tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31885432451414187352024-03-05T09:15:47.176+00:00Wendy HughesWendy Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12246043561780985526noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3188543245141418735.post-84004396894429700082013-06-14T15:21:00.000+01:002013-06-16T20:43:10.396+01:00CATCHING UPIt seems an age since I last blogged, but that doesn't mean to say I have been idle! Worthy Words Workshops have continued to meet at Worthing library on the 2nd Wednesday of every month, and I still have room for a couple more if any writers are interested. During our April meeting we talked about 'What Makes a Good Short Story, the difference between a commercial and a competition story, and what ingredients were needed. We also discussed some writing competition entries and came to the unanimous decision that the winning entry is not necessarily the best story. <br />
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In May we took 'Windows and Doors as our theme and talked about how we could incorporate them into our prose for best effect, and how to use windows and mirrors to reflect our character's thoughts. Also on the 18th May I run a <a href="mailto:www.swwj.co.uk">SWWJ</a> day for Writers at Worthing Library. I divided the day up into non-fiction in the morning and fiction in the afternoon and included a workshop on the various aspects of love. Everyone participated and went home always with at least two ideas to work on. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL678wAIhU-RCEP9NtXTqMlt3q5854zxUh0AsCWpkcIAsQYgvf3YoA0d5KANwGKQVCrxaJZlP0b8TARC1VGD5QMMKHda4JRmDhQOklGEVAKU-TwKY9VIAklJVXYlLJCVEqPVZlCV7L8Mw/s1600/noimage_220x220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL678wAIhU-RCEP9NtXTqMlt3q5854zxUh0AsCWpkcIAsQYgvf3YoA0d5KANwGKQVCrxaJZlP0b8TARC1VGD5QMMKHda4JRmDhQOklGEVAKU-TwKY9VIAklJVXYlLJCVEqPVZlCV7L8Mw/s1600/noimage_220x220.jpg" /></a>June was another busy month for me as I run a 'Write Your First Novel Course' at Denman College in Oxford between 7-9th June. I had a super, super bunch of students who were really keen to learn and all had the basis of a good novel to work on, and we are hoping to meet up again this time next year with our novels. If anyone reading is interested I will be doing another novel course at<a href="http://www.denmancollege.org.uk/courses/writing-your-first-novel/12194"> Denman</a> in November. The June meeting of Worthy Words Workshops was the final on short stories and we had a look at mainstream as well as small press markets as well as having a look at come of the guidelines. Our next meeting is on 10th July, and anyone interested in joining us do contact<a href="mailto:wendy@stickler.org.uk"> me</a> for more information.<br />
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<br />Wendy Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12246043561780985526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3188543245141418735.post-53708195548873500562013-03-23T11:27:00.002+00:002013-03-23T11:27:29.286+00:00NOT A GUIDE TO WORTHING<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7k0JgA0Ncyrur8KuqCn1JxEfqhEOgOhqwX5AWTjCcLfb73GkRVCOWkKA3A1tvDIpGxwaXDyIBWzPk5ArWprUNI_rXAYxfIbcvnKk4JByzVwK157yARX0UGMUEHsgS5LQZoLFzDTovTes/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7k0JgA0Ncyrur8KuqCn1JxEfqhEOgOhqwX5AWTjCcLfb73GkRVCOWkKA3A1tvDIpGxwaXDyIBWzPk5ArWprUNI_rXAYxfIbcvnKk4JByzVwK157yARX0UGMUEHsgS5LQZoLFzDTovTes/s200/011.JPG" width="112" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well... Not a Guide to Worthing is well and truly launched, and many thanks to the Worthing Herald, Littlehampton Gazette and Sussex Society magazine for giving it such prominence. Also many thanks to everyone who braved the dreadful weather last Saturday to come at talk to me at Waterstones. It is always a joy talking to readers and I was delighted to learn that the book has been so well received by 'born and bred' resident. If you missed the signing then you can obtain a copy through</span><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Worthing-Not-guide-Wendy-Hughes/dp/0752476513/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1363945983&sr=1-1-catcorr"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Amazon</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">Worthing is such a lovely friendly nostalgic town to live in. It is remembered as a Victorian resort favoured by
the genteel and continued to serve holiday makers until the advent of
the cheap package holidays in the 1950s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">Today it still has a thriving tourism trade with a vast
number of events held throughout the year, but there is much, much more to Worthing
than just another holiday resort. Delve into its past and you will discover that the
Borough’s Coat of Arms depicts its three main industries, fishing, seaside
tourism, and market gardening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">Mackerel
and herring have been caught here since the 16<span style="font-size: small;"><sup>th</sup> century. They were sold
locally, and exported to other towns when the railway arrived in the town, and local fish<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>is still sold along the shoreline
today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Princess Amelia’s visit to
recuperate from a knee problem in 1798 turned this little fishing village into
a fashionable resort, gaining town status in 1803, with the sea still providing
livelihoods for the local fisherman who also went to the aid of any ship in
trouble in the area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sadly whilst doing such noble
deeds many lost their lives.In one disaster
alone, 11 local men were lost, 9 women widowed and forty-seven children made fatherless. A devastating blow to the town.
