writing memoir

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.

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

John is an author, journalist, and broadcaster. He is a writer of bestselling autobiographies, including I Love the Bones of You with Christopher Eccleston and Stronger with Gareth Thomas. John is a TV and film critic for BBC radio. 

John has run his own comedy club and has extensive interests in popular culture and entertainment. He lives in the Staffordshire Moorlands with his wife Steph and two children.

 Pete and Laura ask John:-

1. What is ghostwriting? And how did you get started? Tell us about your journey.
2. How can we capture voice, personality, and tone within ghostwritten work?
3. What do you wish you’d learnt sooner about ghostwriting?
4. What advice would you give to someone starting out on their ghostwriting journey?
5. What are some of the biggest or common mistakes you frequently see?
6. What can we learn from ghostwriting to bring into other forms of writing?
7. Can you tell us about your writing process? For example, do you have a set routine?
8. What’s next for you? 

You can find out more about John Woodhouse on his website and on Twitter.

We have a guest in The Writers' Room this week - Lauren Davison

Lauren Davison is a Creative and Professional Writing student, currently studying at the University of Derby and she answers the big question – What is a creative writing degree really like? 

Lauren developed a passion for writing at a young age and in an interesting place! She enjoys writing both fiction and non-fiction, and exploring new genres through the modules of her joint honours degree.

In this interview, Lauren talks about the benefits and struggles of completing her degree in the middle of a pandemic and some lessons she has learned along the way. 

In this episode, Lauren’s must-read book recommendation is:  Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within by Natalie Goldberg. 

Lauren has been a valued team member here at Derbyshire Writing School for quite a few months now. Lauren writes regular blog posts for our website and has lots of great advice to share. You can read Lauren's blog posts here. You can also find Lauren on Twitter.

THE WRITERS’ ROOM - How do I write a blog post?

In the Writers’ Room this week, we chat about a question we have received from Laura, who attended one of our Online Courses:

‘Hi Laura and Pete, I want to move ahead with my writing and start blogging. How do I write a blog post?’

Laura suggests to:

1. Take some time to conduct a bit of research. Looking at blogs that you enjoy reading. Then decide what sort of blog you’d like to write, spend time to identify its purpose.
2. t's important to think about your audience, who might read these posts and how might your writing style be influenced by your intended audience? Knowing who you are writing for can help you focus the tone and style of the pieces. 
3. Start planning some posts and have fun with the writing. The key to a good blog post is that it's got a clear purpose and audience, but also that it has a solid structure. Ideally, you need a clear introduction, middle and nice summary at the end.

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

Laura is working through the long process of editing the Wedding Planning Book. And after the podcast episode with the editor Alex Davis, Pete is spending more time checking the draft of his travel memoir before sending it for the first edit. 

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

Pete has been reading Consider This: Moments in My Writing Life After Which Everything Was Different by Chuck Palahniuk.

Recommended Product of the Week - Vellum 

To format her book - Everyday Storytellers: A step-by-step guide to writing about your travels, adventures & life – Laura used Vellum. This is a software program that creates beautiful books from your manuscript. It then allows you to upload them, ready for sale. Once you have created your book in Vellum- it’s ready for print. Page numbers. Margins. Headers. Font. Line spacing. All the setup that can take hours elsewhere happens automatically with every book you create.

By using this link you can buy a tool to publish your books, and it helps support the work of Derbyshire Writing School. 

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

• Pete has been reading lots on the impact of sugar in our food. Interested how one author facing a problem turned the way he solved that problem into a series of books. 
• From the many books Laura read while having a few days off, she chooses Calypso by David Sedaris as the book she talked about this week. 

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

Laura tells us some feedback from one course and then the inspiration from one listener who sent us their writing wins. 

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

But both Pete and Laura feel as many do how important it is to keep positive through the lockdown, focusing on what makes them feel grateful. 

Send us a voice message - through Speakpipe.

Episode 14 - The Writer’s Toolbox - What is creative play?

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

When you write, does it feel like all work or play? What if taking your writing opportunities too seriously stifled your creative writing, rather than unleashing heaps of energy to change the world through your words?

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

What could you do to play with your creative writing today?

