Falmouth Festival of Literature and Arts

	10.30am \| Theatre \| £5 \| £4.50 [f] [U] Max Arthur Lost Voices of the Edwardians Best selling author Max Arthur brings to life the Edwardian era, a time fuelled by a relentless sense of progress and optimism before the horrors of the first world war. The extremes of the upstairs-downstairs world prompted a huge upsurge in political activity and the Edwardian period saw the rise of socialism and the emergence of the suffragette movement. This exciting work draws together the experiences of people of all walks of life, capturing the first generation that were able to record their lives on film and imbuing them with an emotional immediacy that is sure to have enormous popular appeal. Max Arthur is the author of the best selling Forgotten voices of the Great War.
	12.00pm \| Chellew Room \| £4 \| £3.50 [f] [U] James Geary We Are What We Think: A Journey Through the Wisest & Wittiest Sayings in the World This is a real treasure house. I intend to raid it relentlessly (John Humphrys)Aphorism n. a short, clever saying expressing a general truth. Ever since discovering the literary form in the ‘Quotable Quotes’ section of Reader’s Digest when he was a child, James Geary has been compiling aphorisms. We Are What We Think is a headlong gallop through the world of philosophy. The kaleidoscopic array of prophets, thinkers and poets, from Marcus Aurelius to Nietzsche (“the Evel Knievel of nineteenth-century philosophy”), Thomas Jefferson to Dr Seuss, their combined aphorisms, with a bit of juggling thrown in for good measure(!) promises to make this a curious and uplifting event.
	12:00pm \| Princess Pavilion, Melvill Road, Falmouth \| Presentation by invitation only \| Party afterwards free to all We Wish: Hopes and Dreams of Cornwall’s Children is an anthology of writing by primary-school children from around Cornwall, which will be sold in aid of the NSPCC. Beautifully illustrated by students on University College Falmouth’s prestigious BA Illustration course, We Wish also features a foreword by Hollywood star Thandie Newton and an introduction by children’s authors Louise Cooper and Karen King. At the launch, budding writers will be reading from a cornucopia of surprising stories, playful poems and inspired ideas.
	1.45pm \| Chellew Room \| £3 Stephen Potts Abigail’s Gift Abigail is under pressure at school and at home, so it's little wonder that she drifts off into daydreams. But soon the daydreams become more vivid than the actual life she is living. Eventually, Abigail's parents decide she needs help: Abigail is put on a course of medication, and slowly begins to forget who she really is. This is a gripping historical adventure, both sensitive and thoughtful, as well as a real page turner. Set in the modern day, but spanning back to the 1800s, this is a stunning new departure for Stephen Potts. Suitable for 9-10 year olds
	2.00pm \| Theatre \| £5 \| £4.50 [f] [U] Patrick Marnham Wild Mary: The Life of Mary Wesley A racy read to be packed alongside her classic The Camomile Lawn (Independent on Sunday) Mary Wesley published her first novel in 1983 when she was 70 years old. By then, she had already led an extraordinary life. Rebellious and free-spirited, she worked for British Intelligence during the Second World War, and her rackety life and many love affairs formed the core of her ten bestselling novels before her death in 2002 at the age of 89. Patrick Marnham, who knew Mary Wesley well, was invited to be her biographer. Her death freed him to say what he wanted without fear of hurt feelings, yet she still took some of her secrets to the grave, leaving behind a number of fascinating clues. A BBC Radio 4 Book of the Week.
	2.00pm – 4.00pm \| The Green Room \| £15 MSLEXIA WORKSHOP: From Laptop to Bookshop- How to Write a Successful Synopsis Debbie Taylor is the founder and editor of Mslexia, the magazine for women writers. This workshop is for both experienced and budding novelists, and focuses on writing a synopsis. With exercises to help identify what your novel is really about and how to communicate it to an agent or editor you will finish the afternoon armed with the tools to get your writing noticed! All workshop participants will be supplied with a set of background notes with advice about where to submit their work, details of local and national courses and resources and advice about setting up a writing group. Places are very limited, so early booking is recommended. Because Mslexia is aimed at women writers this workshop is only open to women – sorry fellas!
	3.00pm \| Chellew Room \| £3 \| 2.50 [f] [U] Angela Stoner Once in a Blue Moon Once in a Blue Moon is a beautifully illustrated story, set in Cornwall, but also in the realm of myth and dream. It is an uplifting tale for children and adults of all ages. It is actually two books in one, with two front covers - read the Mermaid's Tale, and then reverse the book to read the Fisherman's Tale. Both stories end in the same place, in a never-ending circle of redemption. Angela Stoner is an acclaimed performer of her work so come and enter the magical world of mermaids and fishermen. Only launched in April 2006, the first edition has sold out.
