New Writers for 2013

Look out for the first novel, Wine Dark, Sea Blue, from London writer Andrea Michael

Arts graduate of a recession generation, Ellie Kazakis has a lot of problems. But finding an actual job is the least of them. There are the complications surrounding her grandmother's death, the secrets she seems to be keeping from everyone around her, and her own addiction to One Night Friendships- the only time she feels alive is when she knows she doesn't have to see those strangers ever again.

Wine Dark, Sea Blue is about being what people need you to be, and what happens when all those obligations start to blur. Do you keep the secrets, or do you break?

Your summer reading will be enlivened by a new book from Andrew Brown well known in the North East for his insightful writing about those in care homes and his anecdotes taken from growing up as a Vicar’s son.

Stairwell Books will also feature Steve Nash and Winston Plowes. Winston is a major poet in the North East and is an editor for the essential Write Out Loud web page.

This cover, designed by the artist Wendell Minor graces the front of a new book by Donna Marie Merritt. Wendell’s art has been featured on the covers of books by Pat Conroy, Barbara Delinsky, David McCullough, Nora Roberts, Jodi Picault and many more.

“Here we have an eye open to the world, that poem by poem brings that world into view for all to see, and to be nurtured by.”
       David Kherdian: Poet, Novelist, Memoirist; Author of Gatherings:
        Selected and Uncollected Writings (Tavnon Books, 2011)

“I get a marvellous sense of Merritt - I feel as if I know her.”
        Della Collins Cook.

“Donna Marie Merritt’s new collection begs to be read aloud—these poems are not just treats for the mind and heart, but for the tongue as well. There is an energetic tumbling of rhythm and rhyme, playful observations of nature, moments of deep comfort and passion, and the ongoing loving struggle of capturing feelings with words. Her House is filled with delicious morsels for the poetic palate.”
       Dave Morrison: Poet; Author of eight poetry collections, including Fail (2012)