The Book Bible

The

Book Bible Chapter One April/May 2013 ÂŁ3.95

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The Book Bible Magazine The Team Katy Pagan Editor Lauren Kate Allan Writer

Amy Stevenson Writer

P

Lee Mackie Designer

Jen Stewart Writer

Welcome avid book readers to the very first chapter of The Book Bible. My team has been working relentlessly to bring you the most in-depth interviews with some of our favourite authors, news about book releases and a close up look at some of the biggest book festivals coming this spring and summer. This magazine has been created as a go-to for all your book needs; we want you to feel closer to your novels and authors by reading these pages. Please enjoy, cherish it, and I will see you in June for the sequel.

Darragh Greenaigh Writer

C O N T E N T S

NEWS 2 / Looking Forward Publishing figures released for 2012 show an increase in book sales 3 / Book-A-Day May Day by day book releases for the month of May

FEATURES 5 / The Book Thief A look at the future of our libraries 8 / What’s In A Name Closer look into indy publishing 11 / Let The Right One In The troubles first time authors face 13 / How Sleep The Brave An interview with Peter James 17 / Finding Neverland The birth place of Peter Pan

Katy

E DN I O TT OE R S

19 / Light My Fire Dan Brown’s new book release 21 / A Tale Of Two Cities A closer look at Glasgow and Edinburgh’s book festivals 24 / Words Around Town Scotland’s national book town 25 / Recalled To Life Ian Rankin’s new book release 27 / From Little Things Big Thing Grow Margins book and music festival 29 / Behold The Man A look at the life of James Herbert 33 / World War Z: • A look at the book adaptation • From books to Blockbusters • Screenwriting: Give it a go • Max Brooks interview 39 / Bond, James Bond 60 years of James Bond 41 / In Dubious Battle David Livingstone’s 200 year anniversary

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NEWS

Looking Forward

By Amy Stevenson

2013 could be a promising year for the book industry as Publishers Association figures for 2012 show an increase in multi-platform book sales.

The Publishers Association (PA) have revealed in their Statistics Yearbook this month that 2012 was the most successful year for the UK Publishing industry.

The PA is the UK’s top trade organisation, supporting publishers of books, audio, electronics and journals. The institution aims to support the publishing industry through modern advancements to technology and by developing the facilities and standards that each service has on offer to its writers.

The Publishers Association reported a total revenue figure of £3.34 billion, the highest revenue ever recorded.

This is the result of increased figures in both digital and physical book sales.

A spokesperson for the Association said: “The total physical and digital sales have grown by 4 per cent, reaching an outstanding £3.3 billion. The digital share of combined physical and digital value sales went up to 12 per cent and the export share of total physical value sales remained level at 41 per cent.

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“Digital formats (encompassing ebooks, audio downloads and online subscriptions) accounted for 12 per cent of the total invoiced value of sales of books in 2012, with this share rising from 8 per cent in 2011, and from 5 per cent in 2010.

“Other notable statistics from the PA Yearbook 2012 include an increase of 4 per cent for the home physical sales of children’s books, up to £233 million, while home physical sales of school books saw a rise of 6 per cent, to £172 million. Total physical sales of fiction books have also grown, by 3 per cent in 2012, leading to sales of £502 million.

Physical and digital sales of fiction books combined have risen by 21 per cent to £647 million, and digital sales of non-fiction reference books have grown by 95 per cent to £42 million.”

2012 brought in the highest revenue ever recorded by the Publishers Association

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n For more information and statistics on the Publishers Association or their Statistics Yearbook for 2012, visit the website: www.publishers.org.uk

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PA Sales Monitor represents

75% of total UK publishers

Consumer ebook sales rose by

134% in 2012

Digital sales have risen by

£411 million

Fiction digital sales have risen by

149%

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Book-a-day-May

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Let it Be (paperback) Chad Gayle A remarkable story about a newly divorced mother who is Wed horrifically betrayed by her own son, inspired by The Beatle’s album Let it Be. Woven from nine song titles the chapters tell a heart-warming tale of forgiveness and redemption.

The Armada Legacy (paperback) Scott Mariani The 8th book in the Ben Hope series sees the former SAS Thurs major on a thrilling race against time as he struggles to save his ex-girlfriend, who has been kidnapped. As he follows the trail to Brooke, a web of mystery, secrets and corruption begins to form.

The Lost Fleet: Beyond the Frontier (paperback) Jack Campbell In the third instalment of this epic sci-fi series, Admiral Geary’s first fleet of the alliance has survived and a new Fri species of alien has been discovered. Can Geary ensure the safety of the Midway Star System?

Making (paperback) Thomas Heatherwick and Maisie Rowe Written in extremely close collaboration with the writer himself, this book offers a very personal and behind the scenes Mon look at his work and the design and manufacturing processes.

Inferno (hardback) Dan Brown Dan Brown’s eagerly awaited new novel features Robert Langdon, renowned Harvard symbologist who is drawn into a harrowing world featuring one Tues of history’s mysterious literary masterpieces.

Too Many Chiefs Only One Indian (hardback) Sat Bains and Heston Blumenthal The book follows the widely celebrated tasting menu of Restaurant Sat Bains and contains 68 Wed of his much loved recipes.

Clean and Lean Diet: The Bestselling Book on Achieving Your Perfect Wed Body (paperback) Elle MacPherson and James Duigan Split into two sections, this book will firstly explain how to get your body clean by detoxing then how to get your body lean through high impact exercises.

Blood and Beauty (paperback) Sarah Dunant Thurs Critically acclaimed novelist of the Italian Renaissance, Sarah Dunant’s new novel features the era’s most infamous family: the Borgias. Borgias, Blood and Beauty is a novel that breathes new life into an old family.

Sugar Scaries (Twenty to Make) (paperback) Frances McNaughton Fri A fun and creative book containing twenty original easy to make, cake decorating projects for children and adults alike. Frances McNaughton has dived into the darker side of creativity, producing a mass of projects including witches, ghosts and vampires, perfect for Halloween.

Magician’s End (hardback) Raymond E. Feist Mon The final volume in the epic Riftwar series sees civil war tearing the Kingdom of the Isles apart.

Now, elves and men must stand together and ancient heroes must rise again if the world is to be saved.

Bring Up the Bodies (paperback) Hilary Mantel Tues Winner of the Man Booker Prize 2012 and the Costa Book of the Year 2012, Hilary Mantel, one of our great living novelists, brings us the story of a truly terrifying period in history – Anne Boleyn’s final days.

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A Wanted Man (Paperback) Lee Child Lee Child tells the story of Jack Reacher, a man with some unfinished business to attend to in the state of Virginia. A Wanted Child shows Thurs just how skilful a writer Lee Child is.

The Complete Flash Gordon Library – The Fall of Ming (Vol. 3) (Hardback) Alex Raymond The Flash Gordon Library continues with the republication of The Fall of Ming, feaFri turing a modernised edition of the collection. This volume continues Flash Gordon's adventures and illustrates his ongoing battles with Ming the Merciless.

Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk (paperback) Ben Fountain Nineteen-year-old Billy Lynn is home from Iraq and he’s a hero. He is a YouTube sensation – and the Bush AdminisThurs tration has sent them on a nationwide victory tour. He will learn truths about life and death, friendship and fall in love. But tomorrow, he has to go back to war.

Storm Front (Hardback) Richard Castle The #1 New York Times bestselling author, Richard Castle, releases his novel about character, Derrick Storm.

The thriller tells the story of Fri how Storm and the CIA solve the horrific killings of bankers around the world.

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Leaving Everything Most Loved (Hardback) Jacqueline Winspear Set in 1933, London, Leaving Everything Most Loved tells the story of an Indian woman, Usha Pramal, who was murdered after being put out of a Mon British-run hostel. Usha's brother investigates further into her death, discovering her case was not fully looked into and how there were many other dangers in Usha's life.

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The From Hell Companion (Paperback) Alan Moore and Eddie Campbell 20 May 2013 A graphic novel, containing Mon some of the original scripts and drawings of Alan Moore.

Alongside Moore's work is a commentary and illustrations by Eddie Campbell emphasising the dedication into piecing together this project, which has been worked on for a decade.

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Zero Hour (Hardback) Clive Cussler Clive Cussler continues his adventure series on main character Kurt Austin, as he and his team try to stop a scientific project which could cause Tues natural disasters all around the world. The author of the #1 New York Times best-selling series will release the hardback copy of 'Zero Hour' this month.

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And The Mountains Echoed (Hardback) Khaled Hosseni Set in 1952 a family’s struggle to overcome the poverty and terrible winter months in Afghanistan. Hosseni uses Tues his main characters Abdullah, Pari and Saboor to define to readers the importance of family life and appreciating loved ones.

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War God (Hardback) Graham Hancock War God tells the story of two empires at war during ancient times. The clash of two cities has been brought to life, in this story by Graham Hancock, as Thurs he tells the tale of the gruesome battles that take place between two nations.

Scott Pilgrim and the Infinite Sadness (Hardback) Bryan Lee O’Malley One of the many republications of the Scott Pilgrim comic book series. This edition now provides unseen exWed tras, secret stories and is in full-colour.

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The Book Thief

FEATU

By Amy Stevenson What is in store for the future of our country’s libraries?

When we think about libraries, we imagine a room with stacks of bookcases filled with novels, fairy tales and children's stories. However, the reality of libraries has changed; the traditional image has been altered into a learning space for computers, CDs, DVDs and eLending. The future of libraries has become dependent upon government spending, modern technology and the members of our youngest generation.

The Society of Chief Librarians works throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland and aims to develop each library’s full potential, through improvements to facilities, practice management and public services. Janene Cox, President of the Society of Chief Librarians, has been working voluntarily with the organization for the last eight years, to preserve the original qualities of libraries, as well as introducing modern aspects of reading and learning to further each library’s contribution to the community.