	3.30pm \| Theatre \| £5 \| 4.50 [f] [U] Philip Marsden Chains of Heaven: An Ethiopian Romance Exhilarating, sometimes burlesque narrative introduces several fascinating characters...thrilling and intelligent book (Daily Telegraph) When Philip Marsden first visited Ethiopia in 1982, it changed the direction of his life; what he saw produced in him a restless curiosity, and made him a writer. Returning twenty years later, walking hundreds of miles through a landscape of cavernous gorges, tabletop mountains and semi-desert, he encounters monks and hermits, rebels and farmers, people whose spiritual passions reveal a reckless disregard for the material. He creates an unforgettable picture of one of the most remote regions left on earth, and explores the ambiguities of a nation and a Church fiercely proud of their independence but also shackled by it, reminding us of what travel narrative can achieve.
	5.00pm \| Theatre \| £5 \| £4.50 [f] [U] Nicolette Jones The Plimsoll Sensation: The Great Campaign to Save Lives at Sea Samuel Plimsoll was a nineteenth-century hero whose determined campaigning blew the whistle on scandalous shipping malpractices and saved thousands of sailors’ lives. Before the introduction of the ‘Plimsoll Line’, avaricious ship owners would send dangerously over laden cargo ships to sea, while villainous merchants were believed to over insure the unseaworthy vessels, sending sailors to their deaths in ‘coffin ships’ and profiting from the tragedy. Plimsoll, MP for Derby from 1868 to 1880, launched a tireless nationwide crusade and pressured Parliament where many MPs were ship owners with vested interests. He was sued for libel, the campaign almost ruined him, but his drive and passion made him feverishly popular with the public and almost led to the downfall of the Disraeli government. A BBC Radio 4 Book of the Week.
	5.00pm \| Chellew Room \| £4 \| £3.50 [f] [U] Debbie Taylor Hungry Ghosts Sylvia longs for a baby. After two miscarriages and years of IVF treatment, she is obsessed with finding a cure for her infertility. On the brink of a nervous breakdown, she abandons her hospital job and buys a derelict cottage on the Greek island of Crete. Hypnotised by the beauty of the island, Sylvia's desire for a baby is eclipsed by a new obsession: to find out more about Martin, the troubled young expatriate builder she hires to help renovate the cottage. Debbie Taylor, editor of Mslexia, has written a sensual, disturbing and beautifully-crafted novel about desire and loss, and the healing warmth of the Mediterranean sun.
	Saturday 7th October 6.30pm \| Theatre \| £4 PITCH IDOL Writers – take the plunge and sell your story idea! Do you have a great idea for a novel, TV programme or film? Have you been writing for years but never had the courage to show your work to anyone but your family? Now is your chance to see it move into the real world. During this lively and entertaining event which will be hosted by Radio Cornwall’s Emma Lloyd, you will have two minutes to present your story to a panel of writing experts and a live audience. You will get instant feedback and suggestions on how to take it to the next stage. Winners will be selected by the end of the evening. They will have the opportunity to work with literary agent Tony Cowell and his network of TV and film production companies (including local Denham Productions) to develop the commercial potential of the idea. To take part: · Send a 250 word summary of your idea, along with your phone and email contact details to: Falmouth Festival, 56 Killigrew Street, Falmouth, TR11 3PP by 29th September 2006. · Prepare a two minute pitch, summarising your story idea and why you think it would be successful, to present to the panel and audience at the event on Saturday 7th October. Approximately 10 entrants will be selected to pitch. They will be notified by Monday 2nd October. The judges: Tony Cowell—literary agent, author and brother of the infamous music mogul Simon Cowell. Jane Blanchard—successful novelist and comissioning editor ITV West Country. Christina Bunce—writer and Course Leader of the highly regarded MA Professional Writing course at University College Falmouth. To enter, download the entry form.
	8.30pm \| Chellew Room \| £6 \| £5.50 [f] [U] Phil Bowen & Anthony Frost: Fast & Bulbous When Anthony Frost and Phil Bowen walked on stage, my heart sank!– Jersey Evening Post. Poet Phil Bowen and painter Anthony Frost go head to head in one of the most entertaining, thought-provoking, energetic and silly evenings you are ever likely to have. From poignant and moving poetry to downright daft humour, interjected with slides of Anthony Frost’s paintings with his own explanations of the influences at work, the off-the-wall performance that is Fast & Bulbous will not fail to move you. Think poetry’s dull? Abstract art’s not for you? Think again!

