The Albert Poets

Tweet

Welcome to my interview with Stephanie Bowgett from The Albert Poets.

*****

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

We are called The Albert Poets and have been in existence since December 2012. We hold a writing workshop in the Albert Pub, Victoria Lane, Huddersfield every Monday evening (19.15 – 21.15 ish). Attendees who wish to take it in turn to lead the session. Everyone brings 6-10 copies of their poem which they read to the group who then discuss it. The group also hosts a reading on the second Thursday of each month featuring four invited readers each time. Each reader reads for 15-20 minutes with a 15 minute break between. Both events are free of charge and our writers (a mix of established and new writers) are not paid.

How many members on average does your group have?

The writing group has a core membership of 15-20 writers and is usually attended by 6-8, nobody goes every week and the group is open to anybody so people drift in and out, but there is a group of about eight writers who are very regular attendees The readings typically attract between 20 and 30 people – again no one comes to them all and we have a mailing list of about 150. 

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

I am one of the founder members and presently take responsibility for coordinating the sessions.

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

The readings have achieved a national reputation and we are lucky to have received support from many wonderful writers who attract big audiences.

What genres do the members of your group write?

Almost exclusively poetry, but occasionally short prose passages. The styles of writing are very diverse and the group is open to a wide range of styles and philosophy.

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

For the first four years we produced anthologies featuring all the poets who had read for us. “First Draft”, “Re-draft”, “Over Draft” and “Final Draft”. We are considering reviving this tradition if we can find funding.

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

Several of the “regulars” are published poets and/or tutors or teachers of writing from Universities to Infant schools and many are published poets. I can only really talk about the support that I get from the group which is an incentive to write regularly, several informed, but objective critiques on my work and the huge inspiration and privilege of detailed insights into how other people write.

Where do you get your ideas/writing prompts from?

At the moment we are not doing writing exercises, but are considering a running a short series of workshops with writing activities. Because of the make-up of the group, we have run and attended many such sessions over the years, so there is no shortage of ideas. Writing prompts, in my experience usually come from places where you least expect them.

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

Show don’t tell.

What is the best piece of writing advice you give?

Read widely and take risks.

Do you have guest speakers at your group?

No. at the moment we are entirely unfunded.

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

We have a Twitter @TheAlbertPoets, and we're on Facebook.

How would someone go about joining your writing group?

By emailing me or just turning up at the pub!

Thank you very much, Stephanie.

Writer - Ruth Dugdall

Tweet

I'd like to welcome you to my interview with writer, Ruth Dugdall.  Enjoy.

Ruth Dugdall

Hello Ruth.  Can you please introduce yourself?

I’m Ruth Dugdall, and I’m based in Suffolk. My novels are all set in the county, in Lowestoft and Felixstowe as well as further in-land, and the setting is very important to me.

Ah, a local lady.  How long have you been writing?

I loved books as a child, and English was my favourite subject at school. I went on to study it at University. But I didn’t start to write a novel until 1998, when I got lost one Sunday and ended up in Polstead. I happened upon the story of Maria Marten and the Red Barn Murder. So many things about the case didn’t add up to me, that I began to research. And from there, a novel began to grow. 

I remember that story from drama classes at school.  What first got you interested in writing?

Writing is a wonderful way to make sense of the world, or to try to. My first novel started as a way to explain a historical murder in a way that made sense. My second novel was written during my maternity year, and explores the feelings of being a new mother… In short, what got my interested in writing was life!

And I love to read. Reading is the handmaiden of writing. There is nothing more inspiring than reading a good book! 

Do you attend a writing group?

I am a member of Scribblers in Felixstowe. I also run a smaller group, for serous novelists. Writing groups are a wonderful way to get feedback, and to learn about `what works`. They are also a chance to practice reading aloud, which is an important skill for the published writer.

What is the most valuable think you have taken away from your writing group?

To support each other. To be honest. To be constructive. 

What genre(s) do you write?