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Libraries allow people to escape into another world

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Janene emphasised the importance of British public libraries and how they join a community together. She said: “Public libraries provide a safe, trusted gateway to knowledge, education and learning. They allow people to escape from their busy every-day lives and enter a world where they can relax and unwind. They are packed full of facilities used by schoolchildren, parents, elderly people and anyone else who requires their services.” These quiet spaces are not just used to take advantage of the vast amount of books being offered, as

recent technological advancements have widened the amount of facilities that are accessible to members of the public throughout Britain.

Many issues during the past 20 years, have made an impact on the future of British libraries. However, the majority of these changes have only had positive affects on the progression of these learning facilities. As mentioned before, technology has improved In the UK, millio significantly in recent years and is added to librari being taken advantage of in every possible way. Libraries have introduced computer facilities for the public to There are engage in library learning from a virtual perspective. points withi Also, CDs and DVDs have been introduced for members to borrow.

In 2012, of Janene commented on the introduction of these 5-10 year olds visit services: “DVDs and CDs have increased the involvement of young people Local library web in libraries and statistics have shown that more children and millio young people have become the members of these community services since the introduction of this facility. It’s not just movies and music that these young members are interested in though, book lending has also increased for this age group.” The lending of books electronically has also increased the level of interest to borrow books. eLending has many advantages, including how books are now more easily accessed and considered to be more environmentally friendly.

Nevertheless, not all of the changes regarding the future of British libraries have had a positive impact.

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39%

97,721

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URES

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on news items are ies each year.

5 library service

in the UK.

Libraries have suffered large cuts to funding in recent years

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Of course, government budget cuts is the issue that adults & of libraries are most ted a public library. concerned about.

The Chartered Institute of Library and Information bsites have gained Professionals have on visits in total in predicted that this year £22.5 million will be UK. deducted from public library spending. Janene added to this predication by saying: “There has been large cuts to funding in recent years and we, as the Society of Chief Librarians, have noticed the struggle to improve developments due to these cuts. The millions of pounds that the government have deducted from their spending have effected the series of improvements which the SCL were hoping to make within the next few years.”

The recent government cuts have resulted in two options some of the many libraries throughout Britain: either complete closure for the local service, or handing the library over to volunteer

workers.

Nevertheless, these challenges are being tackled in order for libraries to remain important parts of each community within the United Kingdom. The funds which the government have distributed to each and every library in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are being used to their full potential, restoring every aspect of learning in these facilities. Janene added: “Regardless of funding being lowered at Westminster, SCL plan on continuing the progress we are already making when it comes to improving facilities within UK libraries. At the moment, we are going through challenging times due to the lack of funding we have received, but we are encouraging more local governments to become involved in focusing their attention on libraries for the people in these local communities.”

Regardless of the future of British libraries looking slightly bleak due to the lack of monetary support from our government, the facilities provided from these local services are proving to be successful among members. The advantages of modern technology and new services provided are making sure that the story of these British book rooms continues to live on. n

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Self publishing, indie publishing, boutique publishing

What’s in a name?

by Lee Mackie Self-publishing used to be viewed as the kiss-of-death to any would-be novelist but it seems now that ‘indie’ publishing is a growing trend that shows no sign of stopping anytime soon.

Since the launch of Kindle and e-readers more and more writers are taking the self-publishing route to have their manuscripts electronically published. It’s cheap, it’s easy and there are more and more companies springing up to deal with this new crowded market. Companies like Author House, Swift Publishing, Grosvenor House Publishing and even Amazon has its own self publishing site that make it easy for first time authors to see their work in print…but for a price.

Margaret Patterson is one of the many who chose to go down the self-publishing route. “To be honest I didn’t start writing till I was in my 50’s and by that time the kids were up and out and for the first time in a long time I had time to call my own.

“I began writing just as a hobby, joined a local writers group in my local community centre and discovered I had a talent for knocking out short stories.

“After a year or so I had amassed a grand total of 18 short pieces of writing which I was rather proud of and the teacher in the writing group suggested sending them off to various womens magazines to see if I could get them published and to my amazement they did.

“Friends and family were so supportive and it was my husband who suggested trying to get them published as a book of short stories. I lost count how many rejection letters I received and after six long and weary years of trying to break-in to mainstream publishing I admitted defeat and gave up. But unbeknownst to me my husband didn’t.

“For my Christmas last year I woke up for the first time with no present under the tree waiting for me. I

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wasn’t put out too much as this was also my first Christmas as a Granny and I was too busy fussing over my beautiful grandchild and trying to make dinner for 14 people so by the time we all sat down to eat the last thing I expected was any more surprises.

“Red-of-face and sweat trickling down my spine, fretting about my lumpy gravy and dry turkey I caught furtive glances going on around the table – my first thought was that I’d forgot to put out the onion rings again (a Christmas tradition apparently) but no there they were sitting on the table. Finally I asked what is going on and looking very pleased with himself my husband hands me a beautifully wrapped present. All eyes were on me and everyone was smiling. My heart was thumping, my husband had so far in all our married days never managed to buy me a nice present so I was worried especially when it was so obviously being built up into this huge finale.

Peeling back the paper my heart stopped, I was holding a copy of my very first published book. A Compendium of Short Stories by MM Patterson. My son-in-law then brought a box through which contained 300 copies.

I’ve not even come close to selling them but every now and then I pass my bookshelf and I stop and stroke the spine of MY book. I may never become a bestselling author or be asked to do a book signing but seeing that book for me is enough.”

And for a lot of self published writers having something to hand your family and friends is enough but there are those out there who do need to reach for the stars.

Peeling back the paper my heart stopped, I was holding a copy of my very first published book

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n Turn over for author Graham

Taylor’s views on self-publishing

“ Graham Taylor: I ha

to get a conventiona

The New York Times bestselling author shares his st cess and offers advises to other writers looking to go The Reverend Graham Taylor self-published his first novel, Shadowmancer, which then went on to be a huge success and even landed him a book deal with Faber & Faber.

Here he tells us his story.

“I wanted to self-publish because I had no clue on how to get a conventional publishing deal. So I decided that the only way forward would be to buy the books myself and sell them myself.

“I went though a company in Finland, I found the company on the internet; you’ve got to remember this was in the very early days before self-publishing became so popular and there wasn’t Lulu or anything like that and in a way I’m glad there wasn’t as it pushed me down quite a conventional route.

“I bought my books from a standard book publisher and Shadowmancer started to do really well. I sold out of all my books and then I was offered a publishing deal from Faber & Faber to write 11 books.

“If you do choose the indie route you really need to be able to sell yourself, not just your book. I drew on my media skills to get the book out there; I had a story to attach to it as well. I was an ordained Anglican priest writing about witches and demons, which had it’s own news worthiness and that’s why the press picked it up. It was said that Shadowmancer got around £3million in free advertising due to the story attached to it, that is a is a big advertising campaign for a book and most people who indie publish in-fact most publishing houses cannot afford that kind of campaign and it’s

only about four or five bo “I’ve decided to leave p it’s a very crowded mark profitable and a lot eas Waterstones and WH Sm books or you just don’t fi

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I was an ordained Anglican priest writing about witches and demons.

”

them the world and given along the self publishing Not only do you need to the attention of the publi

ad no clue on how ” al publishing deal.

tory of self-publishing suco down this path

ooks a year that get the advertising that they need. publishing altogether, especially children’s publishing as ket and so I’m now writing films, which to me is far more sier to do, you don’t have to vie with companies like miths who for some reason may not want to stock your it into what they want.

I don’t think the new fashion for indie publishing has had as big an effect on the world of books as some people had hoped. When I selfpublished and I got Shadowmancer out there, hundreds of people emailed me asking me how I did it. And for me I think it was born out of deep frustration that publishers would only take on so many authors a year and how they selected was a bit hap-hazard.

“And now indie publishing is viewed as the norm.

“My main advise to any frustrated writer out there is to stop pursuing that mainstream publishing deal because you’re not going to get it, it is only going to be the odd one that gets picked up. I meet so many disappointed writers who have gone off with publishers who have promised n them nothing and what I think you’ve got to do is just go g route and try your best to get your book noticed. o have a manuscript to offer but a life story or hook to get ic, the press and the publishers.” n

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Photos by Sarahphotogirl.com

Let the Right One In

by Jennifer Stewart & Amy Stevenson

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To write what is worth publishing, to find honest people to publish it, & get sensible people to read it, are the three great difficulties of being an author -Charles Caleb Colton Got your storyline? Check. Got your characters and plot? Check. Wrote your book? Check. Getting it published? Not so easy.

The number of new books published in the UK has exploded. It is estimated that 120,000 new books are published in Britain each year but despite the literary explosion of new books, first-time authors are still struggling to enter the market. The average sales of books are staggeringly low; merge the outbreak of new books with the declining sales and it is easy to see why new titles struggle in the market so much. There is less of a one per cent chance that your book being stocked in a bookstore. For every shelf in an average bookstore there are more than 1,000 titles competing for a space.

No other industry has so many new products being introduced on a daily basis.

In this industry, books are the products. They are products that need to be developed, designed, reworked, manufactured, priced, introduced, warehoused and sold. The book-publishing world is in an ever state of flux and change.

Clearly publishers are the main component in an author’s career. They can make or break a new title.

Publishers have managed to stay afloat simply by shifting the marketing responsibilities to the author to cut costs. However, they still fulfill the essential role of crafting the book so it is suitable and prepared for sales channels.

Within the publishing sector independent book publishers are on the rise; they want to see first time authors succeed.

To find an agency that deals exclusively with first time authors is as rare as it is refreshing and inspiring.

Yet this is exactly what one British publishing company does.

Quick Brown Fox Publications strives to help first time authors get their work out there and noticed. In short, they want to change the fact that many aspiring authors never get their work published. This company

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only accepts authors who are passionate and dedicated to their work, to them commitment is key.

