Last month it was an online romance festival, and now for March there's an online crime festival.
It's being run by event teams from Waterstones, and the HarperCollins imprint, Killer Reads, and takes place Friday 13th March from 2pm, to Saturday 14th March at 8pm.
You can sign up free on their eventbrite page, and that will ensure that you'll get all the details via email to your inbox.
The festival will be a mix of live and virtual events. The live part comes via a number of Waterstones branches that will be holding events with crime authors, so if you're near a Waterstones branch then check with them to see if they're hosting any events.
A few of the branches involved: Liverpool, Brighton, Plymouth Drake Circus, Edinburgh West End, and Romford.
Apparently, Ian Rankin will be on a Twitter Q&A.
The virtual events will be taking place on Facebook, Twitter, and on the Killer reads blog. You can find their blog by going to this page.
On Twitter follow @HarperCollinsUK, and most Waterstones branches have their own twitter accounts so you should be able to find your local branch.
But for full details of all events you need to sign up via eventbrite, and as everything starts Friday, sign up as soon as you can so you can plan your time.
If it is anything like the romance festival was, you'll be torn between events, wanting to do everything, but having to make decisions on which you choose- or madly keyboard hopping between Facebook and Twitter!
Look out for the festival hashtag: #KILLERFEST15
Enjoy the experience...
Carol Bevitt's blog on her writing and inspirations, along with occasional literature related news...
Sunday 8 March 2015
Thursday 5 March 2015
Pinterest at Last...
Hope everyone is well.
It's been taking me longer than usual to get over this latest bug, and actually I think it was a slight bout of flu - considering how worn-out it's left me.
Having lost a couple of weeks writing time I now need to catch up, so I'm going to have to be very strict with getting back to the work in progress.
The end of last week wasn't totally wasted though, as I finally got around to doing something with Pinterest.
I'd actually signed up toward the end of last year, but hadn't had time to actually learn how to do anything. Once I understood the mechanics of it, it isn't that difficult.
(Though there's a lot I haven't yet explored.)
I've created a few boards, begun to follow boards, and other writers I know. Pop over to look at my boards if you are interested.
If you've not looked into Pinterest before, I'd describe it as an online scrapbook, but you aren't restricted to just looking at your own version...
My creative mind does work better with visual stimuli, but of course if I saved every link that triggered something it would be pages and pages long. :D
So now I can assign it to one of my boards- or create a new one.
You can even put together a private board that only you can see, or allow certain people to see it too.
My favourite is my Costume board. There are so many sources of costume and accessories around, so I'm probably adding to that every day because I see something in passing. I haven't just limited it to 18th or 19th century items, but included early 20th century pieces too.
No doubt I will eventually discover why I felt the need to make a board about chocolate; types of, the history of and pictures of chocolate in lots of forms. :D
A couple of weeks ago, on her blog, Rosemary Gemmell was talking about how she uses Pinterest, and how her works in progress benefit from its use. Read her recent post over on her Reading and Writing blog.
Pinterest seems to have developed quite a bit since it first started, and it now has a useful place in social media.
If you're on Pinterest do let me know, and I'd enjoy hearing what you like about it...
It's been taking me longer than usual to get over this latest bug, and actually I think it was a slight bout of flu - considering how worn-out it's left me.
Having lost a couple of weeks writing time I now need to catch up, so I'm going to have to be very strict with getting back to the work in progress.
The end of last week wasn't totally wasted though, as I finally got around to doing something with Pinterest.
I'd actually signed up toward the end of last year, but hadn't had time to actually learn how to do anything. Once I understood the mechanics of it, it isn't that difficult.
(Though there's a lot I haven't yet explored.)
I've created a few boards, begun to follow boards, and other writers I know. Pop over to look at my boards if you are interested.
If you've not looked into Pinterest before, I'd describe it as an online scrapbook, but you aren't restricted to just looking at your own version...
My creative mind does work better with visual stimuli, but of course if I saved every link that triggered something it would be pages and pages long. :D
So now I can assign it to one of my boards- or create a new one.
You can even put together a private board that only you can see, or allow certain people to see it too.
My favourite is my Costume board. There are so many sources of costume and accessories around, so I'm probably adding to that every day because I see something in passing. I haven't just limited it to 18th or 19th century items, but included early 20th century pieces too.
No doubt I will eventually discover why I felt the need to make a board about chocolate; types of, the history of and pictures of chocolate in lots of forms. :D
A couple of weeks ago, on her blog, Rosemary Gemmell was talking about how she uses Pinterest, and how her works in progress benefit from its use. Read her recent post over on her Reading and Writing blog.
