CALENDAR
If you read Bad Girls in School, I would like to know your thoughts on the book. Recent stories that roll in about high schools seem to have so much in themes and possible approaches that can allow us to overcome troubling, ongoing events.
So, drop me a line in the contacts by December 17, 2019 and I will send a copy of Young Heroes of the Caribbean to you to the first ten accepted reviews to an address by post anywhere there is postal service in the world. I am Looking out for your note. Regards, Gwyneth |
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I will be at the Miami Book Fair
Visit the Read Jamaica Booth for copies of my YA novel Young Heroes of the Caribbean I will be signing books in the Read Jamaica booth Sat Nov 21 2PM - 4PM Sun Nov 22 2PM -4PM |
MIAMI BOOK FAIR INTERNATIONAL 2015
READ JAMAICA BOOTH
Young Adult
Literature (Jamaica) Readers at 2015 Auntie Roachie Festival
2PM, Monday, August 3, 2015
Kingston, July 31, 2015 The Young Adult (YA) Readers Hangout at the JCDC Independence Village (held at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre) will present three award winning Jamaican authors in the Young Adult (YA) book segment of the Auntie Roachie Film, Television and Literary festival which will be held from 2PM - 2:30PM Monday August 3.
Featured readers will be author of Bad Girls in School and Young Heroes of the Caribbean, Gwyneth Harold Davidson, the author of Inner City Girl and The Salt Loses Her Savor, Colleen Smith Dennis and the author of two novels Sketcher and Skid, Roland Watson Grant.
The YA Readers Hangout will be open all six days of the Independence Village, noon to midnight, August 1 to 6.
The booth will have Jamaican YA fiction books on display for browsing. Literary festival collaborator, Gwyneth Harold Davidson, will be on hand to share her thoughts on Jamaican YA books that she has read, and which are available in print or e-book editions.
Festival goers who play chess and who enjoy pen and paper activities are invited to drop in, and hang out at the YA Readers booth.
YA books are considered to be fiction and non-fiction books that are marketed to adolescents. YA books include well-known classics, as well as contemporary books and the themes identify with coming-of-age issues. YA books can be found across several genres including romance, fantasy, graphic contemporary and historical fiction, and literature.
The JCDC Independence Fair will feature daily and nightly entertainment for the family including music performances, exhibitions, craft fair and Jamaican food and drink. There is no cover charge to enter the fair before 5PM.
Author Profiles
YA Readers for the 2015 Auntie Roachie Film, TV and Literary Festival
ROLAND WATSON GRANT
A former English teacher and current advertising copywriter and creative director for over a decade, Roland Watson-Grant insists that he started his literary career writing thirty-second short stories for radio and television in his native Jamaica. In 2011, he ventured to put his characters out onto the world stage. That same year, his short story, Sketcher, was named an International Prize Winner in the Annual Lightship Literary Prizes held in Hull, England. Another short fiction entry, Home Run, was long-listed in the competition.
A live reading at the Lightship Awards ceremony in the fall of 2011, attracted a London Publisher and in February 2012, Roland was offered a book deal to turn Sketcher into a full-length novel of the same name. Sketcher, the novel was released in May 2013 to critical acclaim and was nominated for an Amazon Rising Star Award that same year. The novel has received several accolades: Times of London called Roland Watson-Grant’s debut: “A wonderfully joyous, eccentric first novel”; Bookseller Magazine described it as “a tragicomic tour de force”; and the Spectator referred to Sketcher as “most original by a mile”.
A Turkish version of Sketcher was released in Istanbul in October 2013. The sequel, entitled Skid, was released by Alma Books in June 2014. Roland appeared at the Two Seasons Talking Trees Literary Fiesta held in Treasure Beach in February 2012; and the Kingston Edition in February 2014.
COLLEEN SMITH DENNIS
Colleen Smith-Dennis was born in the parish of St. Elizabeth. She attended the Maggotty High School and graduated in the late seventies. After completing one year Youth Service, she attended the Bethlehem Moravian Teachers College where she specialized in the teaching of English Language at the secondary level. She later enrolled in the University of the West Indies where she completed a certificate and a honours degree, again in the field of the teaching of English.
In 2006 she completed her Masters in Education in the same area again at the University of the West Indies. Currently, she is a teacher of English at a high School in St. Andrew.
Published by LMH Publishing in Kingston, her YA novel, Inner City Girl was nominated for the 2011 IMPAC Dublin Literary Award. Her other novels are For Her Son and The Salt Loses Her Savor.
GWYNETH HAROLD DAVIDSON
Gwyneth Harold is a Jamaican novelist, short story writer and public relations practitioner. Her work in the YA genre has been for printed books, online books, newspaper series and radio series. She is also a collaborator of the Two Seasons Talking Trees Literary Fiesta that is held in Treasure Beach Jamaica.
Harold Davidson’s manuscript for Secret Identities of the Rio Minho received the JCDC 2002 Award of Merit for Novel; and her short story collection Here and Elsewhere won the Una Marson Book Prize 2001 for Collection of Short Stories. In 2007, her novel Bad Girls in School was short Listed for Vic Reid Prize for children 2007, and was published by Pearson in that year.
Harold Davidson’s adventure series Fly Guy ran in the Gleaner’s Youth Link and is also a four-part audio drama series that is freely available on YouTube.
