![Chanctonbury Rings – Album Launch with Justin Hopper & Sharron Kraus]()
by Gudrun Bowers | 29, Apr 2019
Thursday 20th June, 7.30pm Gluck Studio.
Steyning Bookshop presents Justin Hopper & Sharron Kraus performing their new album Chanctonbury Rings live at the Gluck Studio. Through spoken word and music, the piece tells of uncanny encounters with the mist-shrouded Sussex landmark. It is based on American writer Hopper’s book The Old Weird Albion, and in particular his childhood visits to Steyning, with new music composed by psych-folk artist Sharron Kraus, which she performs live on synths, strings, woodwinds and more.
This performance marks the world debut of the Chanctonbury Rings album. An early version, performed here in 2018, marked the album’s beginning. Now Hopper and Kraus come full circle, returning to launch vinyl and CD through Ghost Box Records.
The duo will perform Chanctonbury Rings in full, along with a short set of songs by Sharron Kraus.
Copies of the album and of Justin’s book The Old Weird Albion will be on sale. There will be a licensed bar selling beers, wine and soft drinks.
Tickets are £8 available via the Steyning Bookshop and direct from Ticketsource here.
![Chanctonbury Rings – Album Launch with Justin Hopper & Sharron Kraus]()
by Gudrun Bowers | 29, Apr 2019
Wednesday 19th June, 7.30pm. Steyning Centre, Saxon Room
At the age of eight, Iranian-born novelist Dina Nayeri fled Iran along with her mother and brother. Eventually she was granted asylum in America, where she made her way to Princeton.
Nayeri will be discussing the refugee experience, and its public and political perception, which is the subject of her powerful new book The Ungrateful Refugee. Weaving her own moving story with the accounts of other refugees, bringing us inside their daily lives and taking us through the different stages of their journeys, this book should be compulsory reading for all policy-makers!
Among the vivid stories in the book we see a couple fall in love over the phone, women gathering to prepare noodles that remind them of home, a closeted queer man trying to make his case truthfully as he seeks asylum, and a translator attempting to help new arrivals present their stories to officials.
Here are the real human stories of what it is like to be forced to flee your home, and to journey across borders in the hope of starting afresh.
“Dina Nayeri has written a vital book for our times. The Ungrateful Refugee gives voice to those whose stories are too often lost or suppressed. Braiding memoir, reportage and essayism, Nayeri allows those fortunate enough never to have been stateless or displaced to glimpse something of the hardships and subtleties of refugee experience. Written with compassion, tenderness and a burning anger, her book appears at the end of a decade in which division and dislocation have risen to a terrible pitch. It speaks powerfully from – and to – the heart. Please read it.”
—Robert Macfarlane, Underland, Landmarks
Dina Nayeri’s debut novel, A Teaspoon of Earth and Sea (2013) was translated into 14 languages. Her second novel, Refuge (2017) was a New York Times editor’s choice. She holds a BA from Princeton, and an MBA from Harvard. Her article The Ungrateful Refugee: ‘We have no debt to repay’ in The Guardian has exceeded 80k shares.
Tickets are £10 to include a £5 voucher towards book purchase.
Tickets available from The Steyning Bookshop on 01903 812062 or direct from Ticketsource.
A licensed bar will serve wine, beer and soft drinks.
![Chanctonbury Rings – Album Launch with Justin Hopper & Sharron Kraus]()
by Gudrun Bowers | 29, Apr 2019
Tuesday 18th June at 7.30pm. The Gluck Studio
‘An extraordinary travelogue, strange and brilliant’
In 2013 Guy Stagg made a pilgrimage from Canterbury to Jerusalem. Though a non-believer, he began the journey after suffering several years of mental illness, hoping the ritual would heal him. For ten months he hiked alone on ancient paths, crossing ten countries and more than 5,500 kilometres.
The Crossway is Guy’s account of this extraordinary adventure. Having left home on New Year’s Day, Stagg climbed over the Alps in midwinter, spent Easter in Rome with a new pope, joined mass protests in Istanbul and survived a terrorist attack in Lebanon. Travelling without support, he had to rely each night on the generosity of strangers, staying with monks and nuns, priests and families.
