Begin - Derbyshire Writing School Podcast: Recent Episodes
Laura Stroud & Peter Billingham
‘The beginning is the most important part of the work.’ Begin – the podcast about writing by Laura Stroud and Pete Billingham, the founders of Derbyshire Writing School. We can help you get the words out of your head and into the world with our podcast. You’ll find ideas, inspiration and practical steps on how to write a book, how to document your life story and discussions about the creative process. Each week we also share our writing journey and the lessons we are learning along the way. Whatever your writing dreams, we are here to help. We believe in your stories, and the world needs to hear them.
In this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writers’ Room for A Centennial Celebration!
In this special 100th episode, Pete and Laura commemorate a significant milestone in their podcast journey. Join them as they reflect on the evolution of the Begin podcast, the lessons they’ve learned, and the many ways writing has enriched their lives and those of the listeners over 100 episodes of Begin.
In this season:
- 18 Episodes
- 9 Guest Interviews
- 2 Toolbox Editions
505 minutes and 65 seconds (8 hours and 42 minutes)
or 9, 227.5 dad jokes and cliches!Pete and Laura delve into the significance of exploring the joy, and challenges encountered along the way over this season. Which episodes were the most downloaded? They share personal experiences and milestones, and talk about the making of a podcast dedicated to the love of writing.
A Look BackLaura reflects on the themes, the ‘highs and lows’ and guest interviews that shaped the season the most for her. She finds the ‘Glass Ball Theory’ by Nora Roberts helpful when thinking about the challenges of balancing so many projects.
The key to juggling is to know that some of the balls you have in the air are made of plastic and some are made of glass. And if you drop a plastic ball, it bounces, no harm done.
Pete highlights the episodes that resonated most with him and why. Also, how meeting listeners and writers at local events, such as the Derby Book Festival, made such a difference to him.
Personal Projects: Writing and BeyondIn this inspiring section, Pete talks about his memoir ghostwriting endeavours, sharing insights into his research process and storytelling. Laura discusses her ongoing PhD in creative writing, emphasising the importance of academic exploration in the craft of writing.
Book Update: From Storytelling to Scholarly InsightsPete and Laura dive into their current reads, sharing their thoughts and takeaways. Pete discusses how different research methods have captivated him recently. Laura talks about - Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver.
Looking Forward: The Future of Begin and Our Writing
Pete and Laura look forward to what the future holds for the Begin podcast and their personal writing projects, share their aspirations and invite you to continue this wonderful journey with them.
Whether you’ve been with Pete and Laura since episode one or just joining in, there’s inspiration and camaraderie to be found in the celebration of writing.
Let’s embark on the next hundred episodes together!
We want to hear from you! info@derbyshirewritingschool.com
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Episode 99: Embracing the Writer Within - "Episode 99: Why We Write–A Deep Dive into the Writer's Mind.
Welcome back to Begin, the Derbyshire Writing School podcast!
In this heartfelt episode, co-hosts and father-daughter duo Pete Billingham and Laura Stroud explore the essence of writing. Join us as we unravel what drives us to put pen to paper, and how writing shapes our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
Why We Write: An Introspective Journey
"We write to taste life twice, in the moment and in retrospect." - Anais Nin
In this segment, we ponder this poignant quote by Anais Nin. Pete and Laura share their personal reasons for writing, reflecting on how capturing life's moments through writing allows us to experience them more deeply. This discussion is an invitation to listeners to contemplate their own writing motivations.
The Writer's Room: Exploring Our Writing Identities
"I write because it means I can call myself a writer." - Laura, paraphrasing Arianna Huffington on Pablo Picasso. Here, Laura shares her thoughts on writing as an identity, inspired by Arianna Huffington's interpretation of Pablo Picasso's creative life. This conversation encourages writers to own their craft, regardless of external achievements.
Personal Projects: Celebrating Our Writing Endeavors
Pete discusses his recent endeavors as a celebrant and eulogy writer, highlighting the meaningful impact of his work on others. Laura shares her exciting journey into a PhD in creative writing, aiming to create safe spaces in the world of writing education. This segment showcases the diverse paths and purposes writing can take.
Lessons Learned: Growing as Writers
In this insightful section, we discuss the continuous learning journey of a writer. Pete delves into Amazon ads for book marketing, while Laura shares her learning experiences from her PhD program. This segment is a testament to the never-ending growth and evolution in the writing journey.
Book Update: Diving into Diverse Reads
"The Miniaturist" and "Writing About Your Life: A Journey into the Past" by William Zinser Pete shares his thoughts on "The Miniaturist" and his current read, William Zinser's memoir and writing guide. Laura discusses "Can't Even: How Millennials Became the Burnout Generation" by Anne Helen Peterson, noting its insightful take on the millennial experience.
Closing Thoughts: Our Writing Lives
In this heartfelt conclusion, Pete and Laura reflect on their recent experiences, from walks and dog antics to academic pursuits and the every day balancing act of life and writing. This segment is a reminder of the joy and challenge of weaving writing into the fabric of our daily lives.
Join us in this episode for a warm, inviting exploration of what it means to be a writer. Whether you're a seasoned author or just starting your journey, there's something here for everyone. Let's celebrate the art of writing together!
Episode 98—A Writers Toolkit Episode: Unfinished Business: Breaking Through Fear, Doubts, and Excuses to Finish Your Novel
Do you have a story in your heart, a manuscript in progress, but somehow find yourself unable to reach 'the end'? In this episode, we delve into the all-too-common struggle of leaving novels unfinished. But fear not! We're not just identifying the problems; we're providing solutions, and we have a special programme designed to guide you to completion.
This Episode's Insights: From Idea to Finished Book
Join Laura, Pete, and the Derbyshire Writing School team as they explore:
- The common reasons why writers struggle to finish their books.
- Solutions to overcome fear, boredom, and self-doubt.
- The importance of committing to your writing and creating movement in your story.
- How finishing your book can be an incredible achievement, teaching you more than any course or book ever could.
Finish Your Book – Online Group Programme: Your Path to Completion
If this episode resonates with you, our new group programme, Finish Your Book, might be just what you need. Designed specifically for writers who are passionate but stuck, this programme offers motivation, practical support, and a writing community ready to cheer you on.
Programme Highlights:
- Dates and Time: Six live Zoom sessions, starting Wednesday 8 November 2023, from 7:30 pm – 8:45 pm.
- Price: from £115
- Interactive Learning: Writing sprints, peer feedback, personalised solutions, and more.
- Achievements: Complete writing sprints, gain feedback, create an action plan, and join a wonderful group of writers.
Course Overview: [Detailed Overview Here]
Why This Programme Is for You
- Craft Your Story Together: Write together with focused and guided creative time.
- Edit Like a Pro: Learn to edit your novel or non-fiction book.
- Solve Your Writing Problems: Address your unique challenges.
- Achieve Real Progress: Make tangible progress on your writing journey.
Ready to Join Finish Your Book?
Don't let your ideas sit in a draft folder. Seize this opportunity to tell the world, "I wrote a book!" Enroll in our Finish Your Book programme and turn the insights from this episode into real progress on your writing journey.
Enroll Now
Keep writing, it will all work out. Let this episode and our Finish Your Book programme be your catalyst to success.
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We want to hear from you! info@derbyshirewritingschool.com
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Episode 97—The Pen Behind the Posts: Celebrating Staff Blog Writer Lauren’s 3-Year Anniversary
In this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writers’ Room for a very special episode. Today we chat with staff blog writer Lauren Davison.
We are reaching three years of Derbyshire Writing School, so we thought it would be nice to talk to some people that have been around from the beginning. One of those is Lauren Davison, our in-house staff blogger.
Lauren has been an important part of the Derbyshire Writing School team and she creates lots of the useful blog posts you’ll find on our website.
Pete and Laura ask Lauren:
- What three things have you learnt since being a part of Derbyshire Writing School?
- What does Derbyshire Writing School mean to you?
- What are you most proud of creating in your time here at Derbyshire Writing School?
- Can you talk to us through your blog writing process? What’s your step-by-step guide?
- What advice could you share for our listener if they wanted to write blog posts?
- Have you got a book you’re working on? What’s next in your writing career? What are your writing goals?
You can find all of Lauren’s helpful blogs at https://www.derbyshirewritingschool.com/blog
We want to hear from you! info@derbyshirewritingschool.com
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Episode - 96—I Want To Say A Few Words: Crafting a Heartfelt Eulogy with Confidence - Book Launch
In this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writers’ Room for a very special episode. Today Pete launches his latest book.
I Want to Say a Few Words: How To Craft a Heartfelt Eulogy for a Loved One’s Funeral: A Simple Step-by-Step Process, Packed with Eulogy Writing Ideas, Help & Advice from a Professional Eulogy Writer is the latest book launched by Pete.
“I Want to Say A Few Words: How To Craft a Heartfelt Eulogy for a Loved One’s Funeral” serves as a compassionate companion in the important journey of writing a eulogy. It’s something you may not want to think about today. We understand. But someday, someone you know may need a resource that crafts the words to say at a funeral.
This workbook is far more than a ‘fill in the blanks eulogy template’ process. It’s not about rushing through to a finished eulogy. Pete’s wish is to offer the reader a thoughtful, measured approach to writing a eulogy for your loved one’s funeral that is as unique as the life it celebrates.
What’s included in this book:
✓ An invitation to reflect, remember, and write from the heart.
✓ A four-step process and sixteen practical worksheets to help you craft a memorable eulogy.
✓ A compassionate professional eulogy writer who has crafted over 700 eulogies to guide you.
✓ An empathetic approach to writing a eulogy.
✓ 169 pages - A4 size workbook with lots of space for making notes and capturing memories.
Writing a heartfelt eulogy that honours the life of your loved one starts with this book.
Special Launch Offer Prices.
As a launch offer, the book in various formats will have a significant price reduction for 5 days from 28th July - 1st August.
What versions are available?
eBook with 34 page PDF download - 0.99p - on Amazon
High Quality PDF Download including extra worksheets - £5.99 via Pete’s Website
169 large format A4 page paperback - £9.99 on Amazon
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Episode 95—From the Author's Voice: A Live Book Reading of 'Everyday Storytellers Write Non-Fiction.' by Laura Stroud
In this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writers’ Room for a very special episode.
Everyday Storytellers Write Non-Fiction: A Step-By-Step Guide to Noticing Your Life and Turning It Into Stories,is the latest book in the Everyday Storytellers Series by Laura.
Hear Laura read a section of her new book.
Are you ready to uncover the power of your own story and share it with the world?
Your stories matter. It’s time you started sharing them.
Maybe you’ve started to jot down your memories, thinking one day you’ll turn them into stories, or perhaps you’ve started journaling, or even just started to think more about documenting your life. But what’s really stopping you from writing? Structure? Voice? Editing? Are you worried about sharing your words?
You have a story to tell, and this book will help you tell it.
Through practical advice and lots of creative activities, this book will show you how to shape real-life stories into a narrative that flows and engages readers.
Through this step-by-step approach, you’ll learn:
- What non-fiction writing is and how to write compelling stories.
- Where to start with your storytelling so you feel confident in beginning.
- Why noticing your life is the key to always having something to write about.
- How to structure your story so your readers want to turn the page.
- When to share your life stories and when to hold back.
For memoir writers, bloggers, or people who want to take their travel stories to the next level, this book is for you. Filling you with confidence and skills to get your story told.
The book also includes:
- A secret-revealing chapter about finding your writing voice.
- A breakdown of the essential four stages of editing.
- A writing toolkit to skyrocket your storytelling.
- A friendly pep talk to motivate and encourage you!
This book will help you write about your life and help you share it with the world.
Notice your life.
Save the special moments.
Share your words.
So why wait? It’s time to unlock the power of your words and share your unique perspective with the world. Don’t let your stories go untold any longer. Start writing TODAY.We would love to hear from you. Please let us know about your self-publishing questions, problems or ideas. We want to hear from you! info@derbyshirewritingschool.com
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Episode 94 - From Truth to Tribute: Everyday Storytelling, Self-Publishing Updates, the Perfect Eulogy Writing Tool
In this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writers’ Room to catch up with what’s happened since the last episode.
In Section One: THE WRITERS’ ROOM. We explore writing problems and struggles by answering your questions. This month we don’t have a question for you. Why not send us a question you would ask us to chat about? We want to hear from you! Write to us at info@derbyshirewritingschool.com
Section Two: PERSONAL PROJECTS. In this section, we share what we’ve been working on.
Laura has been busy ghostwriting two memoirs. She explains her interviewing process and her quest to find the best questions to explore the story the memoir will tell.
Pete explains how and why his eulogy writing book got a new title and subtitle.
I Want to Say a Few Words: How To Craft a Heartfelt Eulogy for a Loved One’s Funeral. A Simple Step-by-Step Process, Packed with Eulogy Writing Ideas, Help & Advice from a Professional Eulogy Writer.
With some finer details to finish for the paperback and audio, should Pete publish the eBook or wait is the question? What about creating an audio book? What do you think?
Section Three: BOOK UPDATE. In this section, we share interesting book recommendations, articles, or ideas to help you on your writing journey.
Laura reflects on the epic story: ‘A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara.’ Also tells us about her book club recommendation: Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus.
Pete is excited about - The Lost Pianos of Siberia by Sophy Roberts. In ‘The Lost Pianos of Siberia’, Sophy Roberts embarks on an epic journey across the vast, timeless landscape of Siberia. Unravelling hidden tales of forgotten pianos and the resilient people whose lives have intertwined with these instruments. Sophy sets on a quest to find one such instrument for a friend.
Siberia. The word makes everything it touches vibrate at a different pitch… Siberia rolls off the tongue with a sibilant chill… Siberia is far more significant than a place on the map: it is a feeling which sticks like a burr, a temperature, the sound of sleepy flakes falling on snowy pillows and the crunch of uneven footsteps coming from behind.
Section Four: LESSONS LEARNED. In this section, we share what we are learning about writing and publishing, as it never stops!
Amazon updates the rules on categories for self-publishing and the price of publishing book through KDP. Worth making sure your pricing is correct!
Pete mentions - So Good They Call You a Fake | Joshua Lisec’s Secrets to Creating Unbelievable Results from The James Altucher Show Podcast.
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/so-good-they-call-you-a-fake-joshua-lisecs-secrets/id794030859?i=1000616783197
Section Five: WHAT’S HAPPENING AT DERBYSHIRE WRITING SCHOOL THIS WEEK? - How are we building the business this week?
Episode 93—Beyond The Manuscript: An Author’s Journey into Clarity, Communication, & Connection with Lucy Rennie.
In this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writers’ Room to chat with Lucy Rennie about how writing her latest book came out of a desire to help someone else.
Lucy Rennie is a communication and marketing expert, business mentor and bestselling author.
She helps small business owners to grow, develop and future-proof their business
As a huge champion for small business, Lucy is a massive believer in people do business with people. Lucy Rennie is on a mission to share her love for small business. She works with entrepreneurs and business owners. Lucy uses strategies to keep progress going, creating trust and bringing in the best customers and staff for their companies.
A massive Star Wars fan, Lucy lives and works on the side of a big hill overlooking Whaley Bridge, a beautiful village on the edge of the Peak District with her husband, 2 kids and a crazy chocolate Labrador, Kylo Ren.
In this episode, Pete and Laura ask Lucy:
- Congratulations on the publication of your book—Clarity, Communication & Connection: Three Clear Steps to Future-Proof Your Business. Let’s talk about your writing process. Have you always wanted to write a book? Where did the idea come from?
- One challenge for writers is maintaining motivation and productivity throughout the writing process. How did you stay motivated and focused while writing, and what advice do you have for writers struggling with these issues?
- What did you learn through the writing process? What three pieces of specific advice could you share with our listeners about writing non-fiction?
- Your book focuses on the importance of communication and clarity in business. Can you speak to how these concepts apply to writers and the writing process, too?
- Your book emphasises the importance of being adaptable and open to change. How can this help writers overcome creative block or feeling stuck in their writing?
- Describe what you mean by "future-proofing" and how writers can adopt this approach.
- Talking of future-proofing, what are your plans for the future with your business, and your book writing?
You can find out more about Lucy, her book and her business at:
Website - https://www.iamlucyrennie.com/
Book – Clarity, Communication & Connection: Three Clear Steps to Future-Proof Your Business.
We want to hear from you! info@derbyshirewritingschool.com
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Episode 92 —Turning Pages: An Insider’s Look Into Derby Book Festival with Sian Hoyle
In this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writers’ Room to chat with Sian Hoyle—Derby Book Festival.
We are back in the writers’ room and we have a guest in our hot seat this week! Sian Hoyle from Derby Book Festival.
For over 30 years, Sian worked in Marketing and Communications in London, before relocating to Derby to be closer to family. In 2012, she took voluntary redundancy from Derby City Council and worked as a freelancer until 2015, when she co-founded the Derby Book Festival with her friend Jenny Denton.
Despite having no prior experience in publishing, the pair were keen readers and believed they knew the sort of events that would appeal to the people of Derby. Derby Book Festival was born! They ran the event as volunteers for the first year, then with some Arts Council funding and local business sponsorship, they took on paid roles. In 2020, during the pandemic, Sian took over as Director and has since organised two festivals each year since 2021, along with an ever-expanding community program. Turning the Derby Book Festival into an important community experience for the people of Derby.
Pete and Laura ask Sian:
- Tell us more about yourself and your work with the Derby Book Festival. When did you first fall in love with books?
- We know how important reading is, but let’s talk about this some more. Part of the festival’s aim is to celebrate the joy that books and reading bring to our lives. So for you, Sian, why is reading so important?
- Two questions here really: First, how do you decide what a ‘good book’ is? And how do you decide which authors to bring to the festival?
- What practical advice could you offer to our listeners to help them get the most out of attending the book festival?
For more information on Derby Book Festival, check out:
Website: https://www.derbybookfestival.co.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DerbyBookFestival/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/derbybookfest
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/derby_book_festival/
Sian mentions the following books:
Trespasses: A Novel by Louise Kennedy
We Need to Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
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Episode 91—Yes, I’m The Great Pretender: Navigating the Creative Challenges of Imposter Syndrome in Writing.
Section One: THE WRITERS’ ROOM. In this section, we explore writing problems and struggles by answering your questions.
What is Imposter Syndrome?
Imposter syndrome is when you feel you’re not good enough at something, even if you’re actually doing well. It’s like having a little voice in your head that tells you that you’re pretending to be good at something, and that everyone will find out you’re not as skilled as they think.
The term impostor phenomenon was introduced by Pauline R. Clance and Suzanne A. Imes.
For more information you can read a detail review by Pauline R. Clance on her website - https://www.paulineroseclance.com/impostor_phenomenon.html
Together they mention:
The Netflix Documentary - Lewis Capaldi: How I’m Feeling Now
The Netflix Documentary - Stutz
Section Two: PERSONAL PROJECTS. In this section, we share what we’ve been working on.
Laura has been completing all the details necessary when publishing a book. Besides working with clients ghosting writing and memoir writing.
Peter has been refining his third edit of his book in process. He has changed the name and subtitle of the book and is reflecting on his mission with the book.
He is excited with the first draft of the cover for the book.
Section Three: BOOK UPDATE. In this section, we share interesting book recommendations, articles, or ideas to help you on your writing journey.
Pete is finding great insights from reading: Write Useful Books: A modern approach to designing and refining recommendable nonfiction - Rob Fitzpatrick.
Make a clear promise and put it on the cover. Pick a promise that will remain relevant and important for 5+ years.
Publisher Rocket saves time and frustration when searching for keywords.
Laura has been reading - Write It All Down: How to Put Your Life on the Page by Cathy Rentzenbrink.
Section Four: LESSONS LEARNED. In this section, we share what we are learning about writing and publishing, as it never stops!
Update from Ingram Spark about changes for their 10 yr celebration - uploads are now free with T & C.
https://help.ingramspark.com/hc/en-us/articles/15276524164749-IngramSpark-Celebrates-10-Years-
Section Five: WHAT’S HAPPENING AT DERBYSHIRE WRITING SCHOOL THIS WEEK? - How are we building the business this week?
A Derbyshire Writing Retreat - A one-day writing retreat to build momentum within your writing project.
Section Six: PERSONAL UPDATES - In this section, we share what’s new with us!
Pete is excited and fascinated by ChatGPT4 - He talks about Impromptu: Amplifying Our Humanity Through AI by Reed Hoffman.
Laura went to her first book club.
We want to hear from you! info@derbyshirewritingschool.com
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Episode 90—Enhancing Creative Writing through the Magic of Copywriting with Chrissie Rowell
In this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writers’ Room to chat with Derbyshire Lecturer and Market Agency Owner Chrissie Rowell.
We are back in the writers’ room and we have a guest in our hot seat this week! Derbyshire marketing expert Chrissie Rowell.
Chrissie Rowell has been in marketing for 16 years. After graduating with a degree in Creative Writing in 2008, she worked in freelance journalism, later moving into copywriting. After working with two marketing agencies, she set up her own agency, Black Hare Marketing, and also lectures at the University of Derby in various marketing subjects, including branding, advertising and copywriting
Chrissie and Laura are working together in the local Derbyshire initiative called - Reskill and Recover Tuesday 16th May and Tuesday 23rd May 2023.
Reskill and Recover is an initiative designed to help participants, from small and medium-sized businesses in the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire areas, improve business skills, efficiency and growth. To find out more, please email reskillrecover@derby.ac.uk.
Pete and Laura ask Chrissie:
- Please tell us more about yourself and your writing journey.
- We know copywriting is an important skill for authors, but also for so many people in different roles. Let’s start at the beginning. What is copywriting, and how does it differ from other types of writing?
- What are some common mistakes that new copywriters make, and how can they avoid them?
- What are two of the most effective copywriting techniques that you’ve used, and why do they work?
- How important is storytelling in copywriting, and how can new writers learn to use it effectively?
- What advice do you have for new copywriters who are just starting out and want to improve their skills?
For more information on Chrissie Rowell, check out:
Black Hare Marketing
Reskill and Recover
Email - c.rowell@derby.ac.uk
We would love to hear from you. Please let us know about your self-publishing questions, problems or ideas. We want to hear from you! info@derbyshirewritingschool.com
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Thanks for listening!