Her contemporary novel with historical stories, Young Heroes of the Caribbean was independently published in 2014. Historical fiction stories from the novel were used in the Jamaica Information Service (JIS) radio series Young Heroes, which was aired in 2014 as a part of the organisation’s 50th anniversary celebrations.
END
2PM, Monday, August 3, 2015
Kingston, July 31, 2015 The Young Adult (YA) Readers Hangout at the JCDC Independence Village (held at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre) will present three award winning Jamaican authors in the Young Adult (YA) book segment of the Auntie Roachie Film, Television and Literary festival which will be held from 2PM - 2:30PM Monday August 3.
Featured readers will be author of Bad Girls in School and Young Heroes of the Caribbean, Gwyneth Harold Davidson, the author of Inner City Girl and The Salt Loses Her Savor, Colleen Smith Dennis and the author of two novels Sketcher and Skid, Roland Watson Grant.
The YA Readers Hangout will be open all six days of the Independence Village, noon to midnight, August 1 to 6.
The booth will have Jamaican YA fiction books on display for browsing. Literary festival collaborator, Gwyneth Harold Davidson, will be on hand to share her thoughts on Jamaican YA books that she has read, and which are available in print or e-book editions.
Festival goers who play chess and who enjoy pen and paper activities are invited to drop in, and hang out at the YA Readers booth.
YA books are considered to be fiction and non-fiction books that are marketed to adolescents. YA books include well-known classics, as well as contemporary books and the themes identify with coming-of-age issues. YA books can be found across several genres including romance, fantasy, graphic contemporary and historical fiction, and literature.
The JCDC Independence Fair will feature daily and nightly entertainment for the family including music performances, exhibitions, craft fair and Jamaican food and drink. There is no cover charge to enter the fair before 5PM.
Author Profiles
YA Readers for the 2015 Auntie Roachie Film, TV and Literary Festival
ROLAND WATSON GRANT
A former English teacher and current advertising copywriter and creative director for over a decade, Roland Watson-Grant insists that he started his literary career writing thirty-second short stories for radio and television in his native Jamaica. In 2011, he ventured to put his characters out onto the world stage. That same year, his short story, Sketcher, was named an International Prize Winner in the Annual Lightship Literary Prizes held in Hull, England. Another short fiction entry, Home Run, was long-listed in the competition.
A live reading at the Lightship Awards ceremony in the fall of 2011, attracted a London Publisher and in February 2012, Roland was offered a book deal to turn Sketcher into a full-length novel of the same name. Sketcher, the novel was released in May 2013 to critical acclaim and was nominated for an Amazon Rising Star Award that same year. The novel has received several accolades: Times of London called Roland Watson-Grant’s debut: “A wonderfully joyous, eccentric first novel”; Bookseller Magazine described it as “a tragicomic tour de force”; and the Spectator referred to Sketcher as “most original by a mile”.
A Turkish version of Sketcher was released in Istanbul in October 2013. The sequel, entitled Skid, was released by Alma Books in June 2014. Roland appeared at the Two Seasons Talking Trees Literary Fiesta held in Treasure Beach in February 2012; and the Kingston Edition in February 2014.
COLLEEN SMITH DENNIS
Colleen Smith-Dennis was born in the parish of St. Elizabeth. She attended the Maggotty High School and graduated in the late seventies. After completing one year Youth Service, she attended the Bethlehem Moravian Teachers College where she specialized in the teaching of English Language at the secondary level. She later enrolled in the University of the West Indies where she completed a certificate and a honours degree, again in the field of the teaching of English.
In 2006 she completed her Masters in Education in the same area again at the University of the West Indies. Currently, she is a teacher of English at a high School in St. Andrew.
Published by LMH Publishing in Kingston, her YA novel, Inner City Girl was nominated for the 2011 IMPAC Dublin Literary Award. Her other novels are For Her Son and The Salt Loses Her Savor.
GWYNETH HAROLD DAVIDSON
Gwyneth Harold is a Jamaican novelist, short story writer and public relations practitioner. Her work in the YA genre has been for printed books, online books, newspaper series and radio series. She is also a collaborator of the Two Seasons Talking Trees Literary Fiesta that is held in Treasure Beach Jamaica.
Harold Davidson’s manuscript for Secret Identities of the Rio Minho received the JCDC 2002 Award of Merit for Novel; and her short story collection Here and Elsewhere won the Una Marson Book Prize 2001 for Collection of Short Stories. In 2007, her novel Bad Girls in School was short Listed for Vic Reid Prize for children 2007, and was published by Pearson in that year.
Harold Davidson’s adventure series Fly Guy ran in the Gleaner’s Youth Link and is also a four-part audio drama series that is freely available on YouTube.
Her contemporary novel with historical stories, Young Heroes of the Caribbean was independently published in 2014. Historical fiction stories from the novel were used in the Jamaica Information Service (JIS) radio series Young Heroes, which was aired in 2014 as a part of the organisation’s 50th anniversary celebrations.
END
I welcome the 2015 staging of the Book Industry of Jamaica Trade Show in downtown Kingston, and expect that it will be an energetic day with publishers, distributors, librarians and educators exploring developments in the industry.
I aim to provide engaging stories for YA readers, who we know are definitely not limited to young adults!
My newest book Young Heroes of the Caribbean can be a good match to a YA catalogue or inventory, and bring in new readers to enjoy material from the Caribbean.
The book is already connected to media tie-ins that invite the reader to be immersed into the story before turning a page. The current tie-ins include illustrations and audio drama that is useful for lovers of audio books. In addition, the audio materials will help to build confidence in young and/or reluctant readers.
