Frome Publishers’ Fair!
I was last at FPF two years ago and did very well so returned in my fave summer shirt (was organising the classic cars at Barrington Day in 2025).
The Literacy Consultancy is 30!
It was a pleasure and a privilege to be at the anniversary celebrations – here I am with wonderful TLC peeps Aki Schilz and Joe Sedgwick – they seem to have mastered that ‘smiling for camera’ thing rather better than me. What you can’t see is the enormous cake Aki is cutting!
It was an amazing evening, the headline act being a powerful interview with Kamila Shamsie. I admit I haven’t read any of her books – an omission I mean to put right. Her serious but uplifting words also encouraged me to get on with the book I want to write, but doubt my ability to do so – a novel about now, working title Keep in Touch.
I admit to being enormously proud of seeing Final Approach up on the screen! Thank you TLC for your contribution in making it happen, and indeed all your support, especially during the challenge of writing through COVID.
But perhaps the best thing about the event was meeting people properly whom I’d previously only seen on a screen, such as Yin Lim and Winnie Li (they both read such challenging yet deeply moving pieces), the effervescent Seema McArdle, Jon Aitkin and Amelia Roberts.
You’re all wonderful!
Stroud Indie Book Fair
Lovely place, lovely people at the Stroud Indie Fair at Lansdown Hall, including some ‘Dialectrics’ from The Dialect Writers Collective. (I could swear I’ve lost more hair every time I do these things – wonder why?!)
Word Kitchen Summer Party
The Word Kitchen Summer Party at Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary was a really great event with great readers and lovely audiences.
Shifting Sands
Well, enough Final Approach hardback hullabaloo for now, back to the short stories.
I was delighted to read a shortened version of my story Shifting Sands at Novel Nights Fresh Fiction. The story originally appeared in the Sonder Books Beach Hut anthology; copies available.
It really is a fantastic atmospheric venue. There was a great bill of writers ‘second time around’ too!
Not the Bard but…
After a rather bruising experience the previous Friday night at the Bard of Exeter competition (it wasn’t a disaster, but I didn’t quite click and I had been on a bit of a roll…) it was lovely to be back in the city at the warm heart of Word Kitchen.
I read Cliff Point, my contribution to their Power of Place anthology – I hadn’t realised it, but it opens the book. Anyway, lovely to get my hands on a copy.
Lovely too to see and hear the other writers, some known to me and some new to me, including those from Women Speak Volumes – bought their book too. All in all, a really uplifting evening.
Online Final Approach Event
For those who weren’t able to make one of my launch events, I was delighted that I was in conversation online with the wonderful Anna Caig to discuss the illustrated hardback edition of Final Approach.
Flying Solo!
It turned out I would be flying solo for my sortie at Dorset Library Dorchester. I had been due to talk ‘Flights of Freedom’ with my Claret Press stablemate, the amazing Pen Farthing, but sadly he was detained in Ukraine organising the emergency evacuation of animals from the advancing Russian offensive.
The library kindly asked me to go ahead on my own, and the magicians at Dorset Libraries wove their spell and redid the poster, removing Pen.
I saw that Kramatorsk, where Pen was based, was subject to bombing in broad daylight, with at least six fatalities. It’s a travesty it was pushed into the ‘background noise’ category of media coverage and really hoped that the announced ceasefire would lead to something genuinely positive.
To mark Pen’s absence, we took a moment to think of him and all the other flights for freedom that encounter turbulence. As a very modest token of support, I donated the profits from any books sold at the library to Nowzad – winning the war for animals
Please do consider giving them some of your support at an extremely challenging time.
And it’s a Wrap!
The Taunton launch for the illustrated hardback of Final Approach, the Bournemouth Writing Festival, and the London launch celebration – with a bout of food poisoning thrown in which put things in doubt – what a week! (Note to self – if you notice the milk in your cereal has curdled – don’t eat it!) Glad I had a long bank holiday weekend afterwards to recover…
Thank you everyone who came along to the SoA, bought a book, took some photos or helped in any way. There are other Final Approach events on the calendar, including an online event for anyone too far away – but now it’s time to get stuck into a new project.
Taunton Take-Off for Final Approach
What a brilliant evening at Brendon Books, Taunton, for the launch of the Final Approach illustrated hardback!
