Beaconlit

19/06/2024

Me again booklovers!
Less than a month to go until this year’s jampacked festival – you won’t want to miss it!

Spotlight on……Elly Griffiths
Bestselling novelist Elly Griffiths is the author of the Dr Ruth Galloway series, the Brighton Mysteries and 3 stand-alone crime novels. Elly won the 2020 Edgar Award and, in 2016, the CWA Dagger in The Library.



Dave Sivers grew up in West London and has been writing all his life, including columns and articles in newspapers and magazines, as well as short stories in Take a Break magazine and other publications. His books include the popular crime fiction series featuring the Aylesbury Vale detectives, DI Lizzie Archer and DS Dan Baines. His latest novel, Price to Pay is the seventh in the series and his twelfth published title. His DI Nathan Quarrel books are set in Hertfordshire. Dave lives in Buckinghamshire with his wife, Chris, and is a founder of the annual BeaconLit festival of books and writing.
There are also lots of connections between our authors and Film & TV, you might want to check these out –
Claudia Cadette’s television credits as an actor include: Family Affairs (Ch 5); Emmerdale and Coronation Street (ITV); Holby City and Doctors (BBC).
Daisy Goodwin’s work as a TV producer and presenter includes Reader I Married Him, Bookworm and The Nation’s Favourite Poems; she is also the creator of Grand Designs and the hit ITV drama Victoria, which has sold to 134 countries.

Brookmead School, 36 High Street, Ivinghoe, Bucks, LU7 9EX

17/06/2024

Hello booklovers!
Half day passes are now on sale, so you can choose to come just for the morning or the afternoon, it is your call! You won’t want to miss a minute of the fabulous day we have in store for you on 13th July…..
Spotlight on…….New Voices panel

Dave Sivers grew up in West London and has been writing all his life, including columns and articles in newspapers and magazines, as well as short stories in Take a Break magazine and other publications. His books include the popular crime fiction series featuring the Aylesbury Vale detectives, DI Lizzie Archer and DS Dan Baines. His latest novel, Price to Pay is the seventh in the series and his twelfth published title. His DI Nathan Quarrel books are set in Hertfordshire. Dave lives in Buckinghamshire with his wife, Chris, and is a founder of the annual BeaconLit festival of books and writing.
davesivers.co.uk

Claudia Cadette has enjoyed a career on stage as an actress and singer for over thirty years, as well as appearing on TV shows such as Coronation Street & Holby City. Her novel, Spectrum of Colours follows Sophia as she spends six weeks in a psychiatric hospital, and as to how she ended up there.

JOANNA WALLACE studied Law at Birmingham University before working as a commercial litigation solicitor in London. She now runs a family business and lives in Buckinghamshire with her husband, four children and two dogs. Her first novel, You’d Look Better as a Ghost, was published by Viper in 2023 and won the Crime Fiction Lover Debut Novel Award. It was published by Penguin in the US in April 2024 where it was Barnes & Noble’s thriller of the month. Her second novel, The Dead Friend Project, will be published in July 2024.
X/Twitter and Instagram:

Amy Twigg was born and raised in Kent. After studying Creative Writing at university, she moved to Surrey where she works as a freelance copywriter. Her debut novel, Spoilt Creatures, won the BPA Pitch Prize and was longlisted for the Mslexia Novel Competition and Blue Pencil Agency First Novel Award. She is also an alumnus of the Curtis Brown Creative novel writing course.
X/Twitter:


www.beaconlit.co.uk

Brookmead School, 36 High Street, Ivinghoe, Bucks, LU7 9EX

30/05/2024

https://www.instagram.com/beaconvillagescommunitylibrary/

29/05/2024

Early bird tickets only available for the next few days! Grab yours now!

Brookmead School, 36 High Street, Ivinghoe, Bucks, LU7 9EX

29/05/2024

ADINA CAMPBELL is a BBC UK Correspondent for BBC News whose brief includes delivering stories on criminal justice, policing, race and equality. Adina was previously the BBC’s Community Affairs Correspondent and, before working in network news, she used to report and present on BBC South Today covering stories in Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and surrounding areas. Adina is a fitness enthusiast and a mum of two. She will be interviewing Daisy Goodwin on 13th July.
www.beaconlit.co.uk/tickets

29/05/2024

WILL BURNS is a Wendover-based poet and fiction writer with an interest in the wilderness, ornithology and sports. He was born in London but moved to Wendover as a child when his parents wanted to live closer to home. Will Burns has lived, worked and studied in London and was even in a band with his brother for a time but now lives once more in Buckinghamshire. He also runs a small publishing business, Rough Trade Books, with his wife Nina and is the Poet-in-Residence at Caught by the River.

