Last month Sally Hare was anticipating having another bash at Nanowrimo. We’re glad to see she lived to tell the tale. Well done Sally! It’s been two weeks since the end of National Novel Writing Month; the aches in my arms have just about been Zumba-ed away and my eyes no longer look like…
From Ali Bacon On three separate weekends this year, an ‘abnormal load’ (well three of them, to be precise) passed through the outskirts of Bristol, resulting in road closures and general traffic mayhem. Not only that but a significant numberof people left their homes and walked to the nearest vantage point just so see the…
Today we’re delighted to welcome our newest member, Jo Reed, who has some great experience to share on the dreaded elevator pitch. At some time, every novelist comes up against the infamous ‘elevator pitch’. For those who haven’t encountered it yet, here’s the idea – you get into an elevator (that’s a lift to us…
from Jenni O’Connor What an evening. What a week. What a year. As anyone who has been following this blog will know, the road to publication of Unchained was long and fairly tortuous, but – happily – culminated in a fantastic, packed-out launch event which made it all worthwhile. But behind the scenes, many of…
Jean Burnett asks if our hard-won rights are are less secure than we think. Feminist writers have frequently highlighted the connection between hard times and a backlash against working mothers in particular and working women generally. This begs the question, is the issue of women’s rights a moveable feast…is it a case of yes, dear…
Ali Bacon looks back on the Unchained project which comes to fruition with tomorrow’s book launch. Writers are solitary beings and even when we venture out to meet other writers, we keep our basic egocentricity – how best to tell our unique and individual stories, how to develop a voice, what will work for our particular…
When Louise Gethin isn’t writing or performing at The Thunderbolt, you might well find her on her allotment. I recently heard the poem by Seamus Heaney – Digging. I fell in love with it on so many levels. Running through my veins is the blood of my Irish grandfather, who was a keen gardener. I am a…
Sally Hare gives her advice on what – and what not – to expect if you’re brave enough to take up the Nanowrimo challenge. Remember, remember, the first of November … I wonder if you, like me, feel a certain restlessness at this time each year? As late summer warmth turns to autumnal bluster,…
We are thrilled to announce that preparations for the launch of Unchained have been finalised and even more delighted to reveal it will take place in the gorgeous surroundings of Bristol Reference Library. Less than two weeks to go and the excitement at BWW Towers is mounting! Join us for the launch If anyone out there hasn’t heard…
Jenni O’Connor, novelist, haiku poet, journalist and copywriter, is also mother to Zoe, aged four. Here she muses on the unlikely fusion between writing and parenting. “Children and writing don’t mix.” So said one famous male writer, whose name escapes me, presumably as he hastened to the haven of his oak-panelled study, slamming the door to shut…