This is a family story that can find resonance anywhere on the globe. Conflict between former lovers, custody of a young child, vagaries of steady employment and the stability of a home of your own. What makes it uniquely Caribbean is the warm, sandy beach setting, the delicious local seafood, the history of thoroughbred horseracing that is deeply ingrained - and often overlooked - aspect of our culture. The history of enslavement that has shaped our culture is viewed in a heroic sense and how it developed respect for valour and the value community life.
I look forward to building your confidence in this book and fruitful discussions.
Regards,
Gwyneth Harold Davidson
I aim to provide engaging stories for YA readers, who we know are definitely not limited to young adults!
My newest book Young Heroes of the Caribbean can be a good match to a YA catalogue or inventory, and bring in new readers to enjoy material from the Caribbean.
The book is already connected to media tie-ins that invite the reader to be immersed into the story before turning a page. The current tie-ins include illustrations and audio drama that is useful for lovers of audio books. In addition, the audio materials will help to build confidence in young and/or reluctant readers.
This is a family story that can find resonance anywhere on the globe. Conflict between former lovers, custody of a young child, vagaries of steady employment and the stability of a home of your own. What makes it uniquely Caribbean is the warm, sandy beach setting, the delicious local seafood, the history of thoroughbred horseracing that is deeply ingrained - and often overlooked - aspect of our culture. The history of enslavement that has shaped our culture is viewed in a heroic sense and how it developed respect for valour and the value community life.
I look forward to building your confidence in this book and fruitful discussions.
Regards,
Gwyneth Harold Davidson
Fun at Two Seasons Talking Trees
Immediately following her reading at the Two Seasons Talking Trees Literary Fiesta on May 23 in Treasure Beach, international poet, Lorna Goodison (far right) was on hand to participate in the presentation of a copy of the historical bookThe Shopkeepers by Ray Chen to festival spot prize winner Gwyneth Ross (second left) by Roma Richardson (far left). Richardson is the 2014 bursary awardee of the Gloria Lyn Memorial Fund which supports students of Literature at the University of the West Indies, Mona. Trustee of the fund, Cathy Lyn, (second right) was a member of the 2015 staging of the literary event and her mother Gloria Lyn contributed an article to the book. The day saw the fourth staging of the literary event which is sponsored by the Two Seasons Guest House.
Two Seasons Talking Trees firmly established as a prominent literary
stage for Jamaican Writers
May 28, 2015
International poet and author, Lorna Goodison, brought her passion for writing and her wit to the fourth staging of the Two Seasons Talking Trees Literary Fiesta, held on the grounds of the Two Seasons Guest House in Treasure Beach on May 23, 2015. She was the featured reader at the Fiesta, which showcased the talent of established and emerging Jamaican poets and prose writers.
Patrons from across the country were treated to an enjoyable and relaxing day, listening to the wordsmiths across many genres. This year, the organizers of Two Seasons Talking Trees Literary Fiesta, which was first held in 2011, teamed up with the UWI Department of Literatures in English (DLIE), Mona Campus, and the Gloria Lyn Memorial Fund (GLMF), which supports students of the department with bursaries and mentoring, to make the Fiesta the best one yet. Goodison's participation was arranged by the DLIE.
Goodison, who is never far removed from her storytelling persona, easily selected from her oeuvre, engaging with the audience as she read or recited from memory. She started with I Shall Light a Candle of Understanding and moved into Guinea Woman; I Am Becoming My Mother; This is My Father’s Country (about Malvern St Elizabeth); To Mr William Wordsworth Distributor of Stamps for Westmoreland; Advice For Amy Jolly from My Seat in the Balcony, and Heartease “catching mercy rain in a zinc pan”.
She touched on a piece of near forgotten history, resonating with the contingent of St. Hugh's High School past students who had gathered at the Fiesta, when she read the poem Our First Christian Martyr. The poem reflects on the disappointment displayed by students of Goodison's alma mater, when the Gleaner report of “Jamaica's First Christian Martyr” – a sister of a teacher at the school – turned out to be wrong, and there was no martyr to mourn. Lorna also paid tribute to the late UWI Professor Barry Chevannes when she read a favourite of his, Living Convertor Woman of Green Island.
Earlier in the day, patrons were treated to readings from a stellar line up of poets, prose and blog writers, story-teller and a play. Jamaica's Poet laureate, Mervyn Morris, delivered some of his well-known poems including The Pond and The Day My Father Died. Poet Eddie Baugh read Monumental Man; Tanya Shirley presented from her two collections She Who Sleeps With Bones and Merchant of Feathers; Easton Lee did selections from his latest anthology Kiss Me Granny and included his poem My Mother is a People; Amina Blackwood Meeks performed Kiss Me Granny, a story of a woman of certain age “and being from the old school…ahem…school of certain values” explaining why she turned down the advances of a younger man. Cherry Natural, through her performance poetry, called on women to protect and defend their physical and emotional selves. UWI Mona Poetry Slam winner Peta-Gaye Williams delivered her love for words.
Telling stories, writer Victor Chang brought mirth with the tale of Miss Daisy and Miss Chin; blogger Annie Paul read her popular post Kingston, Kerala and Ethiopia which uses her life as a convergence of the three subjects. Novelist Sharon Leach read a steamy section from her first book What You Can’t Tell Him; Mandisa Parnell read from her romance The Boy Next Door, when a teenage girl tries to get over a crush; Carol Dunn revealed a quiet hurt of the female hero in Mountain of Inheritance and Gwyneth Harold Davidson, in honour of the casualties of the 150th anniversary of the Morant Bay Rebellion, read an excerpt of Young Heroes of the Caribbean.
