Posted in East Coast Authors, tagged Aisha Khalaf, books, Cath Pickles, Darren Barker, east coast, Elizabeth Manning-Ives, Enid Thwaites, Sandra Delf, Sandra Forder, Suzan Collins, The Lodden Swan, Writing on March 8, 2017| 1 Comment »
A lovely day was had at The Loddon Swan Hotel last Saturday (25th Feb) where I joined some lovely authors to raise money for Alzheimer’s Research UK.
Sandra Delf
Elizabeth Manning-Ives
Enid Thwaites and Sandra Forder on the left
Darren Barker and Aisha Khalaf
Suzan Collins
Cath Pickles and Worzel
Thank you to the authors for giving their time and to The Loddon Swan for hosting us and looking after us. Thank you.
Posted in My Literary/Writery World 2016, tagged Alzheimer's Research UK, Beach Read, Chatty Cat book series, Chelmsford Library, Denes Academy, East Anglian Festival of Culture, East Anglian Press, Gunton Hall Coastal village, Ormanston Denes Academy, Rachel Lawston, Southwold radio, terry Tarbox, Wendy Leighton Porter, Woodbridge Library, Writing, Writing competition, writing retreats on January 31, 2017| Leave a Comment »
As tradition requires, I’ve been looking back at all the lovely literary/writery things I have done in 2016 (sorry I’m a bit late)
January – Planning for the Unique Writing Workshops I run twice a year at Gunton Hall Coastal Village (April and November). Unique as I cover everything from getting started on your first writing project to publishing and marketing your finished work. These are interactive and fun-filled days – but you can pick and choose, come for any or all of the sessions.
February – Began the month with a writing holiday to Tenerife.
Author gig at Woodbridge Library in Suffolk.
March – On Southwold radio.
Author gig at a women’s literary festival in London.
April – Author gig at Chelmsford Library in Essex.
Ran my Unique Writing workshops and met some inspiring writers.
May – Two author gigs this month in Suffolk, one at Kesgrave Library and one at Bury St Edmunds.
June – Arranged an evening Beach read. Weather a bit blowy but everyone had fun.
Author guests on blog were: Sandra Delf, Ellie Holmes and Tricia Cass.
Ran a writing competition. Winning entries and those highly commended would be included in a published book and sold on Amazon. All royalties would go to Alzheimer’s Research UK.
Cover change for Books 1 and 2 in my Chatty Cat series: ‘Chatty Cat: My Purr-fect New Home’ and ‘Chatty Cat: Spring into Summer’ (books for children and adults read them too). Designed by Rachel Lawston and I love them, hope you do too.
ISBN-13: 978-0995484436 ISBN-13: 978-0993493447
July – I ran the 2nd East Anglian Festival of Culture (#Eafoc) at the Coconut Loft, Hatfield Hotel and The Clyffe Hotel.
Two author gigs this month, Great Yarmouth Library (Norfolk) and at Saxmundham Library (Suffolk)
Author guest on my blog: Lynda Stacey.
Book release: Book 3 in the Chatty Cat series: ‘Chatty Cat: My Purr-fect Friends’
ISBN: 978-0993493454
Book endorsed by children’s authors Terry Tarbox and Wendy Leighton-Porter.
August – Author gig at Gorleston Library (Norfolk)
Published an anthology of stories written by writers from the writing weekend in April, ‘Dreaming on Paper’, under my imprint ‘East Anglian Press’, edited by Jo Wilde. All royalties to Alzheimer’s Research UK
ISBN-13: 978-0995484429
September – Author gig at a Lit Fest in London.
I ran writing workshops at Woodbridge Library and met some inspiring writers, some who aim to publish their work.
October – On Southwold Radio.
Planning the writing workshops ready for next month.