Adam Kirkman set up quick Brown Fox Publications in 2006 with the main aim of helping first time authors achieve publication. With almost ten years experience in the book trade, he was tired of seeing the vicious cycle of new but talented authors being rejected by agents and publishers. Adam says: “The main qualities we look for are simply that they need to really care about their work and be totally committed to their writing, otherwise they won’t become good authors. If there weren’t companies like us that give first time authors a chance then so many fantastic writers will go completely unnoticed and we will be the ones missing out on their work.”

With successful titles such as Jeremy Piercy’s Coffins, Cats and Fair Trade Sex Toys, and Adam Kirkman’s Better to Have Loved and Lost comprising part of their portfolio it is clear to see that publishing first time authors has worked for Quick Brown Fox. Additionally, they are also responsible for many new series’ of books, including Diana Shaw’s trilogy, Ghosts of Cockleshore Bay and Julian Cole’s Rounder Brothers series.

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Books with bite, writing with risk

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If you are after a quirkier story, Dog Horn Publishing is where to go to find unique titles and interesting storylines. The publishing company has the motto “Books with bite. Writing with risk.” This motto forms the framework of their entire organisation.

Chris Thomson, of Dog Horn Publishing, told us exactly what kind of books and authors the company look for when dealing in the world of storytelling. He said: “Something different. All our books are limited editions and exclusive to our company. Authors need to have an ‘edge’ to get noticed by us.” The company has been running for nine years and have been very successful since they first established. “We started in 2004, the company was originally founded by Ellis France and a group of friends because they felt there was a gap in the market for authors with a quirky style.” Chris also commented on how the company have benefited from being an independent association and are dedicated to both writers and the books available to them. Dog Horn work with every author, who provide an alternative angle to their writing, and support them in whatever way the writer needs. The publishers are committed to developing and promoting every piece of cutting edge literature that comes their way.

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We want to offer our readers something

original

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Chris says: “We work one on one with our authors and offers as much or as little encouragement as they need.” The company are also 100 per cent honest with their clients in order to present the author’s work at

it’s best. “We want to offer our readers something original which is why we give as much focus to the outside of the book, as we do the content.” Chris continued to discuss the significance of books visually, as well as overall content. Dog Horn Publishing like novels to look “striking.” They believe a novel’s appearance is just as important as the writing within the book.

The company have worked with many writers since 2004 producing high quality stories. Marten Weber, Glen Krisch and Robert Eggleton have all been supported by Dog Horn, writing ‘In The Mirror, A Monster,’ ‘Through The Eyes Of Strays,’ and ‘Rarity From The Hollow,’ respectively.

Dog Horn are dedicated to their authors and welcome all unique, dangerous and strange pieces, to make reading a more exciting experience for everyone. Dog Horn Publishing has also worked with author Janice Lee, supporting her whilst she worked on all of her story, “KEROTAKIS.” More information about this novel and the author can be found on the Dog Horn Publishing website: www.doghornpublishing.com. If interested in buying his piece of contemporary fiction it is available from Amazon. Visit: www.amazon.co.uk to find it.n

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How Sleep the Brave

by Jennifer Stewart

“

I started reading Sherlock Holmes as a teenager and instantly wanted to be a writer of detective novels -Peter James A brutal robbery at an isolated Brighton mansion sees millions of pounds worth of valuables stolen and leaves its elderly owner dying. Detective Superintendent Roy Grace heads the enquiry and quickly learns that there is one priceless item of sentimental value that the old woman’s family cherish above all else and they will do anything to get it back. Within a few days, Grace is following a murderous trail that leads from the dark underbelly of the Brighton antiques world, across Europe and finally back to the New York gang fights of 1922. Some will wait a lifetime to take their revenge…

Written by best selling author, Peter James, Dead Man’s Time is the ninth installment in the award winning Detective Superintendent Roy Grace crime series and is crammed with brief chapters finishing on suspense filled cliff-hangers.

A truly authentic writer, Peter describes the researching of a subject.

“The most important part of the writing process. There are three inseparables when writing a novel; plot, character, research.”

He goes on to explain. “The ninth Roy Grace novel will have more of a U.S. setting than any previous ones. It begins in Brooklyn in 1922 with the murder of a lieutenant in the infamous Irish White Hand Gang. The story then picks up in Brighton, England in 2012, and then later moves back to New York where the climax happens. And beyond that I’m already planning Roy Grace ten and eleven.”

Each Roy Grace novel can be read as a stand alone

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thriller however, in the first installment, Dead Simple, we learn of a big mystery in Roy’s life: Sandy, his missing wife. The succession of crime books were kick-started by absolute chance, when Peter was burgled just after his first book came out, over thirty years ago. He reveals: “A young detective came to the house and he pointed at my book and said if you ever want any help with research, get in touch, and he gave me his card. My wife and I went on to become friends with him and his wife, who was also a detective. We started to meet their friends and realised that almost all of them were other police officers and that it was a very inclusive world.

Once they got to know and trust me, they started inviting me to go on patrol with them and then to increasingly adventurous things, such as crime scenes.”

Peter is no stranger to accompanying police officers on raids and is even more accustomed to spending time with psychopaths, criminals and other great real-life to fictional characters. He is also currently the chair of the Crime Writers Association, a joint patron of Sussex Crime stoppers, Vice President of the Old Police Cells Museum and an Ambassador for Brighton University.

And with a history in movie production, he has worked with big names such as Robert DeNiro, Charlize Theron and Al Pacino, which has gave him a good insight into the world of celebrity that he suddenly found himself in, due to the massive success of his novels.

International best-selling crime novelist published in 36 languages 14

Peter communicates with all his readers frequently, through his website, blog, twitter and even through email, which he has made public for all to see. This may have put his privacy on the line as his own personal experience with a stalker contributed greatly to the writing of the eight Roy Grace novels, Not Dead Yet. However, it is uplifting to see a bestselling author who welcomes the use of social media to constantly engage with his fans.

Big on research, he pays meticulous attention to forensic details in his books and he says. “I want cops who read my novels to know I’m on top of that.” Peter has been hanging out with the local cops since the 80s, and the extensive research he embarks on, brings the pages of his books to life.

“I started reading Sherlock Holmes as a teenager and instantly wanted to be a writer of detective novels.”

Peter laughs warmly as he tells of the real life man who Detective Roy Grace is based on, former Detective Chief Superintendent, Dave Gaylor. The character’s private life is completely fictional but many of his cases are based on Gaylor’s personal experiences as a cop in Brighton.

The pair quickly became friends and he describes Gaylor as “bright, creative, and methodical.” Peter says that writing crime novels is like a puzzle, containing hundreds and thousands of pieces of information that is extremely difficult to piece together. Gaylor helps him with this puzzle and will sit in the shadows with his vast knowledge of crime and law, ready to provide him with anything he needs.

“I'm fascinated in human nature, why people do the things they do and I don't think anybody sees more of human nature in the course of, say, a thirty year career, than a police officer at any rank and any level.”

For his crime novels he tries to understand the perspectives of the police officers, the victims and the perpetrators. He continues: “I spend on average one day in five with the police because they are the primary characters in my books. I have also spent time with many different police forces around the world for example, the United States, Russia, Germany, Australia and Sweden.” Peter’s philosophy is that the police are a main part of what keeps civilised life together.

“Almost every officer is going to put their life on the line at some point in their career.

They might be confronted at two in the morning by some idiot with a knife and they deal with it.”

He also attends many homicide conferences and enjoys them immensely, which may sound a bit gruesome but as he gets to see first hand all the details of major crimes and how to solve them this keeps him up-to-date in the world of forensics.

When asked what he does in his spare time, he expresses amusement and exclaims: “Writing! I am constantly writing, I live and breathe my characters.”

However, he does express interest in a range of hobbies including, motor racing, playing tennis and skiing. He continues: “I’m in thirty-four languages now, so I’m constantly travelling, because every publisher wants me to do something. So my window for writing is getting smaller and smaller.”

Peter finishes fondly: “If you want to be a writer, firstly decide what you want to write about and be deeply passionate about it. Read, analyse and deconstruct the books you love, to see how they were put together. Research underpins a story.”

n Find out more about the author and books at: www.peterjames.com

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May 22, 2013

Finding Neverland

By Katy Pagan

"When the shades of night began to fall, certain young mathematicians shed their triangles, crept up walls and down trees, and became pirates in a sort of Odyssey that was long afterwards to become the story of Peter Pan. For our escapades in a certain Dumfries garden, which is enchanted land to me, was certainly the genesis of that nefarious work." - J.M. Barrie J.M. Barrie has always maintained that it was Moat Brae House and Gardens in Dumfries that inspired the story of his world-famous children’s book, Peter Pan. Indeed, during his time studying at Dumfries Academy, the author played pirate games in the gardens with the children who lived in the house, brothers Stuart and Hal Gordon. And unbeknown to him at the time, these make-believe adventures would transpire into the renowned tale of Peter Pan and the villainous Captain Hook in the magical Neverland.

But now, the very place that inspired J.M. Barrie's story is in a state of disrepair.

The Georgian house, built in 1823 by architect Walter Newall, served as a residential house for more than 150 years before being converted into The Moat Brae Trust Hospital. Unfortunately, after the nursing home closed down in 1997, the building was abandoned. The doors were closed, windows boarded up, and a decade of dereliction began. Vandals destroyed the exterior, pigeons defaced the interior, and Mother Nature crushed the roof. At this grim stage, tearing down Peter Pan’s birthplace seemed inevitable.

This is where the Peter Pan Moat Brae Trust (PPMBT) steps in.

Set up in August 2009, the Trust saved Moat Brae from demolition and is now in the process of restoring the building and gardens to their former 'Neverland' glory, with plans to form Scotland's first centre for children's literature. Millions of children have heard, read or seen the story of Peter Pan, which makes Moat Brae the ideal location to inspire children to read, and to nurture their reading and writing skills.

Cathy Agnew, Project Director, PPMBT, says: "Our aim is to create a sense of place, a sense of story, for children. Already, children at Loreburn Primary

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Photos by Rob McDougall

School along the road from Moat Brae say they live on Peter Pan Street. No other child in the world can say this, but we want them to feel the same Peter Pan magic when they visit. " Indeed, there is already a sense of pride and excitement within the children of Dumfries when it comes to Peter Pan’s heritage, and so it is understandable that the Trust want to extend this to children worldwide as part of the project.