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">Running alongside the fishing and tourist industries
Worthing was famous for large scale market gardening, and in 1899 the area
became known as the ‘town of hot houses’ thanks to a Broadwater company that
pioneered the glasshouse business.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> In its day the </span>area was famous for its grapes, cucumbers, tomatoes, strawberries, mushrooms
and chrysanthemums, in fact 600 tons of produce were exported from the area in
just one year.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">Worthing, like any other town has its quirky and unusual side too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For example, how many know that Worthing’s
Council papers were hidden in a family vault during the war; that cucumbers
were exported to the south Wales coal mines to quench the miners thirsts underground, or that an ornate fountain graces one of our residential Closes? A unique feature to Worthing are the boat poaches on the fisherman’s
cottages, derived from a time when fishermen used their upturned boats as a
shelter in bad weather, and the beach has been covered in oranges and
lemons, and more recently wood. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">Worthing’s most Iconic building is the Dome,
which celebrated its150th anniversary in 2012. Once known by the German name of the Kursaal and still used for entertainment
today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Its 960ft pier has been blown
away, burnt down and deliberately blown up and still attracts a steady stream
of visitors today<span style="font-size: small;">. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNEJqG-czyaqzXKJfz8wM8vjsNIUdkws-FhxbFNI_E_ow7DTMXwSX_W078n_7Q8327hyskKfIdfWNk53RyTqwkWgg6NXym-B5aXW4EjujmawwFd7aiCVoTRbjplmwDdALYCEH0ThdFLa0/s1600/041+Oldest+house,+High+Street.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNEJqG-czyaqzXKJfz8wM8vjsNIUdkws-FhxbFNI_E_ow7DTMXwSX_W078n_7Q8327hyskKfIdfWNk53RyTqwkWgg6NXym-B5aXW4EjujmawwFd7aiCVoTRbjplmwDdALYCEH0ThdFLa0/s320/041+Oldest+house,+High+Street.jpg" width="238" /></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">This historic town as over 360 listed buildings, some made of
flint, but it has also had its planning disasters too. Worthing was saved for
future generations to enjoy thanks of the bravery of the crew of a Lancaster on
route to Munich with a cargo of bombs and incendiaries.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">Worthing has so many literary connections and has been
the location of several films; <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Up the
Junction, The Birthday Party, Wish You Were Here, </i>and more recently <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Sea Monsters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i>The list of past and present residents and
visitors reads like a list from <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Who’s Who</i>;
Percy Shelley, Jane Austen, Oscar Wilde, Nicolette Sheridan, Jonathan Cake,
Hugh Lloyd, Alma Cogan to name just a few, and when you add to this an array of
statues and sculptures, memorials, folklore, riotous and rebellious times,
cafes and open spaces making Worthing a vibrant, nostalgic
and historic town. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Wendy Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12246043561780985526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3188543245141418735.post-34781143086468457782012-07-21T04:08:00.001+01:002012-07-21T04:08:50.821+01:00WORTHY WORDS WORKSHOPSEven the torrential rain on Wednesday11th July couldn't deter a hardy bunch of writers attending the last Worthy Words Workshop meeting of the term. These meetings are held at Worthing Library on the second Wednesday of the month 2-4pm. Many thanks to all who braved the weather, and an extra special thanks must go to Julie who left her sick bed to attend, and to Sue who started off with good intentions but was driven back by the rain, feet squelching in trainers, and clutching an inside out umbrella! Where is our great British summer? What a dedicated bunch we are! <br />
The theme for the meeting was how to turn any visit or journey into a travel article or a setting for a short story or a novel, and judging my the lively discussions it gave most a few ideas to work on. Each member received a handout on the subject, which included: Nonfiction: Understanding the readership of the magazine you are aiming at, the content, the various markets and how to specialise within the travel trade on subjects such as food and drink, garden and gardening, arts and crafts, folklore and the quirky and the unusual. Fiction: Have a genuine feel for the place you are going to use as a setting, take lots of photographs and look at the local history of the place if you are historical writers.Wendy advised everyone to do some research before the visit, and to make sure you included in your suitcase the following: <br />
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> Research
information<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> List of
things they need to find out.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> Camera,
spare batteries and a spare memory card.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> Notebook or
holiday journal – write in it every day, not only where you have been and what
you have seen, but the feel of the place, the people, and anything that strikes
you are interesting – similar to what you would do when you sit and people
watch.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> A supply of pens,
pencils and a spare notebook or two and finally...</span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">If you take
a laptop write up any notes each evening in point form.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also download any photographs from your
camera so you have plenty of space. </span>A list of all the current writing competitions, together with a 'Summer Challenge' were handed out to ensure that everyone was kept active until the next meeting in September. Anyone in the Worthing and surrounding area that is interested in any aspect of writing, do contact <a href="mailto:wendy@stickler.org.uk">Wendy</a> for more a friendly chat and more information. Worthy Words Workshops resumes on Wednesday 12th September. Looking forward to seeing you all.Wendy Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12246043561780985526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3188543245141418735.post-48498110373165232832012-07-17T14:11:00.000+01:002012-07-17T15:49:37.398+01:00Friends of Worthing and Broadwater Cemetery<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A belated New Year's resolution to myself - I must keep this blog up to date as so many exciting things are happening at the moment!<br />
It has been another very busy month for me charging around Worthing, delving into the archives, acting like a tourist and looking for anything unusual to photograph for my book <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Worthing-Not-guide-Wendy-Hughes/dp/0752476513/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1342524312&sr=1-1">Not a Guide to Worthing</a>. Shame the weather has not be kinder to me. July 7th saw me taking a tour organised by the <a href="http://www.fbwc.co.uk/">Friends of Broadwater and Worthing Cemetery.</a> These free monthly tours, during the summer months, are a must for anyone interested in history and the people who helped to shape this great town. Each one is themed - July we were lucky to have two, Seafarers and Worthing Mayors - truly a delight for me as many of the people featured also had a place in my<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Shipwrecks-Sussex-Wendy-Hughes/dp/0752460102/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1342524618&sr=1-1"> Shipwrecks of Sussex</a> book, including Worthing's seafaring disaster, which happened on 14th November 1894. The Zadne, a steamer carrying coal from south Wales to London got into trouble during a hurricane storm. On the horizon was spotted a sole survivor in a lifeboat, but within metres of the shore the boat flipped over, and he was drowned. During the course of the day all the bodies were washed ashore. One body was repatriated to south Wales and the reminder, including two that was not identified were buried in a mass grave in the cemetery.<br />
