All to Play For

Heather's first novel is drawn from her experiences working as a script editor at the BBC and in other television production companies in the 1990s:

It's time to tell our story, starting when my new friends and colleagues-to-be were all as fresh, young and wet behind the ears as I was myself. When our hearts were open, and our integrity was still intact.

Rhiannon dreams of joining the largest broadcaster in the world: the BBC. And so begins a life of highs, lows, and absurd experiences for five ambitious young people, all keen to make it in the increasingly commercial world of television.

Caught in the middle between art and commerce, Rhiannon realises the industry is transforming around her. During one of the most dramatic periods of change in its history, aspiration, desperation and clashes of ego threaten to destroy the corporation altogether.

A story of artistic expression vs corporate gain, of how some people make a drama out of a crisis, and others a crisis out of a drama.

Comments:

"A fitting legacy for the Doughnut, brilliantly skewers TV and lays bare the shambles behind it. As honest, shocking and funny as the world of television it satirises; brilliant if you ever lived in the office next to the lift, brilliant if you haven't and want to know what it was like. A gem." Geoff Atkinson, producer and writer of Bremner Bird and Fortune

"Takes you right back to the intrepid walks round (and round) the baffling corridors of power that were the BBC and offers an insightful, witty glimpse of what really went on behind those doors. And anyone who's ever slipped into the parallel universe that is the Edinburgh Fringe will be instantly plunged back into the heady cocktail of earnestness and debauchery (without the hangover.) Endearingly revealing and alarmingly honest." Victoria Pile, Writer and Producer of Green Wing and Campus

"An insider's view of the BBC drama department; Heather Peace could be the Chris Mullin of TV Centre." Ian Pattison, Writer of Rab C Nesbitt

"Wickedly perceptive, revelatory, funny and at times shocking, this is less a work of fiction than it is an inside job, and all the better for it. This writer certainly knows what she's talking about. A highly credible cast of characters (many of whom you would definitely refuse a Facebook friend request) guide you behind the scenes of the viper world of White City and the TV industry in general. What takes this story up an extra notch is its backdrop, a time of dizzying political, social and institutional upheaval. Landmark pre-millennium changes are rocking the foundations of a boozy, smoke-hazed era of dinosaur practices and unfair privileges. The digital age of television rushes forth with the inevitability of a high-speed train crash, and you read on, not knowing which of your favourite passengers will survive the wreckage, and how. For those of us who have ever had anything to do with the Beeb, this is a wickedly absorbing read; for the remainder, this is just as much a voyeuristic journey of pleasure. The chortle-a-minute ending satisfyingly unites the beginning of the story and leaves only one burning question: when's the in-house screen adaptation?" Carmen Harris (formerly known as Beeb scriptwriter, Lisselle Kayla)

"ALL TO PLAY FOR lifts the lid on the inner workings of the BBC Drama department like no other book I have ever read. Written with an insight that can only come from someone who has lived through it. A bitingly honest funny poignant and brilliant debut novel." Owen O'Neill, Comedian and Writer for the BBC

"The whole book has a wonderfully authentic feel, clearly penned by someone on the inside!" Tony Grounds, Writer for the BBC

"A vivid and passionate evocation of a crucial period in British broadcasting history.   The writing is shrewd and funny and fuelled by the writer's obvious commitment and idealism.  The characterisation combines unmistakable authenticity with a wicked satirical spin." Alison Lumb, TV Drama Producer

"I found All to Play for a bit too close for comfort at first. Once I had separated myself, and so many  friends' experiences at the BBC and media in general, I relaxed to enjoy the journey. I felt this was more than an honest book, an absolutely needed breakdown of the industry that we all try to understand. This book is important for men and women both to realize it's actually OK to still believe in what you've always believed in, and although you can't make changes here, you can make changes there. This should be an industry bible that you read before you enter, just in case you lose hope, this book will help you not to take it too personally. 

There were times I felt this book was more of a breakdown of the BBC I had sadly come to understand, a place where a lot of people have lost confidence, and taken their rejection to heart. To know that sometimes there were real people on the inside trying to allow for the creative soul to develop gives us hope. I loved the detail, but felt I wanted more deeper stories from the characters, I felt I was in the lives of the big decision makers, but never understood them enough. A very thought provoking book, that has left me feeling quite inspired against the odds. 

I loved All to Play for, it allows you to question yourself in all areas of your life, which will make you question, have you ever sold a piece of your soul. This book is excellent and really honest and hopefully those who sadly put their dreams on hold after countless rejections will read it and get back on track, and not let those who don't get it stop your dreams."Angie le Mar, comedy writer and performer