previous project :

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/7623367.stm

The BBC link, for those who have asked me.

:¬)

More info on the book!

The purpose of this book:

This is two-fold: although it feels good to have some work in print, the main aim of ‘At Home with Words’ is to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

How did the book come about?

While studying Creative Writing with the Open University, I was impressed by the level of writing of her fellow students, by their choice of words, by the range of themes; the work was too good to be tucked away in a folder. The idea to ask other students for a piece of their writing to collate into a book was a fairly obvious one.

How were the stories selected?

The request was for people to send stories and poems on any neutral or happy theme, as although the book is to benefit cancer sufferers, it is not about cancer.

For the layout of the book there were various options. In the end the decision was to place the stories and poems alphabetically by title. This gave a varied contents in style and theme.

Has Esther published a book before?

The short answer is ‘no’, but in 2009 I published a calendar to raise money for Cancer Research UK. This featured 12 cancer survivors who were body painted in colourful, tasteful and original designs by Carolyn Roper, twice world body painting champion, photographed by two professional photographers. This project caught the imagination of local radio and television, as well as newspapers’, and resulted in a cheque for over £20 000 for Cancer Research UK.

Who are the other writers?

All writers for this compilation have just recently finished the Open University’s Creative Writing course – except one, who has just started on the course. They were all highly motivated to help raise funds: everybody seems to know somebody who has been affected by cancer, directly or indirectly.

Who else has been involved?

Leaders, the country's largest independent lettings specialist, has kindly agreed to sponsor the project. This considerably helps with the costs.

Why raise money for Cancer Research UK?

I was treated for breast cancer in 2007, my husband was diagnosed with skin cancer a year later. Bad luck, but such a diagnosis does not necessarily mean the end of the line, thanks to continually improving treatments. We're both very motivated to help fund further research to help others and the next generation.

What is Cancer Research UK?

Cancer Research UK is the world’s largest independent institution doing research into causes of and cures for cancer. In addition to this, they offer a wealth of advice and support to patients and their loved ones.  Cancer Research UK is largely funded through voluntary donations, and so individual fundraising projects are essential. See www.CancerResearchUK.org for detailed information.

How much do we plan to raise?

We hope to raise £4000, but we’d be delighted to go for a re-print and raise considerably more!

Please tell your friends and buy a book!

How does one buy a book?

You can order your copy through:

The contributors,

Any branch of Leaders the Letting Agents,

Contacting anothergoodstory@aol.com ,

Good bookshops, quoting ISBN 9780956659309

Or by sending your order and cheque for £10 per book to

Esther Clark, Cancer Research UK, 3^rd Floor Point North, North Street, Horsham, RH12 1GX. Please make your cheques payable to PEPERI.

The book is ready!

It looks so good, the book, the combined effort of 36 people! Stories to make you smile, poems to make you ponder, and illustrations at just the right places..... I hope to understand the mysteries of blogging soon, after which I hope to place a few passages on these pages. Before then, do contact me about how to buy your own copy!