Don't miss 'The Friends' Open Day on Saturday 4th August which starts at 10.00am through to 3pm, and includes three fantastic tours: Religious Figures who greatly influenced what happened in Worthing, a Military Tour concentrating on those who served in all conflicts, and a General Tour based on the guides own selection of interesting people buried in the cemetery, plus stalls, refreshments, booklets and much, much more. I am looking forward to the day, and hope to see you there too.Wendy Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12246043561780985526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3188543245141418735.post-79707011491529057282012-06-15T12:32:00.003+01:002012-06-15T12:36:40.476+01:00IT'S LAUNCHED!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Madlen Namro and Wendy Hughes had a wonderful time last Saturday launching their book 'Rainbow Stories: Facts and Things to do at the <a href="http://www.stickler.org.uk/">Stickler Syndrome Support Group </a>conference. Both authors are members of the <a href="http://swwj./">SWWJ.</a> The weather was blustery but it didn't spoil the fun. Many thanks to the<a href="http://www.mobilecreche.biz/"> Mobile Creche Company</a> who looked after the children SO well and used the characters in the book in their face painting sessions. Everyone had a wonderful time. Julie Williams who runs the company is a wonderful lady who really enjoyed having the children around her. Well done Julie, you did us proud yet again. Anyone interested in more information about the book contact <a href="mailto:wendy@stickler.org.uk">Wendy</a>. Many, many thanks to all who attended the launch. Now it is on to my next book Not a Guide to...Worthing. Watch this space to learn more as the story unfolds!</div>Wendy Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12246043561780985526noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3188543245141418735.post-77972845795738909262012-06-06T22:30:00.000+01:002012-06-08T00:22:53.838+01:00LAUNCHING ON SATURDAY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Saturday 9th June sees me hosting a Members' Day for the<a href="http://www.stickler.org.uk/"> Stickler Syndrome Support Group</a>, at the <a href="http://www.mollercentre.co.uk/">Moller Centre, Churchill College, Cambridge.</a> These are always special days for me and a chance for so many of our members to network and feel less isolated. It is also particularly exciting for me as, along with co-author Madlen Namro we shall be launching our children's book Rainbow Stories: Facts and Something to do. Madlen lives in Poland and like myself is a member of the <a href="http://www.swwj.co.uk/">Society of Women Writers and Journalists.</a> Both Madlen and I love bright colours, and so the idea of a book of Rainbow stories evolved. I enjoying researching and writing about places and interesting facts and Madlen enjoys making up stories, and we hope that this will be the first of many such books for children. If you are in the vicinity of the Moller Centre on Saturday do pop in and say hello. Madlen and I will be available to sign books from 4.15 to 5.30. As Madlen lives in Poland it may be the only chance for both authors to sign books together. Looking forward to seeing you.Wendy Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12246043561780985526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3188543245141418735.post-10409959161938449112012-06-06T21:38:00.002+01:002012-06-06T21:38:58.591+01:00WORKSHOP, LAUNCH AND OTHER EXCITING NEWSIs it almost two months since I last blogged? Whoever is stealing this year, could they kindly stop!Although it now seems a while ago, I celebrated 23rd April, Shakespeare's birthday, at the University of Norte Dame, off Trafalgar Square at the SWWJ Prize Giving for the International Life Writing competition, which was a delightful experience, and one I shall cherish for many a year to come, espcially the winning entries that were read out.<br />
16th May Worthy Words Workshops met once again at Worthing library for another lively session. This group, like Topsy is growing with each meeting. This time we discussed the art of plotting, and again some very interesting pieces of work were read out. Our next session is on June 11th and for more information, please contact <a href="mailto:wendy@stickler.org.uk">me</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-AqIQVz5ZN3zXSmpbNuDOsvyBqgXkmQcp4FOtlQKgHHLCliqma46A3zlCsnusY8k5VVPSd0s03iekdD1Pi_bfi9n-ZQCumuj8ybYZSzo5_umbq-DHXHcWGshQUxQ3LfMVG6aCYpuneR8/s1600/DSCN0093.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-AqIQVz5ZN3zXSmpbNuDOsvyBqgXkmQcp4FOtlQKgHHLCliqma46A3zlCsnusY8k5VVPSd0s03iekdD1Pi_bfi9n-ZQCumuj8ybYZSzo5_umbq-DHXHcWGshQUxQ3LfMVG6aCYpuneR8/s320/DSCN0093.jpg" width="320" /></a>The 26th May saw me back at Worthing Library for a Day for Writers, and this time we spent the morning discussing Life Writing, with very interesting memories being recalled. In the afternoon we discussed the up and coming market for flash fiction, a new concept for many. The combination of both fiction and non-fiction seemed to go down extremely well and judging by the studious bunch it would appear that everyone achieved something on the day! </div>Wendy Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12246043561780985526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3188543245141418735.post-23505782478247584162012-04-18T20:10:00.000+01:002012-04-18T20:28:03.703+01:00London Bookfair<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjONdgg3Z4Y9fn8rRd5D8oNooxagmlsf60PBaiQd2duabF6R1H4flLSjL6vKCJ50zIaChsztpXxmoCvOWpK46oKOOZQ1IpFZselZBOfTqFYF13pbpIho8AhNZmAcPLn-y1BkDGz94vs7a4/s1600/img_lbf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjONdgg3Z4Y9fn8rRd5D8oNooxagmlsf60PBaiQd2duabF6R1H4flLSjL6vKCJ50zIaChsztpXxmoCvOWpK46oKOOZQ1IpFZselZBOfTqFYF13pbpIho8AhNZmAcPLn-y1BkDGz94vs7a4/s1600/img_lbf.jpg" /></a>Did you go to the London Bookfair this year? Any opinions? I arrived at around 4pm on Monday and was pleasantly surprised to find that I could actually walk around at leisure. It certainly had a different feel to it this year. Lots of self-publishing companies and e-publishers, as well as a larger number of children's publishers. Unless I missed them, there were quite a few of the more established publishers absent - sign of the times maybe? Whether you like it or not is seems self and e-publishing are here to stay. It has never been easier for an author to see his or her work in print, but will this ultimately lower the standards I wonder? I am already hearing complaints from friends who read with a Kindle that the publications by unknowns are badly edited, and the grammar and spelling isn't as good as in a printed copy. Would be extremely interested to hear your opinions.<br />
<br />Wendy Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12246043561780985526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3188543245141418735.post-86082500945969989242012-04-14T16:28:00.001+01:002012-04-14T16:28:48.201+01:00FINDING YOUR NICHEWorthy Words Workshops had another good session on Wednesday 11th April. Everyone seems to be engrossed in one project or another, but this session's theme, markets and finding yourself a niche appeared to touch a cord with all. Writing takes up so much precious time, yet very few pay particular attention to marketing, which is vital when trying to publish your work. My advice to anyone wishing to aim for publication is to choose one or two magazines and get to know those magazines really well - noting the length of the feature or story, the style and the content. Try to imagine your average reader by the following:<br />
How old is the reader - look at the adverts.<br />
What is the educational level - look at the puzzles in the magazine.<br />
What are their hobbies - Do the magazine have knitting patterns, cookery tips or arts and crafts.<br />
What is their marital status - look at the problems page - are the articles about getting or keeping a man?<br />
Where do they live - are there articles about DIY - look at the cost of the suggestions.<br />
Once you have built up a picture of your average reader, then you are able to think of features and stories that the reader will be able to identify with. Find you own niche in the market place. If you are confident and happy in what you are writing, it will show in your writing. Good luck!<br />
Wendy Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12246043561780985526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3188543245141418735.post-12994025738249900992012-03-22T21:12:00.002+00:002012-03-22T21:14:59.630+00:00ANOTHER GOOD MEETINGWorthy Words Workshops met for their monthly meeting on Wednesday 14th March, and I was delighted to see so many writers, in fact there wasn't a spare seat in the room! Many thanks to the ladies from Chichester and Brighton who took the trouble to attend, and I do hope you found the session informative and useful. After welcoming new visitors we went around the table sharing writing news since our last meeting. This was followed by a talk and lively discussion on the requirements for writing 'Pocket Novels' for People's Friend and My Weekly, obviously a good choice of subject, and several members went away planning to have a go! I then handed out the usual list of current competitions before manuscripts were read relating to the meeting on 8th February. Most had attempted a seasonal or anniversary article, and these were read out and discussed.<br />