When asked about the building aspect of the campaign, Cathy says she is excited to restore “Barrie’s enchanted land.”

She adds: "This project is a really exciting, regenerative project and is also beneficial to Dumfries Town Centre. Peter Pan is a world favourite story, and will undoubtedly encourage international visitors to the town."

Plans to create the magical visitor centre will cost a staggering £4.5 million, but it is expected to boost tourism and the economy in the Dumfries area once completed. With an adventure park, café, reading workshops and Peter Pan visitor centre in the pipeline, the project should attract visitors from far and wide.

Securing Absolutely Fabulous actress Joanna Lumley as a patron for the project should also boost

d

“

Second star to the right and straight on till morning

”

Peter Pan advises Wendy, John and Michael on how to get to Neverland, in this case Moat Brae in Dumfries

potential visitors interest in the project, and also help to reach the elusive £4.5 million fundraising goal.

Joanna, who has a house on the outskirts of Dumfries and Galloway, says she is “proud” to be patron for this flagship project. She adds: "J.M. Barrie said Moat Brae was enchanted and I believe that too. Peter Pan is the most famous of children's stories and there's good reason for that.

Moat Brae house and gardens is where he dreamed up Neverland. I can't bear the thought that it should be lost not only to Dumfries, but the whole country.

"There is such wonderful potential to create a fantastic centre for children's literature and I want to help raise the profile of this admirable project so that Peter Pan fans worldwide can support this wonderful restoration."

And Cathy says having the actress on board to spearhead the campaign has been “invaluable.”

“Joanna certainly gives the project more credibility and value. If she says Moat Brae is a cause worth fighting for, all her fans will want to support it too and that is proving invaluable to fundraising efforts,” she adds.

In addition to having support from a highly

esteemed actress, the Trust is also working closely with the local council in its revamp project. At the beginning of the year, Dumfries and Galloway Council agreed to hand over former Moat Brae land back to the trust for a token £1. Cathy says it is “vital” to have the council’s support and although the deal is still in process, the land in question will be key to developing the magical adventure gardens to the rear of Moat Brae House.

In the story, Neverland is home to Peter Pan, the boy who refuses to grow up, Tinkerbell, a love-struck fairy and his band of mischievous friends, the Lost Boys. This make-believe location has no boundaries, anything is possible and magic is rife. It draws on children’s imaginations where they can call up their own Neverland to suit their ideal getaway; pirates, crocodiles, mermaids, there are no rules.

Cathy says this is what the Trust is trying to achieve with the renovated Moat Brae Gardens: "Neverland is going to be a real adventure garden full of surprises for children and adults alike. It has to be magical and exciting, that is our ultimate aim" The project is set to be complete by summer 2015. This is when Peter Pan’s birthplace will be restored. This is when Peter Pan will fly again.n

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Light my Fire

by Jennifer Stewart

International bestseller Dan Brown’s latest novel, Inferno promises to deliver new codes to crack and clues to solve.

Robert Langdon will return to the heart of Europe for his fourth code-breaking adventure this May. This time around, the Harvard symbologist becomes entwined in a mystery based on one of the world’s most enduring and puzzling literary masterpieces.

He must uncover the secrets of medieval poet Dante’s Inferno, which features in his 14th century piece The Divine Comedy.

Aptly named to reflect Dante’s work, Inferno is the astounding new thriller by international bestseller Dan Brown, due for release on May 14.

The author explains his interest in the subject: "Although I studied Dante's Inferno as a student, it wasn't until recently, while researching in Florence, that I came to appreciate the enduring influence of Dante's work on the modern world."

He adds, "With this new novel, I am excited to take readers on a journey deep into this mysterious realm...a landscape of codes, symbols and more than a few secret passageways."

And Bill Scott-Kerr, Dan Brown's longterm publisher at Transworld, hails the novel a "star turn from start to finish.”

He says: "I've been working with Dan Brown for over a decade now and every time he delivers a new novel, he never fails to surprise."

"As a storyteller, he has the great gift of being able to take you on a breathtaking roller coaster ride at the same time as offering a fresh perspective on what he's showing us along the way. This brilliant new Robert Langdon thriller is no

exception - in Inferno he returns to the heart of old Europe and to the territory so compellingly occupied by The Da Vinci Code.”Certainly, if the success of Dan Brown’s previous novels is anything to go by there are high hopes for this latest addition to the Robert Langdon series.

The Da Vinci Code, released in 2003, spent 120 weeks in the Sunday Times top ten bestsellers list, 68 of which it occupied the top spot at number one. The multi-million-copy novel has also been translated into 51 languages, demonstrating its global reach.

And following the success of The Da Vinci Code, subsequent novel The Lost Symbol currently has sales in excess of 1.37million copies. And Dan Brown has more than 190million of his books in print worldwide. Earlier novels, Digital Fortress, Deception Point and Angels & Demons have also gone on to become multi-million copy international bestsellers.

Two of Dan Brown’s novels, The Da Vinci Code and Angels & Demons, have also been adapted for the big screen.

Featuring Oscar winner Tom Hanks as the protagonist, Robert Langdon, the films combined gross sales reached almost £50 million. Pre-production for the film adaptation of The Lost Symbol is also underway.

For years he was nobody; now he is one of the most recognised names in literature.

P 5 19

Dan Brown is the son of a churc ganist and a mathematician who raised on a prep school campus, w his fascination with the intricate tionship between science and rel began.

These topics eventually formed dramatic background for his no Trying his hand at a career in m before writing, the name Dan B could have meant something ver ferent today, if he had broke thr with religiously themed pop songs The three novels Dan Brown wro fore The DaVinci Code was met wi tle success. It was not until Bro fourth book, that his goal was achi the novel skyrocketed to the New Times Best Seller List within the week of its release. The DaVinci has been labelled one of the most p lar books of all time, despite ha very little critical acclaim. Sa Rushdie has called it “a book so bad it makes bad books look good.” Th bate over The DaVinci code is a going one however Brown is unlik mind; his fortune is now estimat over $200 million with the new n Inferno set to add much more to hi of riches.

The success has not come ea him. The discipline involved in wr these novels is describes as “tough “painful.” The research involved tensive and gruelling. Hours and h are spent poring over thousan pages of ancient books and docum from Rome. Brown wakes up at each moring and every hour, on

ch oro was where e relaligion

d the ovels. music Brown ry difrough s. ote beith litown’s ieved: w York e first Code popuaving alman d that he dea long kely to ted at novel is pile

sy to riting h” and is exhours ds of ments t 4am n the

hour, he will do push-ups, sit-ups and exercises to keep him focused on his task.

Despite the criticisms that Brown inevitably faces after the release of each book, he is still one of the most influential writers of our time.

nDan Brown’s novels are published in the UK by Transworld Publishers.

Inferno, goes on sale on May 14, 2013.

A Tale of T

by Laure

Two festivals. Two c If you haven’t heard of the Aye Write Festival in Glasgow or the International Edinburgh Book Festival then you could be missing out on two of the most prolific book events in Scotland to date.

The Aye Write festival has been an annual event in Glasgow since it was founded in 2005. Meanwhile, the more long-standing Edinburgh International Book festival has been running since 1983 and has secured itself a permanent place in Edinburgh’s August festival season and became a yearly event in 1997.

Set to the backdrop of Charlotte Square Gardens, one of Edinburgh’s most beautiful and historic areas, the Edinburgh Book Festival hosts more than 220,000 visitors in the tented village that springs up to accommodate the festival in the month of August.

Over in Glasgow, the Aye Write Festival takes place every April in one of Europe’s largest public libraries, the Mitchell Library; a beautiful, century old iconic landmark of the city. Quite different from Edinburgh’s outdoor setting it still manages to provide a warm and welcoming backdrop for the Glasgow festival.

On what makes Aye Write’s setting so unique, Josephine Aiken, the Mitchell Library’s head librarian says: “There isn’t a book festival in a library anywhere else in Scotland, there are many other book festivals but ours is the only one that happens in a library and that is something that we are very proud of. It celebrates books, reading and writing, something that we think really,

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really matters today.”

Aye Write aims to celebrate the best local, national and international talent that writing has to offer, showcasing appearances from both big name authors and up and coming writers for the public to enjoy.

The Glasgow festival is now known as one of the biggest and most dynamic book festivals in the world. And seems to be growing each year, the festival in its infancy started off with only 30 meet the author events but now-adays the Aye Write now plays host to more than 700 different proceedings for everyone to enjoy.

But it’s not about the quantity of events according to Nick Barley, Director of the Edinburgh International Book Festival: “I think it’s important to look beyond the statistics and acknowledge the overall impact of the Book Festival, and indeed all the Festivals. Festivals are not all about the numbers, but about the events, the conversations, and to employ an overused word, the legacy.”

Both festivals work actively with children and school programs with the aim of showing youngsters the joy and importance of reading books, which can sometimes prove to be an uphill struggle for a generation that is so used to gaining enjoyment from their ever-evolving technology.

The Edinburgh festival in particular is known for running workshops, storytelling and book signings and has made its mark as one of the best reading events for young people.

Children are just as important to the Aye Write organizers and welcome thousands of children each year from local schools. Events on offer are aimed at toddlers

Two Cities

en Allan

cities. One purpose. as young as three right up until they are of school leaving age. The festival aims to ignite or in some cases re-ignite their love of books.

The children are given the opportunity to ask the authors questions and voice their own opinions about reading. Regarding the increasing number of children getting involved in Aye Right, Josephine says: “We invite children and young people from schools all over the city to come along and hear our authors speak.

Many of them have never heard or met an author in their lives and probably never will again, it’s a great opportunity for them.”

