On The Table Read Magazine, “the best book magazine in the UK“, new book, The Cold Distance by Neil Coley, is a cold case mystery about an apparent suicide in a group of friends fifty years previously.
The Cold Distance
This intriguing second novel by Neil Coley, which comes out on March 28, 2023, immediately piques one’s interest.
The author’s decision to make Robert Cross a crime fiction author further enhances the authenticity of the plot in this original tale of deep buried secrets that are supposedly destined to be revealed fifty years after the “event.” Robert Cross is drawn to learning the truth about the apparent suicide of one of their group members fifty years earlier.
The Cold Distance
The Cold Distance is a unique cold case mystery with a plot that allows the author to explore themes like time passing, personal regrets, and nostalgia. It is the ideal holiday read. and one that will undoubtedly receive five-star reviews.
Neil Coley explained that The Cold Distance takes place partly in the present and partly in the early 1970s at a university in the North of England.
After fifty years, successful crime writer Robert Cross decides to organize a reunion of his university friends. He slowly learns, as he travels the country meeting up with his former acquaintances and talking to them, that the 1973 death of one of his group members was not a suicide as he had always thought; rather, it was more mysterious. He gradually begins to investigate the events of a long time ago and discovers that a friend of his is a murderer. He begins to piece together the story of what took place in 1973 and discover the truth while imagining his own fictional detective working on the case. In addition, the chapters’ titles create a “playlist” of music from the late 1960s and early 1970s to accompany the chapters’ events.
Neil Coley
Neil Coley was born in Birmingham and currently resides in Lichfield, Staffordshire.
He holds a postgraduate certificate in education, as well as a B.A. in history and politics from Lancaster University and an M.A. in media from De Montfort University. He spent many years teaching secondary school in Staffordshire.
He has written and published several books on local history and short stories about Lichfield since retiring from teaching. In 2021, he published An Alien Autumn, his debut novel.
He likes to write and read, walk, watch movies, go to the theater, watch cricket, and go to a good pub.
Lichfield Stories is one of the books that Neil Coley has published. The Days of Lichfield; The Lichfield Group; The Spy and the Pretty; Pubs in Lichfield; Lichfield in secret; An Unknown Autumn
Find more from Neil Coley now:
Published by Cranthorpe Millner Publishers, The Cold Distance (ISBN: 978-1-80378-102-0) is published on 28th March 2023 and is available in paperback (£10.99) and Kindle format.
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On The Table Read Magazine, “the best book magazine in the UK“, Lynn Forney talks about being inspired to write about surviving an attempted murder in her new book, Choosing Survival: How I Endured A Brutal Attack And A Lifetime Of Trauma Through The Power Of Action, Choice, And Self Expression.
I interviewed Lynn Forney about her life and career, the experiences that inspired her to start writing, and the work that went into her new book, Choosing Survival: How I Endured A Brutal Attack And A Lifetime Of Trauma Through The Power Of Action, Choice, And Self Expression.
Tell me a bit about who you are.
Lynn Forney
I’ve always loved to perform and had a propensity for movement. I started taking dance lessons at 8 years old and it’s been a part of my life ever since. I have a BFA in dance and continue to choreograph and perform to this day. I started acting later in life which has led me to writing, directing, and starring in multiple short films, as well as being represented by an agent. I also love to scuba dive. I’m a Pisces so I feel at home in the water.
When did you first WANT to write a book?
I had the idea to write this book shortly after a major traumatic event happened in my life. When talking to people about it, I would often find myself saying, “I know this is so crazy, I should just write a book.” That event took place in 1998.
When did you take a step to start writing?
This is an interesting path. I started singing lessons with a coach whose passion is to help people find their voice through singing lessons. She held a small group coaching session (which didn’t involve singing) that included the use of an app called Voxer. I wrote a poem and my husband encouraged me to read it to the group. The response I got was beautiful and encouraged me to continue writing. The next passage I read to the group was the first chapter to my book.
How long did it take you to complete your first book from the first idea to release?
Well, the idea to write this book had been floating around in my head for around 23 years! Once I wrote that first chapter, it took close to year to complete it and get it released.
What made you want to write Choosing Survival?
My ultimate hope is to help people. If my story can help others feel seen, less alone, and to advocate for themselves, then my heart is full.
What were your biggest challenges with writing Choosing Survival?
I knew I was going to have to become very vulnerable-sharing things about myself and my life that still feel scary; feeling truly exposed and having no control over how others would react.
What was your research process for Choosing Survival?
Choosing Survival
I had to look back at my medical records, as well as articles written about my suspected assailant. I also made sure to find resources to back up any facts I printed.
How did you plan the structure of Choosing Survival?
I honestly didn’t plan too much. I knew there were key parts of my life I needed to include, but others flowed out as they came to me. At one point, I made a list, and added as I wrote each chapter. I wrote them all out of order. It was stressful at first, trying to determine how they would all fit together, but I kept trusting they would.
Did you get support with editing, and how much editing did Choosing Survival need?
I hired an editor and had her go through the book twice. I also had a few friends read through it and point out any grammar/spelling errors that they noticed. I was pleasantly surprised that, overall, there weren’t tons of errors!
What is the first piece of writing advice you would give to anyone inspired to write a book?
This may sound simple, but just start. Everyone has their own path and writing style, so what works for someone may be different than what works for you. It’s easy to get caught up with “what works” and get all up in your head. If it’s something you truly want to do, then you’ll find a way to do it.