Today, 22nd March I attended the <a href="http://www.swwj.co.uk/">SWWJ</a> southern regional meeting. This was extremely well attended. Val Dunmore facilitated an excellent workshop on using imagination, and some excellent pieces of work were produced and read out. After a lunch break author <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Lilian-Harry/e/B0036ULTRO">Lillian Harry</a> talked about her own work and passed on some valuable tips, especially about research. She also talked about e-books and the need to be aware of the significant rise and all author should learn to embrace it. Authors should be thinking hard about self- publishing. The publishing world is changing, the days of advances and publishers launches are gone! Lillian actually remembered me from Swanwick. I first heard Lillian speak there in 1986, I think, when I was a just a fledgling writer! Thanks you Lillian for remembering me - made my day!Wendy Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12246043561780985526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3188543245141418735.post-1124399658674943842012-03-05T14:11:00.000+00:002012-03-05T14:11:24.281+00:00CHICHESTER YACHT CLUB<span style="color: blue;"><strong></strong></span><div align="right">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiulw0WHKTS4gzqHFbPu6dTJjW0rTZG9UYUPumIOI8Eb6UJB1Vvz0tXEbrSLvCPSaPsCuijqpmBkaxZLwAg97AULuxRI2FjbfuJ-ZgXPYl7VkTtCAC9TNjmaWZcg-U5WSeDpSznB4AKA_g/s1600/Author+Wendy+Hughes+on+the+right+and+CYC+Social+Secretary+Diana+Francis%252C+left..JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiulw0WHKTS4gzqHFbPu6dTJjW0rTZG9UYUPumIOI8Eb6UJB1Vvz0tXEbrSLvCPSaPsCuijqpmBkaxZLwAg97AULuxRI2FjbfuJ-ZgXPYl7VkTtCAC9TNjmaWZcg-U5WSeDpSznB4AKA_g/s200/Author+Wendy+Hughes+on+the+right+and+CYC+Social+Secretary+Diana+Francis%252C+left..JPG" width="200" /></a>Many thanks to Diana Frances, social secretary of the Chichester Yacht Club for inviting me to speak at their monthly ladies luncheon on Wednesday 29th February. I received a most warm welcome, and after a delicious lunch presented an illustrated talk based on my latest book, Shipwrecks of Sussex, which is available at most of the Sussex Waterstones or on <a href="http://amazon./">Amazon.</a> The audience, who were either sailors themselves or the wives of sailors, could fully appreciate just how dangerous it was to travel in these waters in days bygone days. Most were amazed to learn that over 4,000 ships went down between Hasting in the east and Chichester in the west. The question and answer session was extremely lively and many, many thanks to the ladies who bought copies of the book - either for themselves or as gifts for their sailor men folk.</div>
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<br /></div>Wendy Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12246043561780985526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3188543245141418735.post-87303480674555231682012-02-09T23:18:00.000+00:002012-02-09T23:18:09.857+00:00Worthy Words WorkshopsWorthy Words Workshops are well and truly 'up and running.' The prose writing group which started in October 2011 held its second meeting of 2012 at Worthing library on Wednesday 8 February. It may have been a icy cold day in Worthing, but there was plenty of warmth around the table as members shared their writing news with enthusiasm, before launching into a session on writing and placing seasonal and anniversary articles. Homework was set for those who wanted ideas before competition news was shared and manuscripts were read out. One member has embarked on a new novel and the group are looking forward to learning how this will develop. Several short stories were also read out and constructive criticism offered. Meetings are held once a month on the second Wednesday of each month between 2-4pm. New members are most welcome, and anyone interested in learning more should contact Wendy at <a href="mailto:wendy@stickler.org.uk">wendy@stickler.org.uk</a> for a friendly chat. <br />
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Wendy has been asked to give an illustrated talk on <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Shipwrecks-Sussex-Wendy-Hughes/dp/0752460102">Shipwrecks of Sussex</a> on 29th February at Chichester Yacht Club, and is embarking on a new book for The History Press entitled <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss/280-1182821-7617361?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=Miscellany+of+Worthing">Worthing a Pocket Miscellany</a>.Wendy Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12246043561780985526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3188543245141418735.post-62908808608077368932011-09-13T15:08:00.000+01:002011-09-13T15:08:42.248+01:00Day for Journalists and Non-Fiction WritersCalling 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 <a href="mailto:wendy@stickler.org.uk">wendy@stickler.org.uk</a><br />
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A special thanks to Littlehampton Museum for stocking copies of my book <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Shipwrecks-Sussex-Wendy-Hughes/dp/0752460102">Shipwrecks of Sussex</a>, and I do recommend a visit to this <a href="http://www.littlehampton-tc.gov.uk/cgi-bin/buildpage.pl?mysql=36">fascinating museum</a>Wendy Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12246043561780985526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3188543245141418735.post-13519563014636540082011-08-18T22:33:00.012+01:002011-09-13T15:08:42.286+01:00Great Day at Waterstones<div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv9BnVuJjabwZ66l6bosWKH8P8skdPhBVlUpuqphgIQgbYkUW_PPkNSBLHkNO3z8swp8guMRibWsVRErdjRNa4pY25bF96p0NpVn4q1k788n3NjJDDsEgwDwL_iD9Fv3eZmkfTYXQtUJ8/s1600/Waterstones+at+Worthing.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 200px; height: 150px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642313746157577922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv9BnVuJjabwZ66l6bosWKH8P8skdPhBVlUpuqphgIQgbYkUW_PPkNSBLHkNO3z8swp8guMRibWsVRErdjRNa4pY25bF96p0NpVn4q1k788n3NjJDDsEgwDwL_iD9Fv3eZmkfTYXQtUJ8/s200/Waterstones+at+Worthing.jpg" /></a>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 <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Shipwrecks-Sussex-Wendy-Hughes/dp/0752460102">Shipwrecks of Sussex.</a><div>Also many thanks to the magazine <a href="http://www.seabreezes.co.im/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=226&category_id=1&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=133">Sea Breezes </a>for a great review.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Wendy Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12246043561780985526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3188543245141418735.post-10504854501604367692011-08-11T22:14:00.013+01:002011-09-13T15:08:42.301+01:00Meet The Authors at Selsey<div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMeRil5Xjgz-Ho3mZGzt9BG2wA1anDOhFp8z_0vCMW7tJq50nY52Fxy2xkpxBgaS3BXTxbyKry_KybAOi0oMUYGSBwmwjfXWDNmRXN4Pct1qfD9_0unGjhHejEhdkZsP1TW1OYmhWzcmQ/s1600/PICT0087.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 200px; height: 150px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639717724758380386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMeRil5Xjgz-Ho3mZGzt9BG2wA1anDOhFp8z_0vCMW7tJq50nY52Fxy2xkpxBgaS3BXTxbyKry_KybAOi0oMUYGSBwmwjfXWDNmRXN4Pct1qfD9_0unGjhHejEhdkZsP1TW1OYmhWzcmQ/s200/PICT0087.JPG" /></a>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 author<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1BP_W_6cjT_GtSsR4lQZcT2fVdtfgvE79gP3t5rvqyXO1z6tWrAZ6b4gGmBnHnmm52V3DcVw1zuBFW3hTb5s-Xth7AscC_Y_C5gyozwuELTJBWB50HAldiG1z2jcA-LEnWmK101Dy_BI/s1600/PICT0086.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 200px; height: 150px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639715291505755474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1BP_W_6cjT_GtSsR4lQZcT2fVdtfgvE79gP3t5rvqyXO1z6tWrAZ6b4gGmBnHnmm52V3DcVw1zuBFW3hTb5s-Xth7AscC_Y_C5gyozwuELTJBWB50HAldiG1z2jcA-LEnWmK101Dy_BI/s200/PICT0086.JPG" /></a>s 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! </div></div>Wendy Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12246043561780985526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3188543245141418735.post-77415828618829230472011-08-10T22:36:00.006+01:002011-08-10T23:25:45.327+01:00It's Launched!<div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTmp0ZrXswa_Rt7inPJtYZGrXZfNuScYgWV6qMsAJ0RzjWUmyJcn3sBTkx-3yNvWevLMmSBbPMl_0OkdOM_GmOE-lmCwh-fA-SLXwmdzKDXLnCXyhz-weoi78SdGNOI-qv6tzI-jC9Eks/s1600/Board+-+Small+Size.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 192px; height: 203px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639347655823100466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTmp0ZrXswa_Rt7inPJtYZGrXZfNuScYgWV6qMsAJ0RzjWUmyJcn3sBTkx-3yNvWevLMmSBbPMl_0OkdOM_GmOE-lmCwh-fA-SLXwmdzKDXLnCXyhz-weoi78SdGNOI-qv6tzI-jC9Eks/s200/Board+-+Small+Size.jpg" /></a>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<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5B8AKrXzmyA4-Si8lrokIpV6uo6m6vmMWXNlhncZ_n35hHtPttnbPBizgQS2EzQYneZCTAE7qBI9MgY40UsaZj1rvDltwA0oAhMVPjqvwexjkfnE1keoOBjdqJmXSKVCI0fjFgni8KVU/s1600/The+Shipwrecks+of+Sussex.