Category Archives: Uncategorized

New Winter Reads at Chichester Book Club

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At Chichester Book Club there’s an ever growing choice of books for individual readers and reading groups alike.

This summer saw the launch of Mail on Sunday Novel Competition winner Isabel Ashdown’s latest novel Hurry Up and Wait, in which 39-year-old Sarah Ribbons reluctantly revisits past mistakes as she prepares for a reunion at her old high school on the South coast of England.

In November, Gabrielle Kimm’s The Courtesan’s Lover hits the shelves, a spin off from her debut novel His Last Duchess and a return to her captivating renaissance Italy.  Opening chapters of The Courtesan’s Lover were shortlisted for the Impress Prize for Fiction.

And one to look forward to in 2012 is Rook, the second spellbinding novel from IMPAC Literary Award nominee Jane Rusbridge.  Telling a story of family, legacy and turning back the tides in the ancient Sussex village of Bosham, Rook explores the mystery surrounding Harold II’s burial place.

To find out more about these titles and others from the Chichester Book Club authors, scroll down and click on the images below.  Happy reading!

The Courtesan’s Lover by Gabrielle Kimm

The Devil’s Music by Jane Rusbridge

Glasshopper by Isabel Ashdown

His Last Duchess by Gabrielle Kimm

Hurry Up and Wait by Isabel Ashdown

Rook by Jane Rusbridge (coming August 2012)

Meet the Author Book Night, Chichester, 14th October 2011 – Everyone welcome!

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This summer, Chichester-based authors Isabel Ashdown, Gabrielle Kimm and Jane Rusbridge are joining forces in the run up to an exciting literary event to be hosted by Chichester High School for Girls.

Kate Angus, Library Manager said, “The school is delighted to host the event.  It is the first of its kind and it will be great to meet local authors and discuss their captivating fiction.”

The event, to be held at the school on 14th October, promises an evening of readings and conversation with the three award-winning authors, all of whom have strong connections with the local school.

“It’s wonderful to be invited into a school with such close personal connections,” says Isabel, a former pupil whose latest book is partly inspired by her schooldays at CHSG in the 1980s.

The featured books are The Devil’s Music by Jane Rusbridge, His Last Duchess by Gabrielle Kimm and Hurry Up and Wait by Isabel Ashdown.

Part of Jane’s novel is set in a seaside railway-carriage house, like those in Wittering. “We hope a few people will read the books prior to the event,” she says, “and come loaded with questions to ask the authors.”

Gabrielle’s book opens in the baking heat of a 16th century Tuscan summer.  A former teacher at CHSG, she says, “All three of us have had daughters at the school and we’re delighted to be helping the school raise funds through ticket sales.”

It’s a public event, and tickets cost £5 each, which includes a free glass of wine.  To book: contact Kate Angus or Susan Mulkern at CHSG on tel: 01243 78701401243 787014 ext 2606 or email: kangus@wsgfl.org.uk or ask at Chichester Public Library.

For full details of the evening, the books and the authors, just click on the image above.

To Buy the Books:

Our friends at Waterstone’s Chichester will be there on the night selling books or you can buy them ahead of the event at a number of online sites, including:

The Devil’s Music by Jane Rusbridge: £4.95 from Bloomsbury or £6.82 from Amazon or £7.99 from Waterstone’s or £5.10 Kindle Edition

His Last Duchess by Gabrielle Kimm: £4.48 from Book Depository or £4.49 from Amazon or £6.59 from Waterstone’s or £3.99 Kindle Edition

Hurry Up and Wait by Isabel Ashdown: £5.86 from Book Depository or £5.87 from Amazon or £8.99 from Waterstone’s or £5.57 Kindle Edition

Also, please check out the new ‘Local Heroes’ book bay instore at Waterstone’s, Chichester – supporting and encouraging readers and writers in our city.

The Autumn Programme of Events from Chichester Book Club

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This Autumn/Winter Isabel Ashdown, Gabrielle Kimm and Jane Rusbridge will be taking part in a variety of literary events across the South East and beyond.  We’re always updating the events list, so do check in now and then to see the latest.  And if you have any event ideas you think we’d like to hear about, please leave a comment at the bottom of the page.  We look forward to meeting some of you over the next few months.


