My #ToBeRead pile has got out of hand again… ????????????
#amreading #books

I accidentally bought a book. No really, I know what you’re thinking, but this time I really did. I might have enquired about this preorder of a signed copy of #MegRosoff’s latest. Then today it arrives with an invoice.
Still, at least I did support a good #indiebookseller…
#shoplocsl #loveyourlocal #books #TheGreatGodden #amreading

???????????? This!! #books #amreading #Bookworm @lucy.mangan

I’m bringing to wonder whether @lucy.mangan and I actually share the exact same library of childrens books. Once again, just from her description here I know that this is my edition of #TheLionTheWitchandtheWardrobe…
#books #Bookworm #Narnia #amreading

Love the fact that whilst reading @lucy.mangan’s description of the cover to #RoaldDahl’s #CharlieandtheChocolateFactory, I recognised it as the exact same edition as I remember falling in love with…
#books #amreading #illustration #BookIllustration #FaithJaques

First reactions to it was that, aside from the character-driven story aside, these books were almost polar opposites. The first took place over a period of time and allowed for character development, but this was a book that promised from the title, and then, the first chapter head, to deliver a story in just a single day.

The 24-Hour Cafe is a book about two friends Hannah and Mona who share a flat together and both work at the same 24-hour cafe near Liverpool Street station. On this particular ‘day’ they are both working double-shifts at the cafe, and so the first half of the book is told largely from Hannah’s perspective, through to when Mona takes over, both in story and narration at 12 noon.

I found myself alternating between loving this book, and pondering how successful it would be. It excels at depicting the character interactions between the waitresses and the customers of the cafe through from the small hours of the night into the bustle of the day, and out the other side, sometimes you were left wanting a bit more of the customers and a little less of the backstories of Hannah and Mona.

But that is where the genius of Libby Page’s engaging storytelling, carefully crafted writing, and character development comes to the fore. She weaves in seemingly irrelevant vignettes of story, both from flashback and the present day, but which later are pulled together either through seeing ‘the other side of the story’ when Mona takes over, or when customers return at the other end of the day.

If The Lido was a book beyond the immediate saving of a swimming pool, but that of a young woman saving an older lady, and an older lady saving at the same time the young woman, then this is a book that speaks of what it is like to have dreams and thwarted artistic promise. What does it feel like to reach your thirties and not be getting the breaks that your contemporaries – or worse – your juniors are. For anyone who is or dreams of success in the creative industry you will feel for Hannah, and understand her completely, whilst also celebrating in Mona’s long worked for success.

The 24-hour Cafe is perfectly orchestrated to a conclusion that at times I didn’t think it would be possible for her to get to. The coda to the piece was a necessary wrap up to the story that leaves you wanting more of Hannah and Mona’s lives.

My artistic life https://shepline.com/2020/02/09/my-artistic-life/ Thoughts inspired by @kiran_mh, @libbypagewrites, @blackwelloxford, and @oxfordshireartweeks
• • •
#amillustrating #amreading #amwritingart #ArtWeeks #books #bookshops #creativity #illustration #OxfordshireArtweeks #reading #writing

First off, I attended two free workshops for Oxfordshire Arweeks which I am participating in this May for the first time. The afternoon gave me some food for thought about how to market myself and my story to attract people to my art.

Later in the afternoon, I high-tailed it across town to Blackwell’s Bookshop to hear Kiran Millwood-Hargrave read from her new novel, The Mercies, and talk in conversation with friend and fellow-author Daisy Johnson. It was one of those events that was inspiring in every way possible and made me want to get back to my writing and finish the *work in progress*. In a small way it even made me begrudge my sketching life for taking up my writing life. Which is silly as I enjoy them both equally, and let’s face it when I wandered downstairs later to the ground floor of the shop an saw the racks of my prints for sale, the pictures have been earning me more of a small living than my writing.

In response to a question from the audience Kiran talked about how if you want to get published you just need to follow ‘the rules’ of the industry and write the book, then approach agents, and then it will happen. She nodded to the fact that some people of course choose to Indie Publish (as I have done) and that that was of course an option and that there is nothing wrong with that, but it wasn’t for her. And it made me think, that I think I do still have a yearning to be published and supported by the publishing machine.

Kiran’s talk definitely inspired me get on with my writing. Today, with Storm Ciara battering the UK, it was definitely a hibernating kind of day. I got stuck into reading Libby Page’s The 24-Hour Café, partly because it is so good, and partly because I can then delve into The Mercies. Then there is Daisy Johnson’s anthology of short stories, Fen.

