Creative Writing Comp

Call for Entries: The Aesthetica Creative Writing Competition

The Aesthetica Creative Writing Competition 2013 are now open for entries, and I thought that you might be interested in submitting some work!

We are looking for imaginative pieces of writing that push the boundaries of two categories: Poetry and Fiction. The Creative Writing Competition, now in its sixth year, offers both existing and aspiring writers the chance to showcase their work to a wider international audience. Submissions previously published elsewhere are accepted.

Entry is £10 and the deadline for submissions is 31 August.

The Winner of each category will receive £500 prize money, publication in the Aesthetica Creative Writing Annual, a complimentary copy of the Annual and a selection of books from competition partners.

Visit www.aestheticamagazine.com/creativewriting for more information and register your entry today!

Submission Guidelines:

• Fiction entries should be no more than 2,000 words each
• Poetry entries should be no more than 40 lines each
• Both Fiction and Poetry entries should be written in English

It's not a NWUK competition but you might be interested.

Off to the Palace

New Writers UK author Susan Beecroft is having a wonderful time with her children’s book Teddy goes to Buckingham Palace. The book - launched at our 2012 festival and featuring illustrations by fellow NWUK member Howard Barton – attracted the interest of St. James's Palace and they’ve placed an order. The Royal Collection Enterprise are going to sell copies in the Buckingham Palace shop!

Susan is now working on a story that she’s been commissioned to write for the Freemasons, in aid of their 'Teddies for loving care ' appeal.

On Saturday June 8 between 11am and 3pm, Susan is signing copies of Teddy goes to Buckingham Palace at Waterstone’s Nottingham. Come along.

Writers' Comp

Winchester Writers’ Competitions are now open! 

 

The competitions include Writing for Children, the Short Story, the Shorter Short Story, Poetry, Haiku, Feature Articles, Slim Volume, Small Edition, Crime Fiction, Lifewriting, Retirement, The First Three Pages of the Novel, Sustainability of the Environment and the Young Writers Poetry Competition. Something for Everyone! The entries must be original and unpublished work, written by one author, submitted using a pseudonym and must not have won an award in any previous competition. Self-published work is acceptable. Copyright remains with the author. The deadline is 24 May, 2013 for all competitions, except the Young Writers’ Poetry Competition, which has a deadline of 19 July. Sixty-three prizes and five trophies will be awarded at the Writers’ Awards Ceremony on June 22nd, during the 33rd Winchester Writers’ Conference. In addition, the winner of each competition will be published in the Winchester Writers’ Conference anthology,The Best of 2013, published in the autumn. For the competition booklet, please follow this link:http://www.writersconference.co.uk/or 

To view both the full competition booklet, please follow this link:http://www.writersconference.co.uk/

Voice Your Words

Would you like to recite a poem? Fancy reading an extract from your WIP? Wish to tell a short story? Or want to narrate a favourite chapter?

We provide the microphone and audience, you provide the words!

THIS Sunday’s (April 7) NOT The Hay Book Festival is featuring an ‘open mic’ stage as part of the day’s literary activities. A seated food court area will host the audience for anyone brave enough to attempt to entertain them (Not just NWUK members).

Providing your words are not offensive, and you bear in mind that children may be present, the stage is yours. It could be your own work or a favourite piece but should be no longer than 5 minutes in duration.

If you’d like to take part simply pull up at the old Bartons bus depot in Chilwell between 10.45am and 2.30pm and ask for John Baird or Richard Barton. If you’d like to book a time for your reading please email John before the 7^th john@newwritersuk.co.uk

The book festival will feature a series of free to attend talks:

Stephen Booth, the best-selling crime writer will be speaking at 1.40pm. His talk will be on ‘A Sense of Place’ and his use of locations.

Earlier in the day, at 11.20am, the award-winning adult and children’s author Gloria Morgan will be looking at the role of character in fiction with a talk titled, ‘Who Are These People?’

At 12 o’clock, adult fiction author Philip Baker will be discussing where his ideas come from.

Local history makes up the other two talks:

Alan Oxley will speak of Gasbags and Gliders at 12.40pm as he covers the History of Barton Transport from 1908 to 1989.

Maureen Rushton will tell the story of the women that worked at the Chilwell Shell Filling Factory during the First World War in her talk ‘The Canary Girls of Chilwell’: Rushton is the author of a book of the same name.

Plenty of parking is available at a venue that oozes character and history, so if you’re a fan of the written word, or just want a great day out, get along to Chilwell’s High Road between 10am and 4pm. The event is part of the NOT the Camden Market – around 50 stalls of local crafts and produce.