Episode 89—Unravelling The Layers of Intrigue: A Crime Writers’ Quest for Unconventional Inspiration with Zoë Sharp.
In this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writers’ Room to chat with Derbyshire Author Zoë Sharp.
We are back in the writers’ room and we have a guest in our hot seat this week! Derbyshire author Zoë Sharp. We meet recently at the Authors Assemble event in Buxton.
Zoë Sharp spent her childhood living aboard a catamaran on the northwest coast of England. She opted out of mainstream education at twelve and wrote her first novel at fifteen.
She began writing the Charlie Fox crime thriller series after receiving death-threats in the course of her work as a photojournalist. Nominated for many awards, they used her work in a Danish school text book, inspired an original song and music video, and is being optioned for TV and film. She is currently writing a new mystery thriller series for Bookouture. This began with The Last Time She Died, which is set in Derbyshire.
When not working on her novels or short stories, you can find Zoë improvising weapons out of everyday objects, renovating houses, or international pet-sitting.
Pete and Laura ask Zoë:
- Tell us a little about your journey from that 15-year-old who wrote a book to the prolific author of today. How did you develop your writing skills and find your unique voice as an author, and what steps did you take to improve your craft over time?
- How does your experience as a photojournalist influence your approach to writing, and what unique perspectives or skills did you bring to the table because of your background? What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when transitioning from visual storytelling to written storytelling?
- What unique challenges and opportunities do you face as a writer in the crime fiction genre, and how do you approach storytelling in this genre?
- Describe to us Charlie Fox. How did you develop her character over time? What advice would you give to aspiring writers who are interested in exploring the crime fiction genre?
- Can you walk us through your typical writing process, from idea generation to finished manuscript? How do you approach each stage of the process?
- What can readers expect from your upcoming books, and what new challenges and adventures can they look forward to experiencing?
Interesting more in the crime writing work of Zoë? Check out the following links:
Author website: https://www.zoesharp.com/
Author Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ZoeSharpAuthor
Author Twitter page: https://twitter.com/authorzoesharp
Author Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/authorzoesharp/
Author Goodreads page: https://www.goodreads.com/authorzoesharp
We would love to hear from you. Please let us know about your self-publishing questions, problems or ideas. We want to hear from you! info@derbyshirewritingschool.com
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Episode 88—Guest Interview Derbyshire Author: S. R. Durham—Writing in Multiple Genres.
In this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writers’ Room to chat with Derbyshire Author S. R. Durham about writing in several genres.
S. R. Durham is an indie author from the High Peak in Derbyshire. He self-published his first full-length novel, Prey, in 2021, and his second, Surrogate, in 2022. He writes across several genres, from thriller and psychological suspense to horror and speculative crime.
Ste worked in journalism and PR for a decade, before going freelance as a copywriter in order to focus on his family and his fiction writing.
Pete and Laura ask Ste:
- Tell us about yourself and your journey. How did you get started with writing?
- Can you tell us more about your self-publishing route to publication? How did you find the experience? Is there anything you would do differently now?
- Your book covers look fantastic! Can you tell us more about the creative design process you went through?
- You class your first book as a horror thriller, and the second is folk horror. Please, can you talk through the nuance of these genre categories?
- What three pieces of advice can you give to our listeners to help them write in these genres?
- What’s next for you, and how can our listeners find out more about you and your work?
You can find Prey and Surrogate on Amazon.
You can be among the first to hear about the latest news from Ste by signing up for his newsletter mailing list here.
We would love to hear from you. Please let us know about your self-publishing questions, problems or ideas. We want to hear from you! info@derbyshirewritingschool.com
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Thanks for listening!
Episode 87 – Guest Interview – Derbyshire Author Emma-Claire Wilson
In this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writers’ Room to chat with Emma-Claire Wilson.
Emma-Claire Wilson is an author of emotional commercial women’s fiction. She writes ‘to make sense of the world’ and loves nothing more than tackling tough subjects and issues that affect her readers daily.
When she is not writing fiction, she enjoys exercising her brain muscles with freelance copywriting, coaching other writers, and writing articles for The Glass House Online Magazine.
Her debut, This Child of Mine, although not autobiographical, was based on personal experiences and resulted in a highly emotional piece of fiction that secured her representation with Kate Nash Literary Agency. It is due to be published by Avon Harper Collins in the summer.
Peter and Laura ask Emma-Claire:
- Tell us about yourself and your journey. How did you get started with writing?
- Congratulations on the upcoming publication of your novel - This Child of Mine. Can you tell us more about the book?
- How did you manage writing about such an emotive and emotional topic? What three pieces of advice could you share with our listener if they want to write about difficult topics or themes?
- You’ve shared about the power of writing with a ‘tribe’ and the importance of attending Ponden Hall writing retreat. Can you talk to us more about this? How do you think this helped you with your process?
- Emma-Claire, you write commercial women’s fiction. We know it’s such a wide-ranging space to work in. Can you tell our listener more about this as a category and genre? And What advice can you give to our listener if they wanted to pitch a novel within this category of fiction?
- What’s next for you, and how can our listener find out more about you and your work?
Quick Fire Questions
- What do you wish you’d known sooner on your writing journey?
- What motivates you to write?
- What advice would you give to our listener?
How Can We Find More About You?PREORDER EMMA-CLAIRE'S BOOK HERE
Emma-Claire’s Website - https://emmaclairewilson.com/my-books/
https://twitter.com/@ECWilsonWriter
Emma-Claire mentions: The Emotional Craft of Fiction: How to Write the Story Beneath the Surface. Book by Donald Maass.
We want to hear from you! info@derbyshirewritingschool.com
Send us a voice message.
Thanks for listening!
Episode 86 - The Writer's Toolbox—Self Publishing With Style
In this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writers’ Room for an episode of The Writer’s Toolbox—Self-Publishing With Style.
What can you find in this episode? Pete and Laura chat about self-publishing, and the five key reasons self-publishing is a good idea.
The Five Key Reasons Self-publishing a Good Idea.
- You have more control over the process.
- You have higher royalty rates.
- You can make changes.
- You can build direct relationships with your audience.
- You can publish your book without gatekeepers.
How Then Do You Self-publish Your Book With Style?
What if you:
- Don’t want to only publish through Amazon?
- Don’t want to fall for the common mistakes first-time self-publishers stumble upon?
- Want to learn how to get your book out into the world professionally?
- Want to understand more about the publishing process and take ownership?
- Want to take the steps needed to turn your word document into a paperback book?
You need to check out Self-publishing with Derbyshire Writing School.
Are you ready to take control of your writing career and share your work with the world? Check out—Self-publishing with Derbyshire Writing School.
Our Self-publishing with Style course provides you with expert advice and guidance, allowing you to successfully self-publish your work. You’ll leave with confidence and a solid plan to take your writing forward and finally hold that finished book in your hands.
Our course will talk you through the most common mistakes, secrets, and the top tips you need to know to self-publish a book to be proud of. We’ll show you how you can get your self-published book on Waterstones.com, or even create a hardback version, whilst keeping the costs low.
We believe in your book. And we can help you turn your dream into a reality.
Please let us know about your self-publishing questions, problems or ideas. We want to hear from you! info@derbyshirewritingschool.com
Send us a voice message.
Thanks for listening!
Episode 85—Guest Interview Charlotte Howes—Derbyshire Writing School Intern
We are back in the writers’ room and we have another guest in our hot seat this week! She's been here before! It's our intern Charlotte!
We worked with the University of Derby to offer another paid internship at the beginning of this year. This is part of the Universities DRIVEN project, working with businesses in Derbyshire to provide practical, paid internships to graduates.
We are pleased to introduce you to Charlotte, our intern.
Having just finished a master's degree in creative writing, Charlotte is dedicating her time to reading and writing more of what she loves. Her goal is to see a book she’s written someday on a shelf in Waterstones. What a splendid vision and dream!
Pete and Laura ask Charlotte:
- What do you write, what do you read?
- Why do a second internship with Derbyshire Writing School?
- Talk about your internship. What did you learn, enjoy, or find challenging?
- Has anything surprised you through your time working at Derbyshire Writing School?
- If you could give two pieces of advice to someone starting out on their writing career, what would they be?
- What’s next for you?
In the podcast, Charlotte speaks about a treasure map she created of indie bookstores in Derbyshire, and also the blogs she has written for Derbyshire Writing School website.
You can find all the information about what’s happening at Derbyshire Writing School by visiting ‘The Socials!’
We want to hear from you! info@derbyshirewritingschool.com
Send us a voice message
Episode 84 - Hibernation Over! Laura and Pete's Winter Catch Up!
In this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writer’s Room to catch up after a winter hibernation squirrelled away working on writing projects. You can tell Pete hasn’t done a podcast for a time. He gets so enthusiastic about everything in this episode! So much so, he skips section one!
Section Two: PERSONAL PROJECTS. In this section, we share what we’ve been working on.
It’s always takes more time than you imagine! It’s a recurring theme of being an indie author. Laura was just about to hit the publish button on the next book in the Everyday Storytellers series and noticed the ISBN was wrong! Oh no!
Pete’s new author website is live! Have a look at www.peterbillingham.com Pete also updated everyone on the progress of his current work in progress the Eulogy Writing Toolkit.
Section Three: LESSONS LEARNED. In this section, we share what we are learning about writing and publishing, as it never stops!
The explosion of information on ChatGPT is impacting the world of writing - so Pete and Laura chat about that and what it could mean to them.
Section Four: BOOK UPDATE. In this section, we share interesting book recommendations, articles, or ideas to help you on your writing journey.
Pete talks about - The Wild Places by Robert Macfarlane. You can read a detailed of his thoughts on this book at his blog - Book Review - The Wild Places by Robert Macfarlane. Pete particularly found the idea of Story Maps interesting:
‘Broadly speaking, there are two types of map: the grid and the story. A grid map places an abstract geometric meshwork upon a space, within which any item or individual can be co-ordinated…’ Story maps, by contrast, represent a place as it is perceived by an individual or by a culture moving through it. They are records of specific journeys, rather than describing a space within which innumerable journeys might take place.’
Laura talks about the Kickstarter campaign for Pilgrimage by Joanna Penn. You can read more about here - https://www.thecreativepenn.com/2023/01/23/love-travel-memoir-or-walking-books-pilgrimage-is-out-now-on-kickstarter/
Section Five: WHAT’S HAPPENING AT DERBYSHIRE WRITING SCHOOL THIS WEEK? - How are we building the business this week?
There are lots of fresh courses starting at Derbyshire Writing School. We are about to launch a new course - Finish Your Book – Group Programme. Our ‘Finish Your Book’ group programme can help. Giving you time to write. Gaining feedback on your writing. Setting goals. Learning how to edit. And doing all of this as part of a small, dedicated group of writers.
There is also the exciting news we published the first of the Derbyshire Writing School Workbooks - Beating Writer’s Block: Remove Your Blocks.
You can find all the information about what’s happening at Derbyshire Writing School by visiting ‘The Socials!’
We want to hear from you! info@derbyshirewritingschool.com
Send us a voice message
Episode 83 - Guest Interview - Kerry Fox - Authors Assemble - Buxton Crescent Heritage Trust.
Kerry Fox is the Event Manager for the Buxton Crescent Heritage Trust. She has been in post since July 2022 and before working for the Trust she was the Commercial Director for a Nationwide Event Staffing Company. Her role at the Trust is to create and deliver a variety of high quality and engaging talks, workshops, experiences and events for Buxton residents and for visitors to the area, supporting the work and the charitable aims of the Trust. In this episode, Kerry tells us about the upcoming ‘Authors Assemble’ event in Buxton.
On Friday 17th March, between 10 am and 5 pm, in the splendour of the Crescent’s Assembly Rooms for ‘Authors Assemble’. A literary event, showcasing the work of Authors local to the High Peak or who have supported the work of the Buxton Crescent Heritage Trust.
Authors will showcase their work, giving talks about their writing and taking part in public book signings.
In attendance will be David Nolan – the King of Manc Noir, Celia Harwood – Buxtons’ own Crime Novel writer, David Blackmore – former Royal Armouries Museum Registrar, Ste Durham – local horror and thriller writer, Dr Peter Collinge – Historian, Researcher and Writer.
And - Laura and Pete from Derbyshire Writing School!
For more information - https://buxtoncrescentexperience.com/tour/authors-assemble/
Welcome to the Christmas Writing Prompts podcast episode from Derbyshire Writing School. Where we inspire your festive creativity with a series of holiday-themed writing ideas. Whether you're a seasoned writer or just looking to try something new this holiday season, we have a prompt to spark your imagination and get your words flowing. So grab a pen and paper, and let's get started on some festive writing!
Someone rumoured that 98.7% of all successful writers start the Christmas season with a writing prompt! (We just made that rumour up, but it sounds like a good way to start the Christmas season, right?)
So we are sharing lots of festive writing prompts to act as your writing advent calendar this year.
Our festive prompts are a mixture of life writing, fiction prompts, and questions. These will help you ponder your writing goals and even develop your writing habits. Spend five minutes a day or an hour each evening and start the Christmas countdown with a burst of creativity on us. We’d love to know how you get on. Please share your favourite prompt and your responses with us.
For all 25 Christmas Themed Writing Prompts, click here!
We want to hear from you! info@derbyshirewritingschool.com
Thanks for listening!
Episode 81 - Finding Your Writing Voice
In this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writer’s Room to chat about the question - how do you find your voice as a writer?
Section One: THE WRITERS’ ROOM. In this section, we explore writing problems and struggles by answering your questions.
What is the writer’s ‘voice?’ Voice in writing refers to the unique perspective, tone, and style of a piece of writing. The personality of the writing can help to make a piece of writing more interesting and engaging for the reader.
The one key truth in finding your ‘voice’ as a writer is to start with one truth! Be yourself.
Section Two: PERSONAL PROJECTS. In this section, we share what we’ve been working on.
Pete blasts the trumpets as he finishes and submits for editing his next book. It’s a radical departure from a memoir. This is a ‘How To’ non-fiction book called:
‘I Just Want To Say A Few Words.’ The Ultimate Eulogy Writing Toolkit - A Simple and Easy Step-by-Step Guide How To Write A Eulogy for A Loved One, Friend or Colleague.
Laura explains more about her process of designing the cover for the second in the series of Everyday Storytellers and commits to typing 2022 in the date published!
Pete gets excited thinking about his next projects and Laura tries to guide his enthusiasm about which to do next? There are five ideas on the table.
- A book about empathy.
- A short ebook called - How To Live Forever - Digitally that is.
- A book about - How Can You Make Your Life memorable?
- A collection of Short Travel Stories.
- The Madeira Project. An adventure in the making!
Do you have any thoughts? Email us at info@derbyshirewritingschool.com
Section Three: LESSONS LEARNED. In this section, we share what we are learning about writing and publishing, as it never stops!
Both Pete and Laura muse on the reality that everything takes longer than you think when writing a book.
Section Four: BOOK UPDATE. In this section, we share interesting book recommendations, articles, or ideas to help you on your writing journey.
Pete has been reading - Thom Wheeler - The Way A River Went. Laura is just beginning - Quit: The Power of Knowing When to Walk Away by Annie Duke
Section Five: WHAT’S HAPPENING AT DERBYSHIRE WRITING SCHOOL THIS WEEK? - How are we building the business this week?
Beginning a new time with Derbyshire Writing School, Charlotte has joined the team as an intern. Laura celebrates the success of the recent creative writing retreat in Buxton.
Section Six: PERSONAL UPDATES - In this section, we share what’s new with us!
Pete is exploring the world of AI with new writing tools, and Laura is looking forward to Christmas!
Episode 80 - Guest Interview – Writing Non-Fiction – Jonny Williams
In this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writer’s Room to chat with author Jonny Williams about his new book - Delivery Management: Enabling Teams to Deliver Value.
Jonny Williams is an Agile Delivery Lead at Red Hat. Prior to this, he was Head of Delivery at Homes, England. He also provides coaching at DeliverValue.uk Having enabled teams to deliver value for over ten years, he now supports organisations to uncover effective modern approaches to work.
Jonny is an experienced community leader in the public sector, having coached and enabled teams and individuals to maximise their potential while working for the UK Government as a civil servant, and in the higher education sector.
His experience as a Delivery Manager enabled him to explore the disciplines of Agile Coaching and Scrum Mastery. This led to Jonny being one of less than one thousand people from around the world certified as Professional Scrum Master III in May 2021.
Peter and Laura ask Jonny:
- Tell us about yourself and your journey. How did you get started with writing?
- Tell us about your writing process. How did the book emerge?
- We understand you had been in talks with a publisher before you decided to self-publish. Can you tell us more about this?
- Why did you choose to self-publish rather than reach out to a traditional publisher?
- What’s been the biggest challenge?
- What advice do you have for someone who wants to write a business book or a personal brand book?
- What have you enjoyed the most about your experience?
- What do you do you wish you’d known sooner?
- What’s next for you, and how can our listener find out more about you and your work?
Quick Fire Questions
- What’s the best writing advice you’ve ever received?
- What’s a must-read book you’d recommend?
- What inspiration could you give to our listener?
In the podcast, Jonny mentions:
- Trello - project management tool.
- Google Documents
- QuillBot’s - AI-powered paraphrasing tool
- Excalidraw
- Daniel Pink - Drive
- James Clear - Atomic Habits
You can find out more about Jonny at:
New book –Delivery Management: Enabling Teams to Deliver Value
Website – delivervalue.uk
We want to hear from you! info@derbyshirewritingschool.com
Send us a voice message.
Thanks for listening!
Episode 79 - The Prompt Box
In this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writer’s Room to chat about The Derbyshire Writing School Prompt Box.
Are you stuck for ideas? Have you ever stared at a blank screen and felt stuck for words? Like all your ideas have dried up. Are you feeling empty or uninspired? Do you need help to get your ideas moving? Or do you want to inject some joy back into your creative writing? The new Prompt Box from Derbyshire Writing School could be the answer. In this episode, Pete and Laura chat about The Prompt Box and how it could help you get unstuck with your writing.
They discuss:
- How does a prompt box work?
- What is the aim of The Prompt Box?
- How can make the most of the unique contents in each Prompt Box?
The four Prompt Box types -
- Spark Prompt Box
- Inspire Prompt Box
- Create Prompt Box
- Ignite Prompt Box
For more information, head over to Derbyshire Writing School Website - The Prompt Box.
We want to hear from you! info@derbyshirewritingschool.com
Send us a voice message.
Thanks for listening!
Episode 78 - Why Don’t I Even Though I Want To?
In this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writer’s Room to chat about a question that has mystified writers for centuries - Why Don’t I Even Though I Want To?
Section One: THE WRITERS’ ROOM. In this section, we explore writing problems and struggles by answering your questions.
What stops us from writing? Why don’t we write even though we want to? Getting to grips with the question they talk about it being procrastination, or fear of failure and success. Perhaps too busy doing the wrong things or, as Pete says, I’ve learned there is something I haven’t yet learned. You can’t do it all! Though he still tries! They discover there is a key thing you need to know to answer the question.
Section Two: PERSONAL PROJECTS. In this section, we share what we’ve been working on.
Pete is about 90% of his first draft of: - ‘I Just Want To Say A Few Words: The Ultimate Eulogy Toolbox - A Simple and Easy Step-by-Step Guide How To Write A Eulogy for A Loved One, Friend or Colleague.’ And Laura is working on the feedback and edits for her second books in the Everyday Storytellers Series.
Section Three: LESSONS LEARNED. In this section, we share what we are learning about writing and publishing, as it never stops!
Excited to discover the phenomenal creative power of AI to draw images with a few words, Pete has found something else he wants to learn!
Section Four: BOOK UPDATE. In this section, we share interesting book recommendations, articles, or ideas to help you on your writing journey.
Pete has finished nad throughly enjoyed the biography of Jack London by Alex Kershaw. Pete mentioned the short story - To Build A Fire, which he found an excellent example of how London writes fiction with tension and release and uses life experiences for his stories. You can find a copy of To Build A Fire here.
Laura has been reading - Emilie Pine's 'Notes To Self', a collection of six essays on varied themes.
Section Five: WHAT’S HAPPENING AT DERBYSHIRE WRITING SCHOOL THIS WEEK? - How are we building the business this week?
We are excited to announce we have launched two new workbooks -
Developing a Writing Habit Workbook
Developing a Writing Mindset Workbook
Why are our workbooks different?
We mix the creative and the practical. You won’t just get pages of words, you’ll find activities and tasks throughout the workbook to ensure you apply all the knowledge you’re gaining.
The workbook is delivered as a PDF document.
What you’ll get:
✅ Incredible value.
✅ Practical and creative advice.
✅ A step-by-step guide.
✅ Expert knowledge.
Section Six: PERSONAL UPDATES - In this section, we share what’s new with us!
Pete is looking forward to being on another podcast - The C Method with Cristina Canters, and Laura was happy for her friend who just launched a new book.
We want to hear from you! info@derbyshirewritingschool.com
Send us a voice message.
Thanks for listening!
Episode 77 - Gathering Rosebuds In Kerala - A Reading by Pete Billingham - Free Workbook link!
In this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writer’s Room for a special episode as Pete reads chapter one of his memoir, Gathering Rosebuds in Kerala: A Memoir About Storing Life’s Special Moments.
Gathering Rosebuds in Kerala is a journey through bustling cities, backwater canals, and the stunning beaches of South-West India, with insightful reflections on facing ageing, discovering meaning in life, and storing life’s special moments forever.
Travel with Pete as he celebrates his upcoming sixtieth birthday, revealing India’s rich history, religions and philosophy through his careful observations. Witness the splendour and majesty of India, side by side with its brutal poverty and prejudice. Along the way, Peter encounters evangelical nuns, experiences remnants of the British Raj, and finds new friends and the kindness of strangers alike. Within this kaleidoscope of Indian culture, colour, and chaos, you’ll also explore how to recognise and store those unique memorable moments — the ‘rosebuds’ of your life.
____________________________________________________________
★ BONUS - Free download of Gathering Rosebuds - The Workbook ★ - Included as a gift on the Begin Podcast from Derbyshire Writing School.
Here is a download link for a free PDF copy of the Gathering Rosebuds - The Workbook.
Would you like to learn how to tell your life story but don’t know where to start? You may think, ‘I’m not a writer,’ or you may worry, ‘Will anyone even care what I have to say?’ Well, they will. Why? Because your life story is extraordinary, one that deserves to be told. Gathering Rosebuds - The Workbook will tell you how.