Can you give me a hint about any further books you’re planning to write?
I have no idea! The next project I’m planning is a dance on film based on one of the poems in my book.
And, finally, are you proud of your accomplishment? Was it worth the effort?
Saying I’m proud of myself doesn’t come easily to me, but I am proud of it and it was worth it.
Pop all your book, website and social media links here so the readers can find you:
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On The Table Read Magazine, “the best book magazine in the UK“, veteran television producer Geoffrey Seed releases his fourth political thriller, Death In A Time Of Conspiracy, an international tale of deceit and double cross.
Death In A Time Of Conspiracy
Death In A Time Of Conspiracy
Geoffrey Seed’s fourth novel, Death In A Time Of Conspiracy, coming March 28, 2023, immediately piques the interest of readers with its intelligent and authentic storytelling.
Death in a Time of Conspiracy is a standout option in the ever-popular thriller genre due to the combination of Geoffrey Seed’s familiarity with his subject matter and innate skill as a novelist. His well-placed sources across law enforcement know the ways of Whitehall, and their experiences and his own underpin an intriguing narrative where good guys and bad guys operate by the same murderous rules and are almost impossible to tell apart.
Questions naturally arise when a British Army helicopter crashes in Wales, killing the female pilot. Was terrorism involved? Who were the terrorists, if so? And why did some individuals refuse to acknowledge that they had an agent on board who they wished dead? The pilot’s death triggers the unraveling of five secret but intertwined lives, including the radical clergyman father’s, all too soon as the law of unexpected consequences kicks in.
This Russian doll of a story moves quickly through Northern Ireland, Scandinavia, South Africa, and South America before coming to a brutal end with a wickedly unexpected twist.
Geoffrey Seed
Geoffrey Seed spoke with terrorists, those who would kill them, undercover agents, cops, spooks, army intelligence officers, and the people who give their deniable operations political cover—in the national interest—while working for leading investigative programs like BBC Panorama and World in Action.
He has been detained under the Prevention of Terrorism Act and investigated under the Official Secrets Act as an investigative TV producer. He and his insider witnesses risked two years in prison for exposing MI5’s spying on peace campaigners and trades unionists.
He has gained a unique perspective as a result of these experiences, enabling him to create an insightful narrative that deviates from the conventional “good versus bad” format.
Find Death In A Time Of Conspiracy now:
Published by Cranthorpe Millner Publishers, Death In a Time of Conspiracy (ISBN: 978-1-80378-104-4) is published on 28th March 2023 and is available in paperback (£12.99) and Kindle format.
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On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment magazine in the UK“, songwriter Natalie Hamilton talks about the inspiration behind her new single, Show You My Love, on our YouTube series.
Natalie Hamilton talks about her new single, Show You My Love, what she loves about writing songs, and the advice she has for other songwriters on the Siren Stories YouTube Channel.
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In his latest release, “Bitter,” Belgian bedroom pop artist Ben Wolf sings to a former lover. The song is an interesting mix of Ben’s classic lo-fi sound and dancehall vibes, with catchy melodies and a rich beat that reminds me of Ed Sheeran’s “Shape Of You.”
Ben’s life experiences served as the inspiration for Bitter, which tells the story of meeting an ex for the first time since their breakup at a friend’s funeral. He wrote about accepting the one you love (or loved) loves someone else now after a relationship ends. “Bitter” accurately depicts the wide range of emotions experienced.
Ben and producer Petter Lithvall co-produced “Bitter” after an exploratory and laborious process that the artist describes as an “eye-opener.” The song was written in Belgium and recorded a few months later in Gothenburg.
Ben Wolf
Ben Wolf, a bedroom pop artist from Belgium, is a firm proponent of hard work and consistency. His music is always driven by introspection and a constant desire to improve, and he draws inspiration from Harry Styles and Ed Sheeran.
Ben Wolf
The artist’s desire to make music stemmed from his need to express his feelings through art after experiencing life-altering grief. He described how he first picked up the pen the night after my best friend’s death. He was feeling numb at that moment, but he wanted to feel something, so he wrote her a letter, but that wasn’t enough.
A new perspective gave him the courage to forsake his studies in medicine in favor of pursuing a career in music, maintaining his love for learning and self-growth. He values self-development more than anything, and he has a strong work ethic and a mentality that is laser focused.
Ben Wolf collaborated closely with producer James Lowland for two years before releasing his first singles, “Ultraviolet” and “Try Again, Tomorrow,” in 2020. In 2021, he released his first EP, “Now You Know.” He has also worked with other artists, like Belgian singer-songwriter WAYI, for whom he wrote the song “Mind Mazes,” which reached the top spot on the “Bubbling Under” chart in Belgium.
In May 2022, the artist signed with Rexius Records, kicking off a fruitful partnership that will undoubtedly result in great music in the future.
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On The Table Read Magazine, “the best enertainment magazine in the UK“, Brooklyn based avant-garde experimental jazz trio Nite Bjuti have released their new single, Mood (Liberation Walk).
Mood (Liberation Walk)
Nite Bjuti, photo credit: Maciek Jasik
Mood (Liberation Walk), the brand-new single and video from Brooklyn-based avant-garde experimental jazz trio Nite Bjuti, is out now.
