SUBSCRIBER SPOTLIGHT
http://www.writers-online.co.uk APRIL 2020^49‘I am a long-time subscriber,’
writes Sylvia Kent.
‘Bought my first copy in 1993.
I’ve loved Writing Magazine since
your earliest days, particularly
when I won your Freelance
Writer of the Year title in 1997
and a few years later, the Community Cup writing about my
Brentwood Writers’ Circle. We are one of the oldest writing groups
in Britain with membership hovering around sixty
members during our almost eighty years.
‘Along my path of writing freelance articles on a
multitude of different topics for more than seventy-odd
magazine titles, I eventually plumped for Essex history,
writing weekly newspaper columns for Newsquest; then
longer features for Archant glossies while still working
for Hansard in both Parliamentary Chambers part-
time. Eventually I was offered a book contract by The
History Press and produced Voices of Brentwood.
‘As vice president and archivist to the Society of
Women Writers and Journalists (and now a Fellow),
plus vice president of Brentwood Writers’ Circle, I’ve
just seen my twelfth title Brentwood in 50 Buildings
published, this time, by Amberley Publishing, so in twenty years or
so of writing books, I’ve come full circle.
‘I love research, but the publisher’s brief including selecting,
photographing and finding the “back stories” to each structure
was challenging. I had to fit the work into my current writing
schedule which includes monthly radio writing programmes via
BBC Essex and Phoenix 98fm, plus weekly online feature for the
local press. Blogs are intriguing and I’ve written one since 2005/6
with around eight posts per month – all about writing and
linked topics, and although this absorbs much
time, my page views are climbing – currently
345,000 worldwide.
‘Now, I’m on the marketing trail and have
been invited to carry out book signings in local
bookshops, Christmas events, even our local
brewery (I used to write about winemaking), so an
even busier time ahead. Must learn to pace myself.
‘Creating short stories has always interested
me but paid freelance work took precedence, but
now I’m studying your listings of forthcoming
competitions covering all genres. Recently, I’ve heard
that one of my stories has come first in the SWWJ
John Walter Salver Competition. Delighted!’SWWJ, STORIES AND SUCCESSES
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Most of all it has given me the confi dence to pursue writing
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“The feedback from my tutor was excellent. It was expertly
considered, thorough and honest. She has given me lots
of ideas on how I can improve my writing technique, the
plot and the story itself. It has helped me to refl ect on the
characters more, analysing their motivations and behaviour.
Most of all it has given me the confi dence to pursue writing
my romance novel as now I can clearly see its potential.”
Dawn R, Liverpool
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‘I am a long-time subscriber,’
writes Sylvia Kent.
I’ve loved
your earliest days, particularly
when I won your Freelance
Writer of the Year title in 1997
me but paid freelance work took precedence, but
now I’m studying your listings of forthcoming
competitions covering all genres. Recently, I’ve heard
that one of my stories has come first in the SWWJ
John Walter Salver Competition. Delighted!’