SUBSCRIBER SPOTLIGHT
46 APRIL 2020 http://www.writers-online.co.ukShare your writing success stories. If you subscribe to Writing Magazine and
would like to feature here, email Tina Jackson, [email protected]SUBSCRIBER
SPOTLIGHT
AS
HAREY
O
U
R STORY‘I self-published my first novel, Strong
Undercurrents, in 2015 and have recently
self-published my second.’ writes
subscriber Carolyn Bartley.
‘I did try to find an agent interested in
publishing my second book – Love Before
Wicket – but as I had no interest, I decided
to publish anyway.
‘Despite the work involved in self-publishing
- a lot of self-promotion and self-publicity – I
feel that it is worth the effort to see one’s work
in print. As my previous publisher was no
longer available, I searched online for another
local company that was able to produce a
number of hard copies as well as providing an
e-version to sell online. Cardiff-based firm,
Jelly Bean Books, were able to offer all the
services I required, including a great edit and
exactly the book cover I wanted.
‘The idea for the novel came from various
articles I kept coming across about men having
a mid-life crisis, so I thought it would be fun
to write about a woman having one. Love
Before Wicket is a warm, witty and wry look
at marriage in middle age – the ties that bind,
and the temptations that can lead us astray.
‘My local bookstore, Griffin Books, is
incredibly supportive and held a recent
book launch, which was well attended.
My work now is to contact local press and
other organisations to let them know about
the book. Most of all, hopefully readers
will spread the word that the story brings
something new to how some women might
manage to succeed at married life.’
Bowled over
by book two
‘All writers need ideas,’ says WM subscriber
and contributor Patsy Collins. ‘We need topics
and themes, prompts to get started and a little
encouragement to keep going. New writers may
be wondering where to begin, daunted by a blank
page and want help to transform thoughts into
fiction. Even the most experienced have dry periods
when ideas don’t flow, or times when they appreciate a push to try something different.
‘These methods are proven to work. Each of the daily sets of prompts in this book have been
used in some way, to create my own work. I need a lot of ideas: I’ve completed five novels,
co-written From Story Idea to Reader (an accessible guide to writing fiction) and produced
nineteen collections of themed short stories, averaging two dozen per book. Hundreds and
hundreds of my short stories have been published – mainly in women’s magazines. I blogs, write
articles, win competitions and I’m always working on something new.
‘Whether you’re a new writer, or a more experienced one temporarily out of ideas, have
hours to fill or just five free minutes, you’ll find something in this book to help get you
writing – every day of the year.
A Year of Ideas is available as an ebook for £2.50 and paperback at £6, from her website:
https://patsycollins.uk/AN IDEA A DAY
fiction. Even the most experienced have dry periods‘I retired only to be constantly asked, “What did you do before?”’ writes subscriber
SE Morgan.
‘As if what I am now is irrelevant. I’m categorised as a retiree, end of.
‘My ambition was always to write. Lack of time was no longer a viable excuse. For the
first time since O levels I took up my pen creatively, (well keyboard obviously) and began. It
was hard, very hard. My previous career helped a little, but not much. Inevitably you’re still
wondering; I was a doctor and civil servant.
‘Writing Magazine, books and internet courses were indispensable, as was joining a writers’
circle. Cardiff Circle gave me motivation, honest feedback on what I was doing
wrong and encouragement. Listening to others read, hearing how well most wrote,
reflecting on what would strengthen their work taught me even more.
‘My novel From Waterloo To Water Street, set in 1843 Carmarthenshire, is
historical fiction and researching it was a joy. I immersed myself in online
newspapers from the period, re-read Mill on the Floss and studied accounts by
ordinary soldiers as well as diaries and Royal Commission reports on the Rebecca
uprising. I visited villages and Carmarthen, used old maps, census details, the
National Archive, and drew on verbal family history. It is truly amazing how
much you can find online or order from your local library.
‘After eighteen months of endless redrafting and editing, it’s finally
published. My tale is told. Now I say I’m a novelist, no more retiree questions!
Website: https://semorganhistoricalfiction.wordpress.comDoing the write thing