creative writing derbyshire

Episode 53 – Guest Interview – Fiona Thomas

We are back in the writers’ room and we have a guest in our hot seat this week!

Fiona Thomas – from Fionalikestoblog.com

Fiona Thomas is an author and freelance writer with work published in iPaper, Grazia, Happiful Magazine and Huffington Post. Her most recent book Out of Office: Ditch the 9-5 and Be Your Own Boss. They have featured Fiona in Stylist, Forbes, Daily Mail and shortlisted her for a Business Book Award.

In this episode, we ask Fiona:

1. Can you tell us about your writing journey?
2. What advice do you have for someone who wants to make a living from writing?
3. Can you provide three tips or techniques to help our listener find new clients/ or pitch for work?
4. What challenges have you faced working as a freelance writer? How have you overcome these?
5. Can you tell us more about your book ‘Out of Office’? How did you approach an agent and get your book deal?
6. Your website ‘Fiona likes to blog’ gives a clue about how your writing journey started, but I’d love your thoughts about blogging now? Is blogging dead?
7. What advice would you give to our listener if they wanted to blog?

You can find more about Fiona at:

• Fiona Thomas
• The 'Typo' Newsletter
• Instagram
• Twitter

You can buy Fiona’s books on Amazon:

• Depression in a Digital Age: The Highs and Lows of Perfectionism. 
• Out of Office: Ditch the 9-5 and Be Your Own Boss

If you liked this episode, we want to hear from you, email info@derbyshirewritingschool.com or send us a voice message.

Thanks for listening!

Episode 52 - The Writer’s Toolbox  - The Writing Workshop

In this episode, Pete and Laura chat about the tool of a writing workshop.

• What Is A Writing Workshop?
• How Does A Writing Workshop Run?
• What Is The Aim Of a Writing Workshop?
• Why Is A Writing Workshop Useful For People Who Want To Write? 
• What feedback we should expect from a writing workshop?
• How Can Derbyshire Writing School Help?

At Derbyshire Writing School, we run courses, workshops, and retreats to help you develop your work. We are planning some exciting writing workshops centred around critique and development of your creative work and events that simple celebrate time to write. To find out more, sign up to our monthly newsletter. 

Inspiration to writers from Steven Pressfield

Stephen King writes in his book On Writing – “Writing is a lonely job. Having someone who believes in you makes a lot of difference. They don’t have to make speeches. Just believing is usually enough.”

Send someone you know a note of encouragement today.

We want to hear from you! info@derbyshirewritingschool.com

Send us a voice message.

Thanks for listening!

THE WRITERS’ ROOM - Where Do Ideas Come From? 

Where do ideas come from? Do find you have a never-ending supply of creativity coursing through your mind? Or do you struggle to find inspiration?

In this episode, Pete and Laura chat about creativity – where they find ideas spark and how they develop those ideas. They also ask, can we have too many ideas? 

Where to look for ideas?

• Go on an Artist Date.
• Get a writer’s journal and update with something every day.
• Write 10 ideas a day for 5 days.

PERSONAL PROJECTS – In this section, we share what we’ve been working on. 

Pete and Laura discuss the week’s activities – Laura is working on the second Everyday Storytellers book. Pete mentions the discovery of the new writing and formatting software Atticus. 

Recommended Product of the Week – Audible

Laura and Pete have benefited from having an audiobook subscription with Audible.

Not tried ‘reading’ the latest books while out walking or doing a job around the house? Then try Audible for 30 days free by using our affiliate link - Audible - Derbyshire Writing School. Not only will you have time to hear a book for free, but by using our link, it helps support the work of Derbyshire Writing School. Thanks!

BOOKS WE ARE READING AND RECOMMEND – What books are we reading this week?

Laura is recommending - Steal Like An Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative by Austin Kleon. 

“Where do you get your ideas?” The honest artist answers, “I steal them.” ― Austin Kleon

Pete is reading – Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, and Virtual Worlds - The Impact of Converging Technologies On Authors and the Publishing Industry by Joanna Penn. 

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT DERBYSHIRE WRITING SCHOOL THIS WEEK? - How are we building the business this week?