The Assassin's Mark - Out Today!

The Assassin's Mark hits the streets!

David Ebsworth wrote the first draft during 2011, then went to Northern Spain to visit the locations and make factual corrections, before doing all the re-writes during 2012. The story was originally 190,000 words but was trimmed down to its fighting weight at a mere 150,000.

David: "The latter stages have been a team effort, of course, thanks to the platinum-plated insights of my editor, Jo Field; the artistic brilliance of graphic designer, Cathy Helms; and the professional efficiency of Helen Hart, Sarah Newman and Joanna Zefron at SilverWood Books. Mostly though to Ann's unfailing and dogged commitment to studying every draft and amendment in her role as "ideal reader"."

For anybody who's not seen it yet, here's the link to the Book's Theatrical Trailer on YouTube...

Launching The Assassin's Mark

September 1938. Spain's Civil War has been raging for two years, the outcome still in the balance. But rebel General Franco is so confident of winning that he has opened up battlefield tourism along the country's north coast. Jack Telford, a left-wing reporter, finds himself with an eccentric group of tourists on one of the War Route's yellow Chrysler buses. Driven by his passion for peace, Telford attempts to uncover the hidden truths beneath the conflict. But Jack must contend first with his own gullibility, the tragic death of a fellow passenger, capture by Republican guerrilleros, a final showdown at Spain's most holy shrine and the possibility that he has been badly betrayed. Betrayed and in serious danger.

BUY HERE

Pam Littlewood - Talk

Nottingham Central Library on Thursday 21st March at 2.30pm.

Pam Littlewood, author of Nottinghamshire based novels "Workhouse Prophecy" and "If Wishes Were Horses" will be speaking about her local history research and the way in which she uses this research as inspiration for her historical novels.

 The event will take place on floor 1, tickets cost £2 and are available from the ground floor helpdesk (telephone 0115 9152825).

For further details please emaillocal_studies.library@nottinghamcity.gov.uk, or telephone 0115 9152873

Over 55 and live in Notts?

Short Story Competition for Nottinghamshire Residents Aged 55 and over

We are delighted to announce that the best-selling crime writer Stephen Booth will join the Mayor of Gedling in presenting the awards and anthologies to the finalists on Sunday 14th of July at the 2013 Gedling Book Festival.

Not long left to enter your stories (2,000-5,000 words). Closing date for entries: Sat March 30th, 2013

A paperback anthology of the best 20 entries will be published with the finalists each receiving a free copy of the book.

Cover Design by Cathy Helms at www.avalongraphics.org

Finalists will be notified in the first week of June, 2013.

1st Prize:
£50 cash
Other prizes to be announced in due course.

You can download an Application Form and the Full Rules via THIS LINK

Entries should be emailed in Word format to julie@newwritersuk.co.uk.

However, should that not be possible, they can accept typed or written entries, which should be posted to:

New Writers UK,

PO Box 9310,
Nottingham,
NG5 0DZ

Eastwood Expo and Book Bonanza

NOT the Hay Book Festival at Bartons

Hucknall Book Day

Waiting Game

Launching on 1st March 2013

The awesome new sequel to the People's Book Prize Shortlisted "Dead Game".

Living in despair after the tragic death of her cousin Archie, Sarah Walker finally succumbs and embarks on her long-awaited trip around the world. Landing herself in a dingy Thai soi, she runs into a forgotten rogue from her past. Terrified, Sarah flees and in doing so, finds herself in a ghostly world with warped satyrs, dual-headed snakes, and a wicked witch who plots to enslave her; trying to piece together the jigsaw of her past in time; the true meaning of friendship is at stake. Waiting Game is a dangerous journey but it is a fragile heart that travels it. Compelled to move on whether she wants to or not, Sarah’s scars run deep, but just how far will she go in an attempt to find Archie?

Pre-order here 

http://www.ghostlypublishing.co.uk/shop/Waiting-Game-Hardback-(Limited-Edition)_17.html

Competition - Catherine Cooper

Visit http://www.pengridion.co.uk/

To enter the worldwide competition, visit the collection on Amazon Kindle

World Book Day 2013

World Book Day 2013

In the UK 12 million adults find reading difficult and often, in fear would stray away from picking up a book. This is an issue that needs to be addressed in the early stages of one’s education. World Book Day, taking place on 7^th March invites children to come to school dressed as their favourite fictional character, receive a £1 or €1.50 token to exchange for a book and to enjoy reading wondrous adventures.

