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The Reading Ramble

The Reading Ramble

By The Reading Ramble

The Reading Ramble is a regular podcast from Lancashire Libraries, where we discuss various topics about books and reading.
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Small Bells Ringing in Accrington

The Reading RambleApr 01, 2021

00:00
33:44
New Preston 2152 by David Hartley

New Preston 2152 by David Hartley

This episode of the Reading Ramble features Karen Esposito reading "New Preston 2152" by David Hartley from the Lancashire Stories anthology.

Feb 08, 202440:39
Welcome Back to Lancaster by Yvonne Battle-Felton

Welcome Back to Lancaster by Yvonne Battle-Felton

In this new episode of the Reading Ramble, we are excited to share this Lancashire Stories reading of "Welcome Back to Lancaster" by Yvonne Battle-Felton, read by LaNecia Edmonds.

Feb 01, 202429:38
Belvedere by Neil White

Belvedere by Neil White

In this episode of the Reading Ramble we have another audio story from the Lancashire Stories anthology. This time, Karen Esposito reads "Belvedere", by Neil White.

Jan 25, 202435:14
Proceed With All Due Caution by Sarah-Clare Conlon

Proceed With All Due Caution by Sarah-Clare Conlon

This episode of the Reading Ramble sees Karen Esposito read the beautiful "Proceed with all due caution" by Sarah-Clare Conlon, from the Lancashire Stories anthology.

Jan 18, 202431:36
The Club by Nathan Parker

The Club by Nathan Parker

The excellent Karen Esposito reads "The Club" by Nathan Parker, from the Lancashire Stories anthology.

Jan 11, 202427:09
Black History Month Special with Rob Bullock

Black History Month Special with Rob Bullock

The second part of our conversation with Lancashire Stories author Rob Bullock, who tells us all about his research into the black population of Lancashire in the 18th century.

Oct 12, 202319:45
Our Lancashire Lass by Eve Ainsworth

Our Lancashire Lass by Eve Ainsworth

Karen Esposito reads "Our Lancashire Lass" by Eve Ainsworth, from the Lancashire Stories Anthology

Sep 14, 202327:57
Rob Bullock's Lancashire Story

Rob Bullock's Lancashire Story

Lancashire Stories author Rob Bullock joins us to talk about his story, "Respect this lonely grave".

Aug 03, 202320:60
Claire Fuller on the Memory of Animals

Claire Fuller on the Memory of Animals

Lancashire Stories author Antonia Charlesworth Stack interviews the award winning Claire Fuller about her newest novel "The Memory of Animals", her writing process, and their joint interest in writing about Octopus's.

Jul 06, 202350:43
The Sage of Roggerham by Susan Evans

The Sage of Roggerham by Susan Evans

The excellent Karen Esposito reads "The Sage of Roggerham" by Susan Evans, from the Lancashire Stories anthology.


@sueevans2

@KarenEspositoVO



Jun 13, 202332:24
Author Interview with Michael Davies

Author Interview with Michael Davies

Author Michael Davies joins us to talk about his new novel "Outback", as well as the work of Desmond Bagley.

Apr 27, 202328:44
Last Tram to Fleetwood by Michael Davies

Last Tram to Fleetwood by Michael Davies

The amazing Karen Esposito reads "Last Tram to Fleetwood" by Michael Davies, from the Lancashire Stories Anthology.
@KarenEspositoVO

@mrgdavies

Mar 23, 202331:30
The Hands That Touched Cotton by Libby Ashworth

The Hands That Touched Cotton by Libby Ashworth

The terrific Karen Esposito reads "The Hands That Touched Cotton" by Libby Ashworth, from the Lancashire Stories Anthology.

@KarenEspositoVO

@elizashworth

Mar 09, 202321:02
The Call of the Sea by Antonia Charlesworth Stack

The Call of the Sea by Antonia Charlesworth Stack

The fantastic Karen Esposito reads "The Call of the Sea" by Antonia Charlesworth Stack from the Lancashire Stories anthology.