In 2014 he was named one of the Faber & Faber New Poets and released a pamphlet later that year. His first full length collection, Country Music, was published in 2020, with his first novel, The Paper Lantern following a year later. In March 2024 his second poetry collection, Natural Burial Ground, was published.

Twitter/X:
Website: https://willburns.co.uk/
He will be taking part in the Poetry workshop on 13th July.
www.beaconlit.c.uk/tickets

29/05/2024

We have an award winner coming to BeaconLit this year! Well done Ravena Guron! www.beaconlit.co.uk/tickets
https://www.waterstones.com/category/cultural-highlights/book-awards/the-british-book-awards?utm_source=wsaysnibbieswinners140524&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=award&utm_content=CTA

22/05/2024

29/04/2024

Our last author to join the line up is Will Burns, who is a local poet based in Wendover. His latest collection, Natural Burial Ground was released last month.
www.beaconlit.co.uk

29/04/2024

Here is our updated programme for the day - please do come and join us for an amazing literary filled day! www.beaconlit.co.uk
All timings and participants may be subject to change

9am-9.30am Arrival and Registration

9.30am-9.35am Welcome

9.35am-10.25am New Voices

BeaconLit co-founder Dave Sivers introduces three exciting new talents: Claudia Cadette (Spectrum of Colours), Amy Twigg (Spoilt Creatures) and Joanna Wallace (You’d Look Better as a Ghost). Meet some of the most exciting rising stars of the literary world in this ever-popular panel.

10.45am-11.35am Adele Parks in Conversation. The bestselling author of 22 psychological thrillers (most recently Just Between Us) has sold close to five million copies. Adele’s husband, Jim, chats to her about her internationally acclaimed body of work.

11.55am-12.45pm BeaconLit a la Carte

We round the morning off with a choice of event – either:

Poetry Circle - Participating Moderator Robert Gainer, along with Will Burns and Olga Dermott-Bond, discuss the craft and read from their work.

or: Writing Workshop with Claire Steele – Claire invites both writers and readers to discover what occurs during the encounter between the deep and often playful work of the imagination and the as yet untold story of their life.

12.45pm – 1.30pm

Lunch Break

1.30pm-1.40pm The Roy Chapman BeaconFlash Competition

Adina Campbell reveals the winners of our popular flash fiction competition, sponsored by Roy Chapman Ltd. Will you be among them?

1.40pm-2.30pm Daisy Goodwin in Conversation

Adina Campbell talks to the bestselling author (Diva), screenwriter, and TV producer (Grand Designs and Victoria) and presenter about her eclectic career.

2.50pm-3.40pm Elly Griffiths in conversation

The award-winning, bestselling author (The Last Word) talks to fellow crime writer Dave Sivers about her acclaimed Ruth Galloway series, her Justice Jones books for children and more.

4.00pm-4.50pm Catching Them Young

Young Adult (YA) fiction often echoes the distinct challenges experienced by readers aged from 12 to 18. BeaconLit regular Harriet Queralt discusses some of the themes with three very different YA authors: Eve Ainsworth (Kicking Off), Ravena Guron (This Book Kills) and Yasmin Rahman (Why is No One Laughing?).

5.20pm Close

Brookmead School, 36 High Street, Ivinghoe, Bucks, LU7 9EX

10/04/2024

Beaconlit is the main fundraiser for Ivinghoe Library, and has contributed each year after the Festival has taken place. In 2023, this amounted to around £1000. The library is very grateful for the ongoing support of Beaconlit.

www.beaconlit.co.uk/tickets

Brookmead School, 36 High Street, Ivinghoe, Bucks, LU7 9EX

10/04/2024

BeaconLit 2024 Programme
www.beaconlit.co.uk
All timings and participants may be subject to change

9am-9.30am Arrival and Registration

9.30am-9.35am Welcome

9.35am-10.25am New Voices
BeaconLit co-founder Dave Sivers introduces three exciting new talents: Claudia Cadette, Amy Twigg and A N Other. Meet some of the most exciting rising stars of the literary world in this ever-popular panel. Sponsored by Orenda Books

10.45am-11.35am Adele Parks in Conversation. The bestselling author of 22 psychological thrillers has sold close to five million copies. Adele’s husband, Jim, chats to her about her internationally acclaimed body of work. Sponsored by Tesco

11.55am-12.45pm BeaconLit a la Carte
We round the morning off with a choice of event – either:
Poetry Circle - Participating Moderator Robert Gainer, along with Olga Dermott-Bond and (tbc), discuss the craft and read from their work.
or: Writing Workshop with Claire Steele – Claire has run workshops and creative writing retreats for over 15 years and invites both writers and readers to discover what occurs during the encounter between the deep and often playful work of the imagination and the as yet untold story of their life.
Sponsored by (tbc)

12.45pm – 1.30pm
Lunch Break

1.30pm-1.40pm The Roy Chapman BeaconFlash Competition
Adina Campbell reveals the winners of our popular flash fiction competition, sponsored by Roy Chapman Ltd. Will you be among them?

