The Book Nook makes space for Shropshire Writers

I attended the Local Authors Book Fair on the 27th March. The Book Nook in Newport, Shropshire arranged for 19 local authors to gather and sell books and give talks about publishing and writing. Alison, owner of the shop arranged for some writers to give talks up on stage or huddle for an informal gathering to talk about what we love doing most - Writing!

I shared a table with my Mom, which was wonderful, and it was close to Simon Whaley, who will probably need more than one table next time as he has written so many books.

It was so wonderful to have time to chat. Simon is always willing to give so much advice at these events. I felt like I had been on a mini workshop with my head crammed full of brilliant advice after talking to him.

Then a first experience for me and Mom too! We got a few people asking for our advice on writing! I was a bit daunted to start with - who am I to give advice? But I think we got through it in the end and set them on the right path.



I enjoy these events because I love mingling and talking to other writers. I was so excited when I met Karen Lowe (the lady in the red jacket) I bought her book 'Witches and Warriors' nearly ten years ago, it's all about local folk lore in Shropshire, and to meet her was wonderful. I couldn't believe it, but now feel a little embarrassed at my excitement when I said 'Oh my god - you wrote that?' She is a lovely lady and I was very pleased to meet her.

Helen Leathers is the lady on her right, I met her through the WIRE network group. Women in rural enterprise is a wonderful networking group for any women who are in business. I felt a bit odd to start with as I did not feel that writing was a business, but I did get a lot of useful advice.

Helen has written many books about the spiritual outlook, and getting the most out of our life. I enjoyed chatting to her so much as this is a subject I am interested in too.



I got goose pimples talking to the the next lady and her husband.

Catherine Cooper writes what I want to read! OK, so I am not a child, but I love the sort of stories she writes. Magical stories, set in our magical Shropshire. Her display was wonderful. She told me the plot of her novel 'The Golden Acorn' set around the Wrekin in Wellington, and within a few minutes, she brought it to life by using her hand made props including a model of a raven, a cauldron, and a golden acorn. I was captivated by just listening to her and had to buy her book before the end of the event.



I could not leave out my own Mom on this post. Author of Gentlemen of the River.
She said she enjoyed this event more than her own personal book signing event last December. She loved chatting to people too. She made this sale as shown above, then went off for a while into Newport to get a sandwich. On her return, she delighted in telling me that she had gone to another book shop in town and sold three copies of her book to the owner!



It was a lovely event and though I only sold two copies of my book, it was a wonderful experience. To sit next to my Mom selling our books and talking to some of the most interesting people in Shropshire about our passion for writing is something that every writer should do.