As a result, he gained a unique insight into the lives of contemporary believers and learnt the fascinating stories of the soldiers and saints, missionaries and martyrs who had followed these paths before him. The Crossway is a book full of wonders, mixing travel and memoir, history and current affairs. At once intimate and epic, it charts the author’s struggle to walk towards recovery, and asks whether religion can still have meaning for those without faith.
We are really looking forward to hearing Guy Stagg discussing his journey, with photographic slides.
‘Beautifully written, filled with strange encounters and extraordinary language, The Crossway is a meditation, an escape, a confrontation, a losing and a finding. It is a timely antidote to our disconnected times.‘ Philip Hoare, author of Leviathan.
A signed paperback copy of The Crossway is included in the ticket price of £12.
Tickets are available via Ticketsource or direct from The Steyning Bookshop on 01903 812062.
![Chanctonbury Rings – Album Launch with Justin Hopper & Sharron Kraus]()
by Gudrun Bowers | 29, Apr 2019
Tuesday 18th June, 2-4pm. The Gluck Studio
Novelist and creative writing coach Beth Miller will lead aspiring writers in a 2 hour workshop focussing on story and character development.
With lashings of tea and home-made cake to keep the creative juices flowing!
Beth Miller has published 5 books – 3 novels; The Good Neighbour, When We Were Sisters, and The Two Hearts of Eliza Bloom, and 2 non fiction books; For the Love of the Archers and For the Love of Shakespeare. She also teaches on the Creative Writing Programme based at New Writing South, and works as a ‘book coach’, helping writers at all stages of their careers in one-on-one sessions.
“Beth helped me find the confidence and clarity in my writing to spur me on to complete my novel.” Martin Nathan, author of the novel A Place of Safety, published by Salt, June 2018.
Places on the workshop are limited to 15 participants, so do book early to avoid disappointment! Book here with Ticketsource or by phone / in person at The Steyning Bookshop.
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by Gudrun Bowers | 29, Apr 2019
Monday 17th June at 7.30pm. The Gluck Studio.
Author Lucy Foley will discuss her latest novel The Hunting Party, a fiendishly twisty murder mystery set in a remote Scottish hunting lodge. Bringing all of the appeal of an Agatha Christie-style house-party whodunit to a thoroughly modern thriller, it is a riveting read which will keep you turning the pages long after lights out!
A group of thirty-something friends from Oxford meet to welcome in the New Year together, a tradition they began as students ten years ago. For this vacation, they’ve chosen an idyllic and isolated estate in the Scottish Highlands – the perfect place to get away and unwind by themselves. They arrive on December 30th, just before a historic blizzard seals the lodge off from the outside world. Two days later, on New Year’s Day, one of them is dead…..
Lucy Foley studied English Literature at Durham and UCL universities and worked for several years as a fiction editor in the publishing industry, before leaving to write full-time. The Hunting Party is her debut crime novel, inspired by a particularly remote spot in Scotland that fired her imagination. Lucy is also the author of three historical novels; The Book of Lost and Found, The Invitation, and Last Letter from Istanbul. Her journalism has appeared in ES Magazine, Sunday Times Style, Grazia and more.
‘Chilling. You won’t sleep.’ – Adele Parks
`Foley builds the tension cleverly and creepily, underlining the point that old friends aren’t always the best’ – The Observer
Tickets available at The Steyning Bookshop or online via Ticketsource.
![Chanctonbury Rings – Album Launch with Justin Hopper & Sharron Kraus]()
by Gudrun Bowers | 25, Apr 2019
Nick Sharratt’s Big Draw-Along.
Sunday 16th June. Doors open at 10.30 for bacon butties and coffee. Big Draw-along starts at 11am.
After the fabulous fun we had at last year’s Steyning Festival event, our favourite illustrator / writer, Nick Sharratt, is back for a Fantastic Father’s Day Family-Friendly-Fun-Filled hour of drawing.