1.40pm-2.30pm Daisy Goodwin in Conversation
Adina Campbell talks to the bestselling author, screenwriter, and TV producer and presenter about her eclectic career.
Sponsored by Tring Brewery

2.50pm-3.40pm Elly Griffiths in conversation
The award-winning, bestselling author talks to fellow crime writer Dave Sivers about her acclaimed Ruth Galloway series, her Justice Jones books for children and more.
Sponsored by PCL Corporate Wear

4.00pm-4.50pm Catching Them Young
Young Adult (YA) fiction often echoes the distinct challenges experienced by readers aged from 12 to 18. BeaconLit regular Harriet Queralt discusses some of the themes with three very different YA authors: Eve Ainsworth, Ravena Guron and Yasmin Rahman. Sponsored by (tbc)

5.20pm Close

www.beaconlit.co.uk/programme

Brookmead School, 36 High Street, Ivinghoe, Bucks, LU7 9EX

10/04/2024

We also have Adina Campbell & Harriet Queralt with us on the day –

Www.beaconlit.co.uk

10/04/2024

JOANNA WALLACE studied Law at Birmingham University before working as a commercial litigation solicitor in London. She now runs a family business and lives in Buckinghamshire with her husband, four children and two dogs. Her first novel, You’d Look Better as a Ghost, was published by Viper in 2023 and won the Crime Fiction Lover Debut Novel Award. It was published by Penguin in the US in April 2024 where it was Barnes & Noble’s thriller of the month. Her second novel, The Dead Friend Project, will be published in July 2024.
X/Twitter and Instagram:

Www.beaconlit.co.uk

10/04/2024

OLGA DERMOTT-BOND is originally from Northern Ireland but now lives in Warwickshire, working as an assistant headteacher at a secondary school. She studied English at the University of St. Andrews and is a former Warwick Poet Laureate. Her work is published in magazines like Under the Radar, Rattle Magazine and Dodging the Rain. She has also won several poetry competitions, including the 2019 BBC Prom, Welshpool and Shelley 200. In 2021 she was a commissioned artist for the Coventry City of Culture event and has appeared on the podcast Bedtime Stories for the End of the World. She has published two pamphlets, apple, fallen (2020) and A Sky Full of Strange Specimens (2021), and a full poetry collection, Frieze (2023).

X/Twitter:
Instagram: olgadermott

www.beaconlit.co.uk

10/04/2024

ROBERT GAINER is a man of many talents, currently living in Coventry. He plays trumpet, cornet and flugelhorn and writes fiction, poetry and performance reviews. He has a BA in European Studies, a MSc in Criminology and is currently working towards his PhD within the Warwick Writing Programme at the University of Warwick. He was involved in the 2020 We Speak Poetry project in Coventry and has been published in online poetry magazine BoundBy. He has been writing for Bachtrack since 2015, the world’s largest site for live and streamed classical music, opera and dance. He has also had theatre reviews published in StageTalk Magazine and is currently in discussion about having a printed poetry pamphlet.

https://positiveimagesfestival.co.uk/wespeakpoetry

www.beaconlit.co.uk

10/04/2024

YASMIN RAHMAN is a British Muslim born and raised in Hertfordshire. She loves issue-led YA books with heart and humour, especially ones that experiment with form. Her debut novel All The Things We Never Said was nominated for the Carnegie award and was runner up in the inaugural Diverse Book Awards. Her most recent book, Why is Nobody Laughing? won the North Herts Schools book award. She has an MA in Creative Writing and an MA in Writing for Young People, both with Distinction. When she’s not writing, she makes bookish fan art; her designs are sold worldwide on behalf of bestselling authors John Green & Colleen Hoover.

