Welcome to my writers blog.

Writing to entertain and encourage other writers. To keep you informed of events, workshops, retreats and conferences available for writers.

The Love of Dance

Saturday 14 July 2007

Writers' Circle in St.Albans.

If you are looking for an excellent writers' circle in the St. Albans area then the Verulam Writers' Circle might be the right one for you. It has been running for over 50 years with many published authors. Everyone is willing to support new fledgling writers as well as offer constructive guidance for the brave who read their work aloud. (Not a requirement of membership)

They meet at twice a month at:
The Church Hall, St Michaels Church, St Michaels Street, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL3 4SL
Additionally, they meet at
The Goat, Sopwell LaneSt Albans,(about half way down)
The Goat is one of the city's most historic pub and at the worst you will have nice beer in a pleasant environment. We have increased our Goat evenings from once a month and now alternate with the regular, more formal meetings at St Michael's.
All meetings last from 8 pm to 10 pm.

To find out more click on this link and browse their website.
http://www.verulamwriterscircle.org.uk/index.html

Tuesday 10 July 2007

London Literary festival


This was my first time at the London Literary Festival. A beautifully air conditioned auditorium filled with excited children and adults all there to listen to Jacqueline Wilson OBE.

Children's Laureate 2005-07 captivated the attention of the auditorium with her lively address. Jacky Daydream, Jacqueline's latest book is the biography of Jacqueline's first 10 years of her life. It is amusing and poignant giving us an insight to what makes Jacqueline tick. A brilliant read. Afterward, Jacqueline happily took time to sign my two books – Jacky Daydream and Candy Floss, which are to be auctioned off to raise funds for my school. These will be auctioned off during one of the BPSA quiz nights or another event. I've recently organised the writing competitions within the school and the children have responded avidly. We offer a trophy and £10 book voucher for the winner with the two other placed entries receiving £5 book vouchers each. Each child receives a certificate and those shortlisted also receive a pen/book or stationary set. Jacqueline was keen to chat about the competition and discuss with me the things she thought would stimulate reluctant readers and writers. I'd just like to thank Jacqueline for taking the time to talk with me in a very busy day - Thank you.

Relaxing after a very busy weekend.




Here are just a few authors relaxing having fun after a very busy weekend. Writing is a
solitary occupation, but when writers come together they network like no other. Exchanging ideas, sharing disappointments and celebrating achievements. Even the most popular authors have times when they receive that rejection. It is hard to accept at any stage of you writing career so to share the ups and down with others of a like mind brings you back to the point where you can see rejection for what it is - one persons point of view. If you are a writer and it is truly what you want to be then you will not give up. That's whats so great about Winchester, we are a family of writers all aiming for the same goal. Supporting and encouraging each other and making new contacts and friends.

What goes on at Winchester?


The 27th Winchester Writers' Conference was a roaring success. Children's Laureate 2005-07 Jacqueline Wilson OBE was the plenary speaker and captivated the attention of the auditorium with her lively address. Jacky Daydream, Jacqueline's latest book is the biography of Jacqueline's first 10 years of her life. It is amusing and poignant giving us an insight to what makes Jacqueline tick. A brilliant read.
The conference offered seminars and workshops for many different genre of writing. There was something for everyone. Although the rain poured down the enthusiastic writers donned their waterproofs or clutched umbrellas to dash from one building to the next. The buzz was high – the only time the buzz lessened (only slightly) was during moments when the writers were eating.
One-to-One appointments were available (for those that had booked) to speak with agents, publishers or published authors like Jeannie Johnson, and Sally Spedding. Agents included Lorella Belli, Simon Trewin, Teresa Chris and James Wills to mention but a few. Little Tiger and Hodder Children's book publishers were among many interested in finding new talented writers. Many writers coming away thrilled that either an agent or publisher had asked to see more of their work. These opportunities come along rarely – Winchester is one place that dreams can begin to come true.
Writing competitions are a integral part of the conference. Writers are given the chance to enter all competitions under a pseudonym. There are fifteen competitions in all ranging from children's writing to writing can be murder. Haiku, poetry, life writing and article writing and many more – something for everyone to try.
It is big, exciting and full of passion. If you get the opportunity then do go along. You will find a big welcome from a family of writers that are keen for you to succeed as much as they want to achieve themselves.
Of course there is an awards ceremony and dinner. Here the writers sit back and enjoy a glass of wine and a chat as they relax a little before the last push on the Sunday morning to complete the workshop of there choice.

Monday 2 July 2007

Dolores Gordon-Smith

Dolores at the Winchester Writers Conference awards dinner 2007.


Dolores Gordon-Smith's debut novel 'A Fete Worse Than Death' has been a great success at the Winchester Writers Conference. This is a Jack Halden Murder Mystery and engages the reader from the beginning. Dolores' next book 'Mad About the Boy? will be published next year. Quote from Robert Barnard (the back cover): 'Recaptures the vitality and insouciance of the Golden Age writers.' Published by Constable http://www.constablerobinson.com/ The jacket design and image by Ken Leeder. So why not go and purchase a copy of 'A Fete Worse Than Death' ISBN:978-1-84529-595-0 alternatively pop in to your local library and borrow a copy. It is a damn good read.