Bring your favourite pens. Paper will be provided.
Free coffee and bacon butties for dads!
Adults £7 Children £5.
Tickets are available from the Steyning Bookshop or online this link to Ticketsource
![Chanctonbury Rings – Album Launch with Justin Hopper & Sharron Kraus]()
by Gudrun Bowers | 25, Apr 2019
THE GRUFFALO & FRIENDS with JULIA DONALDSON & COMPANY. Saturday 15th June at 2.30pm
Come and celebrate the Gruffalo’s 20th birthday with Julia Donaldson and friends – including the Gruffalo himself! Join them for a fun-packed show of dramatised stories, songs and audience participation!
The show will be followed by the opportunity to purchase Julia’s books and get them personally signed and dedicated.
AGE GUIDE: The show is ideally suited for ages 4+. All children will need to have a ticket.
Tickets available from the Steyning Booksshop or via this link to Ticketsource
![Chanctonbury Rings – Album Launch with Justin Hopper & Sharron Kraus]()
by Gudrun Bowers | 25, Apr 2019
‘Mapping Imaginary Worlds’ SATURDAY 15th JUNE 10.30am
A creative writing workshop for budding writers aged 7-12, with children’s writer Vashti Hardy.
Vashti is the author of two novels for children, Brightstorm and Wildspark, both published by Scholastic. The lovely Vashti will guide children to create and map their imaginary worlds.
Before becoming a full-time writer, Vashti was a primary school teacher, and she has an MA in creative writing from Chichester University.
All equipment and free refreshments are provided.
Tickets can be purchased at the bookshop or online via this Ticketsource link
by Gudrun Bowers | 24, Apr 2019
Make sure you’re free on Monday 27th May for the Steyning Country Fair, when the High St will be a bustle with street entertainers, music, craft stalls, rare breed farm animals, and delicious produce.
True to time-honoured tradition, we will have free activities for children in our garden marquee, led by picture book writer / illustrator Bryony Thomson. Bryony’s delightful book ‘The Wardrobe Monster’, published by local press Old Barn Books, is a beautifully illustrated, humorous and reassuring story for any child who has ever though there might be monsters lurking in the dark.
Bryony will be leading a fun ‘MONSTER MASH’ drawing session, helping children to create their own ‘wardrobe monsters’. There’ll also be stories, crafts and free refreshments for children, and grown-ups can take the weight off their feet and relax in our lovely bookshop garden marquee.
There will be 2 sessions: From 11am till noon, then again from 2pm until 3pm. Just come along, it’s free, no need to book! Suitable for ages 3-9.
Bryony Thomson is a writer and illustrator based in Surrey. She graduated with a distinction from the MA Children’s Book Illustration Course at Cambridge School of Art, and also received a ‘Highly Commended’ in the Macmillan Prize. ‘The Wardrobe Monster’ is her first published book. Do check out her website, she has some gorgeous screen-printed tea towels and framed prints for sale there!
by Gudrun Bowers | 25, Mar 2019
We are very excited to be hosting a launch party for local writer Jonathan Scott’s new book ‘The Vinyl Frontier’, which tells the fascinating story of the Golden Record – an inter-stellar mix-tape sent into space with the Voyager Missions in 1977. Curated by Carl Sagan, the 90 minute disc contained music by JS Bach and Chuck Berry, ethnographic field recordings, and a message of peace by President Jimmy Carter – a field guide to Earthlings for the Cosmos. ‘The Vinyl Frontier’ follows the project from first phone call to final launch, and it is a truly fascinating story of an optimistic project with a cosmic vision of peace and unity.
Jonathan Scott has been fascinated by the Voyager Golden Record project ever since he first heard of it, and the book grew out of a magazine article on the subject that he penned for Record Collector Magazine. Formerly a contributing editor to Record Collector magazine, Jonathan has edited books about Prince, Cher and the San Francisco psych explosion, and written about Nirvana, the Pogues, the Venga Boys, Sir Patrick Moore and Sir Isaac Newton in a variety of magazines. He is a self-confessed astronomy geek who received his first telescope at the age of eight!
