandler’s Ford? post, Chandler’s Ford published writer Richard Hardie told us about his new book.

Richard Hardie’s book Trouble With Swords, the second in his fantasy adventure series, has just been published. [Read more…] about Published: Trouble with Swords by Richard Hardie

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Was Camelot Really in Chandler’s Ford?

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I moved to Chandler’s Ford 27 years ago, because at that time it was easy and quick to drive up the M3 to where I was working near London than commute down the M1. How that has changed! But then so has my job and I now spend most of my time at home as an author, or touring bookshops signing books.

Soon after moving here I became a Scout Leader [Read more…] about Was Camelot Really in Chandler’s Ford?

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Two New Book Clubs In Chandler’s Ford

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Last week, two new book clubs were born in Chandler’s Ford. One is called Valley Park Readers, and one is called The Bonny Book Club.

We all are book lovers in Chandler’s Ford. Thanks to Streetlife, a local social network for neighbours in our own communities, we get to find one another, and now two book clubs have been set up. [Read more…] about Two New Book Clubs In Chandler’s Ford

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