1. Why not try some writing that is entirely new to you? Could you try a new genre or a new form? Set a timer for fifteen minutes and don’t stop writing until it goes off.
2. Have fun with this free story generator, see where the characters and plot take you.
3. Spend five minutes writing a Haiku. (Here’s how to write a Haiku).
4. Try writing with a friend. One person starts a story, and you take turns writing chapters and characters.
5. Journal every day for one week and see what happens.

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

You get your very own free e-book with 101 writing prompts to inspire you by joining our newsletter. 

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 13 - Guest Interview - Charlotte Lunn - How Do I Get Started With Poetry?

We have a guest in The Writers’ Room this week - the Derbyshire Poet, Charlotte Lunn.

Charlotte Lunn is a published poet, workshop facilitator and bookseller. 

After completing her creative writing degree at The University of Derby, Charlotte became the events co-ordinator at Scarthin Books and has regularly reviewed literature for BBC Radio Derby. 

Charlotte has performed across the midlands. Shottle Hall and Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site have also commissioned Charlotte’s work. 

Charlotte's debut poetry collection ‘Metamorphosis’ is due for publication with Verve Poetry Press in May 2021.

Pete and Laura ask Charlotte:-

• What is poetry? Why did you start writing poetry? Who is your favourite poet?
• How can someone get started writing poems?
• What can we learn from poetry to bring into other writing?
• What advice do you have for reading poems? Why is it important to consider how we read poetry?
• What are some of the biggest or common mistakes you frequently see when people write poetry?
• How did you get your book deal? What was the process like? Do you have any advice for other writers?
• What do you wish you’d learnt sooner about writing poetry?

You can find more about Charlotte at Twitter - Verve Poetry Press - Scarthin Books

In this episode, we also announce that Charlotte will be joining our team! Charlotte is joining Derbyshire Writing School as a guest facilitator and she’ll be delivering poetry workshops later on this year. If you’d like to be the first to hear about these workshops, email us at: info@derbyshirewritingschool.com, and we’ll add you to the waitlist. 

Episode 12 - Guest Interview - Alex Davis - How To Self Edit Your Writing

We have a guest in The Writers’ Room this week - Alex Davis. Alex is an author and literature professional based in Derby.

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:-

• What is self-editing? Why is this skill so important to develop as a writer?
• What tools help us self-edit our work effectively?
• What top three things should we look for in our writing when we self-edit?
• How can we write to make editing easier?
• What are some of the biggest or common mistakes you frequently see?
• What process can we follow to ensure our writing is ready to send to an editor or agent?
• What single editing lesson do you wish you’d learnt sooner?

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

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

Alex's books - The Last War: A Novel of the Noukari and Fighting Cats and Dogs: And other animal tales can be found at Amazon.co.uk

Episode 11 - The Writer’s Toolbox

In this episode we take a delve into The Writer’s Toolbox

Pete and Laura introduce an occasional format of the podcast they will visit from time to time - The Writer’s Toolbox. 

“To the man who only has a hammer, everything he encounters begins to look like a nail.” ― Abraham Maslow

This quote by the father of understanding the hierarchy of needs puts Pete in an awkward place as Laura reveals the list of tools Pete, her father, owns!

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

This episode’s tool is most important of all - The Writer’s Mindset.

“If you can change your mind, you can change your life.” – William James.

• What is a writer’s mindset?
• How does this affect our craft as writers?
• What are the benefits of a positive growth mindset as a writer?
• What steps can we take to develop our writer’s mindset?

Book a place on the next - What is a writing mindset course here.

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

Send us a voice message - through Speakpipe.

Thanks for listening!

Episode 10 - How Do I Set Writing Goals?

THE WRITERS’ ROOM - How Do I Set Writing Goals?

In the Writers Room this week, Pete and Laura chat about setting objectives and writing goals. This last year has been challenging for everyone, but there is a significant benefit for a writer to set goals remembering that being kind to yourself is the highest priority. This last year, among many lessons, it has taught us sometimes things outside of our control can affect what we are planning to complete.  

“Be grateful for what you already have while you pursue your goals. If you aren’t grateful for what you already have, what makes you think you would be happy with more.”