The launch party will start at 7.30pm with wine kindly provided by Bloomsbury Publishing, there will be delicious home-made canapes to nibble, and Jonathan will share a few stories from his research before signing copies of his book.
by Gudrun Bowers | 21, Mar 2019
We are very excited to unveil our April author event! Celebrated novelist Michelle Paver will be at the Gluck Studio on Wednesday 24th April, discussing her latest novel, ‘Wakenhyrst‘, a spell-binding masterpiece of Gothic fiction which enthralls and chills in equal measure.
The book is set deep in the Suffolk Fens, and follows the story of Maud, a lonely, motherless child who takes solace in the dank beauty of the Fen against the religious, repressive will of her historian father. When her father finds a medieval ‘Doom’ painting in a graveyard, unhallowed forces and a murderous obsession are awakened. Maud must hold strong in the face of the age-old legends of her beloved fen – and the even more nightmarish demons of her father’s past, as he becomes increasingly unravelled. Imbued with dark menace, the story maintains a tense ambiguity between the supernatural and the psychological. I cannot wait to hear Michelle tell us more about her research in the Suffolk Fens and the real-life ‘Doom’ which sparked the idea for the novel!
Michelle Paver is also the author of ‘Dark Matter’, a terrifying ghost story set in the haunting wilderness of the far north in the 1930’s, and ‘Thin Air’, the chilling story of a mountaineering expedition in the Himalayas which ends in disaster, but is perhaps best known for the compelling ‘Wolf Brother’ series of historical fantasy novels for children, which have achieved ‘classic’ status on school bookshelves across the world.
Tickets are £15 which includes a hot-off-the-press signed hardback copy of ‘Wakenhyrst’ and complimentary wine and canapes!
Tickets are available via Ticketsource or by calling / coming into the shop. tel 01903 812062.
by Gudrun Bowers | 6, Feb 2019
We are thrilled to present a double whammy author event for March, a real treat for thriller and crime fans!
On Tuesday March 26th, 7.30pm at the lovely Gluck Studio, best-selling writers William Shaw and Nuala Ellwood will discuss their latest novels.
William Shaw is a firm favourite with local readers now, having interviewed Peter May at our author supper last year, and appeared at our crime-writers night during the Steyning Festival.
Hailed by fellow writer Val McDermid as “Taut, terrifying and timely”, William’s latest novel Salt Lane is the first in a new series, introducing DS Alexandra Cupidi, reluctantly booted out of the London Met to the bleak salt marsh landscapes of Southern Kent. Faced with the murder of a migrant labourer, she must gain the suspicious locals’ trust if she is to uncover the dark conspiracy behind the murder. Shaw’s trademark flair for lively characterisation and sharp, sensitive, social commentary makes this a gripping and intelligent read, and its atmospheric setting takes a central role. See here for William’s YouTube video filmed in Dungeness (with kind words about us!)
William Shaw will be in conversation with up-and-coming thriller writer Nuala Ellwood about her second novel, Day of the Accident , a dark, twisty and multi-layered psychological thriller which is already gathering ecstatic reviews. Nuala’s first novel My Sister’s Bones, also published by Penguin, saw her being featured as one of The Observer’s ‘New Faces of Fiction 2017’. Day of the Accident follows wife and mother Maggie, who awakes from a coma after her car plunges into a river to be informed that her daughter is dead, drowned during the accident, and her husband, Sean, has disappeared. But she can’t shake the feeling that somewhere, somehow, her daughter is alive and that there is more to the accident than meets the eye.
We can’t wait to hear more!
The event price of £10 includes a paperback book by one of the writers – how will you choose? Plus wine and nibbles.
Advance booking is advised.
by Gudrun Bowers | 31, Jan 2019
Half term dragging on? Raining? Want some off-screen time? Bring your little people along to our February half term kids event!
We don’t have an author this time, but will have entertaining stories, crafts, and things to nibble with an Under-the-Sea theme.
If you come dressed for the theme you’ll get a special prize!