In their much-anticipated single, the acclaimed singer-songwriter Candice Hoyes, Grammy-nominated SoundChemist and beatmaker Val Jeanty, and bassist Mimi Jones discuss existential topics like maturity, growing up, and profound physical, mental, and spiritual change.
Hoyes explained in Mood (Liberation Walk) that they express the sudden feeling of a girl jumping or jumping into puberty, roped into a new emotional reality, physicality, and social positionality. She jumps through her own portals until the street lights flicker, as shown in the music video. Jumping embodies connectivity, the chasmous leaps of Black womanhood’s growth, and shared childhood experiences. Candice Hoyes, a mixed-media artist, is in charge of the music video.
The hypnotic vocals, Haitian-inspired drums, and soul-piercing basslines of the Afro Caribbean three-piece complete an intentional and intoxicating fresh jazz meets electronica sonic experience. Candice Hoyes, a mixed-media artist, directed the accompanying music video. Nite Bjuti and his bandmates have been recognized by NPR’s WBGO and Jazz Times, among other publications, for their performances at the internationally renowned Jazz at Lincoln Center.
Nite Bjuti
Nite Bjuti is Candice Hoyes, Val Jeanty, and Mimi Jones, an evocative improvised trio of Afro-Caribbean musicians who cultivate their narrative journey through the use of electronics, vocalism, bass, Haitian drum rhythms, sampling, and spoken word. For their mixed media installation in 2022, which was commissioned by the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, they were awarded a UMEZ Arts Engagement Grant. In 2020, they were awarded the NYC Women’s Fund in Jazz Music, which will fully fund their forthcoming debut album.
Nite Bjuti draws inspiration from “Night Beauty,” a centuries-old Haitian folk tale about a girl whose spirit seeks justice when her bones begin to sing in the afterlife. Nite Bjuti has recently performed at The Schomburg Center, Nublu Jazz Fest, NYC Winter JazzFest, WBGO live broadcast, and Jazz at Lincoln Center. They draw inspiration for their music from performances in museums, dance and visual art installations, electronic and jazz music venues, and other venues around the world.
Nite Bjuti performs to bring back the world’s lost Diasporic beauty, which transcends generations. They improvise with the intention of developing layers of intimate community within the band and with its audiences. Nite Bjuti made her debut at Jazz at Lincoln Center in honor of International Women’s Day 2018.
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On The Table Read Magazine, “the best book magazine in the UK“, author Iain Stewart talks about the inspiration behind his Knights Of The Air book series.
I interviewed Iain Stewart about his life and career, being inspired by World War 1, and the creative process that went into his book series, Knights Of The Air.
Tell me a bit about who you are and why you started writing.
I was always in love with words and stories and was reading voraciously from an early age. In fact, at prep school in Kenya I was caned by the headmaster, six of the proverbial best, for reading under a blanket with a torch after lights out. Which taught me an excellent lesson- don’t get caught. But that same school encouraged me to write stories and praised me for them which led to the idea.
I first sat down and tried to write a book, a novel on the Arthurian legends, when I was twenty-two, and found that I did not have much to say. It was hard to add value to the existing libraries on the topic. So, I shelved the idea. For the next few decades, I made a pact to work like extremely hard in the financial markets so I could earn enough to retire at 50 to travel and explore writing. Which I did.
Rather than attend schools to learn how to write, I decided to write and learn as I went along. So the first book was a very inefficient process. Typically, I only wrote only on Thursdays and if something special was happening, like travel, I just missed that Thursday. My vow was that writing would be fun and not a chore. Which it was, enormous fun. I loved the research of historical fiction and then the work of weaving an interesting story into the real facts and characters. But when I first finished the story I wanted to tell it was 400,000 words and I learned that publishing a tome like that was a non starter for a 1st time author.
A wise author once told me at the very beginning of my voyage that the very first decision of a writer should be whether they want to sell books or they have a story to tell. I went with the latter, but at the same time, the acid test of writer must be whether people want to buy your books, so when I was told I should split my stories into books of 90,000 words each, I got to work. That was harder than writing the original, taking the story structure apart and recobbling it into four books, each with their own structure. But I am grateful for that process, for I think the books are better for that work.
Iain Stewart
All of which is a long winded way to saying it took me from 2007 to 2022 to get from the first words on paper to four books into publication, released all in one year.
Focusing on your latest release. What made you want to write Knights Of The Air?
It’s a series which is one story. I loved the Arthurian legends and always wondered at the bits that were left out. The triangle of Arthur, Lancelot and Guinevere seemed extraordinary in its contradictions.
How did a loyal knight who aspired so stringently to be a “parfait gentle knight’ end up cuckolding his king and friend? How did Arthur resist banishing Lancelot when the rumours of the affair start, and how was he so sad when he was forced to do so? This was a violent age where any king who apparently allowed his underlings to steal his wife would have lost bucket loads of Kingly, warrior and manly credibility? And so on.
So I thought it would be interesting to transplant those stresses and strains to the most recent period where men fought individual combats and chivalry had not quite died. It helped that I have always been fascinated by WW1 flying and it fitted the bill. So I put two passions together, and tried to imbue it with the life lessons I had learned around leadership, teams, innate goodness of some men and women and evil in others, and of course the eternal struggle of finding the right sort of love.
What were your biggest challenges with writing Knights Of The Air?
