UK Games Expo - Last minute opportunity

Trade stands are SOLD OUT but it’s not too late for NWUK members to attend the Games Expo, and as a gesture of support, the organiser, Richard Denning, is allowing us to sell our books for FREE. Our authors can be at the New Writers’ book stand on either Saturday June 4^th or Sunday June 5^th, but you must act quickly, emailing Richard or John ASAP. This offer only applies to members of New Writers UK.

In 2010 there were around 2500 to 3000 in attendance over the weekend. This includes gamers of all types but also a large number of families and children. The event is open to all and entry is available on the day. For more information visit the official website of the event: http://www.ukgamesexpo.co.uk/ 

Do you think there is a book in you?

Do you have ambition to see your words in print?

Come and meet some people that have made it happen.

Authors will be reading from their books as well as talking about the different ways to get published at the Birmingham Games Expo on June the 4^th.

The Seminar – set for 1.30pm - will include:

·         How to start writing and how to keep writing

·         A look at the options and challenges authors face in Mainstream Publishing, Independent Publishing and Self Publishing.

·         The importance of good editing and a professional approach.

·         The new world of Kindle and ebooks, and how this opens the doors to new authors.

·         How to promote your books.

Lincoln Book Festival - Children's Day

Several of our authors attended the Lincoln Book Festival's Children's Day. And the best costume goes to... well, you decide!

Claire Kinton

Catherine H Cooper

R. H. Stewart

Lesley Berrington

Lia Ginno

Richard Denning



Guest Post: David P Elliot

On the 11^th of May, as part of the Lincoln Book Festival, I was one of the guest speakers for ‘New Writers’ Night’ at the lovely Drill Hall Theatre in Lincoln.

It was a pleasure - and very reassuring for any of us who have a real love of books and reading - to find a responsive audience interested in writing of all kinds, even given the worrying state of the Publishing Industry today.

One subject that came up in discussion and a number of people approached me about after the talk, was the whole mystique surrounding e-books.

Now, I have published all of my writing in e-book form as well as the more traditional paperback format and it was clear that, as with so much new technology, people were struggling to know where to start with the technology and to understand some of the concepts.

A very talented poet from Northern Ireland, called Gerry Miller, who was in the audience, (I recommend his beautiful book of poetry and pictures called ‘Driftwood’ ISBN 978-0-9548251-5-7), suggested that I might put together a small book on the subject.

Taking Gerry’s comments on board, I have come up with ‘The Blind Leading the Partially Sighted’ which people can download from smashwords . If you don’t have an e-reader, just get it in PDF format or HTML and read it on your PC or print it out.

PDF format requires something called Adobe Acrobat Reader which is probably already on your computer, but if not you can download it free from adobe

HTML is the standard format for web pages so you will be able to read it directly in your web browser.

You can also get it directly from Amazon if you are a sophisticate with a Kindle!

Hopefully it will amuse and entertain, as well as provide you with a personal view of the subject and how to get started.

I hope it helps and entertains!

New Writers' Night at the Lincoln Book Festival

New Writers UK were in attendance at the Lincoln Book Festival. The talks, from six of our authors, were all well received by an appreciative audience on what was a successful evening for all concerned. A big thank you to our wonderful speakers: Lia Ginno, Nick Thom, Claire Kinton, David P Elliot, Michael J Smedley and Peter St. John; and to all of our visitors.    

left to right: Authors; Michael J Smedley, Awen Little and D Michelle Gent.

Nick Thom (he's the one smiling)

Claire Kinton

Peter St. John

Drill Hall cafe area

Valerie & David Astill



What is a chart rush?

A chart rush is when readers are invited to purchase a book on Amazon, in a nominated 24-hour period. The intent is to capitalise on the volume of sales and move the book up the Amazon best seller list. The higher up the chart it is, the more visible it becomes to other readers who may go on to purchase it.

100 STORIES FOR QUEENSLAND is aiming for a spot in Amazon’s top 100, via the chart rush route. Priced at £9.99 all proceeds from the book will be donated to The Queensland Premier's Flood Appeal, so please consider purchasing a copy on Tuesday, May 17th, 2011. The stories were penned by an international contingent of writers (including New Writers UK’s John Baird). A quarter of the stories came from Australia, a third from the UK and the rest from across the globe including the USA, Spain, France, Austria, Malaysia, Israel, Greece and Canada.

