Book showcasing literary and photographic talents of Dorset launched

Dorset Voices is a collection of prose, poetry and photographs from new and established writers and photographers.

Editors Louisa Adjoa Parker, Jim Potts and Maria Strani-Potts have tried to reflect the variety of the county in a celebration of local creativity.

The foreword for the book has been written by Prince Charles, a regular visitor to his model development, Poundbury.

As well as nearly 40 stories from local writers the book also boasts 26 black and white photographs of the local scenery including pictures submitted by students from the Thomas Hardy School.

In the preface to Dorset Voices the three editors, who collectively call themselves The Poundbury Voices, state: “Dorset Voices draws on the literary and photographic talents of the people of Dorset.

“The editors’ aim was to create a book full of images and quality writing of real beauty and interest.”

They added: “Our starting-point was the firm belief that everyone here has a story to tell.

“We believe that there are many talented writers and photographers (both established and unpublished) in our communities, who deserve to have their work made available for the appreciation of others.”

Dorset Voices, published by Roving Press, was officially launched at the Bournemouth Festival of Words at Bournemouth Library at an event that coincided with World Book Night and including readings from contributors to the book.

Mr Potts said: “It was a full house and all the readings were extraordinarily entertaining and professional.”

The editors also attended a launch event at Waterstones in Dorchester.

Mr Potts said the collection offers an ‘exciting’ collection of writings and pictures that people can dip into and enjoy.

He added: “This Dorset Voices anthology is a very exciting collection of outstanding short stories, reminiscences, photography and poetry.

“It is some great really great, modern, cutting edge writing.”

For more information visit www.rovingpress.co.uk/22