— Roy T. Bennett.

SMART - Goal Setting

S - Specific 
M - Measurable 
A - Achievable
R - Relevant
T - Timely 

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

Pete tells of the newsletter article from Ann Handley, the author of EVERYBODY WRITES - Your Go-To Guide to Creating Ridiculously Good Content, about the persistence Allan Scott needed to write: The Queen’s Gambit. Pete recommends a subscription to Ann Handley’s Newsletter. While Laura reflects on the tremendous benefit that she gets from persisting with Morning Pages. 

“When we convene day upon day in the same space at the same time, a powerful energy builds up around us. This is the energy of our intention, of our dedication, of our commitment.”

— Steven Pressfield

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

Pete finds the literary fiction novel Crossing Over To Safety by Wallace Stegner a riveting and surprising read. Laura digs deep into the book - Plot and Structure: Techniques and Exercises for Crafting a Plot that Grips Readers from Start to Finish by James Bell

Recommended Product of the Week - Audible

Laura and Pete have benefited from having an audio book 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?

Laura tells us about the plans to launch subscription models for memory prompts and introduces the exciting the project in development - The 3% Club and Community.

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

Both Pete and Laura talk about the goals they are working towards in 2021. 

We want to hear from you! Please send your 2021 writing goals to us at info@derbyshirewritingschool.com

Send us a voice message - through Speakpipe.

Thanks for listening!

Episode 9 - Hot Seat Interview - How Do I Write A Eulogy?

THE WRITERS’ ROOM HOT SEAT 

What could you learn about creative writing from someone who has written 700 eulogies or more? 

A eulogy is ‘good words’ spoken, usually at a funeral. At 3000 words a eulogy - that’s about 30 novels worth of writing our hot seat guest has written. 

Could you improve an aspect of your writing by understanding how someone can write a life story of a person they have never met? A true story that combines authenticity with empathy? To create words from nothing that can heal and bring hope?

Writers use their abilities penning words for many professions. Ways they can use words apart from writing fiction or non-fiction books. 

Peter is a professional eulogy writer. He brings together years of experience as a speechwriter, and public speaking coach, into his role as a eulogy writer.

Writing eulogies combines the creative writing skills of asking sensitive questions, empathic listening, and the skill of conciseness to communicate these words on the page and in spoken word. 

By learning skills from a professional eulogy writer, it can help your original writing by :

• Understanding asking yourself, or asking your fictional character questions is like peeling an onion. Each layer you remove, by the queries you ask, the more you reveal the essence of a life.
• Looking for themes in life is critical in writing a memoir that resonates truth.
• Understanding the classic story structures and applying them to your writing gives shape and progression to your stories, whether they are fiction or actual life. 

Listen now to this episode to hear how Pete applies the skills of creative writing to his role as a professional eulogy writer and funeral celebrant. Peter is a professional eulogy writer. He brings together years of experience as a speechwriter, and public speaking coach, into his role as a eulogy writer. Peter Billingham's eulogy writing services have received over 50 5* reviews on Google.

You can find Peter's eulogy writing service's page at his website - https://www.memorablewords.co.uk/eulogy-writing-services

Links from the episode.

• The Shape of Stories - Kurt Vonnegut - (Video)
• How To Write Words For A Funeral As An Epic Story
• Words For A Funeral? Never Underestimate The Power In A Story
• The Sundial Series - How To Write A Memoir One Question At A Time

——

When has a piece of creative writing moved you emotionally? What was the book or work? Please let us know by email at info@derbyshirewritingschool.com

What writer or publisher would you put in the Hot Seat?

Send us a voice message - through Speakpipe.

THE WRITERS’ ROOM - What’s the best writing advice that you have ever received.

In the Writers’ Room this week, Pete and Laura chat about the source of the best writing advice they have received. (So far.)

‘Hi Laura and Pete, with so many resources in books, and online in videos, podcasts and courses, say nothing of any formal education or study, the question I have is this, “What is the best writing advice you have ever received?’

Surprised, they both discover that the best advice they received is very similar. While Laura offers some simple and practical advice she has received, and more profound with insights from Anne Lamott - in Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life.

