What Is A Boyars

Moseley literary festival for hopeful authors

FUTURE J K Rowlings and Ian Rankins are being offered the opportunity to pick up tips from experts in the publishing world with a one-day literary festival in Moseley.

LitFest 2011 has been organised by Birmingham-based author Andrew Killeen and will feature talks, discussions and the chance to meet published writers and professionals in the industry.

Taking place at the Prince of Wales pub in Alcester Road on September 17, the event also gives people the chance to present their own work in a So You Think You Can Write? talent competition.

The programme includes Catheryn Kilgariff, of Marion Boyars Publishing, on what publishers are looking for and Sarah Ballard, of United Agents, whose clients include Julian Barnes and Blake Morrison, on the role of the agent.

And a panel discussion will feature local authors including Ruby’s Spoon writer Anna Lawrence Pietroni, The Space Between Things author Charlie Hill and Andrew, whose first book is The Father of Locks.

Andrew said: “People do tend to see it as a wall they cannot climb over and so much of publishing is based in London. This is a way for them to come in contact with people from that world and to ask them what they want to know.

“It is bringing that kind of really useful information directly to writers here. It is providing the kind of support and information I wish I had had with my first novel as I got there by trial and error.”

Anyone wanting to take part in So You Think You Can Write? needs to submit a piece they are prepared to present of less than five minutes by this Saturday.

Ivan IV - Terrible and Awesome: This Medieval Russian Ruler is ...

Ivan IV is called “The Terrible” in English, though in Russian, his name translates to “The Awesome.” Nevertheless, Ivan VI truly was terrible at the end of his reign, when effects of childhood abuse, grief over the death of his wife, and mental instability replaced fair rule and an interest in progress for 16th century Russia.

Ivan IV's childhood was tumultuous. He grew up without parental guidance or care; his mother was murdered by boyars and his father was long dead. Ivan was seen publicly dressed in the rich robes befitting his status as future ruler of Russia, but otherwise he was forgotten by all but his nurse. Those in charge of government fought viciously and violently among themselves, and Ivan IV was exposed to the cruelty, backstabbing, fights, and manipulation that occurred at the Moscow Court.

Ivan IV's escape was books. He was an avid reader, which most probably contributed to his future ability to reign skillfully despite poor role models during his youth. Even so, Ivan IV delighted in torturing animals, and his cruel streak was on display towards the end of his reign.

Having had enough of squabbling amongst the boyars who controlled the court, Ivan IV announced his intention to take over leadership of Russia. This occurred when he was still a teenager. He soon married Anastasia, with whom he had six children. Only two boys survived until adulthood. Anastasia succumbed to illness; her death probably resulted from natural causes, but Ivan IV was used to court intrigue and blamed her premature death on the boyars. This began Ivan IV's slide into what some experts believe was insanity.

Before the death of Anastasia, Ivan the Terrible contributed to the advancement of Russia as a global power. He advanced trade, engaged Russia in a relationship with England, invited artisans to teach Moscow's citizens new trades, expanded the borders of the nation, and emphasized learning.

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