Welcome to my blog.
My name is Isabel Ashdown, and I’m a fiction writer, living on the south coast of England with my carpenter husband, our two children and a border terrier called Charlie. Five years ago, I gave up my job in senior management to study for a creative writing degree, during which time I won a number of awards for my short stories and poetry. Glasshopper is my first novel, which launches in September 2009.
Glasshopper is the story of a family in breakdown in 1980s England, as seen through the eyes of 13 year old Jake. As his mother, Mary, plunges into alcoholic freefall, Jake becomes increasingly enchanted by his young classics teacher and the stories of Greek mythology. Jake’s acute sense of responsibility combines with an infectious desire to have fun, and together with his younger brother and their adopted dog he survives the daily trials of his unpredictable and often disappointing home life.
An extract from Glasshopper won the Mail on Sunday Novel Competition, described by judges Fay Weldon, Sir John Mortimer and Michael Ridpath as “magnificent”.
I finished writing Glasshopper in December 2008, and set out on the uncertain path towards publication. I was lucky. Soon after meeting my fantastic literary agent, Adrian Weston at Raft PR, I signed a deal with Myriad Editions, an exciting independent publisher who had recently been awarded Arts Council funding to develop its fiction list. Myriad acquired UK & Commonwealth rights, and we now look forward to the official UK launch of Glasshopper on 17th September 2009.
My friends, family and tutors have shown me great support and enthusiasm during the writing of the Glasshopper, for which I’m sincerely grateful. So, despite my phobia of modern technology, I decided it was time to launch a blog, where I can post up my latest news and events. But don’t expect me to start twittering anytime soon . . . that’s just a step too far.
Pre-order your copy at Amazon.co.uk
8 comments
May 25, 2009 at 10:59 am
abigail mallett
Having had the wonderful opportunity to read this book before its release, I urge everyone to pre-order a copy. It is beautifully written with humour, sadness and hope. The characters are so skillfully brought to life that they still live with me today.
Roll on September
May 27, 2009 at 9:30 am
Laura Cummins
I was working with Issie whilst she was completing her studies and writing this book. I look forward to reading it with great anticipation. If the passion and joy by which Issie lives her life is anything to go by, then this book is definately worth reading.
June 9, 2009 at 8:48 pm
Juliet West
Great cover! Great first chapter! I can’t wait to read the whole thing…
June 11, 2009 at 1:49 pm
Dave Hailwood
Hope the launch goes well, Issie!
I enjoyed seeing the book develop during the MA. Have to pick up a copy when it’s out.
June 11, 2009 at 2:51 pm
Dominic Ashdown
As Issies’s brother, and having grown up with shared family experiences, I am awaiting the opportunity to read this book with great anticipation. It may prove to be a more personal read because of our shared childhood and I am very much looking forward to the books release. The cover alone looks fabulous.
I am very proud of Issy for this achievement. She is the sort of person who works very hard and seems to succeed in everything she puts her hand to. Her future career (or should I say current career as she has already arrived) I am sure will be no exception. Her belief in her own abilities and her drive to fulfill a lifelong dream of becoming a writer is inspiring to me. I know that our Father, who was a very literary person, would be full of pride over her achievements and I hope in some way that he may be aware. I just hope she will have time for her old brother when she hits the big time, which I am confident is going to happen.
Go for it Iss!
June 13, 2009 at 11:20 am
Jane Osis
Even in this tantalising opening, the intensity of a heartbreaking moment is balanced by an edge of humour. Only a couple of months and I can read the rest . . .
June 15, 2009 at 10:15 am
Vicki Lock
Hi Issie, it’s been a few years since I last saw you! Sasha forwarded the link to your blog and I just wanted to wish you all the best for the launch of your first novel, I will pre-order a copy now! All the best Vicki xx
November 4, 2009 at 7:46 pm
angela oatley
Met you at Waterstones Newport. I loved Glasshopper. So looking forward to your next book. Wishing you greatly deserved success.