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

Laura is busy editing the Wedding Planning Book and preparing for the Novel Writing Course. Pete not only jumps the category but the episode! 

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

Beginnings and endings are great places to write from, Pete learns from Natalie Goldberg - Thunder and Lightning: Cracking Open The Writer’s Craft. Laura considers the importance of the writer’s voice.

Recommended Product of the Week - Vellum 

To format her book - Everyday Storytellers: A step-by-step guide to writing about your travels, adventures & life - Laura used Vellum. This is a software program that creates beautiful books from your manuscript. It then allows you to upload them, ready for sale. Once you have created your ebook in Vellum- it’s ready for print. Page numbers. Margins. Headers. Font. Line spacing. By using this link you can buy a tool to publish your books, but it helps support the work of Derbyshire Writing School. Thanks!

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

Monitoring the fiction and non-fiction charts, Laura bags a copy of an unread copy of Quite by Claudia Winkleman from the library. Pete finds a copy of the screenplay of the film - As Good As It Gets after watching it again during the holidays. 

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

New partnerships in process and surprise guests and episodes on the podcast.

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

Both Pete and Laura are reflective at the end of 2020. So are most people they imagine, but remind each other that life is not a race, neither is writing nor Derbyshire Writing School, they are playing the long game in them all. 

Episode 7 - How Do I Read Like A Writer?

Stop Press! Pete gets very excited receiving his first fan mail, even more so when it is a book he once had, but disappeared not long after Laura once visited! Thanks to Sheri, Pete has his own copy of - ‘The Artist’s Way.’

THE WRITERS’ ROOM - What’s the biggest problem you are experiencing with writing this week?
In the Writers’ Room this week, Pete and Laura chat about how reading as a writer changes when you want to understand more about the craft of writing. 

‘Hi Laura and Pete, the question I have is this, ‘How do I read as a writer?’ I’ve heard people talking about this and wonder what you think? 

To read like a writer is an active task - Collect and Reflect

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

Peter is still trying to take an hour a day to work on the first edit of his book about India and explains how much he found the Writing Wednesday newsletter from Steven Pressfield on Practice = Professional

Turning Pro - Steven Pressfield

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

Pete realises that editing is the work just as much as writing, and Laura understands that Morning Pages is the work - they are all in the long-term plan for success whatever that is for each of us.

Recommended Product of the Week - Scrivener

Pete uses Scrivener for his writing. The creators of Scrivener say it is the go-to app for writers of all kinds, used every day by best-selling novelists, screenwriters, non-fiction writers, students, academics, lawyers, journalists, translators and more. Scrivener won’t tell you how to write—it provides everything you need to start and keep writing.

Interested in buying Scrivener? By using our link, it costs you the same, but it helps support the work of Derbyshire Writing School. Thanks!

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

Peter raves over News of the World: A Novel by Paulette Jiles. 

Laura talked about a documentary she watched that highlighted the power of literature.  College Behind Bars - A BBC Storyville Film - This film following students of the Bard Prison Initiative is a tribute to their ambition and endeavour.

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

Pippa The Office Dog gets a lead role in a local nativity! Lockdown is constricting life for everyone, but the opportunity to walk with friends brings gratefulness

Episode 6 - How Do I Overcome Self-Doubt As A Writer?

THE WRITERS’ ROOM - What’s the biggest problem you are experiencing with writing this week?

In the Writers Room this week, Pete and Laura chat about how to overcome the one problem all writers face, and that is self-doubt.

‘Hi Laura and Pete, the question I have is, How do I overcome self-doubt as a writer? I’m always wondering about whether anyone will read my words, and what they would say. So much sometimes, it stops me from writing. What do you think and suggest?’

Pete and Laura chat about self-doubt and how all authors struggle with it - even very successful authors too. They think about how you could quiet that negative voice in your head from stopping you writing. The journey of a writer is to acknowledge the voice for what it is - part of being a writer. To combat this, Laura talks about her new idea - The Win List. 

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

Peter is still taking an hour a day to work on a first edit of his book about India and explains a bit more about the idea why he is calling it Rose-buds in Kerala. 