£4 per child.
Age Guide – your little one needs to be able to use scissors and sit still, and not too old for picture books, so .. 4-8 years?
Book in advance by calling the bookshop on 01903 812062. Let us know of any dietary requirements eg dairy / gluten free as we will be serving biscuits/ cakes.
2.30pm on Thursday 21st February.
by Gudrun Bowers | 30, Jan 2019
What better way to celebrate World Book Day than with the nation’s favourite children’s author, Julia Donaldson?
Julia’s new book ‘The Go Away Bird’ is released on …Thursday March 7th, which just happens to be World Book Day.
Julia will be at the shop for an after-school book signing, with 3 signing sessions starting at 4pm. There is no charge, but you MUST book a place in advance by paying for at least 1 book, and stating your timing of choice: 4pm, 4.30pm, or 5pm. You can book by calling the bookshop on 01903 812062.
‘The Go Away Bird’ is a funny and charming story about the power of friendship, inspired by the birds Julia encountered during her safari trip to Kenya. It marks an exciting new creative partnership for Julia, as the stunning illustrations are provided by the CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal-winning Catherine Rayner (already an acclaimed name in illustration for her wonderful books ‘Augustus and his Smile’, ‘Solomon Crocodile’, ‘Ernest’, ‘Smelly Louie’)
‘The Go Away Bird’ will be available in hardback for £11.99, and we will have all Julia’s other books on sale and available for signing, too.
by Gudrun Bowers | 16, Jan 2019
Join us on Tuesday 5th February for our first event of 2019, when we welcome Sussex based writer Matt Whyman, who’ll be sharing insights from his wonderful book ‘The Unexpected Genius of Pigs’.
Blending research from an expert in pig psychology, and first-hand observations from vets and farmers with his own recollections from his days as an amateur pig-keeper, Matt’s book is an absolutely charming and illuminating study of our unfairly-maligned porcine friends. We look forward to hearing more ‘behind the scenes’ stories from Matt in person!
Perfect for fans of ‘The Secret Lives of Cows’.
A copy of “The Unexpected Genius of Pigs” is included in the ticket price of £10 for the event.
Venue: TBC – Either The Gluck Studio or The Steyning Bookshop.
Matt Whyman has written widely for all ages across a range of subjects in fiction and non-fiction. Notable books amongst the 18 books published to his name are ‘Walking with Sausage Dogs’, his best-selling comic memoir, and ‘The Savages’, a very unusual YA novel featuring a family of cannibals! Matt also lectures in creative writing, was 19 Magazine‘s first ever male ‘Agony Uncle’, and is an established ghostwriter and collaborative author.
by Gudrun Bowers | 16, Jan 2019
We are very excited to welcome the acclaimed novelist and short story master Tessa Hadley to Steyning for the first time.
Tessa will be discussing her latest novel, ‘Late in the Day‘, the story of two close-knit couples, and how their lives are irrevocably altered by an untimely death. The novel explores the complex webs at the centre of our most intimate relationships, to expose how, beneath the seemingly dependable arrangements we make for our lives, lie infinite alternate configurations.
Tessa’s six previous novels include ‘Clever Girl’, ‘The Past’ and ‘Married Love’. Her novels have twice reached the longlists of the Orange Prize and the Wales Book of the Year, and in 2016, she won one of the Windham-Campbell Literature Prizes for fiction.
Tessa also teaches creative writing at Bath Spa University.
Tickets are £10, to include a voucher towards a copy of ‘Late in the Day’ which is released in hardback on 14th February. Wine, soft drinks and nibbles will be served.
Tickets are available by calling the bookshop on 01903 812062.
Critical praise for Late in the Day
“Tessa Hadley crystallizes the atmosphere of ordinary life in prose somehow miraculous and natural…. Extraordinary” (Washington Post)
“Tessa Hadley has become one of this country’s great contemporary novelists. She is equipped with an armoury of techniques and skills that may yet secure her a position as the greatest of them.” (Anthony Quinn in the Guardian)
by Gudrun Bowers | 12, Nov 2018
Our lovely Steyning Bookshop employees Sarah Burns and Alice Garner don’t just know about books….they are now giving a lucky few of you a chance to take part in a tea-towel making workshop!
