When Legends Speak Louder than Facts: Live at the Library

Our May Books and Beverages event for Local History Month welcomed author Vincent Formosa, hosted by Susanna Lewis, for an engaging afternoon exploring the craft of historical fiction. With eleven novels behind him and a focus on World War II aviation, Vincent offered a thoughtful look at what draws a writer to a particular moment in history — and why genuine interest is often the starting point for any story worth telling.

https://youtu.be/F12aV6y0Klc

As the conversation unfolded, focus turned to the realities of writing within a historical framework. Vincent spoke candidly about the balance between fact and storytelling, describing the constant challenge of building an authentic world without overwhelming the reader with detail. From the importance of research to the subtle decisions around language, tone, and perspective, it became clear that historical fiction is as much about careful judgement as it is about exploring the stories of the past.

The discussion also touched on the tension between historical truth and popular perception. Vincent shared examples of how widely accepted “facts” can sometimes be myths, and how writers must decide whether to follow the legend or return to the evidence. Alongside this came a broader reflection on responsibility — particularly when writing about real people and events — and the need to approach such material with both respect and clarity of purpose.

The session closed with audience questions and further insights into Vincent’s writing process, leaving plenty to reflect on for writers and readers alike. With conversations continuing after the formal discussion, it was a fitting end to an afternoon that brought history, storytelling, and lived experience together in a way that felt both informative and quietly inspiring.

If you prefer, you can also watch our videos on YouTube @booksandbeveragesUK where you can support us by liking and subscribing!

World Book Night in Knaresborough: Live at the Library

Our first Knaresborough Library Books and Beverages of the year brought together three very different but equally engaging writers, Susanna Lewis, Tony Bunnell, and Tom Sibson for an evening that moved easily between music, poetry, fiction, and real-life experience. The event was hosted by local crime writer Tom Sibson, who kept things lively with humour, thoughtful questions, and the occasional glimpse into his own writing process.

https://youtu.be/1Jd3XT2VoOA

Susanna writes across a wide range of genres, from poetry and memoir to fiction, but her reading from Finding Joy in the Everyday was firmly rooted in real life. Inspired by the loss of her mother, the book grew out of her daily journaling practice and focuses on gratitude, even during difficult times. Her extract, set on Bridlington beach as she scatters her mother’s ashes, was both heartfelt and quietly uplifting, showing how writing can help make sense of grief and find moments of light in the everyday. She spoke about drawing inspiration from real people and conversations, often quite literally overheard, and weaving those observations into her work.

Tony, by contrast, brought a more unusual mix of music and storytelling to the evening. A long-time singer-songwriter, she performed several songs alongside readings from her fiction, much of which explores the supernatural and parallel worlds. Her novel The Nameless Children, inspired by unmarked graves in Haworth, imagines forgotten children returning to claim their place in the world, and her performance gave the story an eerie, almost folkloric quality. Tony explained that her ideas often come from small moments—something seen, heard, or half-remembered—and develop naturally without much planning, whether she is writing songs or novels.

Alongside the readings, Tom guided the conversation into the craft of writing itself, drawing out how each author approaches storytelling. Susanna spoke about weaving messages of wellbeing and resilience into her fiction, while Tony described her instinctive, almost dreamlike way of writing without a fixed plan. Tom offered his own perspective as a crime writer, talking about structure, pacing, and keeping readers hooked.

As always, it was a lively and wide-ranging evening, with something to interest both readers and writers alike, and a reminder that stories can come from almost anywhere if you’re paying attention.

If you prefer, you can also watch our videos on YouTube @booksandbeveragesUK where you can support us by liking and subscribing!

Spring into Poetry: Live at the Library

by Kate Swann

Four poets met at Harrogate library on Friday 10th April to inform and entertain the audience about writing poetry. Peter Burgham, Steve Singleton, and Peter Donnelly were led in the discussion by Kate Swann.

https://youtu.be/wZ4kBNdDX2Q

The session began with a reading from each of the poets, followed by discussion about where they get their inspiration and ideas from, and how long it takes for these to be transformed into a poem. The consensus seemed to be that, although it varied, there was generally some weeks or months between the initial idea being formed and the finished poem, if it is ever finished, being committed to paper.

Following another reading the discussion moved on to how these poems were brought together in a book and whether or not independent publishing was preferred to going through a publisher. Small local publishers were preferred but on the whole independent publishing was the most common.

A further reading rounded off the session followed by questions from the audience and a good round of applause in appreciation. One-to-one discussion with the poets and some book sales completed the afternoon.

If you prefer, you can also watch our videos on YouTube @booksandbeveragesUK where you can support us by liking and subscribing!

Rizz will be interviewing Department of Jocks LIVE at our 20 Years of Wrestling Mayhem Show celebration!

No timeouts. No dodging questions. Just Mayhem.

📅 January 13
🎟️ FREE SHOW
⏰ 8 PM – 880 Happy Hours
🎙️ 9 PM – 20 Years of Mayhem LIVE
📍 819 Industry St, Pittsburgh, PA

👉 https://www.facebook.com/events/2154417428394070

#WrestlingMayhemShow #20YearsOfMayhem #ProWrestling #LiveInterview

Gerade in diesen turbulenten Zeiten von Rechtsextremismus, Krisen und Krieg ist eine Tagung die Alternativen aufzeigen möchte von größter Bedeutung!

Wir stellen im live stream auf YouTube das Programm und die Highlights vor. Seid live dabei!

Link zum Kanal in Bio
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=FFfQS--ZS7E

#liveinterview #livestream #Tagung #frieden
#VHS #vhswien #tuwien #politik #umwelt #krise #politikwissenschaft

EXCLUSIVE RADIO INTERVIEW ALERT!

Don’t miss a powerful conversation with the incomparable Frank McComb and The Moore Twins. Two generations of soul, purpose, and musical brilliance. Join host Ian Henry as they talk about legacy, creativity, and their upcoming show at the DuSable Museum. Thurs., June 26, 2025, at 11AM PST/ 12PM CST/ 1PM EST/ 6PM UK time on www.pulseintlradio.com/

This is more than an interview—it’s a celebration of legacy, talent, and timeless soul. #liveinterview

This is a great interview, well worth a watch...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLz_REE-hQE

#HeartofNeon #JeffMinterStory #Gaming #LiveInterview #TotalVideoGamers

🎥 Live Video Interview Alert! 🎥

👩‍🎓 Angela's Symposium YouTube Channel is hosting a LIVE video interview with the renowned Folklorist Icy Sedgwick, and she'll be in conversation with our very own Dr Puca! 🌿🔮

You won't want to miss this captivating dialogue as they delve into the separate but linked worlds of folklore, witchcraft and paganism🍃🌕

https://www.youtube.com/live/SgfA3o206Hc?si=lGmQmT_qnws4UFc6

#Folklore #AngelasSymposium #IcySedgwick #Witchcraft #Paganims #pagan #witch # #LiveInterview #Myth #Legend