Writer - Dick Sawdon Smith

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I'd like to welcome you to my interview with writer, Dick Sawdon Smith.  Enjoy.

Dick Sawdon Smith

Hello Dick.  Can you please introduce yourself?

I'm Dick Sawdon Smith based in Berkshire.

How long have you been writing?

Since I was a small boy. 

What first got you interested in writing?

I can’t remember.

Do you attend a writing group?

Thames Valley Writers Circle.

When did you start going there?

About 12 years ago.

Why do you attend a writing group?

Fun and support.

It's very important to have fun while writing, otherwise it becomes like a chore.  What is the most valuable thing you have taken away from your writing group?

To have learnt that there are a lot of people out here more talented than I am and they still don’t make it.

So very true.  What genre(s) do you write?

No particular genre.

A man of many talents, eh?  Are there any genres that you don't enjoy writing?

Murder mysteries.  I don’t like killing people.

I would have thought writing about murder would allow you to kill those people that you can't do in real life.  What types of things do you write?

Short stories, articles.

Have you ever had anything published?

Yes, newspapers, magazines.

Have you sent your writing to agents/publishers?  Have you ever received any rejections?

Yes. 

Would you consider self-publishing/e-publishing?

I have self published.

Who/what influences your writing?  Where do you get your inspiration from?

My ideas (I wouldn’t call them inspirations) came from newspapers, magazines every day experiences.

Life can be a fascinating place, if you look closely enough.  How do you come up with your characters' names and personalities?

Names I take from a list I keep of favourite names over generations, personalities depend on the story.

Do you have a writing routine?

I am most creative in the morning but I don’t have a routine.

I've spoken to a few people who are creative in the morning.  I wish I could share that enthusiasm!  Do you start out with a complete idea for your stories, or do you just start writing and hope for the best?

Usually just start and hope for the best.

Do you have an editing process?

I read the work out loud to myself and of course to the Circle. 

What is the best piece of writing advice you've ever been given?

Write, write and write. 

What advice could you give to a new writer?

Write, write and write. 

How important is it for you to share your writing?

There is no point unless you share it. 

Have you ever entered any writing competitions?  Have you ever won?

Yes and yes. 

Have you ever attended an open mic for spoken word performers?

Attended but not taken part. 

Apart from writing, what are your other hobbies/interests?

Football, golf, Scouting.

What types of things do you read?

I read fiction and non-fiction alternately.

If you could have written anything, what do you wish that could have been?

The Specialist by Charles Sale. 

Do you have any favourite lines from novels/plays/poetry/songs, or any favourite literary quotes?

"It is a far, far better thing that I do now, than I have ever done."

What are you working on at the moment?

Short story for Circle competition and my weekly newspaper column. 

Would you be able to provide a short piece of your work?

This was written for a 100 word competition on Radio 4 with words that had to be used listed by Alexander McCall Smith, within certain restrictions and it had to have a happy ending. 

WILL SHE STILL LOVE ME TOMORROW

Peter lay back and threw a wistful glance at the moon. It was unlikely that life could ever get any better than this. They’d met in Thailand, both on a backpacking holiday around the world. Happily, they agreed to travel together and now, after eleven blissful months, it was the last night before they caught the final plane home. Was this it? Would her feelings be different in the real world? Would she be content to settle down after their adventures? She kissed him gently. ‘I can’t wait to start life properly with you,’ she said. Life just got better.

© Dick Sawdon Smith

Thank you, Dick.

Monmouth Writers' Group

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Welcome to my interview with Michael Mortimer from Monmouth Writers' Group.

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Hello Michael.  Can you tell us a bit about your writing group?

Monmouth Writers Group.  Established in 1995.  Meets at Chairman’s home- Ty Heddwch.  Meets first Monday each month and occasionally for Workshops on third Mondays.

How many members, on average, does your group have?

We have always kept membership to maximum of 12.  For most of our 17 years we have been at that number often with a waiting list.

Who are you and what is your role within the group?

I am the Chairman and refreshments maker and provider. Host and Chair meetings.