Pinterest seems to have developed quite a bit since it first started, and it now has a useful place in social media.
If you're on Pinterest do let me know, and I'd enjoy hearing what you like about it...
Friday 27 February 2015
Time for Voting for the Oddest Book Title of the Year again...
I'm slowly recovering from the nasty bug, and my brain is no longer stuffed like a thick duvet!
My characters have been quiet - plotting their next moves I suspect.
It's also given me time to catch up on some reading, and looking into various things I need to get on with this month.
Yes, I know I was meant to be resting, but I could sit still at my desk and catch up - it's only moving around or standing up for more than a few minutes that gets me!
So to this year's oddest titles (Diagram Prize)- there's some obvious contenders to win this year.
1. Advanced Pavement Research:... (and more about concrete, design and construction. I'm a bit concerned why pavements need rehabilitation.) It's a Souvenir guide to a two-day pavement symposium.
2. Divorcing a Real Witch: For Pagans and the People That Used to Love Them.
3. The Madwoman in the Volvo: My Year of Raging Hormones.
4. Nature's Nether Regions.
5. Strangers Have the Best Candy.
6. The Ugly Wife is a Treasure at Home.
7. Where Do Camels Belong.
The titles in the last few years haven't had as much variety as those in earlier years of the prize, so it's good to have more choice this time.
I'm trying to decide between voting for no. 2 or no. 3.
You can read more over on the Bookseller website, and see the covers - they look quite good together.
But if you want to vote- and remember your vote can decide the winner- you need to pop over to the We Love This Book website to do so. Just click on the vote box to go to the form.
Voting ends one minute into 21st March 2015, and the winner is announced on 27th March.
The winning title doesn't receive a prize, but the publicity that inclusion in the competition brings the book, probably increases sales that otherwise might not have happened.
I couldn't resist opting for 'The Madwoman in the Volvo'. That title just appealed to me, with the image it suggested. :D
My characters have been quiet - plotting their next moves I suspect.
It's also given me time to catch up on some reading, and looking into various things I need to get on with this month.
Yes, I know I was meant to be resting, but I could sit still at my desk and catch up - it's only moving around or standing up for more than a few minutes that gets me!
So to this year's oddest titles (Diagram Prize)- there's some obvious contenders to win this year.
1. Advanced Pavement Research:... (and more about concrete, design and construction. I'm a bit concerned why pavements need rehabilitation.) It's a Souvenir guide to a two-day pavement symposium.
2. Divorcing a Real Witch: For Pagans and the People That Used to Love Them.
3. The Madwoman in the Volvo: My Year of Raging Hormones.
4. Nature's Nether Regions.
5. Strangers Have the Best Candy.
6. The Ugly Wife is a Treasure at Home.
7. Where Do Camels Belong.
The titles in the last few years haven't had as much variety as those in earlier years of the prize, so it's good to have more choice this time.
I'm trying to decide between voting for no. 2 or no. 3.
You can read more over on the Bookseller website, and see the covers - they look quite good together.
But if you want to vote- and remember your vote can decide the winner- you need to pop over to the We Love This Book website to do so. Just click on the vote box to go to the form.
Voting ends one minute into 21st March 2015, and the winner is announced on 27th March.
The winning title doesn't receive a prize, but the publicity that inclusion in the competition brings the book, probably increases sales that otherwise might not have happened.
I couldn't resist opting for 'The Madwoman in the Volvo'. That title just appealed to me, with the image it suggested. :D
Sunday 22 February 2015
Sick Leave...
Having thought I'd managed to get through winter without any major health problems, the last bugs of winter have struck.
The nasty cold bugs that have been going round my family- and quite a few friends too- has finally overcome my defences, and I'm coughing and spluttering a lot- day and night; consequently my breathing is not as good as is desirable. So it's going to be a trip to the GP surgery to sort out my asthma...
Oh, and rearrange my dental appointments too. :(
So I'm sure you'll understand my brain is a bit hazy at the moment. But I do want to leave you with something to read about.
Last week a YouGov survey announced that 60% thought being an author was the most desirable job to have in Britain...
This announcement resulted in newspaper articles, that in turn got bloggers blogging.
Chas Newkey-Burden in the Telegraph books section gave '14 reasons why you shouldn't dream of being a full-time author', and while his reasons were all valid, most writers cannot afford to become full-time authors as they need their daytime job to pay the bills and eat- and if you're female there's often your family to factor into it all.
Tim Lott in the Guardian books section added his opinion too, including an obvious plug for his current writing related work with the newspaper.
These inspired Sally Quilford to write her response, '14 reasons I wouldn't want to be anything but an author'.