@KarenEspositoVO

@antonia_mcs

Feb 23, 202339:46
Empire Day by Naomi Kruger

Empire Day by Naomi Kruger

The excellent Karen Esposito reads "Empire Day" by Naomi Kruger from the Lancashire Stories anthology.

@KarenEspositoVO
@NaomiKruger

Feb 09, 202334:25
Breach by Sarah Schofield

Breach by Sarah Schofield

The excellent Karen Esposito reads "Breach" by Sarah Schofield from the Lancashire Stories anthology.

@KarenEspositoVO
@saraheschofield

Jan 26, 202322:51
Preston North End in 26-0 FA Cup Match? Author Interview with Brent Shore

Preston North End in 26-0 FA Cup Match? Author Interview with Brent Shore

In this episode of the Reading Ramble, we speak to Brent Shore, author of novel 26-0, which tells the tale of the FA Cup tie between Hyde FC and Preston North End. 

You can found Brent's books at www.brentshore.co.uk 

Oct 20, 202223:39
Peter Kalu's Lancashire Story

Peter Kalu's Lancashire Story

In this episode of the Reading Ramble, we talk to author Peter Kalu about his writing career, his creative process, and his involvement in the Lancashire Stories project. 

Sep 02, 202228:07
Sarah Schofield's Lancashire Story

Sarah Schofield's Lancashire Story

On this episode of the Reading Ramble, we talk to author Sarah Schofield about her writing background, how she researches for her writing, and her contribution to the Lancashire Stories project. 

Jul 21, 202235:44
Iqbal Hussain's Lancashire Story

Iqbal Hussain's Lancashire Story

On this episode of the Reading Ramble, we are joined by author Iqbal Hussain to discuss his background in writing, and to look at the story he has written for the Lancashire Stories project. You can find out more about Lancashire Stories by visiting https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/libraries-and-archives/libraries/lancashire-stories/

Jul 07, 202237:00
Lancashire Book of the Year 2022 - Meet the Author Event

Lancashire Book of the Year 2022 - Meet the Author Event

On this episode of the podcast we're looking at the Lancashire Book of the Year "Meet the Author" event that took place at UCLAN in Preston on Friday 17th June. In the episode you will hear us discuss the event, as well as hearing from some of the authors on this years shortlist, and some of the judges of the award.

You can find out more about Lancashire Book of the Year, and discover the shortlist, by visiting:
https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/libraries-and-archives/libraries/lancashires-book-of-the-year/

Jun 23, 202229:20
Super Happy Magic Podcast! In conversation with Matty Long

Super Happy Magic Podcast! In conversation with Matty Long

In this episode of the Reading Ramble, we talk to children's illustrator and author Matty Long. Matty joins us to talk about the process of illustrating and writing, what his process looks like, and answers some questions from a podcast guest. 

Jun 10, 202227:51
The Big Jubilee Read

The Big Jubilee Read

On this episode of the Reading Ramble, staff from Lancashire Libraries talk about some of the books that can be found on the Reading Agency and BBC Art's "Big Jubilee Read" booklist. 

May 26, 202213:43
Libraries in the Community

Libraries in the Community

Libraries exist in the centre of the communities that they serve. For Local and Community History Month, staff from Longridge Library have spoken to current and former library staff to find out what it has been like to serve their community over the course of the last 70 years. 

May 12, 202237:59
Naomi Kruger's Lancashire Story

Naomi Kruger's Lancashire Story

On this episode of the Reading Ramble, we are joined by author Naomi Kruger to discuss her background in writing and to look at the story she has written for the Lancashire Stories project. 

Apr 28, 202225:30
Michael Davies Lancashire Story

Michael Davies Lancashire Story

In this episode of the Reading Ramble, we catch up with Lancashire Stories author Michael Davies, to talk about the writing of his short story, and learn more about his writing background. 