I found the writing easy and enjoyable but the publishing and marketing was a nightmare. In terms of the pure writing, I first wrote the protagonist as a paragon, before realizing that he must develop an arc & develop. So, I had to give him unlikable and unadmirable characteristics which went against my untrained instincts.
Who or what inspired you when creating your Protagonist?
Knights Of The Air
It was easy because I had the figure of Lancelot. The greatest warrior, always being led astray by women, whose greatest wish was to see the Holy Grail. A man that others would see and praise as a paragon, but who was intensely aware he was constantly falling short of his own aspirations.
Who or what inspired you when creating your Antagonist?
The series had a layer of antagonists. The first is the rather amorphous one that is the entire German air force, but inside that is the incomparable German ace [ in real life and in my books], Manfred von Richthofen, the Red Baron [who inspired Snoopy of course].
Then, because Richthofen was in fact a rather admirable human being, I created a nasty piece of work who flies for him. I tried to give him an arc to, and always to make it clear that while he was a nasty human being, he had good reason for that nastiness. I enjoyed giving him a sense of humour that was distinctively cynical.
What is the inciting incident of Knights Of The Air?
When WW1 breaks out and the protagonist is not aware. He is ambushed, his friends killed and his home burned down. He escapes after being badly beaten but now has a blood quest for revenge.
What is the main conflict of Knights Of The Air?
At one level, the air fighting between the British and the German airmen.
At another, the struggle to remain a decent man in a savage war and the mental turmoil that results from that and the inhuman stress.
Did you plot Knights Of The Air in advance, or fly by the seat of your pants and write freely?
I kind of straddle this one. I need the discipline of the classical three part structure [ which I would say is four parts but hey, who am I to argue with Aristotle] so I plan that out quite rigidly and always try to stay within it. But I found that the characters morphed on me. Some took me over and forced me to give them bigger parts, some forced changes in the story as they developed. I liked that and gave them the room they demanded. So, the final product differed a lot from the original outline and I believe the books are better for it.
Did you get support with editing, and how much editing did Knights Of The Air need?
I would make the distinction between story editing and what I will call grammar & word choice editing.
For the first, I was lucky enough to find an excellent story coach, Kristina Stanley, who has also developed her own software [https://fictionary.co] that helps structure the story and coaches you through checking each scene for essential elements.
Knights Of The Air
For the grammar and word choice I used the software, Prowritingaid.com, which was great. Then I used erudite friends as beta readers, and they were great. Then finally, I used a professional grammar editor and he was good. And there were still errors in the first edition! It’s a lot harder than it looks, that process. The one thing I know for sure is that the more you read your own books, the less errors you spot. We all need help on this one.
What is the first piece of writing advice you would give to anyone inspired to write a story?
Enjoy it. That way the commitment needed to finish comes easily. If you need a break, take a break. Just say to yourself, “I will do this my way and that means I enjoy it on my terms.”
Can you give me a hint about any further books you’re planning to write?
Many readers have asked to keep the same characters and write more about flying in WW1, but I don’t think I have more to say on that topic. But I am toying with a WW2 series involving many aspects of the war, where a single bomb falling on London in 1940 sets events in motion that bind men and women of both sides together through many decades, without them every realizing the common linkages woven by the three sisters commonly called ‘The Fates’, who weave the webs of destiny. Oddly enough, the series will be called FATE.
And, finally, are your proud of your accomplishment? Was it worth the effort?
Yes and yes. It is not only about the sales. You learn a lot about yourself when you sit down and write a novel. Things come out on the page you don’t expect, and delving into your own experiences to create more believable emotions for your characters brings memories and insights of your own life spilling out from your unconscious. I’d encourage everyone to try.
Pop all your book, website and social media links here so the readers can find you:
My webpage contains links to buy the books but the awards, reviews, and some interviews that I have done. https://istewartauthor.com
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On The Table Read Magazine, “the best book magazine in the UK“, Pieter Oomens’ And All Our Yesterdays is a thought-provoking novel about a down-on-his-luck author’s efforts to rise like a phoenix.
And All Our Yesterdays
And All Our Yesterdays, which came out on February 21, 2023, is a gripping story that is hard to put down. It takes the reader from the glitz and grit of Sydney to the rawness of the Australian Outback.
This debut novel intrigues with plots and subplots (including flashbacks to an investigation twenty years earlier) and a protagonist whose readers want to succeed, both in his attempt to resuscitate his career and to remain alive. The prose benefits from the author’s meticulous attention to detail, which comes from years of practicing law in Sydney.
And All Our Yesterdays
And All Our Yesterdays is a significant first novel that will have readers eagerly anticipating the author’s forthcoming spy thriller, which takes its title from a line from Shakespeare’s Macbeth.
David Kincaid
David Kincaid is introduced by Pieter Oomens. Kincaid takes the “dream job” of writing about a wealthy heir and his fatal “accident” and accepts it. After twenty years in the literary wilderness, he finally sees an opportunity to revive his bestselling author reputation. At first, it appeared to be an open and shut case, but Kincaid now realizes that something is wrong. Or worse, key witnesses have vanished…
Oomens explained how David Kincaid, the protagonist, is a writer in his forties who is riding on—or, more accurately, clinging to—a reputation he established twenty years ago with a bestseller. He is down on his luck when one of his few remaining fans asks him to look into the death of her son who fell three years earlier. This indulgence is being paid for by the fan’s billionaire husband, who assures David that the coroner was correct: It happened by chance.
