Image 1 of 1
Image 1 of 1
Image 1 of 1
Image 1 of 1
Book Launch & Conversation
26 September 2026 · 2 PM
Oyez Arts, Altrincham
Dear friend,
I suddenly found myself having all the time in the world to be quiet.
With no one to talk to, I became a silent observer. I just did not realise there was quite so much bizarre and strange to observe.
I started writing because I had no one to report back to about what I was observing.
So if an old acquaintance stopped me in the street and asked a rather none-of-your-business question, I felt compelled to write it down.
In an effort to feel as though I was talking to someone, I started posting some of these observations on social media.
Someone mentioned they were dry and funny. Others commented they found the writing ecosystem interesting to read about.
I was just grateful anyone would read.
Those observations became Diary of the Writer’s Wife.
I wrote about everything from school runs and one too many failed driving tests to books, unfinished manuscripts and decisions about how Alan’s work would evolve. All the while, I was finding my way around the rather peculiar ecosystem of a writer after the writer was gone, while my own work, ideas and life were taking shape alongside it.
Somewhere amongst all of this, my identity was shifting too.
My external identity changed almost immediately. My internal identity moved at a rather different speed. The life I was creating on the outside was moving ahead of the person experiencing it on the inside.
Written as it happened, Diary of the Writer’s Wife records the first twelve months after Alan’s death through the things I saw, heard, did and decided were worth writing down.
This is a very personal launch of my book, Diary of the Writer’s Wife.
I wanted its first public life to feel personal, away from the pressure of deadlines and book-launch strategies. I wanted to enjoy sharing it.
So, if you are curious, join me for an intimate literary afternoon to talk about the diary, the stories behind it and the rather peculiar world it records.
Looking forward to meeting you in person
Tamara Forrest-Smith
About Tamara Forrest-Smith
Tamara writes books for other people and publishes selected books. In the two years since Alan died, she has produced his first theatre production, established the Alan Forrest Smith Literary Foundation and, through the Foundation, founded the Altrincham Storytelling Festival, bringing Alan’s work together with writers, artists, performers and local creative talent.
Book Launch & Conversation
26 September 2026 · 2 PM
Oyez Arts, Altrincham
Dear friend,
I suddenly found myself having all the time in the world to be quiet.
With no one to talk to, I became a silent observer. I just did not realise there was quite so much bizarre and strange to observe.
I started writing because I had no one to report back to about what I was observing.
So if an old acquaintance stopped me in the street and asked a rather none-of-your-business question, I felt compelled to write it down.
In an effort to feel as though I was talking to someone, I started posting some of these observations on social media.
Someone mentioned they were dry and funny. Others commented they found the writing ecosystem interesting to read about.
I was just grateful anyone would read.
Those observations became Diary of the Writer’s Wife.
I wrote about everything from school runs and one too many failed driving tests to books, unfinished manuscripts and decisions about how Alan’s work would evolve. All the while, I was finding my way around the rather peculiar ecosystem of a writer after the writer was gone, while my own work, ideas and life were taking shape alongside it.
Somewhere amongst all of this, my identity was shifting too.
My external identity changed almost immediately. My internal identity moved at a rather different speed. The life I was creating on the outside was moving ahead of the person experiencing it on the inside.
Written as it happened, Diary of the Writer’s Wife records the first twelve months after Alan’s death through the things I saw, heard, did and decided were worth writing down.
This is a very personal launch of my book, Diary of the Writer’s Wife.
I wanted its first public life to feel personal, away from the pressure of deadlines and book-launch strategies. I wanted to enjoy sharing it.
So, if you are curious, join me for an intimate literary afternoon to talk about the diary, the stories behind it and the rather peculiar world it records.
Looking forward to meeting you in person
Tamara Forrest-Smith
About Tamara Forrest-Smith
Tamara writes books for other people and publishes selected books. In the two years since Alan died, she has produced his first theatre production, established the Alan Forrest Smith Literary Foundation and, through the Foundation, founded the Altrincham Storytelling Festival, bringing Alan’s work together with writers, artists, performers and local creative talent.