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Author Interview: Introducing Gemma Owen-Kendall

January 24, 2025 By Allison Symes Leave a Comment

Image Credits:-

Many thanks to Lynsey Adams of Reading Between the Lines Book Vlog and Gemma Owen-Kendall for supplying author and book cover pics including from her launch for Red Daisy at The Writers’ Summer School, Swanwick. Other images created in Book Brush using images from Lynsey, Gemma or Pixabay. Screenshots taken by me, Allison Symes, as were the photos of the grounds from The Writers’ Summer School, Swanwick.

As you know, one of my highlights of my writing year is to go to The Writers’ Summer School, Swanwick held at The Hayes in Derbyshire in August. As well as enjoying the fabulous workshops and courses (and having had the privilege of leading some there too), the other biggest joy is in getting to meet other authors.

Why? Because it is so liberating to share the joy of creative writing with others who “get it”. There is no need to explain why you write here. We just do and we share many tips and tales of our writing lives with each other during this event.

In 2024, Gemma Owen-Kendall got to launch her debut novel, Red Daisy, published by SpellBound Books, at The Writers’ Summer School in their wonderful Book Room.

Many congratulations, Gemma, on this and welcome to Chandler’s Ford Today. It is always a joy and privilege to discuss writing journeys with other authors here but before I put some questions to Gemma, please find below her author bio and a blurb for Red Daisy. This interview is part of a book blog tour organised by Lynsey Adams of Reading Between the Lines Book Vlog.

Tags: am writing, author interview, characters, creative writing, debut novel, editing, fairytales, fiction, flash fiction, Gemma Owen-Kendall, Innocent Times, marketing, novels, Red Daisy, short stories, SpellBound Books Limited, The Writers' Summer School - Swanwick, writing groups, writing journey

Top Flash Fiction Writing Tips and the Benefits

November 22, 2024 By Allison Symes Leave a Comment

Image Credits:- Images created in Book Brush using Pixabay images. Many thanks to Penny Blackburn for taking the images of me at The Writers’ Summer School, Swanwick 2024. Many thanks to Gill James for taking the image of me reading at the 2023 Bridge House Publishing Celebration event (and it was a cold day!).

As some of you will know, I discovered flash fiction by accident. It is easily the happiest writing accident I have ever had/am likely to have and I’m grateful for it. Two published books later with a third accepted – well, it’s the kind of accident any writer would welcome.

CafeLit, with whom I’d been published for a while, issued a 100 word challenge and I gave it a go, discovered the form is addictive and I’ve not looked back.

Tags: Allison Symes, am writing, benefits of writing flash fiction, characters, creative writing, editing, flash fiction, flash fiction tips, marketing, tight writing, writing advice

Author Interview – Debz Hobbs-Wyatt – If Crows Could Talk – Part 2

November 1, 2024 By Allison Symes Leave a Comment

Image Credits:-

Many thanks to Debz Hobbs-Wyatt for supplying book cover and author pics. Some images created in Book Brush using Pixabay photos. Some images are directly from Pixabay. Screenshots were also taken by me, Allison Symes.

Introduction – Part 2

It is a great pleasure to welcome Debz Hobbs-Wyatt back to Chandler’s Ford Today for Part 2 of an in-depth interview celebrating the launch of her new novel, If Crows Could Talk (Walela Books).

Part 1 from last week covered Debz’s writing journey and wonderful advice regarding agents and the writing life. She also discussed the small presses (both of us are connected to Bridge House Publishing). Link at the bottom of this section of the interview if you missed Part 1. Whatever stage of the writing life you find yourself at now, do check both parts of this interview out. Debz has shared lots of wonderful tips.

Tags: author interview, author library visits, Bridge House Publishing, Debz Hobbs-Wyatt, editing, If Crows Could Talk, marketing, novels, short stories, storytelling, supporting libraries, Walela Books

Author Interview: Debz Hobbs-Wyatt – If Crows Could Talk – Part 1

October 25, 2024 By Allison Symes Leave a Comment

Image Credits:-

Many thanks to Debz Hobbs-Wyatt for supplying book cover and author pics. Some images from a Bridge House Publishing event supplied by Paula Readman and me. Screenshots were also taken by me, Allison Symes.

