admin, Author at Allison & Busby

Kick-ass Literary Girl Power

10 June, 2010

In a world dominated by Katie Price and Amy Winehouse, it’s sometimes difficult to find good role models for young women. Fear not though, because the Brontë sisters are back as you’ve never seen them before! (For our own gutsy heroines, check out Louise Nightingale in Elizabeth Corley’s books or Charlie Fox in Zoë Sharp’s […]

Edward Marston – Was ‘nasty’ a word in the 1850s?

10 June, 2010

Q. In your book The Railway Viaduct, you use the word ‘nasty’ (Sorry, I forgot to mark the place and I don’t intend to reread the entire book to find it.) Since the story takes place in 1850, I have to inform you that the word did not exist then. ‘Nasty’ was a term developed […]

Books and Runner Beans

2 June, 2010

Proof that you don’t need a sprawling garden or allotment in order to grow your own veg, Foyles bookshop on Charing Cross Road has started its very own ‘Urban Garden’ window. Boasting peas, radishes, lettuce and tomatoes, it’s an inspiration to city dwellers and shows you don’t need acres of space to grow your own. […]

Die-hard Kubrick fans alert!

28 May, 2010

If you’re at a loss about what to do this bank holiday weekend, here’s an idea. The Electric Cinema Theatre on Portobello Road is holding a Stanley Kubrick all-nighter . Starting at 11pm, the event kicks off with Full Metal Jacket, followed by the cult classic A Clockwork Orange. Then there’ll be a break for […]

Penelope Evans speaking in Chorleywood

25 May, 2010

Tuesday 15th June, 6.00 – 7.00pm CHORLEYWOOD BOOKSHOP Acclaimed author Penelope Evans will be speaking about and signing copies of her books including her latest release The Weight of Water at The Chorleywood Bookshop, 4 New Parade, Chorleywood, WD3 5NJ. Refreshments available. For more information call the bookshop on 01923 283 566

MORGANVILLE VAMPIRE TOUR 2010: 28th May to 24th June

24 May, 2010

Don’t miss your chance to meet Rachel Caine, author of the hit Morganville Vampire series, who will be touring the UK for a whole month, meeting fans and signing copies of her new book Kiss of Death from 28th May to 24th June.

Travel tip from me and Muji

20 May, 2010

The summer travel season is coming up and despite the dramas of recent months (recession, strikes, volcanoes, political unrest) no one is cancelling their breaks. If you’re like me and realise just days before you leave that you’re completely unprepared (for the same holiday you booked months beforehand and really did see coming) then Muji […]

CRIMEFEST 2010 – The Bristol Crime Convention

18 May, 2010

From Thursday 20th to Sunday 23rd May, mingle with top-notch crime writers at CRIMEFEST 2010 in Bristol for four days of talks, book signings, workshops and more killer events featuring many of Allison & Busby authors.

Kings & Rogues at Shakespeare’s Globe

18 May, 2010

With a promising summer on the cards, this may be the year to throw caution to the wind and risk seeing an outdoor performance at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. This year’s focus is on Kings and Rogues, kicking off with my favourite, Macbeth, running now until 27th June, and starring Elliot Cowan (pictured). Click here to view […]

Want to read and relax?

13 May, 2010

Searching for the perfect gift for someone who has everything? What about a ‘Reading Spa’? At independent publisher Mr B’s Emporium you can be treated to just that – a pampering treatment including: Coffee/tea & cake 45 minutes book-chat with Mr B discussing your likes and dislikes, being shown the best of what’s new & special […]

ALFIE PLAYING AT LONDON’S GREENWICH THEATRE

2 May, 2010

From 11 – 15th May, Bill Naughton’s classic comedy drama Alfie, will be revived on stage with a new production at the Greenwich Theatre in London.

A Night with Romantic Writers in Reading

27 April, 2010

Wednesday 2 June, 7pm READING CENTRAL LIBRARY Enjoy an evening with romantic writers Tania Crosse (author of Lily’s Journey), Julie Cohen, Beth Elliott, Janet Gover and Rau-Anne Lutener at Reading Central Library, Abbey Square, Reading RG1 3BQ. The authors tell you all there is to know about romantic fiction – from Mills & Boon and […]

The Fair, Flowers, and Fanahan…

26 April, 2010

While hardly reeling from the London Book Fair (half my meetings were with overseas agents and publishers who didn’t make it due to ‘volcanic action’), I’m actually quite glad to be in the office again. I have been sorting through the various catalogues, flyers and whatnot I’d picked up at the fair, when I came […]

Anna Dean, Stephen Booth and Anne Chilvers in Stockport

25 April, 2010

Saturday 22nd May, 9.30am-1.30pm STOCKPORT COLLEGE As part of Stockport’s Culture Feast, Stockport Libraries are holding a special readers event with well-known writers Anna Dean (author of the Dido Kent historical crime novels) and Stephen Booth, and debut author Anne Chilvers. They will be talking about their books and writing experience at Peter Barkworth Theatre […]

Richard Jay Parker beats Paulho Coelho and challenges Neil Gaiman for Best Microblog

22 April, 2010

Debut thriller writer Richard Jay Parker beat a string of nominated authors to win 2nd place in the Author Blog Awards’ Best Microblog category for his tweets @bookwalter – second only to Neil Gaiman.

KATE CHARLES JOINS THE DETECTION CLUB

20 April, 2010

Crime writer, Kate Charles has been elected to become a member to the exclusive Detection Club – restricted to the very top crime writers in the UK. She joins the elite list of members which have included Agatha Christie and Dorothy L Sayers.

Zoë Sharp at Brewery Arts Centre

20 April, 2010

Friday 18 June, 7.30pm BREWERY ARTS CENTRE, KENDAL Thriller-writer Zoë Sharp, will be speaking about her writing and new book, Fourth Day, at the Brewery Arts Centre, Highgate, Kendal, LA9 4HE – together with Diane James. The event is part of the Brewery’s Crime Week festival – tickets are £5 includes a welcoming glass of […]

Interactive e-books!

19 April, 2010

Interactive e-books here we come! Released just a week ago, the Alice app for iPad by Atomic Antelope has caused quite a stir. See this sneak preview on YouTube: Using the old artwork from Lewis Carroll’s original, it’s a very attractive looking application. Shaking the screen allows you to interact with the illustrations; my personal […]

Rebecca Tope book signing in Cirencester

16 April, 2010

The bestselling author of the Cotswold mystery series will be signing copies of her books (including her latest release ‘Slaughter in the Cotswolds’) at Waterstone’s in Cirencester at 11.00am on Saturday 17th April.

Summer sales begin…

12 April, 2010

If your living room needs a new sofa, or you can not live through another summer without an ice-crusher, I have good news for you. There is no need to fight through the crowds and chaos at Ikea, because right now there’s a sale on at Habitat. My favourite find is this lovely glass jug. […]

Henry VIII lives on…

8 April, 2010

I’ve recently watched The Other Boleyn Girl which I absolutely loved. I suspect my enthusiasm may have stemmed from the rather delicious Eric Bana playing the part of Henry VIII. How someone this good looking could possibly have been cast as the king who in actual fact was rather less pleasing to the eye, is […]