This week Laura shared a new project she working on: Get ready for - The 12 Days of Journaling!

Episode 43 - The Writer’s Toolbox  - The Tool of NaNoWriMo

NaNoWriMo = National Novel Writing Month.

It started back in 1999 in the States and has grown into a vast community. It’s a non-profit organisation, with the sole aim of helping you to tell your story. The challenge is to write 1,700 words a day, every day for a month. 

There are a few rules:

• Only words you write in November count.
• One author writes the words.
• You must write fiction.

Should You Take Part In NaNoWriMo?

Writing a novel in a month might not be for everyone. But, there are lots of benefits for taking part and saying ‘yes’ to the challenge!

Our Top Tips for A Successful NaNoWriMo

1. Plan your story.

2. Plan your writing routine.

3. Ask friends to help keep you accountable.

4. Track your progress!

Some fantastic books have been born during NaNoWriMo. The most famous is Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen. It became a film with Reese Witherspoon and Robert Pattinson! You can check out some more great NaNoWriMo novels in this article, too.

We’d love to know if you will join NaNoWriMo in 2021 - Send us a message now!

Send us a voice message - through Speakpipe.

Thanks for listening!

email: Info@Derbyshirewritingschool.com

Episode 42 – The Writer’s Toolbox – A Writing Tribe

In this episode, Pete and Laura take another delve into The Writer’s Toolbox and add the tool of a Writing Tribe to the toolbox.

Writing can feel lonely. Not just the act of tapping away at the keys, but losing yourself in your work and wondering if another pair of eyes will ever read it. 

Creating a writing tribe can be a wonderful way to find motivation, encouragement, accountability, and community. That’s why this week we are adding the tool of the writing tribe to our writer’s toolbox.

What Is A Writing Tribe?

A writing tribe is simply a writing community. It’s a group of like-minded people, a group of writers that support each other, a group of friends or professionals with something in common – writing. 

It’s important to note that a writing tribe can look different to different people. 

A writing tribe can also offer motivation and accountability. 

Where Do We Find A Writing Tribe?

• Join a course or a workshop.
• Join a Facebook group. 
• Start a book club! 
• Start a writing circle with friends. 

How can Derbyshire Writing School help?

The 3% Club – Online Writing Community.  We offer group programmes, like our 3% Club, to help you meet other writers and network. 

Our Time to Write online programme can also help you to feel part of a writing tribe. We believe in you and your story, so keep going!

We’d love to know how you got on with the tool of a writer’s tribe. Use the email below and tell us how you have used this tool in your writing. 

We want to hear from you! info@derbyshirewritingschool.com

Send us a voice message - through Speakpipe.

Thanks for listening!

Episode 41 - Guest Interview - Chris Gregory - How To Write Audio Drama

Chris Gregory is the founder of the Alternative Stories and Fake Realities Podcast. 

Alternative Stories have provided content to BBC and North American radio stations, represented the UK at the International Radio Drama Festival for the past two years and has been nominated for many Audio Verse Awards (for podcast drama) as well as nominated for Best Arts Podcast in this year's Discover Pods awards.

The podcast provides opportunities for writers to hear their work professionally produced and shared with the podcast’s global audience.

Chris also runs workshops on writing for audio drama and many aspects of recording, performance, and podcasting for writers and publishers. His four-part audio drama "Anglia" appeared on Alternative Stories.

Pete and Laura ask Chris:-

• How did your journey into writing begin?
• What is it about audio drama that captured your creative imagination enough to bring it to a wider audience through your podcast?
• What are three differences between writing for audio rather than writing a novel or a short story?
• What advice would you give to someone who wanted to write an audio drama? How should they get started?
• How do you capture a listeners’ attention through an audio drama?
• ‘There’s never been a better time to make audio drama.’ Why is that?
• How do you see the future of audio drama being opened up to creatives to record and develop their own storytelling and online platform?

