“What a strange, intriguing, alluringly bizarre book this is. It is, in the best way, a tad unhinged” - read Niall Griffiths’ review of At Dawn, Two Nightingales at https://nation.cymru/culture/book-review-at-dawn-two-nightingales-by-alan-bilton/
Read MoreCarolyn Lewis and Alan Bilton will be talking about their new novels, Time, Again and At Dawn, Two Nightingales at Caldicot Library Thursday July 28th 2pm
All welcome!
Read MoreWatermark is proud as punch to announce that our next title with be the wonderfully moving and beautifully observed novel from Carolyn Lewis, Time, Again. More details coming soon.
Read MoreAlan Bilton talks to Carole Hailey about his phantasmagorical new novel, At Dawn, Two Nightingales, in a special event hosted by Cover to Cover on Thursday 10 October 6-7 in MumbAles, Mumbles, Swansea.
Read MoreLaunched in 2006, the annual Swansea University Dylan Thomas Prize is one of the most prestigious awards for young writers, aimed at encouraging raw creative talent worldwide. It celebrates and nurtures international literary excellence.
It is one of the UK’s most prestigious literary prizes as well as one of the world’s largest literary prizes for young writers. Awarded for the best published literary work in the English language, written by an author aged 39 or under, the Prize celebrates the international world of fiction in all its forms including poetry, novels, short stories and drama.
The prize is named after the Swansea-born writer, Dylan Thomas, and celebrates his 39 years of creativity and productivity. One of the most influential, internationally-renowned writers of the mid-twentieth century, the prize invokes his memory to support the writers of today and nurture the talents of tomorrow.
Read MoreTickets from https://thehaywriters.wordpress.com/
Read MoreAlan Bilton will be in conversation with the terrific thriller writer Morgan Greene, discussing his dark new thriller, Savage Ridge, at Waterstones, Swansea, Wednesday 17th April, 6pm. Just a few tickets left!
https://www.waterstones.com/events/morgan-greene-author-of-savage-ridge-in-conversation-with-alan-bilton/swansea
Read MoreAlan Bilton will be joining the Hay Scribblers for a Creative Writing workshop based around the theme of ‘Stories and Journeys’ at the Taliesin Theatre, Swansea University, 31st Jan & 7th February
Read MoreEddie Matthews will be reading from Border Memories as part of Small Press Nite at The Book Catapult, 3010b Juniper Street, San Diego, Saturday January 27th, 7pm, Free entry.
Read MoreAlan Bilton will discuss Russia, War and Madness in The End of The Yellow House, followed by a Creative Writing Workshop, Brynaman Library, Friday 26th January, 10.30.
Read MoreAlan Bilton will be in conversation about ‘The Shape of Her’, ‘The End of The Yellow House’, historical fiction and thrillers at Waterstones Swansea, Thursday 9th November, 9pm. Free tickets from Anne Lauppe-Dunbar in conversation with Alan Bilton - Swansea Tickets, Thu 9 Nov 2023 at 18:00 | Eventbrite
Read More‘ Join Alan Bilton for two free creative writing workshop at the Dylan Thomas Centre. Saturday November 4 & 11th 10.30-12.30
Plotting Your Novel
You may have a great idea for a book - but how do you turn it into a 200-page novel? This hands-on workshop looks at how to plot and structure a novel, from how to shape a narrative, to issues of rhythm, pace, and drama. It explores the best ways of mapping out a long piece of fiction and explores the elements that will keep your readers turning the page. https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/dylanthomas/plotting-your-novel-a-workshop-for-adults-with-alan-bilton/e-pxdzad
Getting Published
Publishing may be more accessible and diverse than ever, but getting your work into print can still seem like banging on a locked door. This practical and hands-on workshop looks at self-publishing, independents, agents, and rights, and also gives you a chance to pitch your ideas and polish up your new proposal. https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/dylanthomas/getting-published-a-workshop-for-adults-with-alan-bilton/e-dglrav
Read MoreAlan Bilton will be discussing Magic Realism and Dream Fiction in a hands-on Creative Writing Workshop, Swansea Central Library, Saturday October 14th, 11-12. All welcome!
Read MoreAlan Bilton will be talking to Cathy Faulkner and Catherine Fisher about their terrific new books, Digging for Victory and The Red Gloves (Firefly) at the Children’s Literature Festival, Swansea Waterfront Musuem, Sunday 8th October, 4pm.
You can book free tickets at https://www.swansea.ac.uk/cultural-institute/events/childrens-literature-festival-2023/events-and-booking/
Read MoreThe Known and Unknown Sea
Anywhere Out of the World
now in stock from Watermark
Thanks to our friends at Cillian Press, you can now order copies of Alan Bilton’s earlier books - his Magic Realist story of one boy’s trip to the shadowy ‘other side’, The Known and Unknown Sea, and his collection of comic, absurd, surrealist short stories, Anywhere Out of The World.
Both are available from the Watermark store. Limited numbers, so pick up a copy today!
Read MoreHow To Plot Your Novel
Swansea Central Library, Thursday 21st September, 5-6.30
Alan Bilton will be running a Creative Writing workshop on ‘How To Plot Your Novel’ at Swansea Central Library, Thursday 21st September, 5-6.30, All welcome! You can pre-book via the library at 01792 636464
Read MoreYou can read about the US launch of Edward Matthews’ Border Memories, including a fascinating interview exploring the book at https://viewpoint.pointloma.edu/viewing-the-border-as-a-space-for-transformation-in-eddie-matthews-border-memories/
Read More‘SALT’
Cultural Institute presents: author
Catrin Kean in conversation with
Alan Bilton
Catrin Kean has had her short stories published in Riptide Journal, Bridge House Publishing and The Ghastling. Her first novel, Salt, was the Wales Book Of The Year winner in 2021 and she is currently working on her second which is due to be published in 2024. She is also working on a feature film script and a collection of short ghost stories. Kean lives in the Garw valley with her partner and three ridgeback dogs.
Salt is based on the lives of Kean’s great-grandparents, who married in 1878.
It is their love story.
Cardiff in the late 1800s is grimy, crowded and grey, and Ellen, a domestic, dreams of escaping her dreary life there for the sea. When she falls in love with Samuel, a ship’s cook from Barbados, she is able to fulfil her fantasy by running away with him on a ship. Life at sea is brutal and dangerous, but it is a place where they can be free… Until circumstances force Ellen home, and the hardships of working class life and racism begin to poison their lives.
In partnership with Cover to Cover
Please note: Event delivered in English
To find out more and book your free tickets click here:
bit.ly/SaltCatrinKean
Read More
We’re delighted to announce that Alan Bilton will host this year’s International Dylan Thomas Prize at The Great Hall, Swansea University, on Thursday May 11th.
Launched in 2006, the annual Swansea University Dylan Thomas Prize is one of the most prestigious awards for young writers, aimed at encouraging raw creative talent worldwide. It celebrates and nurtures international literary excellence.
It is one of the UK’s most prestigious literary prizes as well as one of the world’s largest literary prizes for young writers. Awarded for the best published literary work in the English language, written by an author aged 39 or under, the Prize celebrates the international world of fiction in all its forms including poetry, novels, short stories and drama.
The prize is named after the Swansea-born writer, Dylan Thomas, and celebrates his 39 years of creativity and productivity. One of the most influential, internationally-renowned writers of the mid-twentieth century, the prize invokes his memory to support the writers of today and nurture the talents of tomorrow.