How are your sessions structured?

Each month we have a topic and members asked to produce prose or poetry on topic. This is read to the meeting and commented upon. We need to keep members to 12 max to give time for each members contribution.

What types of things do you cover in your group?

Topics are very varied. Last 3 have been’ On the Beach’,  ‘Pilgrims’,  ‘Best Laid Plans’.

What have been some of your most popular/successful activities?

We have produced 3 anthologies sold for charity.  For some years we put on performance evenings well attended by about 50 or so ‘supporters’.  We also wrote a piece with sounds and pictures which was performed at least 7 times. 

What genres do the members of your group write?

We (deliberately) have new writers and published writers so work produced is vary varied. We especially enjoy seeing new writers blossom.  Until recently our youngest member was 15 and our oldest 93. (the 15 year old had to stop to attend rehearsals at school – she was a brilliant writer) There have been around 70 members over the years. (but not at the same time!).

What kind of support does your writing group provide for its writers?

One of our members runs a Creative Writing course and there are other very experienced writers.  Also we have visiting published writers to a workshop sometimes.  2 were previously members of the group. 

Where do you get your ideas/writing prompts from?

I produce most topics but sometimes ask others to.

What is the best piece of writing advice you've been given?

After you have written something (especially prose) tighten it up- try to précis it- will probably be better at a third or even half the length. (We had a member who taught writing at Open Uni. level and he always made this comment). 

Do members of the group get a chance to run/lead a session or part of a session?

Yes if I am away but they always insist I should chair if I am there.

How would someone go about joining your writing group?

Our details are on many websites etc. always with my details and I ask for a phone call or e-mail before anyone comes first time. 

Thank you Michael.

12 Days of Krista May Rose

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So I finally bit the bullet yesterday and ventured into the world of e-publishing.  It's something that I'd been thinking about doing for a while but, being a bit computer stupid, I wasn't too sure where to start.  There's an informative 'how to' on Morgen Bailey's website (as well as a million and one other brilliant things that writers should read).

A couple of years ago Sky 1 showed a series of short Christmas stories written by comedians, Little Crackers.  These programmes inspired me to write my own versions, but I'm never one to do things simply, so I chose to include one element from the traditional Christmas song The Twelve Days of Christmas in each story.  And with that, I came up with 12 Days of Krista May Rose; twelve stories about important Christmases in Krista's life, from birth to old age.

Chapter 1 ~ Rings Krista is not yet born, but she is experiencing her first Christmas through the sights and thoughts of her pregnant mother.
Chapter 2 ~ Pipers It's Christmas Eve and three year old Krista is excited about the imminent arrival of Father Christmas.
Chapter 3 ~ Hens Krista's year four class at school is preparing for the end of school Christmas play.
Chapter 4 ~ Partridge & Pears It's only September, but Krista's mother is getting everything prepared for Christmas.
Chapter 5 ~ Geese Krista spends Christmas with her boyfriend, whose birthday also happens to be on Christmas day.
Chapter 6 ~ Drummers Krista and her boyfriend spend Christmas in Australia.
Chapter 7 ~ Dancers Jenny, Krista's sister, organises and executes Krista's hen night.
Chapter 8 ~ Lords Jenny drags Krista to the hospital for her ultrasound scan.
Chapter 9 ~ Swans Krista spends Christmas with her husband's very prim and proper family.
Chapter 10 ~ Milking Maids Jenny insists on heading out first thing in the morning on the first day of the sales, with Krista and Jenny's brood of babies in tow.
Chapter 11 ~ Doves Krista deals with the anniversary of her mother's death.
Chapter 12 ~ Colly Birds Alone, Krista contemplates her life.

Ideally I would like these stories to be published in a real, paper made book, but for now I'm happy for them to be e-published, somewhere in the ether.

I looked at Smashwords to start with, and found a very helpful style guide about formatting and other technical things to do with e-publishing.  After reading the guide, I left it a few days, and then went back to read it again.  I didn't trust myself to be able to do it properly, but with a bit of patience it's a pretty straightforward thing to do.  My Smashwords profile can be found here.