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 113px; height: 160px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639347058025879746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5B8AKrXzmyA4-Si8lrokIpV6uo6m6vmMWXNlhncZ_n35hHtPttnbPBizgQS2EzQYneZCTAE7qBI9MgY40UsaZj1rvDltwA0oAhMVPjqvwexjkfnE1keoOBjdqJmXSKVCI0fjFgni8KVU/s200/The+Shipwrecks+of+Sussex.jpg" /></a> 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.</div><div>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. </div><div>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 <a href="mailto:wendy@stickler.org.uk">wendy@stickler.org.uk</a></div><div>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. </div>Wendy Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12246043561780985526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3188543245141418735.post-79156085018485939802011-02-28T16:09:00.003+00:002011-02-28T16:35:34.689+00:00It's Published!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA_K_M6M3-iDFUeXWHwBvs-0SKVnBphT7gDU5QxyxJF6rRopPagPWJUha04cH_sugddRC5GHO3JA4oKD_ET8pAuwVLZN52KSqhXr4JEl1PRoYouamsLJP1dVtkAIgJ-x91JmwKVYm3sK4/s1600/The+Story+of+Pembrokeshire.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 139px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578774074672892834" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA_K_M6M3-iDFUeXWHwBvs-0SKVnBphT7gDU5QxyxJF6rRopPagPWJUha04cH_sugddRC5GHO3JA4oKD_ET8pAuwVLZN52KSqhXr4JEl1PRoYouamsLJP1dVtkAIgJ-x91JmwKVYm3sK4/s200/The+Story+of+Pembrokeshire.jpg" /></a><br /><div>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 <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">is just</span> around the corner.<br /><br />Today copies of <a href="http://http//www.amazon.co.uk/Story-Pembrokeshire-Wendy-Hughes/dp/1845241568/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1298910704&sr=8-4">The Story of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Pembrokeshire</span> </a>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 <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Myrddin</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">ap</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Dafydd</span> and his team at<a href="http://http//www.carreg-gwalch.com/"> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Gwasg</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Carreg</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Gwalch</span> </a>for an excellent production. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Pembrokeshire</span> is a county that has a unique blend of history, legends and notorious characters. Where in the midst of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">commercialism</span> can one find peace, tranquility and a paradise for nature lovers? Where else, but <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">Pembrokeshire</span>; 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 <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">shear-waters</span> and the Grey Atlantic seal. I urge everyone to explore the county and enjoy its beauty. </div><div></div><div>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.</div><div></div><div>Preparations of the Stickler Syndrome Support Group conference in well underway. This time we are holding it at a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">Barcelo</span> hotel in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">Daventry</span> and have just returned after spending a delightful few days in the area.</div><div></div><div></div>Wendy Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12246043561780985526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3188543245141418735.post-84208347331840007842011-01-27T12:14:00.009+00:002011-01-29T11:17:24.179+00:00It'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.<br /><br /><br />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.<br /><br />February 2110 - This left me working at a silly catch-up situation with my book Haunted <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Worthing</span></span>.<br /><br />March/April/May 2010 - working 'flat out' on various projects, until one day I discovered that a pile of notes I had <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">accumulated</span> 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 <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Worthing</span> I also managed to completely update The Story of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Pembrokeshire</span></span> and The Story of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Gower</span></span>.<br /><br />June 2010 - Te beginning of June I managed to squeeze in a super break to Normandy. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Suitably</span> relaxed and refreshed I spend the rest of the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">month</span> travelling along the coast researching shipwrecks and visiting some excellent museums.<br /><br />July/August 2010 - saw me proof reading and working on Shipwrecks of Sussex and locating and taking photographs for the book.<br /><br /><br />September 2010 - I heard that I had had been successful in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Southampton's</span> Writing Buddies First <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Anniversary</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">competition</span>, picking up a first place in the 1500 word short story category, a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">third</span> place for a non-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">fiction</span> article, and a highly <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">commended</span> for another 1500 word short story.<br /><br />October 2010 - Saw the launch of Haunted <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">Worthing</span> at British Bookshops in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">Worthing</span>, and also at The Dolphin Hotel in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-error">Littlehampton</span>. Both launches took place around <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-error">Hallowen</span><br /><br />November 2010- A frantic month as I re-worked my Shipwrecks book. I had far too much material, so I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">ended</span> up re-jigging chapters and taking two out. Eventually it was finished!<br /><br />December 2010 - The month was lost to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Christmas</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_19" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">preparations</span> and he year <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_20" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">ended</span> with a well deserved rest!<br /><p>Which brings me to the month of January 2011. The publication of The Story of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_21" class="blsp-spelling-error">Pembrokeshire</span></span> has been <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">deferred</span> to March 2011 and will be out in time for the Easter holiday trade. I have just, this week, finished proofreading The Story of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_22" class="blsp-spelling-error">Gower</span></span>, 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 <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_23" class="blsp-spelling-error">Daventry.</span></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>Wendy Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12246043561780985526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3188543245141418735.post-59652045435952340622010-11-22T16:35:00.011+00:002010-11-23T16:08:04.542+00:00Sad news - a Tribute to Gunnar Stickler<div align="center"><br /></div><br /><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPnsV_0LXBuMcjvE7jEHXEQMXcl4VbyapBSNHhh5XQXXkjN3Hf6JSK-vQeZUQmbMcKjRTGQocfw0Qe7ebEBHpENwpPLAg0TpfoqQ83b97Qayl1ErVOo3d5MNoAPmn4EqrQiyp0-qnx6pM/s1600/Gunnar.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 126px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542415646617270194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPnsV_0LXBuMcjvE7jEHXEQMXcl4VbyapBSNHhh5XQXXkjN3Hf6JSK-vQeZUQmbMcKjRTGQocfw0Qe7ebEBHpENwpPLAg0TpfoqQ83b97Qayl1ErVOo3d5MNoAPmn4EqrQiyp0-qnx6pM/s200/Gunnar.jpg" /></a>It is with much sadness that I have to report the death of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Gunnar</span> B Stickler who passed away suddenly at his home in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Wayzata</span> Minneapolis USA on Thursday 4 November at the age of 85. I remember him for his compassion, energy and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">unassuming</span> manner. The world has lost a great charismatic man who cared passionately for his patients, and cared deeply for people affected by Stickler Syndrome. Sadly I was unable to attend his memorial service but was asked to send out 70 copies of <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ten-Years-Wendy-Hughes/dp/1903263018/ref=sr_1_21?