August 07

We have been delighted by recent sales of The Pirate's Sister.  Apart from here at home in the UK, we regularly sell to the US, Canada and Australia and more recently even Poland and Sweden!

And I am delighted also to say that The Pirate's Sister has just been reviewed by the US pirate website Pirates & Privateers.   Cindy Vallar, the website editor writes: 

"Those gifted with storytelling weave an invisible web that draws the listener into the tale without you realizing what’s happening. Sophie Snell is one of those storytellers whose voice mesmerizes you while images form in your mind as the tale unfolds. “The Pirate’s Tale” haunts the listener with its poignant reality. Your mood goes from one of joy and happiness to one of sorrow and devastation. It is a story that remains with you long after it ends. “The Curse of Wicca Tree” is spellbinding – your eyes widen as the truth of Gwinear’s fate creeps into your psyche. The inclusion of “Silver Waters” perfectly compliments the two tales – like sherbet served between dinner courses to cleanse the palate before the next dish is served.

Although created for children, The Pirate’s Sister is for all ages – booty fit for any pirate’s treasure chest. The sound effects enhance the listener’s experience. If you can resist listening to these tales until the sky is gray and rain pelts the window panes, I recommend waiting. A stormy day provides the perfect backdrop. Just close your eyes and you’ll see the waves as they crash upon the shore, and the magic of storytelling whisks you to a distant time and place rife with brigands of the sea."

I am now gearing up to record my latest audio book CD "Dragon Tales" which we hope to be available by the autumn.  It's a collection of fantastic dragon stories and poems - an entertaining mix of adventure, fun and intrigue, capturing the mystery and wonder of those beautiful mythological creatures.  Perfect for children aged 5 - 11. We have been having great fun looking for dragon pictures and monster noises and sound effects!  We have also just been granted permission to include some fantastic music too - more about which later!

May / June  07

What a beautiful Spring we have been having!  Our garden is full of blossom, trailing lilac wisteria blooms and blackbirds, blue tits and robins all nesting in the hedges and fighting over the moss lined flower baskets left over from last year.  They are either tugging out bits to line their nests or battling for the best branch viewpoint.  Endlessly entertaining to our three boys and the cat!

June is looking to be very busy with a number of performances scheduled, writing commissions and further work on the new dragon CD.  I will be performing for the Green Health Project at Shipley on Wednesday June 6th, and story-telling for little ones as part on the "Midsummer Magic" event at The Ripley Greenway on Saturday June 16th.  The latter event promises to be a lovely day out for all the family with fairy and pixie costume making, performance excerpts from Shakespeare, music-making and 2 story-telling slots from myself in the living willow pods (12.15 and 1.15).  This event is free, being funded by Amber Valley Borough Council - so do come along and say hello and enjoy the day!

On Friday 15th June, I will be at the St Benedict Catholic School Performing Arts College, Derby and on Friday 6th July at Chesterfield College, Chesterfield as part of the Derbyshire Creative Arts Markets.  The afternoons of these events are a great opportunity to meet me and discuss any project, performance or workshop you may be interested in for your school or group or simply to find out more about my work as an author and performer.  Why not simply email me or ring for an informal chat.  robandsophie@hotmail.com  Tel 01332 840007

In anticipation of another gorgeous summer...

Sophie