Where to find the - Alternative Stories Podcast

Twitter - @StoriesAlt
Instagram - @stories.alt
Apple Podcasts - Alternative Stories and Fake Realities
Website - Alternative Stories and Fake Realities
Email Chris - Chris Gregory office@alternativestories.com

Training Course -  Introductory workshop about writing audio drama

Thank you for being a part of our journey so far. We are glad you’re here and we are grateful or your support. We want to hear from you! info@derbyshirewritingschool.com

Send us a voice message - through Speakpipe.

Thanks for listening!

We have a guest in The Writers’ Room this week - Alex Davis. Alex is an author and literature professional based in Derby. Today he joins Pete and Laura to talk about How To Write A Ghost Story.

As a writer, Alex has published a novel - THE LAST WAR - a science-fiction novel and a non-fiction book along with 50+ short stories and poems. Among them four short stories called - FIGHTING CATS AND DOGS.

Alex currently works as an Associate Lecturer in Creative and Professional Writing for the University of Derby, and is a freelance copy-editor, proofreader, and events organiser. 

Alex also works as Literature Officer for Derby's QUAD venue, where he organises a host of year-round writing activities.

Pete and Laura ask Alex:-

1. Where did your interest in reading and writing ghost stories start?

2. What are the key elements to writing ghost stories?

3. How can we create the tension and suspense that's needed in our writing?

4. How do you decide on a 'scare' level for the story?

5. Are there any specific books you'd recommend to listeners as 'classic' or must-read ghost stories? And how can reading these help to write ghost stories?

6. Setting is so important for these types of stories. Can you tell us more about how to choose a setting? And is it true that Derbyshire has an affinity for ghost stories?

7. We heard a rumour that you are hosting a UK-wide ghost story festival. Can you tell us more about this?

For information on the Ghost Story Festival 2021 - 

Read about the most recent festival.

Follow the Ghost Story Festival on Twitter

Contact Alex Davis

You can find more about Alex and the services he offers also at his website - Alex Davis Writing.

You can find Alex on Twitter at @AlexDavis1981 where you can find the details of his online courses.

If you enjoyed this episode with Alex, you’ll enjoy Episode 12 - Hot Seat Interview - Alex Davis - How To Self Edit Your Writing.

Episode 35 - How Do I Find Time To Write?

In THE WRITERS’ ROOM - How Do I Find Time To Write?

Finding time to write feels impossible. There is always something else that seems more important. As they say, a writer’s house is never as clean as just before they sit down to write!  But in all seriousness, how do we find time to write? That’s the question we’re tackling in the Writer’s Room on this episode of the podcast.

We all like the feeling of having written, but sometimes having to write doesn’t come easy! It’s hard  - simply it takes discipline and habit and sometimes ‘life’ gets in the way. It is the same for everyone.

“Most successful authors began their writing career in the margins of their normal life.” Gist MacDonald.

LESSONS WE’VE LEARNED THIS WEEK - What have we learned about writing & publishing this week?

Pete talks about his new writing project on Substack  – The Art of Memorialising - The Art of Memorialising newsletter helps you learn the latest news about digital immortality, digital legacy, digital life curation, and all things #Deathtech. 

Laura talks about her new website - Laura Stroud Author

BOOKS WE ARE READING AND RECOMMEND – What books are we reading this week?

Pete talks about The Boron Letters by Gary Halbert, while Laura reflects on Glorious Rock Bottom by Bryony Gordon  – Non-fiction writing that reads like fiction.

Recommended Product of the Week – Audible

Laura and Pete have benefited from having an audiobook subscription with Audible.

Not tried ‘reading’ the latest books while out walking or doing a job around the house? Then try Audible for 30 days free by using our affiliate link - Audible - Derbyshire Writing School Not only will you have time to hear a book for free, but by using our link, it helps support the work of Derbyshire Writing School. Thanks!

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT DERBYSHIRE WRITING SCHOOL THIS WEEK? – How are we building the business this week?

The 3% Club – Online Writing Community

Do you struggle to find the time to write? Do you worry about how to move your novel forward? Do you wish someone would keep you accountable? If you said yes, The 3% Club is for you. An online writing community filled with practical and creative advice to help you finish your novel.

PERSONAL UPDATES – What’s going on in our lives?

Dad and daughter - Pete and Laura - are walking The Limestone Way together.

