Writing Outside The Lines: Breaking the Rules of Fiction

A Creative Writing Workshop, Swansea Central Library, Saturday 18th Jan, 11-12.30.

What happens if the usual rules of realism don't apply, gravity is suspended, and you allow your imagination to float free? Join us for an engaging, hands on introduction to breaking the rules of fiction.

One of the pleasures of this week has been to be able to get round to Alan Bilton's new novel, "At Dawn, Two Nightingales", which I've been saving, as he's an author whose worlds I like to become absorbed in, rather than just dipping in in odd moments. And what a world this is, richly described but intangible and unstable, where all is theatrical artifice, and lurking behind each shaky set is something enticingly dark. A picaresque quest for love, and a melancholic celebration of the power of ambiguous texts, it's full of the twisty loops that have characterised his previous novels, with nods, bows, and backhanded to Potocki, Bruno Schulz, Gogol, Nezval, Bulgakov, and, I feel, the Marx Brothers, Jimmy Cagney, and more contemporary references. Literary, playful, and a tiny bit unsettling. Great stuff

“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/

Carolyn 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!

Watermark 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.

Alan 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.

We are proud to announce that our next Watermark title will be ‘At Dawn, Two Nightingales’ by Alan Bilton. More details to come soon, but in the meantime, here’s a sneak peak at the arresting cover…

Alan Bilton will host the International Dylan Thomas Prize for the third time at the Taliesin Theatre on Thursday 16th May

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.

Join us at the inspirational Landmark Trust property, The Threshing Barn, Llwyn Celyn for an exciting event delving into the world of crime fiction and narrative.

Whether you’re a seasoned writer or a curious reader, this event is perfect for anyone interested in the art of crafting compelling crime stories. Learn from author and lecturer in Creative Writing at Swansea University, Dr Alan Bilton, and join The Hay Writers’ Circle to immerse yourself in the thrilling world of mysteries and suspense. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to explore the secrets behind plotting the perfect crime!

This workshop is open for anyone to attend but pre-booking is essential.

Tickets from https://thehaywriters.wordpress.com/

Alan 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

Alan 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

Eddie 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.