More on ‘Pink Granite’ released 16 October 2025
Beginnings
The first utterings of ‘Pink Granite’ were made in 2023 whilst creating on my feet through a group workshop process using movement, improvisation and ritual objects. I can trace its beginnings further back to a site-specific piece I made for the Sentient Performance conference at Dartington Hall, Totnes the previous year. But I wrote the first six chapters almost back-to-back in 2023. This work was reflected in a series of shorts I made to support my writing. I will post those shorts to my youtube channel as the launch of the book progresses.
Workshop Dorset 2023
Dorset Workshop
Workshop Dorset 2023
Granny up the ladder
Presentation at Dartington Hall
Following the physical and visual expression of the work, I then followed a series of walking site-based enquiries consisting of visits to my ancestors’ hometowns and quarry sites in Leicestershire and North Wales. I conducted extensive field trips, retracing the footsteps of my quarrying ancestors, and recalled my trip to Brownsburg, Quebec in 2017, where family history research had revealed to me how my paternal grandparents met. I knew the work I was pursuing would inhabit the un-trodden path. So far, I had only mined my maternal side.
Trefor Quarryman’s Cottage at the foot of the mountain
The three streets where my ancestors lived in Trefor
Great-Grandfather Waterfield with his workmate – courtesy of David and Bob Oswald
During 2024 I was immersed in a wealth of literary and experiential sources. I drew inspiration from R. Merfyn Jones’ ‘The North Wales Quarrymen 1874-1922′ and Edward Davies’ ‘The North Wales Quarry Hospitals’. I visited Bethesda and learned about the slate quarrymen’s dispute there. Earlier this year well after the fourth draft of the book was completed I saw the installation “Llechi a Llafur / Slate or State” by Walker and Bromwich in their retrospective at the Talbot Rice Gallery in Edinburgh. It was an uncanny coincidence while I was attending the International Children’s Theatre Festival.
Cover of book The North Wales Quarry Hospitals
Walker and Bromwich Installation sample
A sequel/prequel
‘Pink Granite’ is a prequel/sequel. I use this phrase because the story begins after the time of ‘Redhair and Daffodil Friend’ (my first book) and delves into the people, the landscape and time before Redhair and Daffodil Friend were born. You don’t have to have read the first book to appreciate this one. It stands alone in its own unique world.
‘Pink Granite’s’ genre is Young Adult historical fantasy. It is a requirement to categorise the book and this is as much a challenge now as it was when I was making my theatre work which defied the square peg, round hole, box ticking one must do to fit in. I maintain ‘Pink Granite’ will be appreciated by anyone who read the first book, as well as adults who are interested in novel ways of interpreting family history. It’s an intergenerational story. It’s a poignant narrative that explores the complexities of women and their families. It’s a universally relatable tale and suited for readers of all ages, from grandchildren to teenagers, grandparents, and even those who have experienced loss. Set within a quarry community, the story weaves together themes of generational interconnectedness. ‘Pink Granite’ delves into the rich history of a locale and its transformation through human intervention. This coastal community-centric narrative explores the lives of workers, families, and their struggles, as well as intergenerational legacies and the complex web of relationships. Though classified for young adults, this story will be appreciated by older adults too.
Waterfield Sisters in Wales
Pink Granite Front Cover
Form and illustration
‘Pink Granite’ is partly poetic in form: a mix of narrative and strange poetry often in the form of chants. The book is illustrated by the Hungarian illustrator Fruzsina Czech with 13 black and white etched style prints and 10 chapter illustrated headings. When I gave Fru the manuscript, I also sent her my recordings of reading it aloud that had emerged from the original movement work and performance I gave when the book was in its infancy in 2024. She played the recordings while she worked. Together we have created another premium gift book that shares the same high standards of quality as my debut title, ‘Redhair and Daffodil Friend’. The tactile experience of a book is paramount to me, and I’ve received many compliments on the exceptional design, layout, and overall form of my books. This achievement is a testament to the illustrator’s dedication and expertise.
Back Cover of ‘Pink Granite’ with blurb
The next post will be about the long process of self-publishing and all the wonderful people who have helped me along the way.