Author Talk: Sophie Calon & Kathryn Tann – In Conversation

When author, Sophie Calon approached us, describing how her recently published memoir, “Long Going” (Published by Honno) is set largely in the Upper Calder Valley, where she lived from 2021 to 2023 and the opening chapter writes of throwing coppers on Hartley’s grave –  we obviously wanted to get her along to the Museum to share her story.

Alongside, Sophie will be her friend and fellow writer, Kathryn Tann, who also has connections to the area which feature in her published work “Seaglass“, including the odd tale of nearby wild swimming.

They’ll mainly discuss the themes covered in “Long Going”. Described as a powerful, unflinching memoir that sings with Calon’s love for her eccentric, witty father while recounting his drink-fuelled disintegration. In telling his story, Calon explores her family’s instability and pain as well as her own survival.

They will offer an opportunity for Q&A, as well as signing copies of both their books.

Here’s just a couple of notable reviews examplifying how well received this publication has been:

A moving and thought-provoking account of an impossible situation.

Louis de Bernières, author of Captain Corelli’s Mandolin

Very touching and will be very helpful to anyone in the same situation.

I was engrossed in this book for two days. The addiction story from a daughter’s point of view. A beautiful family portrait, distinctively written. Recommend.

We’re really looking forward to giving them a warm, Heptonstall welcome and hearing their conversation and hope you’ll join us for what promises to be a really interesting and unique literary afternoon.

Please register for tickets below. FoHM Members Free/£3 Non-Members

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About Sophie Calon:

Sophie was born and raised in Cardiff. State-educated, Sophie studied Classics at Oxford University then trained as a journalist in her hometown. Her writing has been published in The Guardian, The TLS, Literary Review, and the anthology Tales of Two Londons. Her story ‘Cantlos’ was runner-up for the 2021 Wild Writing Prize and published by Short Fiction. Sophie lives with her husband, daughter, cats, and cows on a hilltop near Hay-on-Wye, where they are returning nature to their surroundings.

About Kathryn Tann:

Kathryn is a writer, editor and creative producer from the south coast of Wales who has published numerous articles, stories and audio pieces, and her debut essay collection, Seaglass, was published by Calon Books in May 2024. With a background in publishing and literature programming, she is now a Co-founder and Editorial Director of Folding Rock Magazine.

Kathryn also hosts and produces the This Place podcast, alongside her monthly Substack publication, Dwell. Her work has featured in The Guardian, The Scotsman, Nation.Cymru and Simple Things, among others, and speaks regularly at events.