The Edinburgh International Book festival also makes a name for itself by being at the forefront of an environmental movement to reduce its environmental impact; it does so by following the environmental policy that applies to all Edinburgh festivals across the board. Nick says: “Edinburgh's Festivals are the largest celebration of arts and culture in the world. We're about innovation, celebration and engagement with the things around us that make us think, feel and grow. Our environment sustains us and we need to sustain our environment. This is why we are constantly together striving to understand our responsibility and do what we can to minimize our impact and raise awareness of the environmental issues facing us all.”

Aye Write’s claim to fame, on the other hand, is its setting. This highlights its aim to raise more awareness about books and reading as it encourages people to look at libraries in a whole new light, especially one as iconic as the Mitchell Library. Josephine explains why it’s such

a good idea to host the festival in The Mitchell Library: “Aye Right is such a great opportunity to meet people of the city, some of whom never use libraries but who at least support the idea of them. It’s just that most people don’t especially want to borrow books; they would much rather buy them. It also means we get to meet and engage with them as well and find out more about the changing attitudes to books.”

One of the most important features of the Edinburgh International Book festival is the high profile debates and discussions that happen throughout the event.

Every year that it runs offers another opportunity for writers from all over the globe to get together and form a unique forum in which they can exchange opinions and thoughts on some of the most important issues going on in the world. And the viewing public can be a part of this also. Nick explains. “The Edinburgh World Writers’ conference has started something here in Edinburgh that will reverberate around the world, not only in the formal conference sessions at other book festivals but also in conversations on every occasion that writers gather together.”

nFor tickets and further information on this year’s Edinburgh International Book festival visit www.edbookfest.co.uk

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Words Around Town

WIGTOWN

By Lauren Allan

Wigtown: Scotland’s National Book Town In 1997 the small Scottish district of Wigtownshire was in a lot of trouble. Its local architecture was crumbling and there was talk of knocking down some of the town’s most historic buildings as there were no funds to repair them and the only option seemed to be to condemn them. Luckily for Wigtown a massive influx of independent booksellers and a much-needed lottery grant saved the town from any destruction.

Paving the way for it to become known as Scotland’s national book town.

The town lies within the central-belt of Scotland with Ayrshire to the north and Cumbria and the Lake District to the south, this patchwork of green fields, rugged coastline, moorland and mountain is home to a rich cultural life.

Laura Mustain from the secondhand bookstore, Byre Books, who specialise in Mythology and folklore said of Wigtown: “We moved here because of the feeling of community and its welcoming atmosphere. In Wigtown you don't discourage strangers, you welcome them, afterall a stranger is just a customer you haven’t met yet.”

Wigtown boasts around twenty something book related businesses, some that can even be found in the residents own homes and makes a name for itself in its abundance of independent bookstores, a dying breed in this day and age.

They supply new and second-hand books in abundance and is proving very popular with visitors looking for that perfect gift or hidden gems.

Another popular store simply named, The Bookshop is the oldest second-hand bookshop in Wigtown, and its current proprietor Shaun Bythell is keen for more people to visit the town: “If you come to Wigtown and visit our store you might just find something amazing or failing that you can get lost in our miles of shelving.”

A reputation for having a very eclectic range of books on offer precedes the town with it boasting a total number somewhere in the region of quarter of a million to choose from with subjects ranging from modern crime to antique first

24

editions. But even due to the growing customer base and demand for products, Wigtown can still proudly boast a one-on-one customer support to help visitors find their perfect purchase.

ReadingLasses is one of Wigtown's more specialist bookshops, stocking mostly women’s literature and literature about women as well as housing a boutique style café and accommodation.

Its owner, Susan Douglas Scott chose Wigtown to showcase her passion for literature: “I wanted to create something for everyone, obviously we specialise in woman’s literature, but that’s not to say we don’t offer a similarly wide variety of other books. You don’t just come into our store for the books you also come for the food and the atmosphere. Wigtown allowed me to open up my dream business.”

But one of the most important reasons to visit Wigtown is the Book Festival, which has now reached a landmark 15 years showcasing a wide array of literature, music, film and arts and crafts for the enjoyment of visitors and locals alike. The festival runs from September 27 to October 6 and in previous years has welcomed guest speakers such as Ian Rankin, Celia Imrie and Douglas Hurd.

In charge of the festival is local resident Anne Bartie who explains why the festival is so important to Wigtown's culture: “The festival generates so much tourism down this way, obviously Wigtown is ideal to visit any time of the year if you are an avid book lover but to come during the festival will open your mind to a whole new experience. In providing a festival we conjure up even more revenue for the town’s local independent bookstores and although they do not struggle the rest of the year the festival certainly helps boost their earnings with visitors to the town who might not make the trip otherwise.

Overall the Wigtown Book festival is, I feel, one of the best in Scotland and definitely worth a visit for everyone, young, old, men, women, hardened book lovers and those who just read one a year.” n For more information about Wigtown and its Book festival please visit the website: www.wigtown-booktown.co.uk

Recal led to Life

By Lee Mackie

Renowned author Ian Rankin talks about bringing character John Rebus back for another crime adventure, and his 25-year relationship with the character.

Standing in Another Man’s Grave by Ian Rankin (released in paperback June 2013) IT is twenty-five years since John Rebus appeared on the scene, and five years since he retired. Not only is Rebus as stubborn as ever, but he finds himself in trouble with Rankin’s latest creation, Malcolm Fox of Edinburgh’s internal affairs unit. Added to which, Rebus may be about to derail the career of his excolleague Siobhan Clarke, while himself being permanently derailed by mob boss and old adversary Big Ger Cafferty. But all Rebus wants to do is discover the truth about a series of seemingly unconnected disappearances stretching back to the millennium.

The problem being, no one else wants to go there – and that includes Rebus’s fellow officers. Not that any of that is going to stop Rebus. Not even when his own life and the careers of those around him are on the line.

It is going to be a busy year for Ian Rankin, he explains: “I’ll be attending various book and writing festivals throughout the year and I think a lot of questions will be answered with regards to Rebus.

“

I feel like I’ve known Rubus longer than I’ve known some of my friends

”

I’ll be doing a kind of Desert Island Rebus. Talking about my favorite scene with Siobhan, favorite scene with Cafferty, favorite punch-up, favorite scene in a bar, favorite scene in a bar that isn’t the Oxford bar, favorite scene out-with Edinburgh and so forth.

“I’ve been writing about this guy Rebus for the last 25 years so it’s his Silver Jubilee. I first wrote about him when I was still at University and now I’m in my fifties very well established, half my life has been spend writing about him, in fact I’ve known him longer than I’ve known a lot of my friends.

e

And just to tease those literary tastebuds here is a small extract from his new work in progress,

Saints of the Shadow Bible

Reb albe us is ba i c a ch t with a k on th i e 30-y p on his demoti force, o ears n Sain hou open old lder and ts c e a . o d s A n so ’, and s e is from , and m wo be R e of fo back th ebus’s ing re- Shadow thing c re a bo n alle u t hav Bibl d ‘th d Fox l play. en is su eam e e c ’ . h s W a e fice s the in ith Ma pected crimes anged a But tim r is e n of th s stay the vestiga lcolm abou e pa d the h p i t d a i t s s n d esp to tm ta en g in g and collide nd pres of- du ecially much ay not l in w mur mo ion? e n Sc ith a r onger, dero a shoc nt en A n o e d c any k fe tt e thin does R us fash corn just aro ish ind reng e b e His to h u e us h and r. Who nd the pendave call colleag ide? w a re t ho ed t can hem ues bac t h e t h e si n h e sa i n k th selv n o th e t en e s ‘T othe ne ever ers? A s he n r? d beco me “This guy who wouldn’t really like me if he met me. If he met me at the Oxford bar we could talk and within about two and a half minutes, after we’d talk about Edinburgh, the trams and our taste in music we’d have to go our separate ways before he got really irritated with me as a wishywashy liberal who has never had to do a days work in his life.”

But in-between interviews and festivals and of course record fayres (he boasts a huge vinyl collection as music is one of his biggest passions) Ian is trying to edit the next installment in the Rebus series, which is due for release November 7, 2013.

“

If you want to tell the reader a lot about a character in a small space, just tell them what their musical taste is.

”

Like Standing in Another Man’s Grave, the title of Ian Rankin’s new novel Saints of the Shadow Bible is taken from a Jackie Leven song. Scottish Folk singer Leven, who died in 2011, was a good friend of Ian Rankin.n

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From Little Things Big Things Grow

by Lauren Allan

All it takes is one small opportunity and if you have the foresight to take it, it can lead you on a trajectory to greatness. Like in the case of tiny publishing house Cargo who now host Margins Book and Music Festival

Those who involve themselves in Scotland’s literary culture will most likely have heard of the Margins Book and Music festival that will this year descend on Aberdeenshire for its third annual event, recently confirmed by organiser Cargo Publishing Ltd. Taking place at Woodend Barn Arts Centre in the rural town of Banchory, the festival is on from May 31 to June 2. The festival has come a long way from its original roots and significantly smaller debut in Glasgow three years ago.

Mark Buckland, Managing Director of Cargo Publishing Ltd remarks on the festival’s move and its increase in popularity: “It’s amazing getting to bring the festival to a new setting and a fresh audience, especially in Aberdeen where the scenery is outstanding and perfect for our festival. If it is anything like last year’s event we are going to have a belter of a weekend.”

Cargo’s Events Manager, Cameron Steel, adds: “It still takes me by surprise as to just how popular it has become, it started off as just an opportunity to save the day after the an event at the Aye Write festival fell through, which at that point was a far more acclaimed event than ours. But now that we

“

are in our third year all of us at Cargo are so glad that we did it, we can look back and see how far we have come.”

Margins launched in 2011 as a stand-in for an originally planned and regular contributor to the Aye Write festival that fell through and left the organisers with a gap in their events. Cargo Publishing Ltd jumped at the chance and took over Glasgow’s lesser known and underground venue ‘Stereo’ for a whole weekend of book and poetry readings alongside musical performances and was an unprecedented success, which called for it being a permanent fixture.