The audience was also treated to the restaging of the 10 minute play, Devon, written by the MC for the day, Fabian Thomas. Acted by Jomo Dixon and Darian Reid, the skit is set in the May 2010 Tivoli incursion and examines choices, allegiance, the toll of violence on families and the bond between father and son.
Participants in the children’s programme that was organized by Ingrid Blackwood presented a skit crafted during the day called Those Who Came, representing the theme of the Fiesta. The Trees That Feed Foundation presented a Julie mango tree to the Two Seasons Guest House in continuation of its work. The Billy’sBay Drummers, two students of the Sandy Bank Primary School, also performed self-composed pieces.
Sponsored by the Two Seasons Guest House, the Talking Trees 2015 partners included the Jamaica Tourist Board; Jamaica National, Jamcopy, Treasure Beach Hotel, Taino Cove Guest House, and the Treasure Beach Women's Group.
May 28, 2015
International poet and author, Lorna Goodison, brought her passion for writing and her wit to the fourth staging of the Two Seasons Talking Trees Literary Fiesta, held on the grounds of the Two Seasons Guest House in Treasure Beach on May 23, 2015. She was the featured reader at the Fiesta, which showcased the talent of established and emerging Jamaican poets and prose writers.
Patrons from across the country were treated to an enjoyable and relaxing day, listening to the wordsmiths across many genres. This year, the organizers of Two Seasons Talking Trees Literary Fiesta, which was first held in 2011, teamed up with the UWI Department of Literatures in English (DLIE), Mona Campus, and the Gloria Lyn Memorial Fund (GLMF), which supports students of the department with bursaries and mentoring, to make the Fiesta the best one yet. Goodison's participation was arranged by the DLIE.
Goodison, who is never far removed from her storytelling persona, easily selected from her oeuvre, engaging with the audience as she read or recited from memory. She started with I Shall Light a Candle of Understanding and moved into Guinea Woman; I Am Becoming My Mother; This is My Father’s Country (about Malvern St Elizabeth); To Mr William Wordsworth Distributor of Stamps for Westmoreland; Advice For Amy Jolly from My Seat in the Balcony, and Heartease “catching mercy rain in a zinc pan”.
She touched on a piece of near forgotten history, resonating with the contingent of St. Hugh's High School past students who had gathered at the Fiesta, when she read the poem Our First Christian Martyr. The poem reflects on the disappointment displayed by students of Goodison's alma mater, when the Gleaner report of “Jamaica's First Christian Martyr” – a sister of a teacher at the school – turned out to be wrong, and there was no martyr to mourn. Lorna also paid tribute to the late UWI Professor Barry Chevannes when she read a favourite of his, Living Convertor Woman of Green Island.
Earlier in the day, patrons were treated to readings from a stellar line up of poets, prose and blog writers, story-teller and a play. Jamaica's Poet laureate, Mervyn Morris, delivered some of his well-known poems including The Pond and The Day My Father Died. Poet Eddie Baugh read Monumental Man; Tanya Shirley presented from her two collections She Who Sleeps With Bones and Merchant of Feathers; Easton Lee did selections from his latest anthology Kiss Me Granny and included his poem My Mother is a People; Amina Blackwood Meeks performed Kiss Me Granny, a story of a woman of certain age “and being from the old school…ahem…school of certain values” explaining why she turned down the advances of a younger man. Cherry Natural, through her performance poetry, called on women to protect and defend their physical and emotional selves. UWI Mona Poetry Slam winner Peta-Gaye Williams delivered her love for words.
Telling stories, writer Victor Chang brought mirth with the tale of Miss Daisy and Miss Chin; blogger Annie Paul read her popular post Kingston, Kerala and Ethiopia which uses her life as a convergence of the three subjects. Novelist Sharon Leach read a steamy section from her first book What You Can’t Tell Him; Mandisa Parnell read from her romance The Boy Next Door, when a teenage girl tries to get over a crush; Carol Dunn revealed a quiet hurt of the female hero in Mountain of Inheritance and Gwyneth Harold Davidson, in honour of the casualties of the 150th anniversary of the Morant Bay Rebellion, read an excerpt of Young Heroes of the Caribbean.
The audience was also treated to the restaging of the 10 minute play, Devon, written by the MC for the day, Fabian Thomas. Acted by Jomo Dixon and Darian Reid, the skit is set in the May 2010 Tivoli incursion and examines choices, allegiance, the toll of violence on families and the bond between father and son.
Participants in the children’s programme that was organized by Ingrid Blackwood presented a skit crafted during the day called Those Who Came, representing the theme of the Fiesta. The Trees That Feed Foundation presented a Julie mango tree to the Two Seasons Guest House in continuation of its work. The Billy’sBay Drummers, two students of the Sandy Bank Primary School, also performed self-composed pieces.
Sponsored by the Two Seasons Guest House, the Talking Trees 2015 partners included the Jamaica Tourist Board; Jamaica National, Jamcopy, Treasure Beach Hotel, Taino Cove Guest House, and the Treasure Beach Women's Group.