It is a joy to welcome Debz Hobbs-Wyatt to Chandler’s Ford Today. I’ve known Debz for some time thanks to our mutual connections with Bridge House Publishing.

I’ve been on one side of the fence here, having had several stories in various BHP anthologies over the years. Debz has been on the other side of the fence with BHP founder, Gill James, and the two continue to work closely together. Indeed, I’m looking forward to meeting up again with Debz and Gill at the Bridge House Publishing Celebration Event in December.

Tags: author interview, Bridge House Publishing, characters, Debz Hobbs-Wyatt, Gill James, If Crows Could Talk, marketing, novels, resting your writing, short stories, the indie press, Walela Books, writing advice, writing journey, writing what you love

Behind The Curtain with Anita D Hunt

September 27, 2024 By Allison Symes Leave a Comment

Image Credits:-

Many thanks to Lynsey Adams for supplying book cover, blog tour, and author pics. Many thanks to Anita D Hunt for supplying images from Cornwall relating to Behind The Curtain. Images of Anita from The Writers’ Summer School, Swanwick, were taken by Keith Hinchy. Other Swanwick images were taken by me, Allison Symes, as was the screenshot of Anita’s fascinating memory workbooks. Other images created in Book Brush using Pixabay images with some directly from Pixabay.

It is with great pleasure I welcome debut novelist and fellow Swanwicker, Anita D Hunt, to Chandler’s Ford Today. Anita’s novel, Behind the Curtain, is a domestic noir published by SpellBound Books.

The novel was launched at The Writers’ Summer School, Swanwick following its release in paperback on 2nd August. Anita had the joy of signing copies in the Book Room, almost literally hot off the press.

Tags: am reading, am writing, Anita D Hunt. Behind The Curtain, author inspiration, blurbs, book blog tours, book launch, Cornwall Writers, creating characters, crime fiction, domestic noir, Lynsey Adams, marketing, Reading Between The Lines Book Vlog, Spellbound Books, The Writers' Summer School - Swanwick, themes, writing groups, writing journey

Decisions

May 24, 2024 By Allison Symes Leave a Comment

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

Every story focuses on a decision. At some point a character has to choose whether or not to act on a situation they’re facing. What they decide to do has immense consequences for that story.

[Read more…] about Decisions

Tags: am writing, character decision, creative writing, decisions in writing, marketing, networking, social media, writing career decisions, writing community

Newsletter Tips

January 19, 2024 By Allison Symes Leave a Comment

Image Credit: Images created in Book Brush using Pixabay photos. Screenshots taken by me, Allison Symes.

In the last two years, I’ve set up a monthly author newsletter, using the free Mailchimp plan to do so. As they say, other mailing programs are available (the other hugely popular one is MailerLite though there are others out there).

Given there is always plenty to do as a writer from getting those first drafts down to editing to getting your work out there somehow, and, of course, marketing, why bother with an author newsletter at all?

[Read more…] about Newsletter Tips

Tags: Allison Symes, author newsletter, email service providers, engaging with readers, learning from author newsletters, Mailchimp, MailerLite, marketing, newsletter tips. data protection rules, social media, why newsletters are useful

Remember, Remember: Author Interview – Richard Hardie

December 1, 2023 By Allison Symes Leave a Comment

Image Credits:-

Many thanks to Richard Hardie for supplying author pics and book cover shots. Screenshots taken by me, Allison Symes, as was the photo of Richard Hardie at the Book Fair at The Hilt in 2023. Other images created in Book Brush using Pixabay photos. Authors Reach logos taken from previous CFT articles (again thanks to Richard for those).

Back in February, I had the pleasure of interviewing Richard Hardie about his forthcoming book, Remember, Remember, the third in his Temporal Detective Series.

The series is aimed at Young Adults. I am glad to say that many of us who no longer quality in that category, and have been excluded for some time, also find these books a fantastic and enjoyable read. One of the joys of Young Adult fiction is that it makes an excellent gateway into adult fiction – and that gateway can work both ways!

Tags: Authors Reach, book launch, creative writing, Leap of Faith, marketing, new book, Remember Remember, Richard Hardie, Temporal Detective Agency, Trouble With Swords

Websites – Why A Writer Needs One

July 21, 2023 By Allison Symes 2 Comments

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

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.