Click here to buy my book from Smashwords.

Finding that process pretty easy, I wandered over to KDP (kindle direct publishing) at Amazon.  A little bit more editing and formatting had to be done to my manuscript, but there was another guide to help.  Once uploaded, it took 12 hours for it to be online to buy, so this morning I was very happy to search my own name and have my book come up.  My Amazon Author profile can be found here.

Click here to buy my book from Amazon.

It's only £1.29 ($1.99) from both places, and as it's coming up to Christmas, surely you'd all enjoy snuggling up in your pyjamas, under the duvet, with a mug of hot chocolate, listening to the wind blowing outside, reading a lovely selection of festive tales on the e-reader of your choice.

Scottie Writers

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Welcome to my interview with Alan Barnes from Scottie Writers.

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Hello Alan.  Can you tell us a bit about your writing group?

“Scottie Writers” in it’s present form has been in existence for the past Four years.

The name of the group derives from the location in Liverpool but in no way limits where the members come from. Neither does it mean that our writing is limited to this area of Liverpool or indeed to Liverpool at all.

We meet on a weekly basis each Wednesday from 6.30pm. to 8.30 pm. at the Silvestrian Centre, Silvester Street, Liverpool 5.(off Vauxhall Rd.)

The group is open to anyone regardless of their level or skill.

How many members, on average, does your group have?

Membership fluctuates, but currently there are ten members.

Who are you and what is your role within the group?

I am the prime contact and secretary.

How are your sessions structured?

Each week one of the group picks a subject/topic/suggestion for the group to write about for the following week. (Because everyone has a life to lead this effectively gives you about two days to write.) The group is very much a “creative” writing group and so the scope for writing is limited only by one’s imagination. The following week we each read our stories/poems/essays, whatever form the individual writer may have chosen, and friendly criticism is given.

Each session starts with a.o.b. which usually is information that may be of interest to the group. 

What types of things do you cover in your group?

The range of writing can be anything, mostly short stories (life, SF., fantasy, observation, relationships, children’s, etc.) poems, essays, plays, excerpts from longer/continuing stories.

What have been some of your most popular/successful activities?

Both individually and collectively members have had plays performed, taken part in readings, read on local radio (BBC Radio Merseyside) a collaborative piece about the history/spirit of the River Mersey, and taken part in a collaboration with Liverpool Everyman/Playhouse theatres to devise and deliver a series of short monologues along by the locks of the Leeds Liverpool canal.

We have quite a close relationship with Everyman/Playhouse theatres through their community outreach programme and attend workshops followed by the performance on quite a regular basis, which has proved to be very popular with the group. 

What genres do the members of your group write?

Although there are one or two members who usually write humorous pieces, and another who favours poetry, the actual content or genre can vary vastly. The “style” of writing within the group is as individual as the members themselves, but there is also an element of influence that permeates between members.

Have you ever written collectively as a group, such as producing an anthology?

As mentioned above we have undertaken a couple of projects where we have written as a group, and with others.

Although we would love to produce an Anthology as yet that still remains an ambition. 

What kind of support does your writing group provide for its writers?

We are constantly in touch via e-mail, and we do offer as much support as we can. This may take the form of a read through of a play, or offering advice re construction etc.

Each week too I bring information of competitions/events that may be of interest to members.

Where do you get your ideas/writing prompts from?

Prompts come from within the group in the main however there have been the odd occasion when prompts have come from elsewhere, for example working on a subject from an external source. How those prompts are then visualised is left to the individual.

What is the best piece of writing advice you've been given?

Write what you know.

What is the best piece of writing advice you give?

Write what and who you know, be observant and don’t shy away from detail.

Do you have guest speakers at your group?

We have had guests usually connected to a project we may be getting involved with. We have not as yet had guest writers, although we are currently arranging  for a play-write to visit.

Do members of the group get a chance to run/lead a session or part of a session?

