Celebrate World Book Night at Hamworthy Library 23rd April at 7pm

Come and Celebrate World Book Night 2013 at Hamworthy Library on 23rd April at 7pm. There will be refreshments, a book quiz, and a 'My Favourite Book Session' with local Authors Noel Lockyer-Stevens, Eve Bonham, Elizabeth McGregor and Pamela Fudge. To book your free place, call Hamworthy Library on 01202 672750 or just come along on the night.

How to write your first novel with Pam Fudge and Della Galton

Saturday 25 May

How to …write your first novel with well-known  local authors Pam Fudge and Della Galton

Westbourne Library, Alum Chine Road BH4 8DX

10am to 4pm

£30

If you’re thinking of writing a novel, or are partway through one, then this workshop is for you.  If you want to know why some novels sell and why some don’t, then this workshop is also for you.  Novelists, Pam Fudge and Della Galton, will take you through the basics – how to attract an agent or publisher’s attention, how to write that all important first page, and how to keep yourself motivated throughout the writing process.  Both experienced tutors, they will answer any questions you have, and their mission is to have you leaving the session inspired.

To book please call 01202 454844 or visit any Bournemouth library.

www.bournemouthfestivalofwords.co.uk

Not What It Seems - Novel No 10

The printed proofs of my 10th novel, Not What It Seems, have now been checked and returned to the publisher a whole week before the deadline. Interesting experience reading a book you have written after a gap of a few months.
Now looking forward to various writers' lunches that are coming up, the talks I am booked to give and, of course, some warmer weather!!!!

Speaking at Bournemouth University

I did a talk on short story writing and the markets for it at Bournemouth University yesterday for the charming lecturer, Jim Pope, of the Media School. I walking into a huge lecture theatre with about 30 nineteen year old students present and thought, 'this isn't so bad,' and then more students came and they kept coming - and coming. However, the nerves soon fled because the audience were interested in what I had to say, very respectful and enthusiastic, asking a number of questions. It was so lovely to meet these budding new writers and I wish them all the luck in the world - because, yes, luck does play a part in a writer's success or failure. I'm looking forward to hearing news of the first success in this group very soon!

RNA Southern Chapter Lunch

Brilliant lunch in Southampton with the Southern Chapter of the Romantic Novelists' Association. Chatting about writing with writers is a favourite pastime of mine. I always find out something I didn't know and always come away feeling encouraged. For lunch I had a gorgeous chicken and mushroom risotto so, all in all, it was well worth the journey!! :-) The snow storm was pretty while it lasted but I think we all heaved a sigh of relief when it didn't settle!

Dunford Novelists Weekend

Just getting back to normal after a brilliant weekend with the Dunford Novelists in sunny Bournemouth. Wonderful crowd of supportive writers - the time really flew by. Oh, and the food at the hotel was fabulous, so the post Christmas diet went straight out of the window - but it was sooooo worth it!!!

Back to work now and getting on the with the current novel which is about three quarters written now. (Horrible weather out there makes you want to stay indoors in the warm).The New Year has started well with lots of talks booked throughout the coming months around the local area and looking forward to all the lovely people I'll be meeting.

Society of Authors Regional Christmas Lunch

Yep, first Christmas lunch of the season today. Society of Authors regional lunch and very nice it was, too. Turkey and all the trimmings, but so pleased I chose chocolate torte over Xmas pudding, because that was gorgeous (and MUCH bigger!). Oh, and I should mention that the company was brilliant - which, of course, is even more important than the menu!!

AND yesterday copies of the large print version of 'Never Be Lonely' (the novel before the last one) arrived in the post. Very nice new cover and print so large I reckon I could read it without my magnifying glass (erm, that was a joke - honestly!!)

Half finished novel is currently on hold while this author gets to grips with Christmas preparations of the kind that don't involve cooking anything.