Tags: am reading, am writing, author websites, blogs, marketing, website materials, why authors need websites

Part 2 – Francesca Tyer – Author Interview

June 23, 2023 By Allison Symes 2 Comments

Image Credits:-

Many thanks to Francesca Tyer for her fabulous author and book photo pics. Other images created in Book Brush using Pixabay images. Screenshots taken by me, Allison Symes.

It is great to welcome back Francesca Tyer for Part 2 of her interview. Francesca is part of the Authors Reach stable and is the author of The Firestone, The Seastone, and, shortly to be launched, The Earthstone.

There is so much hard work behind writing any book, yet alone a series, and given most authors spend so much of their time at their desks, it is great to get away from that for a while to have an enjoyable discussion about writing and to spread the news about our latest works.

So welcome back to Chandler’s Ford Today, Francesca. Now to pick up from where we left off last week.

Tags: Authors Reach, book launch, creative writing, fantasy, fiction, Francesca Tyer, marketing, networking, outlining, The Earthstone, The Firestone, The Seastone, workshops, YA

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

Writing Pitfalls

January 13, 2023 By Allison Symes 5 Comments

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

The writing life is fun but being prepared for the roller coaster aspect of it is a good idea. Every writer has their ups and downs. It helps to know this. Going into the writing life with your eyes wide open also helps. It also helps, I think, to accept the following is true.

[Read more…] about Writing Pitfalls

Tags: am writing, creative writing, marketing, networking, regular writing, the writing life, tips, writing advice

PART 2 – Ruth Leigh and The Continued Times of Isabella M Smugge

October 28, 2022 By Allison Symes 2 Comments

Image Credits:-

Many thanks to Ruth Leigh for supplying author pictures and book cover shots. Other photos created in Book Brush using Pixabay images. The image of Jane Austen is taken directly from Pixabay.

It is a joy to welcome Ruth Leigh back to Chandler’s Ford Today. Last week we discussed her forthcoming launch for The Continued Times of Isabella M Smugge, the latest in her series involving her wonderfully funny and moving creation. This week, we look at the issues of marketing and how well Ruth needed to know Isabella before writing her stories up.

And now back to Ruth. Welcome back, Ruth.

Tags: book launch, characters, creative fiction, Isabella M Smugge, marketing, publication, Ruth Leigh, series fiction, The Continued Times of Isabella M Smugge

Ruth Leigh and The Continued Times of Isabella M Smugge – Part 1

October 21, 2022 By Allison Symes Leave a Comment

Image Credits:-

Many thanks to Ruth Leigh for supplying author pictures and book cover shots. Other photos created in Book Brush using Pixabay images.

It is with great pleasure I welcome Ruth Leigh back to Chandler’s Ford Today to talk about her hilarious and moving creation, Isabella M Smugge. Ruth has written her third book in the series – The Continued Times of Isabella M Smugge.

Ruth Leigh

Ruth Leigh is a freelance writer, novelist and book reviewer. Married with three children, a cat, one husband and assorted poultry, she is a recovering over-achiever.

Tags: author interview, book launch, creative writing, Isabella M Smugge, marketing, publication news, Ruth Leigh

Good Interviews

September 9, 2022 By Allison Symes Leave a Comment

Image Credits:-

Images created in Book Brush using Pixabay photos, one taken from Pixabay directly. Screenshot taken by me, Allison Symes.

A useful skill for any writer is to develop interview techniques.

[Read more…] about Good Interviews

Tags: am writing, author interviews, deadlines, engaging your audience, interviews, marketing, open questions, preparing for interviews

Author Newsletters

September 2, 2022 By Allison Symes Leave a Comment

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

Earlier this year, I set up an author newsletter. I’d been toying with the idea for a while. Why?

Author newsletters are an excellent way to reach out to readers. They can give insights into the writing life as well as sharing hints and tips.