David seizes the opportunity to make a quick buck, but he becomes suspicious when he is attacked by three thugs and miraculously saved. He denies the existence of miracles. David puts the pieces of the puzzle together after the assault and reveals a link between the attack and a murder. David’s investigation leads him to believe that he has identified the cause of the fall and everything that followed, but his theory is proved wrong. Then, he chooses a different route thanks to an inspired wager. David must play a double game with the woman who entered his life when the investigation began in order to solve the mystery and save his own life.
Flashbacks to events that occurred twenty years ago are used to break up the narrative. The two investigations share some similarities. The story takes place in fashionable urban areas as well as gritty inner suburbs. The reader is transported back in time to outback Australia and a notorious murder in the wake of World War II. The brashness of Sydney, the simple enchantment of its beaches, and the harsh conditions to its far west contribute to the creation of atmospherics that increase the narrative’s tension.
Pieter Oomens
Pieter Oomens was a lawyer for a many years. He joined a small law firm when he was just out of school. Over the course of several decades, he helped the firm grow into a large specialist operation with offices in three states and clients all over Australia and the world. He ended up becoming the managing partner of the company. Later, he started a management consulting firm that specialized in the legal business
Pieter has always written, not only for his work as a legal and management consultant but also to pursue his artistic passions. Short stories and children’s books were included in this writing, but only close friends and family were allowed to read them.
Pieter Oomens
Pieter had no more excuses for not committing to writing fiction after deciding he had had enough of practicing law full-time. The novel And All Our Yesterdays was published as a direct consequence of this shift in direction. Pieter writes technical articles for his management consulting company, but he is increasingly concentrating on writing fiction. He is writing a spy thriller for his second book.
Outside of law and management, Pieter is mostly interested in the arts, especially classical music. He has advised other arts organizations and musicians and has served on the board of Sydney Youth Orchestras Inc., Australia’s largest organization for orchestral training. Pieter has traveled extensively, particularly throughout Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. Pieter has split his time between Sydney and London, where his two daughters have settled, since 2015. He and his wife have made the decision to make London their permanent residence, with Sydney’s beaches as their summer escape.
Additionally, Pieter’s familiar regions of Australia are featured in All Our Yesterdays: the simple charm of Sydney’s northern beaches, the glitzy eastern suburbs of Sydney, the central and far west of New South Wales, which range from lush pastureland to desert (unless there is a drought, in which case the desert is unchanged but arable land is destroyed), and the harbor city itself. While he spent part of his early childhood in the far west of his home state of New South Wales, he spent the rest of his life in Sydney’s northern beaches, also known as the “insular peninsula.” He goes to the state’s central west every year, if only to see a part of Australia that still has some traces of a simpler time.
Find more from Pieter Oomens now:
Published by Cranthorpe Millner Publishers, And All Our Yesterdays (ISBN: 978-1-80378-081-8) is published on 21st February 2023 and is available in paperback (£10.99) and Kindle (£1.99) format.
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On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment magazine in the UK“, singer songwriter Kat Orlando talks about the inspiration behind her new single, Some People, on our YouTube Series.
Kat Orlando talks about her passion for music, what inspired her new single, Some People, and the advice she has for other songwriters, on the Siren Stories YouTube Channel.
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On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment magazine in the UK“, Chill The Fck Out by Cat Janice is a reminder to take a deep breath and not overthink things.
Cat Janice
Cat Janice, a songwriter and musician, adds a new dimension of artistry to the contemporary music scene by driving with an exquisite fusion of emotional integrity and energizing musicianship. The indie gem is a truly immersive take on alt pop thanks to its skillfully balanced vocals, snappy guitar lines, and euphoric synths. Cat’s versatility proves to be both exciting and deeply human.
Cat combines talent and character in everything it does, from the dance-pop rhythms to the finely tuned vocals. Cat’s love of music transcends style, having been influenced by Benee, Remi Wolf, and Willow. Her songs have strong grooves and confident melodies that feel truly new and connect with listeners.
Cat Janice
Cat was raised in Northern Virginia by a family with a lot of musical talent. At a young age, she started playing the piano and violin. The next step was 14 years of classical education, during which time I participated in orchestral, jazz, and theater productions.
Cat Janice said that because she has been trained in a variety of musical styles, she wants to use all of them and doesn’t want a genre to define her. She desires to sing in any style, write about what she desires, and produce what she desires. The cancer taught her to just do the things that make her happy. Because, in the end, creativity is the only way to get rid of your emotions, so say what you want!
Even though Cat’s enthusiasm and energy seem to be unmatched, her life has not been without challenges. The artist is completely open about her recent fight with cancer, and her new songs explore both the challenges and achievements of that journey. Due to her sincerity and soul, both her music and social media posts have taken the road less traveled, resulting in unparalleled connections.
Chill The Fck Out
Cat’s most recent single, Chill The Fck Out was inspired by the overwhelming sensation of being stressed out and exhausted. Cat explained that she would say to herself ‘chill the fuck out’ whenever she would stress out about work or school. After that, she finished the song just before starting chemotherapy, and she was anxious about starting that new chapter in her life.
To get through that time, ‘chill the fck out’ kind of became her mantra. The new single radiates with a groovy, fun, danceable beat and relatable, honest lyrics, encouraging listeners to stop overthinking and take a deep breath.