And another brilliant piece from Jane Lovering's 'From Behind the Keyboard'.
It's quite possible that within that 60% there were people who want to be authors, but haven't yet taken that first step on the very long and bumpy road; but sadly, I suspect many think that it is easy to write a book and be a JK Rowling, a Dan Brown or EL James, sell millions of books, make millions and get films made of your work, because the media makes so much of the breakthroughs.
If you want to write, you will do it, however long it may take you, and however much you need to learn.
We'll continue to write because we have to. Because we love doing what we do.
And honestly, you would not want to eavesdrop on my subconscious at any time- it would give you a severe headache. :)
The nasty cold bugs that have been going round my family- and quite a few friends too- has finally overcome my defences, and I'm coughing and spluttering a lot- day and night; consequently my breathing is not as good as is desirable. So it's going to be a trip to the GP surgery to sort out my asthma...
Oh, and rearrange my dental appointments too. :(
So I'm sure you'll understand my brain is a bit hazy at the moment. But I do want to leave you with something to read about.
Last week a YouGov survey announced that 60% thought being an author was the most desirable job to have in Britain...
This announcement resulted in newspaper articles, that in turn got bloggers blogging.
Chas Newkey-Burden in the Telegraph books section gave '14 reasons why you shouldn't dream of being a full-time author', and while his reasons were all valid, most writers cannot afford to become full-time authors as they need their daytime job to pay the bills and eat- and if you're female there's often your family to factor into it all.
Tim Lott in the Guardian books section added his opinion too, including an obvious plug for his current writing related work with the newspaper.
These inspired Sally Quilford to write her response, '14 reasons I wouldn't want to be anything but an author'.
And another brilliant piece from Jane Lovering's 'From Behind the Keyboard'.
It's quite possible that within that 60% there were people who want to be authors, but haven't yet taken that first step on the very long and bumpy road; but sadly, I suspect many think that it is easy to write a book and be a JK Rowling, a Dan Brown or EL James, sell millions of books, make millions and get films made of your work, because the media makes so much of the breakthroughs.
If you want to write, you will do it, however long it may take you, and however much you need to learn.
We'll continue to write because we have to. Because we love doing what we do.
And honestly, you would not want to eavesdrop on my subconscious at any time- it would give you a severe headache. :)
Sunday 15 February 2015
Inspiring...
I have recently been nominated for the Very Inspiring Blogger Award by the charming and talented writer, Rosemary Gemmell, whose next book The Highland Lass from Crooked Cat Publishing will be launched on Facebook next month- so pop along to Rosemary's 'Reading and Writing' blog to find out more.
 |
| Inspiring blogger award... |
- Thank the person who nominated you, and link to their blog.
- Display the Award Logo.
- Nominate other blogs and provide a link to them (so you can go and visit).
- Go to their blog, leave a comment to tell them they've been nominated, and where to find the information they need to accept.
And finally: mention three things that inspired you the most during the past few weeks.
1. Has to be last weekend's virtual romance festival (see my 8th February post). Professional development is important for any writer, otherwise we get left behind; and the Pinterest item certainly got my brain working, and thinking how it could help me put together visuals when I'm considering ideas for my stories.
2. A few Facebook pages that I keep in an Interest list relating to Costume. If you're on Facebook do go and have a look at the posts from: Historical Sewing, Mrs Daffodil, and Silk Damask Consulting. Pictures will feature that I can see my historical characters wearing- even those that are just a glint of an idea!
3. Coaches- whether they're the writing type, or the sports related type. They give their time and energy to children and young people, encouraging them to develop their skills and inspire their students to achieve.
See, that wasn't too difficult. :-)
Now these are the blogs and bloggers I'm nominating- if they would like to accept; there's no pressure to accept...
MillyMollyMo
Sally Jenkins/ A Writer on Writing
lizy-expat-writer
WritePhoto
Sunday 8 February 2015
Virtual Romance...
No, not online dating... :D This weekend is #Romance2015.
(Though if you're reading this later in the week it will be last weekend.)
I've spent about five hours this afternoon at my desk, logged into Facebook to benefit from the sessions arranged for this year's virtual Romance Festival; it's been taking place on Facebook, Twitter, and Google Hangouts, as well as regular updates on their wordpress blog.
You can find all the details and links to the social media pages hosting this weekend's sessions. So go along to this page, here.
Each session was 30 minutes, but the discussions and answers to the numerous questions writers were asking, carried on beyond that.
Everything started at 2pm with marketers from both HarperCollins and Mills and Boon, helping out with answers to marketing and social media.Obviously this is an important subject for self-publishers, but also those with publishers.