Thank you for being a part of our journey so far. We are glad you’re here and we are grateful for your support. We want to hear from you! info@derbyshirewritingschool.com

Send us a voice message - through Speakpipe.

Thanks for listening!

We have reached the last episode of season one! For 33 weeks we’ve shown up week in and week out and have lots of fun creating this podcast, but this isn’t goodbye, it’s see you soon. 

Taking 9 weeks off for summer, we will work hard to plan and create the best podcast episodes about writing. We are writers and we want to share what we’re learning to help you grow as a writer too. 

So we will be back on September 3rd for more interviews, toolbox episodes and dad and daughter chats.

In this episode, Pete and Laura chat about the podcast season one. They decide on their favourite podcast episodes and top moments from season one. 

Oh, and have some laughs along the way!

Pete mentions Ann Handley’s Newsletter Tips

Everybody Writes Writing Tip of the Fortnight

Write four drafts to everything:

• The Ugly First Draft. Barf it up! Get it out!
• The chainsaw edit. Move the big chunks around. Is it starting to take shape?
•  Surgical-tool edit. Finer editing. Each word must earn its keep.
•  Read it out loud. Does it sound like writing? If so, revisit #3. Repeat.

Recommended Product of the Week - Audible

Laura and Pete have benefited from having an audiobook subscription with Audible.

Have you tried ‘reading’ the latest books while out walking or doing a job around the house? Why not try Audible for FREE for 30 days by using our affiliate link - Audible - Derbyshire Writing School. Not only will you have time to hear a book for free but using our link, helps support the work of Derbyshire Writing School. Thanks!

Books Mentioned:-

Think Big: Take Small Steps and Build the Future You Want – Dr Grace Lordan

Lifespan: Why We Age – and Why We Don’t Have To – Dr David A. Sinclair

During the summer Pete is starting a newsletter on Substack. It’s called The Art of Memorialising - you can sign up HERE.

We will be back in September.

We would love to hear from you! - info@derbyshirewritingschool.com

Send us a voice message - through Speakpipe.

Thanks for listening!

Episode 31 - Guest Interview - Lucy Thorpe - How Do I Become A Freelance Writer?

Lucy Thorpe is a freelance writer who works with brands and publications in health, lifestyle, beauty and marketing. Lucy writes content, copy, editorial and provides marketing services to businesses around the world.

For more information, visit - www.lucythorpecontent.com

In this episode of the podcast, Laura and Pete chat with Lucy about the highs and lows, benefits and challenges of being a full-time freelance writer. 

Laura and Pete ask Lucy:

• Tell us about yourself and your journey. How did you get started with freelance writing?
• What do we mean by a freelance writer? What work do you do?
• What advice would you give to someone starting out on their journey into freelance writing?
• What advice have you got for pitching for writing work?
• Do you have a solid plan and strict writing goals? Tell us about your writing process.
• What’s next for you? What projects are you working on?

Lucy recommends the book – You’re the Business: How to Build a Successful Career When You Strike Out Alone by Anna Codrea-Rado 

For more information and to get in touch with Lucy, visit -  www.lucythorpecontent.com

Episode 30 - The Writer’s Toolbox - The Tool of Editing

In this episode, Pete and Laura take another delve into The Writer’s Toolbox and add the tool of editing as a writer. 

Hate it or love it, editing is a huge part of writing. We can’t avoid it, so it’s best to embrace it and ensure it’s part of or writing process. In this “Toolbox” podcast Peter and Laura chat about what we mean by editing?

• Editing is about revision and preparation.  
• It’s about removing and adding. 
• It’s about clarity and purpose.
• It’s the process of getting your work to the best standard it can be. 

What are the four different types of editing?

1. Substantive Edit
2. Structural Edit
3. Copy Edit
4. Proofread

What editing tools we can use?

• ProWritingAid
• The Hemmingway App
• Grammarly
• Scrivener. You may have heard of the writing software called Scrivener.

Is using the tool of editing worth it?

Editing in an essential part of the creative process. It can’t be rushed or avoided. Make time in your plans to ensure editing is central to your development as a writer. 

You won’t regret it!