Cat’s zest for life is contagious, despite the difficulties she faces. Her new music, which combines passionate lyrics with electrifying production, will undoubtedly light up the airwaves worldwide. Cat Janice is an unstoppable creative force thanks to her wide range of musicianship and positive grooves.
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On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment magazine in the UK“, Holiday, a carefree song by Rags And Riches that inspires optimism about living life to the fullest, is the ultimate weekend party song.
Rags And Riches
Rags And Riches
As the adrenaline-fueled American alt-pop band RAGS AND RICHES, brothers Tanner and Peyton Whitt hope to inspire a new generation of dreamers. In 2019, the band from Lexington, Kentucky, put out their first single, “Speed of Sound,” which sparked a wildfire breakout with over a million streams on platforms.
In just three years, the two-man band has performed over 200 shows in over 40 states, reached the top 200 on the NACC college radio charts, won two Lexington Music Awards for “Pop Artist of the Year” and “Song of the Year,” and amassed impressive numbers of over 4 million streams and 1.5 million video views.
They released their debut album, Always Gold, in 2022. It is evident that these determined brothers are ascending to the top with their current explosive success.
Holiday
Their most recent single, “holiday,” is a big start to 2023. is the ideal upbeat track to include in your party playlists. seeing the duo move toward a pop sound that is more commonplace, “holiday.” is reminiscent of Glass Animals and Foster the People.
Tanner explained that it came from a place of feeling burned out on the schedule they were living. They had a “get me out of this way of life” mentality because they had been following the same schedule for several years.
Tanner continued that Peyton produced the beat, and then they called their good friend DeMarko Murphy in to help with writing this one. He is oozing attitude and bursting with energy and they believe that they nailed the carefree/get me out of this “normal” way of life together.
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On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment magazine in the UK“, a vibrant new adaptation of The Comedy of Errors has been announced for a co-production between Scarborough’s Stephen Joseph Theatre and Prescot’s Shakespeare North Playhouse.
The Comedy Of Errors (More Or Less)
Two states are at odds. Two sets of twins who don’t match. A crazy day at the beach. A Lancashire actor performs his “magnificent” one-man show in a Yorkshire coastal town. The problem is that there is no one to watch him because everyone is booked for a talent show across town with the twin brother he hasn’t met.
His twin brother owes money all over the town, has promised his wife a gold chain, and is betting on winning the talent show to stay out of trouble with some bad people. Will the twins meet? Will they find out how they split up? Will either show continue in any way?
As Shakespeare’s most bizarre farce is brought to life in the 1980s, The Comedy of Errors will (more or less) be an unforgettable evening at the theater. In this day and age of big phones and even bigger shoulder pads, you can expect musical numbers, mistaken identity, and theatrical chaos!
Cast
The Comedy Of Errors (More Or Less)
Valerie Antwi, Andy Cryer, Claire Eden, David (and Peter) Kirkbride, Alyce Liburd, Oliver (and Zach) Mawdsley and Ida Regan.
Production Team
The Stephen Joseph Theatre’s Artistic Director, Paul Robinson, stated that they can’t wait to begin this hilarious and anarchic new version of Shakespeare’s craziest play, which is filled with misidentification and continuous twists and turns. Their writers, Elizabeth Godber and Nick Lane, have paid homage to the two venues by creating characters from the two towns and setting the show in Scarborough in the vibrant, neon-lit 1980s. They are enjoying working with the brilliant new Shakespeare North Playhouse.
According to Laura Collier, the Creative Director of Shakespeare North Playhouse, they are excited to collaborate with their friends at Stephen Joseph Theatre to produce this outstanding production. Elizabeth and Nick have written a fast-paced, hilarious script that they can’t wait to see the brilliant Paul Robinson bring to life on our respective stages.
Simon Slater is the show’s composer and sound designer, Jessica Curtis is the show’s designer. Chuma Emembolu is in charge of the lighting design, and Alex Weatherhill is in charge of the music. Wayne Parsons is in charge of the choreography and movement direction, and Kaitlin Howard is in charge of the fight.
Shakespeare North Playhouse
The first-of-its-kind Shakespeare North Playhouse in Prescot is home to the only timber-built “Cockpit” theatre built in the 17th century outside of London that can be set up in either an end-on or an in-the-round configuration. The new venue, which was built entirely with public funds and donations during the pandemic, is expected to attract over 140,000 visitors annually to the region. Helm Architecture serves as the project’s architect in charge, and Austin-Smith: Lord as the architect of support.
The venue is housed in a modern, energy-efficient building. It also has an outdoor performance garden that is fully accessible and is funded by the Ken Dodd Charitable Foundation. It also has an exhibition gallery, a 60-seat studio theater, a learning center, event spaces, a café and bar with an outdoor piazza, and more.
Stephen Joseph Theatre
Since 1955, Scarborough’s Stephen Joseph Theatre has offered audiences on the Yorkshire coast accessible, world-class theater. It has produced over 700 plays, many of which are brand-new. One of the company’s primary goals, which is still one of our primary goals, was to develop new writers and writers. The SJT is well-known for hosting the world premieres of the majority of Alan Ayckbourn’s 89 full-length plays. It was the first professional theatre-in-the-round in the United Kingdom. Additionally, it has a comprehensive community program.
Find The Comedy Of Errors (More Or Less) now:
From Friday, March 3, to Saturday, March 25, The Comedy of Errors can be seen at Shakespeare North Playhouse and the Stephen Joseph Theatre, respectively.