Building social profile, and engaging with your audience was important, but not to spread yourself too thinly by trying to use too many channels.
And building your mailing list enables you to get to your readers- Sam Missingham said that readers 'engage on social media, but buy from emails'. Mailchimp was one suggestion for newsletters to send to your list.
Pinterest seemed to be another useful media to develop. I'm signed up, but just need to do something with it! :-) But this subject was covered later on.
Then it was on to Book Bloggers, and if you want to know how to approach them to review your book, then you really should read that session. Did you know they had review policies?
Moving on through a Fern Britton video, and the interesting Jill Mansell, there was writing support groups and friends- everyone who commented valued these highly.
Lots of interest in Phillipa Ashley's tips on writing 'steamy' scenes. Some great advice. I liked the answer to someone's question about the right words for 'bits and bobs' in steamy scenes; it was suggested writing out a list of words and crossing out 'any that make you shudder'.
There was time for Goodreads, another area I've dipped my toe in, but not done much with. I'll be venturing into that again soon...
From Historical tips- I needed a break by this point, too many cups of coffee, don't think I need to say more.
Design and marketing was very popular and well worth reading through. These were answered by Katie Roden, co-founder of Fixabook.
The writers were very aware of the importance of cover design, and a few of Katie's suggestions, beside getting a very good cover design, was giving the designer as much information as possible in the cover brief you provide; create a mood board/playlist for the book which reflects how you want the reader to feel.
I just managed to last out through the 6.30pm session on Pinterest, with The Literary Shed. This will probably be an area I try to concentrate on developing over the year. 'It's less about direct marketing' I was told, and more about how 'your potential readership view you' and your books, and the genre you write in.
Sunday has lots of opportunities for readers, and you can find out what's scheduled on their blog post.
I enjoyed the writers day; learnt a lot, and have to say that it was even better than last year. Perhaps knowing what to expect this time helped.
Hope this will be back in 2016...
(Though if you're reading this later in the week it will be last weekend.)
I've spent about five hours this afternoon at my desk, logged into Facebook to benefit from the sessions arranged for this year's virtual Romance Festival; it's been taking place on Facebook, Twitter, and Google Hangouts, as well as regular updates on their wordpress blog.
You can find all the details and links to the social media pages hosting this weekend's sessions. So go along to this page, here.
Each session was 30 minutes, but the discussions and answers to the numerous questions writers were asking, carried on beyond that.
Everything started at 2pm with marketers from both HarperCollins and Mills and Boon, helping out with answers to marketing and social media.Obviously this is an important subject for self-publishers, but also those with publishers.
Building social profile, and engaging with your audience was important, but not to spread yourself too thinly by trying to use too many channels.
And building your mailing list enables you to get to your readers- Sam Missingham said that readers 'engage on social media, but buy from emails'. Mailchimp was one suggestion for newsletters to send to your list.
Pinterest seemed to be another useful media to develop. I'm signed up, but just need to do something with it! :-) But this subject was covered later on.
Then it was on to Book Bloggers, and if you want to know how to approach them to review your book, then you really should read that session. Did you know they had review policies?
Moving on through a Fern Britton video, and the interesting Jill Mansell, there was writing support groups and friends- everyone who commented valued these highly.
Lots of interest in Phillipa Ashley's tips on writing 'steamy' scenes. Some great advice. I liked the answer to someone's question about the right words for 'bits and bobs' in steamy scenes; it was suggested writing out a list of words and crossing out 'any that make you shudder'.
There was time for Goodreads, another area I've dipped my toe in, but not done much with. I'll be venturing into that again soon...
From Historical tips- I needed a break by this point, too many cups of coffee, don't think I need to say more.
Design and marketing was very popular and well worth reading through. These were answered by Katie Roden, co-founder of Fixabook.
The writers were very aware of the importance of cover design, and a few of Katie's suggestions, beside getting a very good cover design, was giving the designer as much information as possible in the cover brief you provide; create a mood board/playlist for the book which reflects how you want the reader to feel.
I just managed to last out through the 6.30pm session on Pinterest, with The Literary Shed. This will probably be an area I try to concentrate on developing over the year. 'It's less about direct marketing' I was told, and more about how 'your potential readership view you' and your books, and the genre you write in.
Sunday has lots of opportunities for readers, and you can find out what's scheduled on their blog post.
I enjoyed the writers day; learnt a lot, and have to say that it was even better than last year. Perhaps knowing what to expect this time helped.
Hope this will be back in 2016...
Monday 2 February 2015
Feeling Our Characters Emotions...
