Tales on Trent: They came to a city
Organiser Claire Birkin enthuses over the multi-genre book signing event taking place in Stoke-on-Trent next month
THERE'S nothing like a little enthusiasm to brighten the day.
Ask Claire Birkin about the Tales on Trent book signing event this coming Autumn, and it shines through like summer sunshine. That's no bad thing for a book event; life too, for that matter.
The event is taking place on Saturday, 2 September 2023 at the King's Hall, close to the Civic Centre, in Stoke-on-Trent (details below).
Nearly 70 authors are booked to attend. Between them they present a veritable smorgasbord of genre: There are writers of romance, crime, horror, science fiction, thriller, young adult, fantasy and more, so there's plenty for readers to sink their eye-teeth into.
For Claire, it's fair to say, Tales on Trent is very much a passion project; she calls it a “labour of love”.
The gathering encapsulates three aspects that are close to her heart: books, people – readers and authors alike – and Claire's pride of place in her home city of Stoke-on-Trent.
“My home city sometimes gets a rough ride, but I honestly believe Stoke-on-Trent has some of the most amazing people around,” she said. “We are such a kind and friendly city and the chance to bring people here from other places is wonderful.”
Civic pride is one thing; the universalism of literature's love is another.
“I have always had a passion for reading and for discovering new authors,” she added. “To spend the day with like-minded people is an absolute pleasure. I have met some wonderful humans in the author and reader world, and cannot imagine life without some of them now.”
Seeds of serendipity
Claire is also a writer – she is working on two novels – but she describes herself as “first and foremost a reader”.
By day, she was a legal secretary for over 20 years, but two years ago she was “lucky enough” to land a job as a librarian at the City Central Library in the city centre (Hanley).
“I absolutely love every moment of it,” she said. “Library life is amazing – not at all how people imagine it to be – and I feel proud to be part of such a wonderful service.”
Clearly, it's part of Tales on Trent's origin story, then, but the idea was really seeded – Claire says “planted and grew” – through her activities with a local mental health charity.
She runs a book group every week called Tales on Tuesdays for Changes. Each session features a visiting author who chats with the group about themselves and their writing. It proved inspirational for all concerned, as Claire explained.
“So many of them [taking part] stated how they enjoyed the in-person events, and the chance to chat to other writers and to meet readers. We would often discuss how much fun these days were,” she said.
From these discussions, the idea of holding a larger event in Stoke-on-Trent took hold. Claire went online to gauge interest – “not really expecting much of a response” – and was overwhelmed by the positive reception.
The first Tales on Trent event duly took place last year at The Best Western Hotel in Hanley; it went down a treat, and Claire quickly found herself facing requests for a follow-up event.
“The only downside to the hotel event was that the authors were in various rooms,” she said.
“Some of the smaller rooms, I felt, didn't get as much attention as the larger one, so I set about looking at alternative venues.
“The King's Hall was chosen as not only is it a lovely old building, but all our authors can be in the same hall.”
Human touch
In a very real sense, Tales on Trent is back by popular demand. Interest proved strong. Indeed, it was oversubscribed, with more than 125 authors looking to get involved; far more than could be accommodated.
“One of the hardest things was having to let so many people know that the event was full,” she said. “I would happily celebrate everyone, but am constricted by the size of the venue. Also it would be super-hard for people to get round and speak to that many authors.”
That, in essence, is what the event is all about, bringing people together to share their love of literature, and give authors a much-needed boost.
“I hope to give authors who may not yet have large numbers of followers and sales a chance to reach new readers, and also make contacts in the book world to support them,” Claire said.
“I find these events are a wonderful opportunity for authors to meet each other, and new readers, in a relaxed environment. Of course, I also want readers to discover new things they may not otherwise have seen – and the chance to try new things.
“Scrolling through Amazon you often see the same suggestions, but at an event like [Tales on Trent], something new and fresh can catch your eye.”
For any author, being seen by potential readers is a must; something increasingly difficult to realise in this age of algorithmically curated gatekeepers. The chance to make a human connection is paramount.
As Claire said: “I'm a firm believer in the idea that once a reader meets an author, chats to them, and leaves feeling that they like that author as a person, then they are more likely to support the author and become devoted readers.
“It all matters. I have always been passionate about the joy that authors bring into our lives. That personal touch really does make a difference.”
On the day, as mentioned, Tales on Trent will bring nearly 70 authors together to chat with the reading public. They'll 'talk shop', share their enthusiasm for the written word, sign books, and generally shoot the breeze.
Tales on Trent will also feature a series of panel events (see below), a small selection of vendors, such as the Fae Candle Co, and the opportunity to take part in a prize raffle. There'll be a free social at The Glebe pub in the evening, too; attached to the venue.
Charity on page
Profits raised from ticket sales and the raffle will go towards two charities close to Claire's heart: Changes Health & Wellbeing, a mental health organisation; and the Douglas Macmillan Hospice, known locally as the Dougie Mac.
“I've seen first hand the good work that Changes does, and the difference it make to people's lives,” Claire said. “I trained with them to become a coordinator for their adult peer-support meetings, and I also run their Tales on Tuesday social event.