I am a crime writer. For many years I struggled with this label, as so much of what I write does not fit the typical crime genre. But I now accept that the genre is a broad church and I am on the `psychological thriller` end of the spectrum.

Are there any genres that you don't enjoy writing?

I would be unlikely to write a light, feel-good, romance.

For me, a novel has to be stimulating and thought provoking. I want to feel moved or challenged by what I read, and I can’t demand any less of what I write.  

What types of things do you write?

I am a novelist. A long-distance literary runner, if you like. But I also like to sprint and write a short story every now and again. I’ve dabbled with poetry, but not seriously.

Have you ever had anything published?

The James Version, Legend Press 

The Woman Before Me, Legend Press 

The Sacrificial Man, Legend Press 

Before having those books published, did you receive any rejections?

Rejections are a part of being a writer, so yes I have had plenty. To succeed in writing you need to be tenacious and resilient. 

Would you consider self-publishing/e-publishing?

Yes, my first novel was initially self-published. It’s a great option, as it allows you to test the market - and your marketing skills. It can also lead to other things; I was approached by agents after self-publishing, and The James Version is now commercially published by Legend Press. I am a great believer in authors taking control of their own destiny in this way. 

It's something I've been thinking about for a while.  I might just give it a go!  Have you ever entered any writing competitions?

Writing competitions have saved me! Literally! 

The Debut Dagger with The Woman Before Me was a massive coup, but winning the Luke Bitmead Bursary got me a publishing deal. I also won a print run of The James Version through a competition.

I’ve also `won` two mentorships (with Escalator and Apprenticeships in Fiction) and having a writing mentor is worth its weight in gold.  

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

Yes, and I recommend it. Sometimes you have to do something that scares you to grow as a writer, and this would be an example of that. It is good to hear your own voice out loud, and to see a `live` reaction to your work. Earlier this year I hosted the IP-Art open mic session, and was sure to give everyone something positive to take away. It should be a good experience. 

How important is it for you to share your writing?

Writing is a private activity, but the aim of the published author is to reach an audience.  Scary though it may be, it’s vital for me to share my work, and listen to feedback, if I’m eventually going to release my novel into the public space. 

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

From life, situations I see, or things I hear about. It’s usually something emotional or bizarre, a story that lodges in my imagination and won’t let go.

I used to be a probation officer, so inevitably I draw on my background experiences. The protagonist in two of my novels (The Woman Before Me & The Sacrificial Man) is a probation officer, so it’s fair to say that my career is the inspiration for that! 

How do you come up with your characters' names and personalities?

Names are very important. I will choose a name carefully, and it always says something about the character. For example, `Rose` is a beautiful name, yet my character thinks she is ugly. Rose is also a flower with thorns.

The personalities grow, organically, as I write. My novels are driven by character, and I allow them to dictate the plot. 

Do you start out with a complete idea for your stories, or do you just start writing and hope for the best?

I will have an idea, a theme if you like, but it’s only when I have my main character that the plot begins to open up. My first draft will organic, growing as I write, without much planning. But after the first draft I will get my pens and flip chart out, and start sketching out themes and plot lines. That is when the craftwork begins. 

Do you have a writing routine?

Writing is now my day job, so once the kids are at school I sit and write. I have targets for each day, and won’t stop until I’ve met my daily goal. This, for me, is how I keep motivated.

Do you have an editing process?

Yes, I have a process that basically involves me working through the draft again and again until my agent and myself are satisfied. I’ll go on writing courses and workshops, all of which help, and my writing group keep me on track!

What do you enjoy the most/least about writing?

Most: the writing. It has to be the best job in the world, to lose oneself in words and imagination. What a luxury!

Least: dealing with rejections and bad reviews. But it does come with the territory so I’ve learned to `suck it up` (as my teenage protagonist, Sam, would say).

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

Glue your bum to the seat and write.

And what advice could you give to a new writer?

Keep going, through to the end, before you edit. Get that first draft done, then start to perfect it.

Also, don’t send it out to agents or publishers too early. They are only interested in the finished article, not a `work in progress`. (I have learned this to my cost!) 