I'm roughly at mid-point in the first draft of my contemporary romance, and I'm now trying to get on with the post emotional scene (that was between my hero and heroine); but I'm finding it difficult to regain the distance I need for the next chapter...
I'd finally given my two characters the opportunity for their first proper clinch and kiss, even though that wasn't my hero's intention at the start of the scene. Then he drops the bombshell of why they shouldn't become more involved.
The surprise was how much it effected me.
On the surface his reasoning is quite logical, however awkward it now makes both their lives. My heroine has suddenly been shown possibilities and has then had them whipped away a few minutes later - she's obviously upset.
Even though I know that they will get their happy ever after by the end of the story, there's a boulder strewn road just at this moment...
We all experience, or observe, life events: birth, death, celebrations, bad news, good news, and devastation- both emotional and actual. So we can draw on those emotions and reactions- just like actors do. But it still takes a toll on our emotions portraying those things through our characters.
I have some reading to catch up on, and a short story to check over for sending out. So a few hours distraction will do me good...
I'd finally given my two characters the opportunity for their first proper clinch and kiss, even though that wasn't my hero's intention at the start of the scene. Then he drops the bombshell of why they shouldn't become more involved.
The surprise was how much it effected me.
On the surface his reasoning is quite logical, however awkward it now makes both their lives. My heroine has suddenly been shown possibilities and has then had them whipped away a few minutes later - she's obviously upset.
Even though I know that they will get their happy ever after by the end of the story, there's a boulder strewn road just at this moment...
We all experience, or observe, life events: birth, death, celebrations, bad news, good news, and devastation- both emotional and actual. So we can draw on those emotions and reactions- just like actors do. But it still takes a toll on our emotions portraying those things through our characters.
I have some reading to catch up on, and a short story to check over for sending out. So a few hours distraction will do me good...
Thursday 29 January 2015
Solutions then Snow...
Today's post won't be very long, nor writing related.
Our house has had a very bad case of Water Hammer recently- so whenever anyone turns on/off the hot taps there's a horrid noise.
Fortunately the heating was okay- I don't work well in cold.
The heating Engineer visited today and the solution is a valve being inserted into the pipework - seems we have a water pressure issue.
It will be a couple of days before it can be done, but it's not going to be too costly a job - thankfully. But it has limited writing time. :(
I thought I'd share a few of my snow pictures from today with you.
At lunchtime we had a sudden downfall and the snow settled quite quickly, but now most of it has turned to slush and the sun is shining again.
One minute it was just cold with a dull sky - I was in the process of refilling the bird food containers when the phone rang just as I was about to go back out, and in the 30 seconds it took to go from the kitchen door to the phone, the sky's opened...
After about half an hour the snow eased up and started to melt.
I just caught the back edge of the snow cloud as blue sky appeared again...
We often miss the snow in the lower areas of Nottinghamshire, so when it does arrive, even half an hour's fall is interesting to watch.
Though I know it can also be very hazardous for others, so if you're deluged with snow at the moment, stay safe...
Strangely enough there's a light snow flurry just started outside...
Our house has had a very bad case of Water Hammer recently- so whenever anyone turns on/off the hot taps there's a horrid noise.
Fortunately the heating was okay- I don't work well in cold.
The heating Engineer visited today and the solution is a valve being inserted into the pipework - seems we have a water pressure issue.
It will be a couple of days before it can be done, but it's not going to be too costly a job - thankfully. But it has limited writing time. :(
I thought I'd share a few of my snow pictures from today with you.
At lunchtime we had a sudden downfall and the snow settled quite quickly, but now most of it has turned to slush and the sun is shining again.
 |
| It's Snowing |
One minute it was just cold with a dull sky - I was in the process of refilling the bird food containers when the phone rang just as I was about to go back out, and in the 30 seconds it took to go from the kitchen door to the phone, the sky's opened...
 |
| Blue Sky Arriving... |
After about half an hour the snow eased up and started to melt.
I just caught the back edge of the snow cloud as blue sky appeared again...
 |
| Turned to Slush... |
Though I know it can also be very hazardous for others, so if you're deluged with snow at the moment, stay safe...
Strangely enough there's a light snow flurry just started outside...
Sunday 25 January 2015
Digging Out Those Forgotten Stories...
Today I was thinking about my old stories, and how none of my teenage attempts survived- I do regret that.
When I started writing again in 1999 (after many years of not touching a keyboard of any sort) I began using a Brother Word Processor - much better than a typewriter as I could move words around and carry on without having to retype the whole page.
Recently I retrieved a number of my old floppy disks whilst I was sorting through some old boxes. They were from the time I got my first computer that was running XP.
