Tag Archives: author talk

July 10, 2015 · 7:12 pm

The Swan Hotel Bedford – Steeped in History and Surrounded by Character

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The Swan Hotel Bedford

The Swan Hotel Bedford was rebuilt by Henry Holland for The Duke of Bedford in the 18th Century and is an imposing building on the Embankment, the River Ouse flowing beside it – is a perfect place for walkers, runner and rowers. Bedford Bridge was probably originally wooden and built by the Saxons but it was the Victorians who first enjoyed the suspension footbridge further along the Embankment, probably the most photographed view of Bedford. The hotel is virtually opposite St Paul’s Church and the Market Place and so it is a

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The Embankment Bedford

central location for the town and spots of historical significance.

Castle Mound is next to the hotel and The Cecil Higgins Museum and Art Gallery is within the grounds behind the castle. Only a few minutes walk you can reach The Bunyan Centre, a museum dedicated to Bunyan and close to the place where it is alleged that he wrote Pilgrim’s Progress – many landmarks of which are in Bedfordshire. Another interesting and unusual place within east walking distance is the Panacea Museum, described as ‘a garden of Eden in the Centre of Bedford.’

Recently refurbished, The Swan Hotel oozes history with its chandeliers and wooden panelled stairs and yet their lunch menu is reasonably priced and would be a haven after a busy morning shopping or visiting the sites.  I have not been to the spa but have put it on my ‘to do’ list, having seen the photos on the hotel website.

I am excited that I will be holding an event at The Swan Hotel on August 3rd at 2pm.  ‘Murder in the Library’ – a fantastic setting to talk about local history and how an unsolved murder near the village of Wishamstead in 1919, inspired me to write my murder mystery ‘Murder, Now and Then.’ This will be accompanied by tea and cake, all for £5, but it needs to be booked.

You can either let me know and I’ll put you on the list or, better still, pop into the hotel reception or give them a call.

Swan Hotel Reception:  01234 346 565  email: info@bedfordswanhotel.co.uk

or contact me: diana@dianamaryjackson.co.uk

Swan Murder Flyer

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June 16, 2015 · 7:45 am

‘Murder in the Library’ at The Swan Hotel Bedford ~ Author Talk ~ Tea, cake and a good book!

Hi folks

Great news!

I have been invited to do an author talk at The Swan Hotel, Bedford on 3rd August at 2pm.

See below for details but you can either contact me for tickets or pop into the Swan reception.

Tea, cakes and ‘Murder in the Library’ ! 

Here’s their wonderful poster:

Diana Jackson @ The Swan Hotel, Bedford

Diana Jackson @
The Swan Hotel, Bedford

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April 10, 2015 · 12:00 pm

Author Talk a Resounding Success!

Well over thirty people attended my author talk last night in the small village of Clophill in mid Bedfordshire and they were certainly an enthusiastic and appreciative audience. Many had read ‘Murder, Now and Then’ prior to the evening, so it was a tricky balance to talk to them, as well as not to give too many details away to spoil the plot for the others. I sold a good few books too and much was raised for church funds, which was a major purpose of the evening.

As I tried to sleep last night and the adrenaline was still rushing through my body I began to evaluate ‘success.’ Yesterday evening was certainly a resounding success. You could have heard ‘a pin drop’ (if you’ll excuse the cliche) during the video, in the silence of the church. Here’s a link if you have not seen it before.

No one in the audience noticed the imaginary farmhouse superimposed on the countryside near Haynes Park, where the novel is set, not far from Clophill. It was a perfect introduction to the evening. People seemed genuinely interested in my local research and anecdotes about my writing life, asking pertinent questions – but no – I did not answer when asked what the murder weapon was!

It was a success in the way in which the event spread the word about my writing and to hear that copies had been bought and passed around. Isn’t that wonderful!  The comment was made almost apologetically and it made me evaluate why I write. As long as I continue to have that burning desire to write and that feedback from readers is positive, whether they read on Kindle or new, borrowed or second hand paperback or even from the library – I count that as a resounding success. Don’t you?

What do you think?What I love about evenings like that is not only sharing my own story but listening to theirs afterwards.

Anyway I’d certainly like to thank the Clophill folks for being so welcoming!

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