True stories from Devon’s past. Summer times with local author Liz Shakespeare

Well-known local author, Liz Shakespeare, is looking forward to a busy summer of book-signings. Liz specialises in researching true stories from Devon’s past and reviving them in engaging narratives. She will be attending a number of events this summer to sign copies of her books and to talk to members of the public.

‘The agricultural shows, festivals and markets I attend are wonderful showcases for Devon’s culture and community,’ Liz said. ‘I really enjoy the days out and the opportunities to meet readers.’

Liz, who lives in Littleham, has a long Devon ancestry which she feels has given her a good understanding of the county and its people. She has been writing for thirty-five years, and has written seven books set in Devon, bringing to life the stories she finds in old newspapers, on gravestones and in parish records.

‘I am working on my eighth book,’ Liz said, ‘but each book takes me three or four years to write because of the amount of research involved, so it will be a while before this one is ready for publication!’

Liz will be signing copies of her books at 

• Woolsery Food and Craft Market on 13th July
• Appledore Craft Fair on 19th July 
• Clovelly Maritime Festival on 20th July
• Mid Devon Show on 26th July 
• Launceston Show on 31st July
• Hartland Farmers’ Market on 3rd August
• North Devon Show on 6th August 
• Appledore Craft Fair on 9th August 
• Woolsery Food and Craft Market on 10th August 
• Okehampton Show on 14thAugust 
• Ashwater Show on 16th August 
• Chagford Show on 21st August
• Lustleigh Show on 25th August 
• Holsworthy Show on 28th August 
• Clovelly Crab and Lobster Festival on 31st August 
• Hatherleigh Summer Market on 6th September 
• Hartland Farmers’ Market on 7th September 
• Tedburn St Mary Fair on 13th September  
• Woolsery Food and Craft Market on 14th September

In addition, Liz will be signing books at the Westward Ho! Artisan Market on 22nd and 29th July, 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th and 30th August, and will be giving a talk at the Appledore Book Festival on 17th September.

Liz’s books are also available to order with free postage from www.lizshakespeare.co.uk

Books set in Devon by Liz Shakespeare

Author, Liz Shakspeare brings new life to old stories around Devon.

A North Devon author is having a very busy year. Since Liz Shakespeare published her seventh book The Ordeal of Miss Lucy Jones in April, she has been touring the county to sign copies of her new book and to give talks at literature festivals, historical societies and social groups. She specialises in bringing to life the stories she finds in old newspapers, on gravestones and in parish records - her most recent book, The Ordeal of Miss Lucy Jones, tells the true story of a nineteenth century Torrington scandal.

‘Sales have been very good,’ says Liz. ‘Many people like to read true stories set in Devon; I find that once people have read one of my books, they usually go on to read the other six.’

Despite attending many more events in the run-up to Christmas, Liz is already starting to research her next book. ‘Each book takes me 3-4 years to write,’ she says, ‘but readers are already asking me when the next one will be published!’

There are many more opportunities to meet Liz and buy a signed book as a present, or hear her speak about her research and writing. You can find her at the local events llisted below:

• 26th October at Appledore Craft Market
• 29th October at Westward Ho! Artisan Market
• 31st October at Bampton Fair
• 3rd November at Hartland Farmers’ Market
• 7th and 8th November at Butchers’ Hall, Tavistock
• 10th November at the Early Bird Market, Winkleigh
• 13th November a talk on The Ordeal of Miss Lucy Jones for Northam Library
• 16th and 17th November, book signing at Affinity Christmas Market
• 21st November at the Hospice Christmas Fair, Durrant Hotel
• 23rd November at Appledore Craft Market
• 28th November at 7pm, a talk on The Ordeal of Miss Lucy Jones for The Plough at St Anne’s, Barnstaple
• 30th November at Swimbridge Christmas Arts and Crafts Fair
• 1st December at South Molton Fatstock Show
• 6th December book signing at Butchers’ Hall, Tavistock for Dickensian Evening, 9am – 9pm
• 14th and 21st December, book signing at the Big Sheep
• 22nd December, 5-9 p.m at Hartland Farmers’ Market

Liz’s books can also be ordered post-free from her website www.lizshakespeare.co.uk