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1290447503&sr=1-21">Ten Years On</a>, the book I produced for the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">support</span> group's 10<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> anniversary in 1999 and presented to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Gunnar</span> and his family. The first half of the book explains how and why I set up the<a href="http://www.stickler.org.uk/"> Stickler Syndrome Support Group</a>, and the second half contained a biographical sketch of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Gunnar</span>. I sent the following message to be read out at the service: 'I am so sorry I cannot be with you today, but the journey was simply not possible. I feel extremely wretched about this, but knowing <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Gunnar</span>, I am sure he would have understood. When I was diagnosed with Stickler Syndrome in 1988 I found very little information in the UK about it, so I wrote to the Mayo Clinic, where it was defined, for information, and of my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">intention</span> to set up a support group. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">Gunnar</span> responded to my letter and enclosed copies of his 1965 and 1967 papers and put me in touch with several American families. This was SO typical of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">Gunnar</span>, and so began a warm correspondence. His interest in every aspect of life shone through every communication. We discussed many subjects ranging from the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">atrocities</span> of war, to his love of sport, especially <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">iceboating</span>, to his concerns of bei<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrm7S1ef0nknKgEb7kw81mhfNgM0OWwj7vD3_XtKvzplvX6zEf6aS0A06thw15c6LS9H3dB77TLygvMLOqHkxzQvWpN9xmY1Q87cNhZ355Iz5B_DjHexFFZoUu2pB-9SwqmJYgNAwwuT0/s1600/Gunnar+Opening+B%2526W.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 104px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542420920159629186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrm7S1ef0nknKgEb7kw81mhfNgM0OWwj7vD3_XtKvzplvX6zEf6aS0A06thw15c6LS9H3dB77TLygvMLOqHkxzQvWpN9xmY1Q87cNhZ355Iz5B_DjHexFFZoUu2pB-9SwqmJYgNAwwuT0/s200/Gunnar+Opening+B%2526W.jpg" /></a>ng an over protective grandfather. I eventually set up the support group in 1989 for families with Stickler Syndrome, the first of its kind, and when I mentioned my intention to hold a 'Stickler' conference in the UK, his immediate response was so humble, and he promised to be there at my side to support me. True to his word, he came over to our first conference in November 1994. and I will never forget the pleasure of meeting him for the first time, his great compassion, his unassuming manner, and our members can still recall his gentleness. His love and empathy for sick children was obvious that weekend as he made a point of talking to them all, as well as <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">their</span> families. Again when I wrote the book <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Stickler-Syndrome-Wendy-L-Hughes/dp/0952662515/ref=sr_1_18?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1290447595&sr=1-18">'Stickler the Elusive Syndrome' </a>I sent him the manuscript to read and asked him to write a preface. In it he wrote: 'While looking on to the flooded Mississippi from my study I think of man's continued effort to make order out of chaos. I reflect on the remarkable book Wendy Hughes has written. She describes very well the hereditary disease which we at the Mayo Clinic named... It is society's gain that Wendy's condition was diagnosed and defined. Some order replace chaos.' <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">Gunnar</span> was extremely interested and supportive of all my writing and was always keen to receive copies of anything I published. He came over gain to our 10<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> anniversary conference in 1999 and when I presented him with a copy of Ten Years On he could not believe it, and kept saying 'For me? Usually nothing is written about a medical person until they are dead!' the joy on his face that day was an image I shall always remember, and I am so please I wrote that book. He kept rubbing my shoulder in disbelief saying he did not deserve this fuss. The world was lost a great, unassuming man. His family have lost a loving husband, father and grandfather, but through The Stickler Syndrome Support Group and other groups around the world his legacy of defining the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">condition</span> will live on. he will always have a special affectionate place in my heart, and I feel extremely privileged and honoured to have known and met him.</div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 216px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 164px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542423772354311810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJmmIFk7ME_9BIqJBpM0LVa0EVVIDlrfXABjBin7avPHBFl4MChwSmDxhkMxum97hmFRP7dJFPMtapz_M27TNx1iqmrmtcjUpVdyHe6-qUPk-KwfGwnSYtYK_5CiSKtCwjE3D5MG1MPXE/s200/Cutting+the+Cake.jpg" /><br /><p align="center"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-error">Gunnar</span> and me, cutting our 10<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> anniversary cake.<br /></p>Wendy Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12246043561780985526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3188543245141418735.post-29904255281547073612010-10-31T15:27:00.010+00:002010-11-10T18:06:57.107+00:00The Launch of Haunted Worthing<a href="http://http//www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Haunted+Worthing&x=11&y=28"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 218px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534232778660904274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxURRdj1dBCoDsBjdMrGRqBVJeW38Tz3uZ9d7se20aHyKc9-G2EoZWTNs6Kzkuds87qzrQFideOv9fI0WusUMKtWMq808IJVy4JWwHcpQUD5iWanPqkLiNtSINALT0NXDZ0ktQSIi_-pk/s200/Haunted+Worthing+2.jpg" /> Haunted <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Worthing</span> </a>was launched yesterday at British Bookshops in Montague Place in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Worthing</span>, and many thanks you all who came, and a special thanks to all who bought a copy. It was a very successful day and I do hope you will enjoy finding out a little more about <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Worthing</span> and its surrounds. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Worthing</span> is noted for its seaside and 'fresh air' qualities and is relatively new as towns go, so at first glance you may not even consider it a spooky town. But think again! The ghosts who reside at <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Worthing</span> are quite a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">friendly</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">peaceful</span> bunch, so it is obvious that they are content to life in harmony with their surroundings. So next time you wander into the town keep a lookout for the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">ghostly</span> figures of two <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">children</span> peering from an upstairs <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">window </span>onto the main street, or you may catch a sighting of the tall ghost dressed in white that once frequented the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">Dragoon</span> public house, the scene of a brawl that ended in murder. Some say it's his ghost that used to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">frequent</span> the pub before it was demolished, so where is he now? Perhaps you have even caught a glimpse of the 'Grey Lady' making a fleeting appearance in the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">Connaught</span> Theatre? If walking is your pleasure then on your travels you may encounter the 8ft hooded monk studying his prayer book, or perhaps you may see the flickering <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">candles</span> in the middle of road, possibly connected with the Knights Templar. Just 'down the road' at <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">Littlehampton</span> a visit to the Dolphin Hotel, declared to be the most haunted building in the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">town,</span> is a truly freaky experience, and not one for the fainted hearted. Here live a whole family of ghosts, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">including</span> a nursery full of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-error">mischievous children</span> who love to play games together, run around, make plenty of noise and are known to throw the odd item or three, but don't stay in room number 2. as you may meet the top half of a lady!