November – This month, author Jane Lovering came and did a ‘Writing a Novel’ workshop for my company, ‘Get Writing’ (www.getwriting.co.uk)
First planning meeting for the East Anglian Festival of Culture #Eafoc 2017
Planning a writing retreat for Jan 2017
Published this anthology (poetry and short stories) under my imprint East Anglian Press. ‘View of the Sea’, edited by Jo Wilde. All royalties to Alzhemier’s Research UK
ISBN-13: 978-0995484467
Although I had new covers for Chatty Cat books 1 & 2 I found that children liked the new covers and older readers, including people who wanted to purchase a book for their loved one who had suffered a stroke and just getting back into reading, preferred the covers with Chatty Cat actually on them and both are now available
Book 1 Book 2
December – The final month of the year 2016 sees my book, ‘Chatty Cat: My Purr-fect Friends’ in the WINTER 2016 Collection. It would make my day if you could vote for it please (voting is open until 28th Feb 2017) http://www.peoplesbookprize.com/book.php?id=1474
During the Autumn I had the wonderful opportunity of running writing enrichment sessions at the Ormiston Denes Academy. I worked with young inspiring writers and illustrators and have offered contracts to two young illustrators who will see their work in print very soon.
Writing plans for 2017:
The Get Writing Buddy
Second novel
Chatty Cat book 5, ‘Chatty Cat: Autumn into Winter’
Izzy Cat book: ‘Izzy Cat: New Family New Home’
Two individual books to raise money for Alzheimer’s Research UK.
Thank you for your fabulous support in 2106 which was greatly appreciated.
If you would like to keep up to date with Chatty Cat and Izzy Cat here is the link to Chatty’s blog: https://chattycatno1.wordpress.com/
And if you would like to follow me on FB or Twitter here are the links:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/Suzan-Collins-author-page-186401074847655/
Twitter: @suzancollins
May this year, 2017, be a good one for you.
Until next time
Suzan x
Posted in Author Lynda Stacey, tagged Author, Berni Stevens, book, books, Choc Lit, House of Secrets, Jane Lovering, Lynda Stacey, New Writers Scheme, RNA, romance, Suspence, Writing on July 22, 2016| Leave a Comment »
Welcome Lynda Stacey…
Can you tell me a little about yourself? (inc if you use a pen name)
Ha ha… do I use a pen name. No, I don’t write under a pen name. Most day’s I’m so busy 
I’d forget who I was if I had two names, so…. The name Lynda Stacey, really is me.
I’m the Sales Director at a stationery and office furniture company in Doncaster. It’s a position I’ve held for the past 25 years. I’ve seen the company grow and develop over the years and I’m very proud to be a part of it.
During my life, I’ve also been a oral surgery nurse, a model, an emergency first response instructor and a Scuba Diving Instructor, who was qualified to teach people from taking their first underwater breaths, to being instructors themselves. People think I’m a little crazy, I have no problem jumping in the sea knowing there are sharks below. I love every minute of it.
However, in 2008 I was involved in a car accident. My shoulder was badly damaged and I had no strength in my right arm and had to stop teaching, although I do still dive for myself.
It was then that I began ‘playing’ at writing. I’d always had an interest in writing and like many other people had said for years that ‘one day I’d write a novel’. My brother even bought me a word processor 25 years ago and gave it to me with the words, “You keep saying you’ll write a book, get on with it.” Well… I finally did.
What are the titles and genres of your books?
The title of my debut novel is House of Secrets.
I always write romantic suspense, with a true villain at the centre of the story. I do believe in love, but I’m also very aware that life isn’t always simple.
How did you come up with the stories?
It was my birthday and my husband took me to stay at Wrea Head Hall for the night. The moment I walked in through the front door, I could feel the history seeping out through the walls. It was as thought the hall was talking to me, asking for a book to be written and to be fair, a house like that deserves a great story. So, I’ve given it as much intrigue as I could possibly imagine.
Your book has a lovely cover, did you have any say in what you wanted the cover to be?
I always wanted the hall to be on the cover. It’s a beautiful place and the owner of the hall gave me the permission to use the photo, he’s also been extremely supportive. But other than that, I was happy to let Choc Lit do the rest. Berni Stevens does most of their covers. She is a fabulous designer and I just knew I’d be in for a treat.
Do you have any tips for aspiring writers?
