"My life has been enhanced by the opportunity to read these stories."
"If you only read the books that everyone else is reading, you can only think what everyone else is thinking" — Haruki Murakami
Good morning Scribblers!
How is your Summer reading list looking? For the writers and readers this newsletter is packed with opportunities and excellent reads, so let’s get into it.
This July, we launch short story collection ‘The Truth Has Arms and Legs’ (July 14th but shipping from FOTW now). A Waterstones Leadenhall Market Book of the Year: "Short stories that cover the whole gamut of emotions, each one like a perfect dish”
Reviewed by Linda Hill today in a review which (understandably!) made the author happy-cry: “short pieces of writing looking into the very heart and soul of humanity and the one book you MUST buy this year if you want to read a masterclass of affecting writing’ The Truth Has Arms And Legs is, quite simply, exquisite and my life has been enhanced by the opportunity to read these stories. This collection by Alice Fowler has gone straight onto my list of favourite reads this year and I pity anyone who doesn’t get the chance to read it.”
Delve into a world of change and reinvention.
Where relationships are as delicate as turtle eggs, and just as easily smashed.
This poignant short story collection explores the pivotal moments that transform our lives. Jenny, whose life is defined by small disasters, discovers a bigger, more generous version of herself. A traveller girl might just win her race and alter her life’s course. A widow, cut off in a riverside backwater, opens her heart to a stranger.
In this captivating collection by award-winning writer, Alice Fowler, readers will be moved by the raw vulnerability of human connection, and the resilience that allows us to grow and thrive in the face of hardship. In change, Fowler’s characters find the ability to be truly free.
In an interview with Sarah Hegarty, ex-journalist Alice Fowler said; "Writing about the past is a bit like writing a story set in a country you haven’t visited: you’re always checking details. But the rewards are great. If you can capture the ‘voice’ of a historical character, you can freewheel through the past, recreating lives"
For the writers…
The Aryamati Prize is now open! In its fifth year, the Aryamati Prize seeks poets who write for social change and peace. In 2023, the prize evolves to publish both a pamphlet winner and a full collection winner and will be judged anonymously by myself and the amazing Bloodaxe poet, Dr Maura Dooley! Reduced entry if you have purchased an Aryamati prize-winning chapbook.
Novelists and short story writers, your time to have a full book out with Fly on the Wall Press is now! We’re open to all genres, and partial to the political, the quirky, dystopian and feminist.
Some Summer highlights…
I’ve been getting geeky with French Flaps recently - now I know what it is to hold our May, June and July books with these lovely cover folds, I CAN’T GO BACK. Have a sneak peek at Liam Bell’s fourth novel, a psychological thriller this September. The Sleepless by Liam Bell - Liam Bell's fourth novel delves into the captivating theme of sleep as a social construct. The story follows Grafton, a single father who investigates a Scottish commune that rejects the notion of sleep. What he uncovers within this seemingly idyllic community is a sinister truth that threatens his family. -
We’re in the news! Part of our Scottish tour, we will be launching ‘The Unpicking’ by Donna Moore in October. "The Unpicking" is a historical crime novel that holds significant relevance to the current era of the "Me Too" movement. Set in Victorian Scotland, the book follows three generations of Gilfillan women as they navigate the dangers posed by a systemically corrupt police force. -
You can now book tickets to join us at Waterstones Glasgow Argyle St on Sat 4th of Nov to launch both these novels!
That’s all from me this month - except to say this: buying direct from our shop saves us 77.50% MORE, allowing us to grow and pay our authors more! See why here in my tweet which breaks down the RRP of a book in the trade.
Until next time!
Love Isabelle x
Fly on the Wall Press, based in Manchester, is known for producing political fiction with feminist and quirky undertones, often infused with dark humour.
One of our major strengths is that we handle all aspects of book production in-house, from commissioning to design to marketing. This allows us to maintain creative control and ensures a seamless and consistent approach to each project. Our commitment to excellence has been recognized with four finalist nominations at the British Book Awards for Small Press of the Year.
At Fly on the Wall Press, we aim to capture the innovation and spirit of northern publishing. We focus on developing debut authors and elevating working-class talent across genres such as fiction, poetry, and anthologies. Additionally, we have a dynamic monthly event schedule that includes collaborations with universities, colleges, libraries, festivals, and bookshops.