Tuesday 13 September 2011

Day for Journalists and Non-Fiction Writers

Calling Journalists and Nonfiction Writers. There are still a few spaces on my Day for Journalists and Nonfiction Writers to be held at Worthing library, this Saturday 17th September.  I will be covering markets and how best to pitch an idea, a look at e-magazines and what they can offer the writer, using life experiences to trigger ideas as well as my usual problem sharing session.  It should be an interesting day.  If you would like more information contact me on wendy@stickler.org.uk

A special thanks to Littlehampton Museum for stocking copies of my book Shipwrecks of Sussex, and I do recommend a visit to this fascinating museum

Thursday 18 August 2011

Great Day at Waterstones

Saturday was a great day! The Birdman competition at Worthing may have had to been cancelled because of the wind, but the atmosphere and staff at Waterstones were perfect. They really made me welcome. Many thanks to you all and I look forward to returning. I met some super people too, and a big thank you all for coming and taking an interest in Shipwrecks of Sussex.
Also many thanks to the magazine Sea Breezes for a great review.

Thursday 11 August 2011

Meet The Authors at Selsey

The sun shone and everyone was in a happy mood on Selsey on Tuesday 9th August as 22 authors gathered at St Peter's Church Hall for the annual Meet the Authors afternoon. Readers and Writers were able to chat informally to authors Simon Brett, Peter Lovesey, Janet Lawrence, Dee Williams, Beryl Kingston and Catherine King to name just a few, about their books. The event was organised by Joan Moules who, as always did a fantastic job. Many thanks Joan. Those who attended were treated to some entertainment provided by crime writer Janet Lawrence, who entertained us by reading some letters. Sadly with the advent of the email, the art of letter writing is becoming a thing of the past, but Janet urged us all to continue letter writing!

Wednesday 10 August 2011

It's Launched!

Thank you to all who came to the launch of Shipwrecks of Sussex at Waterstones in Eastbourne. What a delightful bunch of interesting people! I met coastguards, divers, and several people who, as children, could remember some of the shipwrecks featured in my book. I also had an opportunity of telling people about the excellent museums we have dotted along the south coast, such as The Shipwreck Museum at Hastings, Seaford and Newhaven museums and to talk about some of the interesting artefact's to be found in them. If you missed this event then do pop along to Waterstones in Worthing on Saturday 13th August where I will be doing another book signing. I shall looking forward to saying hello to you.
The past few months have been hectic as usual. Most of June was taken up with final preparations for the 8th Stickler Syndrome Support Group conference, held at Daventry. Over 100 people attended and a memorable time was enjoyed by all. At the end of June I run a musical writing workshop in France, and was delighted that so many good ideas and stories were generated.
On Saturday 17 September I am running a Day for Journalists and Non-fiction writers at Worthing library and anyone interesting in attending, do please email me at wendy@stickler.org.uk
Since moving to Sussex I have missed running Walton Wordsmiths which I founded in 1999 (which is still thriving) and workshops, so I am planning on setting up a new group, Worthing Wordsmiths to be held at Worthing library on Friday afternoons. The aims of the group is to provide help to writers of all grades and capabilities by personal contact within the group, constructive criticism, circulating information on competitions and markets, and to encourage members to share writing experiences with one another. All aspects of writing will be covered, except poetry. Initially three meeting have been booked to see how things go, and it it takes off then I will arrange either fortnightly or monthly meetings, depending on demand. Again if you are interested to learn more, do please email me.

Monday 28 February 2011

It's Published!


2011 seems to be galloping away with March almost upon us already, but spring does not seem to be in the air - well not just yet! Let's hope it is just around the corner.

Today copies of The Story of Pembrokeshire arrived, just in time to celebrate St David's Day. I am absolutely delighted with it, especially the two sets of sixteen pages of colour photographs, which have come out a treat. Well done to Myrddin ap Dafydd and his team at Gwasg Carreg Gwalch for an excellent production. Pembrokeshire is a county that has a unique blend of history, legends and notorious characters. Where in the midst of commercialism can one find peace, tranquility and a paradise for nature lovers? Where else, but Pembrokeshire; an area that rose from the sea over a thousand million years ago, and has since played host to pagan warriors, Celtic fort-builders, Welsh princes, swashbuckling pirates, Manx shear-waters and the Grey Atlantic seal. I urge everyone to explore the county and enjoy its beauty.
I spend a super evening recently in the company of Southampton Writers when I shared some hints and tips on writing and placing articles. Thank you Southampton Writers for making me so welcome and I am looking forward to a return visit on April to judge their article writing competition.
Preparations of the Stickler Syndrome Support Group conference in well underway. This time we are holding it at a Barcelo hotel in Daventry and have just returned after spending a delightful few days in the area.

Thursday 27 January 2011

It's About Time I Blogged!

I simply can't believe that January 2011 is nearly through! It is rather frightening when one realises that the days are just sailing by, and if I'm not careful I will find myself in a catch situation. So... I think it is about time I reviewed 2010, and looked at some forwarding planning for 2011.


January 2010 - started badly for me with a spate of asthma attacks and chest infections, not helped by the fact that I was snowbound for 10 days.

February 2110 - This left me working at a silly catch-up situation with my book Haunted Worthing.

March/April/May 2010 - working 'flat out' on various projects, until one day I discovered that a pile of notes I had accumulated in no particular order and no structure to a book, had as though by magic turned itself into a manuscript that resembled a book. This is always a good feeling. Between the book on Haunted Worthing I also managed to completely update The Story of Pembrokeshire and The Story of Gower.

June 2010 - Te beginning of June I managed to squeeze in a super break to Normandy. Suitably relaxed and refreshed I spend the rest of the month travelling along the coast researching shipwrecks and visiting some excellent museums.

July/August 2010 - saw me proof reading and working on Shipwrecks of Sussex and locating and taking photographs for the book.


September 2010 - I heard that I had had been successful in Southampton's Writing Buddies First Anniversary competition, picking up a first place in the 1500 word short story category, a third place for a non-fiction article, and a highly commended for another 1500 word short story.

October 2010 - Saw the launch of Haunted Worthing at British Bookshops in Worthing, and also at The Dolphin Hotel in Littlehampton. Both launches took place around Hallowen

November 2010- A frantic month as I re-worked my Shipwrecks book. I had far too much material, so I ended up re-jigging chapters and taking two out. Eventually it was finished!

December 2010 - The month was lost to Christmas preparations and he year ended with a well deserved rest!

Which brings me to the month of January 2011. The publication of The Story of Pembrokeshire has been deferred to March 2011 and will be out in time for the Easter holiday trade. I have just, this week, finished proofreading The Story of Gower, so watch this space for more information on this book The Shipwrecks of Sussex will also be launched in 2011. June will be a busy month as I am also organising a Stickler Syndrome Support conference 10-12 June at Daventry.