BackStory: Five Questions with PJ Stephenson Author of Black Two What inspired you to write ‘Black Two’? I love history and have developed a special interest in the Second World War, partly stimulated by the exploits of family members: Cyril…
Black Two
Black Two by PJ Stephenson “Next time I looked, he…” My voice catches, like someone releasing the R/T button too quickly. My lower lip quivers. What’s wrong with me? I’ve lost sprogs before. I fumble to light another cigarette and…
BackStory: Five Questions with Gina Headden
BackStory: Five Questions with Gina Headden Author of Stones Heavy in Their Pockets What inspired you to write ‘Stones Heavy in Their Pockets’? Many suffragettes were ‘ordinary’ women who risked everything for their cause. I’ve often wondered what it must…
Stones Heavy in Their Pockets
Stones Heavy in Their Pockets by Gina Headden When Beatrice leaves the house, Daisy is asleep and Ted is blacking boots. ‘Give my love to Dolly,’ Ted calls. She keeps her mouth shut. She isn’t seeing Dolly, something Ted does…
BackStory: Five Questions with Caroline Greene
BackStory: Five Questions with Caroline Greene Author of The Writer’s House What inspired you to write ‘The Writer’s House?’ It was actually inspired by a visit to Shaw’s Corner – the country home of George Bernard Shaw. When he lived…
The Writer’s House
The Writer’s House by Caroline Greene The great man is in the drawing room sitting for a portrait. We’ve had to roll up the rugs, but there’s sure to be paint for me to scrub off the parquet. He’s had…
BackStory: Five Questions with Linda Walsh
BackStory: Five Questions with Linda Walsh Author of Comfortless Cove What inspired you to write ‘Comfortless Cove’? I strayed onto a holiday website and as soon as I saw ‘Comfortless Cove’ I needed to know more. The history of Ascension…
Comfortless Cove
Comfortless Cove by Linda Walsh I grip the sides of the swaying rowing boat, my face scorched by a cold-hearted sun. Ahead is Ascension Island, Queen Victoria’s lonely outpost, lying between Africa and the New World, a desolate rock in…
BackStory: Five Questions with Mark Left
BackStory: Five Questions with Mark Left Author of It’s Raining Today What inspired you to write ‘It’s Raining Today’? I’ve long had a fascination with the Second World War and the long shadow it casts. You can’t grow up through…
It’s Raining Today
It’s Raining Today by Mark Left When I dream it is raining. That is normal, that is what it does in Poland. Rain falling in sheets like wire mesh stretched to the four horizons. Keeping me in, shutting me out…