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

Acting, which is a great discipline for a writer as you learn to get into another person’s head.

I also like walking, in Suffolk, on Sundays. Preferably ending up in a traditional pub! And as you can see from my earlier answer, sometimes getting lost can be a good thing. 

There are some lovely places around Suffolk to get lost in.  You may stumble across me and my dog one Sunday!  What types of things do you read?  

I generally read female authors. Right now I’m reading (and enjoying) The Casual Vacancy. My favourite crime writer is Gillian Flynn, though I read outside the crime genre and enjoy Jeanette Winterson and Margaret Attwood a great deal. 

Margaret Attwood is one of my favourite authors.  If you could have written anything, what do you wish that could have been?

Lolita. 

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

`Kill your darlings` is a good writing mantra.

My favourite literary line is from Doctor Zhivago. It’s spoken by Komarovsky, who gets all the best lines, “There are two types of women in the world. And you my dear, as we both well know, are certainly not the first kind.”

I love the book and film so much, I was inspired to visit Russia.

And I went to Denmark this year, so you can guess what inspired that!  

Moscow is on my list of places to visit.  What are you working on at the moment?

A novel entitled MY SISTER & OTHER LIARS. It is set in Ipswich and tells the story of Sam, a teenage girl whose older sister has been attacked and left brain damaged. As the police are closing the case, Sam is going to find the man who attacked her sister and kill him. 

Do you have a website/blog/Twitter/Facebook dedicated to your writing?

www.ruthdugdall.com

I'm also on Twitter (@ruthdugdall) and I have a Ruth Dugdall Author page, which you can 'like' on Facebook.

I will certainly do that!  Is there anything else you'd like to add?

I’m always happy to visit book groups in person if they are reading one of my novels. I never take a single reader for granted, and take time to respond to messages from readers or other writers.

If you have read one of my novels and enjoyed it, a review on Amazon is very much appreciated!  

That's brilliant.  I'll have to tell my book group.  Would you be able to provide a short piece of your work?

This is an extract from my third novel, THE SACRIFICIAL MAN, when we meet my probation officer protagonist, Cate Austin: 

Lifting her head from the safety of her duvet cocoon Cate blinked at the white-bright bedroom, her breath drifting like smoke on the cold air. Through the window she could see snow falling, heavy floating flakes bumping against the glass and landing on the ledge. Closing her eyes she could still see the brightness, and knew how cold and clean the world would seem outside, but it was an illusion. Just a few drops of rain, a slither of sun, and the ground would be slushy with ice and grit, the mud and grime winning yet again. 

She checked the clock – it was early yet – so she snuggled back under the duvet, feeling the warm skin of her daughter’s leg. She hadn’t heard Amelia join her in the night and never really minded even though she felt obliged to make some show of telling her to stay in her own bed. But Amelia was lovely, especially asleep, when her long eyelashes brushed her pale skin, her face so peaceful and content. Cate cuddled her daughter gently, kissing her shoulder, but the girl didn’t stir. A shard of anger pricked under her skin; Tim had brought Amelia home late last night. It wasn’t fair, it left her exhausted the next day at school. But she also knew she couldn’t complain too loudly because without Sally, Tim’s girlfriend, Cate would have to find a childminder. She hated to feel gratitude to the woman who had stolen her husband, but there you have it. Life. 

© Ruth Dugdall 

Thank you very much, Ruth.

NaNoWriMo OhYes Finally

Tweet

As many of you will know, I undertook the NaNoWriMo challenge this year for the first time, to write 50,000 words of a novel in 30 days.  It's something I'd wanted to do for years but never had the confidence to do it.  So I bit the bullet this year and sat down at my computer on 1st November in order to write my novel.  In order to complete this challenge, it's necessary to write 1,667 word per day, so that the 50,000th word will be written on 30th November.  I managed to write an average of 2,000 (ish) words per day, and I managed to hit the 50,000 word mark on Friday 23rd November.  The novel is far from finished, but I did it.  I won the challenge.  Yesterday I was rewarded with this lovely certificate.