Apr 14, 202230:38
Antonia Charlesworth Stack's Lancashire Story

Antonia Charlesworth Stack's Lancashire Story

On this episode of the Reading Ramble, we talk to Antonia Charlesworth Stack about writing fiction, her hometown of Blackpool, and the fantastic story she has written for the Lancashire Stories project. 

Mar 31, 202230:40
Yvonne Battle-Felton's Lancashire Story

Yvonne Battle-Felton's Lancashire Story

On this episode of the Reading Ramble, we continue our Lancashire Stories series, meeting author Yvonne Battle-Felton. 

Mar 17, 202229:52
Ines Gregori Labarta's Lancashire Story

Ines Gregori Labarta's Lancashire Story

On this episode of the Reading Ramble, we talk to Ines Gregori Labarta about writing in a second language, her love for Lancaster and the upcoming Lancaster LitFest, and of course, about the story she is writing for Lancashire Stories. 


Mar 03, 202227:43
Libby Ashworth's Lancashire Story

Libby Ashworth's Lancashire Story

In this episode of the Reading Ramble, we talk to author Libby Ashworth, who is taking part in the Lancashire Stories Project. We talk to Libby about her writing background, what influences her, and what her Lancashire Story is going to be about. 

Feb 17, 202227:38
David Hartley's Lancashire Story

David Hartley's Lancashire Story

In this episode of the Reading Ramble, we talk to writer David Hartley, who is taking part in the Lancashire Stories project as one of our featured authors.

Feb 03, 202224:50
Nathan Parker's Lancashire Story

Nathan Parker's Lancashire Story

In this episode of the Reading Ramble, we talk to Blackpool author Nathan Parker, who is taking part in the Lancashire Stories project as one of our featured authors. 

Jan 20, 202231:19
Our Favourite Books of 2021

Our Favourite Books of 2021

In this episode of the Reading Ramble, with the help of colleagues, we're looking back at some of our favourite books that we read in 2021. 

Dec 09, 202116:57
Introducing Lancashire Stories

Introducing Lancashire Stories

In this episode of the Reading Ramble, we are delighted to be introducing a new project, called Lancashire Stories, which will run for the next 2 years. We'll be sharing more information soon, so keep your eyes peeled!

Nov 25, 202119:52
Books about Sport

Books about Sport

In this episode of the Reading Ramble, we celebrate non-fiction November by talking all about sports books! 

Nov 11, 202148:40
Telling Tales: Storytelling with Heritage Learning Lancashire

Telling Tales: Storytelling with Heritage Learning Lancashire

On this episode of the Reading Ramble we talk to John Meredith from Heritage Learning Lancashire about the Lancashire Schools Storytelling Festival. We discuss how stories are shared, the origins of folklore, and why it is important for people to be aware of their heritage and the stories that are influenced by it. 

You can follow Heritage Learning Lancashire on Twitter @HLLancashire, and on YouTube by searching for "Heritage Learning Lancashire"

Oct 28, 202127:07
Looking back at Lancashire Book of the Year 2020

Looking back at Lancashire Book of the Year 2020

In this episode, ahead of the announcement of the winner of Lancashire Book of the Year 2021, we look back at the winner of last years award, Samuel Pollen, who won with his book, The Year I Didn't Eat. 

Oct 14, 202123:40
All about audiobooks!

All about audiobooks!

On this episode of the Reading Ramble, we talk all about audiobooks, from their beginnings on vinyl, cassette and then CD, to the streaming services and library lending platforms available today.

Sep 30, 202132:18
In Conversation with Alan Veale

In Conversation with Alan Veale

On this episode of the Reading Ramble, we talk to Lancashire based writer Alan Veale, author of The Murder Tree and The Titanic Document. Alan joins us to talk about his path to becoming a writer, the inspiration behind his books, and how he developed the librarian character Billie Vane. 

