Sam Collins
Sam Collins is an award-winning writer and creative director who has worked extensively in the fields psychology, mental health and environmental protection. The thread that runs through her writing is ‘what lies beneath’ – the things we do not say, the truths we hide. In fiction, as in real life, she is most interested in our flaws and fears, and our honest struggles with the (largely unseen) psychological and emotional challenges of this life. A bit of an expert in fear over the years, she is a lifelong sufferer of anxiety, and has a PhD in stage fright. Both are a profound inconvenience, but it does, perhaps, give her a deeper understanding of people, and draws her to writing that balances plot and character with plenty of insights into our human condition. Her characters are flawed and lost, but they evolve and find their way – in the end – with a little help, and a little humour. Whatever their shortcomings, she likes to bring them – and her readers – to a place of hope.
Literary Fiction
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A Beautiful Noise
"Hugely entertaining, moving, quirky, thought-provoking and funny..." Dame Evelyn Glennie
In the Quietest Village in England, where sound is a weapon and truth is silenced, who will have the courage to show that it’s not what you hear, it’s how you listen that really counts?
Accidental Earl, Matthew Wolstenholme, is used to keeping things quiet. His bankruptcy, his hearing loss, his unopened post down the back of the furniture. All he needs now to save his home and heritage is to quietly stage a music festival.
Super-hearing sound engineer, Shelley Harper, could be just the woman for the job. If she can find the confidence to raise her own volume above the clamorous expectations of everyone else.
Because in the pedigree Hampshire village of Bedingford, where any disturbance is an infringement of their civil liberties, the villagers are not going to let it happen without a fight. And some of them want more from Matthew and Shelley than just to shut them up.
When their weapon of choice becomes a broken man living in his own world of fear and secrecy, reclusive drummer Pip Berry is about to learn the real meaning of silence. But as battle lines harden and they all face losing what they love the most, it might just be Pip who has the answer for them all... If he can find the courage to speak his own truth, to save himself, Matthew, and very much more…
Because fear can be deafening
But love is louder
…and it’s A Beautiful Noise…
