NewNine Winters at Harrow Bay
Hardback, 384 pages. The newest novel.
$28
Novels set where the land runs out
Elena Brooks writes novels about small coastal towns and the families who stay in them. Signed copies are posted from her desk, readings are listed below, and schools, libraries and festivals can ask about talks and visits.
3 novelsand a book for younger readers
Every copysigned at the desk
5 daysfrom order to post
- Signed at the writing desk
- Dedications on request
- Readings and festival events
- School and library visits
Signed copies
Every book is signed by Elena before it is wrapped. Choose a dedication and she emails to confirm the name before the pen touches the page.
New
The Weatherglass Daughters
Paperback, 352 pages
$17
A Lantern for Odile
Paperback, 296 pages. The first novel.
$16
Younger readersPip and the Paper Comet
Illustrated paperback for readers aged 8 to 11
$12
Set of threeThe Harrow Bay novels
All three novels for adults, tied with ribbon
$56
GroupsCopies for a book club or school
Ten or more signed copies, priced by quantity
Price on enquiry
EnquireCopies are signed and posted within five working days, and delivery is charged at checkout. Bookshops and libraries ordering signed stock can use the enquiry form.
Written in a cottage above the harbour
Elena Brooks grew up in a fishing town and came back to one after twenty years of teaching English. Her novels follow families who stay when everyone else leaves, and the small loyalties and old quarrels that hold a town together.
Each book takes about three years, most of them spent rewriting at a desk that faces the water. Her story for younger readers began as a tale invented on the spot during a school visit, when a class asked what happens to paper aeroplanes nobody catches.
- Three novels and one book for younger readers
- Every copy signed by hand
- Reading guides for book clubs on request
Readings and signings
Come and hear a chapter, ask a question and have a book signed. Tickets, where there are any, are handled by each host.
| Date | Where | Event |
|---|---|---|
| Sat 15 Nov, 14:00 | Town library, reading room | Reading and signing |
| Thu 20 Nov, 19:00 | Online, with a reading group | Talk and questions |
| Sat 29 Nov, 11:00 | An independent bookshop on the quay | Signing morning |
| Fri 6 Feb, 18:30 | Winter book festival, main tent | In conversation |
| Sat 14 Mar, 10:30 | Regional library, children's room | Pip and the Paper Comet storytime |
Talks, visits and workshops
Elena speaks at libraries, festivals, book clubs and schools. Fees include preparation, and travel beyond 50 km is added at cost.
Author talk and reading
A 45 minute talk with readings from the novels, questions from the audience and a signing afterwards.
From$350
School visit
Storytelling and a writing workshop for ages 8 to 11, or a session on drafting and editing for ages 11 to 18. A teacher stays in the room throughout.
A day, from$450
Book club visit
An evening with your book club in person or by video, with questions sent ahead so that every one is answered.
From$120
Writing workshop for adults
Three hours on finding a story in a place, for up to fifteen writers at any stage.
From$300
Rules for visitors in schools, including background checks, vary by country, and Elena follows each school's own policy.
Out with the books
Readings, signings, a workshop and a book club that met Elena on a screen.
From readers and hosts (example reviews)
Nine Winters at Harrow Bay went in two sittings, and the signed copy arrived with the dedication spelled exactly right.
By lunchtime a class of ten year olds was writing comet stories of its own. The planning call beforehand made the whole day run smoothly.
Elena joined the book club by video and answered every question, even the awkward one about the ending.
Signed copies and visits
Can a book be dedicated to someone?
Yes. Choose Signed and dedicated, and Elena emails to confirm the name and any short message before she writes it.
Where are signed copies sent?
To most countries. Delivery is worked out at checkout from the address, and any import charges are set by the receiving country.
How far ahead should a school visit be arranged?
Most schools ask a term ahead. Spring and the weeks around book days fill first, so earlier is safer.
What does a school need to provide?
A room that suits the group, a screen for a few pictures, and a teacher present for every session. Visitor rules and background checks vary by country, so mention your school's policy when you write.
Are the novels suitable for younger readers?
The three Harrow Bay novels are written for adults. Pip and the Paper Comet is for readers aged 8 to 11, and it is the book used on primary school visits.
Can bookshops order signed stock?
Yes. Send an enquiry with the number of copies and the date they are needed, and Elena confirms what can be signed in time.
Invite Elena
Describe the event, the audience and the date, and Elena replies within three working days with her availability and a fee. The fee is agreed before the date is held, and payment is arranged directly with her.
- Talks, school visits, workshops and book clubs
- Travel beyond 50 km added at cost
- Signed copies brought for sale on the day
Write to Elena
Invitations go through the form above; for anything else, these work just as well.
Contact
Writing from a small coastal town, travelling to events by arrangement
When Elena answers
| Monday to Thursday | 09:00 to 13:00 |
| Friday | Posting day |
| Weekends | Events only |
The reader letter
Every few months Elena writes to readers about the next book, new readings and signed copies. Ask in any message to be added.