★ Plus - you also get A FREE 42 page PDF of worksheets to accompany the workbook. ★
These worksheets have everything you need to document your life’s memorable stories. Print as many worksheets as you need when you need them.
Don’t Forget - here is a download link for a free PDF copy of the Gathering Rosebuds - The Workbook.
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Gathering Rosebuds in Kerala: A Memoir About Storing Life’s Special Moments: is available at Amazon.
- Paperback
- Hardback
- eBook
- Large Print
- Dyslexia-friendly version - typeset and printed with OpenDyslexic
We want to hear from you! info@derbyshirewritingschool.com
Send us a voice message.
Thanks for listening!
Episode 76 - The Writers Toolkit Workbooks
In this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writer’s Room to look at The Writer’s Toolkit Podcast episodes and reveal exciting information for any writer wanting to improve their skills. This is how the Derbyshire Writing School Writer’s Toolkit podcast episodes came to be.
But we’ve gone one step more!
Here are the tools we’ve covered on Begin (the podcast) so far:
- Episode 4 – A writing habit
- Episode 7 - The tool of reading (like a writer)
- Episode 11 – A writing mindset
- Episode 14 – The tool of play
- Episode 22 – The ability to rest when needed
- Episode 30 – The tool of editing
- Episode 37 - Motivation to write
- Episode 73 – The ability to take courage
What if you would like to develop your skills as a writer by developing these tools? This is where the Derbyshire Writing School Workbooks come in.
Check out our workbook library and develop your writing knowledge quickly.
- Creating Characters Workbook – This workbook will tell you everything you need to know about characters and how to create them, and you’ll take part in activities to help bring your characters to life.
- Beating Writer’s Block Workbook – This workbook will kick-start your imagination as you explore where writer’s block comes from and how you can overcome it with actionable steps and advice.
Coming soon!
- Developing a Writing Habit – We all want to develop good writing habits, but where do we start? This workbook will show you how you can fit your writing into your busy schedule and finally finish your first draft.
- Understanding Point of View – You know POV is important, but maybe you don’t truly understand why. Our workbook has everything you need to know with POV.
- Developing a Writer’s Mindset – Writing is hard. To hold strong, you need to develop a writing mindset. This workbook will help you explore the tools you need to see your writing projects through.
- How to Edit Your Book – Reaching the final draft can be a long process, but how do you make that journey? And how can you make it as easy as possible? In this workbook, we’ll show you how.
Find out more about our writing workbooks and develop your writing with us!
We want to hear from you! info@
Episode 75 - Guest Interview - Derbyshire Author - Sarah Ward
In this episode, Pete and Laura chat with Derbyshire author Sarah Ward.
Sarah is the author of four contemporary crime novels set in the Derbyshire Peak District. The Daily Mail described her debut novel, In Bitter Chill, as a ‘Tense, well-told story of loss and family secrets’. Sarah’s published her Gothic thriller, The Quickening, using her middle name, Rhiannon Ward, and was a Radio Times book of 2020. She published the Shadowing in September 2021 and that was a Daily Express book of the year.
Sarah is also the writer of the Doctor Who audio drama The Unwilling Assassin for Big Finish and The Perils of Nellie Bly, featuring the Fifth Doctor.
Besides writing, Sara is an experienced Board Member of the Derby Book Festival and the Crime Writers Association.
Pete and Laura ask Sarah:
- Tell us about yourself and your journey. How did you get started with writing?
- Can you tell our listener more about your novels, and your audio drama work?
- We’ve got lots of questions we’d love to ask you, but we want to start with point of view. We know point of view is important in our writing. How do you decide who should tell the story?
- What advice can you give to our reader to allow them to write from an authentic and consistent point of view?
- Sarah, we are really interested in talking about how you’ve found the experience of writing under a pen name. Can you talk to us about this experience and explain why you made this decision?
- Would you recommend writing under a pen name if your genre/ style is significantly different? Did you face any challenges?
- We loved seeing a glimpse of your research reading list for The Quickening. Can you tell us more about your writing process? Does this change for every book?
- Setting also plays a huge part in your work. How do you create such vivid settings? Is this part of your research process, too?
- We have lots of indie authors who listen to our podcast, and authors who are keen to learn about marketing their books. Can you talk about how much marketing you are involved with? Do you have any advice for our listener?
- What’s next for you, and how can our listener find out more about you and your work?
You can find Sarah:
At her website - https://crimepieces.com or Twitter or Facebook.
We want to hear from you! info@derbyshirewritingschool.com
Send us a voice message.
Thanks for listening!
Episode 74 - Am I A Real Writer? - In this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writer’s Room to chat about and try to answer the question - Am I A Real Writer?
Section One: THE WRITERS’ ROOM. In this section, we explore writing problems and struggles by answering your questions.
What makes someone a writer? Often people will say to us, ‘But I’m not a real writer?’ So what makes a real writer?
Pete’s pithy wisdom on what makes a ‘real writer’ (on a mug or a T-shirt - email us!)
'It’s not word the count that matters - but words that count!'
Section Two: PERSONAL PROJECTS. In this section, we share what we’ve been working on.
Laura has finished the first draft of her second book in the series - Everyday Storytellers. Book Two is writing non-fiction. It’s off to the editor and waiting to start the processing of shaping the words.
Pete is working on - I Just Want To Say A Few Words. The Ultimate step-by-step guide to writing a eulogy. This is a workbook based practical guide to writing a short eulogy for a funeral or memorial service.
Section Three: LESSONS LEARNED. In this section, we share what we are learning about writing and publishing, as it never stops!
Now having an agent as a ghostwriter, Laura is refining book proposals and learning how to answer in one sentence the question, ‘Why am I the person to tell that story, and why does it have to be told now?’
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1-1 Coaching Packages from Derbyshire Writing School
- The Power Coaching Package–We offer single sessions to work through specific chapters or problems you’re facing. These sessions include detailed feedback on 2,000 words of your writing.
What’s included:
- 1 x 55-minute session (via Zoom or in-person) and typed actions from the call
- Feedback on 2,000 words of your written work.
- 1 x 15-minute accountability call (3 weeks after our session).
- Email support for three weeks after our session.
Writing Coaching–Power Package from £145.00
Section Four: BOOK UPDATE. In this section, we share interesting book recommendations, articles, or ideas to help you on your writing journey.
Pete has been reading - Jack London A Life by Alex Kershaw.
“I would rather be ashes than dust! I would rather that my spark should burn out in a brilliant blaze than it should be stifled by dry-rot. I would rather be a superb meteor, every atom of me in a magnificent glow, than a sleepy and permanent planet. The function of man is to live, not to exist. I shall not waste my days trying to prolong them. I shall use my time.” ― Jack London.
Among the eleven books on her bedside table for reading is - This Is Not a Pity Memoir by Abi Morgan.
Section Five: WHAT’S HAPPENING AT DERBYSHIRE WRITING SCHOOL THIS WEEK? - How are we building the business this week?
A Peak District Writing Retreat - A one day writing retreat to build momentum within your writing project.
Personal Updates - Pete is almost becoming a Derbyshire man! Biking the trails around the Peaks!
We want to hear from you! info@derbyshirewritingschool.com
Send us a voice message.
Episode 73 - The Writer’s Toolbox – The Tool of Creative Courage
“You cannot swim for new horizons until you have the courage to lose sight of the shore.” ― William Faulkner
In this ‘Toolbox’ episode, Pete and Laura chat about the tool of ‘Creative Courage.’
Creative courage is not only about taking risks with your story but also about believing your story will be worth telling before you’ve even started!
Pete and Laura chat about:
What do we mean by courage as a writer, and why is this an important tool in our writing journey?
When we think about creative courage, we need to consider:
- Creative courage in our stories.
- Creative courage as a writer.
What Does Creative Courage in our stories mean?
- Creative courage can mean taking creative risks.
- Creative courage can mean asking tough questions.
- Creative courage can mean trying new things.
- Creative courage can mean challenging our characters.
- Creative courage can mean ‘killing our darlings’.
What do we mean if we think of Creative Courage as a writer?
- It takes courage to set really huge goals.
- It also takes a lot of courage to accept that we will not be perfect.
- It takes a lot of courage to believe in yourself.
- It takes a lot of courage as a writer to say no.
- It takes a lot of courage to share our work.
What about practical advice?
Take some time to journal and free-write around these prompts:
- How are you going to show courage?
- What creative risks do you need to take?
- Why is courage important to you? (If it is).
- What do you need to say no to?
- Where do you need to show more courage is your writing life?
- How will you deal with sharing your work? How can you put boundaries in place to protect yourself?
- When did you last show courage?
Keep sharing your, your story, keep sharing your truth because it matters!
We want to hear from you! info@derbyshirewritingschool.com
Send us a voice message.
Thanks for listening!
1-1 Coaching Packages from Derbyshire Writing School
If you know you’ve got a book in you, but you keep getting blocked, or you keep feeling resistance every time you sit down and stare at a blank page, we can help. Our writing coaching will push you to answer the difficult questions and challenge the blocks that are stopping you from creating your best work. We work together to unlock your potential. Your story is in there somewhere, and we’ll help you get it out of your head and onto the page.
The Power Coaching Package – We offer single sessions to work through specific chapters or problems you’re facing. These sessions include detailed feedback on 2,000 words of your writing.
What’s included:
- 1 x 55-minute session (via Zoom or in-person) and typed actions from the call
- Feedback on 2,000 words of your written work.
- 1 x 15-minute accountability call (3 weeks after our session).
- Email support for three weeks after our session.
Episode 72 - Guest Interview - Cat Mitchell - Publishing 101
In this episode, Pete and Laura chat with Cat Mitchell about publishing.
Cat Mitchel is a lecturer in writing and publishing, and teaches on the Publishing MA course and the Writing and Publishing BA course at Derby University.
Cat has over five years of experience working in the publishing industry, including four years working in various marketing and publicity roles at Penguin Random House, UK in London. She also worked as an intern at a literary agency, an events coordinator at a book festival, and a freelance book publicist.
Cat is currently researching disability in publishing, and in 2021 published the Access Denied report, which investigated barriers for disabled job seekers and employees in the industry.
Pete and Laura ask Cat:-
- When we talk about the publishing industry, what do we mean?
- We’d love to know even more about you. Tell us three things you love about the publishing industry?
- Can you tell us more about the relationship between publishers and writers?
- What advice would you give to writers when interacting with publishers?
- Tell us about Penguin Random House. What was it like working for one of the big publishers?
- You’ve undertaken extensive research into disability and publishing/working in publishing. Please, can you tell us more about this? Plus, what can we do to support?
- You’ve got lots of exciting projects on the go. Please, can you tell us more? What’s next for you?
In the interview, Cat mentioned:-
Her article - Access Denied: disabled employees and job seekers reveal their stories.
Inklusion - Innovating access in the literature sector
You can find Cat on Twitter
We want to hear from you! info@derbyshirewritingschool.com
Send us a voice message.
Thanks for listening!
Episode 71 - Alex Davis – Guest Interview – What is Genre?
In this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writer’s Room to chat with a regular visitor to the podcast - Alex Davis.
Alex currently works as an Associate Lecturer in Creative and Professional Writing for the University of Derby and is a freelance copy-editor, proofreader, and events organiser.
In this episode, Pete and Laura ask Alex:
- What do we mean when we talk about genre?
- How do we decide (or identify) what genre we are writing in?
- What is a genre trope and can you give us an example of tropes for a specific genre (e.g. Gothic or Supernatural).
- Why do certain genres have lots of tropes? And how can we find out what the tropes of a specific genre are?
- Please can you give three tips for our listener to help them ‘hit the tropes’ without allowing the story to become boring or predictable?
- As writers, we know it’s important to read and research and writing publications is one way, we can do this. We know you work with the Writing Magazine; can you tell us more about the work you do?
- In November 2022, you’re hosting a writing event Writing Magazine – An online day of workshops, panels & talks on ghost stories, gothic and supernatural fiction.
Writing Magazine and Alex Davis Events present - WINTER HAUNTS
Ghost Story, Gothic and Supernatural Fiction Day
General event listings for Alex's events
Further information on editing services and one-to-one author coaching sessions.
You can find Alex on Twitter
Quick fire questions:
- What’s the biggest mistake you see writers make?
- What single tip can you give to make our writing better?
- What advice would you give to a first time writer?
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We want to hear from you! info@derbyshirewritingschool.com
Send us a voice message.
Thanks for listening!
Episode 70 - Guest Interview–JC NialaJC Niala is a writer, poet, and playwright, and a keen grower. She is specifically interested in how our imaginations of nature affect how we treat it.
Her artists' journal of poems Portal: 1918 Allotment (Fig, 2022) uses poetry, prose, and art to document her recreation of an English allotment in the style of the year 1918. In 2022, she received the Social History Society’s Public history prize 2022 for this project.
JC’s nature writing debut, 'A Loveliness of Ladybirds, was shortlisted for the Nan Shepherd Prize for Nature Writing in 2019 and will Little Toller will publish this in 2023.
'Never throw anything away!' You never know when your words will become useful.
Laura and Peter ask JC:
- Tell us about yourself and your journey. How did you get started with writing?
- As an experienced researcher, what advice do you have for a writer who wants to experiment with research, and use this in their work or as an inspiration for their work?
- Can you provide three tips or techniques to help our listener use history/past events for creative inspiration?
- Last year, you attended our poetry collection course. Can you talk about this experience and what this has led to?
- What challenges have you faced working as a writer? How have you overcome these?
- Congratulations on the upcoming publication of your work. Can you tell us more about your book ‘A Loveliness of Ladybirds?
- You’ve got lots of exciting projects on the go. Please, can you tell us more? What’s next for you?
Links to work:
Online Exhibition of 1918 Allotment
The Root of the Matter podcast with Wellcome Collection
Listen to JC Niala reading some of her poetry.
You can find JC Niala on
Website: www.jcniala.com
Twitter: @jcniala
Instagram: @jcniala
Episode 69 Isabelle Kenyon – Guest Interview – Fly On The Wall Indie Press
In this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writer’s Room to chat with Isabelle Kenyon.
Isabelle Kenyon is a northern writer and the author of 5 chapbooks including Growing Pains - (Indigo Dreams Publishing Ltd) and one short story with Wild Pressed Books - ‘The Town Talks’, 2020.
She is the M.D. and editor of Fly on the Wall Press, a socially conscious small press for chapbooks and anthologies. Fly on the Wall Press is a publisher with a difference, an independent publisher with a conscience.
Isabelle has had poems and articles published internationally in journals such as Ink, Sweat and Tears and newspapers such as The Somerville Times and The Bookseller. She is currently working on her first debut novel, funded by the Arts Council England, a thriller currently titled: ‘The Dark Within Them.’
In this episode Pete and Laura ask Isabelle:
- What were some of the first books you remember igniting your love of books?
- Can you remember when you first had the vision for Fly On The Wall Press – what made you want to start a publishing company?
- Tell us a little more about the work you publish and the various publications you create?
- What advice do you have for writers that are pitching, querying, and wanting to get their work published with an indie publisher?
- Can you tell us some more about the relationship between publisher, writer, and reader? How is Fly On The Wall Press different?
- An enormous challenge for indie (publishers and authors) is getting books in front of readers. What ideas and advice do you have for others who want to market and promote their work?
- What’s the future for Fly On The Wall Press? What does it look like in 5 or 10 years’ time?
Quick fire questions:
- What’s the best writing advice you’ve ever received?
- What’s a must-read book you’d recommend?
- What inspiration could you give to our listener?
You can find out more about Fly on The Wall Press
Fly on The Wall Press Website
YouTube
Isabelle will be a guest speaker on our Creating Your Poetry Collection course. This is perfect for those looking to take their poetry to the next level, with expert tuition, feedback on your work, and advice from an independent publishing house – this online course will help you learn how to curate your own poetry collection. This is an online course delivered live via Zoom.
Creating Your Poetry Collection with Charlotte Lunn
Course Length: We deliver the course in three sessions, over three weeks. Each session is 2 hours long.
Course Dates:
Sunday 9th October 2022 10am-12pm.
Sunday 16th October 2022 10am-12pm.
Sunday 23rd October 2022 10am-12pm.
Price - £149 per person.
This course is delivered by Charlotte Lunn, Derbyshire based poet, workshop facilitator and bookseller. To find out more about Charlotte, listen to her interview on the Derbyshire Writing School podcast.
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We want to hear from you! info@derbyshirewritingschool.com
Send us a voice message.
Thanks for listening!
Episode 68 - The Derbyshire Writing School Interns
In this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writer’s Room to chat with three student interns who spent time at Derbyshire Writing School this summer.
We’ve been working with the University of Derby to offer three paid internships over the summer. This is part of the Universities DRIVEN project, working with business in Derbyshire to provide practical, paid internships to graduates.
We were thrilled to have Charlotte, Lauren, and Mitchell join our team!
THE WRITERS’ ROOM
Pete and Laura ask:
- Tell us about yourself, and what you like to write and read?
- Through taking part in the internship, what have you:
- learnt?
- enjoyed?
- found challenging?
- After working with Derbyshire Writing School and being a part of our team, how would you describe it to others?
- What’s next for you?
- Finally, each intern asks Laura and Pete a question!
What do you need? We’d love to hear from you. We are planning courses and workshops for 2022/2023 and we’d love to know what workshops would interest you. Are there specific topics or problems you’d like us to solve? Please get in touch.
For more information on Derbyshire Writing School - go to www.derbyshirewritingschool.com Find us on Instagram @derbyshirewritingschool @WriteDerbyshire - or email us at info@derbyshirewritingschool.com even if it’s just to say Hi - we love that too!
Episode 67 - Happy Second Birthday Derbyshire Writing School!
We are back! In this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writer’s Room to talk about their summer, and update you on their writing and celebrate Derbyshire Writing School’s second birthday!
PERSONAL PROJECTS – In this section, we share what we’ve been working on.
Spending the summer working on a first draft, Laura has almost completed the first version of book two in the series with - Everyday Storytellers - Writes Non-Fiction. We will keep you updated on the progress and when we know the publishing date.
Pete is working on a new large format workbook called, ‘Just Say A Few Words,’ which will be a step-by-step guide to writing a simple eulogy.
LESSONS LEARNED ABOUT WRITING AND PUBLISHING THIS WEEK
Hitting publication is a huge achievement - then the journey begins!
Laura reminds him - “Most people overestimate what they can do in one year and underestimate what they can do in ten years!”
WHAT’S HAPPENING AT DERBYSHIRE WRITING SCHOOL THIS WEEK? - How are we building the business this week?
1-1 Coaching Packages from Derbyshire Writing School
If you know you’ve got a book in you, but you keep getting blocked, or you keep feeling resistance every time you sit down and stare at a blank page, we can help. Our writing coaching will push you to answer the difficult questions and challenge the blocks that are stopping you from creating your best work. We work together to unlock your potential. Your story is in there somewhere, and we’ll help you get it out of your head and onto the page.
- The Power Coaching Package – We offer single sessions to work through specific chapters or problems you’re facing. These sessions include detailed feedback on 2,000 words of your writing.
- What’s included:
- 1 x 55-minute session (via Zoom or in-person) and typed actions from the call
- Feedback on 2,000 words of your written work.
- 1 x 15-minute accountability call (3 weeks after our session).
- Email support for three weeks after our session.
Find out more about The Power Package and what’s involved here.
BOOKS WE ARE READING AND RECOMMEND – What books are we reading this week?
Laura is reading the short story - Birthday Girl by Haruki Murakami.
Pete talks about a poem he saw on the 3-2-1newsletter by James Clear
Poem - Small Kindnesses by Danusha Laméris
‘What if they are the true dwelling of the holy, these fleeting temples we make together when we say, “Here, have my seat,” “Go ahead — you first,” “I like your hat.”
Lands of Lost Borders: A Journey of the Silk Road - Written by Kate Harris. A travelogue and memoir of her journey by bicycle along the Silk Road.
‘Every heartbeat is a history of decisions, of certain roads taken and others forsaken, until you end up exactly where you are.’ ― Kate Harris
Personal Updates -
Working with the summer interns and trips to Derbyshire!
We want to hear from you! info@derbyshirewritingschool.com
Send us a voice message.
Thanks for listening!
Episode 66 - Season 2 Finale
In this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writer’s Room to review the highs and lows and lessons learned in the last 33 episodes before they head off on Summer break.
THE WRITERS’ ROOM - Let’s review the last 33 weeks:-
Pete and Laura ask
- What were the highs and lows of season two?
- Which were your top three episodes and why?
- Any memorable moments?
- What have we learned?
PERSONAL PROJECTS–In this section, we share what we’ve been working on.
Laura is bringing together book two and three in the Everyday Storytellers: A step-by-step guide to writing about your travels, adventures & life - series over the Summer.
Pete is working on a new large format workbook called, ‘Just Say A Few Words,’ which will be a step-by-step guide to writing a simple eulogy.
BOOKS WE ARE READING AND RECOMMEND–What books are we reading this week?
The Book Your Dog Wishes You Would Read by Louise Glazebrook is top of the list to train the new office dog in Derbyshire, Paddington!
Pete is reading, on Laura’s suggestion, 4000 hours by Oliver Burkeman, and absolutely loving it!
“After all, it’s painful to confront how limited your time is, because it means that tough choices are inevitable and that you won’t have time for all you once dreamed you might do.” Oliver Burkeman.
WHAT’S HAPPENING AT DERBYSHIRE WRITING SCHOOL THIS WEEK? - How are we building the business this week?
Monday Night Write has been such a success and more planned for later in the year.
How To Write Your First Novel - a few spaces are still left - but selling quick.
Personal Updates -
We have reached the last episode of season two! For 33 weeks we’ve shown up week in and week out and have lots of fun creating this podcast, but this isn’t goodbye, it’s see you soon.
The summer is time off to plan and create. We are writers and we want to share what we’re learning to help you grow as a writer too.
We will see you in September for more interviews, toolbox episodes and dad and daughter chats.
We want to hear from you! info@derbyshirewritingschool.com
Send us a voice message.
Thanks for listening!
Episode 64 - Do I Need An Author Platform?In this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writer’s Room to ask - Do I Need An Author Platform?