YES….Keep writing. Write every day, even if it’s only a few words. And join a writing group. I became a member of the Romantic Novelist Association in 2013. They have a New Writers Scheme. As part of your NWS membership, you are offered a critique service on your work in progress. This was invaluable. They also have an annual conference, where you can meet editors or agents on a 1-1 basis. This is where I first met Lyn Vernham, director of Choc Lit and where she first became interested in my work.
What is your writing routine?
I work full time. My writing in sporadic and some nights my laptop doesn’t land on my knee until seven or eight o’clock. But I always try and write something.
Most of my writing is done on a Saturday or Sunday morning. I wake up early, around 6am and can sometimes get two or three hours writing done before the rest of the house (meaning the husband) wakes up.
Do you have an editing process?
I tend to edit as I write. But once I don’t feel as though I can do any more, I send it to Jane Lovering who offers a critique service. She’s amazing and brutally honest, but well worth listening to. If she says the plot is too complicated, or a character isn’t working, she’s normally right.
What do you enjoy the most/least about writing?
What I enjoy most is getting lost in the story. I love it when the characters come to life, they take on a personality and start doing their own thing on the page. I can write a chapter and then sit back and think, “Where did that come from?”. A few pages later, the character tends to do something else and I start nodding and laughing, saying to myself, “So, that’s why you did it.”
Are you writing anything at the moment?
I’ve just completed my 3rd novel. Currently called Broken Hope. I’ve put it down for a few weeks and will go back to it and re-edit it again, before sending it to Jane.
And I’m researching a possible time slip that I’ll base around the mining community. I am after all a miners daughter, so I kind of see the subject as my heritage. I also lived through the miners strikes of 1984, so have first hand knowledge on what it was really like.
Where can people find you on the internet?
Well…. I’m all over the place really. You can’t miss me. I have a page on Facebook, a twitter account, a webpage, an author page on the RNA website and an author page on the Choc Lit site.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Lyndastaceyauthor
Twitter: @Lyndastacey
Website: www.Lyndastacey.co.uk
RNA: http://www.romanticnovelistsassociation.org/
Oh… and you can find my e-book HOUSE OF SECRETS on Amazon and all other platforms. It’s a bargain at just £1.99
Is there anything else you would like to share with your readers?
Yes… please love the book ha ha… I put my heart and soul into writing House of Secrets. If you did enjoy it, I’d love for you to leave a review and to know your thoughts.
And if you ever get the chance, go to Wrea Head Hall. It’s just outside of Scarborough and I can guarantee that you’ll have an amazing time.
How does it feel to finally hold your book in your hands?
Well, my book is e-book first. But hopefully, I’ll get enough reviews to get it into print. Already, House of Secrets has 16 reviews, 13 of them are 5 star and 3 of them are 4’s… it’s so much better than I could have wished for. I’m so happy and grateful to everyone who takes the time to write the reviews.
Posted in Sandra Delf, Uncategorized, tagged Author, books, Clyfe Hotel, Eafoc, East Anglian Festival of Cluture, editing, Keep Smiling Through, Kirkley, Lowestoft Library, Meet the Authors Weekend, Sandra Delf, Saxmundham Library, South Lowestoft, suffolk, The Coconut Loft, Waveney Author Group, Writing on June 25, 2016| Leave a Comment »
Welcome Sandra Delf…
Can you tell me a little about yourself (inc a pen name f you use one)? 
I have lived in Lowestoft for most of my life apart from 6 years in Australia and 3 in London. I left for Australia on my own at age 21. I have 3 children who have all now flown the nest.
I don’t use a pen name despite have a very boring name. If I did and someone called me by it I don’t think I’d answer anyway. Also, my book is about letters written by my father and a pen name, therefore, would not really fit.
What is the title and genre of your book?
My book is called Keep Smiling Through. It is a non-fiction history book containing letters written from prisoner of war camps during World War Two.
How did you come up with the story?
These letters, written by my father, Cyril, had been in a cupboard in my house for several years before I read them. Once they were put into date order I found there were interesting stories running through them.
It has a lovely cover, did you have any say in what you wanted the cover to be?
Yes and I wanted the cover to state clearly what the book was about. I found an image of a prisoner of war camp on the internet and set about gaining permission to use it on the cover.
I passed it on to my cover designer, Jen Moon, with a description of what I was looking for. She did a wonderful job with a very unglamorous subject.
