Frome writers enjoyed the launch of a fascinating detective story when Silver Crow, the publishing imprint of Frome Writers’ Collective (FWC), celebrated its third birthday.
‘The Price of Silence’, by FWC member Nikki Copleston, was released in time for the party, which was held in Frome Town Hall, and was attended by over 40 members. Her book is Silver Crow‘s tenth launch for local authors.
Nikki says she began to write almost 30 years ago, and gained the confidence to publish, thanks to support from FWC. ‘The Price of Silence’ took seven drafts before she felt satisfied with her murder mystery and its main character, DI Jeff Lincoln. It’s so helpful to know you’re not alone as a writer,” she says.
Members were addressed by Tina Gaisford-Waller, the manager of Frome’s own independent bookshop, Winstone’s (which trades as Hunting Raven). She explained, “Local books matter to local people, there’s power in writing, and power in local publishing. When Michelle Obama’s memoir, ‘Me’, was top of the best sellers list nationally, Frome’s top sales came from a local book, ‘Frome Unzipped’ by Crysse Morrison. Crysse is a great promoter of Frome’s literary talent and she spoke of the town’s artisan history, now manifesting itself through writing.”
Frome Festival director, Martin Dimery, described how, during festival week, Frome can boast more literary events than most other, more famous arts festivals. This passion for books is reflected in the growing membership of Frome Writers’ Collective, now numbering well over 100, and in the success of Silver Crow.
Above: Frome Writers’ Collective members who have published books through Silver Crow. Left: Nikki Copleston with her book ‘The Price of Innocence’. Below left: Tina Gaisford-Waller manager of bookshop Winstone’s Hunting Raven.