And loads of little badges that I can post around the internet to show everyone how great I am that I completed this challenge.  I don't really know what to do with them, so I'll just post them all here and you can bow down to my greatness (!).  

Joking aside, it was something that I didn't think I could do, and then I went and did it.  I'm not going to say it was easy, because it wasn't.  During the first week, I used up all my energy and wrote until I couldn't keep my eyes open.  Then the second week came around and I found myself staring at the computer screen, not writing anything.  I tried to make sure I hit the 1,667 word count every day, just to stay on top of it.  I didn't want to let it slide and then find myself in a frantic panic in the final week.  In the third week I got my mojo back and charged over the finishing line.  I am having a bit of a rest from it now, and doing the things that I neglected to do over the past three weeks!  However, the first draft will be done before the end of the year.  I can't wait to get editing this bad boy.

The working title of my novel is Here We Find Ray, and it's a coming of age story, following the life of Ray from childhood to middle age, as his infatuation with Tina, a shop worker whom he met when he was five years old, grows into obsession.  I'm not going to give anything away, because I want everyone to buy it when it's published, but I'm pleased with how it's gone, and I can't wait to write the ending.  The ending is something I've never written before, but it was the first thing I thought of when I decided to write this novel.  I just hope it turns out how I expected it to.

Company of Writers

Tweet

Welcome to my interview with Pauline Masurel from Company of Writers.

*****

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

Our group is called Company of Writers and we meet once a month in a hotel bar in Bath on Monday evenings.  Our very first meeting was on 4^th February 2008 at my flat, where we used to meet until I moved from Bath.

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

We generally have about a dozen current members and typically 6-8 of these attend each meeting.  At one of our very early gatherings absolutely no one else turned up...so I had a very jolly evening alone drinking wine, eating cheese and doing a spot of writing. 

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

My name is Mazzy and I write under the pen name Pauline Masurel.  I started the group because I had enjoyed being a member of writing groups in the past and realised that I really missed the company of other writers.  I continue to be the main contact point and co-ordinator.  I set meeting dates, reserve a table at the venue, communicate news to members and solicit and circulate writing for feedback to the group.  I don't see myself as its leader,  more as its  main reminder-issuer.   I really should let the power go to my head a bit more and institute a series of random, despotic rules. 

That could be a creative writing task for the group there!  How are your sessions structured?

We normally  gather at 7.30 for a chat and a catch-up and then from around 8 o'clock onwards we workshop two or three pieces of writing from members of the group.  We aim to go 'round the table' on this so that everyone gets a turn to offer feedback, but we're a chatty, informal group and inevitably sometimes the conversation wanders.  But I don't think this is a bad thing, although that might be because I'm one of the main culprits.

I think that everything can be used as research/inspiration for writing, so I'm sure there have been some interesting conversations that could lead to something creative.  What types of things do you cover in your group?

Offering feedback on each others writing is our main activity.  There's also a strong social element to the group and a chance to share news about our successes and any advice and information about writing events and opportunities.  

What is the most popular aspect of your group?

You'd have to ask the members that.  For myself, it's the fact that the group really 'does what it says on the tin'.  I think that writers make great company.  I enjoy our evenings together and it's a real act of generosity when someone reads your work and offers considered, writerly feedback on how it has struck them.  Over the years I've found this hugely valuable.  I'm really pleased that the group has gone from strength to strength. 

What genres do the members of your group write?

Probably the majority of the writing we share is short fiction for adults, but the group also includes novelists, poets, playwrights and writers for children, flash fiction writers, writers for performance, those who write realist fiction and those who include elements of fantasy in their work. 

Sounds like an eclectic bunch!  Have you ever written collectively as a group, such as producing an anthology?

No, not yet.  The closest we've got so far is that three of our group were featured in the same book earlier this year, a collection of flash fiction by writers from the South West.

Are any of your members participating (or have they already participated) in NaNoWriMo [National Novel Writing Month]?