World Book Day not only aims to encourage children in the UK to pick up a book, it helps to raise money for Book Aid International. The charity sends half a million books each year to sub-Saharan Africa, where in some countries a school book can cost the equivalent of a month’s wages. These books are sent to communities, schools and academic libraries. With the help of World Book Day, Book Aid International can reach out to more children; for every £2 a school raises, one brand new book can be sent. Last year World Book Day raised £76,000 enabling Book Aid International to send 38,000 new books to sub-Saharan Africa.

Schools can raise money by hosting a fancy dress, dress down or non-school uniform day. Many schools encourage children to think of their favourite fictional character and come to school on World Book Day dressed as them. It is a great way to get children involved with the stories and enjoy the adventures that their favourite characters encounter. Last year Harry Potter and Hermione Granger costumes were popular among Where’s Wally and Dorothy outfits.

As well as encouraging children to dress as their chosen characters, a £1 or €1.50 token is also offered to all students. They can choose to spend it on one of the special World Book Day books or put it towards the cost of a normal book that has caught their attention.

£1 Books up for grabs

A fantastic 14 million tokens will be distributed this year and the choice of books children have is bigger and better than ever. Here are the titles available in exchange for a token:
·        Horrid Henry’s Guide to Perfect Parents by Francesca Simon
·    Alfie’s Shop by Shirley Hughes
·         Giraffes Can’t Dance Colouring and Puzzle Fun by Giles Andreae and Guy Parker-Rees
·        Tony Robinson’s Weird World of Wonders: Funny Inventions by Tony Robinson and Del Thorpe
·     The Diamond Brothers in ... Two of Diamonds by Anthony Horowitz
·        Hang In there Bozo: the Ruby Redfort Emergency Survival Guide For Some Tricky Predicaments by Lauren Child
·        Tom Gates: Best Book Day Ever! (so far) by Liz Pichon
·        The Chocolate Box Girls: Bittersweet by Cathy Cassidy

Events such as World Book Day aim to encourage children to turn pages and discover fantastic stories that will live with them for a lifetime. Sparking enthusiasm for reading will help to fight against illiteracy, encourage children to challenge themselves and aid their education. There are many ways in which we can create this spark, dressing up as a character is such one of them.

http://www.allfancydress.com/

This article has been contributed by Steve John of AFD, a fancy dress retailer who stocks a variety of outfits for World Book Day.

Introducing Jane Hersey

Introducing Jane Hersey, author of the heartbreaking true stories Breath in the Dark, Full Circle and Silent in the Shadows. 

A six year old child with sole care of a mother suffering with depression, diabetes and eating disorders, Jane, is ostracised by the Jewish community and the community at large.

The story is told through the thoughts and voice of a traumatised, isolated child enduring the stresses of day-to-day life under difficult circumstances in 1960’s Manchester.

Jane expresses the beautiful mix of confusion, faith and fear that characterises her childhood. An extremely powerful reading experience.

Review by Harper Collins

This is a simply stunning book. I found myself both moved and haunted by this book. A key text for clinicians, students and carers and parents themselves.

The Madness and Literature Network, Nottingham University.

Fantastically written. It left me feeling emotional for the childhood she lost and also wondering how she got where she is today! I would recommend this book to professionals, survivors and anyone wishing to understand the effects of mental illness, poverty, emotional neglect and sexual abuse.

NAPAC, National Assoc for People Abused in Childhood.

                                           

Haunting, disturbing, sad and important.

Psychcentral

 

I was thirteen years old when my mother died. Separated from my brothers, not knowing what became of them, I was sent to live with a cruel and sadistic aunt. Prevented from attending my mother's funeral and not told where she was buried, I never came to terms with her death. Barely literate and confused I remained traumatised.

Full Circle continues the life story of Jane Hersey which began with Breath in the Dark. It tells the harrowing true tale of a socially isolated young woman, who is neglected, physically and emotionally abused and living in poverty and deprivation. After leaving an abusive relationship Jane found herself homeless with a baby. At the mercy of unscrupulous people, forced into prostitution and sexually exploited.

Visit Jane’s website

Visit her New Writers UK author page

Introducing Yasir Hayat

Introducing Yasir Hayat, now a member of NWUK.

Yasir is the author of Memoirs of the Damned, an epic vampire novel set against a timeless gothic backdrop.

Yasir Hayat

Yasir: From an early age I developed a strange affinity for poetry after hearing Edgar Allen Poe’s famous poem ‘The Raven’. Immediately I tried writing my own, I was fascinated by words in rhyme and their meaning. My mind was set ablaze by ideas and thoughts, unfortunately I wasn’t able to annunciate or project those ideas and thoughts in a manner synonymous with poetry. My love for the craft kept me writing along with the countless praises I got off friends who read my work

As my studies progressed into college the desire to write took a different form. I began writing short stories in times of inactivity to pass the time. My poetry had become better but not to the point where I could be featured in a magazine or make any publicity from it. I continued writing poetry and expanding to stories.