It reminds Laura about the quote by Paulo Coelho: “Past and future exist only in our memory." 

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

Pete is learning about the genre of non-fiction through the book Story Grid by Shawn Coyne. (See below)

Laura has received her book on wedding planning back from the editors.

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?

Peter is reading Story Grid by Shawn Coyne. The blog at Story Grid is full of incredible resources and Pete is digging deep in understanding structure. 

Laura is reading -The Salt Path by Raynor Winn

“I once heard a lecture by Stephen Hawking, when he said, ‘It’s the past that tells us who we are. Without it we lose our identity.’ Maybe I was trying to lose my identity so I could invent a new one.”  Raynor Winn.

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

Laura is thinking through what the core values of Derbyshire Writing School are, and how she wants people to feel after they have been on one of the courses. All the courses at Derbyshire Writing School are creative and practical, and the vision is for all attendees to leave the courses feeling inspired and confident. 

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

Peter and Laura reminisce about walking the Portugues Camino together with Sam, her brother, Pete’s son. Then get excited about another long walk planned for 2021.

Episode 5 - How Do I Fill My Creative Well?

THE WRITERS’ ROOM 

In the Writers’ Room this week, Pete and Laura chat about how you can maintain creativity for the long haul. 

Hi, my question is, ‘How do I fill my creative well? What can I do to make sure I feel I want to write and have things to write about?’

Pete and Laura think about creativity being a well that can run dry or muscle you need to exercise? What do you think? 

Pete tells of what he doesn’t do, to help keep the reserves of creativity high. Laura gives some practical suggestions writers can make for ensuring their wells and reserves of creativity are full. 

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

Peter is still taking an hour a day to work on the first edit of his book about India while wrestling with finishing book one in The Sundial Series. Laura has been busy writing blogs for her website Stories From A Backpack. You find the website and blogs here. 

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

Pete finds inspiration by reading: “We are all apprentices in a craft where no one ever becomes a master.” ― Ernest Hemingway, The Wild Years

Laura is just as moved by the thought of never taking the writer for granted, never taking the work of another creative for granted. 

Recommended Product of the Week

Laura and Pete have benefited from having an audio book 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?

Peter is re-reading - Making Ideas Happen: Overcoming the Obstacles Between Vision and Reality - Scott Belsky. Laura is reading the controversial A Million Little Pieces is by James Frey. You can read why it’s controversial here. 

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

Laura and Pete celebrate the official launch of the Podcast!  While Laura is also celebrating the latest round of reviews from the course - Memories To Memoir - An Introduction - the graduates all took time to write reviews saying how much the course helped them. You can find the latest course dates available here. 

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

Laura tells of another interview with Radio Derbyshire, and Pete is thankful for the surprise phone call he gets. 

Episode 4 - How Do I Develop A Writing Habit?

THE WRITERS’ ROOM - What’s the biggest problem you are experiencing with writing this week?

In the Writers' Room this week, Pete and Laura chat about how you can develop a writing habit. Pippa the office dog joins in too!

Hi, I’m a new writer and I struggle to write each day, what suggestions to you have for me to make it a habit?

YOU DON’T NEED A WRITING HABIT! Says, Laura, but Pete disagrees. What do you think?

Laura suggests many practical suggestions on how to build habits of writing, but always remembering that writing should be fun. The key question to answer is why are you writing? That can then dictate the habits you need to develop.

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

Laura tells about a new book in development - How To Write A Novel While Working Full-Time. Pete tells us how he likes to work on his book about a trip he took to India. He explains the way he uses an iPad and Scrivener.

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

Laura explains how the quote, ‘It All Starts With Writing,’ has inspired her. Pete talks about a blog by Brannan Sirratt.

What Pete took from the blog is that three worries can stop us from writing. 

• That we haven’t lived enough life to recount a story yet
• That we aren’t skilled or informed enough to tell the story yet
• That we aren’t the person to tell the story at all

Here’s what Brannan proposes. 

