Looking back on launches

So many things are happening in the world of Ings Press. As well as the books already available and recent announcements of imminent work by two wonderful writers, plans are already underway for next year’s programme. News of the books and authors in store will be revealed soon.

Because of such a wealth of activity, the temptation is to look only forwards, rather than to celebrate successes that have already taken place.

This is how it has taken until now to share news of two brilliant launch events for Ings Press authors – Colin Speakman and Emma Storr.

The launch of Colin’s collected poems – So Let It Be – took place on Friday 28 August at Ilkley Manor House. As anyone familiar with Colin’s work will be aware, there is a massive hinterland to his writing, encompassing history, natural history, archaeology, love for all aspects of Yorkshire, including its landscape and dialect – and much more besides. As a result, the launch was far more than just a reading, as a visual presentation accompanied the poems, presenting fascinating information that enriched the words even further.

The launch of Emma’s A Rare Opportunity to Purchase was just as much of an occasion, drawing a size of audience rarely encountered at poetry event to Seven Arts, Leeds on Wednesday 9 September. Chaired by Ted the Shed author Mandy Sutter and also featuring artist Janis Goodman, who had illustrated both Mandy and Emma’s books, the audience included many people who would not usually read poetry as well as many of the great and the good of the West Yorkshire poetry scene. With hilarious readings from both Emma and Mandy plus insightful discussion with all three participants, the Ings book stall was exceptionally – and gratifyingly – busy.

There will be further launch events and readings for both Colin and Emma, alongside ones for Michael Stewart, Bill Broady, Carole Bromley and other authors yet to be announced.

Watch this space, and if you can’t make to an event in person, order the book from the Ings Press website!

Colin Speakman launch at Ilkley Manor House. Photo credit Jed Atkinson.