Do you have any tips for aspiring writers?
Just keep going. If you are writing non-fiction make clear notes of where you find your information
What is your writing routine?
I write in the mornings when I am fresh and keen.
Do you have an editing process?
Not really. But I do save all my research and edit it subject by subject. As far as the letters are concerned I transcribed them onto the computer as I read them.
What do you enjoy the most/least about writing?
Seeing the final result is wonderful.
I dislike learning to use new technology but it is a necessary a tool.
Are you writing anything at the moment?
Yes I enjoy writing fiction and have a new project, a book containing 5 short stories about long separations. Also, I am hoping to get some feedback from Keep Smiling Through and will be carrying out some research to try and find out what happened to Cyril’s prisoner of war companions. If so I hope to write about it.
Do you belong to any writers groups?
Yes, I belong to: The Waveney Author Group, Writer’s Corner and Lowestoft U3A Writers Group.
Where can people find you on the internet?
I have a Facebook writer page.
https://www.facebook.com/Sandra-Delf-881404858618606/?fref=ts
Is there anything else you would like to share with your readers?
I will be at the East Anglian Festival of Culture (Eafoc) on the 2nd and 3rd July in Kirkley, Lowestoft (details below). It would be great if people popped in to say hello. I will be situated at The Clyffe Hotel. And if they cannot make it I will be at the Meet the Authors event 11th & 12th November at the Coconut Loft in Kirkley, Lowestoft.
As a member of the Waveney Author Group and part of our on tour programme I will be at Saxmundham Library 10.30am Thurs 7th July and Lowestoft Library 2-3pm Tues 20th September.
How does it feel to finally hold your book in your hands?
I felt excitement, relief and a great sense of achievement. And, immediately started thinking about my next project.
Thank you, Sandra. You have been a marvellous guest and I look forward to seeing you at the East Anglian Festival of Culture (EAFOC) this July in Kirkley, South Lowestoft, Suffolk.
And if you would like to come and meet Sandra and get a personalised signed copy please visit the website for more details: www.eastanglianfestivalofculture.co.uk
Posted in Charities I support, tagged Alzheimer's dementia, Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society, Anglia Cats Protection, Author, Charity, Facebook, Get Writing, Jo Wilde, Suzan Collins, Writing on June 21, 2016| Leave a Comment »
People are asking if I support the Alzheimer’s Society or Alzheimer’s Research UK? I support both, both do fantastic work. The Alzheimer’s Society support people living with dementia and their carers and Alzheimer’s Research UK, like it says on the tin, does the research. One day we will have a cure, a long way to go but raising funds, and awareness, is just one way of helping. A way of knowing the support for which charity is this: our annual walk and the 50 SHAVES of Grey event Jo Wilde and I are organising will be for the Alzheimer’s Society and the literary events (festivals and anthologies) will be for Alzheimer’s Research UK . Dementia and rescuing/rehoming cats are very close to my heart and my Nov ‘Meet The Authors Weekend’ will be supporting Anglia Cats Protection (and all literary events thereafter).
Want to enter a literary competition? Winning entries and those highly recommended will be inserted into a published book and sold on Amazon. All royalties will go to Alzheimer’s Research UK. For entry form go to www.getwriting.co.uk
To look at the pages on Facebook go to:
For Alzheimer’s Research UK
https://www.facebook.com/East-Anglian-Festival-of-Culture-Eafoc-294918514044821/
For Anglia Cats Protection
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Anglia-Coastal-Cats-Protection/784155275039487?pnref=lhc
https://www.facebook.com/events/1625960377731892/
For the Alzheimer’s Society
https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=lowestoft%20memory%20walk%2025th%20sept%202016
Page for 50 SHAVES of Grey will be coming soon…
I loved writing a story in this anthology and guess what, I’ve just written another one but I can’t tell you much about it yet, apart from it’s stories are about a writing weekend and will raise money for Alzheimer’s Research UK. .
Little Kitty, the Cat Burglar, has great reviews and is available to buy on Amazon, both as a paperback and on Kindle.