	10.30am \| Theatre \| £5 \| £4.50 [f] [U] Max Arthur Lost Voices of the Edwardians Best selling author Max Arthur brings to life the Edwardian era, a time fuelled by a relentless sense of progress and optimism before the horrors of the first world war. The extremes of the upstairs-downstairs world prompted a huge upsurge in political activity and the Edwardian period saw the rise of socialism and the emergence of the suffragette movement. This exciting work draws together the experiences of people of all walks of life, capturing the first generation that were able to record their lives on film and imbuing them with an emotional immediacy that is sure to have enormous popular appeal. Max Arthur is the author of the best selling Forgotten voices of the Great War.
	12.00pm \| Chellew Room \| £4 \| £3.50 [f] [U] James Geary We Are What We Think: A Journey Through the Wisest & Wittiest Sayings in the World This is a real treasure house. I intend to raid it relentlessly (John Humphrys)Aphorism n. a short, clever saying expressing a general truth. Ever since discovering the literary form in the ‘Quotable Quotes’ section of Reader’s Digest when he was a child, James Geary has been compiling aphorisms. We Are What We Think is a headlong gallop through the world of philosophy. The kaleidoscopic array of prophets, thinkers and poets, from Marcus Aurelius to Nietzsche (“the Evel Knievel of nineteenth-century philosophy”), Thomas Jefferson to Dr Seuss, their combined aphorisms, with a bit of juggling thrown in for good measure(!) promises to make this a curious and uplifting event.
	12:00pm \| Princess Pavilion, Melvill Road, Falmouth \| Presentation by invitation only \| Party afterwards free to all We Wish: Hopes and Dreams of Cornwall’s Children is an anthology of writing by primary-school children from around Cornwall, which will be sold in aid of the NSPCC. Beautifully illustrated by students on University College Falmouth’s prestigious BA Illustration course, We Wish also features a foreword by Hollywood star Thandie Newton and an introduction by children’s authors Louise Cooper and Karen King. At the launch, budding writers will be reading from a cornucopia of surprising stories, playful poems and inspired ideas.
	1.45pm \| Chellew Room \| £3 Stephen Potts Abigail’s Gift Abigail is under pressure at school and at home, so it's little wonder that she drifts off into daydreams. But soon the daydreams become more vivid than the actual life she is living. Eventually, Abigail's parents decide she needs help: Abigail is put on a course of medication, and slowly begins to forget who she really is. This is a gripping historical adventure, both sensitive and thoughtful, as well as a real page turner. Set in the modern day, but spanning back to the 1800s, this is a stunning new departure for Stephen Potts. Suitable for 9-10 year olds
	2.00pm \| Theatre \| £5 \| £4.50 [f] [U] Patrick Marnham Wild Mary: The Life of Mary Wesley A racy read to be packed alongside her classic The Camomile Lawn (Independent on Sunday) Mary Wesley published her first novel in 1983 when she was 70 years old. By then, she had already led an extraordinary life. Rebellious and free-spirited, she worked for British Intelligence during the Second World War, and her rackety life and many love affairs formed the core of her ten bestselling novels before her death in 2002 at the age of 89. Patrick Marnham, who knew Mary Wesley well, was invited to be her biographer. Her death freed him to say what he wanted without fear of hurt feelings, yet she still took some of her secrets to the grave, leaving behind a number of fascinating clues. A BBC Radio 4 Book of the Week.
	2.00pm – 4.00pm \| The Green Room \| £15 MSLEXIA WORKSHOP: From Laptop to Bookshop- How to Write a Successful Synopsis Debbie Taylor is the founder and editor of Mslexia, the magazine for women writers. This workshop is for both experienced and budding novelists, and focuses on writing a synopsis. With exercises to help identify what your novel is really about and how to communicate it to an agent or editor you will finish the afternoon armed with the tools to get your writing noticed! All workshop participants will be supplied with a set of background notes with advice about where to submit their work, details of local and national courses and resources and advice about setting up a writing group. Places are very limited, so early booking is recommended. Because Mslexia is aimed at women writers this workshop is only open to women – sorry fellas!
	3.00pm \| Chellew Room \| £3 \| 2.50 [f] [U] Angela Stoner Once in a Blue Moon Once in a Blue Moon is a beautifully illustrated story, set in Cornwall, but also in the realm of myth and dream. It is an uplifting tale for children and adults of all ages. It is actually two books in one, with two front covers - read the Mermaid's Tale, and then reverse the book to read the Fisherman's Tale. Both stories end in the same place, in a never-ending circle of redemption. Angela Stoner is an acclaimed performer of her work so come and enter the magical world of mermaids and fishermen. Only launched in April 2006, the first edition has sold out.