THE WRITERS’ ROOM - In this section we explore writing problems and struggles by answering your questions.
You are a writer, but you need the world to find your work. How do you do that? From a portfolio of work in progress to selling books you’ve written, an author platform is the starting point. Pete and Laura chat about:
- What is an author platform?
- How can you tell the world what you are writing?
- Growing the author platform in stages.
PERSONAL PROJECTS–In this section, we share what we’ve been working on.
Pete is developing further the initial stages of marketing his new book - Gathering Rosebuds in Kerala, by adding multiple Amazon book categories and starting his next project, The Ultimate Guide To Eulogy Writing Toolkit.
Laura is slowly bringing together book two and three in the Everyday Storytellers: A step by step guide to writing about your travels, adventures & life - series.
Lessons Learnt - In this section, we share what we are learning about writing and publishing, as it never stops!
This week they can’t think of anything they had learned apart from two words!
Philology - Philology is the study of language in oral and written historical sources; it is the intersection of textual criticism, literary criticism, history, and linguistics.
Neuroplasticity - Neuroplasticity is an umbrella term that refers to the brain’s ability to modify, change, and adapt both structure and function throughout life and in response to experience.
BOOKS WE ARE READING AND RECOMMEND–What books are we reading this week?
Pete speaks about The Book of Joy - Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu - and whether an idea for a book might be - ‘When the Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu and Pete went to the Outer Hebrides in a Campervan.’ Or maybe not…!
Laura is listening to Joanna Penn - Audio of Authors.
WHAT’S HAPPENING AT DERBYSHIRE WRITING SCHOOL THIS WEEK? - How are we building the business this week?Monday Night Write
- What if you give yourself the time to write?
- What if you start your week off how you mean to go on?
- What if you prioritise your writing?
- Making a little time for yourself and your writing goals is important. Join us for a mini writing retreat with coffee, cake and, most importantly, time to write.
Personal Updates - In this section, we share what’s new with us!
The only news is Office Dogs - Pippa and Paddington! Oh, and Pete's new bike!
We want to hear from you! info@derbyshirewritingschool.com
Send us a voice message.
Thanks for listening!
Episode 63
The Writer’s Toolbox – The Tool of a Writing Retreat
Here at Derbyshire Writing School, we’re launching our first set of mini-writing retreats and it’s we thought it would be a good idea to talk about a writing retreat is a tool you could and should add to your writing toolbox.
In this ‘Toolbox’ episode, Pete and Laura Chat about writing retreats. Together they talk about:
- What is a writing retreat?
- What are the benefits of attending at writing retreat?
- What happens at a writing retreat?
- How to prepare for a writing retreat?
- How can Derbyshire Writing School help?
Join us for a Monday Night Write. With no distractions, a sprinkle of background music, and a boost of coffee and cake to fuel your creativity.
- Imagine starting the week with some words under your belt.
- Imagine starting your week by making space for yourself.
- Imagine starting the week in a mindful way.
That’s what the Monday Night Write is all about.
What’s Included?
- A steamy hot drink of your choice
- A tasty slice of homemade cake
- A lucky dip of optional writing prompts if you need a little inspiration
- A supportive environment.
- A little peace and quiet and time to write.
Where?
The Cafe At Green Pavilion, 4 Terrace Road, Buxton SK17 6DR.
When?
We’re starting with two dates:
Monday 25th April, 7:30pm-9pm.
Monday 23rd May, 7:30pm-9pm.
How will it work?
You’ll need to bring a writing project, a laptop or a pen and paper/ your favourite journal.
If you’re interested in adding the tool of a writing retreat to your writing toolbox, we’d love to see you at the Monday Night Write.
For more information and to book a place visit - MONDAY NIGHT WRITE
We are back in the writers’ room and we have a guest in our hot seat this week!
In this special edition Laura and Pete chat about publishing his book - Gathering Rosebuds in Kerala. Laura asks Pete:
- You’ve finished. You’ve hit publish. How do you feel?
- What is a rosebud?
- What was the hardest part of writing your book?
- Did you find any part of the process surprising?
- Three things you’ve learnt.
- What did you enjoy about this process?
- Sell your book in a sentence.
- What’s next?
Gathering Rosebuds in Kerala. Part colourful travelogue, part heart-warming memoir, Gathering Rosebuds in Kerala, is a journey through bustling cities, backwater canals, and the stunning beaches of South-West India, with insightful reflections on facing ageing, discovering meaning in life, and storing life’s special moments forever.
Travel with Peter as he celebrates his upcoming sixtieth birthday, revealing India’s rich history, religions and philosophy through his careful observations. Witness the splendour and majesty of India, side by side with its brutal poverty and prejudice. Along the way, Peter encounters evangelical nuns, experiences remnants of the British Raj, and finds new friends and the kindness of strangers alike. Within this kaleidoscope of Indian culture, colour, and chaos, you’ll also explore how to recognise and store those unique memorable moments — the ‘rosebuds’ of your life.
Do you fear the years of your life passing? This book, if you let it, will transform how you feel about growing older. Instead of viewing time speeding forwards faster, running out, Peter shows how an altered perspective on ageing can help see your future and past are expanding. You might just discover your own fresh perspectives on living, ageing, and even dying.
We want to hear from you if you have read Pete's book and have questions about the ideas, or writing the book.
Please write to us at - info@derbyshirewritingschool.com
Send us a voice message.
Thanks for listening!
Episode 61 - The Writer’s Toolbox - The Tool of a Literary Agent
In this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writing Room to chat about The Tool of a Literary Agent for a writer.
THE WRITERS’ ROOM - The Tool of a Literary Agent
What is a literary agent, and how will this tool help us as a writer? That’s the subject for this edition of the podcast.
A literary agent is a professional who represents a writer or a group of writers and their work. An agent has relationships with publishers and their major role is to ‘sell your work’ or your book to the most appropriate buyer. This is often pitching. The agent will pitch your unpublished novel or non-fiction work and negotiate fees and rights deals.
How Do I Get a Literary Agent?
Stage 1 – Research. You’ll need to conduct extensive research to find an agent.
The first place we’d recommend is the Writers’ & Artists’ Yearbook.
Stage 2 – Once you’ve got your list of agents to approach, carefully read the submission criteria set out on their website.
Stage 3 – Collate your submission package. This is sometimes called a proposal, and might include:
- A Cover letter
- A Synopsis
- Your Opening Chapters
What else do you need to know?
Rejection is part of the process! According to Jericho writers, agents read around 2,000 manuscripts a year. That means roughly 5 a day, every day! You will get ignored. You will get rejected. But know it’s not personal. It’s part of the process.
We want to hear from you if are looking for a literary agent or have found one! Please write to us at - info@derbyshirewritingschool.com
Send us a voice message.
Thanks for listening!
Episode 60 - Guest Interview Derbyshire Author - Dawn Brookes - What is a Literature Festival?We are back in the writers’ room and we have a guest in our hot seat this week!
We are really pleased to welcome back Derbyshire author Dawn Brookes. Dawn has been on the podcast before, you can listen to her talk about self-publishing in episode 19.
Dawn Brookes is an international bestselling author whose books have hit the number one spot in the USA, UK and Canada. Dawn is also the founder of a local literature festival in Oakwood, Derby.
Dawn Brookes holds an MA in creative writing and is the author of the Rachel Prince Mystery series, combining a unique blend of murder, cruising and medicine with a touch of romance. Her latest venture is the Carlos Jacobi series. Carlos is a PI and his sidekick is Fiona Cook, a troubled, but likeable detective sergeant.
Dawn takes regular cruise holidays for research purposes! She brings these passions along with a love of clean crime to her writing.
Pete and Laura ask Dawn -
- What is a literary festival? And what should you expect when you attend?
- Tell us more about Oakwood Literature Festival.
- Why are these events good for authors? And writers?
- How can you make the most out of attending a literary festival?
- What about if one of our listeners wanted to plan an event like this? What advice would you have for them?
- What’s next for you? How’s your writing been going?
- What’s new with self-publishing?
For more information about Oakwood Literature Festival, and to book your tickets, head to their website.
Oakwood Literature Festival
You find out more about Dawn and here books on social media.
Facebook
Twitter
Tiktok
For more information on Dawn's books, you can find her Amazon author page . You can find more out about Dawn on her website
Episode 59 - Guest Interview - Charlotte Lunn - Is Poetry Good For You?
We are back in the writers’ room and we have a guest in our hot seat this week! It’s Derbyshire Writing School’s very own guest poetry facilitator – Charlotte Lunn.
Charlotte Lunn is a published poet, workshop facilitator and bookseller.
After completing her creative writing degree at The University of Derby, Charlotte became the events co-ordinator at Scarthin Books and has regularly reviewed literature for BBC Radio Derby.
Charlotte has performed across the midlands. Shottle Hall and Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site have also commissioned Charlotte’s work.
Charlotte's debut poetry collection, ‘Metamorphosis’, was published with Verve Poetry Press in May 2021.
In our chat with Charlotte she mentions, - The Butchers Dog Magazine - Butcher's Dog is a bi-annual poetry magazine founded and published in North East England. Charlotte features in episode 16.
In this episode of the podcast, Charlotte reads her poem – The Language of Hands.
Pete and Laura ask Charlotte :
- How have you been? It’s been a while since you last visited the Writers’ Room, have you got poetry news you can share with us?
- We wanted to talk today about poetry and wellbeing, is it true poetry is good for us?
- How can we use poetry for self-exploration?
- Whilst you’re here, we couldn’t miss out on the chance for you to teach us a little more about poetry. Last time, we talked about poetry 101 and how to read poem. Today, let’s talk about metaphors in poetry. How does it work as a poetic tool? What advice can you give for someone trying to use them?
- Would you be happy to share a poem that shows this? Charlotte reads her poem - The Language of Hands.
- If our listener wanted to learn more about this topic, and work with you, can you tell them about your upcoming Writing The Self workshop?
Derbyshire Writing School - Writing The Self – Poetry Workshop
Workshop Date: Monday 4th April 2022 – 7 pm–8:30 pm.
- Can poetry give you identity?
- Can writing a poem help you discover who you are?
- Can writing allow us to express ourselves?
These are the questions we’ll explore in our poetry workshop with Charlotte Lunn. This is an online workshop delivered live via Zoom.
Please get in touch with us, we’d love to hear from you – info@derbyshirewritingschool.com
Episode 58 - The Writer's Toolbox - How To Develop The Tool of a Writing Habit
Everyone is different and has different writing goals and values.
Gretchen Wilson says it well ...
“We won’t make ourselves more creative and productive by copying other people’s habits, even the habits of geniuses. We must know our own nature and what habits serve us best.“
So, What Is A Writing Habit?
A habit is something you do often and regularly, sometimes without knowing that you’re doing it. So, it almost becomes a part of who you are. When we talk about a writing habit, this could be our regular writing routine, or our process, or practice, but it could also be things like a daily word count.
Why Do You Need A Writing Habit?
- You will become a better writer.
- You will feel less pressure and anxiety about your writing goals.
- You will feel more in control.
- You will become more productive as you build momentum within your work.
- You get to call yourself a writer when you write.
Developing a writing habit makes you a writer. This will also help you develop a writing mindset.
How To Develop A Writing Habit
**#1 You need goals and targets
2 Understand how habits are formed**For example, in his book Atomic Habits, James Clear states the best way to develop a new habit is to make the task as easy as possible. Someone can also form habits quickly if we stack them together. They call this habit stacking. You can read more about habit stacking here.
**3 Embrace the power of marginal gains
4 Be kind to yourself**Consistency is the most powerful tool you possess to help you develop a writing habit. If you want to develop a writing habit, it’s much better to write a small amount of words or for a minimal amount of time regularly, rather than enormous amounts intermittently.
However, find your own way, and pick out the habits that will be best for you.
We’d love to know how you get on with developing writing habits. Please get in touch and let us know!
Email us at info@ derbyshirewritingschool.com
Episode 57 - Three Books That Changed My Life
THE WRITERS’ ROOM - In this episode, Pete and Laura chat about three books that impacted their lives.
Pete's Books
- How I Raised Myself From Failure to Success in Selling – Frank Bettger
- The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People – Stephen Covey
- A Million Miles In A Thousand Years: What I Learned While I Was Editing My Life – Donald Miller.
Laura's Books
- Present over Perfect: Leaving Behind Frantic for a Simpler, More Soulful Way of Living – Shauna Niequist.
- Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead – Brené Brown
- The War of Art – Steven Pressfield.
PERSONAL PROJECTS – In this section, we share what we’ve been working on.
Laura has been busy as a freelancer writing for several clients.
Pete has been creating a Gratitude Journal for Gathering Rosebuds
LESSONS WE’VE LEARNED THIS WEEK - What have we learned about writing & publishing this week?
Pete's been watching YouTube videos on low content publishing and wasn’t aware so many people are using this as a format for writing.
Laura has been judging Flash Fiction at Derby Book Festival
Recommended Product of the Week - The Alliance of Independent Authors
Laura finds being a member of The Alliance of Independent Authors very helpful. The advice, supportive guidance, and the range of resources she has found within a welcoming community of authors, she finds, is worth exploring if you are an independent author. Not only can you join other developing writers if you become a member of The Alliance of Independent Authors, but by using our link, it helps support the work of Derbyshire Writing School. Thanks!
BOOKS WE ARE READING AND RECOMMEND – What books are we reading this week?
Pete's been reading on Scribd - The Story of My Life, Helen Keller & the Audiobook –The Secret Talker, Geling Yan.
Laura's book has been reading – Four Thousand Weeks: Time and How to Spend it , Oliver Burkeman and listening to Will, Will Smith.
WHAT’S HAPPENING AT DERBYSHIRE WRITING SCHOOL THIS WEEK?
Writing The Self – Poetry Workshop What Are Three Books That Changed Your Life?We’d love to hear from you.
Please let us know at info@derbyshirewritingschool.com
In this episode, we're going to share eight truths we have learned about writing.
Pete and Laura's List
- Write For Yourself
- Writing Will Always Be Hard
- Write Every Day
- If You Let It, Writing Will Give You Structure
- Write To Understand Yourself
- No-one Will Care About Your Book As Much As You Do.
- Write To Hit Publish.
OUR CURRENT PROJECT UPDATES - What writing projects are we working on & what’s happened this week?Pete is excited at the return of the proof of Gathering Rosebuds - The Workbook.
Laura is working hard on book two in the series - Everyday Storytellers.
LESSONS WE’VE LEARNED THIS WEEK - What have we learned about writing & publishing this week?
Pete is exploring writing by dictation by experimenting with:
- Just Press Record
- Otter.AI
Recommended Product of the Week - AudibleLaura and Pete have benefited from having an audiobook subscription with Audible.
Why not try Audible for FREE for 30 days by using our affiliate link - Audible - Derbyshire Writing School. Not only will you have time to hear a book for free, but using our link, helps support the work of Derbyshire Writing School. Thanks!
BOOKS WE ARE READING AND RECOMMEND - What books are we reading this week?
- Stand Before Kings – Lord Robert Edmiston
- The Greatest Salesman In The World– Og Mandino
- Unfollow: A Memoir of Loving and Leaving the Westboro Baptist Church - Megan Phelps-Roper
WHAT’S HAPPENING AT DERBYSHIRE WRITING SCHOOL THIS WEEK? - How are we building the business this week?
- Derby Book Festival - has invited Laura to judge the Flash Fiction Competition.
- Derbyshire Writing School is having its first 'In-Person' event - The Creative Writing Gym at – Oakwood Literature Festival. Organised by Dawn Brookes, a guest of the podcast. You can listen to her episode here.
What Do You Believe Is A Truth About Writing?We’d love to hear if your truths about writing. Please let us know at info@derbyshirewritingschool.com
Episode 55 - The Writer's Toolbox - The Tool of Writing Sprints
Do you want to write faster, more efficiently and with fewer errors?
If so, the answer is simple: start writing in sprints.
In this episode, we tell you more about how you can add the tool of writing sprints to your writer’s toolbox.
Sprinting is the art of writing as fast as possible for a set amount of time without editing, refining, or re-reading the words.
We cover:
1 - What Is A Writing Sprint?
2 - Why Use Writing Sprints?
3 - How To Plan A Writing Sprint?
How To Plan A Writing Sprint
- Prepare the place.
- Prepare the session.
- Prepare your mind.
On your marks - get set - **GO!
It Takes Practice and Persistence To Run Fast! So the same with writing sprints - it takes practice to make them effective.**- Writing sprints will allow you to write faster than you normally would.
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Writing sprints will help you develop the skill of writing.
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Writing sprints will help you finish your work faster and more accurately.
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Writing sprints will help you get your work out of your head and onto the page.
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Episode 54 - The Writer’s Toolbox - The Tool of A Newsletter
In this episode, Pete and Laura chat about the tool of writing a newsletter.
It’s easy to get your words published and have some engaging content of yours out into the world in a few minutes. It might just look a little different from what you’ve imagined.
Starting a free newsletter on Substack gives you three powerful reasons to help you grow as a writer and builds the tools you have as a writer.
In this episode, Pete and Laura ask:
- Why write a regular newsletter?
- Why is finding your niche critical?
- How often should you write your newsletter?
- What does writing a newsletter have to do with being an author?
- Why should I consider using Substack?
Pete's newsletter on Substack is - The Art of Memorialising
If you’d like to join our newsletter, we’d love to write to you once a month with free resources and writing tips. Join here.
Writing a newsletter is a great way to practise publishing your writing frequently, promote your online portfolio, and build your email subscriber list.
Writing a newsletter isn’t a one-time thing. It takes time and effort to grow your newsletter, so don’t give up if you don’t see immediate results.
Hit the publish button! We know you may fear putting your work into the world, but take courage and begin.
We’d love to hear if you’ve started an email list. Please let us know at info@derbyshirewritingschool.com
Episode 53 – Guest Interview – Fiona Thomas
**We are back in the writers’ room and we have a guest in our hot seat this week!
Fiona Thomas – from Fionalikestoblog.com**
Fiona Thomas is an author and freelance writer with work published in iPaper, Grazia, Happiful Magazine and Huffington Post. Her most recent book Out of Office: Ditch the 9-5 and Be Your Own Boss. They have featured Fiona in Stylist, Forbes, Daily Mail and shortlisted her for a Business Book Award.
In this episode, we ask Fiona:
- Can you tell us about your writing journey?
- What advice do you have for someone who wants to make a living from writing?
- Can you provide three tips or techniques to help our listener find new clients/ or pitch for work?
- What challenges have you faced working as a freelance writer? How have you overcome these?
- Can you tell us more about your book ‘Out of Office’? How did you approach an agent and get your book deal?
- Your website ‘Fiona likes to blog’ gives a clue about how your writing journey started, but I’d love your thoughts about blogging now? Is blogging dead?
- What advice would you give to our listener if they wanted to blog?
You can find more about Fiona at:
- Fiona Thomas
- The 'Typo' Newsletter
You can buy Fiona’s books on Amazon:
- Depression in a Digital Age: The Highs and Lows of Perfectionism.
- Out of Office: Ditch the 9-5 and Be Your Own Boss
If you liked this episode, we want to hear from you, email info@derbyshirewritingschool.com or send us a voice message.
Thanks for listening!
Episode 52 - The Writer’s Toolbox - The Writing Workshop
In this episode, Pete and Laura chat about the tool of a writing workshop.
- What Is A Writing Workshop?
- How Does A Writing Workshop Run?
- What Is The Aim Of a Writing Workshop?
- Why Is A Writing Workshop Useful For People Who Want To Write?
- What feedback we should expect from a writing workshop?
- How Can Derbyshire Writing School Help?
At Derbyshire Writing School, we run courses, workshops, and retreats to help you develop your work. We are planning some exciting writing workshops centred around critique and development of your creative work and events that simple celebrate time to write. To find out more, sign up to our monthly newsletter.
Inspiration to writers from Steven Pressfield
Stephen King writes in his book On Writing – “Writing is a lonely job. Having someone who believes in you makes a lot of difference. They don’t have to make speeches. Just believing is usually enough.”
Send someone you know a note of encouragement today.
We want to hear from you! info@derbyshirewritingschool.com
Send us a voice message.
Thanks for listening!
THE WRITERS’ ROOM - Formatting Your Writing.
This week in the Writers’ Room, Pete and Laura talk about how to format your work.
When formatting your work, there are a couple of different things to consider.
- How you layout your writing in a document on the page.
- How your format your work for printing (we could also call this typesetting).
Tools to help you format your work:
Pete has been using Atticus writing and formatting software and is finding it helpful with his Gathering Rosebuds project.
- Atticus – Create professional print books and eBooks easily with the all-in-one book writing software.
- Scrivener – Scrivener won’t tell you how to write—it simply provides everything you need to write and keep writing.
- Vellum – Create ebooks for every platform: Kindle, Kobo, Apple Books, and more.
- Free tools to help you format your work – Callibre, Reedsy, and KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing).
PERSONAL PROJECTS – In this section, we share what we’ve been working on.
- Laura is writing new posts on Derbyshire Writing School Blog.
- Pete is working on what keywords to upload for his new books. Answer The Public - Discover what people are asking about on web searches.
LESSONS LEARNT – In this section, we share what we are learning about writing and publishing, as it never stops!
Laura: Anna Codrea-Rado Freelancing Newsletter -
“People want to read stuff that seems niche but is actually really universal.”
RECCOMMENDED PRODUCT – Vellum
To format her book - Everyday Storytellers: A step-by-step guide to writing about your travels, adventures & life – Laura used Vellum. This is a software program that creates beautiful books from your manuscript. It then allows you to upload them, ready for sale. Once you have created your book in Vellum, it’s ready for print. Page numbers. Margins. Headers. Font. Line spacing. All the setup that can take hours elsewhere happens automatically with every book you create.
By using this link, you can buy a tool to publish your books, and it helps support the work of Derbyshire Writing School.
BOOKS WE ARE READING AND RECOMMEND – What books are we reading this week?
Pete speaks about Optimism by Helen Keller
“Simply because they wrote from the sunlit side of life.”
Laura is about to read Short sentences about writing – Verlyn Klinkenborg
WHAT’S HAPPENING AT DERBYSHIRE WRITING SCHOOL THIS WEEK?
We talked about our latest course – Memories to Memoir.
Episode 50 - New Year, New Goals! Writing in 2022.