Autumn 2011

Friday 9th September, Book Group discussion of Glasshopper, Chichester (closed group) (IA)

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Monday 12th September, Book Group discussion of Glasshopper, East Wittering (closed group) (IA)

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Sunday 18th September, Reading With Authors on the Savidge Reads Website, time tbc (IA)

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Thursday 22nd September, Book Group Q&A, Waterstone’s, Chichester, 7pm (Glasshopper) (IA)

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11th – 13th September, Hampstead and Highgate Litfest 2011, London Jewish Cultural Centre (JR)

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Monday 26th September, Book Chat & Signing, University of Chichester, Cloisters Chamber, 5.15-6.30pm (IA)

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Tuesday 4th October, Guest Talk on The Devil’s Music at Inspire Leisure, The Windmill studio, The Green, Windmill Road, Littlehampton, Sussex BN17 5LH, 6.00pm (JR) – Free entry

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Monday 9th October, Ilkley Literary Festival, (IA with Marika Cobbold) 8pm

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Friday 14th October, Meet the Author, Chichester High School for Girls, 6-8pm (IA, GK + JR)

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Wednesday 19th October, Guildford Book Festival (IA with Marika Cobbold), details to follow

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Wednesday 26th October, Book Chat & Discussion of The Devil’s Music, Funtington Literary Society (closed group) (JR)

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3rd November, Meet the Author Tea, the Beach House, West Wittering, details to follow (IA, GK + JR)

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Tuesday 15th November, Interview on Portsmouth Live TV, 5pm (GK)

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Friday 18th November, Launch Party for The Courtesan’s Lover, Waterstone’s Chichester, 6-8pm (GK)

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Saturday 26th November, Book Signing, Waterstone’s Chichester, 11am-2pm (GK)

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Saturday 3rd December, Book Signing, Waterstone’s, Commercial Road, Portsmouth, 11am-2pm (GK)

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25th January 2012, Book Chat and Signing, University of Chichester, 5.15-6.30pm (GK)

Calling all wordsmiths … Chichester Writing Retreat, 26-28 August 2011

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If you’re working on a writing project, or looking for the motivation to get started, Chichester Writers’ Retreat might be just the break you’re looking for.  With a vibrant variety of writing workshops, talks and exhibitions, and the added pleasures of massage and music, it promises to be a weekend to remember.

Chichester Book Club authors Isabel Ashdown and Gabrielle Kimm will both be running workshops over the weekend, as well as taking part in the publishing panel on the Friday night, where they’ll be sharing their insights about their journeys into publication.

Click on the image below for full details of this exciting new event, set in the inspiring surroundings of Cobnor, West Sussex.

For tickets, contact retreat Director Katy Lassetter on Tel: 01243 533241 or email: Katy@ChichesterCopywriter.co.uk

 

Meet the Author Book Night, Chichester, 14th October 2011

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This summer, Chichester-based authors Isabel Ashdown, Gabrielle Kimm and Jane Rusbridge are joining forces in the run up to an exciting literary event to be hosted by Chichester High School for Girls.

Kate Angus, Library Manager said, “The school is delighted to host the event.  It is the first of its kind and it will be great to meet local authors and discuss their captivating fiction.”

The event, to be held at the school on 14th October, promises an evening of readings and conversation with the three award-winning authors, all of whom have strong connections with the local school.

“It’s wonderful to be invited into a school with such close personal connections,” says Isabel, a former pupil whose latest book is partly inspired by her schooldays at CHSG in the 1980s.

The featured books are The Devil’s Music by Jane Rusbridge, His Last Duchess by Gabrielle Kimm and Hurry Up and Wait by Isabel Ashdown.

Part of Jane’s novel is set in a seaside railway-carriage house, like those in Wittering. “We hope people will read the books prior to the event,” she says, “and come loaded with questions to ask the authors.”

Gabrielle’s book opens in the baking heat of a 16th century Tuscan summer.  A former teacher at CHSG, she says, “All three of us have had daughters at the school and we’re delighted to be helping the school raise funds through ticket sales.”

It’s a public event, and tickets cost £5 each, which includes a free glass of wine.  To book: contact Kate Angus or Susan Mulkern at CHSG on tel: 01243 78701401243 787014 ext 2606 or email: kangus@wsgfl.org.uk or ask at Chichester Public Library.

For full details of the evening, the books and the authors, just click on the image above.

To Buy the Books:

Our friends at Waterstone’s Chichester will be there on the night selling books or you can buy them ahead of the event at a number of online sites, including:

The Devil’s Music by Jane Rusbridge: £4.95 from Bloomsbury or £6.82 from Amazon or £7.99 from Waterstone’s or £5.10 Kindle Edition

His Last Duchess by Gabrielle Kimm: £4.48 from Book Depository or £4.49 from Amazon or £6.59 from Waterstone’s or £3.99 Kindle Edition

Hurry Up and Wait by Isabel Ashdown: £5.86 from Book Depository or £5.87 from Amazon or £8.99 from Waterstone’s or £1.49 Kindle Edition

Also, please check out the new ‘Local Authors’ book bay instore at Waterstone’s, Chichester – supporting and encouraging readers and writers in our city.

Become a blogger at Thresholds, home of the international postgraduate short story forum

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Thresholds is home of the international postgraduate short story forum, based at the University of Chichester in West Sussex.