<br />However launch over, no time to rest as I am putting the finishing touches to Shipwrecks of Sussex, so watch this post for updates. Meanwhile I am eagerly waiting copies of The Story of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" class="blsp-spelling-error">Pembrokeshire</span> which is due for release on 15 November. This is a greatly updated version of the book that came out in 1993, and has been in print every since. This edition will have two sections of coloured photographs, and will be approximately 50% longer. If you enjy this beautiful historic part of the world, so look out for a copy.Wendy Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12246043561780985526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3188543245141418735.post-78167086883778705492010-09-03T16:53:00.009+01:002010-09-07T18:30:48.564+01:00Touched by KindnessMost people reading my blog will know that besides my writing, I run a support group for people suffering from <a href="http://www.stickler.org.uk/">Stickler Syndrome</a>. One of our members Emma Sykes whose son has Stickler Syndrome and is now registered blind, has put a team together to endure and sponsor the 'Three Peaks Challenge' on 11-12 September 2010. They will be climbing Ben Nevis, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Scafell</span> Pike and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Snowdon</span> all in a period of 24 hours! What a challenge! The gruelling climb will start at 12 noon on Saturday with a 5 hour hike to Ben Nevis, then they will drive down to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Scafell</span> Pike for a 4 and a half hour hike, through the night and ending at 3am, finally finishing off their marathon with <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Snowdon</span> starting at 8am through to mid-day on the Sunday. The team consists of members and staff from <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Broadoak</span> Construction who are currently based on a project in London. They are Iain (Project Ma<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT8fL522flqrvhQZd15ThUEPXpYMSCIBjHOyW2tcpae_ybWyQpsYEt6A9ZWMRdIk1OCcPqrB9wSosN1hJ91GXkaW8WA5VXBG0ukfZ1iZX0mC3kc7MpPiUtdkbo1DoGa15cagTZ4_yObIg/s1600/DSCF0106.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 225px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 174px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512721189759088290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT8fL522flqrvhQZd15ThUEPXpYMSCIBjHOyW2tcpae_ybWyQpsYEt6A9ZWMRdIk1OCcPqrB9wSosN1hJ91GXkaW8WA5VXBG0ukfZ1iZX0mC3kc7MpPiUtdkbo1DoGa15cagTZ4_yObIg/s200/DSCF0106.JPG" /></a><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">nager</span>), Jeff and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Joss</span> (Site Managers), Emma (Health and Safety), Carl (<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">QS</span>) and Lukas (Site Security). Good luck to them all!<br /><div>All proceeds will go towards the next <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">SSSG</span> conference that we hope to hold in May 2011. These conferences are vitally important to our members as they have the opportunity to learn about current research, talk to the medical professionals about the condition and their worries, but far more importantly they are able to meet and network with fellow sufferers, and at this conference we hope to hold a mini conference within the main conference for the youngsters. This is most important so that they can discuss <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">their</span> hopes and fears for the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">future, </span>peer pressure, relationships, self esteem and much more. </div><div></div><div>Daniel, pictured above on the far right in a pink top at our last conference, was born with badly torn retinas and had to undergo emergency surgery when he was under a year old, the first of many operations this young man has to face. Emma is very grateful for finding the support group when she most needed it, and I feel very <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">privileged</span> that she has chosen to support us in this way. I have seen Daniel grow from a toddler, into a very capable happy teenager. Like many of our youngsters now and again Daniel gets upset and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">frustrated</span> with his condition, and who can blame him, especially as he will never be able to drive. This is such a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">disadvantage</span> in today's society, and I am sure <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">will be</span> one of the 'hot subjects' on the conference agenda.</div><div></div><div>If you can, please donate generously to this worthy cause, as any amount will help the group. The charity is run <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">solely</span> on donations, so our members will benefit directly. The more we can collect the cheaper we will be able to make the weekend, so that it will be <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">accessable</span> to more families, especially those on low incomes through no fault of their own. Any messages of luck and encouragement to the team will also be gratefully received, because they will <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">definitely</span> need all the support they can get! If you feel moved enough to donate anything, however small, please visit Emma's page at <a href="http://www.justgiving.com/Emma-Sykes">http://www.justgiving.com/Emma-Sykes</a>. Thank you.</div><br /><div></div>Wendy Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12246043561780985526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3188543245141418735.post-39412196204753477562010-08-27T16:59:00.010+01:002010-08-27T17:57:47.804+01:00Another Busy Week Bites the Dust<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy2lsl_L_-_FPdoGff7Ng0S5mYy_K8c_GzHHWgLWdo8AjThncJII006Zxu_F43CETci7q7Ts8m4EoQWYvoNVmFob4ZV8Cc5rgy8RLBc3i5z0Dm2sykJ5XYtqX64iwgF1ZuRjxAxk-y_sg/s1600/Seaford+Museum1.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy2lsl_L_-_FPdoGff7Ng0S5mYy_K8c_GzHHWgLWdo8AjThncJII006Zxu_F43CETci7q7Ts8m4EoQWYvoNVmFob4ZV8Cc5rgy8RLBc3i5z0Dm2sykJ5XYtqX64iwgF1ZuRjxAxk-y_sg/s200/Seaford+Museum1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510120464453119874" border="0" /></a>As another busy week draws to a close I reflect on what has turned out to be a very busy and productive week for me in pursuit of shipwrecks. Tuesday I went along to <a href="http://www.seafordmuseum.co.uk/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Seaford</span> Museum,</a> which is not open to the public on a Tuesday, but is one of the days when voluntary workers for the museum have a chance to update the archives or repair <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">artifacts that have been donated,</span> and for those like me, by prior arrangement, who have the opportunity to study their archives. These include an array of referenced documents, pictures and articles, as well as a register of houses in the town, which must be unique and a great asset for family tree researchers. The museum is housed in one of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Martello</span> Towers built when Napoleon threatened to cross the English Channel in 1803. It is nicknamed the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Tardis</span> by visitors due to its deceptive 5,000 sq ft of display area spanning three floors. 103 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Martello</span> towers were built from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Aldeburgh</span> in Suffolk around the coast to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Eastbourne</span> in Sussex, although many have now disappeared. This one is number 74, and well worth a visit, but do check out the <a href="http://www.seafordmuseum.co.uk/">website</a> as it is not open every day. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Seaford</span> Museum is <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">open</span> on Heritage Open Days, Saturday 11 September 2.30 to 4.30 and Sunday 12 September from 11am. to 4.30pm, so why not pop along? Many thanks to the working team on Tuesday who not only made me a cup of coffee, but helped with the photocopying.