NEW LETHBRIDGE-STEWART SITE LAUNCHED

Written by 

Keren Williams

Award-winning independent publisher Candy Jar Books is pleased to announce that the world of Lethbridge-Stewart is getting BIGGER, with the launch of its brand new website just for fans!

Website designer at North East Design Consultants, Richard Young, says: “Creating a website for Candy Jar is one of the most enjoyable projects I have ever been involved with. There are so many different elements to the site. It’s something you can easily get lost in and thoroughly enjoy exploring.” 

Candy Jar’s Publishing Coordinator, Lauren Thomas, said: “With the fifth Lethbridge-Stewart season due soon, Richard has managed to create a website which celebrates our beloved Brigadier. The site contains interviews, forums, and never-before-seen material, and the chance to sign up to a newsletter and download a variety of free stories.”

Constant updates on the upcoming books in the series will be added as the site develops. Alongside this, information about The Lucy Wilson Mysteries, a separate series about the Brigadier’s granddaughter, is also available.

Editorial Co-ordinator, Will Rees, says: “Since we launched the books we’ve had lots of questions and comments from fans about the Brigadier’s time in Doctor Who, as well as our novels. We wanted this site to keep readers completely up-to-date with every aspect of the series, explore the mythology of the Brig, and act as a news portal for new releases.”

The Lethbridge-Stewart novels are set just after the Doctor Who serial, The Web of Fear and feature the characters and concepts created by Mervyn Haisman and Henry Lincoln. Lethbridge-Stewart is one of Doctor Who’s longest running characters, and is better known to Doctor Who fans as the Brigadier. Between 1968 and 2008 he was played by the late Nicholas Courtney, whose death was paid tribute to in popular series finale, The Wedding of River Song. Head of publishing, Shaun Russell, says: “With the fiftieth anniversary approaching we wanted to do something special for the fans. This website collects together everything you need to know about the Brigadier and we plan to add much more content as the months roll by.”

To celebrate the launch of the website, Candy Jar Books is offering readers a chance to win a one-of-a-kind Lethbridge-Stewart original painting created by Richard Young. To enter the competition, just visit the new website and enter Candy’s Jar poll to vote for your favourite book, short story and cover design, and then you will automatically be entered into the prize draw.

The website address is www.lethbridgestewart.co.uk

For more information please contact shaun@candyjarbooks.co.uk

02921 157202

The House on March Lane - book launch & competition time!

Last Tuesday our author Michelle Briscombe launched her latest children's book The House on March Lane. The evening was held at Porthkerry County Park, Barry in the beatiful lodge cabin. We were lucky enough to be invited, and here are a few snaps!


Here's our head of publishing Shaun with the lovely Michelle Briscombe:

We had to have a group picture in the sunset... with the Porthkerry Miner:

 There was even a gorgeous giant book cake...

...which didn't exactly last long. Has a children's book ever looked tastier?

All in all we had a great time! Thanks to Michelle for inviting us to spend an evening with your lovely family and friends!

In celebration of the release of The House on March Lane, we've teamed up with Primary Times in a competition exclusively for Newsletter Subscribers!

Entry is through the Primary Times website. You need to answer just one little question:

In The House on March Lane, which two characters become involved in a dangerous secret?

Just click the card below and enter the competition!

Competition! Make a Visit to The House on March Lane

Newsletter Subscribers Exclusive* In 1836, Harriet's papa, a ship's officer on HMS Beagle, returns from a long journey at sea. On his arrival home, Harriet and her friend Lily become involved in a dangerous secret with tragic consequences. Almost two centuries later, Flora's best friend Archie experiences a ghostly encounter at her dad's reclamation and salvage yard.

Primary Times are giving away 8 copies to the lucky winners, but if you miss out, The House on March Lane is out now and available to purchase from www.candyjarbooks.co.uk RRP £6.99.

Order yours today - limited signed copies available!!

 

The House on March Lane by Michelle Briscombe - Candy Jar Books

Michelle enjoys walking and often takes walking holidays with her family who all have a keen interest in the natural world. The idea for this story came from her son's interest in birds of prey when he was very young.

Primary Times Review and Competition: Amulet

The lovely people at Primary Times have given Alison Thomas's debut book Amulet a read - and a sparkling review as well!

"Amulet is a valuable reading resource for individuals, families, professionals, carers and schools. Throughout the book Dion talks about his autism and explains the ways in which he copes with daily challenges."

As always, we appreciate the time taken to read and review any book, so a big thank you to Primary Times. This is yet another fabulous recommendation for Amulet, sitting proudly alongside the glowing review given by none other than Anna Kennedy OBE Autism Ambassador: 

"Amulet is a delightful story... On one level the reader is taken through a beautiful fantasy world which is a product of the children's imagination. On another level it intelligently highlights the difficulties presented by the real world to a child on the autism spectrum. The reader is shown how the child on the autism spectrum can be guided through life such that he becomes a full participant. I have no hesitation in recommending this book."