We’d love to know how you got on editing as a writer. Use the email below and tell us how you have used this tool in your writing. 

We want to hear from you! info@derbyshirewritingschool.com

Send us a voice message - through Speakpipe.

Thanks for listening!

Episode 29 - The Writer’s Toolbox - Constructing Characters

In this episode, Pete and Laura take another delve into The Writer’s Toolbox and add the tool of constructing characters as a writer. 

This week we are looking at the tool of characterisation and specifically ‘how to get inside your character’s head.’

Why You Need To Get Inside Your Character’s Head?

Getting inside your character’s head is never time wasted. 

• It will help you see the world through your character’s eyes. 
• It will help you find the story that your character must tell. 
• It will help you show the reader what your character’s life is like, rather than tell them. 
• It will help you know what genre you are writing.

 Prompts To Help You Develop A Character

• Describe your character in three words. 
• Pick one event from your characters past that has had the most impact on them – write about it.  
• What was your character’s family life like? How did this affect who they are?
• How would your character react if they were: Happy? Sad? Excited? Scared? In love? In danger?
• What values does your character have or believe in? Do they work hard? Are they trustworthy? A good friend? Do they believe in love? Are they cynical? Are they loyal and reliable? Do they take risks?
• What does your character care about above all else? Why do they care?
• What are your character’s deepest, darkest fears? 
• What are the secrets your character carries?
• What does your character look like? How does their voice sound? What clothes do they wear?
• How would others describe your character?
• What makes your character special or different? 
• What does your character want? Why do they want it? 
• Why should the reader care about your character?
• What is your character like at the start of the story? What will they be like at the end? How has your character changed? Can you describe this change?

Recommended Product of the Week - The Prompt Box

Have you ever stared at a blank screen and felt stuck for words? Like all your ideas have dried up. Are you feeling empty or uninspired? Do you need help to get your ideas moving? Or do you want to inject some joy back into your creative writing? The Prompt Box can help.

You don’t need to worry about finding those ideas anymore because our monthly writing prompt subscription box is here to help. Each month you’ll get a collection of bespoke and unique creative writing prompts delivered to your door, to get you unblocked and writing again. And just like how no person or story is the same, no box of ideas is the same either.

We’d love to know how you got on constructing characters as a writer. Use the email below and tell us how you have used this tool in your writing. 

We want to hear from you! info@derbyshirewritingschool.com

Send us a voice message - through Speakpipe.

Thanks for listening!

Episode 28 - Hot Seat Interview - Laura Stroud - Founder of Derbyshire Writing School

We are back in the writers’ room and we have a guest in our hot seat this week! I am really pleased to interview Derbyshire author, and the founder of Derbyshire Writing School, Laura Stroud. 

Pete asks Laura several questions about her writing and how they came to start Derbyshire Writing School.

1. When did you realise you wanted to be a writer, not just for enjoyment and pleasure, but to create a business and make it your future?
2. When do you remember for the first time being captivated by a book? What was it about? 
3. What motivates you to write?
4. What experiences of life do you return to in your writing? Travel seems to have motivated Everyday Storytellers, and your expertise as an events planner in DIY Wedding planner – do you draw all your ideas from experience or are you exploring fiction writing?
5. Why did you start Derbyshire Writing School? Why choose to locate it geographically, rather than a brand name?
6. What makes Derbyshire Writing School unique, what distinguishes it from other creative writing schools? 
7. What advice would you give to someone who wants to write, but doesn’t know where to start?
   
   Quick-fire Questions.

• What is the best writing advice you’ve been given?
• What’s a must-read book?
• What’s a quote you love. 

Books By Laura Stroud

• Everyday Storytellers: A step by step guide to writing about your travels, adventures & life.
• How to Plan Your DIY Wedding: Your step-by-step guide to building a personalised and meaningful wedding.

You Can Find More About Laura:

Laura at Derbyshire Writing School

• Twitter
• Instagram
• Facebook

Laura is Chief Storyteller at Stories From A Backpack – Travel Blog 

• Twitter
• Instagram
• Facebook

Peak District Events - Laura runs wedding planning workshops and offers on-the-day coordination.