Grade Three teachers Miss Gifford (left) and Miss White welcomed me as the reader booked by the Jamaica Reading Association to share an hour of fun with students of the St George's Primary School in Kingston CIty. I told two stories and read one.
KEEP CHECKING BACK FOR UPDATES!!!
DRAFT SCHEDULE - SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE
SAT MARCH 7, DEVON HOUSE
9AM OPEN
10:30 - 10:55
Writing Prompts!
Start writing a story, see where it takes you.
11AM - 11:30
My passport … A Conversation with authors
1. Madisa Parnell - author of award winning YA novel, The Boy Next Door
2. J Martin twin 1
3. J Martin twin 2
3PM - 3:30
Writing Persuasive Dialogue
Positioning a topic, presenting an idea
4PM - 430PM
Creative Writing Sprint
An adrenaline rush. We start you off, you write.
5:00 END
DRAFT SCHEDULE - SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE
SAT MARCH 7, DEVON HOUSE
9AM OPEN
10:30 - 10:55
Writing Prompts!
Start writing a story, see where it takes you.
11AM - 11:30
My passport … A Conversation with authors
1. Madisa Parnell - author of award winning YA novel, The Boy Next Door
2. J Martin twin 1
3. J Martin twin 2
3PM - 3:30
Writing Persuasive Dialogue
Positioning a topic, presenting an idea
4PM - 430PM
Creative Writing Sprint
An adrenaline rush. We start you off, you write.
5:00 END
The book Young Heroes of the Caribbean was presented to MInister of Youth and Culture, Lisa Hanna in her office on Friday, October 3, 2015. The inspiration for the cover of the book was the Jamaica 50 Shop Mural of the ministry.
Harold Davidson launches another YA title: Young Heroes of the Caribbean
Kingston, August 26, 2014
Young Adult writer, Gwyneth Harold Davidson, introduces her newest young adult book Young Heroes of the Caribbean to the Minister of Education Rev Ronald Thwaites at the Jamaica Teachers Association Annual General Conference in Montego Bay on August 22.
Receiving the copy, Minister Thwaites said that he would be reading it carefully before sharing it with his grandchildren and to see whether it would be appropriate for use in schools.
The book, which is independently published by Harold Davidson, is an intimate family story of a working class boy, Ramiro, whose separated parents live in the diverse worlds of thoroughbred horse racing and seaside cook shop vending. As he, his parents, and an undocumented girl steer through their challenges, the mythical strength of Jamaica's seven national heroes emerge as sources of strength in adversity. Male characters dominate the book, and it is being positioned as relevant for middle school boys and older teens.
The novel features original illustrations by the popular Spanish Town raised artist and Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts (EMCVPA) graduate Taj Francis. The cover, done by well-known designer, Rupert Thomas, uses elements of the Jamaica 50 Shop mural of the Ministry of Youth and Culture that was created by a design team of final-year students of the EMCVPA.
Young Heroes of the Caribbean is currently being promoted to booksellers and librarians. It is available as a Kindle e-book on Amazon.com; and the first third (1/3) of the book is available for free download to subscribers of the social media website, Goodreads.
Harold Davidson says that Young Heroes of the Caribbean will be the first in a three-part series with subsequent books to be delivered at one-year intervals. The other books will highlight more heroes of nations with shores that are washed by the Caribbean Sea. This is Harold Davidson's second YA novel, the first is Bad Girls in School published in the Caribbean Writers Series, (Heinemann/Pearson Education).
Kingston, August 26, 2014
Young Adult writer, Gwyneth Harold Davidson, introduces her newest young adult book Young Heroes of the Caribbean to the Minister of Education Rev Ronald Thwaites at the Jamaica Teachers Association Annual General Conference in Montego Bay on August 22.
Receiving the copy, Minister Thwaites said that he would be reading it carefully before sharing it with his grandchildren and to see whether it would be appropriate for use in schools.
The book, which is independently published by Harold Davidson, is an intimate family story of a working class boy, Ramiro, whose separated parents live in the diverse worlds of thoroughbred horse racing and seaside cook shop vending. As he, his parents, and an undocumented girl steer through their challenges, the mythical strength of Jamaica's seven national heroes emerge as sources of strength in adversity. Male characters dominate the book, and it is being positioned as relevant for middle school boys and older teens.
The novel features original illustrations by the popular Spanish Town raised artist and Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts (EMCVPA) graduate Taj Francis. The cover, done by well-known designer, Rupert Thomas, uses elements of the Jamaica 50 Shop mural of the Ministry of Youth and Culture that was created by a design team of final-year students of the EMCVPA.
Young Heroes of the Caribbean is currently being promoted to booksellers and librarians. It is available as a Kindle e-book on Amazon.com; and the first third (1/3) of the book is available for free download to subscribers of the social media website, Goodreads.
Harold Davidson says that Young Heroes of the Caribbean will be the first in a three-part series with subsequent books to be delivered at one-year intervals. The other books will highlight more heroes of nations with shores that are washed by the Caribbean Sea. This is Harold Davidson's second YA novel, the first is Bad Girls in School published in the Caribbean Writers Series, (Heinemann/Pearson Education).