We're so pleased that people are enjoying Amulet just as much as we do, keep reading everybody and let us know what you think!

In other news... Primary Times are also hosting a great competition for the book! There are five signed First Edition copies of Amulet up for grabs, and one of them could be yours (you lucky thing you!)

All you have to do is click here and answer the question: 

What is the name of the boy in the story?

A. Dion

B. Dave

C. Dan

The competition closes Sunday 28th February and you can enter online, via email, Facebook or post!

Amulet is out now and available as paperback and Kindle e-book. 

RRP: £6.99

ISBN: 978-0993322167

@PrimaryTimes

@Candy_Jar

@AlisonTomAmulet

Author Update: Nathan Wyburn

Happy New Year!

Here at Candy Jar we're well in to January now, and the memories of Christmas and New Year's parties are fading fast...  But that doesn't mean it's all stopped now!

Nobody's taking 2016 by storm quite as much as our author Nathan Wyburn; here's what he's been up to so far.

Alongside his trusty partner in crime Wayne Courtney, Nathan hosted the charity concert held by the amazing organisation Prince's Trust Cymru, a great charity which helps to get young people in Wales into education and training. The line-up included great acts including The Voice's Stephanie Webber and Ragsy, X Factor's Helen Fulthorpe.

Wyburn and Wayne are huge supporters of The Prince's Trust Cymru, and they have started their own fundraising initiative for the organisation via JustGiving.

People who donate to their cause will be entered to a prize draw and be in with a chance to win:

• Official Coca Cola Rugby World Cup 2015 rugby ball
• 2 x Tickets to The Prince's Trust Cymru 2016, hosted by Wayne and Nathan in Cardiff
• Bespoke and original mud portrait of a rugby player of your choice, created by renowned artist Nathan Wyburn
• The official signed rugby ball thrown by many Welsh celebrities in the Wyburn & Wayne "Bread of Heaven" video

The competition closes on November 1st 2016, so there's plenty of time for you to donate as much or as little as you are able, and the winner will be chosen at random on that date. Good luck!

Donate here

Following the success of Nathan's Not That Kind of Art book launch at Cameo Club, the venue has commissioned even more of the Welsh artwork. 

Nathan's portraits of Welsh celebrities Tom Jones and Ruth Jones have been a huge hit at the Club's Wellfield Road venue, and there are three more to come in the refurbishment of Cameo Club's Pontcanna location.

The first of trio has been released; an incredibly apt representation of the iconic Welsh poet Dylan Thomas, painted using writing ink on a background of Thomas' Under Milk Wood. 

Look out for the next images, and head down to Cameo Club to check out Nathan's artwork in person*

This week, Nathan has also created a beautiful and fitting tribute to the icon and inspiration David Bowie, who sadly passed away on Monday. 

In typical Wyburn fashion, Nathan has demonstrated the impact of Bowie's legacy of inspiring creativity in others, by recreating the well-known David Bowie image using stage make-up.

Nathan, who began his tribute to the star almost as soon as he heard the tragic news, said: "The work I do lends itself to icons like him, and I felt like as an artist it was my duty to make this."

David Bowie's music and legacy will continue to live on, and will inspire many more people for years to come.

Check back in with the Candy Jar Blog to see what we and our authors have been up to, and follow us on Twitter too!

(Photo credit: @CameoWellfield)

@Candy_Jar
@Jelly_BeanUK

@NathanWyburnArt

@PrincesTrustWal

@CameoCardiff / @CameoWellfield
@CardiffTimes

Keep up with Nathan on Facebook and YouTube, and be sure to read his Cardiff Times column

*Cameo Club, Pontcanna, is currently closed for refurbishment and re-open for business January 25th. Head over then!

COMPETITION TIME

To celebrate the release of Griff Rowland's new book The Search for Mister Lloyd, we are launching a new competition; #FindMyPigeon. The aim of the game is to figure out at which famous UK landmark Mister Lloyd the pigeon is hiding. Each week Mister Lloyd will be hiding in a different location, and clues giving more information will be released each day to help you figure out where he is.

To enter on Twitter, retweet & reply with your guess including the hashtag #FindMyPigeon, or Like, Share and Comment on Facebook to tell us where you think Mister Lloyd is hiding.*

If you guess right we'll enter you in to our prize draw to win a FREE copy of The Search For Mister Lloyd. 

**Remember: enter on Facebook and Twitter to be entered twice to draw!!**

Click here to get your copy of the book!

Happy searching!

*T&Cs: 
Entrants must like and share on Facebook, or retweet on Twitter, to qualify for entry to the competition. 
One winner will be chosen at the close of the competition week, and will be contacted directly.
Entry closes 4pm Friday, and the competition will re-open with a new landmark the following Monday.

SOUTH WALES SHORT STORY COMPETITION RETURNS!