Thank you everyone who came, and especially Lionel and the team at Brendon Books for having me, Elizabeth Delow for being in conversation with me, Kati, and Claret Press for coming from London!
A Return to Dirty Laundry
Such a buzz to return to Silly Point Poetry another night of hilarity and organised chaos!
I’m really loving doing this – making people laugh/making a fool of myself (delete as appropriate).
It’s such an immediate and energetic process – write the words, perform them for five minutes and get an immediate reaction!
Phil Genoux the headliner was brilliant, as were the other often uproarious performers – that is the word. Such a lovely lively supportive bunch.
So did we Tame Trauma?!
Well, probably not but we had a darn good go at it! A good crowd came to our Taming Trauma: Fiction or Nonfiction? at Bournemouth Writing Festival. I think the best bits were the lively and heartfelt questions. Victoria and I had some powerful feedback afterwards which was quite moving; thanks everyone for coming and for your contributions.
Indeed, particular thanks to Victoria Humphreys for being my very capable and compelling collaborator and to the wonderful team at BWF for your hospitality and support. Thanks too to everyone who bought a book!
I made the most of my visit, attending some other events and enjoying the seaside in the sun. It was particularly pleasing to meet writer friend Joelle Tamraz – we worked out we’ve known and kept up with each other (and our memoirs) for five years, since both being on a course run by the excellent Anna Caig.
Final thanks to Debs Penrice for the headline pic and your significant contribution to the debate.
Dirty Laundry!
I’ve been doing more open mic poetry nights of late, and I’m loving it! It’s a bit like being in a band without having to haul a sound system and a drum kit around.
It’s very different to my usual short story fayre, but it gives me a real buzz. Barging in from prose to poetry does give me an element of imposter syndrome (loads of published poets here!) but no one seems to care – the evenings really are eclectic and energetic – anything goes!
So thank you Silly Point Poetry and most recently Dirty Laundry Poetry Nights for having me – planning to return to Silly Point again and very much looking forward to it – working on new material already!
Final Approach Interview
I recently had a chat with Hallie Matthews about my latest book Final Approach: My Father and Other Turbulence, now out in hardback. We talked about where the story came from, including the moment it all came to light through a newspaper article, and how that set things off in a way I hadn’t expected.
It was also a chance to say a bit more about writing something so close to home, and how the whole process of putting it together unfolded once I decided to follow it through.
We touched on the realities of getting a book out there as well, and what goes on behind the scenes once the writing’s done.
If you’d like to find out more, the full interview can be found here:
Fantastic February Fresh Fiction Friday!
Sorry, couldn’t resist all that alliteration! Unlucky for some, but still so many people braved the date and the rain to come out and fill The David Hall, South Petherton for a wonderful night of Fresh Fiction – every seat was taken!
The theme was music and we went on a wild and emotional ride from T Rex to Monty Python via Beethoven, Belfast (Orbital), Oasis and Neil Diamond.
We suffered being ‘in a radio you couldn’t turn off’ and ‘the pain of lost music (identify with that one!) but we all finished up Look(ing) on the Bright Side of Life.
Thank you Novel Nights and everyone at Fresh Fiction and The David Hall, and especially the audience for coming out on such a foul night!
Wild Words Reading
Had a fantastic time last night at the launch of Wild Words, the anthology all about the spirit and inspiration of Dartmoor produced by Dartmoor Preservation Association. Thank you Victoria Regan for reading my Wild Words piece ‘Scatter’ so beautifully in situ. Lovely to meet you at the wonderfully atmospheric launch in Ashburton. Also thanks to Helen JR Bruce for the whole thrill of it and for having me.
Such a pleasure to read to the lovely warm audience and a privilege to read amongst a brilliant and eclectic cast of other writers and performers including my old Literature Works buddy Nutty Hares.
If you’d like to hear the reading, visit the DPA YouTube channel here:
‘Wild Words’ – the whole beautiful digital mag – can be read in full on the DPA website: https://dartmoorpreservation.co.uk/
Brian the Bear and Christmas!
Thanks to everyone who came along to my first event of the Christmas season at Seavington St Mary. First time at this one but nothing ventured, nothing gained. Then not long after it was back to The Barrington Boar and their Christmas Shopping Evening, with South Somerset’s finest.