Once my studies progressed to university my writings had developed a mind of their own. I carried on with poetry but created my book Memoirs of the Damned from the short stories I had written in college. I attended writing workshops in my spare time and began taking part in poetry festivals. I met Shamshad Khan, an amazing poet, at the Manchester Literature Festival, she referred me to Zahid Hussain. Both of these wonderful individuals have helped me with my writing.

Now that my studies are over my primary focus is to become an established author. I cannot ignore poetry as it is the keystone of my writing desire but I am considering expansion into playwriting too. I am looking forward to becoming a prominent part of the literary community and I am excited about what the future holds for me. I have simply this message to give,

In the quietened soul we hold a resolve

That many a time we find dissolves

Pursuit is the mother of gains

And love can help subdue any pain

View Yasir Hayat's page here

To view NWUK members' horror books click here

ask David - promotion for books

One of our members has recommended the following free book promotion website at http://askdavid.com/free-book-promotion.

Apparently is makes its money from Amazon when someone buys a book (having seen it advertised on the ask David site) and it does not affect the royalty paid to the author (or cost anything). So, what do you think? Is it worth using 'askdavid' to promote your books? 

 

Have any of you used the service?

 

 

An evening with author David Zelder

An Evening with David Zelder

Wednesday 23 Jan 2013

 

7.30 p.m. Tickets £5.90, Concessions £4.50

 

Winding Wheel Theatre, Holywell Street, Chesterfield, Derbyshire S41 7SA

 

Award winning author David Zelder will give an illustrated talk on the trials and tribulations of being an author. His works draw on personal experiences which include being held hostage at gunpoint as a child, falling foul of the Russian Mafia and how his 12 heavily armed bodyguards in Albania failed to prevent him coming under gunfire . His recent novel YOMPING OUTSIDE regularly features in the top 2% of sales charts, thus, a 2nd edition was printed in 2012. The novel centres on an ex-Royal Marine who becomes involved in a turf war between The Russian Mafia and Turkish bandits. Part of the proceeds go to The Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund. David will also talk about his experiences as a boat owner as the evening is a fund raising event for The Chesterfield Canal Trust.

Tel: 01246-345222

Online bookings: box.office@chesterfield.gov.uk

www.windingwheel.co.uk
Contact the Organisers Tell a Friend about this Event
Buy tickets
Plan Your Journey Map

Orangeberry Book Tour

NWUK member Fiona Linday has just got a discounted offer of a weeklong book tour, the Orangeberry Social Butterfly, given via her website. It is regarding her easy-read collection of short stories, 'The Heavenly Road Trip'.

For $19.99, over the week starting the 14th December, Fiona will have five blog stops at reviewers’/writers' sites, where she will be featured and interviewed. This is one of the cheapest types of book marketing offered by Orangeberry Book Tours (there are several more elaborate ones). The interview was done beforehand, with Fiona answering over twenty given questions. She is looking forward to a review from one of the blog hosts, Mommy Adventures, on the 15th of December.

Fiona was also asked to respond from the author’s perspective, the 'Writing to me is…' question. Content that will appear on the guest posts.

Full details of her tour are HERE .

Details of the Orangeberry Book Tour services are below:

OBT was created in October 2010 by Pandora Poikilos, a writer. Together with a few other writers, she worked on a three month long book launch festival and book tours were her contribution to the festival. The demand was increasingly high and she spent quite a bit of time adjusting the tours to meet the requirements of participating authors and bloggers leading to what the tour is today.

How does OBT work and what have the results been for authors who've used it?
The main goal of OBT is to raise awareness for the author and his/her book via social media. This means OBT offers more than blog stops. Hence, the name - BOOK tours not blog tours; running Twitter Blasts, blog stops and other types of smaller social awareness campaigns which focus on both author and the book.

She understands that a big budget is not something we all have when starting our writing careers, hence, there is a free book tour package (Orangeberry Basic) which allows authors to have a free book tour but they have to host other authors in return.

For those who pay for book tours, the money is then used to finance the Orangeberry Goodie Bag which distributes gifts to blog hosts and the site’s visitors.

Results wise, most authors have experienced increased sales although the exact quantities vary. Some have experienced sales as low as 20 books a day and others have had more than 200 total sales during an Orangeberry Phoenix book tour which lasts for 30 days.

Pandora does want to stress that results differ for each book, and she does point out glaring formatting errors or content issues to authors.