GP Taylor will return to Harrogate for a book signing on Saturday 14 November at The Real Indie Bookshop on Parliament Street. The former North Yorkshire police officer and bestselling author will appear alongside children’s writer Marmalade Atkinson.
The event will run from 10am to 3pm, with Taylor and children’s author Marmalade Atkinson available throughout the day to sign books, meet readers and talk about their work.
Taylor first achieved international recognition with his novel Shadowmancer. He has since written more than 20 books and two films, with his work selling millions of copies worldwide and being published in more than 50 languages.
His novel Mariah Mundi was adapted into a film featuring an international cast including Sam Neill, Michael Sheen and Lena Headey.
In 2007, Taylor was named BBC Arts and Entertainment Personality of the Year.
GP Taylor’s policing career in North Yorkshire
Before becoming an Anglican vicar and author, Taylor worked as a police officer across North Yorkshire. His duties regularly brought him to Harrogate and Ripon, including policing events and responding to incidents requiring officers from outside the local area.
He also spent three years serving as the ‘Heartbeat’ Bobby in villages across the North York Moors.
His police career came to an end following a serious assault while he was arresting several men for possession of drugs.
Taylor’s latest novel, Pig in the Pulpit, is a fictional crime story based on a period when he spent a year working as both a police officer and a priest.
It’s great coming back to Harrogate. I have fond memories of the town when I was a police officer.
From rock photography to children’s books
Also appearing at the bookshop will be children’s writer Marmalade Atkinson, whose book, The Sleepless Nights of the Boy with No Eyelids, has been selling out in independent bookshops across the country.
Atkinson has an unusual background, having previously worked as a rock photographer. Her subjects included Blur, The Darkness, Thom Yorke, Paul Weller and Liam Gallagher.
She also appeared as a zombie in the 2004 comedy horror film Shaun of the Dead.
Her book is an illustrated collection of dark and humorous stories aimed at both children and adults. The stories combine gothic themes with humour and feature children experiencing difficult and sometimes unsettling situations
Atkinson says the book has sold out in almost all of the 40 bookshops where she initially placed copies. She has also been visiting schools, where demand for signed copies has led her to pre-sign books the night before some visits.
The book has received positive responses from booksellers, readers and educators. Libraries4Schools described it as a collection of slightly grim stories featuring children in difficult situations, but which remain fun and funny to read.
A review of The Sleepless Nights of the Boy with No Eyelids is available through Libraries4Schools.
Atkinson has also produced an animation based on the first story, alongside other animated material available on her YouTube channel.
She sells her books exclusively through independent bookshops rather than major chains and is increasingly being invited to festivals to speak and read from her work.
Supporting independent bookshops
The event is being held at The Real Indie Bookshop, a new independent bookshop opening on Parliament Street on Thursday 12 November.
The organisers said both authors were keen to support the new venture and independent bookshops more widely, giving readers the opportunity to meet authors and discover books outside the major retail chains.
Both Taylor and Atkinson will be signing copies of their books and talking to visitors throughout the event.
The book signing takes place at The Real Indie Bookshop, Parliament Street, Harrogate, on Saturday 14 November, from 10am to 3pm.
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