Ever wondered about the local authors who live in our community?
Stoke Newington has a long literary history; from Daniel Defoe to Edgar Allan Poe, and the area continues to attract talented writers.
Among the local authors who call Hackney home are Beth Morrey (author of Em and Me), Laura Kay (author of Tell Me Everything), crime novelist Mel McGrath and Helen Monks Takhar (author of the psychological thriller Such a Good Mother).
Vicky Bibiris, a Partner at Location Location estate agency and an avid reader, said: “I’m always completely starstruck when I meet a local author and, when I’m reading, love spotting references to Stoke Newington. The beauty of this area and the amazing characters living here must make for great inspiration.”
Local children’s authors include Louie Sowell (who writes the Loki books), Nicola Kent (author of The World’s Strongest Mum) author/illustrator of Immy, Karin Littlewood and Fiona Lumbers (author of Clem and Crab).
Literary couple Ross Armstrong (author or The Getaway) and actor and writer Catherine Steadman (author of Something in the Water) live in the area as does Jonathan Freedland (who also writes under the pseudonym Sam Bourne).
Jo Adams, who owns Stoke Newington Bookshop, said: “We do often get asked to host book launches here for local authors – it’s usually a big celebration with their friends and family and a fair amount of booze!”
In the non-fiction category, local authors include Tom Mustill (How to Speak Whale), Travis Elborough (Through the Looking Glass) and Pete Brown, whose book Clubland takes a journey through the intoxicating history of the working men’s clubs – including the Mildmay Club.
Local celebrities whose works have been published include chef Andi Oliver and comedian Stewart Lee and, though he doesn’t live here anymore, the Repair Shop’s Jay Blades’ book ‘Making It’ has several references to his childhood in Stoke Newington.
Some of our local authors have enjoyed stints working in Stoke Newington Bookshop. Teen fiction writer Josh Martin (aka Pil Van Martin) works on his novels in the evenings and in the shop by day. Graphic novel writer Eleanor Crewes also worked in the store.
Jo added: “We had a classic moment once where a kid came in to buy Josh’s book – I asked if he wanted it signed and then called down to Josh who was on a break downstairs. He looked so confused – maybe he thought we kept all the authors in the basement!”
Other local authors include Matt Rowland Hill (author of Original Sins), Tom Mitchelson (author of Don’t Ask me about my Dad) and Sara Nisha Adams (author of The Twilight Garden).
For more inspiration for brilliant reads, check out Stoke Newington Bookshop on Instagram.
