Fiona Collins – författare

Tales from a crucible of civilization – the pocket between the Tigris and the Euphrates rivers where language, astronomy, religion and mythology grew from some of the earliest cultures known to humankind. Undiscovered until 200 years ago, the stories, hymns and ancient king lists of Sumer and Babylon reveal a rich culture of city states, each with their own gods and tales of floods, adventures, the heavens and the netherworld. From myths of creation and love, and tales of Nisaba (Goddess of Writing) and Inana (or Ishtar), to stories of Everyday Folk and the famous Epic of Gilgamesh, this brand new collection offers lively and evocative tales retold by contemporary storytellers Fiona Collins and June Peters, and introduced by expert Professor Martin Worthington.

‘A fabulously entertaining story!’ –Rachel’s Random Reads (top 1,000 Amazon Reviewer) Three friends. One year. Absolutely no men… Imogen is supposed to be on the most romantic weekend of her life and instead she’s quickly realised that her current boyfriend definitely isn’t ‘The One’ and actually One Big Mistake.Frankie is fed up. Fed up of her good-for-nothing husband and her four, unappreciative children. Well, they hardly notice her anyway, maybe it’s time to shake it up a little…Grace thought she had the perfect life. Gorgeous little boy and perfect, hardworking husband. Or rather, she did, until she realised her husband was shagging his ‘work’.These single ladies don’t need to put a ring on it…right? Perfect for fans of Jane Costello, Helen Fielding and Fiona Gibson, don’t miss this brilliant debut bestseller from Fiona Collins! What readers are saying about A Year of Being Single:‘It’s harder than it seems to stay single for a year…a fabulously entertaining story!’ – Rachel’s Random Reads (top 1000 Amazon Reviewer)‘A laugh-out-loud hilarious book with a deft turn of phrase and a very real grasp of what it’s like to be a woman…a real cut above your usual chick lit!.’ – Sam (top 1000 Amazon Reviewer)‘Not at all a predictable ending…something a little out of the ordinary.’ – Sal’s World of Books‘Fiona’s writing style is wonderful and packed with warmth and humour.’ – Bookaholic Holly‘I loved this book and read it in one night – I couldn't put it down!’ – Amazon Reviewer‘A light-hearted, fun read, perfect for a rainy day, or lying on a beach.’ – Ceri (Amazon Reviewer)‘Absolutely wonderful…A joy to read. I would recommend this book wholeheartedly.’ – Michelle (NetGalley Reviewer)A thoroughly enjoyable, light-hearted and fun read.’ – A Spoonful of Happy Endings

'Collins perfectly balances the light and shade of life, resulting in an uplifting and heart-warming book that proves to be the perfect summer read' CULTUREFLY, JULY READS-------------------------------A beautiful and heart-wrenching story set over one hot summer in London, about a father and daughter who help one another to step out into the world again, perfect for fans of Jojo Moyes and Lucy Diamond.Prue is not someone you would notice willingly. She likes to keep herself to herself and fade into the background. If it weren't for the birthmark on her left cheek, she might actually succeed at becoming invisible. She spends all of her time with her blind father, Vince. Scarred by a difficult past, they sit together in silence and ignore the vibrant city just on their doorstep. That is, until something forces them both to go outside and see what they have been missing. For Vince, that means discovering how to see the world without his sight. For Prue, that means finding the courage to finally love and be loved in return. About family, second chances and finding the courage to face your fears, this is a moving story that will stay with you long after you have finished the last page.'Un utterly lovely book' DEBBIE JOHNSON, author of THE MOMENT I MET YOU'The perfect summer novel, we defy you not to be captivated and will be urging them on to live the lives they deserve' BELFAST TELEGRAPH'A story about family, friendship and facing your fears head on' COSMOPOLITAN, BEST BOOKS TO READ THIS SUMMER'A unique, compelling summer read, full of heart' SAMANTHA TONGE, author of SUMMER SECRETS AT STREAMSIDE COTTAGE'It's a feel-good book, but what really stands out is Prue's voice. She's known a lot of pain, and it all comes out in a tone which is precise, impatient and cold, but which evokes immediate sympathy for her and perhaps reveals more vulnerability than Prue realises' HERALD-------------------------------**Readers are loving Summer in the City**'I'll be thinking about these characters for a very long time to come' 5 star review'An emotional tale about discovery, healing and living a life, once lost, to its very best' 5 star review'An uplifting, funny and inspiring read about getting back out into the world again' 5 star review'Captivates a wonderful relationship between a father and daughter' 5 star review'A gorgeous story about family, friendship and pushing yourself to face your greatest fears' 5 star review

