Legend Press

Luke Bitmead Bursary in the Bookseller

We were very pleased to announce just before Christmas details of the Luke Bitmead Memorial Fund, which has been set-up by Luke family in the amazing author's memory to support fledgling writers. We were delighted to be able to offer a publishing contract to the first winner of the annual award, in addition to the £2,500 prize. Details have now been sent around and we hope there will be a fantastic response to this great opportunity. It was also nice to see it featured in The Bookseller headlines This is a fantastic initiative and I hope it goes from strength-to-strength.

Tom

The official blurb

HEADING SOUTH by Luke Bitmead and Catherine Richards

Cassie       
Why am I so lacking in confidence? I mean my legs aren't that fat, my hair isn't that out-of-control, I'm not hideously ugly or terribly reconstructed by cosmetic surgery. How perfect this quiet country living would be with just a tiny bit less babysitting and a smidgen more sex.

Nick
I don't know what made me ask her out. Well I do actually: she's jaw-droppingly fit. Listen to me; I sound like a dirty old man. I suppose that's what several months of celibacy does for you. Or perhaps it's all this fresh country air. Though do you know what made me ask her out, even more than the flirty eyes and curvy bum? It's this nagging feeling that I've seen her before somewhere…

When was life and love ever straightforward? An hilarious comedy also featuring vindictive exes, posh admirers, births, deaths, three dogs, two cats, a pheasant, pony and mallard.

The story behind Heading South - in memory of Luke

The dedication inside the front cover reads: ‘In memory of Luke, who’s talent, wit, drive and smile will be greatly missed but always remembered by everyone who met him.'

As many know, Luke is also the author of cult comedy White Summer, which was published by Legend Press in May 2006 before Luke tragically died in the October, aged just 34. Legend Press, with Luke’s family, is continuing to push the work of the immensely talented young writer to ensure he gains the recognition he was due to receive. Royalties from the novel will support the recently created Luke Bitmead Memorial Fund, set-up to support fledging writers.

Luke came into contact with Catherine on the BBC 'Get Writing Forum' and they wrote what became Heading South together, without actually meeting in person. They had challenged each other to write in the perspective of the opposite sex and the result is two interweaving parts which combine faultlessly to make Heading South a clever, light and vibrant comedy.   

Why Legend Press chose to publish it:

As soon as we read the first few chapters of the manuscript we knew that this was a brilliantly-written, accessible and fun novel and also loved the extra unique angle added by its dual-authorship. The twin perspectives interweave perfectly even though the male part is written by a female author, and vice-versa, and it's a perfect novel for the summer market – whether at home, going to work or on holiday. We thought it would add an irresistible 'feel-good' element to our list, and it has! 

It is also great (if very emotional) to be publishing more work from the hugely-talented and greatly-missed Luke Bitmead.

Some reviews of Heading South

'A great romantic comedy that will appeal to both sexes.'
Closer Magazine

'There's masses of energy in the writing, it's hugely engaging, and...very funny. Heading South is indeed a 'sparkling romantic comedy', perfect for summer reading, and sharing.'
Zoe King, Writewords 

'The battle of the sexes? Or maybe just some hilarious misunderstandings between them! The path of love never did run smooth and Heading South explores and delights in the problems Nick and Cassie have in getting together in such a funny and touching way that this novel is sure to be a big hit.’
Pen Pusher magazine

'A light-hearted, funny...insightful novel about the minefield that is the dating game.'
Roundtable Review

'Charming! I think that is the one word that would sum up this book.'
James Stone, Waterstone's bookseller

'Bitmead and Richards skillfully weave together a sweet recounting of two slightly displaced people meeting and falling in love.'
Helen Griffiths, N16 magazine

'I love the idea of books written by a man and woman together and I never would have guessed that each character had been written by the author of the opposite sex.'
Trashionista

'A sparkling romantic comedy which tells both sides of the story - both girls & guys will love it!'
Bestselling author, Deborah Wright

The Sheffield Star gets behind Legend Press author Catherine Richards

After hearing about Heading South following a successful book signing at the Sheffield Orchard Square Waterstone's, the Sheffield Star newspaper has shown its support for local Rotherham first-time author Catherine Richards. Click here to read their article and interview with Catherine in full.

To find out even more about Catherine and show her your support, you can visit her personal MySpace page and blog at www.myspace.com/caaahferin.

'Heading South is indeed a 'sparkling romantic comedy', perfect for summer reading, and sharing.'

A review has been posted for the fantastic HEADING SOUTH by Luke Bitmead and Catherine Richards. It's written by Zoe King for the major writers' community site, WriteWords, view in full here.

Heading South reviewed by Trashionista

The popular website Trashionista, where they 'read books as if they're going  out of fashion', is the latest review site to feature Heading South.

Click here to read the review and the rest of their great stuff or buy Heading South now from our online shop.

Celebration and emotion at Heading South launch

The launch party for Legend Press' latest novel Heading South was a huge success at the Crockatt & Powell bookshop, near Waterloo, last Thursday (24th May). Over 75 guests attended the launch, including many of late author Luke Bitmead's close friends and family.

Luke wrote Heading South in conjunction with debut author Catherine Richards, after they came into contact with each other on the BBC's Get Writing Forum. Sadly they never got the chance to meet in person before Luke's tragic death in October last year.

Luke's family were delighted to have the opportunity to meet Catherine at the launch and many fond memories of Luke were shared. Details of the Luke Bitmead Memorial Fund were also announced, and the first grant for fledgling writers is expected to be awarded in 2008. Luke's royalties from Heading South and also from continued sales of his debut novel White Summer (published by Legend Press last year) will all go to the Memorial Fund. More details can be found at www.lukebitmead.com.

Catherine continued promotion of the book’s launch by hosting a successful champagne book-signing at Banbury Waterstone's on Saturday (26th May), marking the first day the book hit the shops. A wealth of positive feedback from readers and reviewers is already flowing in and Legend Press expects the novel to be one of the hits of the summer.

Closer Magazine reviews Heading South

Closer, the popular weekly magazine, has reviewed Legend Press' next-out novel Heading South.

The reviewer describes the book as 'a great romantic comedy that will appeal to both sexes'.

The magazine chooses just two books per week to recommend to its readers and the fact that they have selected Heading South is yet another sign that this unique, fun, dual-authored comedy is going to be one of the hits of the summer.