Leone Ross: teacher, editor, author – and cover girl

It is with both pride and sadness that we say farewell to Leone Ross, who has been editor of the Fincham Press student writing anthologies since they first appeared seven years ago.

Leone, formerly Senior Lecturer on the Creative Writing Programme, left the University of Roehampton ahead of the April 19 launch of her novel, This One Sky Day. It follows two previous novels, All The Blood Is Red and Orange Laughter, as well as a collection of short stories, Come Let us Sing Anyway.

In an interview with photographer, writer, and podcaster Naomi Woddis, Leone talks about what compels her to write. ‘There’s always private stories going on underneath the surface of people … I write about that, that’s what I’m most intrigued about.’

Her latest work emphasises these layers. The story takes place during one day on the island of Popisho, where everyone is born with magical gift – but one that may not be as helpful as it seems. Xavier, a chef, and Anise, a healer, bring the reader into this world and promise that you won’t leave it the same as when you arrived.

‘As long-time colleagues, Leone and I had the kind of mutual trust that makes collaborations a joy, and brings out the best in the students’ work,’ says Susan Greenberg, publisher of Fincham Press, Senior Lecturer on the Creative Writing Programme and Convener of the MA Publishing. ‘We aim to continue with the same high standards.’

Leone’s last two Fincham Press anthologies – All That Glitters and The Box – are being launched this May and news of the double-book launch will be posted here soon. Meanwhile, you can go ahead and order copies from the the university e-store,: either singly (see Glitters and The Box) or as a launch package.

Six days to go: interview with Arun Jeetoo

With six days left until the official launch of The Unseen, we are keen to keep you updated with news of our writers.

book cover (detail)
The Unseen book cover (detail)

Selcouth Station have once again tracked one of our authors down to quiz: this time, Arun Jeetoo discusses prose poetry, horror, and creative practice. His piece ‘Birdman’ appears in the anthology.

You will be able to meet our writers as they reveal The Unseen at the launch. In the meantime, why not join the conversation on Twitter using the official hashtag #unseenlaunch, or visit us on Facebook?

The Unseen writers in the news: Bronia Waldron and Haleh Agar

With only a week until the official launch of The Unseen, we are excited to share news about two of the authors featured in the collection.

book cover (detail)
The Unseen book cover (detail)

Bronia Waldron was recently interviewed by Selcouth Station, and discusses her experience of being published for the first time by us, as well as the inspiration for her prose poem ‘My Village’. Read the full interview!

We are also delighted to announce that Haleh Agar, author of several pieces published in The Unseen, has won the Brighton Prize for her flash fiction. Congratulations, Haleh! Check out the complete list of 2017 winners.

There is still time to get involved with The Unseen and to meet our talented authors! Join the conversation on Twitter, and tweet us @finchampress using the official launch hashtag #unseenlaunch.