January 17, 2017
Guest piece for Words with JAM magazine by yours truly, on magic book descriptions that work.
http://www.wordswithjam.co.uk/2017/01/how-to-write-killer-blurb.html
Ten steps.
Five of which happen before you even begin to write.
Start with bare branches…
August 18, 2016
I know. Two weeks I said.
Well, I’m back now, so let’s catch up.
Holidays, books, adventures, experiences, interviews, reviews and wild howling savages.
Here are a few snapshots:
Dubrovnik
Chapter One – The Med
Summer is for holidays.
Snorkelling, swimming, diving, dolphins and learning to hold onto a donut.
Turns out I’m a natural, especially at the squealing bit.
Plus memories, tears and a silver celebration.
Two excited people and wine
Chapter Two – Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Summer is for special occasions.
Opening night, red carpet and one of the best theatrical events I’ve known.
Grab a ticket and watch it all in one day. (Or you won’t be able to sleep.)
Not to mention a great party where I met three of my heroes.
Chapter Three – Writing and Learning
Image by Julie Lewis
Summer is also for writing.
After ditching 20k of Beatrice 6 after Brexit, I have rewritten Lone Wolf and we’re back on track.
But I am also taking time to improve my skills. Every single exercise of our Creative Spark programme has provoked ideas.
Ten writers with ten different perspectives over ten weeks – all of it for free. Have you dived in?
Chapter Four
Summer is for making plans.
Of the inclusive sort.
On Sat 17 September, Triskele LitFest hits Islington for an inclusive festival of books, authors and genre discussion.
We’re the hosts and we’d love to say hello in person.
Chapter Five
Summer is for making plans #2
Swiss-dwellers!
You might want to earmark Saturday 5 November. Tickets on sale now!
December 9, 2015
After a crazy couple of weeks – attendance at FutureBook in London, release of two magazines, the Triskele launch party, a trip to Spain and to crown it all, big fat birthday celebrations – I’m back at my desk.
And I have a bunch of delicious treats to share with you.
Firstly, Author Day. I reported on events at 30 Euston Square for The Woolf Quarterly, which this winter takes the theme of Money. As publishers, authors, service providers and industry experts discussed the role of the author, I kept my focus trained on the cash. Here’s my full report, plus many more fascinating articles on the subject of dosh.
For Words with JAM literary ezine, the theme was Point of View. Using my theatre background as a springboard, I chose to explore five cultural reactions to a social issue: rape culture. Asking For It references play, novel, non-fiction, stand-up comedy and workshop.
Photo by Jamie Williams
Book publicists – what do they actually do? For the last three months, my colleagues and I at Triskele Books have been working with Literally PR, which has proved an educational and beneficial experience. Helen Lewis, director of the firm, shares her top tips for authors.
Photo by Libby O’Loghlin
The launch party! You can read a full write-up of the event on Literally PR’s blog.
Or if you just fancy looking at a few pictures, Triskele picked some favourites to share.
All the books are available in ebook or print and I’m happy to send out signed copies for £6.99/$8.99 plus postage. I’ll even chuck in a bookmark.