No. Although from time to time we do put one of the members “under the spotlight” where they have the opportunity to read several pieces and receive in depth criticism. These nights are occasional rather than regular. If a member has a play or whatever that requires taking over the entire evening we will always accommodate. 

Does your writing group have a website/blog/Facebook/Twitter?

One of our members has recently set up a Facebook page on behalf of the group, however at this time it only contains examples of his writing - www.facebook.com/ScottieRoadWriters.

How would someone go about joining your writing group?

Normally contact has been made either because they have searched for a writing group and come across contact details on the “Fiction Garden” website, or by word of mouth.

Once I have been contacted either by e-mail or phone the invitation is there to attend the next meeting.

Thank you very much Alan.

Local Author Book Signing - Terry Tarbox

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Today I met local author, Terry Tarbox, at his book signing in Lowestoft Waterstones, and I bought a copy of his book, The Willigrews, which he kindly signed for me.  And I got a nifty little bookmark too!

To be honest, I've known Terry for a few months, as he regularly attends Lowestoft Library writing and book groups, with his wife Lily.  When I first met Terry, he read the opening pages of his book to the members of a few local book groups.  From that moment I knew I had to get myself a copy so that I could explore the land of The Willigrews.  There are some sneaky previews of the stories on Terry's (or should I say, The Willigrews') website, and here's a little snippit ...

Long ago, in the distant future, in a place not far below the earth and not all that far above it, there lived a small tribe of creatures.  Or should that be a tribe of small creatures? Anyway the tribe was small and so were the creatures.  They were called the Willigrews, which was strange because not one of them was called Willie and they never grew, which was why they were so small.  Now the Willigrews were odd-looking things.  They were about the size of a golf ball (not that they ever played golf, which was just as well).  They all had legs, but not all of them had the same number.  It all depended on which family they came from.  Most of them, however, had two legs, which started at the bottom of their little round bodies and finished on the ground . . . just.

Unfortunately, as it always does, life got in the way and I hadn't managed to buy myself the book.  But I knew he would be doing a book signing at Waterstones today, so I went up there to eventually get my hands on this treasured tome.  

I have a few books on the go at the moment, but I will be putting those down so that I can read Terry's book.  I'm really looking forward to it.  As a grown up I know I probably shouldn't enjoy children's literature, but I don't ever tend to do the things that I'm supposed to.  I love how children's stories are full of fantasy and wonder, where you can be as silly as you like.  What the world needs right now is more silliness.

If you fancy picking up your own book of silliness, I think you can buy it from most major retailers.  All the information is on the website (www.willigrews.co.uk).  You can also check the website for upcoming book readings and signings.  Oh, and if you want to find out more about Terry, you can read my interview with him here.

Ormskirk Owls

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Welcome to my interview with Sarah Schofield from Ormskirk Owls.

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Hello Sarah.  Can you please tell us a bit about your writing group?

I am a member of Ormskirk Owls writing group, based in Ormskirk, Lancashire. We meet on the first and third Monday of each month at 7.30pm at Peter House, next to the parish church. The group has been running for nearly 50 years now.

How many members does, on average, does your group have?

We have about 20 members, but generally average at about 10 – 15 people at each meeting.

Who are you and what is your role within the group?

I am the club secretary, so I take minutes, and ensure all relevant information about meetings, writing opportunities etc. are circulated around the group. 

How are your sessions structured?

We are very informal and friendly, so like to have a natter as everyone arrives, and catch up. Then we begin our session, and have a coffee break about half way through.

What types of things do you cover in your group?

We do all sorts of different activities in the group. We have manuscript evenings, where members can read their work and receive gentle constructive critiques, themed manuscript nights, write-on-the-nights, workshops, visiting speakers, literary evenings… all sorts! And we like to try new ideas out too.

What have been some of your most popular/successful activities?

Everyone likes manuscript evenings. It’s a chance to share your work and improve it.

What genres do the members of your group write?

There is incredible diversity and this is what makes the group so exciting to be part of. We have fiction writers, novelists, poets, non fiction writers… you name it! We like trying different genres too, challenging ourselves to try something we haven’t done before.

