The Historical Writers Association

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Sue Healy

HWA Goldsboro Debut Crown Shortlist Announced

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The shortlist for the HWA Goldsboro Debut Crown 2016 was announced at this year’s History In The Court event on Thursday evening (30th June).

Death and Mr Pickwick by Stephen Jarvis, published by Jonathan Cape
The judges said: “A splendidly ambitious and tongue-in-cheek pastiche of the Victorian novel: The Pickwick Papers will never be the same again.”

Eden Gardens by Louise Brown, published by Headline
The judges said: “White trash in British India: a poignant mother-and-daughter story provides an unexpected perspective on the Raj.”

The Hoarse Oaths of Fife by Chris Moore, published by Uniform Press
The judges said: “From Fife in the 1960s to Loos in World War I: a wry and moving novel about fathers and sons that also meditates on war and race.”

Mrs Engels by Gavin McCrea, published by Scribe
The judges said: “The private lives of Marx and Engels are revealed as never before in this brilliant act of literary ventriloquism.”

Summertime by Vanessa Lafaye, published by Orion
The judges said: “A powerful and accomplished novel of love and loss that focuses on the plight of unwanted veterans and Florida’s disastrous 1935 hurricane.”

Wolf Winter by Cecilia Ekbäck, published by Hodder
The judges said: “Finnish settlers are immersed in a powerful, beautifully written gothic murder mystery in a remote area of eighteenth-century Lapland.”

The HWA Goldsboro Debut Crown award and prize money of £1,000 will be presented at the Harrogate International Festivals’ 2016 Harrogate History Festival, which takes place between 21st – 23rd October this year.

The HWA reveals 2016 Goldsboro Debut Crown Longlist

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The HWA reveals 2016 Goldsboro Debut Crown Longlist

Twelve remarkable books will fight it out in the race for this year’s HWA Goldsboro Debut Crown award.

Titles including The Hourglass Factory by Lucy Ribchester, Belonging by Umi Sinha, Cleopatra’s Shadows by Emily Holleman, Death and Mr Pickwick by Stephen Jarvis, Eden Gardens by Louise Brown, The Hoarse Oaths of Fife by Chris Moore, The Looking Glass House by Vanessa Tait, Mrs Engels by Gavin McCrea, Rembrandt’s Mirror by Kim Devereux, Summertime by Vanessa Lafaye, A Want of Kindness by Joanne Limburg and Wolf Winter by Cecilia Ekbäck have been nominated.

The Historical Writers’ Association unveiled their 2016 longlist ahead of this year’s History in the Court event on 30th June, where the judges will announce the titles that have made it onto the shortlist. The HWA Goldsboro Debut Crown will be presented to the winning author at the Harrogate International Festivals’ 2016 Harrogate History Festival, during the gala opening party on Friday 21st October.

“This year’s HWA Goldsboro Debut Crown long list reflects the strength and variety of the entries we received,” says chair judge Andrew Taylor. “It also demonstrates that historical fiction in the UK is flourishing as never before.”

This coveted award is presented to the book judged to be the best debut in historical fiction and comes with a £1,000 prize. The 2015 winner was Ben Fergusson’s novel The Spring of Kasper Meier.

“Our long list proves these are exciting times for fans of historical fiction,” says HWA chair Imogen Robertson. “These exciting new voices are demonstrating the strength of the genre and the range of superb storytelling it embraces.”

The HWA Goldsboro Debut Crown Longlist in full:

The Hourglass Factory by Lucy Ribchester, published by Simon & Schuster

Belonging by Umi Sinha, published by Myriad

Cleopatra’s Shadows by Emily Holleman, published by Little, Brown

Death and Mr Pickwick by Stephen Jarvis, published by Jonathan Cape

Eden Gardens by Louise Brown, published by Headline

The Hoarse Oaths of Fife by Chris Moore, published by Uniform Press

The Looking Glass House by Vanessa Tait, published by Atlantic

Mrs Engels by Gavin McCrea, published by Scribe

Rembrandt’s Mirror by Kim Devereux, published by Atlantic

Summertime by Vanessa Lafaye, published by Orion

A Want of Kindness by Joanne Limburg, published by Atlantic

Wolf Winter by Cecilia Ekbäck, published by Hodder

For further information, please contact Kate White, press officer for the Historical Writers’ Association at kate@frontpagemediauk.co.uk or on 07814791775.

Notes for editors:

The HWA Goldsboro Debut Crown has been running since 2012.