I've certainly had a go at this and a while ago we had an impromptu presentation from the organiser of a local NaNoWriMo group when he overheard us talking about writing.  It's not something that I'd try again at the moment, since I don't self-identify as a novelist, but I'm sure that group members would be keen to cheer each other on if any of us wanted to participate.

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

I hope that it provides a valuable feedback mechanism, friendship and encouragement. 

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

Always make sure that you've got something else 'out there.'  That way, whenever you receive a rejection for a piece of work you can always shrug it off and be optimistic about your chances for some other submission or competition. 

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

I stole it from Margot Fonteyn, who said, “The one important thing I have learned over the years is the difference between taking one's work seriously and taking one's self seriously. The first is imperative and the second is disastrous. ” 

Do you have guest speakers at your group?

This year, for the first time, we've invited a couple of guest writers along to meetings.  I asked a member of Thornbury Writers Circle to join us for an exchange of ideas and next month an ex-member of our own group will re-join us for a discussion about e-publishing.  Neither of these were intended to be formal 'speaking' events, simply asking someone along for a chat.  This is something we might do again in future if members of the group find it useful. 

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

Not formally. No one leads our gatherings.  I tend to see it as my role to keep an eye on the time and invite someone to kick off the feedback, but the key point is that everyone gets their 'say'.  The group is eminently capable of self-organising this sort of thing in my absence and managed perfectly well when I disappeared off to New Zealand for a couple of months earlier this year. 

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

No, we tend to keep a low profile....like badgers.  We have a listing on Diana Hayden's  Directory of Writers' Groups and get referrals from a few other places, which tends to produce at least one enquiry every month or two.

How would someone go about joining your writing group?

Well, at the moment we have a list of people already waiting for the chance to do this and so we're not actively recruiting.  In the past people have simply sent me an email and I've invited them along to the next meeting to see if the group was for them.  Writers are still welcome to drop me a line though as I can suggest contacts who run other groups in Bath, Bristol and Thornbury which might be able to accommodate new members. 

Thank you Pauline.

My Next Big Thing Blog-Hop

Tweet

My Next Big Thing - sounds dramatic, eh?  Well it kind of is.  I guess I'm Miss Popular, because I have been tagged by two writers/bloggers who have asked me to take part in this piece of internet exposure,and I am more than willing.  It's a brilliant way of advertising your books and, more importantly, yourself on this amazing internet invention.

The general concept is to answer a set of questions about your WIP (or work in progress) when you have been tagged to do so by another writer/blogger.  Once you have answered the questions, you tag five more writer/bloggers who do the same.  And so on, and so on.  It's like one of those chain mail things, but without the threat of death if you don't complete it!

First person to tag me is Louise Gibney (@MissWriteUK on Twitter), author of Girl Meets Boys, from Northamptonshire.  Have a looksee at her Next Big Thing.

Second person to tag me is Jean Dorricott, author of Ruin of the Soul, from Norwich.  Have a looksee at her Next Big Thing.

You can find out more about these two ladies via their websites.  Check them out.  You know you want to. 

So I guess I should answer some questions about my next book, I mean My Next Big Thing.

*****

What is the working title of your next book?

Currently it's called Here We Find Ray.  I wanted to use that as a tag line throughout the book, as though the narrator was setting the scene before the scene actually started.  It was going to be a little narrative device, but I found it annoying after a while.  So I may change the title of the book, or I may change my text to include the 'here we find Ray' line, as per my original idea.  I don't know yet.  Knowing me, I'll change my mind about the title a good handful of times before settling on something (and no doubt, I still won't like it).  But for now this will do.

Where did the idea for the book come from?

I love writing from the perspective of male characters.  As a creative writer, I like to push my skill as far as possible, and by writing as a male I get to see things through alien eyes.  The general idea for the story kind of wrote itself.  I knew I wanted it to end with ..., well I don't want to spoil it.  But I had the ending written in my head first.  I wanted this ending because it's something I've never written about before and I thought it would be quite fun.  

What genre does your book fall under?