In this episode, Pete and Laura chat about the difference between New Year Resolutions or New Year Intentions.
Pete talks about his newsletter – The Art of Memorialising as well as his ‘Intentions’ to increase the % of his income from online projects and products.
Laura maps out her first quarter plans based on yearly intentions, quarterly goals, and daily actions.
PERSONAL PROJECTS – In this section, we share what we’ve been working on.
- Pete has been using Atticus writing and formatting software and is finding it helpful with his Gathering Rosebuds project.
- Pete offers a free ebook copy of his book Gathering Rosebuds in Kerala for listeners to the podcast when published in the next month. To get your copy, email info@derbshirewritingschool.com and request a copy of the ebook. We will also add you to the mailing list of our newsletter as a bonus!
- Laura has been updating the blogs on Derbyshire Writing School and encouraged, as other writing organisations are now recommending the blogs as a substantial source of information and help.
LESSONS LEARNT – In this section, we share what we are learning about writing and publishing, as it never stops!
Pete drifts off to sleep as he tells about the podcast Nothing Much Happens and Laura mentions The Desire Map Experience: A Guide to Creating Goals with Soul by Danielle LaPorte.
Recommended Product of the Week – Audible
Laura and Pete have benefited from having an audiobook subscription with Audible.
Not tried ‘reading’ the latest books while out walking or doing a job around the house? Then try Audible for 30 days free by using our affiliate link - Audible - Derbyshire Writing School.
BOOKS WE ARE READING AND RECOMMEND – What books are we reading this week?
Pete speaks about his love of the book Mortimer and Whitehouse Go Fishing. Laura is reading All About Love: New Visions: 1 by Bell Hooks.
WHAT’S HAPPENING AT DERBYSHIRE WRITING SCHOOL THIS WEEK? – How are we building the business this week?
We talked about our course - Memories to Memoir – An Introduction
We want to hear from you! info@derbyshirewritingschool.com
Thanks for listening!
Episode 49 - Guest Interview - Derbyshire Author - Shirley Mann
Shirley Mann is a journalist who has worked across newspapers, radio and television. She spent most of her career working as a reporter, producer, and presenter for the BBC on programmes across radio and television, including Radio 4 and Countryfile. She then set up her own media company with lecturing as a sideline, producing short films for environmental organisations.
Her first book, ‘Lily’s War’, was inspired by the wartime romance of her parents. Her mother was a WAAF in Bomber Command and her father was in the 8th Army. She then raced around the country to talk to servicewomen who were already in their 90s to make sure her books were authentic.
Her second book, ‘Bobby’s War’ is inspired by Air Transport Auxiliary pilot, Mary Ellis and she has since gone on to write ‘Hannah’s War’ about a Land Army girl and is now creating ‘Bridget’s War’ which focuses on a policewoman in the internment camp in the Isle of Man.
She lives in a market town on the edge of the Derbyshire Peak District, heading off regularly with her husband in their camper van.
In this episode Pete and Laura ask Shirley:
- What captivates you about writing in this genre and period in history?
- ‘Lily’s War’ was written to rediscover the life your parents may have lived. What surprised you with your research?
- What lessons from your journalistic career do you bring to your novel writing?
- Do you have a formula you follow for the books?
- Bobby's War was shortlisted in six authors for the Romantic Novelists’ Association Saga Novel of the Year Award and you won it! Tell us more about that process and what happened?
- Tell us a little about getting an agent for the book and then publisher. What advice would you offer our listener who wants to seek a traditional route to publishing?
Want to learn more about Shirley? You can find her at:
- Amazon books
We want to hear from you! info@derbyshirewritingschool.com
Send us a voice message.
Thanks for listening!
Episode 48 - The Writer’s Toolbox - The Tool of Journaling
In this episode, Pete and Laura chat about journaling.
- What exactly is journaling?
- How can this help us as writers?
Journaling is getting your thoughts from your head onto paper. But what are some benefits of Journaling?
Journaling can:
- Help us manage stress and anxiety – positively affecting our mental health.
- Develop our creativity and build ideas. We can see patterns in our work, and we’ll learn what ideas have potential and which topic we keep returning to.
- Increase our gratitude. Just writing three things we’re grateful for each day can influence the impact gratitude has on our happiness.
- Help to find joy in difficult times. A 2006 study found journaling to have a positive effect for participants who initially had higher levels of psychological distress, as it provided reducing distress or even trauma.
Different Methods For Journalling
- Morning Pages. Morning pages are a form of journaling. Julia Cameron made this tool famous in her book called ‘The Artist’s Way’.
- Logbook. We can use a logbook as a form of journaling.
- Bullet journal. A bullet journal is a planner, diary and journal all in one.
- We often associate free writing with journaling.
10 Journaling Prompts to Help You Reflect
- What has been the best thing that’s happened this week?
- Make a list of the things that bring you joy.
- What lessons have you learnt this week? This month? This year?
- Who are you?
- List your dreams, hopes, and goals.
- Write a letter to all the places you’ve lived.
- Write about your perfect day.
- Think about the people in your life and what they mean to you.
- When did you last feel disappointed? How did you overcome it?
- What is the biggest challenge you’ve overcome?
12 Days of Journaling
This festive season we’re also creating a free journaling project and we’d love to invite you to take part. So, that is why we are giving you our FUN and FREE journaling prompts.
Spend five minutes a day or an hour each evening and reflect and re-energise with a burst of creativity on us. Sign up here.
We want to hear from you! info@derbyshirewritingschool.com
Send us a voice message.
Thanks for listening!
Episode 47 – The Writer's Toolbox – The Tool of Creativity
Writing is an act of creation. When we write, we bring new ideas, stories, even people, into existence. The more we write, the more we learn to craft and shape narrative. We learn what sounds good and we develop extra levels of creativity and imagination.
In this Writer's Toolbox episode, Pete and Laura chat about the tool of creativity - where they find ideas spark and how they develop those ideas.
The dictionary defines creativity as the ability to produce original ideas, or to make something new or imaginative.
At Derbyshire Writing School, we believe creativity is a skill. It can be taught and practiced.
3 Reasons Creativity Is The Most Important Skill In The World:
1. The most important thing creativity leads to is new thinking. If you can use your imagination to see problems differently, to see ideas differently, you will come up with solutions that nobody else has thought of.
2. Creativity can lead to more positivity. If you know there is over one way of doing something, if you know, there will always be a way. You can be positive about finding a solution.
3. Creativity can lead to more confidence. Once you allow yourself to come up with lots of ideas, you learn that some will be great and some will need work. You can then become more confident in your ability to keep generating ideas, and know that’s all that matters.
How To Develop Your Writer’s Tool Of Creativity
The best way to develop your creativity is to practice, practice and practice some more! Creativity isn’t just important for creative writing, employers all over the world, and seeking employees who are creative.
In this episode, Pete and Laura chat about creativity - where they find ideas spark and how they develop those ideas.
We want to hear from you! info@derbyshirewritingschool.com
Send us a voice message.
Thanks for listening!
THE WRITERS’ ROOM - Where Do Ideas Come From?
Where do ideas come from? Do find you have a never-ending supply of creativity coursing through your mind? Or do you struggle to find inspiration?
In this episode, Pete and Laura chat about creativity – where they find ideas spark and how they develop those ideas. They also ask, can we have too many ideas?
Where to look for ideas?
- Go on an Artist Date.
- Get a writer’s journal and update with something every day.
- Write 10 ideas a day for 5 days.
PERSONAL PROJECTS – In this section, we share what we’ve been working on.
Pete and Laura discuss the week’s activities – Laura is working on the second Everyday Storytellers book. Pete mentions the discovery of the new writing and formatting software Atticus.
Recommended Product of the Week – Audible
Laura and Pete have benefited from having an audiobook subscription with Audible.
Not tried ‘reading’ the latest books while out walking or doing a job around the house? Then try Audible for 30 days free by using our affiliate link - Audible - Derbyshire Writing School. Not only will you have time to hear a book for free, but by using our link, it helps support the work of Derbyshire Writing School. Thanks!
BOOKS WE ARE READING AND RECOMMEND – What books are we reading this week?
Laura is recommending - Steal Like An Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative by Austin Kleon.
“Where do you get your ideas?” The honest artist answers, “I steal them.” ― Austin Kleon
Pete is reading – Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, and Virtual Worlds - The Impact of Converging Technologies On Authors and the Publishing Industry by Joanna Penn.
WHAT’S HAPPENING AT DERBYSHIRE WRITING SCHOOL THIS WEEK? - How are we building the business this week?
This week Laura shared a new project she working on:Get ready for - The 12 Days of Journaling!
THE WRITERS’ ROOM - Who Else Thinks Technology Can Hinder Or Help Our Writing?
Do you find technology helps you write, or does it become something else you can use to procrastinate and put off writing your novel? Pete lists 19 – yes 19! Software, apps or platforms he thinks he might use to publish the book his working on. Excessive? You need to listen to find out.
PERSONAL PROJECTS - In this section, we share what we’ve been working on.
Pete and Laura discuss the week’s activities - Laura is working on the second Everyday Storytellers book. Pete mentions the good news of permissions granted, and personal story releases received.
LESSONS WE’VE LEARNED THIS WEEK – What have we learned about writing and publishing this week?
Pete talks about Kindlepreneur. Laura talks about a blog post she enjoyed reading, helping to demystify the agent submission process. You can read the letter here.
BOOKS WE ARE READING AND RECOMMEND – What books are we reading this week?
Pete throughly enjoyed reading: A Man at Arms: A Novel, and Killing Rommel, both by Steven Pressfield.
Laura read The Testaments by Margaret Atwood.
WHAT’S HAPPENING AT DERBYSHIRE WRITING SCHOOL THIS WEEK? – How are we building the business this week?
Laura talks through a changed approach to The Prompt Boxes
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We want to hear from you! info@derbyshirewritingschool.com
Send us a voice message.
Thanks for listening!
Episode 44 - How To Write Crime Mystery Fiction - Guest Interview Tom Mead
Tom Mead is a Midlands-based author. He has previously written for Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine, Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine (amongst various others).
He is a great admirer of golden age authors of the locked-room mystery subgenre (John Dickson Carr, Clayton Rawson, Helen McCloy) and has written many stories in tribute to these masters.
His story Heatwave was included in The Best Mystery Stories of the Year 2021 (edited by Lee Child) and his debut novel Death and the Conjuror is coming soon from Mysterious Press.
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Peter and Laura ask Tom
- Can you tell us about your writing journey?
- Tom, you are a great admirer of the golden age authors of the locked-room mystery subgenre. Please tell us more about this subgenre?
- Congratulations - your story Heatwave was included in The Best Mystery Stories of the Year 2021 (edited by Lee Child) in auspicious crime writing company - how did you get your story reviewed?
- What advice would you give to someone who wanted to write in the mystery genre?
- How important is it to understand and use the tropes of the subgenre you are writing in? Can you tell us about some of these tropes?
- You are an active member of the UK Crime Writers’ Association, can you tell us more about this? How do the CWA help authors?
- Your debut novel, Death and the Conjuror, is coming soon from Mysterious Press, what's it about?
- What was your path to publication like? Do you have advice for other writers? When will our listeners be able to get a copy of your book?
Tom Mentions -
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- The Crime Writers Association
- The Society of Authors
- The Hollow Man by John Dickson Carr
- Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie
- On Writing by Stephen King
You Can Find Out More About TomOn Facebook or his website Tom Mead
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email: Info@Derbyshirewritingschool.com
Episode 43 - The Writer’s Toolbox - The Tool of NaNoWriMo
NaNoWriMo = National Novel Writing Month.
It started back in 1999 in the States and has grown into a vast community. It’s a non-profit organisation, with the sole aim of helping you to tell your story. The challenge is to write 1,700 words a day, every day for a month.
There are a few rules:
- Only words you write in November count.
- One author writes the words.
- You must write fiction.
Should You Take Part In NaNoWriMo?
Writing a novel in a month might not be for everyone. But, there are lots of benefits for taking part and saying ‘yes’ to the challenge!
Our Top Tips for A Successful NaNoWriMo
1. Plan your story.
2. Plan your writing routine.
3. Ask friends to help keep you accountable.
4. Track your progress!
Some fantastic books have been born during NaNoWriMo. The most famous is Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen. It became a film with Reese Witherspoon and Robert Pattinson! You can check out some more great NaNoWriMo novels in this article, too.
We’d love to know if you will join NaNoWriMo in 2021 - Send us a message now!
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Thanks for listening!
email: Info@Derbyshirewritingschool.com
Episode 42 – The Writer’s Toolbox – A Writing Tribe
In this episode, Pete and Laura take another delve into The Writer’s Toolbox and add the tool of a Writing Tribe to the toolbox.
Writing can feel lonely. Not just the act of tapping away at the keys, but losing yourself in your work and wondering if another pair of eyes will ever read it.
Creating a writing tribe can be a wonderful way to find motivation, encouragement, accountability, and community. That’s why this week we are adding the tool of the writing tribe to our writer’s toolbox.
What Is A Writing Tribe?
A writing tribe is simply a writing community. It’s a group of like-minded people, a group of writers that support each other, a group of friends or professionals with something in common – writing.
It’s important to note that a writing tribe can look different to different people.
A writing tribe can also offer motivation and accountability.
Where Do We Find A Writing Tribe?
- Join a course or a workshop.
- Join a Facebook group.
- Start a book club!
- Start a writing circle with friends.
How can Derbyshire Writing School help?The 3% Club – Online Writing Community. We offer group programmes, like our 3% Club, to help you meet other writers and network.
Our Time to Write online programme can also help you to feel part of a writing tribe. We believe in you and your story, so keep going!
We’d love to know how you got on with the tool of a writer’s tribe. Use the email below and tell us how you have used this tool in your writing.
We want to hear from you! info@derbyshirewritingschool.com
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Episode 41 - Guest Interview - Chris Gregory - How To Write Audio Drama
Chris Gregory is the founder of the Alternative Stories and Fake Realities Podcast.
Alternative Stories have provided content to BBC and North American radio stations, represented the UK at the International Radio Drama Festival for the past two years and has been nominated for many Audio Verse Awards (for podcast drama) as well as nominated for Best Arts Podcast in this year's Discover Pods awards.
The podcast provides opportunities for writers to hear their work professionally produced and shared with the podcast’s global audience.
Chris also runs workshops on writing for audio drama and many aspects of recording, performance, and podcasting for writers and publishers. His four-part audio drama "Anglia" appeared on Alternative Stories.
Pete and Laura ask Chris:-
- How did your journey into writing begin?
- What is it about audio drama that captured your creative imagination enough to bring it to a wider audience through your podcast?
- What are three differences between writing for audio rather than writing a novel or a short story?
- What advice would you give to someone who wanted to write an audio drama? How should they get started?
- How do you capture a listeners’ attention through an audio drama?
- ‘There’s never been a better time to make audio drama.’ Why is that?
- How do you see the future of audio drama being opened up to creatives to record and develop their own storytelling and online platform?
Where to find the - Alternative Stories Podcast
Twitter - @StoriesAlt
Instagram - @stories.alt
Apple Podcasts - Alternative Stories and Fake Realities
Website - Alternative Stories and Fake Realities
Email Chris - Chris Gregory office@alternativestories.com
Training Course - Introductory workshop about writing audio drama
Thank you for being a part of our journey so far. We are glad you’re here and we are grateful or your support. We want to hear from you! info@derbyshirewritingschool.com
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We are back in the writers’ room and we have a guest in our hot seat this week! The Derbyshire poet - Karey Lucas-Hughes.
Karey was born and grew up in north London in the 1960s. She studied French and English at Lancaster University before spending a few years living and working in Tokyo, Japan and Hamilton, Canada, with her husband Martin.
They moved to the Peak District nearly 20 years ago, where they brought up their two children. Karey worked in secondary education for many years. In recent years, she has trained to teach Mindfulness Meditation.
Karey loves the hills and dales of the Derbyshire countryside, where she walks and cycles.
Stories have always fascinated Karey and language: her own and other people’s, whether through reading or writing. From a young age, she has written journals and poetry. Last year, she won a prize in a poetry competition.
More recently, she has written short stories, and now, having stepped back from full-time work, she has embarked upon her first novel.
Karey found Derbyshire Writing School online just when she was looking for inspiration and encouragement. She took part in the How To Write Your Novel course.
The Aurora Prize for Writing is a national competition run by Writing East Midlands, in partnership with the Society of Authors.
In the category of Poetry – Best Writing From The East Midlands - Karey won the Aurora Prize for Writing 2020
Bathing
in peat water, by candle-light,
is immersion in the long, slow moments
of the deep enamel bath,
the quiet Scottish cottage,
the gloaming sky at the window.
Watching the small flame flicker,
neck deep in soft, brown fluid,
I am as peaceful as Ophelia,
in her ‘muddy death’
clutching her flowers of song
or as still as Lizzie Siddal
who posed for the painting
in a bathtub, silk dress billowing.
She caught a cold
when the water cooled.
So I top up the heat
and sink deeper in tea-water
complete with leaves,
watching steam rise
tenderly, like mist from a bog.
Now white legs and belly float,
glow like alabaster in moonlight
and I am smooth as Cleopatra
in her goat’s milk.
My body is steeping and steaming
and cleansing me of
all the heavy sorrows of a rotten year.
I infuse, far from home
until even my bones are bleached
by the thick dark heat
and I am ready to rise.
Karey Lucas-Hughes
—-
Thank you for being a part of our journey so far. We are glad you’re here and we are grateful or your support. We want to hear from you! info@derbyshirewritingschool.com
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THE WRITERS’ ROOM - Should You Focus On One Writing Idea At A Time?
“What you stay focused on will grow.”
― Roy T. Bennett
There is a metaphor describing the delicate balance of holding many projects on the go at the same time - plate spinning. Like the circus act, with all the plates spinning, you work successfully with several things at once. Can you do that with writing projects?
Pete and Laura chat about the reasons spinning projects could be a way of procrastination, and how focus brings results.
Laura mentions author Ryan Holiday’s process of focus from his Instagram post storing information to write Courage Is Calling
Personal Projects
In this section, we share what we’ve been working on.
Laura explains more about Derbyshire Writing School’s 3% Club and her work this week in - working on theme based sessions created sessions for the course.
Pete and Laura discuss the importance of book covers and book blurbs as Pete’s part travel/part memoir second edit is complete.
LESSONS WE’VE LEARNED THIS WEEK - What have we learned about writing & publishing this week?
Pete talks about his experiences of asking for permission for quotes in his book. He mentions two resources:
1 - Jane Friedman Sample Permission Letter
2 - PSL Clear
Laura explains why sometimes you can only see things with time.
Recommended Product of the Week - The Alliance of Independent Authors
Laura talks about how valuable she finds being a member of The Alliance of Independent Authors. The advice, supportive guidance, and the range of resources she has found within a welcoming community of authors, she finds, is worth exploring if you are an independent author. Not only can you join other developing writers if you become a member of The Alliance of Independent Authors, but by using our link, it helps support the work of Derbyshire Writing School. Thanks!
BOOKS WE ARE READING AND RECOMMEND - What books are we reading this week?
Laura enjoyed the fiction story - They both die at the end: Adam Silvera.
After watching Richard E. Grant BBC Series - Write Around The World - Pete embarks on the epic - The Neapolitan Novels #1,2,3 - now 4 - from Elena Ferrante Collection.
WHAT’S HAPPENING AT DERBYSHIRE WRITING SCHOOL THIS WEEK? - How are we building the business this week?
Laura talks through a fresh course led by Alex Davis, which is taking bookings now.
Our Editing Your Novel course is perfect if you’re looking to take your novel to the next level. With engaging and practical sessions, feedback on your work, plus advice from a working editor – this online course will help you learn how to edit your novel ready for publication.
PERSONAL UPDATES - What’s going on in our lives?
Pete is finding fun strumming his guitar again, and Laura reads a wonderful email from our listener Renata.
We want to hear from you! info@derbyshirewritingschool.com
Send us a voice message.
Thanks for listening!
Episode 38 – The Writer’s Toolbox – The Tool of Life Documentation
In this episode, Pete and Laura take another delve into The Writer’s Toolbox and add the tool of life documentation as a writer.
Creative writing has many benefits, but often it can be intimidating to start. One way to dive into creative writing is through documenting your memories. In doing so, you can treasure them forever. Even passing them on to family as your legacy.
Other benefits include:
- Finding clarity and truth within your life.
- Bringing closure and healing.
- Finding value and meaning.
- It’s rewarding.
- Preserving your family history.
- Rediscovering elements of your life.
How can you use this tool to document your life?
We can almost see time passing when we write about it. Laura even wrote a book about it. Writing helps save your memories, but why not take it a step further and go from memories to write a whole memoir?
The word memoir is French it comes from the word memory, or reminisce.
The dictionary tells us a memoir is: “A written record of a person’s knowledge of events or of a person’s own experiences.”
There are a few conventions that you need to follow in your writing to make it a memoir.
- Your memoir must be true.
- Your memoir should tell a story. In our Memories to Memoir course, we look at literary techniques to help you tell the story.
- Your memoir must show change.
- You may base your memoir on a theme, a set time, or a specific event.
The tool of life documentation can help you find clarity, closure, and healing.
It deepens a sense of gratitude about your past life.
It preserves your past, and it creates a legacy for the future.
We’d love to know how you got on with the tool of life documentation. Use the email below and tell us how you have used this tool in your writing.
We want to hear from you! info@derbyshirewritingschool.com
Send us a voice message - through Speakpipe.
Thanks for listening!
Episode 37 – The Writer’s Toolbox – The Tool of Motivation
In this episode, Pete and Laura take another delve into The Writer’s Toolbox and add the tool of motivation as a writer.
How Do You Write When You Don’t Feel Like It?
There are days when we feel like we could write forever. When we know just what we want to type, when we reach a state of flow. Those are the days.
But we can’t have those days every day.
Don’t Feel Like Writing?
Check-in with yourself. How do you feel?
- Are you tired, lazy, bored?
- Burned out, emotional, or exhausted?
- Are you worried about something or are you procrastinating?
You can check-in and ask yourself these questions or you can write about them.
**Are there times when we should write even when we don’t feel like it?
YES!**
There will be days when you will need to power on, to keep writing even though you don’t feel like it and just show up.
