Newsletter #3 - Of rising curtains, shortlists and cerebral palsy
ADULTS
The Players
I am over the moon that today (Tuesday 29th July) the curtain officially rises on The Players Act 1: All The World’s A Stage. These characters have been with me a long time, waiting patiently in the wings (or not so patiently, in some cases) for their story to be shared, and finally, they are stepping out onto the stage.
There is a blog tour coming out from 18th August and it’s been wonderful to write guest blog posts and answer interviews exploring different aspects of this novel, such as exploring the relationship between comedy and tragedy. I’ll send out more details about the blog tour stops nearer the time, or keep an eye on my social media platforms for information.
Thank you so much to everyone who has already pre-ordered the Kindle version. It’s been amazing to see the book still topping the Hot New Releases chart in the Shakespearean Literature category. Now it’s release day, you can finally order the paperback version from bookshops (you will have to ask them to order it I suspect) or on Amazon, or get the e-book for Kindle or Kobo.
All e-book versions are DRM-free so you can use them on whatever device best suits you.
A quick reminder of what it’s about:
England, 1715.
When society doesn’t understand you, and your family is out of the picture, a strolling theatre company could be your perfect home…
Ambitious lead actor Thomas is determined to reach Drury Lane and prove to his father that he is not a failure.
Fierce Caroline has a traumatic past and is determined to protect the company which saved her.
Kind-hearted Annie just wants to look after her found family.
So, when their heartbroken manager Robert is injured and decides to fold the struggling company, the players are resolved to change his mind, whatever the cost. Unfortunately, the odds are stacked against them. They’ve lost their stage, they still haven’t got a skull for Hamlet, and flamboyant ex-member Piero is hunting them down, with a spot of revenge on his mind...
Is it time for the final bow?
Out and About
A big thank you to Mary and Bethany at Writing Magazine for inviting me onto their WriteClub podcast. It was absolutely lovely to talk about writing, and we discussed everything from childhood to emotion to the book prize I set up with the magazine. If you'd like to listen (it’s about 37 minutes long), you can do so here:
Episode 18 - Amy Sparkes | Podcast Episode on RSS.com
I’ve also been asked to speak at the next meeting of the Devon Chapter of the Historical Novel Society at their August meeting in Exeter, which I’m looking forward to.
About-to-be Reading
Speaking of the Historical Novel Society, congratulations to my fellow HNS:Devon Chapter writers who also have books out this month:
The Luthier’s Promise by Cathie Hartigan
Mistress of Dartington Hall by Rosemary Griggs
These two talented ladies have several historical novels under their belts, so why not check out their titles if historical fiction is your thing? I’m really looking forward to tucking into these books once I’ve got a few more things knocked off my To Do list!
Kids
The House At The Edge Of Magic
I’m very excited that The House At The Edge Of Magic has been shortlisted for the Barnes & Noble Children’s & YA Book Awards over in North America. This is a huge honour and the book has some fantastic titles for company. We watch this space!
The third book in the series, The Bookshop At The Back Of Beyond, is now available for pre-order across the pond – including a special edition with bonus material at Barnes & Noble and Indigo
As yet unannounced new series
I’m currently still working on the second book in my middle-grade trilogy. I saw the finished cover for book one last week and I love it! The advanced reader copies are getting ready to go out in the next week or so. I’m really looking forward to announcing this one. It’s a fun, magical and mischievous trilogy with some unexpected characters which even took me by surprise. Hopefully I’ll be able to share more news soon!
!!BOOK GIVEAWAY!!
I’m also delighted that the second book in The Repair Shop Stories series, illustrated by Katie Hickey and published by Walker Entertainment, is now available in paperback from your local indie bookshop or online!
I was delighted when I was approached and asked if I would write a series of picture books for The Repair Shop, and of course, the answer was yes! Being a fan of history and the show, it’s lovely to be part of this, and I especially enjoyed visiting the Barn.
The Toy Bus is book 2 in the series and was particularly amazing to write. Elsie and her little brother, David, love watching the red buses that drive past. David longs to be able to toddle up to see them a little closer, but he has cerebral palsy and finds it difficult to stand. One day, Elsie has an idea to buy David a beautiful, big red bus to play with and encourage him take his very first steps. And now, in The Repair Shop, Elsie hopes that the team can restore the beloved bus ready for her little grandson to take part in the magic of his first steps...
Having a sibling with cerebral palsy myself, I had first-hand experience to draw upon, and it was an emotional and beautiful thing to delve into this story and these characters.
To celebrate the release of the paperback version, I’m offering a signed copy in a lucky draw! If you’d like to win the book, please drop an email to competitions@amysparkes.co.uk with “Repair Shop Stories Giveaway” in the subject line by TUESDAY 5TH AUGUST 23:59 BST. Good luck!
Currently reading
Tiger’s Last Roar by debut picture book author Harriet Howe and Katie Cottle. I was delighted to receive an advanced copy of this book. It is utterly gorgeous: an emotional, lyrical story exploring the loss of a beloved pet. The illustrations by Waterstones Children's Book Prize shortlistee and Carnegie Medal for Illustration nominee, Katie Cottle are absolutely beautiful.
Published by Templar Books and out on 11th September, it’s available for pre-order now.
Thank you for reading and supporting my work. It’s hugely appreciated. If you ever have any questions for me, do feel free to contact me through my agent via my website or send me a DM via my social media platforms:
Enjoy the summer and speak to you soon!
Amy