(Fortunately I can still read them as I have a floppy disk drive that just plugs into a USB port.)
They didn't have any full length stories on them, but there were ideas, and on one a copy of the articles I wrote for a (now defunct) online magazine. I even became their 'Lifestyle correspondent'. :-)
Despite no stories on these disks, I know that I have another set somewhere in the house, including half of the first novel I tried to write- I got to 40,000 words. Along with these are all my printed pages, research notes and images.
No doubt they're all in a box somewhere in a cupboard probably behind other boxes. I didn't have my office area then, so they got packed away in one of our major move rounds...
Meanwhile I do have a couple of short stories that I need to do something with, and I do have those on my computer, plus on memory sticks, a disc, and there's also a printed copy - okay that's overkill, but I won't lose them completely like those earlier efforts in an unreadable language.
Looking back at my old writing is strange. I can see how much I still had to learn then, but also, there were glimmers of the writer I've become, and there were also the first hints of my 'voice'.
I'm still learning, and quite honestly it's important to do so...
Have you ever lost your early writing, or do you still have it?
When I started writing again in 1999 (after many years of not touching a keyboard of any sort) I began using a Brother Word Processor - much better than a typewriter as I could move words around and carry on without having to retype the whole page.
Recently I retrieved a number of my old floppy disks whilst I was sorting through some old boxes. They were from the time I got my first computer that was running XP.
(Fortunately I can still read them as I have a floppy disk drive that just plugs into a USB port.)
They didn't have any full length stories on them, but there were ideas, and on one a copy of the articles I wrote for a (now defunct) online magazine. I even became their 'Lifestyle correspondent'. :-)
Despite no stories on these disks, I know that I have another set somewhere in the house, including half of the first novel I tried to write- I got to 40,000 words. Along with these are all my printed pages, research notes and images.
No doubt they're all in a box somewhere in a cupboard probably behind other boxes. I didn't have my office area then, so they got packed away in one of our major move rounds...
Meanwhile I do have a couple of short stories that I need to do something with, and I do have those on my computer, plus on memory sticks, a disc, and there's also a printed copy - okay that's overkill, but I won't lose them completely like those earlier efforts in an unreadable language.
Looking back at my old writing is strange. I can see how much I still had to learn then, but also, there were glimmers of the writer I've become, and there were also the first hints of my 'voice'.
I'm still learning, and quite honestly it's important to do so...
Have you ever lost your early writing, or do you still have it?
Wednesday 21 January 2015
Virtual Romance Festival Back...
Just seen the news that the HarperCollins Virtual Romance Festival is returning for a second year- save the weekend dates of the 7th and 8th February in your diary.
I've just registered for the event- it's free.
As last year, one day will be aimed at writers, and the other for readers.
Again events will take place on Facebook, Twitter, the Festival's Wordpress site, and Google Hangouts.
Last year the Wordpress site got temporarily shut down, so hopefully that won't happen this time, as it kept everyone up to the moment on who was where...
Most of the 2014 writers day I spent on Facebook; as there was a different person/subject every hour, and I found it very useful. Lots of writers asking questions and sharing their experiences and thoughts.
And experts generously sharing their expertise and answering the barrage of questions.
Twitter was a bit too fast paced for me to keep up with that as well, but I was able to access many of the other events I missed from the links in the emails sent, and the Wordpress site when it was back up and running.
This announcement on the Bookseller website will give you some general information, and includes the link to the Eventbrite page to register.
Bookseller article with Eventbrite link, here.
If you're on Facebook you can like their RomanceFestival page.
So often it can be difficult for writers to get to Festivals and Conferences in person, so this virtual event is a fantastic opportunity to take part without leaving home.
If you missed last year's festival in June, then here's my blog post from last year sharing my experience of the writers day.
If you go, enjoy every busy minute. :-)
I've just registered for the event- it's free.
As last year, one day will be aimed at writers, and the other for readers.
Again events will take place on Facebook, Twitter, the Festival's Wordpress site, and Google Hangouts.
Last year the Wordpress site got temporarily shut down, so hopefully that won't happen this time, as it kept everyone up to the moment on who was where...
Most of the 2014 writers day I spent on Facebook; as there was a different person/subject every hour, and I found it very useful. Lots of writers asking questions and sharing their experiences and thoughts.
And experts generously sharing their expertise and answering the barrage of questions.
Twitter was a bit too fast paced for me to keep up with that as well, but I was able to access many of the other events I missed from the links in the emails sent, and the Wordpress site when it was back up and running.
This announcement on the Bookseller website will give you some general information, and includes the link to the Eventbrite page to register.
