Writers’ workshop at Winchester

Such is the appetite for meeting other writers face-to-face, to mix and mingle with emerging voices and established names, there’s practically a writers’ event around every corner. I’m looking forward to seeing some of you at

Hay fever (and for my next workshop…)

I was thrilled by the huge turnout for my ‘How to Get Published’ workshop at the Hay Literary Festival. The sun was shining, the atmosphere was exciting and Hay on Wye looked as beautiful as ever. In fact, the

Hay Festival: How to Get Published

I was very pleased (but really quite nervous) to learn that the Hay Festival has relocated my workshop on account of a large demand for tickets.

The new venue has a capacity of 98 – quite a difference from the 30 faces I expected to be addressing. But I’m big and ugly enough to know that

Writing courses: Would I? Should I? Could I?

‘Should I do a writing course?’  is a question often on the lips of new writers. 

Some quickly talk themselves out of it, believing the adage that writing is a solitary pursuit, to be battled out alone. (Picture the traditional scene – the lonesome writer, holed up in the box room, banging away on their typewriter surrounded by scrumpled bits of paper, reference books and stained coffee mugs.) But in modern times, with a plethora of writing courses on offer, writers needn’t lead such a lonely existence. 

Susie Orbach and ‘Bodies’

From guest blogger editorial consultant Cressida Downing

I found it fascinating to hear Susie Orbach, writer of Fat is a Feminist Issue, talking about her new book Bodies. Susie was in conversation with author and journalist Rowan Pelling as part of the Cambridge Wordfest.

There’s nothing like seeing authors in the flesh to round out your view of them – and their work. In this case, both were wearing rather fabulous shoes: Rowan was in red converse trainers, Susie silver ballet pumps.

In bed with… the Cambridge Wordfest

From guest blogger Cressida Downing

Today I’m going to the Wordfest in Cambridge. Writing and working with books can be a very solitary business, and literary festivals are a wonderful way to get out there and meet up with like-minded people. Have a look on the internet for festivals in your area. I’m booked to see Susie Orbach talk about her latest book and I’m really looking forward to it.

I’m intrigued by this ‘In Bed With…’ reading of erotic short stories which I’m sadly unable to attend. Do you get tempted to try to write erotica? It sounds like you’d be in good (anonymous) company!

Yours, Cressida

Publishing in the year 2020

What will be happening to books 10 years from now and what will that mean for authors and publishers?

Those were the questions put to a panel of experts at the London Book Fair. Future-gazing is always tricky, but some conclusions emerged. The traditional ‘linear’ model of publishing: author delivers manuscript to agent or editor, the publisher develops it into a book, sells it to the retailer who sells it to the consumer – is going to change.

Nurturing the ‘Writers of Tomorrow’

The Writers of Tomorrow seminar at the London Book Fair turned out to be a mix of optimism and pessimism about the craft (and business) of writing, with some reality-check statistics. We spend an estimated £30m a year on writing courses in the UK, but the average salary for a writer is £6k a year.

This means more writers than ever are chasing deals, deluging agents with their manuscript-shaped hopes. As a writer, you’ll likely need to find a way to adapt. According to Catherine Large (Assistant Director of Industry Engagement, Creative and Cultural Skills), those who’ll prosper will be flexible and entrepreneurial, taking on other work as part of a ‘portfolio career’.

Author Lounge at the London Book Fair 2009

The publishing world is currently to be found at the London Book Fair in Earl’s Court – and while this is an industry event, it is open to all-comers, aspiring authors included. I’m just back from the Author Lounge, an area playing host to the Literary Consultancy, Arvon Foundation and AuthorHouse among others.

As an aspiring author it’s among the best spots to be, as the other stands, with their huddles of publishers striking deals, can seem a little peripheral to the day-to-day experience of getting words on the page, and getting advice about getting words on the page.

Jarvis Cocker champions the independent store

With its in-store gigs and limited-edition releases, Record Store Day ended up being more than just a marketing ploy. And if you have a moment, do catch the Jarvis Cocker interview for C4 from the last independent record shop in Sheffield – it’s hilarious.