June 2014 – Tom Harris

Once Upon a Time… Tom decided to keep a blog post short… no, honestly, he did…

So, following on from the earlier workshops, the authors of Portsmouth Fairy Tales will be reading extracts from their stories, moi included.

If you can get along that would be amazing to see you there – please find details of this event below… or ask The Pale Man on the door for directions. He’s on loan from Pan’s Labyrinth… and don’t try to sneak any kids in, he’s got a tremendous appetite and eyes in the back…er front… of his… hands!!! (Very brave and heroic children who slay and defeat this evil creature on the door may pass free of charge, but don’t use magic… not in front of grown ups.)

Evening Event:

Leave the kids at home and join us for an evening of dark, twisted and delicious fairy tales. All freshly-written, all set in Pompey’s alleys, buildings and beaches.

Sit back with a drink, while 11 authors – including the amazing Tom Harris, who juggles fire whilst he reads – reveal their tangled tales.

Readings start at 8pmThe Groundlings Theatre, Portsea, Saturday 21st of June

No booking required. Free event, part of Portsmouth Festivities. More info here.

Hope to see you there

Tom

Hi-Ho!

To tie-in with the launch of our collection of adult short stories later this month, some of the writers will be hosting free workshops in Portsmouth – and there is a brilliant reason to attend them.

I won’t be there! 🙂

So if you are sick of the sight of me – I know I am! – this is a perfect opportunity to get yourself down – if you live North of the island – or up – if you are a crustacean or mermaid – to Southsea.

Here are the details. So, please get involved & spread the word.

Both workshops are free, so come and meet some of the writers who will feature in the forthcoming book. They are much more entertaining, trustworthy, intelligent and have far better bowel control than I could ever dream of… ahem.

If any of our community workshops below sounds like your kind of thing then we’d love to see you there.

Workshop 1– Epic Fairy Tales & Mysteries at Our Own Doors:

This creative writing workshop is for the 60+ – if you have I.D and are 55+ we can squeeze you in on the quiet… just keep it on the down low.

William Sutton, author of Lawless and the Devil of Euston Square, journalist and playwright and Zella Compton, author of The Ten Rules of Skimming, columnist and playwright, bring you a 2 hour creative writing workshop:
– how to write an epic fairy tale (for grown-ups)
– how to write your life story (or fib about it)
Beginners and experienced writers welcome. Have fun exploring how real lived experience and everyday dilemmas can be woven into fantastical tales of your city.

Join them at Southsea Library 3-5pm, Saturday 21st of June. Free event. More info here.

Workshop 2- Creating Compelling TV Drama & Globally-Loved Characters:

This creative writing workshop for new graduates and writers will help you establish your voice in a diverse literary landscape.Matt Wingett, TV script writer and novelist, and Tessa Ditner, comedy writer & journalist, bring you a 2 hour creative writing workshop that reveals:

– the drama game – how to master conflict and create compelling drama for TV and other mediums
– what’s so special about you? Find a character to grip your audience through novels, movies or computer games, like Bond, Potter or Lara Croft.

Join them at Carnegie Library 1.30-3.30pm Saturday 21st June. Free event. More info here.

I hope you can get along to one of these great workshops and in the meantime, keep writing and reading

I’ll be back with more news on the project soon

Thanking You Kindly

Tom

Portsmouth Fairy Tales

– I’ll be back every day this week to give you news on workshops, readings, release dates, prices and some useful tips on how to win big on the stock exchange… but I digress.

It’s been a fun and exciting project to work on with so many local authors and the first time I have written anything for adults for a very long time.

Having worked around fairy tales for my Middle Grade novels, The Amber Room and the soon to be released, The Amber Antidote, it was great to adapt some ideas for adult fairy tales, and journey back to the darker origins of the genre. It was nice to burst free from the rules and shackles and grow up… even if it was just for a moment in time.

I will be posting all this week with more details on the book ahead of its release.

The cover was designed by local artist, Jon Everitt and so without further ado, here it is.

Funnily enough, I met the guy who sat for the portrait yesterday. A charming individual, who lives in constant fear of attack from Herring Gulls and Cormorants… I’ve simply no clue why they torment him the way they do – any ideas?

Month: June 2014

Portsmouth Fairy Tales – Book Launch & Readings

Portsmouth Fairy Tales – Workshops:

Portsmouth Fairy Tales – Cover Reveal

Portsmouth Fairy Tales