Fresh from their very popular sessions at Ditchling Museum and Much Ado Books in Alfriston, textile designer and block-printer Sarah Burns and her artistic assistant Alice will help participants experiment with screen-printing, lino-cut, stencil and other techniques to produce their own unique tea towel by the end of the day!
No experience is necessary, although those with some print-making experience are also welcome to come and experiment with new techniques. All materials will be provided, as well as plenty of tea and yummy home-made cake to keep the creative juices flowing!
The workshop will take place on from 2 -5 pm on Sunday 9th December, in the bookshop back kitchen.
ONLY 8 SPACES AVAILABLE! Cost £40 per person.
Book now via The Steyning Bookshop on 01903 812062.
by Gudrun Bowers | 12, Nov 2018
On Wednesday 5th December from 6pm – 9pm, Steyning High Street will once again be transformed into a magical winter wonderland, with a candlelit lantern procession, live bands, carol singers, a nativity scene, donkeys, and a plethora of fantastic stalls with crafts, hand-made goodies, and delicious hot food & drink, plus of course, all your favourite high street shops will open their doors and welcome you!
In time-honoured tradition, at the bookshop we will be a-bustle with revellers seeking Rob’s mulled wine (made to a top-secret recipe handed down through generations) and Sara’s home-made mince pies. Our author guest of honour this year will be acclaimed children’s author and illustrator, Emily Gravett, who’ll be at the shop from 6 pm until about 8.30 pm to sign and dedicate copies of her books. Emily has won numerous awards for her clever, inventive picture books, and her latest picture book in hardback is the delightful ‘Cyril and Pat’, a heart-warming story about a friendship between a squirrel and a rat! We will have a large selection of Emily’s books ready for signing, from her pre-schooler classics such ‘Apple Pear Orange Bear’ (which no toddler should be without), her quirky picture books perfect for ages 4-7 such as ‘Tidy’, with its amusing environmental message, and the darkly funny ‘Wolves’ and ‘Meerkat Mail’, to her books for older children, ‘The Imaginary’ and ‘The Afterwards’, written by A F Harrold, which Emily has brought to life with her astonishingly beautiful, haunting, pencil illustrations.
Do come along and meet Emily, or, if you are not able to come on the night, give us a ring to reserve a signed, dedicated book!
by Gudrun Bowers | 1, Nov 2018
On Thursday 15th November join Steyning’s very own block printer and textile designer – and cheerful bookshop assistant – Sarah Burns, at the launch of her debut publication!
Sarah became fascinated by the lives and work of textile designers Phyllis Barron and Dorothy Larcher when she was involved in a project to bring their beautiful block-print designs back into production.
Phyllis Barron and Dorothy Larcher were pioneering English textile designers of the 20th Century – collaborating with the likes of Coco Chanel and running their own very successful block printing workshop during the 1920’s and 30’s. As designer-makers they formed a unique partnership producing innovative textiles & pushed the boundaries of what could be achieved with natural dyes and hand-cut wooden blocks.Their beautiful block-printed fabrics are reproduced here in this very first monograph of their work.
The book is produced with colour illustrations throughout, by ACC Art Books, and is a fascinating and inspirational insight into two remarkable, talented women.
This is a free evening event, with wine and canapes, open to all, but we do ask that you get in touch and add your name to the guest list if you’d like to come!
by Gudrun Bowers | 1, Nov 2018
On Thursday 15th November join Steyning’s very own block printer and textile designer – and cheerful bookshop assistant – Sarah Burns, at the launch of her debut publication!
Sarah became fascinated by the lives and work of textile designers Phyllis Barron and Dorothy Larcher when she was involved in a project to bring their beautiful block-print designs back into production.
