Black Country charmer
There are challenges for anyone attempting to capture the voice of a community that helped to mould a childhood. Many fall at the first hurdle but author Anthony Cartwright in his debut novel the Afterglow has painted a vivid picture of life in the 90s for working class families living in the Black Country. Annie Roberts discovers how a writer turns ordinary conversations into captivating chapters. more
The Life of Brian
Former hostage Brian Keenan reveals why a series of coincidences made the research trip across Alaska for his new book a spiritual as well as physical journey. more
Mariana, by Tennyson
Julie Boden explains why she has selected Tennyson's work as one of her favourite poems:"I love Tennyson's 'Mariana' because it works on the eye and on the ear. It sings to the heart to take you on its journey. It does not say, "Look at me, see how clever I am," but the haunting assonance of lines such as, ' "I am aweary, aweary, I would that I were dead!"' echo within us. more
Poetry in motion for Symphony Hall's Julie
The Symphony Hall now has its own poet - Julie Boden. Her challenge during the two-year residency is to stimulate and simply entertain the thousands of people who are involved at the internationally-renowned venue. The task would leave many creative people lost for words. For Julie it has been a source of inspiration. more
