Allison Symes

Val Penny – Author Interview and News Update

June 9, 2023 By Allison Symes Leave a Comment

Image Credits:-

Many thanks to Val Penny for supplying author and book cover pictures and some wonderful shots of Edinburgh. Photos connected to The Writers’ Summer School, Swanwick, were taken by me, Allison Symes. Other images were created in Book Brush using Pixabay photos.

It is with great pleasure I welcome Scottish crime writer, Val Penny, back to Chandler’s Ford Today.

Naturally, she has been busy since we last spoke and is now on the Committee for The Writers’ Summer School, Swanwick as well.

Committee service is voluntary, but it can be rewarding. Most writers like to give back in some way. This is one way to do just that. The school couldn’t run without its volunteers.

So over to Val with the questions.

Tags: am reading, am writing, author news, classes, creative writing, crime fiction, detective series, fiction, publication news, Spellbound Books, The Writers' Summer School, Val Penny, workshops

To Outline or Not To Outline

June 2, 2023 By Allison Symes Leave a Comment

Image Credit: Images created in Book Brush using Pixabay photos.

Writers can fall into two categories – the planners and the pantsers. One lot plan out their writing while the other prefer to write “by the seat of their pants” so to speak. They get to their desk and just write.

But you can be both. Some writers will want to plan out, say, a novel, but don’t worry about doing this for their shorter forms of writing. I do both too. How does this work?

Tags: am writing, blogging, creative writing, creativity, fiction, flash fiction, non-fiction, outlining, pantsers, planners, planning, stories

Local Author News: Allison Symes – Spring 2023 Round Up

May 26, 2023 By Allison Symes 4 Comments

Image Credits:-

Images created in Book Brush using Pixabay photos. One image directly from Pixabay. Screenshots taken by me, Allison Symes. Photos from The Writers’ Summer School, Swanwick were taken by me, Allison Symes, or by kind colleagues using my phone!

It has been a busy few months since my last round up and that was only back in March!

Mind you, this is how it is supposed to be! The writing life is not a static one. Nor it is meant to be. So what has been going on writing wise for me recently?

Tags: Allison Symes, am writing, author news, author newsletter, creative writing, feedback, flash fiction, Friday Flash Fiction, Hiltingbury Book Fair, publication news, The Writers' Summer School, workshops, Writers' Narrative

The Joys and Pitfalls of Writing Research

May 19, 2023 By Allison Symes Leave a Comment

Image Credit: Images created in Book Brush using Pixabay photos. One image from CFT archives.

Every writer has to carry out some research regardless of whether they write fiction or not. As I mentioned in my History in Stories post last week, the need for research crops up in every fictional genre. It perhaps is a more obvious need for the non-fiction writer.

Tags: am reading, am writing, crediting sources, fiction, joys of writing research, non-fiction, pitfalls of writing research, research

History in Stories

May 12, 2023 By Allison Symes 2 Comments

Image Credit: Images created in Book Brush using Pixabay photos. One image from the CFT archives.

The Coronation of King Charles III is the latest chapter in the story of kings and queens throughout our history. It was that thought which made me think of this topic for this week’s post. History turns up in fiction, as well as in non-fiction.

[Read more…] about History in Stories

Tags: am reading, am writing, cosy crime, historical fiction, history in other genres, history in stories, telling details. sagas, writing research

Review: Spring Trio – The Chameleon Theatre Group

May 5, 2023 By Allison Symes 4 Comments

Image Credits:-

Images kindly supplied by The Chameleon Theatre Group. Many thanks to them. Screenshots were taken by me, Allison Symes. Some images created in Book Brush using Pixabay images. Two images from the Chandler’s Ford Today archives.

It was lovely to join Janet at Ritchie Hall to see Spring Trio, the latest production from The Chameleon Theatre Group, on 27th April. (This ran until 29th April). Spring Trio lives up to its name as the audience was presented with three plays, one of which was written by Matthew Meehan from the Chameleons. The plays were a mixture of comedy and drama. There were interesting twists too. All three plays made great use of simple sets and props.

