Much disappointment and disillusionment is going on here. We have just received the news that we cannot once more reconstruct our Welsh Books Council stand mini-fest. What a calamity, we all enjoyed it so much last year (even the people who got a tad sunburnt because they were so gripped our fantastic authors that they forgot all about their factor 300). Apparently the powers that be chez Hay have declared, in their wisdom (!!) that only authors already appearing on the main stages can read elsewhere in the festival. Our mission to publish and promote new authors is completely flummoxed by this ruling. Doesn’t seem quite right to us that you can only be famous if you are already famous.
We are considering a minor revolution and may have to set up camp in the car park and read from there until security chuck us off, and send for the police, at which point we can do readings from the local nick. Any authors interested in in-cell performance?
If by some lucky chance you are already famous and reading on the main stage and also published by us – yay- you don’t need us anymore. Or please get in touch and you can support us supporting new writers.
Ceci.
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8 comments:
What a lousy ruling!
Actually writing to some of the famous writers taking part - whether they've been published by Leaf or not - to ask for their support is not a bad idea. After all, they were new writers once.
quillers has a good idea there.
How disappointing for you and how unreasonable of Hay.
I have been watching a few festivals over the years and have been dismayed at the number of 'names' they promote. Journalists, politicians etc.
New writers need somewhere to show what they can do.
Whatever you decide to do ... I wish you luck.
Oh, how very elitist.
Yes, seems very unfair and short-sighted. I hope things go well for you whatever you decide.
Have you approached any of the book stores, pubs or such-like to ask if they'll host your readings? People are always wandering around, away from the main events. You need your 'Apprentice' hats on!
A.S.
That's truly pathetic of Hay to do that. I'm going to the festival for the first time this year, and am sorely disappointed not to by meeting Leaf-ers and other wonderful Welsh Book people there. If I'd known, I would have boycotted! What interest are famous people? It's the not-yet-famous that are doing the really interesting stuff, eh?
Do you pitch your authors to the festival? It seems to me that a number of small Welsh presses are represented already. I worked there a few years ago and found they love finding new authors. Two of us spent two months reading manuscripts, some of which get promoted. The point of festivals is that someone's made a selection of artists to promote. Try emailing Peter Florence off the Hay website next year. HW
it seems to be another case of "those that have, shall have..." and a little guerilla warfare seems highly appropriate to get those up and coming writers seen and heard. May I wish you best of luck in finding a venue that will support your guerilla shows. JWR
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