It's a sort of 'coming of age' thing crossed with a bit of a thriller, and I guess a bit of romance.  I'm not sure what shelf they'd put it on in the book shop though!

Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?

I've often thought about my books/stories as films, but I can never think of who I'd like to play my characters.  All I know is that they're British (proper British, not Americans trying to do British - they can't), and I would want them to be unknown actors just so that they weren't associated with anything else.

What is the one-sentence synopsis of the book?

Ray loves Tina, but is his love for her purely innocent infatuation, or is it bordering on an unhealthy obsession?

Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?

Ideally, I would like all of my books to be traditionally published, but this is becoming increasingly difficult.  I recently e-published a collection of Christmas short stories, 12 Days of Krista May Rose, on Smashwords and Amazon, and it wasn't as scary as I thought it would be.  So this might be an option that I'll consider again for future books.

How long did it take you to write the first draft of your masterpiece?

I'm still writing it!  Here We Find Ray is the result of the NaNoWriMo challenge to write a 50,000 word novel in the month of November.  Although I have written just over 50,000 words, I am nowhere near finished with the story, so it may take me a month and a half in total to finish the first draft.  Then comes the months of editing!

What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?

To be honest, I've not read anything like this before.  Not to say that it doesn't exist; it's just that I haven't come across it.  Most books that I read are set in a very short period of time.  However, Here We Find Ray spans from his early childhood to middle age.  If anyone knows of any books similar to mine, please let me know.  I'd love to read them.

Who or what inspired you to write this book?

In the past year or so, I have read a number of books written in the male voice (Fatso by Lars Ramslie, Submarine by Joe Dunthorne, The Bird Room by Chris Killen), all with fairly dark undertones.  I usually write lighthearted pieces, tinged with flecks of sadness.  So this time I wanted to go for something deep and different.

What else about your book might pique the reader's interest?

The main character of Ray is based, partially (not entirely), on me, so if you want to know a bit more about my childhood, you should read this book.  I won't, however, tell you which bits are fact and which bits are fiction; I'll let you work that out for yourselves!

*****

So that's My Next Big Thing (every time I type that, I have a big, booming voice saying those words in my head, with an echo effect).  Thank you Louise and Jean for tagging me.  I hope you'll all buy a copy of Here We Find Ray (or whatever it ends up being called) when it's eventually published. 

And now it's over to you to answer these questions about Your Next Big Thing.  I am going to pass the baton on to these lovely literary fellows ...

• Roselle Angwin (@QualiaBird on Twitter), author of All Missing The Names Of Love, from Devon. Have a looksee at Her Next Big Thing.
• Ruth Dugdall (@RuthDugdall on Twitter), author of The Woman Before Me, from Felixstowe.  Have a looksee at Her Next Big Thing.
• Alan Reynolds (@AlanReynolds2 on Twitter), author of Flying With Kites, from Yorkshire.
• Nicky Peacock (@NickyP_author on Twitter), short story contributor to So Long And Thanks For All The Brains, from Northamptonshire.  Have a looksee at Her Next Big Thing.
• Angela Marrero (@velvetjademuse on Twitter), from Illinois.
• Victoria J Smith (@Toryjsmith on Twitter), author of Alison Benson and the Realm of Wonders Union, from England.

(In my eagerness, I managed to tag six people - oops.)

Lindum Scribes Writing Group

Tweet

Welcome to my interview with Julia Peach from Lindum Scribes Writing Group.

*****

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

I belong to the Lindum Scribes Writing Group. We hold monthly meetings at The Day Centre, Neale Road, North Hykeham, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, LN6 9UA. The group was established in 2001, but it was 2004 when we proudly announced ourselves as the Lindum Scribes. All our meetings are held in the evening.

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

Over the years we have had between twelve and twenty members. Our members prefer a smaller group so that everyone has a chance to read out their work and obtain that valuable constructive criticism.

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

I am the Chairperson of the group. During a writing meeting it is my role to ensure that the meeting runs smoothly. Outside of the writing meetings, the committee (which includes myself) meet once a month to discuss future events/activities/workshops etc.