Bookseller article with Eventbrite link, here.
If you're on Facebook you can like their RomanceFestival page.
So often it can be difficult for writers to get to Festivals and Conferences in person, so this virtual event is a fantastic opportunity to take part without leaving home.
If you missed last year's festival in June, then here's my blog post from last year sharing my experience of the writers day.
If you go, enjoy every busy minute. :-)
Friday 16 January 2015
When Characters Talk to You...
I've had a busy week so my Thursday post is being written today instead.
And just because other essential appointments get in the way, it doesn't mean I'm not thinking about writing, just that the writing pot is being stirred in the background.
On Monday I had to make a timeline (for the back story) before I could progress with the next scene. I knew roughly when past events occurred, but there were a couple that I needed confirmed.
Those details are for me, and the reader will not need to know the majority of that history...
But another aspect on both writing and non-writing time is when characters decide to talk to you; they give you an important snippet of information that makes sense of something else, or they start an exchange of dialogue- or complain about another character.
Now at home going round muttering wildly to yourself, even in front of family members, is viewed with a shake of the head and remarks of ,'there's no point saying anything to her'- at least not until whatever it is, is written somewhere!
Do the muttering out in public and people look at you a bit strangely.
A couple of writer friends revealed the times their characters start talking to them. Ironing is popular, as is cooking. It's a bit inconvenient too if you're in the shower or washing your hair when they start- my historical characters don't understand that the bathroom is not the place to start talking to me.
Today, two of my contemporary characters began holding a conversation- giving me the answer to one of my approaching plot niggles- when I was meant to be thinking food shopping.
I'm sure I had a crazed look on my face as I looked around the busy location for somewhere to stop and write. Seeing a vacant bench I almost sprinted toward it, hoping that no one would suddenly decide to go and sit there before I reached it- that usually happens to me.
Pen and notebook retrieved from my bag I started jotting, and as I was actually writing at an angle-because I was holding onto bags at the same time as the notebook- I hope I can still read it! :D
Satisfied I had the basics of the conversation my two characters quietened down and wandered off to their respective destinations, allowing me to buy food without further distractions.
That conversation will be written up onto the computer next week, when I get onto chapter 10.
I'm just glad that my other lurking characters are polite and wait until it's their story before talking to me...
Image courtesy of Stuart Miles / www.freedigitalphotos.net
And just because other essential appointments get in the way, it doesn't mean I'm not thinking about writing, just that the writing pot is being stirred in the background.
On Monday I had to make a timeline (for the back story) before I could progress with the next scene. I knew roughly when past events occurred, but there were a couple that I needed confirmed.
Those details are for me, and the reader will not need to know the majority of that history...
 |
| A character starts talking... |
Now at home going round muttering wildly to yourself, even in front of family members, is viewed with a shake of the head and remarks of ,'there's no point saying anything to her'- at least not until whatever it is, is written somewhere!
Do the muttering out in public and people look at you a bit strangely.
A couple of writer friends revealed the times their characters start talking to them. Ironing is popular, as is cooking. It's a bit inconvenient too if you're in the shower or washing your hair when they start- my historical characters don't understand that the bathroom is not the place to start talking to me.
Today, two of my contemporary characters began holding a conversation- giving me the answer to one of my approaching plot niggles- when I was meant to be thinking food shopping.
I'm sure I had a crazed look on my face as I looked around the busy location for somewhere to stop and write. Seeing a vacant bench I almost sprinted toward it, hoping that no one would suddenly decide to go and sit there before I reached it- that usually happens to me.
Pen and notebook retrieved from my bag I started jotting, and as I was actually writing at an angle-because I was holding onto bags at the same time as the notebook- I hope I can still read it! :D
Satisfied I had the basics of the conversation my two characters quietened down and wandered off to their respective destinations, allowing me to buy food without further distractions.
That conversation will be written up onto the computer next week, when I get onto chapter 10.
I'm just glad that my other lurking characters are polite and wait until it's their story before talking to me...
Image courtesy of Stuart Miles / www.freedigitalphotos.net
Sunday 11 January 2015
Being More Productive - Otherwise Known as Stop Wasting Time...
Trying to be more productive is the operative phrase for me at the moment.
I've found a writing system that seems to fit me, and now I just need to improve my word count...
Sadly life- or actually other people, over whom I have no control, can and will get in the way.
So to cut down on the opportunities for procrastination and make the most of the time I do have I'm going to keep a desk diary, not just a bag diary.
My printer gives me access to lots of online templates and they have printable diaries. I know I could set a desktop one, but I wouldn't see that once my browser is open, so I'm going to try a paper one that can be stuck up within my eye line.