And just last year the festival was moved to the much roomier spot ‘The Arches’ due to a massive increase in demand for tickets. This was perhaps an early sign of the festivals growing success for the future.

This year’s event will see an eclectic mix of indie and folk musicians performing alongside famed novelists and poets. A few of the names confirmed in this years line-up include Scottish novelist Chris Brookmyre, writer and short film director Ewan Morrison as well as comedian turned historical writer Robert Newman.

...we are going to have a belter of a weekend.

”

Renowned crime author Chris Brookmyre ning of and the discovery of oil. Now that everyone (pictured above) explains why he chose to be from George Soros (Hungarian-American business involved in the festival: “The people behind the magnate, investor and philanthropist) to Newsnight scenes at Margins care so much about what they are is speculating about the end of capitalism, The Trade doing. They are so keen for people to see something a Secret is about its beginnings. bit different and at £1 a ticket they are definitely not Robert says: “Margins is a fantastic way to promote doing it for the money. They my new book, especially to peogenuinely just care about ple who might never have Scottish literature and are heard of me under other cirdoing this so that more and cumstances but will be more inmore people will be exposed clined to listen after a few to it and I respect and admire pints. Plus I enjoy hearing that.” from other authors and what Chris is at the 2013 festival to new material they have been promote his new book Bedworking on, there’s a signifilam, which came out in March cant feeling of camaraderie bethis year, he says: “I hope it tween authors in festivals such gets a good reception at Maras Margins. The atmosphere at gins this year as it’s quite out these events is unlike anything there even for me. It’s quite most people will have experiinteresting actually; Bedlam enced before, the mix of music - Chris Brookmyre tells the story of a bored, and literature works perfectly young slacker scientist from together.”

Stirling who gets stuck inside a series of video games When asked why he chose to publish his book with from different eras with no explanation and no way such a small company as Cargo, Mr Newman replies, out. It came about after I spoke to RedBedlam about “Because they told me they were huge.” creating a game. But after completing a 13,000-word Cargo Publishing Ltd was founded in 2009 and what document on the concept, I thought I’d turn it into a started out as a small independent company has novel. And, if all goes well, it will be the first in a segrown and succeeded in building its influence over ries of book and games tie-ups.” the past few years by publishing novels with Also getting involved this year is comedian and politi- renowned authors such as Michael Morpurgo, Louise cal activist turned author Robert Newman who will Welsh and Amy Bloom. be at the event showcasing his new book release The Cargo was the winner of The List Magazine’s 2011 Trade Secret, published by Cargo.

Best Newcomer award and has also been selected as Robert explains the inspiration behind his new book. one of the most innovative publishers in the UK by “The book is set in Persia, Venice and London; it’s GQ magazine, so it is clear to see that the company is based on the true story of the first Elizabethans to on the rise in the publishing industry. discover coffee, oil and messenger pigeons. Now that we seem to be coming to the end of the worlds oil ren For ticket information and further details on this serves I wanted to write a story set during the beginyear’s event visit www.marginsfestival.com

“

The people behind the scenes at Margins care so much about what they are doing

”

James Herbert 1943-2013

Behold the Man

By Darragh Greenalgh

James Herbert was famous for his extraordinary tales of horror, but even with his massively successful career and worldwide popularity, he never forgot his roots that were set in the East End of London.

In fact, his first novel that became a worldwide sensation, The Rats and many of his following novels where inspired by the dark side of London that saw people like Jack the Ripper wreak havoc on innocent victims. The man behind gruelling tales such as The Fog and Ash, published 23 novels and sold 54 million copies worldwide. He was famously discontent with the credit he received for his extremely successful career citing the famous Stephen King as one reason why. He always felt that King’s popularity overshadowed his career and in return, reduced the credit on which he deserved. Although, Herbert would show a sense of humour when discussing this as he had great mutual respect for King and his ideas and was proud to be spoken in the same breath as the great writer.

Herbert will be remembered for his chilling take on horror.

His first novel, The Rats told a tale of a swarm of rats that had had enough of living in the sewers beneath the shadows of humans and decided to take a stand by killing and consuming whoever came across their path. With this take on unsympathetic, sociopathic killing vermin, he knew he could strike fear into a common phobia. This type of horror fiction would prove to be massively popular as people would get a more realistic and original take on horror. He soon followed the success of The Rats with the terrifying “The Fog” which saw a small town consumed by a deadly toxic mist that would turn people into psychopathic killers. Even though the originality of

“

the story can be argued because it was published two years after George Romero’s similarly themed movie, The Crazies, this thrilling novel had its own unique style and delivery. These novels kick-started the hugely successful career of James Herbert. He famously owned British horror writing in the 70’s and consistently produced novel after novel until his death in March of this year.

Before he began writing, Herbert spent his childhood years in East London. His mother would work seven days a week on the market stalls, this ignited a series of events that would lead to Herbert’s love for fiction.

Around this time he was introduced to comic books by his mother as a way to appease her guilt for not being in his life enough because of work. This sparked his great interest in cowboy comics and stories about other worlds. He once said that, “as a kid I used to read cowboy stories and historical comics about other worlds, unknown places that would take me out of myself and which helped to develop my imagination."

This would be a correct evaluation when interpreting Herbert’s creativeness and originality. It took a special and unique imagination to create stories such as his.

Perhaps a negative aspect of Herbert’s career would be his inability to keep up with the stellar career of Stephen King. Herbert changed his style of writing after his early successes, changing from the apocalyptic tone of his novels to a more character based and traditional horror style of writing. This is where the differences between him and Stephen King were obvious. King continually created original horror stories and also had a more variable style of writing.

I came from nothing but I always knew I’d make money

30

”

He was able to branch out in writing numerous successful short stories and character driven novels. This was perhaps a skill that Herbert didn’t possess in such a capacity as his counterpart. In a more extreme way, Herbert also didn’t have the same public exposure as King. An example of this was when their respective novels and stories where translated to the silver screen.

Many of King’s short stories and novels also became hugely successful films.

Examples of this came in the form of huge movie adaptations such as The Shawshank Redemption, The Green Mile, Misery and Stand by Me. These successful adaptations also proved to be a massive advertising market for King and the public exposure to these films created further success for King’s writing. This unfortunately, cannot be said about Herbert, his books did not have the same successful movie adaptations as King had. TV and movie versions of his novels were generally unheard of. The Survivor (1981) was extremely unsuccessful, which was partly due to the severity of cuts from the film for British audiences. The US feature length adaptation of The

“

Rats also had a critical response due to the fact that the rats were played by actors wearing costumes.

Perhaps, for the purest Herbert fans, this was considered disrespectful towards his is talents.

In the later years of Herbert’s career, he changed the direction of his writing, moving to a more

Many tributes have been paid to the late writer and 2010 receiver of an OBE. Novelist James Smythe, who writes about horror fiction for the Guardian, said: "James Herbert was one of the first adult writers – in both senses of the term – that I ever read. When I stopped reading my gateway teenage books and moved on to my dad's horror novels, he was one of the big three: him, Stephen King and Dean Koontz.”

His friend and bestselling author Neil Gaiman described him as "incredibly encouraging".

Other famous authors such as Ian Rankin and Peter James paid tribute to the career and influence of Herbert’s work. James Herbert died aged 69 and is survived by his wife, Eileen and their three daughters.

Perhaps, the best quote of recent years to sum up the modesty of James Herbert and describe the reasons behind his talents was when he did an interview with the Telegraph last year.

He surprisingly said, "I hate violence and I didn't plan to write horror; it just poured out of me. The great thing is that you can write humour, romance or political thrillers under that genre." n

I think I was the first person to kill off a baby and that hurt me, but it was right for that chapter in The Rats

”

character driven style. His more popular books came in the form of a sceptical parapsychologist and psychic investigator, David Ash. He wrote a trilogy of books featuring this character, all the way up to his last published book, Ash. Although his most fruitful and successful years came in the 70’s and 80’s, he consistently published books through the 90’s and all the way up to 2012. Herbert also had a very intimate relationship with every book he published. Due to his past experience studying graphic design and photography, he always had a close input into the presentation and promotion of his work.

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James Herbert passed away at 69, in his home in Sussex - no cause of death was given

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

1943 James Herbert born April 8 1953 he wins scholarship to St. Aloysius Grammar School in Highgate 1958 he leaves school 1959 studies art at Hornsey College of Art 1974 his first novel The Rats is published 1975 The Fog 1976 The Survivor 1977 Fluke 1978 The Spear 1979 Lair 1980 The Dark 1981 The Survivor (film) 1981 The Jonah 1982 Deadly Eyes (film adapted from The Rats) 1983 Shrine 1984 Domain 1985 Moon 1985 The Rats (computer game for Com modore 64 and Sinclair Spectrum) 1986 The Magic Cottage 1987 Sepulchre 1988 Haunted 1990 Creed

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

•

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1992 Portent 1992 By Horror Haunted (non-fiction) 1993 The City (graphic novel) 1993 James Herbert’s Dark Places (nonfiction) 1994 The Ghosts of Sleath 1995 Fluke (film) 1995 Haunted (film) 1996 ‘48 1998 The Magic Cottage (BBC Radio 4 dramatisation) 1999 Others 2001 Once 2003 Nobody True 2006 The Secret of Crickley Hall 2010 Awarded the World Horror Conven tion Grand Master Award 2010 Appointed an OBE by the Queen 2012 Ash 2012 The Secret of Crickley Hall (BBC One three part television serial) Short stories include: ‘Maurice and Mog,’ Breakfast,’ Halloween’s Child,’ ‘They Don’t Like Us,’ ‘Extinct’ and ‘Cora’s Needs’ 2013 James Herbert died March 20

Max Brooks' novel 'World War Z' was published in 2006, and was a follow-up tale of his 2003 story, 'The Zombie Survival Guide: Complete Protection from the Living Dead.' Plans to film the zombie tale were secured in 2007, with Matthew Michael Carnahan starting to rewrite the script in 2009. By October 2011, filming had started, with scenes being acted out in Glasgow and Budapest. The storyline for this upcoming movie is something to applaud, as Max Brooks has created a tale of zombie uproar, with a political twist.

