Authors ~ Storytellers ~ Poets ~ Musicians ~ Acrobats
Discussions ~ Readings ~ Talks ~ Performances

ALICE JOLLY – with A Saint in Swindon.

 

Central Library, Regent Circus SN1 1QG
Tel: 01793 466454
7pm ~ 5th May ~ FREE (but please book by ticket)

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A unique collaboration between reading groups in Swindon, a prize-winning author, and a sprightly publishing company has produced a brilliant book.
Work on it began in June 2019, at Lower Shaw Farm, when author Alice Jolly met members of Swindon reading groups. Notebook and pen in hand, Alice sat silently, listened, and let the readers talk. Enthusiastically, they told her about the kind of books they like, what they hoped to see in a story, and even offered ideas of their own. Dutifully, Alice made notes, thanked the readers, and went on her way.
Three months later Alice sent us a draft, explaining that the short story had become a longer one. We were not about to complain because the newly-written story was unputdownable! In fact, we were so happy that it was quickly decided the story should be shared with a wider audience. 
A publisher must be found!
We succeeded dear reader and found fabulous Fairlight Books, who, in double quick time but with rightful rigour, published A Saint in Swindon! 
It is launched today and is a very good read for anyone who likes a well-written story, full of the stuff of life, including reading, thinking, and books!
Alice Jolly is a novelist and playwright. Her most recent novel Mary Ann Sate, Imbecile was published in 2018. It was runner up for the Rathbones Folio Prize. In 2015, Alice published a memoir called Dead Babies and Seaside Towns, which won the Pen Ackerley Prize.
Artswords is a Literature Development project in Swindon and is linked to the town's Libraries Service.
Fairlight Books, who like to publish good literary fiction, are based in Oxford.