Guest author: Ayisha Malik
Come and join us by the fire to explore the funny side of writing fiction in this our last salon of the year. Everyone loves a laugh – it’s a way to connect and bond with the reader – but the skilled use of humour in fiction is one of the greatest challenges for the writer. If tackled effectively, though, humour can illuminate truths about characters and the worlds they inhabit. It can also be used to tackle difficult or taboo subjects, easing tension and providing respite from awkward moments. Join us tonight to unpack these challenges in conversation with author Ayisha Malik, whose debut novel, Sofia Khan is Not Obliged, was met with great critical acclaim and was a WHSmith Fresh Talent pick in 2016. The book has also been optioned for TV. The sequel, The Other Half of Happiness was published in April 2017. Her latest novel, This Green and Pleasant Land, is out now. Ayisha is also the ghost writer for Great British Bake Off winner, Nadiya Hussain’s adult fiction.
As the season of goodwill is approaching Words Away will be running a little raffle during tonight’s salon in support of the letter writing charity: From Me To You. We have some lovely book bundle prizes for a lucky audience member or two. Set up by Alison Hitchcock and Brian Greenley, From Me to You was born out of Brian’s bowel cancer diagnosis. In a bid to help him through what is an incredibly isolating and terrifying illness, Alison began writing letters to Brian, providing the support and distraction he needed. With Brian now fully recovered, the charity encourages and inspires people to write letters to friends, family and strangers suffering from cancer, keeping them connected at a time when they can feel most disconnected.