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Leigh Book Fest A Huge Success

By Books & AuthorsNo Comments

Yesterday evening over 30 authors, including a good friend and myself attended a Book Fest at Leigh Library. The event was a huge success in every sense of the word.

At the event, I caught up with my author friends: Darren Turnerhurst, Louise Mercer and Samantha Turner. All are excellent authors and books are worth checking out.

I also got to meet author Jay Darkmoore.

I had been looking forward to the event, but did have concerns. However, I was delighted to be proved wrong. I have sent an email to the Library Transformation Team that organised the event congratulating them on such a brilliant event.

I can’t wait till next year to do it again!

Write soon,

Antony

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Friday 6 June 2025

Leigh Book Fest 2025

By Books & Authors, ThinkingNo Comments

A Message from Wigan Libraries:

Tomorrow is Leigh Book Fest.

Over 35 authors of adult fiction and non-fiction will have stalls at which you can chat to the authors and buy signed/dedicated copies of their books for loved ones (or treat yourself!).

A licensed bar will be available, along with lovely hot drinks to purchase, provided by The Coffee Stop.

Book your free tickets via this link https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1291013097929?aff=oddtdtcreator

This event is being organised and delivered by Wigan Libraries.

I’ll be attending the event as an Author. But here are some of my thoughts about the event:

  • I hope it goes well and is repeated annually and expanded upon.
  • But a Thursday evening, for two hours might be setting it up to fail.
  • Two hours doesn’t give readers much time to see all 30 authors.
  • The licenced bar and hot drinks are a nice touch.
  • What happens if people turn up who’ve not booked? Will they be turned away?

Blog soon,

Antony

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Wednesday 4 June 2025

My Royal Navy Friend Becomes Funny Emails To My Friend in Rebrand

By Amazon, Books & Authors, Creativity, ThinkingNo Comments

My Royal Navy Friend has been rebranded to Funny Emails To My Friend:

This is because, despite the positive reviews, people aren’t attracted to The Royal Navy Friend title or cover. Here are some reviews for The Royal Navy Friend:

So my new title, Funny Emails To My Friend is available to buy from me here and on Amazon here.

Write soon,

Antony

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Tuesday 6 May 2025

10 Books I’ve Read That Have Stayed With Me

By Books & Authors, ThinkingNo Comments

Here are 10 books I’ve read that have stayed with me:

10) Mum Can You Lend Me Twenty Quid? By Elizabeth Burton-Phillips

This is a book written by the mother of two twin drug addicts. Elizabeth Burton-Phillips takes us on an emotional journey, as she describes what drugs did to her family.

Read The Review

9) The Magician’s Assistant by Ann Patchett

Sabine looses her gay husband, but is about to find out hidden family secrets. This beautifully written novel is fantastic and the characters have stayed close to my heart.

Read The Review

8) Born This Way by Paul Vitagliano

This book shares childhood stories and photos about growing up gay, mostly in the USA. What was great about this book, is how life affirming it is at making you feel less alone as a gay man.

Read The Review

7) In His Secret Life by Mel Bossa

This is a wonderfully written gay love story set over decades, with if I remember correctly an eventual happy ending. It was so great to read of a gay couple where love triumphed.

Read The Review

6) a million little pieces by James Frey

This book is another about drug and alcohol addiction and how Frey turned his life around. Well written.

Read The Review

5) Reasons To Stay Alive by Matt Haig

This is an upbeat book about mental health and gives you plenty of reasons to stay alive. A brilliant, easy read by Matt Haig.

Read The Review

4) Misery by Stephen King

Misery sticks in my mind because of how creepy it is.

Read The Review

3) A Street Cat Named Bob by James Bowden

This is the true and uplifting story of a street cat named Bob that helped his human (Bowen) recover from drug addiction. A truly heart warming and easy to read book.

Read The Review

2) The Neuroscientist Who Lost Her Mind by Barbara K. Lipska

Imagine, if you will, starting to lose your mind. This is the story of a Neuroscientist who felt like she was losing her mind due to a brain tumor. This story stayed with me and is wonderfully well written.

Read The Review

Diary-of-a-Young-Girl-by-Anne-Frank

1) Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank

We all know the story of Anne Frank and her family. But reading her experiences in her own words really resonated with me.

Read The Review

Write soon,

Antony

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Sunday 20 April 2025
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