Episode 27 - Why Should I Use Writing Prompts?

THE WRITERS’ ROOM - Why Should I Use Writing Prompts?

“Everybody walks past a thousand story ideas every day. The good writers are the ones who see five or six of them. Most people don’t see any.” — Orson Scott

In the Writers’ Room this week, Pete and Laura chat about the benefit of using writing prompts. Following on from the launch of The Prompt Box subscription, they discuss how writing prompts can be like training your writing muscles. How they can be a catalyst for new ideas, and how finding many ideas brings the marvellous stories to the surface of our minds and out into the world. 

Want to send a question? You can write to Pete and Laura at info@derbyshirewritingschool.com.

OUR CURRENT PROJECT UPDATES - What writing projects are we working on & what’s happened this week?

Laura starts the research for book two in the Everyday Storytellers series. While Pete sidesteps after reading Successful Aging by Daniel J. Levitin, finding new ideas that help the editing of his travel memoir. 

LESSONS WE’VE LEARNED THIS WEEK - What have we learned about writing & publishing this week?

Pete considers how using the Aphoristic style of writing could be an interesting idea with a fiction character, while Laura regains the fun and adventure starting the journey of a new book. 

Recommended Product of the Week - The Prompt Box

Have you ever stared at a blank screen and felt stuck for words? Like all your ideas have dried up. Are you feeling empty or uninspired? Do you need help to get your ideas moving? Or do you want to inject some joy back into your creative writing? The Prompt Box can help.

Each month you’ll get a collection of bespoke and unique creative writing prompts delivered to your door, to get you unblocked and writing again. And just like how no person or story is the same, no box of ideas is the same either.

BOOKS WE ARE READING AND RECOMMEND - What books are we reading this week?

Finite and Infinite Games by James P. Carse is intriguing Pete. It’s the toughest book he has picked up for a time, and leaving him confused and wanting to work at mining its secrets. Laura is reading - Anything You Want: 40 Lessons for a New Kind of Entrepreneur by Derek Sivers.

PERSONAL UPDATES - What’s going on in our lives?

Pete and Laura met up for the first time in ages and shared a home-cooked ‘Pub Lunch' and celebrated the publication of Laura’s book.

Send us a voice message - through Speakpipe.

Want to send a question? You can write to Pete and Laura at info@derbyshirewritingschool.com.

THE WRITERS’ ROOM 

In the Writers’ Room this week, Pete and Laura chat about writing non-fiction. 

Pete’s non-fiction books are:

• Nailed To The Cross: How Primitive Methodism Liberated The White Slaves of Bromsgrove 
• Death Goes Digital: How Funeral Directors Can Use LinkedIn To Demonstrate Professionalism, Build Reputation and Create Visibility

Laura’s non-fiction books are  - 

• Everyday Storytellers: A step by step guide to writing about your travels, adventures & life.
• How to Plan Your DIY Wedding: Your step-by-step guide to building a personalised and meaningful wedding.

If you would like to send a question or tell us about your experiences of writing non-fiction, you can write to Pete and Laura at info@derbyshirewritingschool.com.

OUR CURRENT PROJECT UPDATES - What writing projects are we working on & what’s happened this week?

Laura celebrates the publication of her ‘How to Plan Your DIY Wedding’ book (with a cheesy cheer added by Pete) and Pete is working through his memoir utilising the ‘show not tell’ advice from Alex Davis in episode 25. 

LESSONS WE’VE LEARNED THIS WEEK - What have we learned about writing & publishing this week?

Laura and Pete reflect on the power of words. 

Recommended Product of the Week - The Prompt Box

Have you ever stared at a blank screen and felt stuck for words? Like all your ideas have dried up. Are you feeling empty or uninspired? Do you need help to get your ideas moving? Our monthly writing prompt subscription box is here to help. 

BOOKS WE ARE READING AND RECOMMEND - What books are we reading this week?

Finite and Infinite Games by James P. Carse is intriguing Pete. It’s been a difficult book to read, leaving him confused and wanting to work at mining its secrets. 

Laura is reading Wintering: The power of rest and retreat in difficult times by Katherine May.