Steven Pressfield believed it’s in these moments where the work happens.
You can read more about this in his book, Turning Pro. Turning up to write is our practice. As Seth Godin talks about this in his book The Practice, and he calls it the battleground. The place where we develop our craft and become the writer we’ve always wanted to be by showing up, even when we don’t feel like it.
5 Tools To Help Motivate Us A Writers
- Start small
- Know where you are going
- Have fun
- Work with a friend
- Finally, treat your writing like work
These five tips will help you power through on days when it feels hard.
We’d love to know how you got on with motivation as a writer. Use the email below and tell us how you have used this tool in your writing.
We want to hear from you! info@derbyshirewritingschool.com
Send us a voice message - through Speakpipe.
Thanks for listening!
We have a guest in The Writers’ Room this week - Alex Davis. Alex is an author and literature professional based in Derby. Today he joins Pete and Laura to talk about How To Write A Ghost Story.
As a writer, Alex has published a novel - THE LAST WAR - a science-fiction novel and a non-fiction book along with 50+ short stories and poems. Among them four short stories called - FIGHTING CATS AND DOGS.
Alex currently works as an Associate Lecturer in Creative and Professional Writing for the University of Derby, and is a freelance copy-editor, proofreader, and events organiser.
Alex also works as Literature Officer for Derby's QUAD venue, where he organises a host of year-round writing activities.
Pete and Laura ask Alex:-
-
Where did your interest in reading and writing ghost stories start?
-
What are the key elements to writing ghost stories?
-
How can we create the tension and suspense that's needed in our writing?
-
How do you decide on a 'scare' level for the story?
-
Are there any specific books you'd recommend to listeners as 'classic' or must-read ghost stories? And how can reading these help to write ghost stories?
-
Setting is so important for these types of stories. Can you tell us more about how to choose a setting? And is it true that Derbyshire has an affinity for ghost stories?
-
We heard a rumour that you are hosting a UK-wide ghost story festival. Can you tell us more about this?
For information on the Ghost Story Festival 2021 -
Read about the most recent festival.
Follow the Ghost Story Festival on Twitter
Contact Alex Davis
You can find more about Alex and the services he offers also at his website - Alex Davis Writing.
You can find Alex on Twitter at @AlexDavis1981 where you can find the details of his online courses.
If you enjoyed this episode with Alex, you’ll enjoy Episode 12 - Hot Seat Interview - Alex Davis - How To Self Edit Your Writing.
Episode 35 - How Do I Find Time To Write?
In THE WRITERS’ ROOM - How Do I Find Time To Write?
Finding time to write feels impossible. There is always something else that seems more important. As they say, a writer’s house is never as clean as just before they sit down to write! But in all seriousness, how do we find time to write? That’s the question we’re tackling in the Writer’s Room on this episode of the podcast.
We all like the feeling of having written, but sometimes having to write doesn’t come easy! It’s hard - simply it takes discipline and habit and sometimes ‘life’ gets in the way. It is the same for everyone.
“Most successful authors began their writing career in the margins of their normal life.” Gist MacDonald.
LESSONS WE’VE LEARNED THIS WEEK - What have we learned about writing & publishing this week?
Pete talks about his new writing project on Substack – The Art of Memorialising - The Art of Memorialising newsletter helps you learn the latest news about digital immortality, digital legacy, digital life curation, and all things #Deathtech.
Laura talks about her new website - Laura Stroud Author
BOOKS WE ARE READING AND RECOMMEND – What books are we reading this week?
Pete talks about The Boron Letters by Gary Halbert, while Laura reflects on Glorious Rock Bottom by Bryony Gordon – Non-fiction writing that reads like fiction.
Recommended Product of the Week – Audible
Laura and Pete have benefited from having an audiobook subscription with Audible.
Not tried ‘reading’ the latest books while out walking or doing a job around the house? Then try Audible for 30 days free by using our affiliate link - Audible - Derbyshire Writing School Not only will you have time to hear a book for free, but by using our link, it helps support the work of Derbyshire Writing School. Thanks!
WHAT’S HAPPENING AT DERBYSHIRE WRITING SCHOOL THIS WEEK? – How are we building the business this week?
The 3% Club – Online Writing Community
Do you struggle to find the time to write? Do you worry about how to move your novel forward? Do you wish someone would keep you accountable? If you said yes, The 3% Club is for you. An online writing community filled with practical and creative advice to help you finish your novel.
PERSONAL UPDATES – What’s going on in our lives?
Dad and daughter - Pete and Laura - are walking The Limestone Way together.
Thank you for being a part of our journey so far. We are glad you’re here and we are grateful for your support. We want to hear from you! info@derbyshirewritingschool.com
Send us a voice message - through Speakpipe.
Thanks for listening!
Episode 34 - Derbyshire Writing School – Happy 1st Birthday!
Derbyshire Writing School is one-year-old!
Our aim has always been to create courses, workshops and resources that balanced the creative and the practical.
Derbyshire Writing School — Creative writing taught the way it should be:
- Fun
- Heartfelt
- Practical
So how has Derbyshire Writing School faired in its first year?
It’s been a rollercoaster of a year.
- 39 Blog posts
- 33 Podcast Episodes
- 1300 Podcast Downloads
- 10 Newsletters
- 100s of Writing Prompts
- 4 New Team Members
- 1000s of Website Visits
- 4 New Courses
- 6 New Workshops
- 1 New Group Programme
- 40 Prompt Boxes
- 25 Christmas Countdown Prompts
But most importantly, people from around the globe have joined us!
So, What’s next for Derbyshire Writing School?
- Our 1:1 coaching will launch. Our writing coaching will push you to answer the tough questions and challenge the blocks that are stopping you from creating your best work.
- Our 3% Club will launch. The 3% Club brings the practical elements to writing a book together with the creative. We believe you can’t have one without the other.
- Our Prompt Boxes will change from a subscription to one-off packages. This means you can buy them as gifts or as a treat for yourself, as and when you need some inspiration.
- Our workbooks will be ready for you to purchase, starting with our writing mindset workbook.
- Our Poetry courses start with our guest facilitator, Charlotte Lunn.
- And hopefully we will invite you to our very in person writing retreat!
- Our monthly newsletter will continue – Each month we share useful articles, free writing resources and tips to help you develop as a writer. You can sign up here and you’ll get 101 writing prompts to get you started.
- Our podcast will continue – Every Friday (from the 3rd of September) we’ll release a new episode of ‘Begin’, the podcast from Derbyshire Writing School. Each week, we answer your questions and share how you can get your book finished.
- Our weekly blog posts will continue – Each Tuesday we share detailed blog posts, bursting with ideas and tips. You’ll find a vast archive of advice on our website.
- Our alumni Facebook group will continue – we’ve created an exclusive Facebook group for everyone who attends one of our courses. It’s a great place to network and talk to fellow writers and it’s only available to those who have completed a course with us.
- Our popular Memories to Memoir course will be running. Starting Tuesday 5th October, this will be the last time we run this course in 2021, so if you’ve been thinking of signing up, it’s time!
Thank you for being a part of our journey so far. We are glad you’re here and we are grateful or your support. We want to hear from you! info@derbyshirewritingschool.com
Send us a voice message
We have reached the last episode of season one! For 33 weeks we’ve shown up week in and week out and have lots of fun creating this podcast, but this isn’t goodbye, it’s see you soon.
Taking 9 weeks off for summer, we will work hard to plan and create the best podcast episodes about writing. We are writers and we want to share what we’re learning to help you grow as a writer too.
So we will be back on September 3rd for more interviews, toolbox episodes and dad and daughter chats.
In this episode, Pete and Laura chat about the podcast season one. They decide on their favourite podcast episodes and top moments from season one.
Oh, and have some laughs along the way!
Pete mentions Ann Handley’s Newsletter Tips
Everybody Writes Writing Tip of the Fortnight
Write four drafts to everything:
- The Ugly First Draft. Barf it up! Get it out!
- The chainsaw edit. Move the big chunks around. Is it starting to take shape?
- Surgical-tool edit. Finer editing. Each word must earn its keep.
- Read it out loud. Does it sound like writing? If so, revisit #3. Repeat.
Recommended Product of the Week - Audible
Laura and Pete have benefited from having an audiobook subscription with Audible.
Have you tried ‘reading’ the latest books while out walking or doing a job around the house? Why not try Audible for FREE for 30 days by using our affiliate link - Audible - Derbyshire Writing School. Not only will you have time to hear a book for free but using our link, helps support the work of Derbyshire Writing School. Thanks!
Books Mentioned:-
Think Big: Take Small Steps and Build the Future You Want – Dr Grace Lordan
Lifespan: Why We Age – and Why We Don’t Have To – Dr David A. Sinclair
During the summer Pete is starting a newsletter on Substack. It’s called The Art of Memorialising - you can sign up HERE.
We will be back in September.
We would love to hear from you! - info@derbyshirewritingschool.com
Send us a voice message - through Speakpipe.
Thanks for listening!
Episode 32- How To Review Writing Goals
Pete and Laura are back in the writers’ room. Back in January we shared an episode about writing goals (Episode 10). We looked at how to set writing goals and how to measure them, but 6 months into the year where are we with these goals?
Join us this week as we talk about the mid-year check-in and how we can assess where we are with our goals as we reach the halfway point of 2021.
- Why should we review goals?
- How do we review goals?
- What happens if goals have gone to pot?
- What are your goals for the next 6 months?
Recommended Product of the Week - The Prompt Box
Have you ever stared at a blank screen and felt stuck for words? Like all your ideas have dried up. Are you feeling empty or uninspired? Do you need help to get your ideas moving? Or do you want to inject some joy back into your creative writing? The Prompt Box can help.
You don’t need to worry about finding those ideas anymore because our monthly writing prompt subscription box is here to help. Each month you’ll get a collection of bespoke and unique creative writing prompts delivered to your door, to get you unblocked and writing again. And just like how no person or story is the same, no box of ideas is the same either.
Laura is reading - Effortless: Make It Easier to Do What Matters Most - Greg McKeown
“Perfectionism makes essential projects hard to start, self-doubt makes them hard to finish, and trying to do too much, too fast, makes it hard to sustain momentum.”
Peter is reading and very enthusiastic about - Successful Aging: A Neuroscientist Explores the Power and Potential of Our Lives - Daniel J. Levitin
“I argue for a very different vision of old age, one that sees our final decades as a period of blossoming, a resurgence of life that does not chase after our younger years, but instead embraces the gifts that time can bring.”
The 3% Club
Did you know there is a vicious rumour circulating online? It dares to state that 97% of writers never finish their manuscripts! Shocking, right? Well, we’re not standing for it. Let’s beat the odds. We are working on bringing our 3% Club to life.
- By developing a regular writing routine,
- By surrounding yourself with the right people,
- By continuing to learn and develop your craft, you’ll reach the elusive 3%.
The 3% Club is a monthly subscription membership. Each month members will have access to:
- Daily writing prompts (themed for each month).
- A themed creative writing workshop.
- Plus one 60-minute masterclass workshop. Examples of potential topics: Structuring your novel, develop a writing routine, creating characters, pacing, getting agent ready and so much more!
- Access to a private Facebook group (for support, setting goals, accountability, meeting others).
For more information on The 3% Club sign up for the waiting list.
We’d love to know how you got on reviewing your goals. Use the email below and tell us how you are doing.
We want to hear from you! info@derbyshirewritingschool.com
Send us a voice message - through Speakpipe.
Thanks for listening!
Episode 31 - Guest Interview - Lucy Thorpe - How Do I Become A Freelance Writer?
Lucy Thorpe is a freelance writer who works with brands and publications in health, lifestyle, beauty and marketing. Lucy writes content, copy, editorial and provides marketing services to businesses around the world.
For more information, visit - www.lucythorpecontent.com
In this episode of the podcast, Laura and Pete chat with Lucy about the highs and lows, benefits and challenges of being a full-time freelance writer.
Laura and Pete ask Lucy:
- Tell us about yourself and your journey. How did you get started with freelance writing?
- What do we mean by a freelance writer? What work do you do?
- What advice would you give to someone starting out on their journey into freelance writing?
- What advice have you got for pitching for writing work?
- Do you have a solid plan and strict writing goals? Tell us about your writing process.
- What’s next for you? What projects are you working on?
Lucy recommends the book – You’re the Business: How to Build a Successful Career When You Strike Out Alone by Anna Codrea-Rado
For more information and to get in touch with Lucy, visit - www.lucythorpecontent.com
Episode 30 - The Writer’s Toolbox - The Tool of Editing
In this episode, Pete and Laura take another delve into The Writer’s Toolbox and add the tool of editing as a writer.
Hate it or love it, editing is a huge part of writing. We can’t avoid it, so it’s best to embrace it and ensure it’s part of or writing process. In this “Toolbox” podcast Peter and Laura chat about what we mean by editing?
- Editing is about revision and preparation.
- It’s about removing and adding.
- It’s about clarity and purpose.
- It’s the process of getting your work to the best standard it can be.
What are the four different types of editing?
- Substantive Edit
- Structural Edit
- Copy Edit
- Proofread
What editing tools we can use?
- ProWritingAid
- The Hemmingway App
- Grammarly
- Scrivener. You may have heard of the writing software called Scrivener.
Is using the tool of editing worth it?
Editing in an essential part of the creative process. It can’t be rushed or avoided. Make time in your plans to ensure editing is central to your development as a writer.
You won’t regret it!
We’d love to know how you got on editing as a writer. Use the email below and tell us how you have used this tool in your writing.
We want to hear from you! info@derbyshirewritingschool.com
Send us a voice message - through Speakpipe.
Thanks for listening!
Episode 29 - The Writer’s Toolbox - Constructing Characters
In this episode, Pete and Laura take another delve into The Writer’s Toolbox and add the tool of constructing characters as a writer.
This week we are looking at the tool of characterisation and specifically ‘how to get inside your character’s head.’
Why You Need To Get Inside Your Character’s Head?
Getting inside your character’s head is never time wasted.
- It will help you see the world through your character’s eyes.
- It will help you find the story that your character must tell.
- It will help you show the reader what your character’s life is like, rather than tell them.
- It will help you know what genre you are writing.
Prompts To Help You Develop A Character
- Describe your character in three words.
- Pick one event from your characters past that has had the most impact on them – write about it.
- What was your character’s family life like? How did this affect who they are?
- How would your character react if they were: Happy? Sad? Excited? Scared? In love? In danger?
- What values does your character have or believe in? Do they work hard? Are they trustworthy? A good friend? Do they believe in love? Are they cynical? Are they loyal and reliable? Do they take risks?
- What does your character care about above all else? Why do they care?
- What are your character’s deepest, darkest fears?
- What are the secrets your character carries?
- What does your character look like? How does their voice sound? What clothes do they wear?
- How would others describe your character?
- What makes your character special or different?
- What does your character want? Why do they want it?
- Why should the reader care about your character?
- What is your character like at the start of the story? What will they be like at the end? How has your character changed? Can you describe this change?
Recommended Product of the Week - The Prompt Box
Have you ever stared at a blank screen and felt stuck for words? Like all your ideas have dried up. Are you feeling empty or uninspired? Do you need help to get your ideas moving? Or do you want to inject some joy back into your creative writing? The Prompt Box can help.
You don’t need to worry about finding those ideas anymore because our monthly writing prompt subscription box is here to help. Each month you’ll get a collection of bespoke and unique creative writing prompts delivered to your door, to get you unblocked and writing again. And just like how no person or story is the same, no box of ideas is the same either.
We’d love to know how you got on constructing characters as a writer. Use the email below and tell us how you have used this tool in your writing.
We want to hear from you! info@derbyshirewritingschool.com
Send us a voice message - through Speakpipe.
Thanks for listening!
Episode 28 - Hot Seat Interview - Laura Stroud - Founder of Derbyshire Writing School
We are back in the writers’ room and we have a guest in our hot seat this week! I am really pleased to interview Derbyshire author, and the founder of Derbyshire Writing School, Laura Stroud.
Pete asks Laura several questions about her writing and how they came to start Derbyshire Writing School.
- When did you realise you wanted to be a writer, not just for enjoyment and pleasure, but to create a business and make it your future?
- When do you remember for the first time being captivated by a book? What was it about?
- What motivates you to write?
- What experiences of life do you return to in your writing? Travel seems to have motivated Everyday Storytellers, and your expertise as an events planner in DIY Wedding planner – do you draw all your ideas from experience or are you exploring fiction writing?
- Why did you start Derbyshire Writing School? Why choose to locate it geographically, rather than a brand name?
- What makes Derbyshire Writing School unique, what distinguishes it from other creative writing schools?
- What advice would you give to someone who wants to write, but doesn’t know where to start?
Quick-fire Questions. * What is the best writing advice you’ve been given? * What’s a must-read book? * What’s a quote you love.
Books By Laura Stroud
- Everyday Storytellers: A step by step guide to writing about your travels, adventures & life.
- How to Plan Your DIY Wedding: Your step-by-step guide to building a personalised and meaningful wedding.
You Can Find More About Laura:
Laura at Derbyshire Writing School
Laura is Chief Storyteller at Stories From A Backpack – Travel Blog
Peak District Events - Laura runs wedding planning workshops and offers on-the-day coordination.
Episode 27 - Why Should I Use Writing Prompts?
THE WRITERS’ ROOM - Why Should I Use Writing Prompts?
“Everybody walks past a thousand story ideas every day. The good writers are the ones who see five or six of them. Most people don’t see any.” — Orson Scott
In the Writers’ Room this week, Pete and Laura chat about the benefit of using writing prompts. Following on from the launch of The Prompt Box subscription, they discuss how writing prompts can be like training your writing muscles. How they can be a catalyst for new ideas, and how finding many ideas brings the marvellous stories to the surface of our minds and out into the world.
Want to send a question? You can write to Pete and Laura at info@derbyshirewritingschool.com.
OUR CURRENT PROJECT UPDATES - What writing projects are we working on & what’s happened this week?
Laura starts the research for book two in the Everyday Storytellers series. While Pete sidesteps after reading Successful Aging by Daniel J. Levitin, finding new ideas that help the editing of his travel memoir.
LESSONS WE’VE LEARNED THIS WEEK - What have we learned about writing & publishing this week?
Pete considers how using the Aphoristic style of writing could be an interesting idea with a fiction character, while Laura regains the fun and adventure starting the journey of a new book.
Recommended Product of the Week - The Prompt Box
Have you ever stared at a blank screen and felt stuck for words? Like all your ideas have dried up. Are you feeling empty or uninspired? Do you need help to get your ideas moving? Or do you want to inject some joy back into your creative writing? The Prompt Box can help.
Each month you’ll get a collection of bespoke and unique creative writing prompts delivered to your door, to get you unblocked and writing again. And just like how no person or story is the same, no box of ideas is the same either.
BOOKS WE ARE READING AND RECOMMEND - What books are we reading this week?
Finite and Infinite Games by James P. Carse is intriguing Pete. It’s the toughest book he has picked up for a time, and leaving him confused and wanting to work at mining its secrets. Laura is reading - Anything You Want: 40 Lessons for a New Kind of Entrepreneur by Derek Sivers.
PERSONAL UPDATES - What’s going on in our lives?
Pete and Laura met up for the first time in ages and shared a home-cooked ‘Pub Lunch' and celebrated the publication of Laura’s book.
Send us a voice message - through Speakpipe.
Want to send a question? You can write to Pete and Laura at info@derbyshirewritingschool.com.
THE WRITERS’ ROOM
In the Writers’ Room this week, Pete and Laura chat about writing non-fiction.
Pete’s non-fiction books are:
- Nailed To The Cross: How Primitive Methodism Liberated The White Slaves of Bromsgrove
- Death Goes Digital: How Funeral Directors Can Use LinkedIn To Demonstrate Professionalism, Build Reputation and Create Visibility
Laura’s non-fiction books are -
- Everyday Storytellers: A step by step guide to writing about your travels, adventures & life.
- How to Plan Your DIY Wedding: Your step-by-step guide to building a personalised and meaningful wedding.
If you would like to send a question or tell us about your experiences of writing non-fiction, you can write to Pete and Laura at info@derbyshirewritingschool.com.
OUR CURRENT PROJECT UPDATES - What writing projects are we working on & what’s happened this week?
Laura celebrates the publication of her ‘How to Plan Your DIY Wedding’ book (with a cheesy cheer added by Pete) and Pete is working through his memoir utilising the ‘show not tell’ advice from Alex Davis in episode 25.
LESSONS WE’VE LEARNED THIS WEEK - What have we learned about writing & publishing this week?
Laura and Pete reflect on the power of words.
Recommended Product of the Week - The Prompt Box
Have you ever stared at a blank screen and felt stuck for words? Like all your ideas have dried up. Are you feeling empty or uninspired? Do you need help to get your ideas moving? Our monthly writing prompt subscription box is here to help.
BOOKS WE ARE READING AND RECOMMEND - What books are we reading this week?
Finite and Infinite Games by James P. Carse is intriguing Pete. It’s been a difficult book to read, leaving him confused and wanting to work at mining its secrets.
Laura is reading Wintering: The power of rest and retreat in difficult times by Katherine May.
WHAT’S HAPPENING AT DERBYSHIRE WRITING SCHOOL THIS WEEK?
The Launch of Prompt Box. The Prompt Box will boost your imagination and ensure your writing is filled with joy and fun!
We have a guest in The Writers’ Room this week - Alex Davis. Alex is an author and literature professional based in Derby.
As a writer, Alex has published a novel - THE LAST WAR - a science-fiction novel and a non-fiction book along with 50+ short stories and poems. Among them four short stories called - FIGHTING CATS AND DOGS.
Alex currently works as an Associate Lecturer in Creative and Professional Writing for the University of Derby, and is a freelance copy-editor, proofreader, and events organiser.
Alex also works as Literature Officer for Derby's QUAD venue, where he organises a host of year-round writing activities.
Pete and Laura ask Alex:-
- What is show don’t tell? Can you give us some examples?
- Why is show don’t tell important in our writing?
- How do we show and not tell?
- How do we know when we’ve done this in our own work? Why Is it so hard to spot? Can we learn to write in a way that means we avoid telling?
- Are there any occasions when we shouldn’t use show, don’t tell? Can it be overused?
- Why do we keep getting this advice? Why is this such a hard lesson to learn?