Tags: amateur theatre, performances, review, Ritchie Hall, Spring Trio, The Chameleon Theatre Group, twists

How To Guides

April 28, 2023 By Allison Symes Leave a Comment

Image Credits: Most images created in Book Brush using Pixabay photos. Screenshots taken by me, Allison Symes.

I mentioned briefly in my Book Recommendations post last week I have used how-to-write guides (and still turn to them for reference when needed). I adore Stephen King’s On Writing, which is a great mix of memoir and writing advice. Many writers speak highly of it.

[Read more…] about How To Guides

Tags: am reading, am writing, books, Continuing Professional Development, creative writing books, how to guides, non-fiction, the Mslexia Indie Press Guide, the Writers and Artists Yearbook, writing advice, writing career advice

Book Recommendations

April 21, 2023 By Allison Symes 3 Comments

Image Credit: Images created in Book Brush using Pixabay photos. Screenshots taken by me, Allison Symes. Image of Jane Austen from CFT archives (and originally from Pixabay).

Do you recommend books to others? I do sometimes, usually when chatting with other writers at an event over a cup of tea, and they recommend books to me. This is why all writers everywhere have an enormous To Be Read pile. They have an even bigger To Get Around to Reading at Some Stage pile. Don’t even ask what I’ve got waiting for me on my Kindle. Am just go glad electronic book shelves can’t collapse under the strain!

I blog once a week for Goodreads, the book website, and recommendations crop up all the time on there.

[Read more…] about Book Recommendations

Tags: am reading, am writing, book recommendations, criteria for book recommendations, fiction, genre fiction, Goodreads, non-fiction, reading well, writing well

Using Time For Fiction

April 14, 2023 By Allison Symes 2 Comments

Image Credit: Images created in Book Brush using Pixabay photos.

I’ve often used time in fiction. I’ve sometimes used Time as a character. I sometimes have a story where a character has a certain amount of time in which to achieve their objective. I’ve also written from the viewpoint of time travelling aliens (as you do!). I’ve written the odd story as a diary format and even timed the entries written by the narrator. I’ve also written historical flash fiction where the setting is back in time. All great fun to do.

Tags: am writing, blogging, creative writing, deadlines, planning writing time, productivity, spontaneous writing, taking your writing seriously, Time as a character, using time in fiction, writing exercises, Zoom workshops

Author Interview: Gill James – Build A Book Workshop

April 7, 2023 By Allison Symes 2 Comments

Image Credits:-

Many thanks to Gill James for supplying images of books produced by the Build a Book Workshop and for her author photo. Most of the other images were created in Book Brush using Pixabay photos with one taken directly from Pixabay. Image from Bridge House Publishing celebration events was taken by me, Allison Symes.

It is with great pleasure I welcome Gill James, publisher and author, back to Chandler’s Ford Today. Gill wears many hats. She is a multi-published writer and is the driving force behind Bridge House Publishing, CafeLit, and Chapeltown Books amongst other imprints.

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Useful Website Links

Gill James website: http://www.gilljameswriter.com/

Bridge House Publishing: https://www.bridgehousepublishing.co.uk/

CafeLit: https://cafelit.co.uk/index.php/submission-guidelines-2

Chapeltown Publishing: http://www.chapeltownpublishing.uk/

Bridgetown Cafe Bookshop/Buy Link: http://www.thebridgetowncafebooksshop.co.uk/2021/07/build-book-workshop.html

Tags: Build A Book Workshop book, creative writing, encouraging writing, Gill James, non-fiction, publishing, sharing writing skills

Anthologies

March 31, 2023 By Allison Symes 2 Comments

Image Credits:-

Some images created in Book Brush using Pixabay photos. Screenshots and photos of my earlier publications were taken by me, Allison Symes. Book cover images are from Bridge House Publishing. Creativity Matters – Find Your Passion for Writing book cover photo was supplied by Wendy H Jones.

I’ve had the privilege and joy of being published in various anthologies over many years, mainly published by Bridge House Publishing.

What are the advantages to writing for anthologies? I thought I’d take a look at this and give some tips on working out ways of using any set theme wisely.