YOUNG HEROES OF THE CARIBBEAN IS LAUNCHED
Young Heroes of the Caribbean was presented to visitors of the Church of the Transfiguration Health and Book Fair in Kingston, Jamaica on August 23. This is a community event. My goals at this stage are to make connections with the people who select books for schools and also for reading competitions. So if you are in that group, let's talk. Over the past two days I have enjoyed meeting people and hearing their thoughts. On Friday I was as booth holder at the Jamaica Teachers Association Annual General Meeting in Montego Bay. |
The two days of promotions came with several surprising moments. I started telling one woman that the mother in the book sells fish and festival for a living and she said "That is what I do". Another woman who was checking the book made her decision to buy because the dialogue included some Jamaican patois. She turned out to be a high school teacher who was looking for material that would hold the interest of her teens.
A reading specialist yesterday was glad to find the book as she was searching for material for boys between age 13 and 16. Today, at two different times, two boys lingered for about half an hour reading the book. In the next phase, I plan to make arrangements with booksellers. So, so far so good. |
READING
I used to read once a month at the Trench Town Reading Centre a few years ago, and the experience was so wonderful that I still keep in touch. I am not available as I once was, so I have not been able to return to read regularly. However, I did get a chance on Friday, February 28 when I read the book Beem Explores Africa .
Nigerian writer Igoni Barrett made a donation of that book and others that were written and published in Africa. Included were picture and chapter books for children and Barrett's newest book of short stories, Love is Power or Something Like That. Barrett was accompanied by Dutch journalist living in Nigeria Femke Van Zeijl who very kindly captured this photo.
The director of the centre, Roslyn Ellison and staff members Aunt Sweets and Aunt Joan were on hand. Ellison said that the books were going into the Africa centre of the library, and she encouraged the children to come in and read them. The day was also being celebrated as "Jamaica Day", which is culture programme of the Ministry of Education in schools all across Jamaica.
I used to read once a month at the Trench Town Reading Centre a few years ago, and the experience was so wonderful that I still keep in touch. I am not available as I once was, so I have not been able to return to read regularly. However, I did get a chance on Friday, February 28 when I read the book Beem Explores Africa .
Nigerian writer Igoni Barrett made a donation of that book and others that were written and published in Africa. Included were picture and chapter books for children and Barrett's newest book of short stories, Love is Power or Something Like That. Barrett was accompanied by Dutch journalist living in Nigeria Femke Van Zeijl who very kindly captured this photo.
The director of the centre, Roslyn Ellison and staff members Aunt Sweets and Aunt Joan were on hand. Ellison said that the books were going into the Africa centre of the library, and she encouraged the children to come in and read them. The day was also being celebrated as "Jamaica Day", which is culture programme of the Ministry of Education in schools all across Jamaica.
LITERARY FESTIVAL
Thirteen writers, many views and emotions at the Two Seasons Guest House literary stage in Kingston
Kingston: February 25, 2014
When the third staging of the Two Seasons Talking Trees Literary Fiesta drew to a close on Sunday, February 16, led by the voices of the authors, patrons had journeyed far and wide and experienced the highs and lows of life.
Ruddy Wallace, one of four short story writers on the day, opened the Fiesta with his reading of Death Grip, revealing the dark side of a relationship between a student and lecturer on the banks of the Hope River. It is one of the works featured in the JCDC Gold Anthology, along with that of fellow reader, Carroll Edwards, who engaged the audience in singing at the Nine Night in rural St. Andrew for one of her protagonists, exploring family relationships strained by social expectations.
Roland Watson- Grant’s Register, set in a school in Seaforth, St. Thomas, moved the author almost to tears as he recounted the all too true tale of a boy’s misplaced jealousy of his schoolmate’s frequent trips to the USA. Watson-Grant also read from his novel Sketcher, about a boy growing up in the Louisiana swamps. Nigerian short story writer, Igoni Barrett, brought laughter into the house with his reading of My Smelly Mouth Problem, which is about a man trying not to expose his halitosis during an eventful bus ride in Lagos.
The virtual visit to Africa was also extended into the West African country, Burkina Faso, which became a surprising point of intersection for two readings from journals, a feature introduced into this year’s edition of Talking Trees. Ethnomusicologist and missionary, Jo-Ann Richards, reading from Godincidences, described how God continues to reveal his majesty in difficult times. Dutch journalist living and writing about Africa, Femke Van Zeijl, through photos of her travels and excerpts from Gin-Tonic & Cholera, shared her experience of how people live and love in countries where opulence coincides with grinding poverty, and the digital divide widens the gap between generations.
The first of five poets at the lectern, Jean Lowrie-Chin, read from her book, Souldancing, sharing experiences of childhood in the country, including Junkunnu celebrations in Hartford District, Westmoreland, growing up with nurturing care in Kingston and the joy of marriage and parenting. Poet Marlon Thompson started by saying that his book of poems and inspiration, Words from Mamma’s Son, shows the lighter and brighter side of his home, Trench Town. Mel Cooke, well known for reading his poems honoring the women in his life, chose to read poems from his publication, 11/9 that reveal his vulnerable feelings when loved ones are in pain. Lilieth Nelson poetically recalled from Angles of Reflection the joy of growing up in Jamaica, respect for traditions, and living as a woman. Reading from her critically acclaimed book, The Festival of the Wild Orchid, Ann-Margaret Lim drew inspiration from her diverse bloodline to share poems of coming of age, young womanhood and loving motherhood.
Patrick Brown's play, Brotherly Love, was read in public for the first time at Two Seasons Talking Trees Literary Fiesta Kingston Edition. The play explores the complications that arise between two brothers who are married to two sisters. It is currently in production under the direction of Scarlett Beharie. The actors reading were Julene Robinson, Paul Wilson, Veronique Smith and Brian Johnson.