Now I just have to put my plan into action. Just have to decide whether or not to re-edit Mr Tumnal again. I still can’t quite decide whether I should keep it set in the fictitious city of Wren Hoe on the edge of the Cotswolds, or adapt it to a full-on, if alternative, Oxford, as that is essentially where it is based. I like the Wren motifs and the play on words with Nowhere, but I’m still wondering if it could be better still for being actual Oxford – if an Oxford with trams, and an Edinburgh-style West End.

†My immediate To Read Pile is just the tip of the iceberg to my actual to read pile.

‡This list does not yet include Michelle Harrison’s new novel, A Sprinkle of Sorcery.

Got to finally meet @kiran_mh and listen to her talk about and hear read from her new novel, The Mercies
#books #limitededition #home #TheMercies

The world’s smallest #bookshopwindow display at @blackwelloxford… #books???? #antiquarianbooks #bookshopsofinstagram @blackwellbooks

One week to go… #TheMercies @kiran_mh @blackwelloxford #books???? #bookstagram

February is going to be good month for books. So looking forward too these new releases from @kiran_mh, @elvesden, and @libbypagewrites • • •
What #books???? are you looking forward to #amreading?

Such a beautiful window display in @piccadillywaterstones it was no wonder I was going to be deduced in buying Bridget Collins’ #TheBinding…
#books???? #BridgetCollins #bookbinding

#MyReadingYear in 2019…

Book Review of the Year: 2019

#books???? #amreading

Dangerously unsustainable…
#amreading #books???? #toreadpile #lovereading

Just sobbed my way through the end of @21stcenturyyokel’s #RingTheHill. Descriptions of Dartington’s history and culture suddenly leading me in to the last days of The Bear and Shipley. Powerful stuff!
#books???? #naturewriting #memoir #naturalhistory #amreading @unbounders

A little bit disappointed in myself. It’s getting close to the end of the year and I’m still only on 1,898 books in my library… ???? #books???? #notquiteat1900

Looking forward to reading @21stcenturyyokel’s latest book! #books #amreading @unbounders

This is me. All the time. But I ever don’t regret it.
#books #amreading #BooksBooksBooks???? @allthingsardizzone

I was talking to @booksandink about Chester Cricket’s adventures and about #GeorgeSelden’s other book Oscar Lobster’s Fair Exchange. Brilliant. Just brilliant. Absolute classics. #books #amreading #ChildhoodFavourites

An ordinary terraced house in a small North Norfolk village. A beautiful if sun-bleached window display of Beatrix Potter and Flower Fairies reveals a visit into a front room piled high, wall to wall , floor to ceiling with books, and a glimpse of a further room beyond.

We are greeted by the 86-year old proprietor, Mrs Shepperd who comes foward to greet us with a cheerful ‘Good afternoon’ as it has just gone noon, and gives us an introduction to the the shop, and where to find things: ‘There is no charge for just looking.’ I warm to Mrs Shepperd.

In the front room it is mostly antiquarian and secondhand, although there a smattering of new books arranged around a central table. In the back room, above – what you might call a front desk, somewhere under more piles of books – a sign declares:

Too many books?
I think what you mean is not enough bookshelves

The books continue around into the hall all the way to the ‘front door’, and all the way up the stairs. Books on the landing are best viewed from the stairs. All the rooms are perfectly categorised . Theatre, plays, sheet music; another for science and engineering; periodicals in another. Some higher shelves are even labeled ‘Not for sale’.

I ask about Edward Ardizzone, and she knows where she typically has them, then picks one straight out ht window display (I don’t know how I could have missed this one!). Browsing another shelf I pluck a Robert Louis Stephenson from the shelf and realise from the unmistakable cover that another Ardizzone has fallen into my hands.

When it comes to paying it’s cash or cheques, although Mrs Shepperd does mention the cash machine at the Coop down the road. At 86 she can’t be into involved in card payments or computerising the stock. It’s all just in her head, and although she might say some of it is forgotten she hasn’t.

Torc Books is a proper bookshop, just like they should be.

Lots of great raffle prizes to be one at Saturday’s #Storytelling concert!

