Helen Simonson

Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand Featured on a Book at Bedtime

admin — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 15:04:16 +0000

A BBC Cymru/Wales production directed by Nigel Lewis, “A Book at Bedtime” features Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand, abridged by Nigel Lewis and read by Sam Dastor.

Listen to Episode 1 Here.

Touring in the UK October 14-17

admin — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 17:48:12 +0000

I am very much looking forward to appearing at literary festivals at Chester (Waverton Good Read Awards Dinner), Beverly, Ilkley and Guildford. Please check my Facebook Page, or Events page on this website, for full details. Always so exciting to come ‘home’ to England. Pass me a crumpet!

Major Pettigrew wins the UK’s 2010/11 Waverton Good Read Award

admin — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 12:29:38 +0000

Major Pettigrew has been selected by the residents of the village of Waverton to receive the 2010/11 Waverton Good Read Award; awarded to the best debut novel by a British author. It is a very special honor to have my novel endorsed in this way by a real English village. My name is to be engraved on a silver trophy cup, kept in the village. The Major himself would be very proud!

Helen Simonson Wins the Melissa Nathan Award

admin — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 14:39:40 +0000

I’m happy to announce that Major Pettirew’s Last Stand has won the Melissa Nathan Award for Comedy Romance.

Major Pettigrew Chosen for the Richard and Judy book club 2011!

admin — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 14:30:53 +0000

I’m happy to announce the selection of Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand for the Richard and Judy book club 2011. Here is a video of my interview with them.

Reading In Chevy Chase June 2nd

admin — Fri, 20 May 2011 18:22:39 +0000

Come and see me at the Friendship Heights Community Center on June 2nd at 7pm. Read more. Books available at the event from Politics and Prose.

A word on Book Club Skype/Call etiquette

admin — Wed, 18 May 2011 16:53:25 +0000

Dear me, I never thought of myself as a ‘Miss Manners’ but as I have now enjoyed many lovely visits with book clubs, by Skype video or phone call, I thought it might be useful to share a few tips on how to most comfortably set up a contact with a writer who might be willing to talk to your group: Check the writer’s website to see if they offer contact. Make a polite email (not phone) request. Give at least three weeks notice (but no more than two months) and preferably offer more than one day/time. Be prepared to reconfirm by email the day prior with Skype contact and emergency phone number, but please don’t ask the writer to do test runs. Understand if the writer already has too many requests and can not accommodate. Please don’t demand a multi-hour, in-person visit just because the writer lives in your state. Book Club visits are mostly to answer your questions in an informal way, so don’t look for a reading or presentation. I’ve had only lovely group visits, but other writers have laughingly told me of being ambushed by hostile questions. Please remind your group that “I hated all your characters” is not a polite way to treat a guest in your home! I find that book club visits typically last thirty minutes and that it is useful to begin at least 15 minutes after your guests arrive. Finally, do take note of time zones. I’d love to visit your group but not at midnight my time! Thanks and here’s to meeting many more fun book groups.

Pettigrew shortlisted for 2010/11 Waverton Award

admin — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 16:26:24 +0000

I am delighted to have been shortlisted for the amazing Waverton Award. This award is so fabulous because an entire village gets together to read and review the books. It seems like a Masterpiece Theater Mystery plot, doesn’t it? I hope the winner gets a free pint in the pub! I’m so thrilled to have Edgecombe St. Mary critiqued by a real English village. Read more.

Pettigrew shortlisted for UK’s Melissa Nathan Awards

admin — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 15:04:32 +0000

Major Pettigrew is one of six books shortlisted by the judges. This award honors the memory of UK writer, Melissa Nathan, whose life was cut short by cancer at age 37. Her foundation helps children in need. A great honor to be included in this shortlist in my home country.

Pettigrew receives honorable mention in 2011 PEN/Hemingway Awards.

admin — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 15:01:35 +0000

I was delighted to be recognized as one of five books chosen this year by the judges. I receive a writing residency at the wonderful Ucross Writers’ Retreat in Wyoming. Thank you to the judges, the Foundation and Ucross.