You can borrow The Murder Tree from Lancashire Libraries, find out more about Alan on his website www.alanveale.com, and listen to Alan's own podcast "Dummy Cabs" wherever you get podcasts from. 

Sep 16, 202127:33
In Conversation with Willy Vlautin

In Conversation with Willy Vlautin

This episode of the Reading Ramble features an interview that we conducted with author Willy Vlautin. As a member of the bands Richmond Fontaine and The Delines, Willy first found success as a songwriter and a musician, and has developed into an acclaimed writer of modern American fiction. His new novel, The Night Always Comes is available now. 

Sep 02, 202124:27
In Conversation with Nick Oldham

In Conversation with Nick Oldham

On this episode of the Reading Ramble we chat to Lancashire author Nick Oldham about his writing career, the process of writing his novels, how he names his characters, and the influence of Covid-19 on his new book. 

Aug 19, 202130:54
Children's Books Part 2: Summer Reading and Junior Classics

Children's Books Part 2: Summer Reading and Junior Classics

In the second part of our series looking at children's books and reading, we look at the importance of reading over the summer, and how our SCART scheme in Lancashire looks to address that. We also discuss our favourite children's books, and speak to some colleagues about their recommendations. 

Aug 05, 202130:50
An Introduction to Children's Books

An Introduction to Children's Books

In this episode of the reading ramble, we talk about the importance of reading to children from a young age, how Lancashire Libraries help introduce books and reading to young families, and talk about some of our personal favourite children's books. 

Jul 22, 202123:35
Writing Creatively

Writing Creatively

On this episode of the Reading Ramble, we talk all about Creative Writing. We speak to Patrick Wright of the Open University, Lancashire author Jenn Ashworth, as well as Alison and Natalie from Lancashire Libraries.

Patrick Wright can be found on twitter @saturnineone. He is a poet, writer and a lecturer in literature and creative writing. He is the writer of Full Sight Of Her (2020), available from Black Spring Press.

Jenn Ashworth is a Lancaster based writer and Professor of Writing at Lancaster University. Her latest novel Ghosted was released this year.

@OU_writers
@OpenUniversity

Jul 08, 202131:50
Loud in the Library: A Celebration of Music Books

Loud in the Library: A Celebration of Music Books

In this episode of the Reading Ramble, we celebrate Make Music Day by talking about some of our favourite music books. We hear from the Lancashire Music Service, as well as library staff about their favourite music books and what music means to them.

@LancsLibraries
@LancsMusic
@LancsMusicHub

Jun 24, 202140:44
Small Bells Ring: The Launch of Furor Scribendi

Small Bells Ring: The Launch of Furor Scribendi

In this episode, we talk to Laurie Peake, the Director of Super Slow Way, about the Small Bells Ring project. We also catch up with author Sarah Schofield who was the first writer in residence on the boat! 

@saraheschofield
@Superslowway
@STUDIO_MORISON
@CanalRiverTrust
@LancsLibraries

Jun 10, 202132:32
Lancashire Book of the Year Shortlist

Lancashire Book of the Year Shortlist

In this episode we look at what Lancashire Book of the Year is, how it works, and we reveal this years shortlist! 

May 27, 202123:29
Fantastic Fictional Worlds

Fantastic Fictional Worlds

In this episode of the Reading Ramble, we discuss why authors use fictional worlds, what the difference is between a fictional world and a dystopia, and what some of our favourite fictional worlds are. 

May 13, 202131:37
TM Logan Interview

TM Logan Interview

This episode of the Reading Ramble features an interview with bestselling author TM Logan. Tim joined us for a live event around the launch of his new novel Trust Me, and this episode is a recording of some of that conversation. 

Apr 29, 202125:53
Literary Lionesses

Literary Lionesses

In this episode of the Reading Ramble, we look at women writers, focusing in particular on the literary lionesses of the early 19th century. We will return to this subject later in the year.  

Apr 15, 202139:04