[Read more…] about Anthologies

Tags: am reading, am writing, anthologies, benefits of writing for anthologies, Bridge House Publishing, creative writing, independent press

Purposes of Reading

March 24, 2023 By Allison Symes 3 Comments

Image Credit: Most images created in Book Brush using Pixabay photos though one is directly from Pixabay. One photo of me signing at Swanwick was taken by a Swanwick colleague on my phone.

It is lovely when themes flow well together! Purposes of Reading was a natural follow on topic from Purposes of Creative Writing last week.

[Read more…] about Purposes of Reading

Tags: am reading, am writing, benefits of reading, books, non-fiction, reading for writers, stories

Purposes of Creative Writing by Allison Symes

March 17, 2023 By Allison Symes Leave a Comment

Image Credit: Images created in Book Brush using Pixabay photos.

What would you say were the purposes of creative writing?

Tags: am reading, am writing, benefits of creative writing, creative writing, finding your creativity, show and not tell, stories

Catching Up – Local Author News – Allison Symes

March 10, 2023 By Allison Symes 2 Comments

Image Credits:-

Images created in Book Brush using Pixabay photos. Screenshots taken by me, Allison Symes. Book cover images from Bridge House Publishing/CafeLit.

It has been a brisk start to the first quarter of 2023 for me, I’m glad to say.

Tags: Allison Symes, am reading, am writing, blogging, flash fiction, Mom's Favorite Reads, professional development, updates, workshops, writing news, writing submissions

Deadlines – How to Make the Most of Them

March 3, 2023 By Allison Symes Leave a Comment

Image Credits: Images created in Book Brush using Pixabay photos.

Douglas Adams, author of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, famously said “I love deadlines. I love the whooshing noise they make as they go by.” Strongly suspect his publishers/those he worked with on the BBC (for scripts, including for Doctor Who) did not take the same view!

I see a deadline as a challenge. Not to let it go by but to meet it with room to spare. I also think deadlines can encourage you to be more creative, simply because they give you something to work towards. There is an end goal. It is a great antidote to that notorious thief of time, procrastination!

Tags: adjusting to deadlines, am writing, creative writing, deadlines, the writing life, tips for deadlines, writing competition deadlines

Making the Most of a Zoom Workshop

February 24, 2023 By Allison Symes Leave a Comment

Image Credit: Images created in Book Brush using Pixabay photos.

One good thing to come out of the pandemic was the increasing use of Zoom. I used it for family get togethers when meeting in person wasn’t possible. (I still regularly meet up with family members abroad this way too).

A number of writing related activities transferred to this medium so I was able to join in with workshops, listen to talks etc. In the past eighteen months or so, I’ve been invited to run workshops via Zoom on flash fiction. It has been lovely to have paying gigs too! (Would always welcome more of these!).

So I thought for this post I’d look at how to make the most of Zoom workshops if you’re running them/likely to run them in the future. I hope you find this useful.

Tags: creative writing, focus, preparation, the writing life, workshops, Zoom

Character Creation

February 17, 2023 By Allison Symes Leave a Comment

Image Credits: Images created in Book Brush using Pixabay photos.

All great stories focus on their characters. Why?

It’s because we want to find out what happens in the story and that usually involves finding out what happened to the lead character in particular. Did they get their happy ending? Were they a rotter who deserved and got their comeuppance?

Only one way to find out and that is to read the story but the character has to interest you enough in the first place to make you want to read on. So how can that be done? I share some thoughts about how I approach character creation and hope you find it useful.

[Read more…] about Character Creation

Tags: am writing, character creation, creative writing, writing advice, writing tips

Author Interview: Richard Hardie – Remember, Remember

February 10, 2023 By Allison Symes 2 Comments

Image Credits:-

A huge thank you to Richard Hardie for supplying author, location, and book cover shots (and one of the author’s assistant – Oscar!). Other images created by Allison Symes in Book Brush using Pixabay photos or taken as screenshots by her or are directly from Pixabay. One shot of Richard at a previous speaking engagement was taken by Allison at The Hiltonbury Farmhouse.

It is with pleasure I share the news Richard Hardie, author of Leap of Faith and Trouble With Swords, will be releasing his third book in his Temporal Detective Agency series. The third book is called Remember, Remember for reasons that will become apparent when you read it! Richard is also planning to release his fourth book soon too. This will be a collection of short stories linked to his Temporal Detective Agency.

Definitely time for another CFT interview then!

Tags: author news, book launch, fiction, Leap of Faith, local author, marketing, Remember Remember, Richard Hardie, short stories, Trouble With Swords, writing tips, YA novels

Review: The Chameleon Theatre Group – Pinocchio

February 3, 2023 By Allison Symes Leave a Comment

Image Credit:-

A huge thank you as ever to The Chameleons for kind permission to use their photos. One image adapted in Book Brush using a Chameleon photo. One screenshot taken by me, Allison Symes, from the Chameleons’ website re their next production.

It was a joy to see Pinocchio, staged by The Chameleon Theatre Group on Saturday, 28th January. There are many for whom pantomime is their first experience of live theatre. Funnily enough, it wasn’t for me. My kid sister and I tended to go and see the latest Disney releases at the old Gaumont, now of course The Mayflower in Southampton. Remember seeing Robin Hood and Cinderella there.

Tags: amateur theatre, Chameleon Theatre Group, classic fairytale, entertainment, pantomime, Pinocchio, review, Ritchie Hall

Classic Stories

January 27, 2023 By Allison Symes Leave a Comment

Image Credit: Images created in Book Brush using Pixabay photos.

What would you define as a classic story? Do you define it by age or by how often it can stand being re-read? Or do you define it by its word count where you have a story where you can’t imagine another word being added and/or words being taken out of it?).

Of course, your answer can be any of the above, maybe all of them! For me, though, the age of a story is irrelevant. If it is classic, it is because it is a fabulous tale, not because of its antiquity (or lack of same).

[Read more…] about Classic Stories

Tags: am reading, am writing, characters, classic stories, classic themes, quality of stories, repeated reading, test of time

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Allison Symes

Image Credits:-

Many thanks to Val Penny for supplying author and book cover pictures and some wonderful shots of Edinburgh. Photos connected to The Writers’ Summer School, Swanwick, were taken by me, Allison Symes. Other images were created in Book Brush using Pixabay photos.

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Image Credits:-

Images created in Book Brush using Pixabay photos. One image directly from Pixabay. Screenshots taken by me, Allison Symes. Photos from The Writers’ Summer School, Swanwick were taken by me, Allison Symes, or by kind colleagues using my phone!

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Image Credit: Images created in Book Brush using Pixabay photos. One image from CFT archives.

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Image Credit: Images created in Book Brush using Pixabay photos. One image from the CFT archives.

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Image Credits:-

Images kindly supplied by The Chameleon Theatre Group. Many thanks to them. Screenshots were taken by me, Allison Symes. Some images created in Book Brush using Pixabay images. Two images from the Chandler’s Ford Today archives.

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Image Credits: Most images created in Book Brush using Pixabay photos. Screenshots taken by me, Allison Symes.

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Image Credit: Images created in Book Brush using Pixabay photos. Screenshots taken by me, Allison Symes. Image of Jane Austen from CFT archives (and originally from Pixabay).

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Image Credit: Images created in Book Brush using Pixabay photos.

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Image Credits:-

Some images created in Book Brush using Pixabay photos. Screenshots and photos of my earlier publications were taken by me, Allison Symes. Book cover images are from Bridge House Publishing. Creativity Matters – Find Your Passion for Writing book cover photo was supplied by Wendy H Jones.

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Image Credit: Most images created in Book Brush using Pixabay photos though one is directly from Pixabay. One photo of me signing at Swanwick was taken by a Swanwick colleague on my phone.

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Image Credit: Images created in Book Brush using Pixabay photos.

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Image Credits:-

Images created in Book Brush using Pixabay photos. Screenshots taken by me, Allison Symes. Book cover images from Bridge House Publishing/CafeLit.

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Image Credits: Images created in Book Brush using Pixabay photos.

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A huge thank you as ever to The Chameleons for kind permission to use their photos. One image adapted in Book Brush using a Chameleon photo. One screenshot taken by me, Allison Symes, from the Chameleons’ website re their next production.

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