[Read more…] about Author Newsletters

Tags: am writing, author newsletters, creative writing, engaging with readers, marketing, publicity, the writing life

Val Penny: The Hunter Wilson Series and Blog Tours

August 19, 2022 By Allison Symes Leave a Comment

Image Credits:-

Many thanks to Val Penny for supplying author pictures and book cover shots. Other images were created in Book Brush using Pixabay photos or were directly from Pixabay. Photo of Val Penny taken at the Swanwick Writers’ Summer School taken by me, Allison Symes.

It is a pleasure to welcome back Scottish crime writer, Val Penny, to Chandler’s Ford Today. The latest book in her Hunter Wilson series, Hunter’s Chase, is out on 20th August. (This will be the day after the Swanwick Writers’ Summer School finishes this year, which is where I first met Val).

Val Penny about to share excellent advice on Promoting Your Work at the Swanwick Writers’ Summer School.

So I thought I’d chat to Val about the joys and trials of writing a continuing series with the same lead character and about blog tours – what they are, how can you organise them, and so on.

So with no further ado, it’s over to Val. Welcome back to Chandler’s Ford Today, Val!

Tags: am reading. writing community, am writing, blog tours, crime fiction, crime writer, marketing, The Edinburgh mysteries, The Hunter Wilson series, Val Penny, writer

Maressa Mortimer – Part 2 – Being An Indie Author

September 17, 2021 By Allison Symes 2 Comments

Image Credit: Book covers and author pics were kindly supplied by Maressa Mortimer. Other images created in Book Brush using Pixabay photos.

It is lovely to welcome back Maressa Mortimer to Chandler’s Ford Today. This week, Maressa shares her thoughts on marketing (every writer has views on that!), and how she feels her writing has developed. She also discusses book tours and why she has used Facebook Live for her book launches. So with no further ado, over to Maressa.

Tags: am reading, am writing, Association of Christian Writers, author newsletter, creative writing, Facebook Live, Maressa Mortimer, marketing, outlining, self publishing

Talking About Writing

March 26, 2021 By Allison Symes 2 Comments

As you know, the last couple of weeks have been pretty busy for me but all good fun and a great learning experience.

Feature Image – Talking About Writing. Image created in Book Brush using a Pixabay image,

Tags: creative writing, Hannah Kate, Hannah's Bookshelf, marketing, North Manchester FM, presentation, radio interview, Share Your Story writing summit, talking about writing, The Disparate Housewive, WI, Zoom talk

Book Trailers and Story Videos

March 12, 2021 By Allison Symes 2 Comments

I mentioned in my post last week, Musical Connections, I used Danse Macabre by Camille Saint Saens as the theme to my book trailer for From Light to Dark and Back Again.

For that particular trailer, Chapeltown Books, my publisher, produced it but for Tripping the Flash Fantastic, I made the trailer myself.

Feature Image – Book Trailers and Story Videos, Image created in Book Brush using a Pixabay image,

Tags: Book Brush, book trailers, Canva, creative writing, From Light to Dark and Back Again, marketing, Pixabay, social media, story videos, Tripping the Flash Fantastic, Youtube

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Many thanks to Debz Hobbs-Wyatt for supplying book cover and author pics. Some images created in Book Brush using Pixabay photos. Some images are directly from Pixabay. Screenshots were also taken by me, Allison Symes.

Introduction – Part 2

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Many thanks to Debz Hobbs-Wyatt for supplying book cover and author pics. Some images from a Bridge House Publishing event supplied by Paula Readman and me. Screenshots were also taken by me, Allison Symes.

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

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Many thanks to Francesca Tyer for her fabulous author and book photo pics. Other images created in Book Brush using Pixabay images. Screenshots taken by me, Allison Symes.

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Many thanks to Ruth Leigh for supplying author pictures and book cover shots. Other photos created in Book Brush using Pixabay images. The image of Jane Austen is taken directly from Pixabay.

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Many thanks to Ruth Leigh for supplying author pictures and book cover shots. Other photos created in Book Brush using Pixabay images.

Ruth Leigh

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Images created in Book Brush using Pixabay photos, one taken from Pixabay directly. Screenshot taken by me, Allison Symes.

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Many thanks to Val Penny for supplying author pictures and book cover shots. Other images were created in Book Brush using Pixabay photos or were directly from Pixabay. Photo of Val Penny taken at the Swanwick Writers’ Summer School taken by me, Allison Symes.

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