The Amazon link

We get around.

After last weekend's visit to Wookey Hole, in Somerset, we now have a member who's gone one better. Peter St John’s novels are currently being displayed on the stand of the Geneva Writers’ Group, at the annual International Book Fair at Palexpo Geneva. Can anyone top that?

The Great Caunton Read

Hucknall Book & Craft Day 2011

Book signing

Claire Kinton will be signing copies of DEAD GAME at WH SMITHS in Lincoln on the 16th of April 2011, between 12 noon and 3pm. SSAFA Forces Help will also be in attendance. If you are free please do come & support them & buy a signed copy of the allegorical DEAD GAME.

17 Cornhill; Lincoln; Lincolnshire; LN5 7HB Tel: 01522 535053

‘Pieces of Fate’ by David P Elliot

ISBN 978-0-9564369-7-9   Price £7.99

The 15^th April 2011 sees the official launch of ‘Pieces of Fate’ the new offering from David P Elliot the Abingdon, UK based author who’s previous novel ‘Clan’ has sold in 14 countries to uniformly excellent reviews.

In the great tradition of British short story writing ‘Pieces of Fate’ is a collection of 6 stories which might best be described as of the ‘Tales of the Unexpected’ genre.

Caroline – A prominent local businessman walks into a police station and confesses to murder, but is this really the open and shut case it seems?

In Medusa – A genius dies and two competing companies battle to crack the most intelligent computer game ever developed, how far will they go to win?                                            

The Cottage - A young couple buy a cottage that the wife thinks is haunted but can their marriage survive the investigation, as a cynical radio presenter investigates?                                          

In Shark – Gary Bowler is happy in his work as he grows wealthy on the backs of the vulnerable in society. But can life get any better when he finds the perfect victim?                                                  

The Thief in the Waiting Room – Terry Bannister is a professional thief who tries to avoid working in his ‘unlucky town’. But is fate reversing his fortunes?                    

Long Alley – The sighting of what appears to be an innocent young woman near an ancient set of almshouses sparks an investigation, but is this really a haunting and is she as harmless as she seems?

For more information and to order copies of ‘Pieces of Fate’ please go to www.redcapbooks.com

EASTWOOD WRITERS' GROUP

This Saturday - 7PM
Eastwood writers are reading out some of their work at Brinsely parish hall.
This popular event costs £1.50 per person.
There will be tea, coffee, juice and lots of cakes available.

Golden Acorns fall on Hollywood

Infinite Ideas, publisher of The Golden Acorn, Catherine Cooper’s prize-winning novel for 8 to 12 year olds, has optioned motion picture rights to Los Angeles based Delve Films Inc. The Golden Acorn was the astonishing overall winner of the Brit Writers’Awards in July 2010 and Infinite Ideas has signed a five book deal with Cooper to publish the entire Jack Brenin series. The Golden Acorn has been a huge hit on Amazon Kindle with nearly 75,000 downloads in the last four months, and overwhelmingly positive reviews on Amazon. The sequel, Glasruhen Gate, was published in March 2011 and is already a top 100 children’s bestseller on Kindle.

Full of twists and turns, talking ravens, magical books and mischievous Spriggans, The Golden Acorn is an entertaining and exciting tale from a very talented new author.
Isaac Testerman, founder of Delve Films, is upbeat about the acquisition: ‘We are very excited about the potential that The Golden Acorn presents for film. With the success of movies like Harry Potter, we know there is a huge audience for films like this, and we believe the story told in the Jack Brenin series will continue to charm children and adults alike as we take it in this new direction.’
David Grant of Infinite Ideas says, ‘We’re thrilled by this partnership with Delve. It’s a testament to the interest that this book has gained through word-of-mouth and our own online and e-book campaigns; it also demonstrates the growing importance of the Brit Writers’ Awards. The Golden Acorn, with its beautiful mix of mythology and magic, has really struck a chord as the outstanding Amazon reviews demonstrate.’

