If Crows Could Talk – How we made his book

 

Howw we came to publish this one
Ifirst tss came across this storyk when I first met Debz. I was completing my Ph D at Bangor university and she approached the university for help with her writing, it was part of our remit that we should help the community. I was asked to work with her. I did a big critique of the  novel and then also read the next rewrite. She has worked on it again in  detial.since then. Then her agent approached us. We created the new Walela imprint. This is for books that don't; sit easily on a shelf and tend towards the literary. This suits this book as it's hard to pinpoint its genre: is it about the paranormal, civil rights or mental health?

The title

It soon became obvious that crows were very important in the story. If only they could speak the mystery would be solved immediately

Some notes about the process

It went through the usual thee stages of editing and two of design and proof reading

The cover

This was produced by Debz;'s brother Jason .We had several Zoom meetings with our designer,the artist ,Debz and her agent. WE liked the touches of red- We felt it reflected what happened in Schindler's List This novel too touches on prejudice and racism

Some notes about style

Debz often juxtaposes several points of view in one scene. This was definitely not liked by one Net Galley reader which has rather h put me off using Nett Galley which is extremely expensive

Who we think the render is

This is certainly for the thinking g reader but is so engaging and absorbing that it would still make a good holiday read.

What else

Debz has been very proactive in promoting the book at gift and book fairs and  is even a writer in residence at her local Costa.

Review copies

It’s always great if you can buy the book and give us a review. Just click on the link to be taken to our bookshop. If you would like to review and you are strapped for cash, just get in touch for a free PDF or e-book file.

 

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Writers' Circle Guide for The big BOOK of Prompts'

 

Writers' Circle Guide for The big BOOK of Prompts'

 

1.      IN you writing group ask t everyone to find the three prompts for their birthday and read them out. Everyone in the group should offer a story that fits one of the prompts.

2. Then everyone spends twenty minutes writing one of the stories from their three prompts
3. Read out the stories.

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Amelie at the Window: Questions for reading groups

 

 

What do you think about the use of French words and phrases? Do they add to the story or are they a distraction?

 

The stories are told from different points of view; each character has a distinct voice, but only Odille tells her stories in the first person. What does that tell the reader about her?

 

How does the author convey the atmosphere of a small French town more than one hundred years ago?

 

The problematic relationship between Gaston Lemonnier and the priest Père Michel is a central element of the narrative. What does their conflict tell the reader about wider attitudes to religion, love and forgiveness? Are there any changes to these attitudes during the period covered by the stories?

 

What do you think is the purpose of Part 3, ‘Afterwords’?

 

Which character engages you the most? How does the author draw you into this character?

 

Who do you think changes the most?

 

Can you describe the ways, both good and bad, that war changed the town and its inhabitants?

 

If there were to be a sequel to ‘Amelie at the Window’, whose story would you like to follow? Why does the future of this person interest you?

 

Images are a theme that runs through the book. Why do you think the author use this theme and how effective is it in bringing the stories to life?

 

Some of the central characters, for example Marcel Pichon, Raymond Fischer and Mère Agnès, do not have their own stories. We find out about them through other people. Does this literary device tell the reader enough about the person, or would you prefer them to tell their own story?

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Book Club Guide for Christmas at the Cross

 

1.      The setting is a well-known part of London. How well does the author portray that setting? How do they do that? Do you know that area? Is this an authentic portrayal?

2.      This is quite a short novel. Does the length add or detract from the subject matter?

3.      It isn’t always a comfortable read. Does that matter? Why should we / would we read material that makes us feel uncomfortable?

4.      Would you say the ending is upbeat? Why or why not?

5.      What did you like about the book?

6.      What do you dislike?

7.      How has the author made us sympathise with the characters?

8.      Do you consider this to be an authentic portrayal of 21st century life?

9.      What does the novel tell us about the plight of women? Is this accurate?

10.  Can you comment on the writer's style?     

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