A love story like no other! Perfect for fans of David Nicholls, Jojo Moyes and Richard Curtis films, You, Me and the Movies will leave you crying tears of joy and sadness.When Arden meets Mac she quickly falls for the handsome, charismatic film lecturer. Their love is the sort you see in movies: dramatic, exciting and all-consuming... and complicated. A love like theirs could never last. But years later, whilst visiting a friend in hospital, Arden sees the one face she could never forget. Badly injured, Mac can only make brief references to the classic films they once watched together. Which is all it takes for Arden to remember everything... Will Arden ever find a movie-worthy love again?________What everyone is saying about You, Me and the Movies:'Moving and emotional' Eva Woods, bestselling author of How to be Happy 'I LOVED THIS BOOK!! You, Me and The Movies is beautifully crafted, funny, uplifting and guaranteed to leave you smiling!!! This is one of those BIG WONDERFUL books that pulls you in and doesn't let you go until the very last page.' Lauren North, author of The Perfect Betrayal'It made me laugh, cry and want to watch lots more old movies' *****'Nostalgic and lovely and just leaves you with a warm feeling' *****'Pulls you in and doesn't let you go until the very last page' *****'I can't begin to say how much I LOVED this book. It had me laughing, falling in love and ultimately crying.' *****'I'm an absolute mess. This is a beautiful novel. Completely unexpected... I was captured by the now and then aspect of the story... I'm off now to re-watch The Way We Were.' *****

If you love magic and adventure, here is the book for you. In this treasure trove of tales, storyteller Fiona Collins has collected the best-loved stories from the misty, magical mountains, rushing rivers and green rolling hills of North Wales. In these stories you will meet dragons, giants, wizards, monsters and one extremely powerful witch – and of course the Tylwyth Teg, the Welsh fairies. From ‘Once upon a time…’ to ‘Happy ever after’ you will be transported to North Wales, where even the stones have stories to tell.

Do you think that legends are all about princes and princesses, knights and heroes, giants and monsters? Well, they aren’t always. The stories in this book are about girls like you and girls you might know: clever, strong, brave and resourceful. Here you can read the story of Vasilisa, who wasn’t afraid of the deep dark forest; Mollie Whuppie, who knew how to trick a giant; Tipingi, who was able to call on her friends to help her get out of trouble; Seren, who used her love of singing to help others; and many more fearless characters. Storyteller Fiona Collins has chosen the best of the old tales from all around the world and reworked them into new and exciting versions to be enjoyed by everyone, accompanied by magical illustrations by talented artist Ed Fisher.

There is a time and a season to all things, and death is an inevitable part of the circle of life.Oral traditions from all over the world are full of stories giving shape to the very human wish to defy death – our own death and the deaths of others. Folk Tales of the Ever After is a collection of traditional tales from a range of cultures which is, by turns, funny, challenging and touching.From a man in Baghdad who tries to outrun Death, to Sir Lancelot’s ride on the hangman’s cart and an Ancient Sumerian ball game that leads to a trip to the underworld, storytellers Fiona and June invite you to share stories from their repertoire, and insights into their working practice, as a journey through the mysteries of death, dying,bereavement, loss, grief and the ever after.

