Belle Books & Stories

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

Kay meets Emmy award-winning composerJohn Lunnwho explains how he produces beautiful and enduringmusic for TV and filmincludingShetland, Grantchester, The Last Kingdom, Belgravia and, of course,Downton Abbey.http://www.jlunn.comhttps://soundcloud.com/johnlunnwww.bellemedia.co.ukhttps://www.itv.com/downtonabbey

Kay meets the PR guru who catapulted Deepak Chopra and other famous thought-leaders to fame before becoming a bestselling author of self-help books in her own right. Arielle Ford is author of The Soulmate Secret.Kay explores Arielle’s rise to fame and her outlook on life.www.soulmatesecret.comwww.kayhutchison.com