Writing a book is tough. Even the most accomplished author faces many hours of thinking and research; crafting and polishing; challenges and joys before their work is ready for their readers.
And then there’s the publishing bit. Agents and editors who support authors through the thinking and writing; the people who turn manuscripts into finished books; decisions about pricing and the all-important cover design; sales, marketing and publicity people who make sure we know about the books that are coming.
It’s little wonder, then, that the day a book is published is such a cause for celebration. It’s the culmination of so much work by so many people and an opportunity to celebrate with authors the day when all that hard work pays off – with a lovely new book.
All the more reason why we should recognise two of Monty Lit Fest’s 2023 authors whose books are being published today, both of whom – in very different ways – have much to say about life on the Borders.
Mike Parker’s All the Wide Border is a fascinating follow-up to his widely-acclaimed On the Red Hill. This time, Mike is the perfect guide to something close to all our hearts – the Welsh-English border. He explores the very idea of what a frontier is with a personal journey through the places, among the people and across the centuries of the divide between England and Wales.
It’s also publication day for the paperback edition of Clare Mackintosh’s brilliant thriller, The Last Party. If you haven’t yet had the chance to meet Clare’s new Welsh detective, DC Ffion Morgan, you’re in for a treat, with North Wales a stunning backdrop for a fiendish crime and plenty of plot twists and turns right to the end.
At this year’s Festival, Mike will be telling us all about his new book on Saturday 10th June at 10.00am, and there’ll be the chance to meet Clare Mackintosh at 10.00am on Sunday 11th.
Let’s keep the celebration of their books – new and old – going strong.