Closing the event, Nova Gordon-Bell selected the poem Departure Lounge parodying travelers eternally waiting for a flight that will never leave with the hopes and aspirations of a nation that will not develop economically.
Sponsor of the Fiesta, Christine Marrett, proprietor of the Two Seasons Guest House in Treasure Beach, said of the writers, “Listening to their work is truly a wonderful experience. Our Jamaican authors expose so many voices of contemporary Jamaica; and our international authors help us to see ourselves in the world. We had two great Fiestas on the grounds of Two Seasons Guest House in Treasure Beach, the first in 2011 and again in 2012, both as part of a community endeavour. In response to requests of some of our patrons, we decided to bring the laid back literary atmosphere of Treasure Beach to Kingston in 2014. We plan to stage Talking Trees again in 2015.”
Roland Watson-Grant used the opportunity to urge Jamaican writers to continue their efforts. “My first novel was written flying over the Causeway on a JUTC bus, and then at another point in Emancipation Park - that’s after they kicked me out of one of those hotels on Knutsford Boulevard because I went in there every morning to write. I am going to say, keep going. The things that we have learned, when we see the reaction to the material that we write, from around the world, it is worth it. This is your challenge, and your encouragement.”
In addition to the presentations, patrons were treated to samples of Organo Gold coffee products arranged by Helen Robertson. Jamaica National supported the appearance of writers and the actors.
Two Seasons Talking Trees Literary Fiesta – Kingston Edition was held at Lillian’s Restaurant, which occupies one of the designated national monuments at the University of Technology, Jamaica.
END
Thirteen writers, many views and emotions at the Two Seasons Guest House literary stage in Kingston
Kingston: February 25, 2014
When the third staging of the Two Seasons Talking Trees Literary Fiesta drew to a close on Sunday, February 16, led by the voices of the authors, patrons had journeyed far and wide and experienced the highs and lows of life.
Ruddy Wallace, one of four short story writers on the day, opened the Fiesta with his reading of Death Grip, revealing the dark side of a relationship between a student and lecturer on the banks of the Hope River. It is one of the works featured in the JCDC Gold Anthology, along with that of fellow reader, Carroll Edwards, who engaged the audience in singing at the Nine Night in rural St. Andrew for one of her protagonists, exploring family relationships strained by social expectations.
Roland Watson- Grant’s Register, set in a school in Seaforth, St. Thomas, moved the author almost to tears as he recounted the all too true tale of a boy’s misplaced jealousy of his schoolmate’s frequent trips to the USA. Watson-Grant also read from his novel Sketcher, about a boy growing up in the Louisiana swamps. Nigerian short story writer, Igoni Barrett, brought laughter into the house with his reading of My Smelly Mouth Problem, which is about a man trying not to expose his halitosis during an eventful bus ride in Lagos.
The virtual visit to Africa was also extended into the West African country, Burkina Faso, which became a surprising point of intersection for two readings from journals, a feature introduced into this year’s edition of Talking Trees. Ethnomusicologist and missionary, Jo-Ann Richards, reading from Godincidences, described how God continues to reveal his majesty in difficult times. Dutch journalist living and writing about Africa, Femke Van Zeijl, through photos of her travels and excerpts from Gin-Tonic & Cholera, shared her experience of how people live and love in countries where opulence coincides with grinding poverty, and the digital divide widens the gap between generations.
The first of five poets at the lectern, Jean Lowrie-Chin, read from her book, Souldancing, sharing experiences of childhood in the country, including Junkunnu celebrations in Hartford District, Westmoreland, growing up with nurturing care in Kingston and the joy of marriage and parenting. Poet Marlon Thompson started by saying that his book of poems and inspiration, Words from Mamma’s Son, shows the lighter and brighter side of his home, Trench Town. Mel Cooke, well known for reading his poems honoring the women in his life, chose to read poems from his publication, 11/9 that reveal his vulnerable feelings when loved ones are in pain. Lilieth Nelson poetically recalled from Angles of Reflection the joy of growing up in Jamaica, respect for traditions, and living as a woman. Reading from her critically acclaimed book, The Festival of the Wild Orchid, Ann-Margaret Lim drew inspiration from her diverse bloodline to share poems of coming of age, young womanhood and loving motherhood.
Patrick Brown's play, Brotherly Love, was read in public for the first time at Two Seasons Talking Trees Literary Fiesta Kingston Edition. The play explores the complications that arise between two brothers who are married to two sisters. It is currently in production under the direction of Scarlett Beharie. The actors reading were Julene Robinson, Paul Wilson, Veronique Smith and Brian Johnson.
Closing the event, Nova Gordon-Bell selected the poem Departure Lounge parodying travelers eternally waiting for a flight that will never leave with the hopes and aspirations of a nation that will not develop economically.
Sponsor of the Fiesta, Christine Marrett, proprietor of the Two Seasons Guest House in Treasure Beach, said of the writers, “Listening to their work is truly a wonderful experience. Our Jamaican authors expose so many voices of contemporary Jamaica; and our international authors help us to see ourselves in the world. We had two great Fiestas on the grounds of Two Seasons Guest House in Treasure Beach, the first in 2011 and again in 2012, both as part of a community endeavour. In response to requests of some of our patrons, we decided to bring the laid back literary atmosphere of Treasure Beach to Kingston in 2014. We plan to stage Talking Trees again in 2015.”