Previous winners:

2015: The Spring Of Kasper Meier – Ben Fergusson

2014: She Rises – Kate Worsley

2013: The Light Between Oceans – M.L Stedman

2012: Treason’s Tide – Robert Wilton

The HWA Goldsboro Debut Crown Judges are:

Andrew Taylor – author and chair judge

Manda Scott – author and former HWA chair

Daphne Wright – author

Nick Rennison – author

Nick Sayers – publisher

Antonia Senior – author

About the HWA:

The Historical Writers’ Association are authors, publishers and agents of historical writing, both fiction and non-fiction. The HWA was created to provide professional and social support to our members, and to created opportunities online and in person for our members to meet with readers, fellow writers and enthusiasts for all things historical. Our chair is the author Imogen Robertson, who took over from founding chair Manda Scott in 2015.

www.historicalwriters.org

About Goldsboro Books:

Goldsboro Books’ mission is to provide signed first edition books in our central London bookshop and online; ensuring an expert, knowledgeable team and carefully curated range are at the heart of our business, delivering the best book-buying experience for every customer. Goldsboro Books aims to interest and inspire book lovers, readers and collectors and provide the finest quality signed books in the world.

www.goldsborobooks.com

About Harrogate International Festivals

Harrogate International Festivals is one of the north of England’s leading arts & cultural organisations, offering a year-round programme of music and literature festivals and events, plus education and outreach work across the Harrogate district.

Established in 1966, the charity has a history of attracting the world’s most enthralling performers to Yorkshire’s doorstep, and of nurturing young talent. Its diverse portfolio has dramatically increased the cultural and tourism offer for Harrogate and the surrounding area.

2016 marks its 50th anniversary.

Its 2016 programmes includes:

www.harrogateinternationalfestivals.com

About Future 50

The Future 50 Appeal aims to raise £1m, celebrating the 50th anniversary of Harrogate International Festivals by helping to secure the future of the organisation, looking to the next 50 years of arts and cultural events in Harrogate.

To stage what is one of the most ambitious programmes in the North of England, each year Harrogate International Festivals is required to raise over £500,000 from grants, donations and sponsorship.

The Festivals has a huge impact on tourism, attracting 90,000 people resulting in an £8.2m economic impact for the District. It also works year-round to change lives, from community outreach work to safeguarding a performance platform for aspiring musicians.

The last 50 years has seen world-class names headline in Harrogate, including acts as diverse as Judi Dench, Stephen Fry, Alfred Brendel, Paloma Faith, the Halle, BB King and JK Rowling.

The Festivals was at the forefront of classical music in the 60s, the vanguard of comedy and street theatre in the 80s and 90s, and now delivers over 300 events per year, celebrating its heritage and developing innovative new strands.

 

HWA Goldsboro Debut Crown

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We are delighted to announce that the HWA Goldsboro Debut Crown shortlist will be revealed on 30th June 2016 at this year’s History In the Court, hosted by Goldsboro Books.

This prestigious event is a celebration of the genre and is one of the most important dates in the historical fiction calendar. At History In the Court, readers and enthusiasts gather to meet the best historical fiction authors writing today. So it’s entirely fitting that the shortlisted books will be announced to this audience. For details of the event, go to www.historyinthecourt.com.

After the short-listing our judges will be faced with the challenging task of choosing the winning novel.  The HWA Goldsboro Debut Crown will be presented to the winning writer this October at the Harrogate History Festival. It’s always a real challenge to decide which of our talented shortlisted authors should take home the prize. Do join us at Harrogate to find out who will be presented with the HWA’s top accolade this year.

Giveway: Kingmaker Winter Pilgrims

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Prize

A signed hardback copy of Kingmaker Winter Pilgrims by Toby Clements.

One prize available

Eligibility

This prize is open to UK entrants only.

Entry Mechanism

Via Twitter only

Terms and Conditions

1. The promoter is: The Historical Writers’ Association whose registered office is at 13 Queen Square, Bath, BA1 2HJ

2. Employees of The Historical Writers’ Association or their family members or anyone else connected in any way with the competition or helping to set up the competition shall not be permitted to enter the competition.

3. There is no entry fee and no purchase necessary to enter this competition.

4. Closing date for entry will be 31st March 2015 at 5pm. After this date the no further entries to the competition will be permitted.

5. No responsibility can be accepted for entries not received for whatever reason.

6. The Historical Writers’ Association reserves the right to cancel or amend the competition and these terms and conditions without notice in the event of a catastrophe, war, civil or military disturbance, act of God or any actual or anticipated breach of any applicable law or regulation or any other event outside of the promoter’s control. Any changes to the competition will be notified to entrants as soon as possible by the promoter.

7. The Historical Writers’ Association is not responsible for inaccurate prize details supplied to any entrant by any third party connected with this competition.

8. No cash alternative to the prizes will be offered. The prizes are not transferable. Prizes are subject to availability and we reserve the right to substitute any prize with another of equivalent value without giving notice.

9. Winners will be chosen at random from all entries received and verified by the Historical Writers’ Association.

10. The winner will be notified within 28 days of the closing date. If the winner cannot be contacted or do not claim the prize within 14 days of notification, we reserve the right to withdraw the prize from the winner and pick a replacement winner.