X/Twitter:

www.beaconlit.co.uk

10/04/2024

EVE AINSWORTH is a working class award-winning and Carnegie nominated children’s author who has written for both middle grade and teen readers. Her debut novel for adults, Duckling, was published by Penguin Random House in Spring 2022.
Eve has vast experience working as a public speaker and creative workshop coordinator for schools, libraries and other events both nationally and internationally. She also is an experienced mentor and is very passionate about helping those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Recently her children's books have been shortlisted for the UKLA award, UK Sports Award and been featured in the Blue Peter Book Club.
Eve was born and raised in Crawley, West Sussex and is one of seven children. Eve is fiercely proud of her working class roots and her large, loud family. She still lives in Crawley with her husband, two young children and crazy pets. She works part time as a Safeguarding Lead.

www.eveainsworth.com

www.beaconlit.co.uk

10/04/2024

DAISY GOODWIN’s work as a TV producer and presenter includes Reader I Married Him, Bookworm and The Nation’s Favourite Poems; she is also the creator of Grand Designs and the hit ITV drama Victoria, which has sold to 134 countries. She has edited numerous poetry anthologies, including the bestselling 101 Poems That Could Save Your Life, and is the author of Silver River, a memoir, as well as three bestselling novels: My Last Duchess, The Fortune Hunter and Victoria. Her work has been translated into seventeen languages. Her latest novel is Diva.
www.daisygoodwin.co.uk

www.beaconlit.co.uk

10/04/2024

www.beaconlit.co.uk

27/03/2024

Go to https://beaconlit.co.uk/ for more details, ticket sales will be opening soon!
We look forward to seeing you there!

Brookmead School, 36 High Street, Ivinghoe, Bucks, LU7 9EX

27/03/2024

Debut novelist Claudia Cadette has enjoyed a career on stage as an actress and singer for over thirty years, as well as appearing on TV shows such as Coronation Street & Holby City. Her novel, Spectrum of Colours follows Sophia as she spends six weeks in a psychiatric hospital, and as to how she ended up there.

27/03/2024

RAVENA GURON, a born and bred Londoner, writes Middle Grade and Young Adult fiction, usually featuring antiheroines or snarky narrators. Growing up she always read the last page of books first, but discovering Agatha Christie in her early teens stopped that habit, igniting a love of twisty murder-mysteries with jaw-dropping endings the reader never saw coming. Ravena is a lawyer with a degree in biochemistry, and hopes to use the knowledge gained from her experiences to plot the perfect murder (for a book, of course!). In her spare time, Ravena enjoys hiking in the great outdoors (though nothing too mountainous because she's very clumsy), baking cakes (that never rise) and falling asleep to her thousandth re-watch of Friends.
Twitter/X:

27/03/2024

Dave Sivers grew up in West London and has been writing all his life, including columns and articles in newspapers and magazines, as well as short stories in Take a Break magazine and other publications. His books include the popular crime fiction series featuring the Aylesbury Vale detectives, DI Lizzie Archer and DS Dan Baines. His latest novel, Price to Pay is the seventh in the series and his twelfth published title. His DI Nathan Quarrel books are set in Hertfordshire. Dave lives in Buckinghamshire with his wife, Chris, and is a founder of the annual BeaconLit festival of books and writing.

27/03/2024

Claire Steele has run creative writing workshops and Magical Journeys Creative Writing Retreats for over fifteen years. She has taught in prisons, dementia cafés, on the tops of double-decker buses, on airport runways, in gypsy caravans and on narrowboats, as well as in the more expected locations for a writing workshop.
She also runs Constellations Press, a new local independent press seeking to publish exceptional books by debut writers. www.constellationspress.co.uk
Claire also runs Constellations Literary Consultancy, offering editorial and mentoring support to writers to prepare their work for publishing. www.constellationsconsultancy.co.uk

16/02/2024

Debut author update for Beaconlit24 - Amy Twigg!
Amy Twigg was born and raised in Kent. After studying Creative Writing at university, she moved to Surrey where she works as a freelance copywriter. Her debut novel, Spoilt Creatures, won the BPA Pitch Prize and was longlisted for the Mslexia Novel Competition and Blue Pencil Agency First Novel Award. She is also an alumnus of the Curtis Brown Creative novel writing course.

X/Twitter:

12/02/2024

Adele Parks MBE was born in North Yorkshire. She is the author of 22 bestselling novels including the Sunday Times bestsellers Both Of You and One Last Secret. 4.75 million UK editions of her work have been sold and her books have been translated into 31 different languages. She is an ambassador of the National Literacy Trust and the Reading Agency: two charities that promote literacy in the UK. In 2022 she was awarded an MBE for services to literature.
adeleparks.com