Writing for children is both a joy and a privilege as we authors are involved at the beginning of many children's learning through our books. Here we offer you a quick guide on the basics off how to start writing a picture book for children.
Saturday 12 December 2020
Saturday 5 December 2020
B022 MANAGING MENTAL CHAOS WHILE WRITING
When the world or your problems start to get you down but you need to write how do you cope? Here we try and offer you some useful tips which hopefully will help you achieve your goals despite those pressures.
Tuesday 1 December 2020
P031 WRITING AUDIO DRAMA
The unique quality of ‘audio drama’ allows writers to build a private and exclusive picture in the mind of each separate member of the audience. If you fancy having a go at writing for audio drama then check out what Neville Teller has to say here.
Saturday 28 November 2020
B021 CRISIS V CONFLICT
Good storytellers differentiate between a crisis and conflict; whilst beginning authors often focus on the exciting crisis rather than the conflict that makes readers care about the characters enduring the crisis. Here's why you should try both.
Tuesday 24 November 2020
P030 SUBMITTING TO LITERARY JOURNALS AND MAGAZINES
You’ve written your book and need to promote it. One way of doing it is to find ways of advertising through literary journals and magazines. It's a good way to link your book to local interest subjects. Here's how.
Saturday 21 November 2020
B020 HOW TO PROMOTE YOUR HORROR BOOK
This blog podcast looks at the way movie makers use trailers to advertise their movie and how you can utilise and adapt their techniques to promote your horror book.
Tuesday 17 November 2020
P29 WRITING A CHILDRENS BOOK PT2
In the 2nd part of this podcast about writing a children's book we continue with working with an illustrator, how to revise, how to edit and cut out the dross and finally how to publish.
Sunday 15 November 2020
P28 WRITING A CHILDRENS BOOK PT1
This two-part podcast concentrates on some easy steps to writing a children's book. We start with generating a concept that works, creating a character children will love, knowing the length to write and structuring a good plot.
Tuesday 27 October 2020
B019 HOW TO ORGANISE A STORYTELLING SESSION
Whether you are doing it live or online you should always be prepared when it comes to doing storytelling sessions. Here are a few tips and ideas to help get you started.
Thursday 22 October 2020
P027 TIPS TO CREATE A GOOD AUTHOR WEBSITE
Every author should have a website that compliments their written work. In this podcast Award-winning website creator and author, Ann Brady offers you some tips to help create a good author website.
Sunday 18 October 2020
B018 NEW BOOK RELEASE AND GETTING IT IN THE PRESS
Getting your book noticed takes more than just telling people about it through social media. In this podcast, we suggest alternative ways for you to promote your book. A good book press release can work wonders if you choose your media wisely.
Thursday 15 October 2020
P026 WRITING A SHORT STORY
Are you new at writing and want to write a novel? Well like all good things it’s important to practice. Learn why and how writing short stories can help you and benefit your overall writing.
Sunday 11 October 2020
B017 POSITIVE WAYS TO PROMOTE YOUR NOVEL
You’ve published your book and want it to do well. But whatever you do don’t rely on reviews alone. It takes more than gathering reviews to make you a great author or to get your book selling. Check out our ‘positive ways’ advice in order to achieve success.
Thursday 8 October 2020
P025 EDITING IS A PRIORITY FOR INDIE AUTHORS
Many Indie Authors forget how important good editing is. If you want your book to be well presented and to do well then make sure you find a good editor and a proof-reader before pushing that publish button.
Monday 5 October 2020
B016 HOW TO SET SMART GOALS
Whatever we do in life we usually set ourselves goals. Writing is not different. Having goals for your writing journey is very important if you want to succeed and produce the best product you can – your book.
Thursday 1 October 2020
P024 5 TOP TIPS FOR THINKING ABOUT CO-WRITING
If the idea of starting to write on your own concerns you why not look at the idea of joining up with a writing buddy. Here we show the positive side of having a co-writer to help you start along your writing journey.
Monday 28 September 2020
B015 BECOMING A SUCCESSFUL BLOGGER
Everyone appears to be blogging these days. But the question is: are you doing it right? Today we look at how you can set up your own blog posting site or improve the one you already have in order to increase your followers.
Thursday 24 September 2020
P023 WHAT IS A PLOT POINT
Being able to tell the difference between plot and plot point is very relevant in any storytelling. With the help of 'The Handmaid’s Tale' and 'Where the Wild Things Are.' our speaker will show you that understanding the difference is also equally important.
Monday 21 September 2020
B014 GOING FROM THE FIRST TO LAST DRAFT
Today we discuss how to understand why the first draft isn’t always the finished one but only the beginning. The problems experienced by the speaker shows that even the more practiced of authors can find it hard sometimes getting beyond that first draft.
Thursday 17 September 2020
P022 WAYS TO BRING A SETTING TO LIFE
Being able to find the right setting where our characters are comfortable isn’t always easy. Here are some useful tips to help you understand the process of researching those out-of-the-way places that entice readers to want to find out more.
Monday 14 September 2020
B013 WHAT DOES A COPY EDITOR DO
This is a question often asked. Here we endeavour to explain the difference between the various editors but in particular what the role of a copy editor is and how relevant they are to making sure your manuscript is the best.