• Experience is relative, and we all have something to share with someone else
• You have every skill, tool, and resource that you need to complete your book
• You are a key part of your story—in fiction and nonfiction alike

Recommended Product of the Week - Scrivener

Pete uses Scrivener for his writing. The creators of Scrivener say it is the go-to app for writers of all kinds, used every day by best-selling novelists, screenwriters, non-fiction writers, students, academics, lawyers, journalists, translators and more. Scrivener won’t tell you how to write—it provides everything you need to start and keep writing. 

Interested in buying Scrivener? By using our link, it costs you the same, but it helps support the work of Derbyshire Writing School. Thanks!

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

Pete is reading ‘The Only Skill That Matters’ by Jonathan Levi. You can find all the links Pete mentions at Jonathan Levi.

‘While You Were Reading’ by Ali Berg & Michelle Kalus was Laura’s recommendation this week.

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

Laura is researching and completing the lessons plans for an exciting course - How To Write A Novel in 2021. Pete gets ready to launch the podcast. 

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

Laura is off for a few days to Devon and Pete, reflecting on life as a eulogy writer. 

Episode 3 - How Do I Return To Writing?

THE WRITERS’ ROOM 

In the Writers Room this week, Pete and Laura chat about a listener’s question. 

I'm looking at getting back into writing after a time of being away. What is your advice for someone like me?

Laura talks about the benefits of writing with many practical suggestions. But remember the importance of having fun! Pete thinks about how getting back into writing could be more than using a writing prompt and explore how you could create a legacy for your family in the process.

SPOILER ALERT! There are some awful cliches in this conversation - prepare yourself!

Laura explains about Morning Pages. A suggestion from Julia Cameron's book The Artist’s Way that has been invaluable for her. And admits she is not giving the book back to Pete. She also recommends Natalie Goldberg's books for developing ideas for writing.

LESSONS WE’VE LEARNED THIS WEEK - What have we learned about writing & publishing this week?
Pete gets in trouble for skipping sections as ever. But he gets to talk about building conviction in writing. He talks about the book he is reading this week - Write To Sell by Andy Maslen.

Recommended Product of the Week

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

Not tried ‘reading’ the latest books while out walking or doing job around the house? Then give Audible a try for 30 days free by using our affiliate link - Audible - Derbyshire Writing School Not only will get a chance 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?

Is listening to an audiobook - reading? If yes, then Laura's listening to Sean McCabe's book - Overlap on audible counts. She tells about how she watched the documentary video of his writing the book in 30 days. Here is the link for the video.

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

Laura's latest book - Everyday Storytellers: A step by step guide to writing about your travels, adventures & life - has now sold copies in the UK, in the USA, in Canada and in Australia.

Episode 2 - Is Writer’s Block Fact or Fiction?

THE WRITERS' ROOM - What’s the biggest problem you are experiencing with writing this week? 

In the Writers' Room this week, Pete and Laura chat about writer's block.

Is writer’s block fact or fiction? Does it really exist or is it just an excuse I make when I can’t write?

Pete talks about the Steven Pressfield article link.  First Drafts are Killers - Laura talks about the different forms of writer’s block she has experienced.  Laura tells of how Elizabeth Gilbert says ideas are ours for taking. And, if we don’t, they get given to someone else.

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

Laura is editing a book on DIY wedding planning and tells how it came to be written, what the format is, and the hopes she has for the book.

Pete talks about the feedback he received from editor Alex Davis on ‘The Sundial Services.’ 

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

SPOILER ALERT! - Pete talk’s about finishing the epic that is Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry. And he’s not happy with the ending.

Recommended Product of the Week - Vellum 

To format her book - Everyday Storytellers: A step by step guide to writing about your travels, adventures & life - Laura used Vellum. This is a software program that creates beautiful books from your manuscript. It then allows you to upload them ready for sale. Once you have created your ebook in Vellum- it’s ready for print. Page numbers. Margins. Headers. Font. Line spacing. All of the setup that can take hours elsewhere happens automatically with every book you create. By using this link you can buy a tool to publish your books, but 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?

Laura is excited to find that at the Developing A Writing Habit Workshop she had people attending from Mumbai, India. 

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

Peter and Laura are celebrating the 90th Birthday of his mom, Laura’s Grandma. Interesting is to learn how writing has been in the family for three generations now.