After the success of the South Wales Short Story Competition in 2012, Candy Jar Books is once again offering aspiring writers the chance to have their work published for the very first time. This year the publisher has teamed up with Cardiff Libraries to make the event even bigger and better!

In 2012 the winning entry was awarded to Laura Foakes for her story The Countess and the Mole Man. Since then Laura has been working closely with Candy Jar and in July Laura's debut novel for children The Liars' and Fibbers' Academy will be released.

Laura said: "I entered the South Wales Short Story Competition at the last minute (with an old story) never thinking I would win. When I was asked for further passages of my book I swear I floated home and the train had nothing to do with it. I write every day and also attend two local writing groups for inspiration, motivation and fun. I'm passionate about getting children to read for sheer enjoyment, and still pinch myself most mornings that Candy Jar has given me the opportunity to be published."

Laura Foakes with the 2012 winning entry, The Countess and the Mole Man

Shaun Russell, head of publishing at the Cardiff-based publishing company, said: "Since 2012 we've had a number of success stories at Candy Jar, with one of our books even winning the People's Book Prize. We are extremely committed to encouraging new talent and hope the public will take the time to participate."

The South Wales Short Story Competition is currently accepting submissions. Entrants are permitted to submit up to two short stories and these can be a maximum of three thousand words. The competition is open to all unpublished writers.

Hayley Cox, senior publishing coordinator at Candy Jar, believes that short stories are an excellent way for writers to perfect their craft. She said: "The discipline and imagination required for creating and structuring a good short story is excellent practice for an aspiring writer. The experience winning writers will gain will be invaluable in preparing them for future publication."

All submissions must be received by 5pm on Saturday 16th August 2014. The competition is £2 to enter. The winner will get a Kindle Fire, and all shortlisted entries will be published in an anthology.

Entries can be sent via the website: Candy Jar Short Story Competition

Alternatively, they can also be posted to: Candy Jar Books, 113-115 Bute Street, Cardiff, CF10 5EQ.

Like and share our Facebook Page

ONE WOMAN'S WAR AND THE PEOPLE'S BOOK PRIZE - VIDEO

In May this year, Candy Jar author Eileen Younghusband was thrilled to learn that her book 'One Woman's War' won the People's Book Prize for non-fiction.

One Woman’s War is a personal account of war as a member of the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) and gives a unique insight into life in the top secret filter rooms of World War Two.

Eileen was overjoyed in receiving the prize – attending the award ceremony at Stationer's Hall in London. She said: “I would like to thank everybody for voting for me. I am delighted. However, I do feel some of the recognition must go to the small band of women who went to war and contributed to victory in the Filter Rooms of RAF Fighter Command in the defence of Britain. I dedicate this award to all of them.”

You can watch a video interview with Eileen here:

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The People’s Book Prize is a literary competition open to all published authors and judged solely by the general public. The annual event presented its first awards in 2010 following the death of its founding patron Dame Beryl Bainbridge DBE.

One Woman's War by Eileen Younghusband is available as a paperback priced £8.99. A DVD version, featuring historical footage from WW2, can also be bought from Candy Jar Books.

www.onewomanswar.co.uk

www.candyjarbooks.co.uk

AND THE WINNER IS...

Caleb Woodbridge! 

Congratulations to Caleb who entered our most recent prize draw by signing up to the Candy Jar Newsletter before the 1st November. The winner was announced on Thursday after being chosen at random from the list of eligible subscribers. We have sent Caleb a number of our titles including an exclusive pre-release copy of Silent Mountain as well as a drinks voucher for use in Entrecôte Café De Paris, Cardiff Bay as an extra special treat. Enjoy!

To learn more about the Cardiff-based book publisher visit www.candyjarbooks.co.uk
 

VOTE FOR ONE WOMAN'S WAR AND KANGAZANG IN THE PEOPLE'S BOOK PRIZE!

Candy Jar Books is proud to announce that two of its books have been nominated for a People's Book Prize!

Founded by best-selling author Dame Beryl Bainbridge, The People's Book Prize is a national competition aimed at finding, supporting and promoting new and undiscovered works: a truly democratic book prize with no panel of judges but decided exclusively by the public.

One Woman's War by Eileen Younghusband has been nominated in the Non-Fiction category and Kangazang! Star Stuff by Terry Cooper has been nominated in the Fiction category.

We need your votes! Please visit the People's Book Prize website to vote for Candy Jar's books:

Vote for One Woman's War
Vote for Kangazang! Star Stuff


Candy Jar Books

ANIMATED SHORT 'TARNATION' ENTERED INTO VIRGIN SHORTS COMPETITION

Kangazang! author Terry Cooper has leant his vocal and artistic talents to a new animated short entered into the Virgin Shorts competition.

'Tarnation' is a short story about a mischievous squirrel and his cruel gold prospector boss.

You can watch Tarnation here.