Phyllis Barron and Dorothy Larcher were pioneering English textile designers of the 20th Century – collaborating with the likes of Coco Chanel and running their own very successful block printing workshop during the 1920’s and 30’s. As designer-makers they formed a unique partnership producing innovative textiles & pushed the boundaries of what could be achieved with natural dyes and hand-cut wooden blocks.Their beautiful block-printed fabrics are reproduced here in this very first monograph of their work.
The book is produced with colour illustrations throughout, by ACC Art Books, and is a fascinating and inspirational insight into two remarkable, talented women.
This is a free evening event, with wine and canapes, open to all, but we do ask that you get in touch and add your name to the guest list if you’d like to come!
by Gudrun Bowers | 1, Oct 2018
Monday 29th October, 7.30pm at the Gluck Studio.
A fitting literary celebration for the week of All Hallow’s Eve – it’s time to dive into the dark side with Elly Griffiths!
We are delighted to welcome Elly Griffiths (aka Domenica de Rosa) back to Steyning, to introduce her bewitching, terrifying new standalone novel. ‘The Stranger Diaries’ is a contemporary Gothic thriller, described by Louise Penny as “Goose-bump spooky, smart, and haunting. At once a re-imagining of, and a homage to, the great Gothic thrillers of the past.” Elly will tell us more about the book, her inspiration, and her fascination with the great Victorian Gothic novels.
Clare Cassidy is no stranger to tales of murder, as a literature teacher specialising in the Gothic writer R.M. Holland. Then Clare’s life and work collide tragically when one of her colleagues is found dead, a line from an R.M. Holland story by her body.
The investigating police detective is convinced the writer’s works somehow hold the key to the case. Not knowing who to trust, and afraid that the killer is someone she knows, Clare confides her darkest suspicions and fears about the case to her journal. Then one day she notices some other writing in the diary. Writing that isn’t hers…
Elly Griffiths was born in London. She worked in publishing before becoming a full-time writer. Her bestselling series of Dr Ruth Galloway novels, featuring a forensic archaeologist, are set in Norfolk. The series has won the CWA Dagger in the Library, and has been shortlisted three times for the Theakston’s Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year. Her other popular series, the Stephens and Mephisto stories, is based in 1950s Brighton. She also writes romantic fiction under her real name of Domenica de Rosa.
Ticket price is £15 to include a copy of ‘The Stranger Diaries’ (£12 for Steyning Bookshop book group members), wine, and nibbles.
by Gudrun Bowers | 19, Sep 2018
Our October event will delight armchair travellers and intrepid explorers alike! As part of our celebrations for ‘Books Are My Bag’ week, we are delighted to welcome writer Travis Elborough to Steyning, for a fascinating illustrated talk on the joy of maps, and the extraordinary and bizarre destinations to which they can lead us.
Travis will share some of the obscure and unlikely discoveries included in his two beautiful books Atlas of the Unexpected (White Lion Books, 2018) and Atlas of Improbable Places (Aurum books, 2016), spinning tales of human ingenuity and nature’s own masterpieces, and will muse on the power of unknown places, maps, and atlases to enchant and inspire us.
Travis Elborough is a writer and cultural commentator, who has written books on subjects as diverse as the London Routemaster bus, the British Seaside, the history of the L.P record, and the sale of London Bridge to America! Most recently, in addition to the stunningly-produced and utterly fascinating Atlases, he has compiled and edited Letters to Change the World : From Pankhurst to Orwell; a collection of politically-inspiring letters from history, and Our History of the 20th Century : As Told in Diaries, Journals and Letters; a candid and insightful collection of diary entries charting the twentieth century from the perspective of those who lived through it – not only the headline-grabbing events but also domestic and personal moments.
Travis is a regular contributor to the Observer and the Guardian but has also written for the Times, Sunday Times, New Statesman, the Oldie, BBC History magazine and Kinfolk among others and frequently appears on BBC Radio 4 and Five Live.
He lectures on many subjects and is currently a Visiting Lecturer at the University of Westminster, teaching M.A. creative writing students. He has appeared at various literary and music festivals, including Latitude and Green Man.
We look forward to giving Travis a warm Steyning welcome – he grew up near Steyning and has fond memories of teenage drinking in the Chequers Inn!
