Features

In conversation with Stuart Maskell, read on to discover his first ever job to the struggles, memories and life as a published author. Did you always dream of becoming an author? No, not at all. Being dyslexic and doing very badly at school was not a great start. I always knew I had the story ideas wising constantly around my head and a reputation to boot for spinning a great yarn out of a seemingly simple tale, but I waited 30 more years for the confidence to write one down....

We’re looking at unusual narrators and viewpoints today. They say there are only ever seven basic plots in the world and that every story you read, you’ll have heard before. That may be so, but we’re fairly sure you won’t have heard it from these points of view before. The Bees by Laline Paull Quite possibly one of the strangest premises you’re likely to hear: a dystopian, totalitarian society set in a hive of bees. That bee-ing said, this is actually a fantastically engrossing r...

We thought we would share four lovely poems we think you should read. Phenomenal Woman – Maya Angelou Pretty women wonder where my secret lies. I’m not cute or built to suit a fashion model’s size But when I start to tell them, They think I’m telling lies. I say, It’s in the reach of my arms, The span of my hips, The stride of my step, The curl of my lips. I’m a woman Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, That’s me. I walk into a room Just...

Colin R Parsons’ second book with us (his thirteenth overall) is due for release on the 26th January. It is the story of bullied teenager Joseph, and the new power and adventure he unleashes when touching a mysterious disc. Read on to hear Colin’s thoughts on the story, his inspiration, and his advice for those going through similar problems to Joseph. How would you describe D.I.S.C and who would you say it is aimed at? This book is aimed at ages 8yrs to 80 yrs – if you enjoy a ...

If you are not an avid reader, then we have some handy tips to try and help you get into books! Listen to audiobooks, it’s a great way of being able to hear a book and still be able to imagine all sorts without actually having to read. Start with short stories. Short stories will help you start to build up your reading. Quite a few authors have a book of short stories, so you could find an author you liked and then build up to a full book. Go chapter by chapter. Don’t try to rush th...

Rachael Lindsay is one of our most popular children’s authors. She regularly visits schools throughout the year to promote her books and engage children in reading and writing. Her sixth book with us, The Changeling’s Child, was released last December and we’re thrilled to be able to ask her some questions about her work. How would you describe The Changeling’s Child and who would you say it is aimed at? The Changeling’s Child is a tale of talking mushrooms, knitting mo...

For so many people, their first memories of stories will be the fairy tales read to them as a child. Now it’s time to return to stories of our youth, with the increasing number of retellings, reworkings and books inspired by favourite fairy tales. We’ve taken a look at just five of our favourites. Splintered by A.G. Howard This one isn’t exactly a retelling as a ‘what might happen next’. Alyssa Gardner is a descendent of Alice Liddell, the inspiration for ...

Ruth Less, author of Divine Timing shares a glimpse of her life as an author.   1. Did you always dream of becoming an author? I am the youngest child of six, and so I learnt from an early age that to get attention you needed to tell a good tale. I was good at that and later on this developed into short stories. 2. What was your first job? I left school at sixteen and trained as a silver service waitress. I'm good with people and found making conversation easy. T...

Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, it is nearly the weekend and possibly a holiday for most of you. So, what are some great holiday ideas to do on these cold winter days? We have written up a list of five activities you could do in the coming week. Go for a wintery stroll along the river/by the sea/in your nearest town. If you celebrate Christmas, then why not go for the last option and have a look at the Christmas lights? Make a hot chocolate with wh...