Catherine Cooper was delighted when Infinite Ideas’ Publisher, Richard Burton, called her with the news. ‘I don't really know what to say except I'm thrilled and extremely excited,’ she said. ‘The prospect of my story being made into a film is a dream come true. Thank you to everyone who is making this possible.’
Delve Films is currently producing four major motion pictures including the big budget adaptation of the Myst video game/novel franchise. Delve’s production partners are Oscar winning producers Mark Johnson (Rain Man, Galaxy Quest, Chronicles of Narnia) and Hunt Lowry (Last of the Mohicans, Donnie Darko).
Infinite Ideas will publish the remaining three Jack Brenin titles in 2011 and 2012: The Dwindling Door, The Lost Treasure of Annwn and The Oak Lord.

Authors2You

Many moons ago New Writers UK merged with the authors’ group Authors2You. The group was run by Taff Lovesey. Whilst remaining with NWUK, Taff has continued to maintain the Authors2You website, which still showcases the work of independent authors and publishers. Many of our members have their novels listed at the site www.authors2you.co.uk

This website is separate from New Writers UK so if you’d like to be listed with Author2You then please send the following information to Taff at info@authors2you.co.uk

·         Book title/s

·         Book cover/s (jpg)

·         Short synopsis (approx. 100 words)

·         Author image (jpg)

·         A link for your author image (usually your author website)

·         A link for where you want readers to buy your book/s (usually your 'buy page' on your own site or the Amazon listing)

There is no charge, the site is run voluntarily by Taff. Every two years he requests a voluntary donation by authors listing their work to cover the hosting and domain fees for the site.

In fact the last one occurred in Feb this year and sufficient funds were made to pay for the IT services for 2 years  and to run a Pay Per Click marketing campaign on Google for a couple of months.

If you have any questions about the site then contact Taff via the email above or via his website form at www.lovesey.net

Lowdham Writers' Group - New members event at Southwell, Notts

1pm Saturday 2nd of April.

Local writers groups are meeting in Southwell for an afternoon's literary exploration of the town and its characters. In a fun, Apprentice style activity, the team that develops the most compeling, horrifying or romantic piece, will receive some kind of recognition.

Meet by the north porch on the cafe side of the Minster at 1pm. There will be a short talk to orientate you, then you're off.

For more info, contact Nick Sparrow, chair of LWG, on 0115 9144057 or at ncksprrw@yahoo.co.uk

NWUK at the 2011 Lincoln Book Festival



Official Poster

  


Proposed leaflet



 


 


 

Inspiring Young Writers

On the back of the release of our Creative Writing Competition's short story compilation, is the introduction of FREE membership of New Writers UK, for all under 18s. Young writers will have the opportunity to see their work on our website, blog and newsletter.

More information will soon be placed on our website.

Children Tell Tales - Creative Writing Competition

Congratulations to the finalists in our children's writing competition: Bita Yazdani, Emily Seidel, Lauren Miller, Matthew Yon, Natasha Armstorng, Isobel Branch, Christina Schoonakker, Rebecca Young, Romanie-Jade Tulloch, Tabitha Daniels, Trinity Daniels, Sasha Kowal, Isobel Shier, Luke Shore, Hannah Steiner, Miriam Turner, Yueh-Chia Lo, Halina Broniewski and Liam Donaldson.

The book, featuring the finalists stories,is now avaliable from FastPrint.
All profits from sales will go to The Danielle Beccan Memorial Fund.

Present at the reception were the Chairman of Nottinghamshire County Council, Cllr Tom Pettengell; the Vice Chairman, Cllr Keith Walker, and his Lady, Inga Walker; the Mayor of Gedling, Cllr Pat Blandamer; Cllr Bob Tait, the Deputy Leader of Gedling; Cllr John Allin; Cllr John Clarke; Cllrs Peter and Sandra Barnes from Gedling Borough Council; Ms Nina Dauban, Chief Executive of Nottinghamshire Community Foundation; NWUK President, Julie Malone; NWUK Chair, John Baird and author Michael J Smedley.

Pictures by Andy Kowal.
More images are available on the NWUK website.

Accountant works the books

There was a nice newspaper article on NWUK member Philip Neale. To read it, please click here.