Stephen Joseph Theatre box office on 01723 370541 and online at www.sjt.uk.com
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On The Table Read Magazine, “the best book magazine in the UK“, author Tom Mead talk about his new vintage murder mystery book, Death And The Conjuror.
I interviewed author Tom Mead about his life and career, his passion for vintage style murder mystery, and what inspired his new book, Death And The Conjuror.
Tell me a bit about who you are.
Tom Mead
My name is Tom Mead and I’m a writer specialising in vintage-style murder mysteries.
When did you first WANT to write a book?
I always wanted to write books because I was lucky enough to grow up surrounded by them. The house was piled high with classic crime paperbacks, including heaps of Agatha Christies with fabulous painted covers by the artist Tom Adams. They really helped to stimulate my imagination even before I got around to cracking the spine and actually reading any of the stories inside. For that reason, books as objects have always had a sort of sense of wonder for me.
When did you take a step to start writing?
I first thought about writing seriously as a career when I finished my A-Levels. When I went to university, I studied a joint honours programme: Creative Writing and English. In those days it seemed like a bit of a pipe-dream, but I can be stubborn when I want to be! And of course I was always a big reader, which is a great way of generating ideas for new stuff. Sometimes you read something great and think “I want to write something like that,” and other times of course you read something terrible and think “Hey, I could do better than that!”
So I started off writing short stories while I was still at university, and eventually got around to submitting them to magazines. When I got one or two acceptances, that gave me the confidence boost I needed to keep going.
How long did it take you to complete your first book from the first idea to release?
At least three years. For a long while I was working full-time and focusing on the book in my spare time.
What made you want to write Death And The Conjuror?
Well, I’ve written a number of short stories featuring the detective character, Joseph Spector, so it seemed like a natural progression to develop a longer-form narrative using him as the protagonist. But more generally speaking, I’ve always loved the Golden Age of Detective Fiction, in particular the locked-room mystery subgenre.
My favourite author in that subgenre is John Dickson Carr, and I’m delighted to see so many of his works coming back into print nowadays. So writing this book was an opportunity for me to pay tribute to the genre, and to several of my favourite authors, including Carr.
What were your biggest challenges with writing Death And The Conjuror?
Motivation could be tricky. I didn’t have an agent or a publisher in mind, so it was hard to escape from the idea that I could be putting all this work into something that would only ever be read by a handful of people. But like I say, I can be stubborn, so I pressed on regardless.
Who or what inspired you when creating your Protagonist?
My detective character, Joseph Spector, is definitely in the mould of various Golden Age amateur sleuths like Agatha Christie’s Poirot or G.K. Chesterton’s Father Brown. He’s a retired music hall magician, and as such that’s given me the opportunity to incorporate all kinds of macabre gimmicks and illusions into his characterisation, and to try and retain a certain sense of mystery around him. In terms of real-life inspirations, I was definitely thinking of certain magicians like Harry Houdini or David Devant, and the famous illusionist-turned-skeptic James Randi.
Who or what inspired you when creating your Antagonist?
Death And The Conjuror
Well, I can’t say too much about this without giving the game away! After all, part of the fun comes from not knowing who the antagonist is until the final reveal…
What is the inciting incident of Death And The Conjuror?
The inciting incident is the murder of a celebrity psychiatrist named Anselm Rees, who is inspired by Sigmund Freud. This is the catalyst for the string of extraordinary circumstances that follow.
What is the main conflict of Death And The Conjuror?
It’s a murder mystery, so the drive of the narrative is about identifying the killer. But I also like to think of it as a challenge that I’m setting for the reader. All the clues are there in plain sight, so can YOU solve the mystery?
Did you plot Death And The Conjuror in advance, or fly by the seat of your pants and write freely?
A combination of the two, really. I had a plot outline- which was necessary because of the elaborate nature of the story- but I had a lot of fun writing fairly freely within that established framework.
Did you get support with editing, and how much editing did Death And The Conjuror need?
Otto Penzler, who runs the US publisher Mysterious Press, provided several developmental edits which were invaluable to me. It’s a book with a complex plot, so it definitely benefited from his guidance to help the reader get the most out of it.
What is the first piece of writing advice you would give to anyone inspired to write a story?
Get the whole thing written from beginning to end. It’s so easy to get discouraged when you are drafting something and it doesn’t turn out perfect first time, but of course that’s natural. So write the story, and worry about tidying it up later.
Can you give me a hint about any further books you’re planning to write?
I can do better than that, I can tell you that the follow-up to Death and the Conjuror is coming soon, and that it’s called The Murder Wheel. Once again, Joseph Spector and George Flint find themselves embroiled in a bizarre series of impossible crimes.
And, finally, are your proud of your accomplishment? Was it worth the effort?
Absolutely, it’s the culmination of a lot of hard work, so I’m delighted that the book is finally out there and that it’s generated such a positive response already! I really hope it continues to find readers.
Pop all your book, website and social media links here so the readers can find you:
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On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment magazine in the UK“, Joan, an acclaimed alt-pop duo, has announced a 20-date headlining U.S. tour that will begin on May 13 to promote their much-anticipated debut album, Superglue.
Nervous
Joan has released a music video for their most recent single, Nervous from their 12-track full-length album, which took more than three years to make. The album, Superglue, is an existential journey that was influenced by the couple’s recent transition into fatherhood.