People involved in Little Kitty gave their time free, thanks to Rachel Lawston, Catie Atkinson, Jo Wilde, Lucille Rayner, Ann Bowyer, Roz Lyons, JB Johnston and Tracy Terry.
Get Writing
https://www.facebook.com/Get-Writing2-366023433491753/
Ooooh, don’t mind if I do.
Posted in Pat Casselden, tagged books, Eafoc, East Anglian Festival of Culture, East Anglian Press, lowestoft, No Going Back, Pat Casselden, suffolk, Tricia Cass, Writing on June 18, 2016| Leave a Comment »
Welcome, Pat Casselden…
Can you tell me a little about yourself? 
I am a 67 year old wife, mother and grandmother, now retired after spending many years working with adults with learning disabilities.
I write fiction under my pen name of Tricia Cass which is a shortened version of my full name and have just written a story for an anthology, to raise money for Alzheimer’s Research UK, under my own name, Patricia Casselden
What is the title and genre of your book?
My book is titled ‘No Going Back’ and is a story of Drama / Crime / Family and Love
How did you come up with the story?
‘No Going Back’ is totally fictional. It started in my mind as a short story when I attended a Creative Writing course at my local college.
As the characters grew, the story evolved.
It has a lovely cover. Did you have any say in what you wanted the cover to be?
Thank-you. Yes, I knew roughly what I wanted and met with a local Artist who came up with the cover. I loved the colours and felt it was perfect for the context of the book.
Do you have any tips for aspiring writers?
Look for writing groups / courses where you get advice and support. The local Library is a good place to get information.
Believe in yourself and enjoy.
What is your writing routine?
I don’t actually have a routine as I write when the mood takes me. I can get lost in my writing so I try to clear anything pressing before I start.
I like background noise when I write – it seems to help my concentration.
Do you have an editing process?
I did most of my own editing for ‘No Going Back’ as it was my first book and I had no idea of how to go about things. I had invaluable help once I found out more about the process and I will use an Editor for my next book. The cost involved will be well worth it when I think of the blood sweat and tears I used up this time.
What do you enjoy the most/least about writing?
I love getting lost in my work.
I love discovering how my characters come to life and take me off track.
I love it when one chapter flows into another (This doesn’t always happen)
I get excited when I’m nearing the end.
I get frustrated when my ideas get blocked.
I hate it when my brain won’t switch off when I’m trying to sleep.
Where can people find you on the internet?
Facebook:
Pat Casselden: https://www.facebook.com/patriciacasselden49/?fref=nf
Tricia Cass: https://www.facebook.com/Tricia-Cass-Author-100423340370911/?fref=ts
Twitter:
@patcasselden
Is there anything else you would like to share with your readers?
Yes – I will be at the East Anglian Festival of Culture (Eafoc) across the weekend of 2nd and 3rd July in Lowestoft (details below). I would love it if people stopped by to say hello so don’t be shy.
How does it feel to finally hold your book in your hands?
So proud I can’t describe it – it’s a lifetime dream come true.
I love all the positive feedback I’ve had.
Thank you, Tricia. You have been a marvellous guest and I look forward to seeing you at the East Anglian Festival of Culture (EAFOC) this July in Lowestoft, Suffolk.
And if you would like to come and meet Tricia and get a personalised signed copy please visit the website for more details: www.eastanglianfestivalofculture.co.uk . Alternatively, if you are unable to come to the festival here is the link to buy a copy on Amazon
Posted in Ellie Holmes, Uncategorized, tagged Author, Blurb, books, Eafoc, East Anglian Festival of Culture, Ellie Holmes, Fiction, Kirkley, lowestoft, suffolk, Writing on June 12, 2016| Leave a Comment »
Welcome Ellie Holmes…
Can you tell me a little about yourself? (inc if you use a pen name and why)
I was born in Essex but made in Cornwall and use those two places as the source of inspiration for my writing. Like most people, I juggle commitments to family and friends, a part time job and my writing so my days tend to be hectic and my nights are long.
I write under the pen name of Ellie Holmes which is a combination of my two grandmothers’ names. I decided to use a pen name because I also write darker, crime driven novels which I may publish under my own name in due course although I haven’t completely made up my mind about that yet. I might introduce a darker line of Ellie Holmes’ novels instead.