11. The Historical Writers’ Association decision in respect of all matters to do with the competition will be final and no correspondence will be entered into.

12. By entering this competition, an entrant is indicating his/her agreement to be bound by these terms and conditions.

13. The competition and these terms and conditions will be governed by [English] law and any disputes will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of [England].

14. The winner agrees to the use of his/her name and image in any publicity material. Any personal data relating to the winner or any other entrants will be used solely in accordance with current [UK] data protection legislation and will not be disclosed to a third party without the entrant’s prior consent.

15. The winner’s name will be available 28 days after closing date by sending a stamped addressed envelope to the following address: PO Box 3408, Norwich, NR3 3WE

16. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook, Twitter or any other Social Network.

The HWA and Goldsboro Books launch the 2016 Debut Crown Award

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The search for the best historical fiction debut of the year is on as the Historical Writers’ Association join forces with Goldsboro Books to launch their 2016 Debut Crown award.

Goldsboro Books have come on board to sponsor the award just weeks after Ben Fergusson was presented with the 2015 Debut Crown for The Spring Of Kasper Meier at the Harrogate International Festival’s Harrogate History Festival. The independent bookseller has a stellar reputation as a purveyor of collectable books, top titles and for showcasing and supporting new talent.

The HWA Goldsboro Debut Crown is awarded to the best historical novel by a first-time fiction author published in the UK during the judging period. The trophy, as well as prize money of £1,000, will be presented at the 2016 Harrogate History Festival, which will take place on 20th – 23rd October.

“Now in its fifth year, the HWA Goldsboro Debut Crown has emerged as the leading award for first-time historical novelists,” says Andrew Taylor, acclaimed author and the head of the judging panel. “Its prestigious shortlists reveal and celebrate the rising stars of the genre. The winner is, in the judges’ view, the finest debut novel of the year’s historical fiction, and attracts publicity to match.”

The HWA and the Harrogate History Festival team are excited to welcome Goldsboro Books as the new sponsor of the award. With their passion and enthusiasm for the genre, they are the perfect partner for this special award.

“Goldsboro Books is delighted to sponsor this award that promotes and supports historical fiction,” says managing director David Headley. “Goldsboro remains a champion for debut writers, and we are especially proud to work with the Historical Writers’ Association.”

Enter the HWA Goldsboro Debut Crown

Giveaway: Thunder of the Gods

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Thunder of the Gods Giveaway

Prize

A signed paperback copy of Thunder of the Gods by Anthony Riches.

One prize available

Eligibility

This prize is open to UK entrants only.

Entry Mechanism

Via Twitter only

Terms and Conditions

1. The promoter is: The Historical Writers’ Association whose registered office is at 13 Queen Square, Bath, BA1 2HJ

2. Employees of The Historical Writers’ Association or their family members or anyone else connected in any way with the competition or helping to set up the competition shall not be permitted to enter the competition.

3. There is no entry fee and no purchase necessary to enter this competition.

4. Closing date for entry will be 31st January 2015 at 5pm. After this date the no further entries to the competition will be permitted.

5. No responsibility can be accepted for entries not received for whatever reason.

6. The Historical Writers’ Association reserves the right to cancel or amend the competition and these terms and conditions without notice in the event of a catastrophe, war, civil or military disturbance, act of God or any actual or anticipated breach of any applicable law or regulation or any other event outside of the promoter’s control. Any changes to the competition will be notified to entrants as soon as possible by the promoter.

7. The Historical Writers’ Association is not responsible for inaccurate prize details supplied to any entrant by any third party connected with this competition.

8. No cash alternative to the prizes will be offered. The prizes are not transferable. Prizes are subject to availability and we reserve the right to substitute any prize with another of equivalent value without giving notice.

9. Winners will be chosen at random from all entries received and verified by the Historical Writers’ Association.

10. The winner will be notified  within 28 days of the closing date. If the winner cannot be contacted or do not claim the prize within 14 days of notification, we reserve the right to withdraw the prize from the winner and pick a replacement winner.

11. The Historical Writers’ Association decision in respect of all matters to do with the competition will be final and no correspondence will be entered into.

12. By entering this competition, an entrant is indicating his/her agreement to be bound by these terms and conditions.

13. The competition and these terms and conditions will be governed by [English] law and any disputes will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of [England].

14. The winner agrees to the use of his/her name and image in any publicity material. Any personal data relating to the winner or any other entrants will be used solely in accordance with current [UK] data protection legislation and will not be disclosed to a third party without the entrant’s prior consent.

15. The winner’s name will be available 28 days after closing date by sending a stamped addressed envelope to the following address: PO Box 3408, Norwich, NR3 3WE

16. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook, Twitter or any other Social Network.