Three authors have chosen to launch their new books at the University of Chichester in March, underlining the institution’s place as a leading literary centre.
Tina Smart, Christian DeFeo and Steve Haywood have all had previous connections with the University, and Tina and Christian are both graduates of the MA in Creative Writing.
The three book launches will take place in the Cloisters Chambers at the University’s Bishop Otter Campus, and will begin at 5.15pm.
The first takes place on Monday 7 March, and will see the launch of Tina Smart’s book ‘Tomorrow Insha’allah!’. Tina set up her own small press, Green Sunset Books, after graduating. She has lived a colourful life, becoming fluent in English and eventually leaving her native Germany. She once built her own home in the Moroccan countryside, an experience fictionalised in her new novel. As well as reading from her book, Tina will pass on practical tips about setting up and running a small publishing house.
On Monday 14 March, Christian DeFeo will take centre stage at the University with the launch of ‘Mister Shah’. Like Tina, Christian is a globe-trotter, having emigrated to Britain from the USA as a teenager. ‘Mister Shah’ is a fast-paced thriller that focuses on the innocent victims of the ‘war on terror’. The novel is a rare thing – a book written by a Western author that looks out through Islamic eyes. It raises many questions about pressing contemporary issues, and is a wonderful, risk-taking example of what writers can achieve when they take on unfamiliar viewpoints. It is published by Green Sunset Books.
Steve Haywood’s launch on Monday 21 March completes the trio of events. A former associate lecturer at the University, Steve has lived a fascinating professional life as award-winning TV producer, film maker, novelist, teacher, and travel writer. He was also the editor of the BBC’s acclaimed ‘Rough Justice’, a hard-hitting series that investigated high-profile miscarriages of justice. His latest book, ‘Too Narrow to Swing a Cat; Going Nowhere in Particular on England's Waterways’, is the fourth of his canal travel books to be published by Chichester-based outfit, Summersdale. It shows another side of Steve, the narrowboatman, who cruises England’s network of inland waterways in search of characters and stories.
Members of the public are welcome to attend any of the launch events, which are free of charge. To confirm your attendance, please email whatson@chi.ac.uk.