I set writing exercises for a flash fiction group I lead online for the Association of Christian Writers. I base these on topic. For example, I have led a session on titles so the exercises there were to brainstorm title ideas, following tips I shared on how to do that.
I am often set writing exercises in workshops I go to as a delegate.
I was privileged to lead a one hour workshop for The Writers’ Summer School, Swanwick on Editing – From Both Sides of the Fence. I had the experience in 2020 of being edited on my book (Tripping the Flash Fantastic) and, simultaneously, I was editing someone else’s book for a small publisher. With my third book given the nod, it wouldn’t surprise me too much if I find myself in the same position again.
I thought it would be useful to give some pointers as to how to make the most of an in person workshop (though many of the points I make will also apply to online ones).
[Read more…] about Getting the Most From An In Person Workshop
It was with great pleasure I returned to The Writers’ Summer School, Swanwick for that treasured time where I can be fully immersed in the world of writing. As ever, I’ve been looking forward to catching up with friends and making new ones. I did so within an hour of arriving at Derby Railway Station and got chatting to a fellow long term Swanwicker on the coach laid on to take us to the Hayes.
One key aspect to marketing for any writer is the author website. It is the writer’s “shop window” to the outside world.
The good news is they don’t have to be “all bells and whistles”. They do need to be interesting, varied, and updated regularly. There needs to be material on the website which will draw people back to it time and time again.
It was fabulous taking part in the Book Fair at the Hilt on 8th July. It was great to catch up with authors I know and to meet up with others for the first time. I was delighted there was a great turn out for this inaugural event.
The organisers counted 125 (and there were more. The organisers were sometimes supervising talks by some of the writers so literally could not count everyone!). I hope this bodes well for there being future events like this.
Facebook – Events page for the Book Fair
I’m so pleased to be taking part in the Book Fair at The Hilt tomorrow, 8th July 2023. There is, of course, the obvious reason of being an author with books to sell. But the best reason is it is fantastic to see book fairs up and running again after the pandemic. It is even better having one right on our doorstep, pretty much. The books are coming to you, folks!
[Read more…] about Taking Part in the Book Fair at The Hilt – 8th July 2023
Am thrilled to say there will be a Book Fair at The Hilt, Chandler’s Ford on Saturday 8th July from 1.00 to 5.00 pm. Many local authors are taking part including Richard Hardie and myself. Do come along and say hello.
Good news: the event is free.
However, if you pre-book a ticket, your name will put into a raffle and you could win a £10 voucher to spend with one of the authors at the event (free book basically!).
For more on that, please go to https://www.tickettailor.com/events/hiltingburycommunityassociation/931076?fbclid=IwAR2hmxcL5Zp4pgkZd_ozaMn4U1QrGLHF37oW5oA-zNEUdpnEDMdHthfYmMU
There is also an event page on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/events/1179799816030117/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[]%7D
Hope to see you there!
Read interviews with Chandler’s Ford writer Allison Symes: Part 1 and Part 2.
Read blog posts by Allison Symes published on Chandler’s Ford Today.
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It is with pleasure I welcome Gail Aldwin back to Chandler’s Ford Today. Gail is a prolific writer. As well as writing her coming of age novels including the lovely This Much Huxley Knows, Gail has written flash fiction. Her book, Paisley Shirt, was published by Chapeltown Books.
Gail has had pieces on CafeLit. Her latest book, The Secret Life of Carolyn Russell, takes a different direction. This psychological suspense novel will be published by Bloodhound Books on 3rd July. Gail will be holding a Twitter book launch (which is something I’ve not come across before and want to know more about!).
[Read more…] about Author Interview: Gail Aldwin and The Secret Life of Carolyn Russell
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.
[Read more…] about Val Penny – Author Interview and News Update
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?
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?
[Read more…] about Local Author News: Allison Symes – Spring 2023 Round Up
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.
[Read more…] about The Joys and Pitfalls of Writing Research
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
It is lovely when themes flow well together! Purposes of Reading was a natural follow on topic from Purposes of Creative Writing last week.
What would you say were the purposes of creative writing?
[Read more…] about Purposes of Creative Writing by Allison Symes
It has been a brisk start to the first quarter of 2023 for me, I’m glad to say.
[Read more…] about Catching Up – Local Author News – Allison Symes