What is the title and genre of your book?
My debut novel is called The Flower Seller and it is commercial romantic fiction.
How did you come up with the story?
Believe it or not, it was supposed to be a short story about a woman re-entering the dating game after many years of marriage. One hundred thousand words later you can see my imagination took over. It developed into an exploration of the idea that people are not always how they first appear which is a rich seam for a writer to mine.
It has a lovely cover, did you have any say in what you wanted the cover to be?
Thank you, that’s very kind of you. Yes, absolutely. As an indie author the cover is so important. I chose the cover designer I wanted to work with – the wonderful Berni Stevens www.bernistevensdesign.com and wrote her a detailed brief. My brief included my wish for the cover to be “eye catching and beautiful with rich colours” and she certainly delivered on that. I love it and count myself very lucky to have such a beautiful cover.
Do you have any tips for aspiring writers?
Do something writing related every day. Really it’s the only way. If you can carve out a few precious minutes each day you will be amazed by what you can achieve. But that doesn’t just mean writing. In addition to that it could be catching up on a webinar on an aspect of the writing business you need guidance on. It could be researching a topic for your next book. It could be choosing editors or cover designers if you are self-published.
If you are engaged in the business of writing and serious about what you are doing and have the commitment and the strength of will to keep going for longer than a few weeks you are a writer. Being a writer is not about having a deal or not having a deal. It is not about traditional publishing or self-publishing. It is about the commitment.
What is your writing routine?
I aim to write 5,000 words a week, a 1,000 words a day for five days, usually in the evenings. In addition, I write two blog posts a week. The blogs I tend to write first thing in the morning. The one day a week I am at home (apart from weekends), I spend editing.
Do you have an editing process?
I usually let a piece of work sit for a few weeks before I start editing. When I do, I’ll read it through making a few notes about the flow, any loose ends I haven’t tidied up and the areas that need expanding upon. Then I start the hard work of working through it chapter by chapter until each chapter sings. Once I reach the end of the beginning (usually around the thirty thousand word mark for a full length novel) I’ll do an out loud read through of that section. It helps to improve the flow and sharpens up the dialogue when you hear it out loud. Then I repeat the process for the middle section and the final section. Before doing an out loud read through of the whole thing. My read throughs for The Flower Seller were accompanied by the loud snoring of my longhaired Dachshund Sasha, hopefully my book won’t have the same soporific effect on humans!!
What do you enjoy the most/least about writing?
I love the buzz when you have an idea and you start to develop it and suddenly the characters take over. When you are in the zone it’s almost as though you are taking dictation from them which is wonderful.
I don’t enjoy writing the blurb for the back of a book. I am a hundred thousand word kind of girl (fifty thousand for my novellas) sticking to 150 odd words is HARD!
Where can people find you on the internet?
People can find me at my website www.ellieholmesauthor.com
I am also on Facebook at www.facebook.com/EllieHWriter and Twitter @EllieHWriter
and Pinterest at www.pinterest.com/EllieHWriter
Is there anything else you would like to share with your readers?
Yes – I am going to be taking part in a pop up book shop at the East Anglian Festival of Culture across the weekend of 2nd and 3rd July in Lowestoft (details below). I would love it if people stopped by to say hello so don’t be shy.
How does it feel to finally hold your book in your hands?
When I first held my book it was a bittersweet feeling. My mum had very much been looking forward to sharing the moment with me but she died earlier this year. My dad is also gone and I know he wanted this for me perhaps even more than I wanted it for myself. Then, as I remembered all the hard work that had gone into not just writing the book but creating it, I felt very proud.
Thank you, Ellie. You have been a marvellous guest and I look forward to seeing you at the East Anglian Festival of Culture (EAFOC) this July in Kirkley, Suffolk.