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT DERBYSHIRE WRITING SCHOOL THIS WEEK?

The Launch of Prompt Box. The Prompt Box will boost your imagination and ensure your writing is filled with joy and fun!

Episode 24 - The Writer’s Toolbox - What are Morning Pages?

In this episode, Pete and Laura take another delve into The Writer’s Toolbox and add the tool of ‘Morning Pages’. 

Julia Cameron made this tool famous in her book called ‘The Artist’s Way’. 

“In order to retrieve your creativity, you’ll need to find it. I ask you to do this by an apparently pointless process I call the morning pages… Morning Pages are meant to be, simply the act of moving the hand across the page and writing down whatever comes to mind.”

Why are Morning Pages important?

1. It teaches us persistence. 
2. It teaches us how to beat writer’s block. 
3. It teaches us to stop procrastinating.
4. It teaches us to stop judging ourselves.

Try these writing prompts for your morning pages 

• How do I feel today?
• What am I worried about?
• What am I grateful for?
• What else?
• What next?
• How did you yesterday go? 
• What stories can you write about from the past week?
• Who do you want to be today?

“Why do we write morning pages? To get to the other side.” – Julia Cameron.

We’d love to know how you got on trying Morning Pages. Use the email below and tell us how you have used this tool in your writing. 

We want to hear from you! info@derbyshirewritingschool.com

Send us a voice message - through Speakpipe.

Thanks for listening!

We are back in the writers’ room and we have a guest in our hot seat this week! We are really pleased to introduce Derbyshire author Daniel Henshaw.  

Daniel is the author of 5 children’s books, all featuring Jeremy Green:

• ‘The Great Snail Robbery’
• ‘The Curious Case of the Missing Orangutan’
• ‘Jeremy’s Shorts’
• ‘Glenkilly’
• ‘Killer Cat from Outer Space’.

Daniel is a qualified primary school teacher and holds a degree in English Studies.

In 2016, one of Daniel’s stories was shortlisted in the ‘Best Novel for Children’ category at the Wells Festival of Literature. A recording of his short story, ‘Grandad’s Ghost’, aired on BBC Radio in 2020. He lives in Derbyshire with his girlfriend and two cats, Morse and Thursday.

Pete and Laura chat with Daniel and ask him:

1. Tell us about yourself and your journey. How did you get started with writing?
2. How do you define a children’s book? Can you talk us through the different categories? Where do your books fit?
3. How do you decide on the structure of your stories?
4. What advice would you give to someone starting out on their journey of writing for children?
5. What are some of the common mistakes people make when writing books for children?

Follow Daniel on Twitter: @AuthorHenshaw

Or Facebook: www.facebook.com/JeremySnails 

Or to join Daniel’s mailing list (and receive some FREE reading activities), visit: https://tinyurl.com/tw9y5xm2

Episode 22 - Why It’s Absolutely Essential For A Writer To Rest

In this episode, Pete and Laura take another delve into The Writer’s Toolbox and add the tool of rest. 

Talking about rest as a writer can feel tricky. It stirs up lots of emotions about self-worth, productivity, and output. Often, we associate our worth with what we produce, and we tie up our success in how much we have achieved. This can be dangerous, as it can mean we don’t rest when we should. We can feel like we may not rest. But rest is absolutely essential.

There is a tool for every specific purpose - using the right tool to get the work done makes the task easier, more effective. It’s the same with writing tools. Knowing which tool to use at the right time helps every writer.

In the toolbox episodes, we share different writing tools to help you on your writing journey. 

“I am creating all the time, because it’s something I must do to keep from exploding. But there is something else I must do to keep from imploding: Rest.” – Rachel Toalson.

Rest helps us to:

1.     Become better writers.

2.    Develop more ideas.

3.    Understand who we are.

4.    Curate and create material to write about.

We’d love to know how you got on. Use the email below and tell us how you have brought rest into your creative writing.

We want to hear from you! Please send your questions and ideas for tools you need to add to your writing toolbox - info@derbyshirewritingschool.com

Send us a voice message - through Speakpipe.

Thanks for listening!

Episode 21 — How To Deal With Feedback?