Nervous, takes listeners back to their own childhood memories of having their first crush in the school yard. This kind of love elicits a wide range of strong feelings, and in Nervous, Joan brilliantly portrays the thrilling yet unsettling state of intoxication. Honey-dipped vocals over a unique kaleidoscope of sounds, including beatboxing, clapping, and melancholy acoustic guitars, lure listeners into the sentimental and nostalgic single. Joan sings in the video that goes with it, set against a bright backdrop of neon pink, blue, and green.
The band said that they wrote this song with Nashville’s lovely Emily Falvey and Nightly’s Jonathan Capeci. They all instantly clicked with each other when they entered the room. They wanted to get as close as possible to the feeling of a love story like one from a school, where you want to be with them all the time but also feel like you’re going to vomit because you’re so… nervous and don’t want to say the wrong thing. They hope that this song takes you back to that cool and distinct feeling.
Joan
Joan
The duo from Little Rock, Arkansas, is known for making expansive pop music in their bedrooms in the deepest part of Middle America. With over 120 million streams and sold-out shows worldwide, including headlining 15,000-plus capacity venues in Asia, their infectious blend of pop eras, DIY, self-sustaining aesthetic, and deep connection with their fanbase has led to international success.
Alan Benjamin Thomas and Steven Rutherford’s Joan have worked hard over the past few years to build their world one tour at a time, single by single; from their debut EP in 2019, Portra, to their much-loved Cloudy and Partially Cloudy EPs in 2021. Over 160 million times, their songs have been streamed, with well over a million listeners per month on streaming platforms.
Joan has supported Jeremy Zucker, COIN, Bloc Party, and The Aces on tours in the United States and around the world. They have also played headline shows and festivals in the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, and Hong Kong for fans in Asia. They are returning to Asia for their biggest shows yet, which include dates at a basketball arena and a theme park.
Despite their roots in Little Rock, Arkansas, joan’s infectious mix of pop eras and styles gives their music a sense of belonging that is often lacking in other music. This sentiment extends to their fanbase, which they interact with through a successful Patreon page and free meet-and-greets at each show. The band’s debut album will be released in 2023, and they will also be performing at festivals and touring around the world.
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On The Table Read Magazine, “the best book magazine in the UK“, the most recent collaborative work from author Mother and PR Alchemist Sarah Lloyd, Wake Up Mother, is out now from The Unbound Press.
Wake Up Mother
Wake Up Mother is nourishing treatment for your inner mother. Regardless of what you choose to mother or how you choose to mother, you have a vast, untapped, and fertile field of Mother energy that just needs to be honored.
Wake Up Mother
14 powerful women collaborated on this new book to share their unique perspectives on the journey to Mother.
Wake Up Mother aims to celebrate everything that is born in the cosmic womb of creation by shedding light on the Mother’s wounds and shadows. the generations to come, our businesses, the places we occupy, our communities, and the concepts, goods, and services we develop. Our coming together is a way to honor the circle, the way creation and Mother are woven together.
In addition to being a marvel of storytelling, the book also provides guidance, advice, prompts, and exercises that will assist you in reclaiming your inherent nurturing, ripening, blooming, and birthing creatrix power. Wake Up Mother is a must-have for any woman embarking on a conscious homecoming to the Mother inside, lovingly held by the Unbound Press and available for purchase from February 2023. It is a collective acknowledgement of love for the Mother.
Sarah Lloyd
Sarah Lloyd, the curator of the book, said that since there is no guidebook on how to be a mother, all we have is the chance to learn from the shared and varied experiences of our own sisters and the sisters who came before us. In the form of a book, Wake Up Mother is a gathering, a holding of space, and a sharing of strong, feminine energy.
Sarah Lloyd
In order to assist you in highlighting the unseen Mother that you are, the women who felt called to participate in this project weave together tales of their fascinating, emotional, and triumphant rites of passage through pain and toward healing.
Through her communications company IndigoSoulPR, Sarah, an intuitive, angel communicator, and Reiki Master, helps women in business share their stories.
Aimee is a lightworker who serves women with love and supports them through all phases of womanhood so that they can feel calm, strong, and confident while also bringing lightness into their own realms.
Courage & Chamomile, Emma’s transformational coaching business, empowers mothers. She also writes, teaches mindfulness, uses NLP, and specializes in learning.
Carrie is a yoga instructor, poet, and program developer who has a passion for inspiring, supporting, and assisting others in overcoming traumatic experiences.
Jennifer is a speaker, leader’s coach, mentor, and independent celebrant. Additionally, she is the author of Wild Egg, a narrative about a single woman’s search for a child-free life.
Clara is a writer, broadcaster, and teacher of Elemental Qigong. She encourages people to tune in, turn on, and drop into their Qi for a life that is balanced, buoyant, and abundant.
Debra is the author of Rosa’s Choice, an energy healer, channel, and medium. repairing the mother’s wounds
The Unbound Press
Author, writing coach, and radio host Nicola Humber established the heart-led publishing imprint for unbound souls known as The Unbound Press. Nicola started the Unbound Press to help women write the book that their Unbound Self is calling them to write and to build a community of soul-family readers and customers at the same time.
Donate to support The Table Read Magazine We strive to keep The Table Read free for both our readers and our contributors. If you have enjoyed our work, please consider donating to help keep The Table Read going!
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