At the Thresholds website you’ll find interviews, resources, writing exercises and some great recommendations for next reads.  If you’re interested in writing, reading, chatting and learning more about the short story click on the link below.  It’s a great place for anyone with a passion for the short story:

Thresholds

And if you would like to join their blogging team, write a book recommendation or submit an author profile, just contact them at thresholds@chi.ac.uk – and join the conversation.

‘Celebrating Local’ : Meet the Authors event, Woodies Wine Bar, Chichester 5th May

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‘Celebrating Local’ : Meet the Authors

Thursday 5th May, 7.30pm

Location: Woodies Wine Bar, Chichester

Come and join us for a fun and informal evening of readings and book chat with three award-winning local authors.  Featuring Gabrielle Kimm, Jane Rusbridge and Isabel Ashdown.

Books will be available for purchase on the evening at the specially discounted price of £5.00.

Entry: £5.00 / Appetisers and raffle on the night.

Tickets: contact Stonepillow on (01243) 537934 or email dingram@stonepillow.org.uk

“Talented performers and artists working together to raise awareness & to help empower homeless people to make positive changes in their lives.”

The Devil’s Music by Jane Rusbridge: Reading Guide available

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The Devil’s Music reading group guide for book clubs is now available online, or as a downloadable pdf.  Just scroll down to the bottom of the page to click through to Jane Rusbridge’s author website.

“What is unsaid makes the writing soar.” Jill Dawson, Children’s Voices issue of Mslexia

“There is a great deal of good writing and expert story-telling meshed together in Jane Rusbridge’s novel .Where it impresses most is in the way it shows how a child thinks – the touchstones, the surreal associations, the delight in words as new and shiny playthings, the misinterpretations of the adult world.”  Cornflower

It is 1958 and the Sputnik satellite has taken a dog up into space; back on earth, five-year-old Andy has a new sister, Elaine – a baby who, his father insists, is ‘not quite all there’. While his parents argue about sending Elaine away Andy sleeps beside her cot each night, keeping guard as his mother – once an ambitious, energetic nurse – twists away into her private sadness. Knots keep treasures safe, Andy’s rope-maker grandfather tells him, and, as he listens to stories of Harry Houdini, Andy learns the Carrick Bend, the Midshipman’s Hitch and the Monkey’s Fist. But one day, at The Siding – the old railway carriage that serves as the family’s seaside retreat – Andy is left in charge of his baby sister on the beach and discovers not all treasures can be kept safe for ever. Three decades later Andrew returns from self-imposed exile to The Siding, the place where his life first unravelled. Looking back on the broken strands of his childhood, he tries, at last, to weave them together, aided by his grandfather’s copy of The Ashley Book of Knots and the arrival of a wild-haired, tango-dancing sculptor – a woman with her own ideas about making peace with the past.

Order your copy of The Devil’s Music at Amazon.co.uk.

The Devil’s Music Book Club & Reading Group Discussion Questions.

‘Knowing Me Knowing You’ Brighton Creative Social Networking Event with guest Isabel Ashdown, 26th January 6-9pm

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Wednesday 26th January: The Basement, 24 Kensington Street, Brighton, 6-9pm

Isabel Ashdown joins Lisa Holloway, Director of First Fictions Festival and Chair of Creative Brighton, and a host of creative professionals from Brighton, to discuss the value of being in a network.

If you are a creative freelancer, organisation or business, perhaps working in isolation and money’s too tight to mention, where do you find the thinking space to fill the gaps in your knowledge and challenge your ideas? In this tough climate, we are told we should join a network to maximise our business opportunities. But the challenge is, what sort of network: professional, social, both?

The Changing Face of Business in 21st Century Britain – an HSBC report – has dubbed Brighton a Supercity: where alternative ways of working and cutting edge business models underpin a thriving creative economy. Do you feel part of this?

Come and participate in this practical and collaborative exploration of how you and others can strengthen and widen your networks, boost the economy of our Supercity and keep your business afloat.

Learn more about:

Other key players in Brighton and across the South East; how to evaluate your current network opportunities; how to make the most of the networks you already have; the skills required to network effectively; the benefit of expanding your networks with people who are not just like you; how to capitalise on the social networks available.

The workshop will be facilitated by Lisa Holloway: Consultant, Director of First Fictions Festival, and Chair of Creative Brighton.

Joining Lisa Holloway will be:

Isabel Ashdown: Author of Glasshopper and Hurry Up and Wait

Emily Baker: Singer/Songwriter, Winner of the Arts Foundation Songwriting Award

Paul Bonett: MD of Bonett’s Estate Agents, Course Director for Common Purpose

Richard Hall: Director of Richard Hall & Associates

Phil Jones: CEO of Wired Sussex

Liz Whitehead: Director of Fabrica Art Gallery

Admission FREE