Cooking in the Exeter Word Kitchen
I read last night at the lovely Exeter Word Kitchen – thanks everyone who braved Storm Benjamin to come and watch and listen to us!
I didn’t take any pics at the venue – I think there have been enough ‘Mark reading at the mic’ photos lately – but I did take this one at the hotel. I stayed on as I had another assignment on Dartmoor today – more about that soon.
The best things about the hotel were this staircase and window and the fact that rooms were half-price. It was the original Central Station hotel and probably once felt rather grand. Sadly now the elegance feels somewhat faded, though maybe this will improve as the hotel ownership has recently changed.
It was also very close to the venue which was a blessing in that weather!
Thank you David Lloyd and Pippa Marriott for another top evening and putting together such a stirring and varied programme.
Clevedon Literary Festival
A quick spin up an empty M5 (yay!) and I was back at the seaside for the Clevedon Celebration of the Book, part of Clevedon Literary Festival.
I’ve never not sold any books at these events, but now I’m of the ‘whatever’ mindset. I’ll meet people, talk about books and writing, have a lovely day out. I have good friends now I’ve just met once at a book event! And if I do sell a single book, then that’s a bonus.
‘Broken’ Stories – David Hall
Wrapped up a busy spell of reading slots last night at another full house, the very atmospheric Fresh Fiction event at The David Hall.
The theme for the evening, ‘Broken’, led to some disturbing tales, which ratcheted up the intensity of that atmosphere! I did wonder looking out at the sea of discombobulated faces if my story ‘Click’ was TOO disturbing!
No matter, it was a highly entertaining evening. Great to catch up with Mark Rutterford (mutual photographic society – thanks!) and to hear FF debutante Ieva Lakute and all the other excellent readers. Thank you Grace Palmer (for pics too!) Novel Nights, Gem, Helen and everyone at The David Hall.
Time Travelling with the Archangel
Last night I went back to the Archangel in Frome – I was amazed to realise it was eight years since my last visit!
The previous occasion was a political meeting when I was the local Lib Dem parliamentary candidate in the 2017 General Election – talk about being shot by both sides. (I was an anti-coalition lefty lib.) It was a painful experience, especially as I gave up my first ever writing prize (a trip to Sydney as winner of the Heathrow 70 writing comp!) to ‘do my bit’ when Theresa May called a snap election.
It was strange returning as a writer, and I was nervous at Dirty Laundry Storytelling & Poetry, as I was trying something quite raw and a little different to my usual short story/book extract fayre. I shouldn’t have worried; the audience were warm and supportive, and the other performances were amazing in variety and power, topped off by the bogglingly good Malaika Kegode whose words stayed with me the whole long journey home.
Thank you Olly and Alexis Brooks for having me and creating such a vibrant and empathic event. I’ll be back – if you’ll have me!
Budleigh Literary Festival
Last night at the sold-out Word Kitchen, part of the Budleigh Literary Festival programme.
When I saw I was the ‘opening act’ I was a little nervous as my extract from ‘Cold Shower’ was about abuse. After hearing a brave reading from fellow writer Jamie Wright in Exeter a while back, I knew I had to write this – it was the elephant in my writing room. I’ve fictionalised some of my school experiences before but this was the first time I’ve exposed the real blood and guts.
The longer piece goes on to attempt to establish a connection between the bullying which starts early in life and then develops into the more institutional intimidation and victimisation which is all too pervasive right now.
I shouldn’t have worried about reading it; the audience reaction was amazing – emotional and affirming.
As someone said to me afterwards, putting it out there is not only cathartic for the writer (to me, it feels like writing about it ‘disempowers’ the abuse), but can be for the listener, too. I do feel this is one of the strongest things I’ve written; it hasn’t found a home yet but I hope it does.
I do realise that superficially as a mature adult I appear presentable, socially adept and confident enough, and I’ve had a good share of privilege and ‘success’; it is possible to overcome, though we all have our bad days.
I’m damaged but not broken.
Thank you David Lloyd and Pippa Marriott at Word Kitchen for creating such a warm supportive environment where I can admit this and where I feel brave enough and safe enough to share the piece. Thank you too to the audience for your kindness and warmth.
Happily, the tone lifted with the other wonderful readings and a good time was had by all.
Read with Yeovil Birthday Party!
