HOLMESIDE WRITERS
TALKING HEADS
As part of Summer Streets Online 2020, Sunderland-based Holmeside Writers are bringing original writing online with a series of short readings.
Alan Parkinson is a popular local author and blogger. He wrote his first novel, Leg It, during a career break in 2001 and finally published it ten years later. He has published three further novels, Idle Threats (2015), Life In The Balance (2017) and Troll Life (2018).
Alan also writes plays, and his debut monologue, Parting Shot, premiered in June as part of the Sunderland Stories programme. He is currently working on his fifth novel, Burying Reggie.
The reading is an extract from his second novel, Idle Threats. You can buy the novel here: http://tiny.cc/APidlethreats
He can be followed at: https://Alan-parkinson.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Leg_It
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alanparkinsonauthor/
Julie Wilson lives in Seaham from where she’s travelled, blogged, written one novel about Dragons and another about trekking through the Himalayas.
She has just started experimenting with plays and monologues; her first, "Gaps" debuted on 23rd June 2020, her second will appear in the forthcoming Assemblance Of Judicious Heretics "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times” exhibition..
This reading (Exeter Place) is the abstract to a thriller that’s waiting to be set down on paper.
Julie can be followed at:
Blog page: https://dare2say.co.uk
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/julie.wilson.33483903
And Twitter: https://twitter.com/julesdare2say
Here, Catherine O’Neill reads an extract from ‘Silent Eden’, her forthcoming debut novel. 'Silent Eden' is the story of Eden and her determination to resurrect the broken relationship with the love of her life. Set in the North-East after political and technological changes alter society, Eden sets about getting what she believes is her right.
Catherine recently took part in The Sunderland Stages Project and her monologue ‘Keep Granny’s Clock’ was shown as part of Sunderland Culture’s 'Sunderland Stories'. She’s dabbled in song writing; has written poetry, plays, many short stories and is about to complete her first novel, ‘Silent Eden'.
Catherine taught English for eighteen years and has ran creative writing groups.
Website: https://catherineon9.wixsite.com/writer
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/catherine.o.author
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catherineon.writes/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlaminMarmaduke
Jo has written and produced plays locally as part of Write on Tap writing theatre group. Her plays have been performed at Alphabetti Theatre, Westovian Theatre and various pubs in and out of the region. Her last play, Beer Goggles, premiered in June as part of the Sunderland Stories Monologue programme. Creases is one of a number of shorts Jo has been working on recently. It is read by Valentine Conlan.
https://www.facebook.com/jo.mccullock
https://www.instagram.com/jo_mccullock
Iain is the founder of Holmeside Writers, and a published novelist and short story writer. A former Northern Writers’ Award winner, Iain was placed second in this year’s Costa Book Awards for the Costa Short Story Award. Here, he reads ‘Litter’.
Ray Hopkins: the reading comes from the opening chapter of 'The Kalinouski Tree'.
Ray was born, lives and works in Sunderland. In 2016 'Rockpool Reflections' was published in the anthology, 'Wear'd Tales'. In 2018 his short story, 'I Want To Get Off', was published as part of the Found Object Project, and his play, 'Tuscany Blow', was performed at The Peacock, Sunderland. 'Hero With A Small Case' was his first play to be professionally staged as part of the Museum Pieces event at Sunderland Winter Gardens and Museum.
Ray also writes short stories, poetry and songs. He is currently working on his first novel 'The Kalinouski Tree' and first full length play 'Bait Time' - both due for completion late 2020 / early 2021.
Find Ray at: https://talesofbeingsomeoneelse.wordpress.com/