How are your sessions structured?

At the start of a writing meeting we go through any business matters that are relevant to the group. Following that we usually have a short break before going on to read out our work.

What types of things do you cover in your group?

Anything that is writing based and that will help individual members achieve their goals.

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

Outside speakers add a variation to our meetings and are always popular. Carrying out readings and a play to the Women’s Institute, our Christmas meal, Halloween night where all members wore fancy dress and brought a ghost story or poem of their own creation. The Ghost Walk in Lincoln and the ‘ghostly’ boat trip on the Brayford. We have also taken part in the Lincoln Book Festival and interviews on BBC Lincs. All have been successful activities. 

You mentioned you have outside speakers.  Who has spoken at your group?

We usually have two or three guest speakers a year. In the past we have had Margaret Dickinson, Steve Wade and Kathy Wade (Steve writes non-fiction books and Kathy writes as Kate Walker for Mills and Boon), Karen Maitland, Jude White (proofreader), Peter Hopper (retired journalist), Alice Seabold, Phil Cosker, Claire Littleford and Dr Carling (Scientific Support Manager). Next year we are hoping to have Alex Davis and a forensic scientist. 

What genres do the members of your group write?

Our members write across the whole range of genres – romance, historical, science fiction/fantasy, horror stories and children’s stories. Some of our members write short stories and novels whilst some of the members write poems. At the moment I am writing factual articles about the history of Lincoln.

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

In 2006 we published an anthology entitled The Lincolnshire Tales. This was a collection of twenty-five stories, all written by Lincolnshire writers. The stories included those about love, murder and intrigue.

On November 1^st we released our anthology, The Lincolnshire Tales onto Amazon Kindle. We have added new stories to the ebook anthology, which should make it an interesting read and a real page-turner. 

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

We all try to support each other by giving constructive criticism. We also try to source relevant competitions and avenues that may let to publication. In the past we have also used a ‘buddy’ system where we emailed stories to a specific members for a more detailed constructive criticism. 

Where do you get your ideas/writing prompts from?

These ideas can come from research, experience, dreams, conversations, activities and meeting people. I always carry a notebook and jot down ideas throughout the day. If I wake up and remember a dream I always make a note of it in the morning. You never know when these can be used.

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

The best piece of writing advice I have been given is to write from experience.

What is the best piece of writing advice you give?

The best piece of writing advice I have given is to continue to write and submit your stories to publishing houses and competitions. NEVER GIVE UP despite those dreaded rejection letters. If you get published in the smaller magazines give that credit to yourself. You are a published writer and you are on the rung of the ladder that will hopefully lead you to the top.

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

Yes. The ones I remember are ‘Power of Lyrics’ workshop and a ‘Sensual’ evening workshop. We also hold theme evenings were we are asked to write on a certain theme for the next months meeting.

We have also run workshops that have been open to other writers and writing groups. 

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

We have a web site – www.lindumscribes.org and a Facebook page - Lindum Scribes. Some of our members have a blog. 

How would someone go about joining your writing group?

If they contact a member of the committee via email or telephone we can then give them further details about the group. All the committee names and contact details are on the web site. 

Thank you Julia.

Writer - Keith Osborne

Tweet

I'd like to welcome you to my interview with writer, Keith Osborne.  Enjoy.

Keith Osborne

Hello Keith.  Can you introduce yourself?

I'm Keith Osborne based in Lincoln.

How long have you been writing?

Since 2000.

What first got you interested in writing?

Therapy after a long illness.

Do you attend a writing group?

I attend Lindum Scribes and Ancaster group.

Why do you attend a writing group?

For their encouragement support and sensible criticism.

What is the most valuable thing you have taken away from your writing group?

A chandelier, a grand piano, and a full sized oil painting. I don’t think anyone noticed but getting them into the boot of the car was a bit of a struggle. Luckily, a couple of passing nuns gave me a hand. 

What genre(s) do you write? 

Crime, comedy, and real life.

Are there any genres that you don't enjoy writing?

Children, not my style or target audience. 