#Repost @abingdonconcertband
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No points for guessing some of the great pieces that will feature in our storytelling #concert this Saturday #30thMarch. However, here is a selection of the fab raffle prizes up for grabs!
Tickets available here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/storytelling-music-inspired-by-stories-tickets-55865508239
#Oxfordshire #MakingMusic #Abingdon #familyFriendly #MothersDayGift #books

Regular observers of this feed will know that I write. You might not know that I am part of a family of writers… #imaginaryfriends #dragons???? #buttons #greekmyths #norsemythology #amwriting #amreading #TEShepherd #AndyShepherd #DeborahShepherd #books #storytelling #stories

Catching up with the #manbooker50 longlist and #costanovelaward winner… #NormalPeople #SallyRooney #books #amreading

Marie Kondo might say that you should have no more than 30 books in your house and get rid of anything that doesn’t bring you happiness, but I think that if you only have 30 books that bring you happiness then you are deeply sad and unhappy #books @mariekondo

In which I give my annual Review of the Book Year and reveal my standout reads of 2018 (@libbypagewrites and @acaseforbooks) along with the book of 2019 (@elvesden) too!

Book Review of the Year: 2018

#amreading #books #reviewoftheyear #reviewofthebookyear

In 2018 I continued to read poetry where I could, and continued to expand my Edward Ardizzonne collection. Related to my reading I fostered relations with the very best of British bookselling as I began travelling the nation to illustrate The Booklover’s Guide to Bookselling  – but more of that in the months to come. Back to the matter in hand, in strict reading order, this year I have read…

• The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper
• A Stranger At Green Knowe by L.M. Boston
• Daemon Voices by Philip Pullman
• Trick or Murder? by Debbie Young
• True Tale of the Monster Billy Dean by David Almond
• Cecily Parsley’s Nursery Rhymes by Beatrix Potter
• Paddington Bear by Michael Bond
• Paddington’s Garden by Michael Bond
• The Land of Green Ginger by Noel Langley
• The Bone Clocks by David Mitchell
• Paul, The Hero Of The Fire by Edward Ardizzone
• The Little Tim and the Brave Sea Captain by Edward Ardizzone
• Sky Song by Abi Elphinstone
• Time Shifters by Kate Frost
• Murder in the Manger by Debbie Young
• Cuckoo Call by Betty Salthouse
• Kill Land by Dan Holloway
• Murder by the Book by Debbie Young
• Helmingham Hall Gardens by Timothy John Edward Tollemache
• The Lido by Libby Page
• 21st-Century Yokel by Tom Cox
• The Boy Who Grew Dragons by Andy Shepherd
• A Skinful of Shadows by Frances Hardinge
• The Tiger Who Came To Tea by Judith Kerr
• Not Quite Lost by Roz Morris
• Whistle in the Dark by Emma Healey
• Raising a Forest by Thibaud Herem
• Off the Shelf by Carol Ann Duffy
• Beetle Boy by M.G. Leonard
• The Owl and the Pussycat by Edward Lear
• Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
• The Last Hedgehog by Pam Ayres
• Mortal Engines by Philip Reeve
• Summer by Melissa Harrison
• The Colour of the Sun by David Almond
• Jack and the Beanstalk by Irana Shepherd
• The Tale of Timmy Tiptoes by Beatrix Potter
• Dennis the Dragon by Vera Hopewell
• Predator’s Gold by Philip Reeve
• Pages & Co by Anna James
• The Storm Keeper’s Island by Catherine Doyle
• Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat by Tim Rice
• A Pinch of Magic by Michelle Harrison
• No. More. Plastic. by Martin Dorey
• Pax by Sara Pennypacker
• The Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore
• Peacock Pie by Walter de la Mare
• More Prefabulous Animiles by James Reeves
• Paddington’s New Room by Michael Bond
• The Writer’s Map by Huw Lewis-Jones

Stand out books to recommend this year? This year, I have two must-reads for everyone from completely different genres and age-ranges, but both absolutely excellent. Libby Page’s debut novel, The Lido, and Anna James’ Pages & Co. I was also very fortunate read The. Best. Book. Of. Next. Year. in the form of Michelle Harrison’s A Pinch of Magic – put your pre-order for 9 February with your local independent bookseller now! Other books of note, No. More. Plastic. is a book that should be on everyone’s shelves. The Writer’s Map has been my last book I read this year, and was a deliciously anticipated book to enjoy from my Christmas reading.

The best bit about the long Christmas holidays… #books???? #TheWritersMap #amreading

There’s a definite theme to my Christmas presents this year as every year. Thank you everyone! ???????? #booksmakethepresents #amreading #books #storytelling @21stcenturyyokel @allthingsardizzone @kiran_mh

The audiobook of #MrTumnal, unabridged and read by Robert Beadle, with music composed by @neilbrownless from an original theme by @vnemma is now available on @audible, @amazon, and @itunes
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https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/B07L5Y6XBG/?source_code=AUKFrDlWS02231890H6-BK-ACX0-136005&ref=acx_bty_BK_ACX0_136005_rh_uk .
#amlistening #books #fantasy #magicrealism #bookstolistento #imaginaryfriends