No idea how it will work, but it will certainly help by reminding me sooner that I have appointments coming up, and not agreeing to do other things the same week I'm already busy- which is happening at the moment.
And if you need ideas on how to be more productive then I can certainly recommend 'Give Up Ironing - A Writer's Guide to Time Management' by Kathleen McGurl.
I certainly recognised a few elements I could improve on- box sets, in my case NCIS, I will say no more... :(
Anything you can recommend to improve writing output?
I've found a writing system that seems to fit me, and now I just need to improve my word count...
Sadly life- or actually other people, over whom I have no control, can and will get in the way.
So to cut down on the opportunities for procrastination and make the most of the time I do have I'm going to keep a desk diary, not just a bag diary.
My printer gives me access to lots of online templates and they have printable diaries. I know I could set a desktop one, but I wouldn't see that once my browser is open, so I'm going to try a paper one that can be stuck up within my eye line.
No idea how it will work, but it will certainly help by reminding me sooner that I have appointments coming up, and not agreeing to do other things the same week I'm already busy- which is happening at the moment.
And if you need ideas on how to be more productive then I can certainly recommend 'Give Up Ironing - A Writer's Guide to Time Management' by Kathleen McGurl.
I certainly recognised a few elements I could improve on- box sets, in my case NCIS, I will say no more... :(
Anything you can recommend to improve writing output?
Thursday 8 January 2015
Trophy Presentation...
If you read my post about Awards Night early last month, you may recall that it was the announcement that I'd won the Nottingham Writers' Club, Mary Street Shield- the official title is 'The Romantic Novelist of the Year'...
I'm grateful that I was only required to submit a synopsis and first three chapters and not the whole thing- as I'm still writing it!
This is the second time my name has gone onto this trophy, so it looks like writing romance is my strong point... :D
As it's a bi-annual competition I now have time to come up with a few ideas for 2016!
Anyway here's the picture from last night's meeting.
I'm grateful that I was only required to submit a synopsis and first three chapters and not the whole thing- as I'm still writing it!
This is the second time my name has gone onto this trophy, so it looks like writing romance is my strong point... :D
As it's a bi-annual competition I now have time to come up with a few ideas for 2016!
Anyway here's the picture from last night's meeting.
 |
| Carol Bevitt- winner of the 2014 Mary Street Memorial Shield for a Romance Novel |
Sunday 4 January 2015
Festival of Romance 2015 - book now...
Hope you all had a great Christmas and New Year.
I'm not quite back into normal routine yet as all the family have been here, but this week a regular schedule will return to the household...
Last year I missed The Festival of Romance as it was in September- it clashed with my son moving into university accommodation. So I'm very pleased that 2015's Festival is back to November.
Details here. Dates: 6th - 8th November 2015.
This year the festival will be held a few miles from Stratford upon Avon (yes, Shakespeare country), and as there is the opportunity to secure exclusive use of the hotel for the festival weekend, the organisers would like people to book with a £50 deposit now- the balance to be paid in September.
The ticket price includes all events, and breakfast and dinner as listed in the programme details. This link gives you the 2015 programme - looks like a great time.
For the history enthusiast, the hotel was converted from a Manor House, but does apparently have the 'mod cons'- free wifi and parking. And a few minutes walk away is Charlecote Park, a National Trust 16th century country house.
If I'd been travelling by train as I did in 2013, I would have taken up the option of the extra Sunday night for an additional charge, but I'm taking the shorter travel route this year - car.
Now I have to start saving... :D
I'm not quite back into normal routine yet as all the family have been here, but this week a regular schedule will return to the household...
Last year I missed The Festival of Romance as it was in September- it clashed with my son moving into university accommodation. So I'm very pleased that 2015's Festival is back to November.
Details here. Dates: 6th - 8th November 2015.
This year the festival will be held a few miles from Stratford upon Avon (yes, Shakespeare country), and as there is the opportunity to secure exclusive use of the hotel for the festival weekend, the organisers would like people to book with a £50 deposit now- the balance to be paid in September.
The ticket price includes all events, and breakfast and dinner as listed in the programme details. This link gives you the 2015 programme - looks like a great time.
For the history enthusiast, the hotel was converted from a Manor House, but does apparently have the 'mod cons'- free wifi and parking. And a few minutes walk away is Charlecote Park, a National Trust 16th century country house.
If I'd been travelling by train as I did in 2013, I would have taken up the option of the extra Sunday night for an additional charge, but I'm taking the shorter travel route this year - car.
Now I have to start saving... :D
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