It began with rumours from China about another

pandemic. Then, the cases started to multiply and what had looked like the stirrings of a criminal underclass, even the beginnings of a revolution, soon revealed itself to be much, much worse. Faced with a future of mindless, man-eating horror, humanity is forced to accept the logic of world government and face events that test their sanity and their sense of reality. Based on extensive interviews with survivors and key players in the 10-year fight-back against the horde, World War Z brings the very finest traditions of American journalism to bear on what is surely the most incredible story in the history of

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c

o s S

b d c e r

civilisation.

Coming to cinemas on June 21, 2013, the adaptation of Max Brook’s novel is directed by Marc Forster starring Brad Pitt, James Badge Dale and Mireille Enos.

Screenplay by Matthew Michael Carnahan.

The World War Z adaptation is, perhaps, the biggest book-to-film piece to hit our screens this June. But dozens of books are adapted every year to cater to the cinema audience, and the remainder of 2013 is no exception. Dotted in amongst the superhero sequels, rom-coms and gruesome horrors are several highly

anticipated book adaptations still to be released, including The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones, a Romeo and Juliet remake and the second installment of The Hobbit. At this stage it is unclear whether any of these will follow in the Oscar worthy footsteps of last year’s Lincoln, Silver Linings Playbook and Life of Pi, which were loved by audiences and critics alike.

Will the audience like 2013’s offerings of adaptations?

And just what is it that audiences, primarily the book readers, are expecting from their adaptations?

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Books to Bl

Wha

It seems that there are two approaches taken by film studios when adapting a book; replication or simply using the essence of the novel as inspiration for a movie.

John Quinn, Screen and Performance Lecturer at the University of the West of Scotland, refers to this second method as “intertextuality.” He argues that books and films should be viewed as side-by-side products that compliment each other instead of looking at them as strict replications.

"You owe nothing to source material. Books and films are apples and oranges; they have to be different. There is no way the two can be the same,” he explains.

Indeed, when the skeleton structure of a book is being broken down for an adaptation it could naturally become something completely different during the process, thus creating a new visual product for the movie.

However, the strong relationship you develop as an avid reader with your current read means that many book fans are often left disappointed with book-to-film adaptations. There is a certain loyalty to the original story that develops as you delve into the chapters of a book and become involved with the characters, which can leave you hankering for every detail to be followed exactly as the author intended.

Despite his views on intertexualiy, John admits that because of his childhood memories of The Hobbit and attachment to this, he did not like the film version released earlier this year.

He says: “I wouldn’t say I hated it, but the film just didn’t work. They tried to pad it out with Lord of the Rings content too much, and I think because I am very familiar with the novel this annoyed me.

“But I would never let this put me off the book, or the idea of adaptations, it’s just a shame that in this case it

“

Books and films are apples and oranges; they have to be different.

- John Quinn

”

35

didn’t work.”

Adam McIlwaine, a BAFTA nominated producer and editor has twelve years experience in the TV and film field and agrees that coveting the book can make it difficult to appreciate the film’s efforts. The Digital Film and Television Lecturer at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland admits: “I find that with adaptations I am often disappointed. I don't know if it’s just me, but I often feel let down by the film version. Perhaps it's my ripe old age, but I think it's that sense of attachment you develop with the book; the emotional attachment.”

It is clear to see that screenwriters and the film studios have addressed this sense of attachment and do attempt to encapsulate some of the key scenes and moments from books when creating the visual products. As Adam says: “How the characters talk and what they say in the book is like gold dust, so I think screenwriters are always conscious to include these in the film, whether they work or not.”

You can see this sprinkling of gold dust at work when Katniss shouts out on screen “I volunteer as tribute!” and the cinema sits in a suspenseful hush as the crowds of District 12 part to let her take the place of her sister, or when Hagrid tells a bedazzled 12-year-old “You’re a wizard ‘Arry” just before giving Dudley a pig’s tail with an umbrella masked wand. Moments like these are

lockbusters

By Katy Pagan

at we expect from our adaptations and how the screenwriters do it.

meant for cinema; they’re dramatic and leave a lasting impression, just like they did in the books. They also sit well with book lovers, who are able to make the clear connection to their beloved novels.

What doesn’t always sit well with the book fans is when film studios change the storyline of their beloved novels. The love story in Breakfast at Tiffany’s and the ending of My Sister’s Keeper are just a couple of examples that demonstrate the screenwriters’ tendency to alter the details from the books that inspired them, especially if the books have noncommercial endings.

Adam describes this as “putting a pretty red bow” on the story to keep general audiences happy. He says: “Hollywood films in particular must be tied up neatly in a bow or the audience just won't accept it. The studios trial the endings on test audiences and if they don't like the sad or ambiguous ones they must be altered to finish in a more commercial manner.”

So if the only matter at hand was to keep the audiences happy so they can leave the cinema with satisfied with a positive ending then yes, artistic license is a must and there is no guarantee your book is going to translate to the screen following the storyline to the detail.

Perhaps the only way to avoid disappointment is to

watch the film first. As a viewer you will be entirely unaware of any characters missed out to save time, storylines altered or endings changed, and can be pleasantly surprised when you read the more detailed and paced book alternative. However, this brings about its own problem; there can be months, even years, between film releases, in which time a prolific reader would have read the whole Hunger Games series. If you can’t wait between films and have to read the books, you might just have to take a deep breath and remain suitably calm if the film adaptation doesn’t go exactly as you had planned in your head. Bear in mind, the bigger a fan you are of the book, the less likely you are to have an impartial opinion of the adaptation, and you could leave cursing the very screenwriter and film studio that dared to touch your beloved book.

But let's not put screenwriters on the hit list just yet.

Take a minute to consider just how difficult a job they have. They have to take something that happens place completely in your head and translate it into a script and story visually suitable for the big screen.

So how do they begin such a lengthy process?

Adam explains: “To start, I would talk to the author, if you can get to them. When you pick up a book it's all about you; what frame of mind you are in, how you're feeling and how you interpret that book, it's all about the zeitgeist of that moment.

“It's really interesting then to find out what the authors motivation behind it was, what was it meant to mean, and then seeing if that's what you took out of the book when you were reading it. And then what can be interesting to do is see if you can find a middle ground from that.”

Screenwriters naturally judge the visual potential of books, and are able to demonstrate pages of descriptions from a book into two seconds on film with location, cast and costume.

“When you screenwrite you go through a book and can mark some chapters as irrelevant, they can be done in film in two lines or in wardrobe. But you don't know what needs to be cut out until you are going through that process,” adds Adam.

As film is a visual medium, dialogue doesn’t have to be kept word for word. It’s all about the visual, show-me opportunities, so anything that you can show instead of say should be done. n

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Give it a go?

If you want to try your hand at a book adaptation, John and Adam offer some sound advice. The seasoned screenwriters advise that for a first time effort, adapting a short story or novella is the best way to start.

John says: “This is because the story in a novel is too much to work as a film.

Instead it tends to be short stories, such as Stephen King's The Green Mile, that are successful. In my experience, novels work better as mini series.”

And Adam says he gives the same advice to his students at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

He explains: “For a new filmmaker or young filmmakers I think it’s more interesting for them to work with a novella or a short story for a script. With my students, the element of adapting a book into a film whether a feature or a short film is such a difficult process, it’s too much for them. It's better they can work on a project of their own, a short and original piece, because then they can identify what makes their work function as a story.”

With short stories such as Alice in Wonderland, Psycho and The Fly amongst those successfully transferred into iconic feature films it would seem that this is, indeed, a winning combination.

But before you get to this stage it would be best to make sure that your chosen book is not already being optioned by someone else. Optioning is the process of formally approaching a publisher to ask for the rights to the book. The options last for a year, and depending on the ranking of the author can cost varying amounts.

Adam, who has already adapted Stephen King’s Gramma, is currently considering another short story for adaptation. He says: I’m looking at Julien Barns, Before She Met Me, a short story about a man who falls in love with a woman, but before they get married he discovers she used to be a porn actress and becomes obsessed with her life before she met him.

“I haven’t approached the publisher yet, but I’m considering it. If I’m going to do one, that’s the one I will tackle.”

He adds, “It is quite an obscure book, the author is not too well known, so hopefully could get the writer involved in the adaptation. Lesser known writers are happier to get involved. This is the level young screenwriters should get involved at too.”

The BAFTAS can help BAFTA spokesperson, Nick Williams, says they offer streams of advice for anyone looking to get into the film industry through the Academy’s leading online resource.

BAFTA Guru, which launched in November 2011, features exclusive content from it’s year-round learning programme.

“

It all starts here. Every line of dialogue and piece of action first appeared on the blank page of the screenwriter.

”

- BAFTA Guru website

Nick says: “BAFTA Guru has fast become one of the most significant online resources for anyone looking for inspiration, professional development and research into the crafts behind award-winning films, television programmes and games, with nearly 300 videos now available.”

The site is home to items such as screenwriters lectures, annual lectures and career interviews to mini masterclasses, Q&As and big questions, as well as expert advice on getting started in the industries.

39

World War Z: The Man Behind the Story Max Brooks talks about his new project, The Extinction Parade, and the zombie phenomenon The New York Times bestselling author has always had a keen interest in the zombie apocolypse. He was even kind enough to let everyone in on his survival secrets for when the infestation descends.

And now, in his new comic book, The Extinction Parade, Max Brooks is tackling a new angle to the zombie plague; he has introduced vampires to the mix.

The Extinction Parade series, based on the author’s short story, features a story of war between vampires and zombies in an 11-issue comic book series.

We ask Mr Brooks about the upcoming tale and other zombie content available.

Q. What made you decide to introduce vampires to the zombie/human survival mix in your upcoming comic book series, Extinction Parade?