	3.30pm \| Theatre \| £5 \| 4.50 [f] [U] Philip Marsden Chains of Heaven: An Ethiopian Romance Exhilarating, sometimes burlesque narrative introduces several fascinating characters...thrilling and intelligent book (Daily Telegraph) When Philip Marsden first visited Ethiopia in 1982, it changed the direction of his life; what he saw produced in him a restless curiosity, and made him a writer. Returning twenty years later, walking hundreds of miles through a landscape of cavernous gorges, tabletop mountains and semi-desert, he encounters monks and hermits, rebels and farmers, people whose spiritual passions reveal a reckless disregard for the material. He creates an unforgettable picture of one of the most remote regions left on earth, and explores the ambiguities of a nation and a Church fiercely proud of their independence but also shackled by it, reminding us of what travel narrative can achieve.
	5.00pm \| Theatre \| £5 \| £4.50 [f] [U] Nicolette Jones The Plimsoll Sensation: The Great Campaign to Save Lives at Sea Samuel Plimsoll was a nineteenth-century hero whose determined campaigning blew the whistle on scandalous shipping malpractices and saved thousands of sailors’ lives. Before the introduction of the ‘Plimsoll Line’, avaricious ship owners would send dangerously over laden cargo ships to sea, while villainous merchants were believed to over insure the unseaworthy vessels, sending sailors to their deaths in ‘coffin ships’ and profiting from the tragedy. Plimsoll, MP for Derby from 1868 to 1880, launched a tireless nationwide crusade and pressured Parliament where many MPs were ship owners with vested interests. He was sued for libel, the campaign almost ruined him, but his drive and passion made him feverishly popular with the public and almost led to the downfall of the Disraeli government. A BBC Radio 4 Book of the Week.
	5.00pm \| Chellew Room \| £4 \| £3.50 [f] [U] Debbie Taylor Hungry Ghosts Sylvia longs for a baby. After two miscarriages and years of IVF treatment, she is obsessed with finding a cure for her infertility. On the brink of a nervous breakdown, she abandons her hospital job and buys a derelict cottage on the Greek island of Crete. Hypnotised by the beauty of the island, Sylvia's desire for a baby is eclipsed by a new obsession: to find out more about Martin, the troubled young expatriate builder she hires to help renovate the cottage. Debbie Taylor, editor of Mslexia, has written a sensual, disturbing and beautifully-crafted novel about desire and loss, and the healing warmth of the Mediterranean sun.
	Saturday 7th October 6.30pm \| Theatre \| £4 PITCH IDOL Writers – take the plunge and sell your story idea! Do you have a great idea for a novel, TV programme or film? Have you been writing for years but never had the courage to show your work to anyone but your family? Now is your chance to see it move into the real world. During this lively and entertaining event which will be hosted by Radio Cornwall’s Emma Lloyd, you will have two minutes to present your story to a panel of writing experts and a live audience. You will get instant feedback and suggestions on how to take it to the next stage. Winners will be selected by the end of the evening. They will have the opportunity to work with literary agent Tony Cowell and his network of TV and film production companies (including local Denham Productions) to develop the commercial potential of the idea. To take part: · Send a 250 word summary of your idea, along with your phone and email contact details to: Falmouth Festival, 56 Killigrew Street, Falmouth, TR11 3PP by 29th September 2006. · Prepare a two minute pitch, summarising your story idea and why you think it would be successful, to present to the panel and audience at the event on Saturday 7th October. Approximately 10 entrants will be selected to pitch. They will be notified by Monday 2nd October. The judges: Tony Cowell—literary agent, author and brother of the infamous music mogul Simon Cowell. Jane Blanchard—successful novelist and comissioning editor ITV West Country. Christina Bunce—writer and Course Leader of the highly regarded MA Professional Writing course at University College Falmouth. To enter, download the entry form.
	8.30pm \| Chellew Room \| £6 \| £5.50 [f] [U] Phil Bowen & Anthony Frost: Fast & Bulbous When Anthony Frost and Phil Bowen walked on stage, my heart sank!– Jersey Evening Post. Poet Phil Bowen and painter Anthony Frost go head to head in one of the most entertaining, thought-provoking, energetic and silly evenings you are ever likely to have. From poignant and moving poetry to downright daft humour, interjected with slides of Anthony Frost’s paintings with his own explanations of the influences at work, the off-the-wall performance that is Fast & Bulbous will not fail to move you. Think poetry’s dull? Abstract art’s not for you? Think again!