Belle Books & Stories

What a great story - Helen's career from Naked Video to Bottom to Absolutely Fabulous.She's made so many of us laugh with her outstanding comedy performances and distinctive writing. Author of Losing It - a hilarious story with hints of Helen at every turn - it was nominated for a PG Wodehouse and Edinburgh Book Festival award. But Helen's not taking it easy. She started the Comedy Women in Print Awards to highlight great funny women writers and with Marian Keyes amongst other great judges, it's an enormous achievement. Check out www.comedywomeninprint.co.uk and see winners, how to get involved and how to support this unique event. But first, listen to this warm and funny lady and her incredible career to date.https://www.comedywomeninprint.co.ukwww.helenlederer.co.uk

Politician, writer and campaigner Peter Hain’s epic tale of corruption, collusion and courage set in contemporary South Africa.A gripping thriller and a powerful expose of the brutal international rhino trade. Peter’s insider knowledge of politics and activism, and his deep love of South Africa, shines through this book.Muswell Press : Released 2nd Sept 2020https://www.muswell-press.co.uk/book/the-rhino-conspiracySave the Rhinohttps://www.savetherhino.orgOther infohttps://tigeropolis.co.uk

Author Stuart Cosgrove's brilliant book CASSIUS X is set in Miami in 1963 just as the young boxer starts on his path to becoming the greatest sportsman of all time. In this episode of Belle Books & Stories Kay meets Stuart to delve into the story behind the book and what the author did to bring the many strands of the story together in such a compelling way. It's a rich and complex narrative but very accessible. Much more than a biography, it's an exploration of Cassius at a key turning point in his life, set against a backdrop of great social and political turmoil - a time when much of America was hostile to him and long before his transformation into Muhammad Ali the legend. Stuart Cosgrove is a Scottish journalist, broadcaster, tv exec and author - enthusiastic and funny and inspiring.Published by Polygon Bookshttps://birlinn.co.uk/product/cassius-x/

How do great books make it onto the big screen? Meet the producer who knows the answer. In this episode of Belle Books & Stories, producer Kate Sinclair, founder of Alchemy Entertainment, reveals insights into her work and passions. In her career Kate has discovered some very hot properties at an early stage - when they were simply in manuscript form - the books were to follow much later, sometimes years later. Kate explains how she discovered 'Slumdog Millionaire' (8 Oscars including Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay), 'Salmon Fishing in the Yemen' which went on to be a huge box office hit starring Ewan McGregor and Jessie Burton's wonderful debut novel set in 17th Century Amsterdam 'The Miniaturist'. It won many awards. Find out about Kate's work, her inspiration and how she helps transform the narrative on the page into an experience for the screen.www.bellemedia.co.uk

Kay meets the acclaimed comic writerMavis Cheek. Author of 16 novels, with legions of adoring fans around the world, she reveals the inspiration behind her work, perspectives on the changing publishing landscape and top tips for new writers. Known as'Jane Austen in Modern Dress' (The Observer) there’s much to learn from the unique and warm-hearted Mavis Cheek.www.mavischeek.co.ukwww.kayhutchison.comwww.bellemedia.co.uk

Richard talks to fellow Scot, George Logan - multi-award winning commercial photographer (his work includes campaigns for Sky, Adidas, Bank of Scotland, IKEA). George has now taken his skills out of the studio and into the African bush in support of conservation. He is a long term supporter of Born Free Foundation. Together they are in the midst of producing a stunning, large format, photo essay : Lion, Pride before the Fall. It's part of an innovative crowdfunded appeal to raise funds for Born Free's work in Africa.George talks about his career, his love of Africa (and lions in particular) and his long-term support for Born Free's crucial work in the field.www.bornfree.org.uk https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/pride-before-fall/lion-pride-before-the-fallwww.pridebeforethefall.comwww.georgelogan.co.ukwww.tigeropolis.co.uk