“I have met many whose lives have been changed for the better because of Changes, so choosing them as a charity to support was an easy decision.
“Dougie Mac is a much-loved local charity who again do wonderful work for the people of Stoke-on-Trent. The hospice provides support for adults and young people with life-limiting conditions. I have always personally supported the Dougie Mac, and was more than happy to do so at the event.”
Team play
Tales on Trent undoubtedly involves a lot of hard work behind the scenes; a 'burden' Claire is fortunate enough to bear with the support of an equally committed team of volunteers, including her daughter, her mum, and members of her Tales on Tuesday group.
Mention goes to Lisa Shardlow, who handles graphics and publicity; Donna Morfett, who hosts the panels and will be interviewing some of the authors; and best friend, Hayley Bibbey, who helps with venues and organisation.
“At the last event I had an amazing team of volunteers on the day,” Claire said.
“They ran around helping the authors set up their tables and banners, helped to make tea and coffees for everyone, and dealt with the raffle.
“They had a lot of compliments from attending authors last time, and the same team will be there again [in September].”
Claire indicates she can't wait to see familiar faces, meet new people, and forge fresh memories alongside all those attending or visiting. But after a busy day at the event, it is surely fair to say she'll also be glad to put her feet up, have a well-earned drink, and enjoy a convivial chat during the aftermath social.
“I am looking forward to the laughter that is always present at an event like this; the hugs and the interesting chats,” she said.
“One of the biggest set of comments I had about the last Tales on Trent was about how warm, inclusive, and friendly it was. I look forward to the same again. I just want everyone to have a pleasant day.”
Cheers to that.
Details
Tales on Trent Book Signing Event
When: Saturday, 2 September 2023 | 10:30am to 4:30pm
Where: The King's Hall, Kingsway, Stoke, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 1JH
Tickets: £5 (free entry for under-16s)
Profits from tickets and raffle go to support charities Changes Health & Wellbeing and The Douglas Macmillan Hospice.
Tickets HERE.
Quick words
Three authors comment on why they are attending Tales on Trent...
D G Torrens writes romantic suspense and is the author of On for Sorrow (Survivor Series Book 1)
“[The] Tales on Trent multi-author book signing event, organised by the lovely Claire Birkin, is one signing event that I would not miss.
“The event is well organised and the attention to detail for attending authors is well thought through. The organiser goes to great lengths to ensure the authors and readers are well taken care of throughout the day.
“The event runs author panels, Q&As as well, and this gives readers a chance to get to know the authors and learn about their writing process. It is a wonderful way for readers and authors to connect.”
Martin Tracey writes in the musical thriller genre, and he is the author of Club 27.
“I'm delighted to be attending Tales on Trent for the second time. The signing epitomises the friendly and 'salt of the earth' vibe that the people and city of Stoke-on-Trent generates.
“Claire and her team do a wonderful job of organising and putting on a great show. There are few better places to connect with authors and readers!”
Jon Richter writes various kinds of dark fiction, including crime thrillers, techno-thrillers, cyberpunk, and fantasy. Appropriately, his latest book is called DARK FICTION (an anthology of short horror stories).
“I attended the festival in 2022 as a writer who had never before participated in an event like this. So it was with some trepidation that I tiptoed into the venue, sliding behind my sparsely-decorated stall, as I glanced in awe at the gaudily-bedecked and alluring stands that surrounded me... how would I compete with such marketing masters?
“Would I be chewed up and spat out by the discerning public, or by the cut-throat tactics of my rival authors? Would I commit some horrendous blunder of writerly etiquette and find myself tossed out into the cold streets of Stoke?
“I needn't have worried. The event was absolutely fantastic, and meeting loads of other writers, readers and fiction enthusiasts was a flippin' joy. I could have happily stayed for many more days just chatting to people, and was honoured to be able to sell and sign a few books too.
“When the chance to return in 2023 came up, I snatched organiser extraordinaire Claire's hand off (not literally – dismemberment is an outcome reserved solely for characters in my books). [I] can't wait to chat to more of the attendees, and see what cool stuff is on sale.
“Really looking forward to meeting some of you there!”
Panel Sessions
Panel One, 11:00am
Magical, Mythical Masters
Featuring fantasy, myth and legends authors: T L Campbell; Nikita Rogers; Martin Ferguson; E C Hibbs
Panel Two, 11:40am
In Conversation with Special Guest, Leigh Russell
Panel Three, 1:00pm
Poisoned Pens
Featuring crime writers: Liz Mistry; Wes Markin; Diane Saxon; Chris Turnbull; Jane Badrock
Panel Four, 1:45pm
Lessons in Love
Featuring romance authors: H A Robinson; Elle M Thomas; Hannah Lynn; K M Harding
Panel Five, 2:30pm
Chills & Thrills
Featuring horror writers Dave Jeffrey; David McCaffrey; Carrie Weston; Steve Moor
Panel Six, 3:30pm
All Sorts
Featuring authors from different genres: L M Morgan; Jon Richter; Guy Gardner; Graeme Cummings
MC
Disclosure for transparency: Mark Cantrell is also an attending author, and will be there on the day with his novels Citizen Zero, and Silas Morlock.