I am interrupting my series of snapshots of 2023 to bring you news of my new novella-in-flash. Copies have arrived unexpectedly early, so I will be able to start sending them out after Christmas!
After The Geography of the Heart was longlisted for the Bath Novella-in-Flash Award 2023, judge John Brantingham suggested other publishers I might try with the book. I was delighted when Arroyo Seco Press in California offered me publication.
This – like my other novellas – is the story of a family, this time set in my hometown of Abergavenny. featuring real places and events. The characters are fictional, but draw on my own experiences living here. I hope it will appeal to readers in Abergavenny, California and all places in between and beyond!
John Brantingham says of the book:
‘The Geography of the Heart is an exceptional collection, and Cath Barton uses the novella-in-flash form to do what could not be achieved so well in any other form, giving us an insider’s look at the way the people in a small town in Wales live. This is an intimate book and a beautiful one too. It is one I have lingered over a few times now because it asks us to spend some long quiet moments with the inhabitants of Abergavenny, and these are people worth spending time with.’
I am so grateful to John for his generous words, and to Thomas Thomas of Arroyo Seco Press for working with me to bring this book into the world.
UK readers can also buy it online here for £11.95. However you can get it directly from me for £9.50 incl p&p. (Multiple copies will be a little cheaper – contact me for details.)
I will also be handselling copies locally for £7. I am planning a launch in Abergavenny Library on Saturday, 20th January, where I will be in conversation with fellow local author Nigel Jarrett, reading extracts from the book and answering questions about it.
However you purchase it, I will be donating all profits which I make from sales of this book to Abergavenny Foodbank.
Cath Barton 