Have you ever written collectively as a group, such as producing an anthology?

Owls has a great history of producing anthologies. These have sold locally and through local book shops.

What kind of support does your writing group provide for its writers?

We try to encourage each other, offer feedback on work, circulate info about competitions and writing opportunities. It is a very friendly, supportive environment in which to try out new work.

Where do you get your ideas/writing prompts from?

The world is full of strange, beautiful and curious things…

You're telling me!  What's the best piece of writing advice you've been given?

Stop thinking about writing and write.

What's the best piece of writing advice you give?

To be a great writer you have to read great stories. The best writers are readers.

Do you have guest speakers at your group?

We have lots of guest speakers. Most recently it has been poet Andrew Taylor and performance poet Martin Daws.

Do members of the group get a chance to run/lead a session or part of a session?

Yes. Owls members lead workshops, and all share in creative feedback.

Does your writing group have a website/blog/Twitter/Facebook.

We have a Facebook page Ormskirk Writers and Literary Society (OWLS) and a blog www.ormskirkowls.blogspot.co.uk. 

How would someone go about joining your writing group?

Just email me. Or turn up on the night. We love to see new faces! All who have an interest in writing are welcome, whether you are a secret scribbler, or widely published. 

Thank you Sarah.

Chudleigh Writers' Circle

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Welcome to my interview with Roger Brandon from Chudleigh Writers' Circle.

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Hello Roger.  Can you tell us a bit about your writing group?

The CHUDLEIGH WRITERS’ CIRCLE was established August 2009 by published author Kate McCormick. It is held monthly at 10.00am-12.00 on the 3^rd Wednesday in a room in Chudleigh Town Hall. Within the last few months we have also established an evening group, meeting in members' houses, on the same day.

How many members, on average, does your group have?

Membership is 17. Average attendance is 10.

Who are you and what is your role within the group?

Roger Brandon – Treasurer, which includes an unofficial ‘general organiser’ role. I also co-organised our 2012 literary festival.

How are your sessions structured?

Generally members take it in turns to lead a session. Some are published authors, others are not. The topic changes monthly; short stories, writing for media, poetry, getting published etc.  There will usually be exercises, discussion, and an opportunity for some open reading. This is for short, light readings. We instituted the evening meetings specifically for critical open readings, and a few members working on more lengthy subjects attend those. 

Once or twice a year we will pay for a professional (local) author to lead a session. Once a year we have a day out – this year was a morning at RAMM [Royal Albert Memorial Museum] with an afternoon writing up and reading. 

What types of things do you cover in your group?

All sorts - short stories, writing for media, poetry, getting published, literary quizzes, exercises to generate creativity, etc. Also occasional professional input.  

What genres do the members of your group write?

Everything. One member even writes pharmaceutical manuals, and another is an ex-journalist.

Have you ever written collectively as a group, such as producing an anthology?

We produced an anthology entitled ‘Lavender Chickens’ which grew out of an exercise that we did one day. It is a mixture of prose and poetry. 

What kind of support does your writing group provide for its writers?

We have informal support, of course, between members who are writing to publish. Formally, we have the Wed evening critique group.

Where do you get your ideas/writing prompts from?

We discuss as a group. Ideas tend to come from writing magazines, both paper and internet.

Do you have guest speakers at your group?

Yes. We like to get in a guest from time to time, as finances allow – usually about twice a year. In the last year we had Chris Waters (various exercises in creative writing) & Jackie Juno (poetry mainly). We also, of course, have speakers at our Literary Festival.

Does your writing group have a website/blog/Twitter/Facebook?

No. Two of our published authors, however, produce a local internet mag (Chudleigh Phoenix) which carries notes on the Writers’ Circle. (They also have their own personal blogs/twitter/facebook). 

How would someone go about joining your writing group?

Reports in the Chudleigh Phoenix or the Parish Magazine are generally followed with a contact point. Otherwise we tend to work by word of mouth with someone approaching any of the members.

Thank you Roger.