What types of things do you write?

Novels. 

Have you ever had anything published?

No.

Have you sent your writing to agents/publishers?

No.

Would you consider self-publishing/e-publishing?

No. 

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

Real life.

How do you come up with your characters' names and personalities?

From people and situations I meet in real life. 

Do you have a writing routine?

I start as soon as I wake up until 7.00 when I get my wife a cup of tea, continue until 8.00 when I get her car out for her to go to work. At 10.00, I have a break, clear up, make the bed, open the post, and return to writing. 12.00 I finish. 

Do you start out with a complete idea for your stories, or do you just start writing and hope for the best?

No, I just have the gist of an idea and begin with that. It works for Stephen King…

Do you have an editing process?

I edit the work as I go along. Then I give extracts to my writing group for their input, but all the mistakes belong to me. The writer Laura Wilson advised me to read my work aloud to get the rhythm of speech and the pacing right. Doing it in front of a mirror is not an option; my face would shatter any mirror. 

What do you enjoy the most/least about writing?

Editing and editing. I enjoy it the most when it’s working, and the least when its not. 

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

No. 

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

Yes once and no. 

How important is it for you to share your writing?

Very but never with family and friends other than the friends within the writing group. 

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

Val McDermid said:

Write what you know

Write what you want to know

Treat as a job, not a hobby

What advice could you give a new writer?

Keep on writing; it’s the only way you’ll be published even if the publication is in a way you would not expect. 

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

Gardening, family tree research. 

What types of things do you read?  Do you think your writing reflects your book tastes?

Crime, history, biography, autobiography, and comedy and yes it does affect my book tastes. 

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

"You fail only if you stop writing." ~ Ray Bradbury/

"There are three rules for writing a novel. Unfortunately, no one knows what they are." ~ W. Somerset Maugham.

"There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed." ~ Ernest Hemingway.

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

Radio Head. It was Radio 4 Book of the Week, then serialised in Daily Mail, became a stage show John Peel’s Shed, which was also performed at the Edinburgh Festival, then on Radio 4 and finally went on tour round the country. It was written and performed by John Osborne and he’s my son – and he never asked for my input at all.  Details on www.johnosbornepoet.blogspot.co.uk  or type John Osborne poet into Google, or John Peel’s Shed into Google. 

What are you working on at the moment?

John Peel’s Shed on Tour - a diary of me driving my son.

An unnamed novel, I’ve got to chapter 8, which means it will get finished eventually.

My autobiography.

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

An extract from a work still in progress John Peel’s Shed on Tour © Keith Osborne 2012.

I’m too old to be a groupie. Or a roadie. In fact, I’m not even sure I know what the terms mean any more. I knew what they meant when I was eighteen but certainty on so many things disappeared as soon as I became a member of the ‘bus pass generation’. As I remember it, a ‘groupie’ was a miniskirted so-called ‘dolly bird’ who jumped into bed with the lead singer of the rock band she adored whereas the ‘roadie’ was the road manager who took the pick of the bunch after the other members of group had accepted their allotted quota of adoring fans. But that was in the Sixties and I don’t jump into bed with anyone these days. To be honest I didn’t even behave like that in my early days. Between you and me, with my artificial knee and arthritic hips I don’t jump anywhere. If I ever got the urge to jump, my glasses would probably fall off. 

I mean, let’s not get excited… it’s just my son and me in a Ford Focus. I don’t know why he’s taking me, I suppose I’m a bit like a companionable rabbit, easy maintenance and giving some comfort. If I ever dreamt of a career in the pop industry, then the Ford Focus never featured. 

Neither did insurance. 

The car is insured for domestic and pleasure; and he is my son and therefore it is domestic, and obviously because he’s my heir it’s a pleasure, I still think the insurance company should know we’re going from one stand-up performance to another. 

            …I’ve honed my worrying skills to ‘A’ level standard, if not University level. It’s not a skill I’m proud of; I worry today about what I should fret about tomorrow. 

Disaster. 

John rings to say… 

Thank you Keith.