A. For me, zombie stories are never about zombies, they’re how we react to zombies. I’ve already written a lot about the human response. I wanted to see another race.

I think vampires

are a great tool for exploring the pitfalls of privilege.

I wanted to examine how supposed strengths could turn out to be weaknesses, and how a supposed super race left itself vulnerable to annihilation. I wanted to hold vampires up to the sunlight of human evolution, trace how they got to where they were as opposed to us ‘weaker’ humans.

Q. When you consider a storyline for your new projects, how do you decide if it would be better suited to a novel like World War Z or comic book like Extinction Parade?

A. Initially I wrote “The Extinction Parade” as a short story. When I decided to adapt it, I also decided that I wanted to see it. I wanted it to be a visual story and a comic book seemed like the ideal choice.

Q. Your first novel, The Zombie Survival Guide was published 10 years ago; how do you feel about zombie content exploding over multiple platforms in the past couple of years?

A. I think it’s great! How cool is it to have people thinking about disaster preparedness, even if it’s in the context of a zombie plague?

How cool is it that the CDC is trying to reach out to citizens with their own zombie plan? I think there’s incredible potential to get people thinking about the complicated scary stuff through a zombie lens.

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Bond, James Bo

by Katy Pagan

J

ames Bond is sixty years old.

April 13, 1953 marks the release of Ian Fleming’s debut novel, Casino Royale, which introduced James Bond to the world.

First published by Jonathan Cape, the novel’s initial print run sold out within a month, and since then the Bond books have gone on to sell more than 100 million copies worldwide.

Phoebe Taylor, Secretary of Ian Fleming Publications Ltd comments: "Obviously it has been very exciting to reach the 60 year milestone, and we are very grateful for the support of our many publishers over the years and to the authors who have carried on Ian Fleming’s legacy.”

She adds: "It is very gratifying to know that literary Bond is still so popular.”

Six decades of 007 also earmarks the announcement of the new Bond title, due for release this autumn.

William Boyd, the latest author hand-picked to pen a Bond novel, has confirmed the new adventure will be titled Solo.

On being chosen to write the new 007 adventure, he comments: “When the Ian Fleming estate invited me to write the new James Bond novel I accepted at once.

For me the prospect appeared incredibly exciting and stimulating – a once-in-a-lifetime challenge. In fact my father introduced me to the James Bond novels in the 1960s and I read them all then – From Russia with Love being my favourite.”

William has had significant success with his writing in the past, racking up 11 novels

“

and short-story collections that have been translated into more than 30 languages. He is the third author to be called upon by Ian Fleming Publications Ltd to write an official Bond novel, succeeding American writer Jeffrey Deaver who wrote Carte Blanche in 2011 and Sebastian Faulks, whose Devil May Care marked Ian Fleming’s 100th birthday in 2008.

He explains his choice of title, Solo: “Sometimes less is more. For me as a novelist the simple beauty of Solo as the title of the next James Bond novel is that this short four-letter word is particularly and strikingly apt for the novel I have written. In my novel, events conspire to make Bond go off on a self-appointed mission of his own, unannounced and without any authorisation – and he’s fully prepared to take the consequences of his audacity.”

The highly anticipated novel will feature James Bond at the ripe age of 45, although very little else has been revealed about the plot. It will be published by Jonathan Cape, which is now a division of Vintage Publications, on September 26, 2013.

Richard Cable, Managing Director, Vintage comments: “We are delighted to be announcing Solo as the title for the new James Bond novel. The few of us with the good fortune to have read Solo can testify that Will has written an absolutely brilliant book and we look forward with mounting excitement to a huge worldwide publishing event on September 26th.”

Other authors who have written James Bond novels post Ian Fleming include Christopher Wood, John Gardner and Raymond Benson.

The new Bond novel is a star turn from start to finish

39

”

ond

“And if there was one thing that set James Bond really moving, it was being passed at speed by a pretty girl” On Her Majesty’s Secret Service  Ian Fleming

To add to what is already an eventful time for Bond, Ian Fleming’s eleventh book On Her Majesty’s Secret Service also reaches a monumental milestone, celebrating its 50th birthday.

Published in the UK on April 1, 1963, the story picks up where previous book Thunderball ended; with Jame Bond’s continued hunt for long-standing nemesis Ernst Stavro Blofeld, a dangerous and evil genius who has remained elusive of Bond’s spy skills so far.

On Her Majesty’s Secret Service is the second in Ian Fleming’s Blofeld trilogy. Opening in the French Alps, the novel tells a tale of danger, fast cars and romance in which 007 must once again outsmart his enemy to save the world.

And with the help of a crime lord’s daughter, the wild and beautiful Contessa Teresa di Vicenzo, Bond has to thwart Blofeld’s latest scheme; a biological warfare that will

threaten the worlds food supply.

Phoebe Taylor hails On Her Majesty’s Secret Service one of the more popular novels in the series, and credits former Doctor Who star David Tennant for his rendition of the action-packed story recorded as part of the Bond audiobook collection released earlier this year by AudioGO. She says: “We were able to procure a very high calibre of British acting talent for the audiobooks including David Tennant and Damian Lewis, which demonstrates the continued success of the Bond brand.”

Regarding the audiobook collection, Lucy Fleming, niece of author Ian Fleming, adds: “There have been very good audiobooks done before, but we thought it was time to produce a definitive collection. There are twelve full-length novels, so we thought it would be nice to get a

Fleming shares his birthday with one of Bond’s most evil villains - Ernst Stavro Blofeld.

100

More than million Bond books have been sold to date.

1/2 the world’s population has see a Bond film.

1969 is the year the new bond novel ‘Solo’ will be set.

40

different reader with a different voice for each book and to see how their interpretations worked.”

In addition to its audiobook success, the 50-year-old Bond book was also the sixth of Ian Fleming’s novels to be made into a film, six years after it was first published.

Actor George Lazenby was cast to play the Brit lothario, his only appearance as on-screen Bond.

Ian Fleming wrote fourteen novels in total at his home in Jamaica, where he moved to at the age of 43.

Commenting on his Caribbean location, the esteemed author famously said: “I wrote every one of the Bond thrillers here with the jalousies closed around me so that I would not be distracted by the birds and the flowers and the sunshine outside… Would these books have been born if I had not been living in the gorgeous vacuum of a Jamaican holiday? I doubt it.”. n

In Dubious Battle By Lee Mackie 15th July 1871 The reports of guns on the other side of Lualaba tell of Dugumbe's men murdering Kimburu and another for slaves = Manilla is in it again = and it is said that Kimburu gave him 3 slaves to sack the ten villages we saw in flames – He is meeting his doom in spite of mixing blood and giving nine slaves for the operation = Moenemgunga was his victim = & so it goes on making me fear to go with Dugumbe's people to be partakers in their blood guiltiness (1871a:297b/146).

This is an extract from the Scottish explorer David Livingstone’s field diary and this is also the first time it has been transcribed and made public.

By 1871 Livingstone had run out of writing paper and ink for his diary, so he improvised by writing over a newspaper with ink made from berries. The resulting text was almost completely illegible and only now, thanks to spectral imaging technology, can it finally be revealed. The diary covers an important period of Livingstone's life, and includes a horrifying eyewitness account of a village massacre by Arab slave traders. This document has gone on to be called the Nyangwe Diary.

Karen Carutthers the Property Manager for the David Livingstone Memorial Centre was one of the first to read the diary.

“We’ve known they’ve existed for a long time but because it was ink written across newsprint and it was home-made ink taken from local berries also the ink had faded over time. This and the fact of the newsprint it made it very difficult to read the text.

“But now it really has given us clearer insights into how the Doctor recorded the events and atrocities that were happening at the time. These were his immediate thoughts that he wrote in this Nyangwe Diary and later on when he had more time he wrote up his findings more formally in his proper journal, but these writings are his field diary and they give a more immediate insight and urgency into how he thought.”

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With the celebration of the 200th year anniversary of David Livingstone’s birth having just passed, many people in Africa and Britain paid tribute to “Africa’s first freedom fighter”. His memoires paved the way for many other explorations of Africa and his strong beliefs against slavery raised more awareness to the issue which began the long fight to abolish slavery.

One of his truly greatest achievements though, was his discovery of the spectacular waterfall, the “Victoria Falls” and his attempts to find the source of the River Nile. Due to his published work, many other explorers were able to expand on the discoveries Livingstone has made and began the colonisation of Africa. The Blantyre born missionary was also famously mauled by a lion while on an expedition in Africa. He recorded these events in his diaries which later became published in the book, “Missionary Travels and Researches in South Africa” (1857).

Not only was Livingstone a medic and an explorer, but he also shed light on the horrors of the slave trade. He tirelessly tried to protest against the slave trade by attempting to convince Westminster of the horrors he had seen while on his journey’s. He once wrote in a letter to the New York Times about his protests to slavery. "And if my disclosures regarding the terrible Ujjain slavery should lead to the suppression of the East Coast slave trade, I shall regard that as a greater matter by far than the discovery of all the Nile sources together." He never gave up exploring the far reaches of Africa, even all the way up to his famous disappearance and subsequent death there. Although his legacy of exploration was determined on the failures of the missions he set up, his tireless efforts to abolish the slave trade have lived on with respect and appreciation. He opened up a route through central Africa for missionaries and discovered many rivers that opened up avenues for trade. He was a truly inspirational figure and his books and memoires made sure that his legend has lived on.n

Insert: Dr David Livingstone 1871 Backdrop: Copy of the Nyangwe Diary written on the newsprint

“

If you have men who will only come if they know there is

a good road, I don't want them. I want men who will come if there is no road at all.

�

- David Livingstone

Ronniescott Traceythorn Willgompertz Sanditoksvig Iancobain Antoniocarluccio Neilforsyth Rupertthomson Nickcohen

E Y Awrite

festival

GLASGOW Mitchell Library 12th April - 20th April 2013

Ianbell Claudiahammond Tomholland Jennywilliams Johngray Jerrybrotton Jeremyvine Markmillar Howardmarks