You can find more about Alex and the services he offers at his website - Alex Davis Writing.
You can find Alex on Twitter at @AlexDavis1981 where you can find the details of his online courses.
If you enjoyed this episode with Alex, you’ll enjoy Episode 12 - Hot Seat Interview - Alex Davis - How To Self Edit Your Writing.
Episode 24 - The Writer’s Toolbox - What are Morning Pages?
In this episode, Pete and Laura take another delve into The Writer’s Toolbox and add the tool of ‘Morning Pages’.
Julia Cameron made this tool famous in her book called ‘The Artist’s Way’.
“In order to retrieve your creativity, you’ll need to find it. I ask you to do this by an apparently pointless process I call the morning pages… Morning Pages are meant to be, simply the act of moving the hand across the page and writing down whatever comes to mind.”
Why are Morning Pages important?
- It teaches us persistence.
- It teaches us how to beat writer’s block.
- It teaches us to stop procrastinating.
- It teaches us to stop judging ourselves.
Try these writing prompts for your morning pages
- How do I feel today?
- What am I worried about?
- What am I grateful for?
- What else?
- What next?
- How did you yesterday go?
- What stories can you write about from the past week?
- Who do you want to be today?
“Why do we write morning pages? To get to the other side.” – Julia Cameron.
We’d love to know how you got on trying Morning Pages. Use the email below and tell us how you have used this tool in your writing.
We want to hear from you! info@derbyshirewritingschool.com
Send us a voice message - through Speakpipe.
Thanks for listening!
We are back in the writers’ room and we have a guest in our hot seat this week! We are really pleased to introduce Derbyshire author Daniel Henshaw.
Daniel is the author of 5 children’s books, all featuring Jeremy Green:
- ‘The Great Snail Robbery’
- ‘The Curious Case of the Missing Orangutan’
- ‘Jeremy’s Shorts’
- ‘Glenkilly’
- ‘Killer Cat from Outer Space’.
Daniel is a qualified primary school teacher and holds a degree in English Studies.
In 2016, one of Daniel’s stories was shortlisted in the ‘Best Novel for Children’ category at the Wells Festival of Literature. A recording of his short story, ‘Grandad’s Ghost’, aired on BBC Radio in 2020. He lives in Derbyshire with his girlfriend and two cats, Morse and Thursday.
Pete and Laura chat with Daniel and ask him:
- Tell us about yourself and your journey. How did you get started with writing?
- How do you define a children’s book? Can you talk us through the different categories? Where do your books fit?
- How do you decide on the structure of your stories?
- What advice would you give to someone starting out on their journey of writing for children?
- What are some of the common mistakes people make when writing books for children?
Follow Daniel on Twitter: @AuthorHenshaw
Or Facebook: www.facebook.com/JeremySnails
Or to join Daniel’s mailing list (and receive some FREE reading activities), visit:https://tinyurl.com/tw9y5xm2
**Episode 22 - Why It’s Absolutely Essential For A Writer To Rest
In this episode, Pete and Laura take another delve into The Writer’s Toolbox and add the tool of rest.**
Talking about rest as a writer can feel tricky. It stirs up lots of emotions about self-worth, productivity, and output. Often, we associate our worth with what we produce, and we tie up our success in how much we have achieved. This can be dangerous, as it can mean we don’t rest when we should. We can feel like we may not rest. But rest is absolutely essential.
There is a tool for every specific purpose - using the right tool to get the work done makes the task easier, more effective. It’s the same with writing tools. Knowing which tool to use at the right time helps every writer.
In the toolbox episodes, we share different writing tools to help you on your writing journey.
“I am creating all the time, because it’s something I must do to keep from exploding. But there is something else I must do to keep from imploding: Rest.” – Rachel Toalson.
Rest helps us to:
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Become better writers.
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Develop more ideas.
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Understand who we are.
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Curate and create material to write about.
We’d love to know how you got on. Use the email below and tell us how you have brought rest into your creative writing.
We want to hear from you! Please send your questions and ideas for tools you need to add to your writing toolbox - info@derbyshirewritingschool.com
Send us a voice message - through Speakpipe.
Thanks for listening!
Episode 21 — How To Deal With Feedback?
THE WRITERS’ ROOM - How To Deal With Feedback?
“We all need people who will give us feedback. That’s how we improve.” Bill Gates.
In the Writers’ Room this week, Pete and Laura chat about getting and giving feedback on our writing. Pete and Laura recognise how important it is to receive feedback, but through their conversation recognise how we ask for, and how we give feedback, can make all the difference to improving our writing. Also, importantly, how having empathy and understanding when being asked for feedback is critical to remember.
OUR CURRENT PROJECT UPDATES - What writing projects are we working on & what’s happened this week?
Laura’s Wedding Planning Book is in the ultimate stages, receiving the manuscript back from proofreading. Also, Laura has been busy with freelance writing projects for her clients. Pete finds this episode very relevant as he begins the second edit of - Rose-buds in Kerela - his travel memoir.
LESSONS WE’VE LEARNED THIS WEEK - What have we learned about writing & publishing this week?
Pete recognises the value of feedback, he shared he was missing some of the changes in point of view in a couple of sections of his book. Pete talks about Total Annarchy - the newsletter from Ann Handley. Relearning how important each stage of the work is hard in its own way.
Recommended Product of the Week - The Alliance of Independent Authors
Laura talks about how valuable she finds being a member of The Alliance of Independent Authors. The advice, supportive guidance, and the range of resources she has found within a welcoming community of authors, she finds is worth exploring if you are an independent author. Not only can you join other developing writers if you become a member of The Alliance of Independent Authors, but by using our link, it helps support the work of Derbyshire Writing School. Thanks!
BOOKS WE ARE READING AND RECOMMEND - What books are we reading this week?
Pete continues reading ‘The Corfu Trilogy’ by Gerald Durrell, and references a new book - A Calendar of Wisdom by Leo Tolstoy. Laura has The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday, and Laura also recommends a newsletter - 3,2,1 Newsletter by James Clear.
WHAT’S HAPPENING AT DERBYSHIRE WRITING SCHOOL THIS WEEK? - How are we building the business this week?
Poetry for Beginners –Workshop
Our Poetry for fiction writers is the perfect place to develop your writing and push your boundaries. Charlotte Lunn, Derbyshire-based poet, workshop facilitator, and bookseller delivers this session. To find out more about Charlotte and how to get started with poetry, listen to her interview on the Derbyshire Writing School podcast.
PERSONAL UPDATES - What’s going on in our lives?
Pete and Laura are grateful for the growing community of writers they are connecting with through the podcast and website.
Feedback is a gift, you can accept it, re-gift it, use it for a while and pass it on, or you can graciously accept it and pop it into the charity shop bag. It’s your work!
Episode 20 — How Can I Be More Productive?
THE WRITERS’ ROOM - How Can I Be More Productive?
In the Writers’ Room this week, Pete and Laura chat about productivity. How can you achieve more in less time? This is often a question we find ourselves asking. But what does productivity mean for writers, and what systems ideas and methods can help?
During the conversation, Laura mentions - The Checklist Manifesto and Pete Talks about - ‘Sane New World: Taming the Mind’ by Ruby Wax.
OUR CURRENT PROJECT UPDATES - What writing projects are we working on & what’s happened this week?
Laura is on the last stretch before publishing her Wedding Planning Book. Pete gets his latest work in progress - Rose-buds in Kerela - back from his editor, Alex Davis.
LESSONS WE’VE LEARNED THIS WEEK - What have we learned about writing & publishing this week?
Reminding Pete this week is the power that comes from words. How words can help and heal. Laura has been researching Nielsen the ISBN database.
Recommended Product of the Week - Audible
Laura and Pete have benefited from having an audiobook subscription with Audible. Have you tried ‘reading’ the latest books while out walking or doing a job around the house? Why not try Audible for FREE for 30 days by using our affiliate link - Audible - Derbyshire Writing School. Not only will you have time to hear a book for free but using our link, helps support the work of Derbyshire Writing School.
BOOKS WE ARE READING AND RECOMMEND - What books are we reading this week?
Pete surprises Laura with his reading of ‘The Corfu Trilogy’ by Gerald Durrell - remembering one of his all-time favourite books by the same author - ‘Rosy Is My Relative.’
Laura is excited before reading ‘The Thursday Murder Club,’ by Richard Osman.
WHAT’S HAPPENING AT DERBYSHIRE WRITING SCHOOL THIS WEEK?
Laura tells a little of two new projects she is working on - The 3% Club and The Prompt Box - creative writing prompt subscription.
Send us a voice message - through Speakpipe.
We are back in the writers’ room and we have a guest in our hot seat this week!
We are really pleased to introduce Derbyshire author Dawn Brookes.
Dawn Brookes is an international bestselling author whose books have hit the number one spot in the USA, UK and Canada. Dawn is also the founder of a local literature festival in Oakwood, Derby.
Dawn Brookes holds an MA in creative writing and is the author of the Rachel Prince Mystery series, combining a unique blend of murder, cruising and medicine with a touch of romance. Her latest venture is the Carlos Jacobi series. Carlos is a PI and his sidekick is Fiona Cook, a troubled, but likeable detective sergeant.
Dawn takes regular cruise holidays for research purposes! She brings these passions along with a love of clean crime to her writing.
Pete and Laura ask Dawn -
- Tell us about yourself and your journey. How did you get started with writing and self-publishing?
- What is self-publishing? Or should we call it indie publishing? What's the difference?
- Is it better to self-publish or work with a publisher? What are the benefits of self-publishing?
- Where do you get your ideas from?
- What advice would you give to someone starting out on their self-publishing journey?
- What are some of the biggest or common mistakes you frequently see?
- Do you have a solid plan and strict writing goals? Tell us about your process.
- What's next for you? What projects are you working on?
Quick Fire Round:-
- What's the best writing advice you've ever received?
- What's a must-read book, you'd recommend?
- What inspiration could you give to our listener?
You can find more out about Dawn on her website and on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.
For more information on Dawn's books, you can find her Amazon author page here.
We are back in the writers’ room and we have a guest in our hot seat this week - John Woodhouse
John is an author, journalist, and broadcaster. He is a writer of bestselling autobiographies, including I Love the Bones of You with Christopher Eccleston and Stronger with Gareth Thomas. John is a TV and film critic for BBC radio.
John has run his own comedy club and has extensive interests in popular culture and entertainment. He lives in the Staffordshire Moorlands with his wife Steph and two children.
Pete and Laura ask John:-
- What is ghostwriting? And how did you get started? Tell us about your journey.
- How can we capture voice, personality, and tone within ghostwritten work?
- What do you wish you’d learnt sooner about ghostwriting?
- What advice would you give to someone starting out on their ghostwriting journey?
- What are some of the biggest or common mistakes you frequently see?
- What can we learn from ghostwriting to bring into other forms of writing?
- Can you tell us about your writing process? For example, do you have a set routine?
- What’s next for you?
You can find out more about John Woodhouse on his website and on Twitter.
Episode 17 - What Are The Benefits of Writing?
THE WRITERS’ ROOM - What Are The Benefits of Writing?
In the Writers’ Room this week, Pete and Laura chat about the joy they have found in writing, and the benefits it brings into their lives. They also tell a little about how their journey into writing started.
What are the benefits and joy you received from writing? Please write to info@derbyshirewritingschool.com and let us know.
Laura talks about the benefit of documenting her life through writing, you can find out more about this here.
OUR CURRENT PROJECT UPDATES - What writing projects are we working on & what’s happened this week?
Laura has sent her Wedding Planning Book to the proofreader. Pete feels relieved to have sent the draft of his travel memoir - Rose-buds in Kerela - to our editor Alex Davis.
LESSONS WE’VE LEARNED THIS WEEK - What have we learned about writing & publishing this week?
Both Pete and Laura chat about how sometimes just completing something to the very end of the project is a lesson.
Recommended Product of the Week - Audible
Laura and Pete have benefited from having an audiobook subscription with Audible.
Not tried ‘reading’ the latest books while out walking or doing a job around the house? Then try Audible for 30 days free by using our affiliate link - Audible - Derbyshire Writing School Not only will you have time to hear a book for free but by using our link, it helps support the work of Derbyshire Writing School. Thanks!
BOOKS WE ARE READING AND RECOMMEND - What books are we reading this week?
Pete has been listening to the Audiobook of Bird By Bird by Anne Lamott and a favourite for Laura as well. He also talks about the Storyville Documentary - Into the Storm: Surfing to Survive.
Laura has been reading - Carry on, Warrior by Glennon Doyle. Two quotes she found inspiring are:
“If you feel something calling you to dance or write or paint or sing, please refuse to worry about whether you’re good enough. Just do it. Be generous.”“The only meaningful thing we can offer one another is love. Not advice, not questions about our choices, not suggestions for the future, just love.”
WHAT’S HAPPENING AT DERBYSHIRE WRITING SCHOOL THIS WEEK? - How are we building the business this week?
Laura tells us about the launch of Poetry for Fiction Writers Workshop and Poetry for Beginners Workshop.
Charlotte Lunn, Derbyshire based poet,workshop facilitator and bookseller leads these sessions. To find out more about Charlotte and how to get started with poetry, listen to her interview on the Derbyshire Writing School podcast.
PERSONAL UPDATES - What’s going on in our lives?
We have a guest in The Writers' Room this week - Lauren Davison
Lauren Davison is a Creative and Professional Writing student, currently studying at the University of Derby and she answers the big question – What is a creative writing degree really like?
Lauren developed a passion for writing at a young age and in an interesting place! She enjoys writing both fiction and non-fiction, and exploring new genres through the modules of her joint honours degree.
In this interview, Lauren talks about the benefits and struggles of completing her degree in the middle of a pandemic and some lessons she has learned along the way.
In this episode, Lauren’s must-read book recommendation is: Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within by Natalie Goldberg.
Lauren has been a valued team member here at Derbyshire Writing School for quite a few months now. Lauren writes regular blog posts for our website and has lots of great advice to share. You can read Lauren's blog posts here. You can also find Lauren on Twitter.
THE WRITERS’ ROOM - How do I write a blog post?
In the Writers’ Room this week, we chat about a question we have received from Laura, who attended one of our Online Courses:
‘Hi Laura and Pete, I want to move ahead with my writing and start blogging. How do I write a blog post?’
Laura suggests to:
- Take some time to conduct a bit of research. Looking at blogs that you enjoy reading. Then decide what sort of blog you’d like to write, spend time to identify its purpose.
- t's important to think about your audience, who might read these posts and how might your writing style be influenced by your intended audience? Knowing who you are writing for can help you focus the tone and style of the pieces.
- Start planning some posts and have fun with the writing. The key to a good blog post is that it's got a clear purpose and audience, but also that it has a solid structure. Ideally, you need a clear introduction, middle and nice summary at the end.
OUR CURRENT PROJECT UPDATES - What writing projects are we working on & what’s happened this week?
Laura is working through the long process of editing the Wedding Planning Book. And after the podcast episode with the editor Alex Davis, Pete is spending more time checking the draft of his travel memoir before sending it for the first edit.
LESSONS WE’VE LEARNED THIS WEEK - What have we learned about writing & publishing this week?
Pete has been reading Consider This: Moments in My Writing Life After Which Everything Was Different by Chuck Palahniuk.
Recommended Product of the Week - Vellum
To format her book - Everyday Storytellers: A step-by-step guide to writing about your travels, adventures & life – Laura used Vellum. This is a software program that creates beautiful books from your manuscript. It then allows you to upload them, ready for sale. Once you have created your book in Vellum- it’s ready for print. Page numbers. Margins. Headers. Font. Line spacing. All the setup that can take hours elsewhere happens automatically with every book you create.
By using this link you can buy a tool to publish your books, and it helps support the work of Derbyshire Writing School.
BOOKS WE ARE READING AND RECOMMEND - What books are we reading this week?
- Pete has been reading lots on the impact of sugar in our food. Interested how one author facing a problem turned the way he solved that problem into a series of books.
- From the many books Laura read while having a few days off, she chooses Calypso by David Sedaris as the book she talked about this week.
WHAT’S HAPPENING AT DERBYSHIRE WRITING SCHOOL THIS WEEK? - How are we building the business this week?
Laura tells us some feedback from one course and then the inspiration from one listener who sent us their writing wins.
PERSONAL UPDATES - What’s going on in our lives?
But both Pete and Laura feel as many do how important it is to keep positive through the lockdown, focusing on what makes them feel grateful.
Send us a voice message - through Speakpipe.
Episode 14 - The Writer’s Toolbox - What is creative play?
In this episode, Pete and Laura take another delve into The Writer’s Toolbox and add the tool of creative play.
When you write, does it feel like all work or play? What if taking your writing opportunities too seriously stifled your creative writing, rather than unleashing heaps of energy to change the world through your words?
There is a tool for every specific purpose - using the right tool to get the work done makes the task easier, more effective and if the truth be told, more fun! It’s the same with writing tools. Knowing which tool to use at the right time helps every writer.
What could you do to play with your creative writing today?
- Why not try some writing that is entirely new to you? Could you try a new genre or a new form? Set a timer for fifteen minutes and don’t stop writing until it goes off.
- Have fun with this free story generator, see where the characters and plot take you.
- Spend five minutes writing a Haiku. (Here’s how to write a Haiku).
- Try writing with a friend. One person starts a story, and you take turns writing chapters and characters.
- Journal every day for one week and see what happens.
We’d love to know how you got on. Use the email below and tell us how you have brought play into your creative writing.
You get your very own free e-book with 101 writing prompts to inspire you by joining our newsletter.
We want to hear from you! Please send your questions and ideas for tools you need to add to your writing toolbox - info@derbyshirewritingschool.com
Send us a voice message - through Speakpipe.
Thanks for listening!
Episode 13 - Guest Interview - Charlotte Lunn - How Do I Get Started With Poetry?
We have a guest in The Writers’ Room this week - the Derbyshire Poet, Charlotte Lunn.
Charlotte Lunn is a published poet, workshop facilitator and bookseller.
After completing her creative writing degree at The University of Derby, Charlotte became the events co-ordinator at Scarthin Books and has regularly reviewed literature for BBC Radio Derby.
Charlotte has performed across the midlands. Shottle Hall and Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site have also commissioned Charlotte’s work.
Charlotte's debut poetry collection ‘Metamorphosis’ is due for publication with Verve Poetry Press in May 2021.
Pete and Laura ask Charlotte:-
- What is poetry? Why did you start writing poetry? Who is your favourite poet?
- How can someone get started writing poems?
- What can we learn from poetry to bring into other writing?
- What advice do you have for reading poems? Why is it important to consider how we read poetry?
- What are some of the biggest or common mistakes you frequently see when people write poetry?
- How did you get your book deal? What was the process like? Do you have any advice for other writers?
- What do you wish you’d learnt sooner about writing poetry?
You can find more about Charlotte at Twitter - Verve Poetry Press - Scarthin Books
In this episode, we also announce that Charlotte will be joining our team! Charlotte is joining Derbyshire Writing School as a guest facilitator and she’ll be delivering poetry workshops later on this year. If you’d like to be the first to hear about these workshops, email us at: info@derbyshirewritingschool.com, and we’ll add you to the waitlist.
Episode 12 - Guest Interview - Alex Davis - How To Self Edit Your Writing
We have a guest in The Writers’ Room this week - Alex Davis. Alex is an author and literature professional based in Derby.
As a writer, Alex has published a novel - THE LAST WAR - a science-fiction novel and a non-fiction book along with 50+ short stories and poems. Among them four short stories called - FIGHTING CATS AND DOGS.
Alex currently works as an Associate Lecturer in Creative and Professional Writing for the University of Derby and is a freelance copy-editor, proofreader, and events organiser.
Alex also works as Literature Officer for Derby's QUAD venue, where he organises a host of year-round writing activities.
Pete and Laura ask Alex:-
- What is self-editing? Why is this skill so important to develop as a writer?
- What tools help us self-edit our work effectively?
- What top three things should we look for in our writing when we self-edit?
- How can we write to make editing easier?
- What are some of the biggest or common mistakes you frequently see?
- What process can we follow to ensure our writing is ready to send to an editor or agent?
- What single editing lesson do you wish you’d learnt sooner?
You can find more about Alex and the services he offers at his website - Alex Davis Writing.
You can find Alex on Twitter at @AlexDavis1981 where you can find the details of his online courses.
Alex's books - The Last War: A Novel of the Noukari and Fighting Cats and Dogs: And other animal tales can be found at Amazon.co.uk
Episode 11 - The Writer’s Toolbox
In this episode we take a delve into The Writer’s Toolbox
Pete and Laura introduce an occasional format of the podcast they will visit from time to time - The Writer’s Toolbox.
“To the man who only has a hammer, everything he encounters begins to look like a nail.” ― Abraham Maslow
This quote by the father of understanding the hierarchy of needs puts Pete in an awkward place as Laura reveals the list of tools Pete, her father, owns!
There is a tool for every specific purpose - using the right tool to get the work done makes the task easier, more effective and if the truth be told, more fun! It’s the same with writing tools. Knowing which tool to use at the right time helps every writer.
This episode’s tool is most important of all - The Writer’s Mindset.
“If you can change your mind, you can change your life.” – William James.
- What is a writer’s mindset?
- How does this affect our craft as writers?
- What are the benefits of a positive growth mindset as a writer?
- What steps can we take to develop our writer’s mindset?
Book a place on the next - What is a writing mindset course here.
We want to hear from you! Please send your questions and ideas for tool you need to add to your writing toolbox - info@derbyshirewritingschool.com
Send us a voice message - through Speakpipe.
Thanks for listening!
Episode 10 - How Do I Set Writing Goals?
THE WRITERS’ ROOM - How Do I Set Writing Goals?
In the Writers Room this week, Pete and Laura chat about setting objectives and writing goals. This last year has been challenging for everyone, but there is a significant benefit for a writer to set goals remembering that being kind to yourself is the highest priority. This last year, among many lessons, it has taught us sometimes things outside of our control can affect what we are planning to complete.
“Be grateful for what you already have while you pursue your goals. If you aren’t grateful for what you already have, what makes you think you would be happy with more.”
— Roy T. Bennett.
SMART - Goal Setting
S - Specific
M - Measurable
A - Achievable
R - Relevant
T - Timely
LESSONS WE’VE LEARNED THIS WEEK - What have we learned about writing & publishing this week?
