Belle Books & Stories

Literary scouting is a hidden area within publishing- it’s where literature intersects with film and tv.Expert Literary Scout, Philippa Donovan loves her work - an excellent editor, with an eye for a compelling story and the vision to create an unforgettable package.Philippa has worked for some of the biggest producers, responsible for screen adaptations of The Handmaid’s Tale, House of Cards, Picnic at Hanging Rock, My Brilliant Friend, Brittania, as well as The Walking Dead.Find out what the role involves and her recommendations for anyone starting out in the industry today.Along the way, she references some brilliant adaptations - The Favourite, Bridgerton and The Queen’s Gambit - and how stories from the past can still work today.

Fall - The Mystery of Robert Maxwell.John Preston - bestselling author of A Vey English Scandal tells the jaw-dropping life story of the notorious business tycoon Robert MaxwellIn Feb 1991 Robert Maxwell made a triumphal entrance into New York harbour on board his luxury yacht Lady Ghislane - 10 months later he disappeared from the same yacht off the Canary Islands, only to be found dead soon afterwards.Richard, who once worked for Maxwell owned companies, discusses this gripping book, and Maxwell's life, with John.https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/belle-books-stories-podcast-bookshttps://www.waterstones.com/book/fall/john-preston/9780241388679

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://uk.bookshop.org/lists/belle-books-stories-podcast-bookshttps://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://uk.bookshop.org/lists/belle-books-stories-podcast-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.https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/belle-books-stories-podcast-bookswww.bellemedia.co.uk