Cover Stories: Imogen Lloyd Webber; James Patterson; John Betjeman
* Given the success of Eva Rice, daughter of Sir Tim, as a novelist, it was inevitable that Andrew Lloyd Webber's daughter, Imogen, a West End theatre producer (no surprise there either) should attempt a writerly path. Having done the rounds of mainstream publishers, Ms L W has fetched up at Summersdale with The Single Girl's Guide, "a tongue in cheek but practical manual on life management for the unattached twentysomething" . Publication next spring will happily coincide with a West End show and "a glamorous launch party looks likely". We can hardly wait.
* Former adman turned bestselling novelist James Patterson is on the move again. Having been published by HarperCollins, and lately Headline, he has now signed with Random House for a sum that is said to redefine the term "multi-million". No fewer than four company execs, including chief executive Gail Rebuck, flew to New York to meet him and negotiate the deal. Rebuck noted that signing Patterson was like "acquiring a one-man publishing industry".
* The actual centenary of John Betjeman's birth on 28 August will be celebrated with what's described as "a huge knees-up" in Carruan Farm, Polzeath Wadebridge on the north Cornish coast. The day-long event will feature poetry, music, hog-roasts, bell-ringing, rowing, a brass band, a donkey derby and a celebrity auction in aid of New Padstow Lifeboat Station. More details at www.johnbetjeman.com.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies