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The Writing Life – Barbara Large, Part 2

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This is Part 2 of my interview with Barbara Large, MBE, founder of the Winchester Writing Conference as it was known.  Now known as the Winchester Writers’ Festival, it is recognised as one of the major writing events of the year.

Despite stepping down from running the conference in 2013, Barbara is as busy as ever running workshops, leading tours around the CPI production plant at Chippenham for those interested in self-publishing and having her own creative writing consultancy – Creative Words Matter. [Read more…] about The Writing Life – Barbara Large, Part 2

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The Writing Life – Barbara Large, Part 1

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I had the great joy of meeting Barbara Large at the Winchester Writing Conference (as it was known) many moons ago. Now known as the Winchester Writers’ Festival, this three day writing event was started by Barbara in 1980. She led the conference until 2013.

Barbara is as busy as ever and runs workshops. [Read more…] about The Writing Life – Barbara Large, Part 1

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What Makes a Good Writing Conference?

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I regularly attend the Winchester Writers’ Festival, which was originally the Winchester Writing Conference started by Barbara Large, MBE.

I am glad to say I will be interviewing Barbara soon. Her help and encouragement to so many writers over the years, including me, has been phenomenal and much appreciated. [Read more…] about What Makes a Good Writing Conference?

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Writing Tools: Why I use Scrivener Writing Software

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In the week when the centenary of that marvellous writer, Roald Dahl, is celebrated, I thought about whether the tools a writer uses matter.

Dahl (and the brilliant Wodehouse) had their faithful typewriters, Shakespeare swore by his current quill (and probably at it when the nib broke, how many did he get through?!) and of course story telling originates from the oral tradition. [Read more…] about Writing Tools: Why I use Scrivener Writing Software

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How not to be a Party Guest

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There is something quintessentially English about garden parties. They are rare events as many are washed away by our capricious climate.

Last year we did not have one. The memory of the year before was too strong. Everyone was indoors. Our BBQ chef slaved under the garage up-and-over doors to shelter from the rain. He did a good job but the garage still smells of sausages.

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Barbara Large: NEW Creative Writing Classes in Chandler’s Ford

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Barbara Large will be running creative writing classes at the Dovetail Centre in Chandler’s Ford from 21st September 2016.

This is great news for any writer who is looking for the mutual support creative writing classes can give and who want to develop their skills. [Read more…] about Barbara Large: NEW Creative Writing Classes in Chandler’s Ford

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The Poetic Life: Sharing the Muse – Sandra Gordon

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Last week’s interview into the poetic life with successful local poet, Sandra Gordon, showed her sharing her thoughts about poetry and naming some of her favourite modern and classic poets.

I loved discovering the Poetry Foundation website as I researched some of those Sandra named.  I hope to make great use of this given the site gives biographies of poets and shares samples of their works. It could be a great place to go to if you wanted to read more of a poet’s work but weren’t sure where to begin.  The Poetry Society website is also full of useful information. [Read more…] about The Poetic Life: Sharing the Muse – Sandra Gordon

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Away Days – Salisbury

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The shuttle service from Chandler’s Ford Railway Station is great for commuting into Eastleigh and Southampton but is also a wonderful way of visiting Salisbury. The total journey time is just over an hour and there are some fantastic views of the country en route, particularly after Romsey.   Most images for this post were taken by me.

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Interview: Jacci Gooding – The Writing Life

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Further to my interview with Jacci Gooding last week which focused on her adventures in self publishing, this post now looks at Jacci’s writing life.

She also reveals what she looks for in a good story as she prepares to launch her own short story collection, A Collection of Unsettling Short Stories.  The anthology will be available as an ebook, as a paperback and in audio formats. [Read more…] about Interview: Jacci Gooding – The Writing Life

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Interview: Jacci Gooding – Adventures in Self Publishing

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One of the things I love about writing for Chandler’s Ford Today has been the chance to interview fellow authors, to share news from the publishing world and so on.

Today I talk to Jacci Gooding, who I met at the Winchester Writers’ Festival. As well as learning a great deal from talks at conferences like this one, the other big joy has been making friends with other writers and knowing you are not alone out there. Mike Sedgwick touched on this theme recently with his post about the Secret Lives of Chandler’s Ford anthology. [Read more…] about Interview: Jacci Gooding – Adventures in Self Publishing

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Away Days from Chandler’s Ford Station: York

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One great thing about living in Chandler’s Ford is the transport available given we are near the motorway network (without living on top of it). Then we have the railway station, a bus service and we are not far from the ferries.

I often use these links. For example I went a couple of years ago to the National Railway Museum in York, which has recently been in the news because of its restoration of The Flying Scotsman. [Read more…] about Away Days from Chandler’s Ford Station: York

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How to Spot a Real Writing Competition

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I thought a post about writing competitions could fit well with my recent mini-series about scams. Much of what follows will apply to non-writing competitions too.

Every industry/profession has its charlatans. Sadly even the Church hasn’t been exempt. Neither is publishing/creative writing. And while we remain fallible human beings, this will remain the case. There will always be the artist. There will always be the con artist too. [Read more…] about How to Spot a Real Writing Competition

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Scam Alerts

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Allison: Further to my recent post on phone scams, Richard Hardie has kindly sent me a blog piece he wrote about other types of scam, which he has invited me to share with Chandler’s Ford Today readers. So many thanks for that, Richard.

We both hope the phone scam piece and this article will help prevent some falling victim to the greedy, callous thieves who think it is okay to con people.  (The irony being they would object strongly if someone conned them!). [Read more…] about Scam Alerts

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