Critical praise for Travis Elborough:
‘One of Britain’s finest pop culture historians‘ The Guardian
‘Elborough is an English nostalgist in the mode of John Betjeman …as a cultural commentator he is a terrific companion‘ Sunday Times
by Gudrun Bowers | 18, Sep 2018
Come down to the bookshop on the evening of Thursday 4th October, and celebrate National Poetry Day with local poets Simon Zec, Marilyn Martin, and Judy Krolick.
Sit amongst the book-lined shelves, sip a glass or two of wine, and enjoy verses read by Simon, Marilyn and Judy, interspersed with musical accompaniment.
Simon Zec recently published his debut volume of poetry ‘Death of the Suburb’, which will be on sale on the night, alongside our special Poetry Day offer of 15% off all poetry books.
We would love audience members to bring along a favourite poem to share, too.
Tickets are £4, to include wine /soft drink and nibbles. Start time is 7.30pm.
by Gudrun Bowers | 30, Aug 2018
On Saturday 20th October at 2.30pm fans of Julia Donaldson will get another chance to meet her as she celebrates the release of not one, not two, but THREE new books – a delightful alphabet of animals: Animalphabet, a new story with the fabulous illustrator Lydia Monks: The Girl, the Bear and the Magic Shoes, and a beautiful new illustrated hardback edition of Julia’s play about the second World War: Bombs and Blackberries. The book-signing is an amazing chance to buy one of these wonderful new books in first-edition hardback, and get it personally signed and dedicated by Julia.
In order to make the signing an enjoyable experience for everyone
- Entry will be strictly by prior booking only, and limited to under 100 families.
- You can book your place by calling the shop on 01903 812062 and purchasing any of Julia’s new books (or her older titles!)
- Your pre-order allows entry of 1 family group (1/2 adults and up to 4 children).
- You may purchase additional books on the day – all Julia’s books will be available for purchase and signing.
- There is no way to host a Julia D signing without some queuing, but we will attempt to reduce the queue time by staggering the entry times: 2.30 pm for the first 30 families to book, 3.30 pm for the next, and 4.30 for the final group. You will be advised of your recommended signing time when you book.
- The signing will take place inside the shop /the back room of the shop, there will be refreshments and activities for children, but space is fairly limited.
- Please do not bring ‘books from home’ or books purchased elsewhere for signing.
- If you are unable to attend the signing but would like to order and pay for a book to be signed/dedicated by Julia, to pick up in person later, please call in/ phone the shop and we will be happy to arrange this for you.
- Don’t forget – for those who live further away – you can get a signed Julia Donaldson book anytime from our website store!
JULIA’S NEW BOOKS
Animalphabet is Julia’s delightful alphabet of animals with stunning illustrations by Sharon King-Chai.
Julia’s cleverly written, rhythmic text invites children to compare one animal to another, and ingenious hints and peep-through holes within the artwork make the book a hugely entertaining guessing game as well! Each intricately cut page draws you further into a beautifully vibrant world of huge elephants, slithery snakes and growling tigers, and the book will make a gorgeous gift. £14.99 in hardback.
The Girl, the Bear and the Magic Shoes is an exciting new story illustrated with glittery magic by Lydia Monks. When Josephine leaves the shoe shop after buying some new running shoes, she hears an unusual sound – Click-click! Click-click! A bear with a backpack is following her! Luckily for Josephine, her new shoes are anything but ordinary – these are magic shoes. But can they help her escape the bear when there’s a mountain, a bog and even a lake in her way? £12.99 in hardback.
Bombs and Blackberries is a dramatic and touching play which brings Manchester during the Second World War and its people to life.
World War Two has been declared and the Chivers children are sent to the safety of the countryside. They are delighted to be brought back home when it looks like the Germans aren’t going to invade after all. But the air-raid siren goes off and this time it’s frighteningly real. It is perfect for class reading as well as performance, also includes helpful tips on staging and costume. Beautifully illustrated by Thomas Docherty. £12.99 in hardback.