Rearranged the books in my study this evening… #books #the1793 #study #homelibrary #workinprogress

As regards yesterday’s bookshelf post… ummm, make that 1,792 books! Thanks @elvesden, really looking forward to this one! #apinchofmagic #books #amreading #proofs #proofcopies

“We are certainly on the same page, but we are not yet in the same paragraph.” #TheStormKeepersIsland @cat_doyle0 #amreading #books

But that’s literally the best bit about books and reading and stories… #books #amreading #amwriting

#Repost @t.e.shepherd.art
• • • • •
Illustrating the @madhatterbookshop in Burford was another epic labour of love and perspective with its situation on a hill to boot but I’m really happy with the result. What do you think? .
If you like a #bookshop that sells both #hats as well as #books prints in three sizes, available both mounted and not, now: https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/638101222/the-madhatter-bookshop-burford
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#bookloversguidetobookshops #illustration #amillustrating

My TBR pile has reached dangerously unstable proportions. It’s tetering, toppling, and wobbling… #books #obsessions #addiction

My Booklover’s Guide to Bookshops  is primarily a celebration of the independent booksellers, but there are a few shops that deserve to be part of such a celebration even if they are part of a larger chain.

I’ve already taken on the flagship shop of Blackwell’s in Oxford, but I just had to include the Oxford branch of Waterstones, a short distance away at the other end of Broad Street. And here’s why…

It may not have ‘technically’ been a Waterstones at the time (I think it may have still been a Dillons at the time when this took place) when I went into this building of neo-classical architecture in search of a book to give to my Dad for his birthday. The thing is I had forgotten what the book was called and who had written when I went up to the front desk to ask. 

I would have been ‘that nightmare of a customer’ for the poor bookseller, when I went up to them and boldly asked them if they had this book…

Do you have a book – I can’t remember the title, umm, or the author. It’s about the same size and shape as Longitude, but it’s not from that publisher. And it’s about a ship’s cat…

For a moment the bookseller looked understandably perplexed, and had a brief look on the computer, pointlessly before remembering something and going off to another part of the shop and coming back a few minutes later with Caroline Alexander’s Mrs Chippy’s Last Expedition. 

It’s a great book and thank you to the bookshop that found it for me from the most useless of descriptions. And that is why Waterstones Oxford is included in my Booklover’s Guide to Bookshops.

Did you know that this is the wall outside Bevington House where Louis Tumnal lives. It’s a story that opens as summer ends and then takes you through the year. #MrTumnal is the perfect story for #autumn????
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http://viewbook.at/MrTumnal
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Everyone has an idea of their ideal family. Not everyone’s become real.
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#amreading #books #autumnreads

What are reading this #autumn????? In a story that opens as summer ends and then takes you through the year #MrTumnal is the perfect story for the season. Get the link in the bio.
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Everyone has an idea of their ideal family. Not everyone’s become real. .
#amreading #books #autumnreads

Making progress with @whitehousebooks tonight… #bookshops #books???? #bookloversguidetobookshops

My #currentlyreading and #tooreading pile has reached new levels of instability… #books???? #amreading

Today’s #EdwardArdizzone finds to add to the collection… #books???? #secondhand #collectable

I think I may have just found my #epigraph to the #bookloversguidetobookshops… .#books???? #bookshops #illustration #illustraorsofinstagram #GillianClarke

It’s going to be a scorcher of a weekend and clearly #toohot to do anything but read. Here’s three that you could try and they even appeal to people who don’t usually like magic realism and fantasy – link in the bio. .
What are you reading? .
#books #amreading #SummerReading #summerreads #bookrecommendations #fantasy #magicrealism

A shelf-full of Shepherds… #books???? #family @shepline @andyshepherdwriter #DebbieShepherd

A shelf-full of Shepherds… #books???? #family @shepline @andyshepherdwriter

Saturday night sketching… seeing if I can finish off my #illustration of the new @colesbooksbicester which I visited today and purchased the new @echealey…
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#amillustrating #books???? #bookshopsofinstagram #bookshops #bookloversguidetobookshops

It’s looking like another nice weekend to be out and relaxing in the garden or the local park. What are reading? .

Books

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#amreading #books???? #summerreads #norsemythology #magicrealism #fantasy #ImaginaryFriends

#SummerReading for the bank holiday? Book 2, #TheImaginaryWife, is getting some excellent early reports but still missing it’s first #review… Have you read it, and if so, what did you think? .
Both #books available on Amazon or from your chosen book supplier. If you’re near Oxfordshire @booksandink will be sure to order you in a copy! ????