Pete tells of the newsletter article from Ann Handley, the author of EVERYBODY WRITES - Your Go-To Guide to Creating Ridiculously Good Content, about the persistence Allan Scott needed to write: The Queen’s Gambit. Pete recommends a subscription to Ann Handley’s Newsletter. While Laura reflects on the tremendous benefit that she gets from persisting with Morning Pages.
“When we convene day upon day in the same space at the same time, a powerful energy builds up around us. This is the energy of our intention, of our dedication, of our commitment.”
— Steven Pressfield
BOOKS WE ARE READING AND RECOMMEND - What books are we reading this week?
Pete finds the literary fiction novel Crossing Over To Safety by Wallace Stegner a riveting and surprising read. Laura digs deep into the book - Plot and Structure: Techniques and Exercises for Crafting a Plot that Grips Readers from Start to Finish by James Bell
Recommended Product of the Week - Audible
Laura and Pete have benefited from having an audio book subscription with Audible.
Not tried ‘reading’ the latest books while out walking or doing a job around the house? Then try Audible for 30 days free by using our affiliate link - Audible - Derbyshire Writing School Not only will you have time to hear a book for free, but by using our link, it helps support the work of Derbyshire Writing School. Thanks!
WHAT’S HAPPENING AT DERBYSHIRE WRITING SCHOOL THIS WEEK? - How are we building the business this week?
Laura tells us about the plans to launch subscription models for memory prompts and introduces the exciting the project in development - The 3% Club and Community.
PERSONAL UPDATES - What’s going on in our lives?
Both Pete and Laura talk about the goals they are working towards in 2021.
We want to hear from you! Please send your 2021 writing goals to us at info@derbyshirewritingschool.com
Send us a voice message - through Speakpipe.
Thanks for listening!
Episode 9 - Hot Seat Interview - How Do I Write A Eulogy?
THE WRITERS’ ROOM HOT SEAT
What could you learn about creative writing from someone who has written 700 eulogies or more?
A eulogy is ‘good words’ spoken, usually at a funeral. At 3000 words a eulogy - that’s about 30 novels worth of writing our hot seat guest has written.
Could you improve an aspect of your writing by understanding how someone can write a life story of a person they have never met? A true story that combines authenticity with empathy? To create words from nothing that can heal and bring hope?
Writers use their abilities penning words for many professions. Ways they can use words apart from writing fiction or non-fiction books.
Peter is a professional eulogy writer. He brings together years of experience as a speechwriter, and public speaking coach, into his role as a eulogy writer.
Writing eulogies combines the creative writing skills of asking sensitive questions, empathic listening, and the skill of conciseness to communicate these words on the page and in spoken word.
By learning skills from a professional eulogy writer, it can help your original writing by :
- Understanding asking yourself, or asking your fictional character questions is like peeling an onion. Each layer you remove, by the queries you ask, the more you reveal the essence of a life.
- Looking for themes in life is critical in writing a memoir that resonates truth.
- Understanding the classic story structures and applying them to your writing gives shape and progression to your stories, whether they are fiction or actual life.
Listen now to this episode to hear how Pete applies the skills of creative writing to his role as a professional eulogy writer and funeral celebrant. Peter is a professional eulogy writer. He brings together years of experience as a speechwriter, and public speaking coach, into his role as a eulogy writer. Peter Billingham's eulogy writing services have received over 50 5* reviews on Google.
You can find Peter's eulogy writing service's page at his website - www.memorablewords.co.uk.
Links from the episode.
- The Shape of Stories - Kurt Vonnegut - (Video)
- How To Write Words For A Funeral As An Epic Story
- Words For A Funeral? Never Underestimate The Power In A Story
- The Sundial Series - How To Write A Memoir One Question At A Time
——
When has a piece of creative writing moved you emotionally? What was the book or work? Please let us know by email at info@derbyshirewritingschool.com
What writer or publisher would you put in the Hot Seat?
Send us a voice message - through Speakpipe.
THE WRITERS’ ROOM - What’s the best writing advice that you have ever received.
In the Writers’ Room this week, Pete and Laura chat about the source of the best writing advice they have received. (So far.)
‘Hi Laura and Pete, with so many resources in books, and online in videos, podcasts and courses, say nothing of any formal education or study, the question I have is this, “What is the best writing advice you have ever received?’
Surprised, they both discover that the best advice they received is very similar. While Laura offers some simple and practical advice she has received, and more profound with insights from Anne Lamott - in Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life.
OUR CURRENT PROJECT UPDATES - What writing projects are we working & what’s happened this week?
Laura is busy editing the Wedding Planning Book and preparing for the Novel Writing Course. Pete not only jumps the category but the episode!
LESSONS WE’VE LEARNED THIS WEEK - What have we learned about writing & publishing this week?
Beginnings and endings are great places to write from, Pete learns from Natalie Goldberg - Thunder and Lightning: Cracking Open The Writer’s Craft. Laura considers the importance of the writer’s voice.
Recommended Product of the Week - Vellum
To format her book - Everyday Storytellers: A step-by-step guide to writing about your travels, adventures & life - Laura used Vellum. This is a software program that creates beautiful books from your manuscript. It then allows you to upload them, ready for sale. Once you have created your ebook in Vellum- it’s ready for print. Page numbers. Margins. Headers. Font. Line spacing. By using this link you can buy a tool to publish your books, but it helps support the work of Derbyshire Writing School. Thanks!
BOOKS WE ARE READING AND RECOMMEND - What books are we reading this week?
Monitoring the fiction and non-fiction charts, Laura bags a copy of an unread copy of Quite by Claudia Winkleman from the library. Pete finds a copy of the screenplay of the film - As Good As It Gets after watching it again during the holidays.
WHAT’S HAPPENING AT DERBYSHIRE WRITING SCHOOL THIS WEEK? - How are we building the business this week?New partnerships in process and surprise guests and episodes on the podcast.
PERSONAL UPDATES - What’s going on in our lives?
Both Pete and Laura are reflective at the end of 2020. So are most people they imagine, but remind each other that life is not a race, neither is writing nor Derbyshire Writing School, they are playing the long game in them all.
**Episode 7 - How Do I Read Like A Writer?
Stop Press!** Pete gets very excited receiving his first fan mail, even more so when it is a book he once had, but disappeared not long after Laura once visited! Thanks to Sheri, Pete has his own copy of - ‘The Artist’s Way.’
THE WRITERS’ ROOM - What’s the biggest problem you are experiencing with writing this week?In the Writers’ Room this week, Pete and Laura chat about how reading as a writer changes when you want to understand more about the craft of writing.
‘Hi Laura and Pete, the question I have is this, ‘How do I read as a writer?’ I’ve heard people talking about this and wonder what you think?
To read like a writer is an active task - Collect and Reflect
OUR CURRENT PROJECT UPDATES - What writing projects are we working on & what’s happened this week?Peter is still trying to take an hour a day to work on the first edit of his book about India and explains how much he found the Writing Wednesday newsletter from Steven Pressfield on Practice = Professional
Turning Pro - Steven Pressfield
LESSONS WE’VE LEARNED THIS WEEK - What have we learned about writing & publishing this week?
Pete realises that editing is the work just as much as writing, and Laura understands that Morning Pages is the work - they are all in the long-term plan for success whatever that is for each of us.
Recommended Product of the Week - Scrivener
Pete uses Scrivener for his writing. The creators of Scrivener say it is the go-to app for writers of all kinds, used every day by best-selling novelists, screenwriters, non-fiction writers, students, academics, lawyers, journalists, translators and more. Scrivener won’t tell you how to write—it provides everything you need to start and keep writing.
Interested in buying Scrivener? By using our link, it costs you the same, but it helps support the work of Derbyshire Writing School. Thanks!
BOOKS WE ARE READING AND RECOMMEND - What books are we reading this week?Peter raves over News of the World: A Novel by Paulette Jiles.
Laura talked about a documentary she watched that highlighted the power of literature.College Behind Bars - A BBC Storyville Film - This film following students of the Bard Prison Initiative is a tribute to their ambition and endeavour.
PERSONAL UPDATES - What’s going on in our lives?Pippa The Office Dog gets a lead role in a local nativity! Lockdown is constricting life for everyone, but the opportunity to walk with friends brings gratefulness
Episode 6 - How Do I Overcome Self-Doubt As A Writer?
THE WRITERS’ ROOM - What’s the biggest problem you are experiencing with writing this week?
In the Writers Room this week, Pete and Laura chat about how to overcome the one problem all writers face, and that is self-doubt.
‘Hi Laura and Pete, the question I have is, How do I overcome self-doubt as a writer? I’m always wondering about whether anyone will read my words, and what they would say. So much sometimes, it stops me from writing. What do you think and suggest?’
Pete and Laura chat about self-doubt and how all authors struggle with it - even very successful authors too. They think about how you could quiet that negative voice in your head from stopping you writing. The journey of a writer is to acknowledge the voice for what it is - part of being a writer. To combat this, Laura talks about her new idea - The Win List.
OUR CURRENT PROJECT UPDATES - What writing projects are we working & what’s happened this week?
Peter is still taking an hour a day to work on a first edit of his book about India and explains a bit more about the idea why he is calling it Rose-buds in Kerala.
It reminds Laura about the quote by Paulo Coelho: “Past and future exist only in our memory."
LESSONS WE’VE LEARNED THIS WEEK - What have we learned about writing & publishing this week?
Pete is learning about the genre of non-fiction through the book Story Grid by Shawn Coyne. (See below)
Laura has received her book on wedding planning back from the editors.
Recommended Product of the Week - The Alliance of Independent Authors
Laura talks about how valuable she finds being a member of The Alliance of Independent Authors. The advice, supportive guidance, and the range of resources she has found within a welcoming community of authors, she finds is worth exploring if you are an independent author. Not only can you join other developing writers if you become a member of The Alliance of Independent Authors, but by using our link, it helps support the work of Derbyshire Writing School. Thanks!
BOOKS WE ARE READING AND RECOMMEND - What books are we reading this week?
Peter is reading Story Grid by Shawn Coyne. The blog at Story Gridis full of incredible resources and Pete is digging deep in understanding structure.
Laura is reading -The Salt Path by Raynor Winn
“I once heard a lecture by Stephen Hawking, when he said, ‘It’s the past that tells us who we are. Without it we lose our identity.’ Maybe I was trying to lose my identity so I could invent a new one.” Raynor Winn.
WHAT’S HAPPENING AT DERBYSHIRE WRITING SCHOOL THIS WEEK? - How are we building the business this week?
Laura is thinking through what the core values of Derbyshire Writing School are, and how she wants people to feel after they have been on one of the courses. All the courses at Derbyshire Writing School are creative and practical, and the vision is for all attendees to leave the courses feeling inspired and confident.
PERSONAL UPDATES - What’s going on in our lives?
Peter and Laura reminisce about walking the Portugues Camino together with Sam, her brother, Pete’s son. Then get excited about another long walk planned for 2021.
Episode 5 - How Do I Fill My Creative Well?
THE WRITERS’ ROOM
In the Writers’ Room this week, Pete and Laura chat about how you can maintain creativity for the long haul.
Hi, my question is, ‘How do I fill my creative well? What can I do to make sure I feel I want to write and have things to write about?’
Pete and Laura think about creativity being a well that can run dry or muscle you need to exercise? What do you think?
Pete tells of what he doesn’t do, to help keep the reserves of creativity high. Laura gives some practical suggestions writers can make for ensuring their wells and reserves of creativity are full.
OUR CURRENT PROJECT UPDATES - What writing projects are we working on & what’s happened this week?Peter is still taking an hour a day to work on the first edit of his book about India while wrestling with finishing book one in The Sundial Series. Laura has been busy writing blogs for her website Stories From A Backpack. You find the website and blogs here.
LESSONS WE’VE LEARNED THIS WEEK - What have we learned about writing & publishing this week?
Pete finds inspiration by reading: “We are all apprentices in a craft where no one ever becomes a master.” ― Ernest Hemingway, The Wild Years
Laura is just as moved by the thought of never taking the writer for granted, never taking the work of another creative for granted.
Recommended Product of the Week
Laura and Pete have benefited from having an audio book subscription with Audible.
Not tried ‘reading’ the latest books while out walking or doing a job around the house? Then try Audible for 30 days free by using our affiliate link - Audible - Derbyshire Writing School Not only will you have time to hear a book for free, but by using our link, it helps support the work of Derbyshire Writing School. Thanks!
BOOKS WE ARE READING AND RECOMMEND - What books are we reading this week?
Peter is re-reading - Making Ideas Happen: Overcoming the Obstacles Between Vision and Reality - Scott Belsky. Laura is reading the controversial A Million Little Pieces is by James Frey. You can read why it’s controversial here.
WHAT’S HAPPENING AT DERBYSHIRE WRITING SCHOOL THIS WEEK? - How are we building the business this week?
Laura and Pete celebrate the official launch of the Podcast! While Laura is also celebrating the latest round of reviews from the course - Memories To Memoir - An Introduction - the graduates all took time to write reviews saying how much the course helped them. You can find the latest course dates available here.
PERSONAL UPDATES - What’s going on in our lives?
Laura tells of another interview with Radio Derbyshire, and Pete is thankful for the surprise phone call he gets.
Episode 4 - How Do I Develop A Writing Habit?
THE WRITERS’ ROOM - What’s the biggest problem you are experiencing with writing this week?
In the Writers' Room this week, Pete and Laura chat about how you can develop a writing habit. Pippa the office dog joins in too!
Hi, I’m a new writer and I struggle to write each day, what suggestions to you have for me to make it a habit?
YOU DON’T NEED A WRITING HABIT! Says, Laura, but Pete disagrees. What do you think?
Laura suggests many practical suggestions on how to build habits of writing, but always remembering that writing should be fun. The key question to answer is why are you writing? That can then dictate the habits you need to develop.
OUR CURRENT PROJECT UPDATES - What writing projects are we working & what’s happened this week?
Laura tells about a new book in development - How To Write A Novel While Working Full-Time. Pete tells us how he likes to work on his book about a trip he took to India. He explains the way he uses an iPad and Scrivener.
LESSONS WE’VE LEARNED THIS WEEK - What have we learned about writing & publishing this week?
Laura explains how the quote, ‘It All Starts With Writing,’ has inspired her. Pete talks about a blog by Brannan Sirratt.
What Pete took from the blog is that three worries can stop us from writing.
- That we haven’t lived enough life to recount a story yet
- That we aren’t skilled or informed enough to tell the story yet
- That we aren’t the person to tell the story at all
Here’s what Brannan proposes.
- Experience is relative, and we all have something to share with someone else
- You have every skill, tool, and resource that you need to complete your book
- You are a key part of your story—in fiction and nonfiction alike
Recommended Product of the Week - Scrivener
Pete uses Scrivener for his writing. The creators of Scrivener say it is the go-to app for writers of all kinds, used every day by best-selling novelists, screenwriters, non-fiction writers, students, academics, lawyers, journalists, translators and more. Scrivener won’t tell you how to write—it provides everything you need to start and keep writing.
Interested in buying Scrivener? By using our link, it costs you the same, but it helps support the work of Derbyshire Writing School. Thanks!
BOOKS WE ARE READING AND RECOMMEND - What books are we reading this week?
Pete is reading ‘The Only Skill That Matters’ by Jonathan Levi. You can find all the links Pete mentions at Jonathan Levi.
‘While You Were Reading’ by Ali Berg & Michelle Kalus was Laura’s recommendation this week.
WHAT’S HAPPENING AT DERBYSHIRE WRITING SCHOOL THIS WEEK? - How are we building the business this week?
Laura is researching and completing the lessons plans for an exciting course - How To Write A Novel in 2021. Pete gets ready to launch the podcast.
PERSONAL UPDATES - What’s going on in our lives?
Laura is off for a few days to Devon and Pete, reflecting on life as a eulogy writer.
Episode 3 - How Do I Return To Writing?
THE WRITERS’ ROOM
In the Writers Room this week, Pete and Laura chat about a listener’s question.
I'm looking at getting back into writing after a time of being away. What is your advice for someone like me?
Laura talks about the benefits of writing with many practical suggestions. But remember the importance of having fun! Pete thinks about how getting back into writing could be more than using a writing prompt and explore how you could create a legacy for your family in the process.
SPOILER ALERT! There are some awful cliches in this conversation - prepare yourself!
Laura explains about Morning Pages. A suggestion from Julia Cameron's book The Artist’s Way that has been invaluable for her. And admits she is not giving the book back to Pete. She also recommends Natalie Goldberg's books for developing ideas for writing.
LESSONS WE’VE LEARNED THIS WEEK - What have we learned about writing & publishing this week?
Pete gets in trouble for skipping sections as ever. But he gets to talk about building conviction in writing. He talks about the book he is reading this week - Write To Sell by Andy Maslen.
Recommended Product of the Week
Laura and Pete have benefited from having an audio book subscription with Audible.
Not tried ‘reading’ the latest books while out walking or doing job around the house? Then give Audible a try for 30 days free by using our affiliate link - Audible - Derbyshire Writing School Not only will get a chance to hear a book for free, but by using our link, it helps support the work of Derbyshire Writing School. Thanks!
BOOKS WE ARE READING AND RECOMMEND - What books are we reading this week?
Is listening to an audiobook - reading? If yes, then Laura's listening to Sean McCabe's book - Overlapon audible counts. She tells about how she watched the documentary video of his writing the book in 30 days. Here is the link for the video.
PERSONAL UPDATES - What’s going on in our lives?
Laura's latest book - Everyday Storytellers: A step by step guide to writing about your travels, adventures & life - has now sold copies in the UK, in the USA, in Canada and in Australia.
Episode 2 - Is Writer’s Block Fact or Fiction?
THE WRITERS' ROOM - What’s the biggest problem you are experiencing with writing this week?
In the Writers' Room this week, Pete and Laura chat about writer's block.
Is writer’s block fact or fiction? Does it really exist or is it just an excuse I make when I can’t write?
Pete talks about the Steven Pressfield article link. First Drafts are Killers - Laura talks about the different forms of writer’s block she has experienced. Laura tells of how Elizabeth Gilbert says ideas are ours for taking. And, if we don’t, they get given to someone else.
OUR CURRENT PROJECT UPDATES - What writing projects are we working & what’s happened this week?
Laura is editing a book on DIY wedding planning and tells how it came to be written, what the format is, and the hopes she has for the book.
Pete talks about the feedback he received from editor Alex Davis on ‘The Sundial Services.’
BOOKS WE ARE READING AND RECOMMEND - What books are we reading this week?
SPOILER ALERT! - Pete talk’s about finishing the epic that is Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry. And he’s not happy with the ending.
Recommended Product of the Week - Vellum
To format her book - Everyday Storytellers: A step by step guide to writing about your travels, adventures & life - Laura used Vellum. This is a software program that creates beautiful books from your manuscript. It then allows you to upload them ready for sale. Once you have created your ebook in Vellum- it’s ready for print. Page numbers. Margins. Headers. Font. Line spacing. All of the setup that can take hours elsewhere happens automatically with every book you create. By using this link you can buy a tool to publish your books, but it helps support the work of Derbyshire Writing School. Thanks!
WHAT’S HAPPENING AT DERBYSHIRE WRITING SCHOOL THIS WEEK? How are we building the business this week?
Laura is excited to find that at the Developing A Writing Habit Workshop she had people attending from Mumbai, India.
PERSONAL UPDATES - What’s going on in our lives?
Peter and Laura are celebrating the 90th Birthday of his mom, Laura’s Grandma. Interesting is to learn how writing has been in the family for three generations now.
Episode 1 - How Do I Get From Short Stories To A Novel?
THE WRITERS' ROOM - What’s the biggest problem you are experiencing with writing this week?
In the Writers' Room this week, Pete and Laura chat about Phil's question.
"I seem to have no shortage of creative ideas. I'm fine with short pieces, but I struggle to get from an overall idea to a longer piece of writing. And to see it through. I know this is partly about the daily discipline that I feel help with. But how do I deal with the stages of writing a longer piece?"- Phil
OUR CURRENT PROJECT UPDATES - What writing projects are we working & what’s happened this week?
Pete talks about his series of memoir writing books called - 'The Sundial Series.'
BOOKS WE ARE READING AND RECOMMEND - What books are we reading this week?
Laura is reading Chris Cleve - The Other Hand. What makes this a captivating read and the unique book blurb.
Pete is reading Shauna Niequist - Present Over Perfect. An unusual choice, but why he's reading something completely different for him.
LESSONS WE’VE LEARNED THIS WEEK - What have we learned about writing & publishing this week?
For Pete, this weeks learning comes from working with a graphic artist to produce his book covers. For Laura, it's dealing with a problem lots of writers face.
WHAT’S HAPPENING AT DERBYSHIRE WRITING SCHOOL THIS WEEK? How are we building the business this week?
We play Laura's interview on BBC Radio Derby talking about the Memories to Memoir course.
PERSONAL UPDATES - What’s going on in our lives?
Pete has reached 60! He tells of his birthday treats and why this is making him think about a new book.
There is a secret section at the end ... but you have to wait for it!
“The beginning is the most important part of the work.” ― Plato, The Republic
What makes BEGIN - the podcast from Derbyshire Writing School - different?
It is all about you. About the problems you are facing and how to overcome them. It's about finding the best way to help you learn, grow and develop your creative writing skills.
In this trailer, Pete Billingham and Laura Stroud explain who they are. They tell a little about their background and why they started the business - Derbyshire Writing School.
The trailer is like the podcast will be. It is about how they want to help you become the creative writer of your dreams. They explain the format, style and sections each show will have.
- THE WRITERS' ROOM - What’s the biggest problem you are experiencing with writing this week?
- OUR CURRENT PROJECT UPDATES - What writing projects are we working & what’s happened this week?
- LESSONS WE’VE LEARNED THIS WEEK - What have we learned about writing & publishing this week?
- BOOKS WE ARE READING AND RECOMMEND - What books are we reading this week?
- WHAT’S HAPPENING AT DERBYSHIRE WRITING SCHOOL THIS WEEK? How are we building the business this week?
- PERSONAL UPDATES - What’s going on in our lives?
They also reveal another reason that makes this podcast different - they are dad and daughter too.
Join Pete and Laura on this adventure as they show you how to bring the stories you have in your head out into the world.