The Flower Seller http://goo.gl/UrHYRb
And if you would like to come and meet Ellie and get a personalised signed copy please visit the website for more details: www.eastanglianfestivalofculture.co.uk
Posted in Lottie Thorn, tagged Author, books, Get Writing, Henstead, Jo Wilde, Lottie Thorn, St Mary's Chruch, Waveney Author Group, Writing on April 11, 2016| 2 Comments »
Welcome, Lottie Thorn …
Can you tell me a little about yourself? (inc if you use a pen name)
Lottie Thorn is a pen name, which I’m using for this children’s story. I initially trained as a teacher, and worked mostly in special needs, including adults. I have worked in mental health as well, but am now “sort-of” retired, though apart from indulging myself in writing, I also help my husband run our heating and plumbing business. I’m also a trained complementary therapist.
What was the first story you wrote?
A short story in 2002, for Christmas, about Santa and Rudolph foiling a kidnap plot, and catching a couple of criminals. I didn’t do anything with it in terms of submission. I’ve only ever submitted one story to a magazine, and got the big “R” letter!
Were you inspired by someone or something?
In 2002, I did my first and great course with Dorothy Courtis, a local writer, who writes under the name of Dorothy Stewart. It was stimulating, informative and fun, and indeed inspired me. In 2007 and 2008 I did a couple of short courses with Cambridge University Extra Mural Studies with Teresa Benison, author of contemporary and historical fiction. More recently, I spent a couple of years with another amazing and inspirational writer, Jan Farmery.
Latterly, I belong to a writers’ group called Waveney Author Group, who are mutually supportive, and always ready to listen, review or come up with suggestions for words, phrases or titles. (It’s surprising how tricky it can be to find a title sometimes!). It was a writing course run by Suzan Collins, founder of WAG and Get Writing (www.getwriting.co.uk), that eventually inspired and nurtured me through publication of my children’s book.
Why do you write?
I just can’t help myself! I’ve always loved it. For many years, most of my writing was academic – I just couldn’t get enough! Give me a five thousand word essay, and I was away! But I’d always harboured this fantasy about writing a book….
Can you tell us about your newest book?
It’s a short story for young children, called “Mabel and the Little Star”, beautifully illustrated in cartoon style.
How did you come up with the story?
I didn’t set out to write a children’s story. It started out as a bit of a humorous protest at some of the congregation at the church I go to, who mentioned the word “mousetrap” after they discovered the harvest sheaf of wheat had been decimated by the resident mouse! It just sort of morphed into a children’s story!
What genre best fits for the book?
Young children
Do you have someone to critique your work?
Yes, Jan Farmery is a highly constructive and creative critic, who deals very firmly with my tendency to overwrite, and Jo Wilde is a great editor.
Are you working on something new at the moment?
I’m working at the moment on an historical novel, inspired by a visit to Walpole Chapel, near Halesworth, in Suffolk, near to where I live.
Do you have any tips for aspiring writers?
Read! Read all you can, gives you a feel of language, and how it is used by successful authors. Be prepared to edit, edit, edit! And don’t be afraid to “murder your darlings” as Sir Arthur Quiller-Couch put it! Sometimes those characters, phrases or paragraphs have just got to go. Be very clear that every word moves the story in the right direction. And write every day, doesn’t matter what, actually. Just keep writing!
What is your writing routine?
Frankly, a bit chaotic! With the exception of my early mornings, which are structured and routine. I get up at 5am so I can have a fifteen minute meditation, and around an hour and a half writing before I take the dogs on the beach for about an hour. Mornings are my best time. I can’t do evenings – I’m a lark, not an owl! But I do know it’s a discipline, and distractions are ever-present!
Do you have an editing process?
I do my first draft in longhand. Then I put it on my beloved laptop (what would I do without that?!). This is a second draft, where I make adjustments and amendments. I go through it again. Probably leave it for a while and come back to it. At some stage, I will read it out loud – you hear a lot of things that don’t work that way. I’m often up to five or six drafts.
What do you enjoy the most/least about writing?
Least – staring at the blank page! Most – watching the pencil (I only write in pencil or sometimes fountain pen, can’t stand ball points!) gradually cover that blank page! And of course, there’s nothing quite like the first sight of your book in published version!
Where can people find you on the internet?
FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100011335822997
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thorn_lottie
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Lottie-Thorn/e/B019IZTQCA/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1460410084&sr=1-2-ent
Suzan Collins 