THE WRITERS’ ROOM - How To Deal With Feedback?

“We all need people who will give us feedback. That’s how we improve.” Bill Gates.

In the Writers’ Room this week, Pete and Laura chat about getting and giving feedback on our writing. Pete and Laura recognise how important it is to receive feedback, but through their conversation recognise how we ask for, and how we give feedback, can make all the difference to improving our writing. Also, importantly, how having empathy and understanding when being asked for feedback is critical to remember.

OUR CURRENT PROJECT UPDATES - What writing projects are we working on & what’s happened this week?

Laura’s Wedding Planning Book is in the ultimate stages, receiving the manuscript back from proofreading. Also, Laura has been busy with freelance writing projects for her clients. Pete finds this episode very relevant as he begins the second edit of - Rose-buds in Kerela - his travel memoir.

LESSONS WE’VE LEARNED THIS WEEK - What have we learned about writing & publishing this week?

Pete recognises the value of feedback, he shared he was missing some of the changes in point of view in a couple of sections of his book. Pete talks about Total Annarchy - the newsletter from Ann Handley.  Relearning how important each stage of the work is hard in its own way. 

Recommended Product of the Week - The Alliance of Independent Authors

Laura talks about how valuable she finds being a member of The Alliance of Independent Authors. The advice, supportive guidance, and the range of resources she has found within a welcoming community of authors, she finds is worth exploring if you are an independent author. Not only can you join other developing writers if you become a member of The Alliance of Independent Authors, but by using our link, it helps support the work of Derbyshire Writing School. Thanks! 

BOOKS WE ARE READING AND RECOMMEND - What books are we reading this week?

Pete continues reading ‘The Corfu Trilogy’ by Gerald Durrell, and references a new book - A Calendar of Wisdom by Leo Tolstoy. Laura has The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday, and Laura also recommends a newsletter - 3,2,1 Newsletter by James Clear.

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT DERBYSHIRE WRITING SCHOOL THIS WEEK? - How are we building the business this week?

Poetry for Beginners –Workshop

Our Poetry for fiction writers is the perfect place to develop your writing and push your boundaries. Charlotte Lunn, Derbyshire-based poet, workshop facilitator, and bookseller delivers this session. To find out more about Charlotte and how to get started with poetry, listen to her interview on the Derbyshire Writing School podcast.

PERSONAL UPDATES - What’s going on in our lives?

Pete and Laura are grateful for the growing community of writers they are connecting with through the podcast and website. 

Feedback is a gift, you can accept it, re-gift it, use it for a while and pass it on, or you can graciously accept it and pop it into the charity shop bag. It’s your work!

We are back in the writers’ room and we have a guest in our hot seat this week! 

We are really pleased to introduce Derbyshire author Dawn Brookes. 

Dawn Brookes is an international bestselling author whose books have hit the number one spot in the USA, UK and Canada. Dawn is also the founder of a local literature festival in Oakwood, Derby.

Dawn Brookes holds an MA in creative writing and is the author of the Rachel Prince Mystery series, combining a unique blend of murder, cruising and medicine with a touch of romance. Her latest venture is the Carlos Jacobi series. Carlos is a PI and his sidekick is Fiona Cook, a troubled, but likeable detective sergeant.

Dawn takes regular cruise holidays for research purposes! She brings these passions along with a love of clean crime to her writing.

Pete and Laura ask Dawn -

1. Tell us about yourself and your journey. How did you get started with writing and self-publishing?
2. What is self-publishing? Or should we call it indie publishing? What's the difference?
3. Is it better to self-publish or work with a publisher? What are the benefits of self-publishing?
4. Where do you get your ideas from?
5. What advice would you give to someone starting out on their self-publishing journey?
6. What are some of the biggest or common mistakes you frequently see?
7. Do you have a solid plan and strict writing goals? Tell us about your process.
8. What's next for you? What projects are you working on?

Quick Fire Round:-

1. What's the best writing advice you've ever received?
2. What's a must-read book, you'd recommend?
3. What inspiration could you give to our listener?

You can find more out about Dawn on her website and on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. 

For more information on Dawn's books, you can find her Amazon author page here.