Wales is especially rich in the folklore of place, and this collection brings a new perspective to the history of Denbighshire, the oldest inhabited area of Wales. With hills, valleys, moorland and coast, this varied land has inspired many tales of ancient battles, strange creatures and curious customs. This compilation of stories from the ancient lore of the modern county of Denbighshire includes local legends, folk tales, stories of magic and mystery and tales of ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Discover dragons and devils, ghosts and giants, witches and cunning men, poets, heroes, saints, kings and queens and, of course, Y Tylwyth Teg, The Fair Folk. A speaker of both languages of Wales, the author has collected some unusual material which will be of particular interest to non-Welsh speakers, who will meet these tales for the first time here.With illustrations from local artist Ed Fisher complementing the tales, this volume will be enjoyed by old and young alike. Mae'na groeso cynnes Cymreig yma i bawb. There is a warm Welsh welcome here to all.

The county borough of Wrexham is rich in folklore, with an abundance of tales to capture the wonders of the Welsh landscape and all its denizens, both real and imaginary: animal, human and even superhuman. This collection, which includes both traditional tales – passed down through generations by word of mouth – and archive material, brings to life the local legends, mysteries and stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things that make Wales so magical. A speaker of both languages of Wales, the author has collected some unusual material sure to enchant both Welsh and non Welsh speakers. Beautifully illustrated by local artist Ed Fisher, these tales bring to life the ancient wisdom of Wrexham.

Four decades. Four seasons. Four chance encounters with the same man.Spring 1986, Oxford. Rachel has landed on her feet: engaged to handsome author Jonny, soon to be stepmother to his young daughter Teddy, and with a dream to open her own art gallery. It’s everything she wished for during her unsettled childhood. So when she meets candid and carefree American artist Gabe at a party and feels a familiar spark, she knows she needs to resist.But as her perfect life moves forward, Gabe is never far away, and there’s no denying the lure of the spontaneous, wildly adventurous existence he seems to offer. His is a world of endless possibilities—ones Rachel can’t let herself be tempted by if she’s ever to stay the safe course with Jonny. But how can she focus on the life she thought she wanted when she can’t help imagining the alternative?One thing’s for certain: Gabe is more than a minor character in Rachel’s life. And as their paths intersect over seasons and decades, each meeting presents Rachel with a choice that could alter everything, and she has to wonder whether the life story she once fought for is the version she’s meant to be living…

He’s the old flame she’s tried to put out. But should they rekindle their love—one more time?When bestselling romance novelist Olivia Sackville arrives at Venice’s prestigious winter literary festival, she’s prepared for everything except seeing Leo Greene—Britain’s number-one crime author and the man who’s forever turning her life upside down. The festival’s demanding schedule keeps throwing them together, and in a city like Venice, there’s no escaping the past—or each other.While Leo seems determined to prove he’s changed, Olivia battles against the magnetic pull between them—twenty years of almost-love have taught her that falling for Leo Greene only leads to heartbreak.Between champagne receptions and foggy canal walks, their undeniable chemistry resurfaces. But with both harbouring devastating secrets and the scars of old betrayals still fresh, they must decide if their story deserves a second draft—or if some loves are better left unfinished. As the festival’s five days draw to a close, will they finally find the courage to write their own ending?

This wide-ranging volume brings together over 75 significant woodblock prints spanning 300 years, from the 17th century to the late 20th centuries. Organised chronologically, it begins with rare, and in some cases unique, examples of Edo-period (1603-1868) woodblock ukiyo-e prints, encompassing a diverse range of sizes, materials, and subjects. Among the renowned artists represented are Katsushika Hokusai, Utagawa Kunisada and Utagawa Hiroshige.This volume then surveys later periods and artists associated with Japanese print output during the late 19th- and early 20th-century Meiji (1868-1912) and Taisho (1912-1926) periods including many produced by artists working as part of the Shin-hanga "new prints" and Sosaku-hanga "creative print" movements. The works from this time period include designs by such influential artists as Tsukioka Yoshitoshi, Kamisaka Sekka, Hashiguchi Goyo, Yoshida Hiroshi, Koshiro Onchi and Ito Shinsui.Finally, later post-war prints featured in the catalogue, dated to the 1950's onwards, manifest the influence of international art movements including Cubism, Surrealism and Popart.