Roland Watson-Grant used the opportunity to urge Jamaican writers to continue their efforts. “My first novel was written flying over the Causeway on a JUTC bus, and then at another point in Emancipation Park - that’s after they kicked me out of one of those hotels on Knutsford Boulevard because I went in there every morning to write. I am going to say, keep going. The things that we have learned, when we see the reaction to the material that we write, from around the world, it is worth it. This is your challenge, and your encouragement.”
In addition to the presentations, patrons were treated to samples of Organo Gold coffee products arranged by Helen Robertson. Jamaica National supported the appearance of writers and the actors.
Two Seasons Talking Trees Literary Fiesta – Kingston Edition was held at Lillian’s Restaurant, which occupies one of the designated national monuments at the University of Technology, Jamaica.
END
READING
I read at the 20th anniversary Celebration of the Trench Town Reading Centre on Saturday November 23 in Kingston.
I read at the 20th anniversary Celebration of the Trench Town Reading Centre on Saturday November 23 in Kingston.
AUDIO DRAMA - Young Heroes
In 2013, I had the absolutely great pleasure of working with the Jamaica Information Service to create a seven-part audio series that featured a historical fiction of Jamaica's national heroes. The episodes are below. The names of the team are on the Soundcloud website. Please have a listen and if you wish to use, just contact me through the website.
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The seven part audio series Young Heroes came to life during Heritage Week 2013 as a production to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Jamaica Information Service. CAST
Children - Abram Marrett, Mikael-Lee Toyloy, Xandria Francis, Rushad Thames
Adults - Andrew Brodber, Karen Cadien, Richard Fairclough
STUDIO ENGINEERS - Andrae Palmer, Joel Samuels
SOUND EFFECTS
http://www.grsites.com/archive/sounds/category/22/?offset=12
www. Freesound.org
http://www.soundjay.com/index.html
Joel Samuels
ARTISTE LIAISON
Alethia Lambert
ILLUSTRATIONS
Taj Francis
PRODUCERS
Gwyneth Harold Davidson and Lorraine Walker Mendez
Executive Producer
Donna-Marie Rowe
Recorded at JIS Radio, Kingston, Jamaica
October 2013
MEDIA
News Release
National Television interview
Children - Abram Marrett, Mikael-Lee Toyloy, Xandria Francis, Rushad Thames
Adults - Andrew Brodber, Karen Cadien, Richard Fairclough
STUDIO ENGINEERS - Andrae Palmer, Joel Samuels
SOUND EFFECTS
http://www.grsites.com/archive/sounds/category/22/?offset=12
www. Freesound.org
http://www.soundjay.com/index.html
Joel Samuels
ARTISTE LIAISON
Alethia Lambert
ILLUSTRATIONS
Taj Francis
PRODUCERS
Gwyneth Harold Davidson and Lorraine Walker Mendez
Executive Producer
Donna-Marie Rowe
Recorded at JIS Radio, Kingston, Jamaica
October 2013
MEDIA
News Release
National Television interview
Jamaica Diaspora Conference 2013
I exibited in the writers section of the conference on Monday, May 17, and also tweeted all day!
@highwindja
@highwindja
Pecha Kucha Night Kingston - May 29, 2013
Young Designers, Writer, Globetrotter were on Pecha Kucha Night Kingston Volume 5 Wednesday, 29 May 2013
I was one of the speakers at the Pecha Kucha Night Kingston Volume 5 is that was held on Wednesday, May 29 at Fiction Lounge at 9 PM.
The evening featured presentations from a young architect, two architectural designers, a graphic artist, a writer and an observant globetrotter. It was organised by Michaelia Henry and David Cuthbert.
I was one of the speakers at the Pecha Kucha Night Kingston Volume 5 is that was held on Wednesday, May 29 at Fiction Lounge at 9 PM.
The evening featured presentations from a young architect, two architectural designers, a graphic artist, a writer and an observant globetrotter. It was organised by Michaelia Henry and David Cuthbert.
Kingston Book Festival Book Fair
Devon House, March 9, 2013
I promoted my books with the collaborators of the Two Seasons Talking Trees Literary Fiesta (Gwyneth Harold, Janet Barrett and Christine Marrett). Reggae singer and actress, Cherine Anderson stopped by and graciously allowed us a group photo.
I promoted my books with the collaborators of the Two Seasons Talking Trees Literary Fiesta (Gwyneth Harold, Janet Barrett and Christine Marrett). Reggae singer and actress, Cherine Anderson stopped by and graciously allowed us a group photo.
Blog Post
Love Affair With Literature-2 Sunday March 3, 2013
The audience in the Neville Hall lecture Theatre.
I attended the opening event of the 2013 Kingston Book Festival and wrote a blog entry. Do click and get a roundup of readings by publisher and storyteller Tanya Batson-Savage, poet Edward Baugh, poet and novelist Lorna Goodison and poet and novelist Kei Miller. The event was held at the Faculty of Humanities and Education, UWI Mona, Jamaica.
FLYER FROM 2013
Two Seasons Talking Trees Literary Fiesta
The Two Seasons Talking Trees Literary Fiesta is a one-day family event at the Two Seasons Guest House in Treasure Beach, St Elizabeth Jamaica that features writers across a wide range of genres reading and discussing their work. Gwyneth Harold is a collaborator and also the compere for the day.
The next festival is being planned for 2015.
View the commemorative magazine here
The next festival is being planned for 2015.
View the commemorative magazine here