A really lovely time celebrating Read With Yeovill’s 3rd birthday today. The two Elaines (Elaine Sharp and Elain Buckley) have done wonders for readers and writers in Somerset – here they are flanking the day’s star attractions Jenni Godfrey and Nikki May. First time I’ve met Nikki, but Jennie and I were on the same bill just two years ago at The Word Kitchen at Budleigh Salterton – in the meantime she’s become a Sunday Times Bestseller, among plenty of other successes!
It was great to catch up with her and listen to her and Nikki chatting in a lively and laugh-a-minute way about books and writing. I will try some Marian Keyes, I promise! (Not saying those two words…)
Read With Yeovil have been so supportive of me and my writing, even dedicating an event to Final Approach, so it was lovely to celebrate with them and catch up with others in the RWY clan – Mark Rutterford, Nikki Copleston, Grace Palmer, James Brinsford, and BooksCovered and Jan Nock to name a few.
You always have a special moment at these wonderful gatherings and mine was going to pick up my coat near the end and finding a woman flicking through Final Approach – not one of my copies, but one that RWY were selling. We had one of those extraordinary conversations comparing extreme paternal behaviour. I think B won, with her tale of multiple hidden false passports! Happily she bought the book, and I do think she’ll find a few aspects she can identify with!
Brian the Bear at Barrington Court!
The lovely National Trust people at Barrington Court invited me to do a series of Brian readings as part of their activities, and the first one was at the Design Shed at the Court as part of their Community Day. I was more terrified of reading to children than to adults, but it seemed to go down well!
Brian has launched!
What a lovely day we had for the launch of Brian The Flying Bear! And obviously I’m not talking about the weather… Thanks to everyone who braved the rain and came along. The book is now available at local stockists and here on my website.
Fresh Fiction Reading
Great to be back with my Bowie-inspired short story at the Fresh Fiction event.
Despite a little apprehension on my part, my new Bowie-inspired coming of age story went down well.
A lovely evening in the company of excellent writers and an enthusiastic full house.
Thank you, Novel Nights, for selecting my story!
A return to the Brook Kitchen, Budleigh!
My first public reading from Final Approach! Thanks to everyone at the Brook Kitchen, event, always such a quality repertoire!
Ilminster Literary Festival 2023
My first lit fest appearance was a really lovely evening, very well attended by an appreciative audience. I read The Wall at the Fresh Fiction Best Short Story Show, part of the Ilminster Literary Festival.
Wonderful to be on the bill with such excellent writers, and such a great and supportive atmosphere.
Back at the Brook Kitchen, Budleigh!
And a lovely evening it was too, in the presence of some wonderful writers, and I read my short story The Wall, a dress rehearsal for my appearance at Ilminster Literary Festival.
Literature Works Hothouse Fiction Weekend
Excited – and not a little awed (read apprehensive) – to have been selected as a participant on the Literature Works Hothouse fiction weekend with none other than Andrew Miller, one of the best British novelists.
We already have three of his novels and am somewhat pinching myself that next month I’ll be spending three days at Exeter Custom House learning the craft from one of its masters.
A Spoken Word Night and a Bowie Tribute
I recently opened the bill at Brook Kitchen’s (Budleigh Salterton) Spoken Word night with my Bowie tribute, which seemed to go down well and connected with some of the other readings – love it when that happens.
Getting to know quite a few other local writers too – great to hear their work and to meet and hear new authors.
You can read the full piece here: https://markblackburn.co.uk/2018/01/10/david-bowie-youre-sorely-missed/
An Exhibition Win!
Yay! I won a lottery prize! Not THE lottery, but a lottery run by the @studio1.1_london gallery, whereby the holder of the winning ticket gets to put on their own show for a whole four weeks – how exciting?!
I’m thrilled that my brilliant artist friend @catedinoff will be helping me curate and organise. We haven’t been given exact dates yet, but the exhibition’s likely to be late summer.
More detail as it emerges, we’re really looking forward to it!
The Wall
It looks like a version of my short story The Wall has found a home in print. I’m thrilled to say it should be appearing in an anthology which is being launched to raise funds for a very worthy cause. More details when they’re confirmed.
Me with actor Adam Brady who read The Wall at the Orange Tree Theatre, Richmond.
markblackburn.co.uk 