<br /><br />Wednesday saw me a little nearer to home at <a href="http://www.sussexpasr.co.uk/property/site.php?site_id=16"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Malipins</span> Museum </a>in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Shoreham</span>, housed in one of the oldest domestic buildings in Sussex, and sitting proud on the High Street. It has a fascinating collection of maritime history as well as local history for this part of Sussex and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Shoreham</span> Film Industry.<br /><br />Thursday turned into another productive day when a visit to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Littlehampton</span> Museum proved most interesting. Not only did I learn about another wreck I have not discovered before, but I had the wonderful opportunity of handling some of the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">artifacts</span> from this wreck. Many thanks to the museum staff who were so helpful.<br /><br />With a mass of notes and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">photocopied</span> material you can guess what I will be doing this weekend!Wendy Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12246043561780985526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3188543245141418735.post-31443116571184305582010-08-22T23:29:00.009+01:002010-08-23T20:36:40.827+01:00Shipwrecks and Meeting The Authors at Selsey<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPuXZHtUu6sg5ajYCQAGT1T9JQ-aNaz-DtFmd9s3f3LYcTgyPMOz3YLSYTFB2HtoVdNzaJ_OIo3HCyUpoVIhyphenhyphenlrIHJqchSn_gapEmKih4x-I99goqygmuByuTc1b-rKfoJKJjXAIA8vao/s1600/JChia+with+Wendy+Huges+Membership+Secretary+SWWJ+at+Meet+The+Authors+Selsey+20+08+10.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPuXZHtUu6sg5ajYCQAGT1T9JQ-aNaz-DtFmd9s3f3LYcTgyPMOz3YLSYTFB2HtoVdNzaJ_OIo3HCyUpoVIhyphenhyphenlrIHJqchSn_gapEmKih4x-I99goqygmuByuTc1b-rKfoJKJjXAIA8vao/s200/JChia+with+Wendy+Huges+Membership+Secretary+SWWJ+at+Meet+The+Authors+Selsey+20+08+10.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508365667682863106" border="0" /></a>What a hectic week, but a very productive one, with visits to the martime museums at Newhaven, Seaford and Shoreham in pursuit of information for my next book Shipwrecks on the South Coast, which is now taking shape and leaving me with a dilemma! There are so many shipwrecks that I think I will have be very selective, but a very enjoyable situation for an author to be in.<br />The highlight of the week for me was on Friday when I went along along to the 'Meet The Authors' event organised by Selsey Writers as part of the Selsey Festival. There were around 22 authors there, all eager to talk about their books and meet their readers. Pictured above is me with my very dear friend Josephine Chia who amongst other things has written an excellent book as a tribute to her mother. It has a most unusual title 'Frog Under a Coconut Shell', which is a Malay idiom that likens someone to a frog that lives under a coconut shell and who believes the shell to be its entire world. It refers to Josephines mother who although herself uneducated and living a parochial existence in a small village believed in and struggles for a greater vision - the right to educate her daughter and is a wonderful testament to the love and courage of a mother that changed Josephine's life forever. If you only buy one book this year, make sure it is this one. Do visit her <a href="http://www.josephinechia.com/">website </a>and learn more about her workWendy Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12246043561780985526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3188543245141418735.post-54892033214382182642010-08-14T10:04:00.004+01:002010-08-14T10:26:44.859+01:00Time Flies!It is well over a month since my last posting. Where does the time go? For me it has been an <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">extremely</span> busy time. <br /><br />On 6 July I spent a most enjoyable day at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Selsey</span> Writers talking about using folklore in your writing. The group were all asked to put some ideas on paper and the feedback session showed that most had come up with some really good original idea to work on. Well done <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Selsey</span> Writers and thank you for inviting me.<br /><br />I have managed to finish updating The Story of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Gower</span>, which is now 50% larger than the original, and like the The Story of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Pembrokeshire</span> will have two sections of colour photographs. This is now with the publishers, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Gwasg</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Carreg</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Gwalch</span>. The manuscript of The Story of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Pembrokeshire</span> was returned so that I could include an index, which I am very pleased about. Since this book was first published in 1993 I have had some super letters - always godo for a writer to receive - but several had said that an index <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">would</span> have helped, especially when they were exploring the area.<br /><br />Nearer home I have been working hard on my next book The Shipwrecks of Sussex, which is <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">proving</span> to be a fascinating subject. So far I have meet some super people who are willing to share information with me, and I have several visits lined up in the coming couple of weeks with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Marlipins</span> Museum in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Shoreham</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Littlehampton</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Seaford</span> Museums. A visit to the visitors centre at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Beachy</span> Head ealier this week proved most useful, and I fear my problem will be <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">choosing</span> what to put in the book. At the same time I am also working on The Story of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Carmarthenshire</span>, which will form part of The Story of ... series. So a busy few months ahead for me! What's new I hear my readers ask.<br /><br />I am also waiting with anticipation the arrival of Haunted <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Worthing</span>, which should be available from September, so watch this space for details, book signings, etc.Wendy Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12246043561780985526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3188543245141418735.post-33470578657980774362010-07-03T16:37:00.007+01:002010-07-03T17:00:44.870+01:00This morning the proofs of my next book, Haunted <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Worthing</span></span> arrived for me to check and return. This is always an exciting time for any author when finally you see your book set out on the page with all the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">photographs</span> in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">situ</span></span>. At last you feel that all your hard work is worth it. So... with the sun blazing down on my garden, now an array of colour, I shall be sitting under the shade of an umbrella to read and check my book with the slight <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">interruption</span> of the seagulls. Several weeks ago we discovered a seagulls nest wedged against the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">chimney</span> on the roof. Presently we noticed two little chicks had hatched, and over the coming weeks we have watched them take their first steps as 'mum' stands poised to pounce if anything should go wrong. It has been an interesting experience, and now the chicks are much bigger and their feather seem to be changing colour, I am assuming that it will not be long before they learn to fly.<br />I have an interesting event lined up for Tuesday 5<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"></span> July. I have been invited to talk to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Selsey</span></span> Writers about using folklore in their writing. I am really looking forward to meeting everyone and gaining a few more writing friends. I have drawn on folklore in most of my books, especially the Story of... series where I tell the story of the county from the beginning of time to present day. Watch this space as the updated book on The Story of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Pembrokeshire</span></span> will be published any day now. This book was first published in 1993 and has been in print every since, but I am sure this updated version, together with many colour photographs will be welcomed.Wendy Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12246043561780985526noreply@blogger.com0