Sunday 13 September 2020
WORDS MEAN A LOT TO ME
As an author there occasionally comes a time when I hit that frightening ‘gremlin’ called ‘writer’s block.’ This is either because I’m feeling tired, am frustrated over something, or the words just won’t come to me.
To be honest, all writers have been
there at one time or another.
We start our projects with a steely
resolve, determination and confidence. Yet, the time has come when we are hit
with writer’s block. We find that suddenly we have uncooperative characters,
faulty plotlines, and, more often than not, real-life responsibilities which
are getting in our way. If you are a mother with a large brood of children and need
to keep them, not only alive, but entertained during the summer, have too many
volunteer commitments (mainly because you just can’t say no), plus the
never-ending laundry and food preparation routines which accompany a large
family, then writing hundreds of words per day feels virtually impossible.
But hang on, you didn’t start out
writing only to call it impossible halfway through… did you? We writers have
hundreds of words in our heads that are desperate to be written. Words that no
matter how imperfect or chaotic they are at first, are worth the time we spend
huddled over our keyboards. And amidst the bedlam of daily life, even sometimes
through the noise of the kids’ laughter and squabbles, we still write.
We write in the early morning
before the kids wake up. Or late at night when the entire house is finally
asleep and quiet. You might drag your ancient and decrepit iPad 2/keyboard case
combo around with you like it’s the sixth - and quietest – child you have so
you can write on the go. You write while waiting for dance class to finish, or football,
or while waiting to pick them up after school.
Even when buried under two tons
of laundry, you write. And, in between switching the loads and matching what
seems like hundreds of socks, you write. And why there? Because of all the
places in the house where the kids could find you, the laundry room is the last
place they would look.
That’s what it’s all about, being
a writer. Finding the tiny pockets of time to get a few dozen more words written
down. The late nights, the early mornings and self-imposed deadlines that you
won’t always meet. Whether your obstacles are large families, job
responsibilities or story problems, your mission, should you choose to accept
it, is to work through all these things because your words are precious and
your project is worth it.
We all have goals to reach! Your
goal may be upping your word count, revising your scenes or your character
development. Whatever it is, this is not the time to let self-doubt creep in
and begin worrying whether your words are good enough. This is the time for
your words to be written! Maybe it’s changing your routine, turning off your
music, turning on some music, writing early in the morning rather than late at
night. Whatever it is that helps you power through and find inspiration, then
you go with it.
Remember though, that words are
important. Without words, there are no stories. For me, words are the goal. Words
that mean something, say something, that belong; not just to me but words I
want to share. Words are yours, mine, everybody’s but they belong in my world.
As for you. Well, if all else
fails, embrace a change of scenery and go hide in your laundry room. You never
know when or where inspiration might strike.
If you need help with your
writing then check out our website or enquire for details of the services
offered by emailing contact@mentoringwriters.co.uk and we will endeavour to
assist you in your writing journey.
Thursday 10 September 2020
P021 HOW TO BUILD READERS PART 2
In a follow-up to Part 1 we explore the use of using emails lists and ‘freebie Reader Magnets’ in gathering our desired readers around us. By doing this we create and increase our followers which leads to other benefits such as more book sales.
Wednesday 9 September 2020
P020 HOW TO BUILD READERS PART 1
It doesn’t matter if you are a new or established writer or blogger, we all need to gather our readers around us. Learn to understand how you can use ‘Reader Magnets’ in order to entice those desired customers into your world.
Sunday 6 September 2020
B012 THE US and THEM SYNDROME
There comes a time when we have to look inwards and discover if we are approaching things wrongly. This includes how we perceive and talk to others regardless of what age they are. Here’s how our Mentor discovered the Us and Them syndrome!
Wednesday 2 September 2020
P019 TO PROLOGUE OR NOT
Many authors wonder whether they should incorporate a Prologue into their book. It’s a good question so here are a few reasons as to whether you should or shouldn’t have a prologue, foreword. Preface or introduction.
Sunday 30 August 2020
B011 A FEW TRICKS TO GET FACEBOOK LIKES
Today we offer a few simple tricks to help new and developing writers get the best from Facebook by increasing their number of likes.
Wednesday 26 August 2020
P018 WHY HAVE A COPYRIGHT NOTICE
The question is do I need a copyright notice? We think you do. Here’s why and what’s involved in creating one.
Sunday 23 August 2020
B010 WHY WORDS MEAN A LOT
Sometimes it’s hard being a writer. You hit that gremlin, that wall, the one we refer to as writer’s block. This inspirational blog is aimed at helping you rethink why you write and what those precious words mean to you, me and everyone else?
Wednesday 19 August 2020
P017 MANUSCRIPT PRESENTATION
How should you present your manuscript when submitting it to an agent or publisher? Here we off you some friendly advice on how to make your work look good when placed before a publisher’s editor.
Sunday 16 August 2020
B009 TRY WRITING IN SECOND PERSON
This blog is aimed at tempting you into changing your writing style by looking at writing in the second person; something very few authors fail to attempt. Give it a go and see how you do.
Wednesday 12 August 2020
P016 HOW TO WRITE A BETTER SUBMISSION LETTER
Many Authors face the awkward decision as to what they should put in their correspondence when approaching an agent or a publisher who they want to look favourably at their manuscript. Here I offer you a few useful tips and ideas…
Sunday 9 August 2020
B008 TIPS FOR WRITING A SYNOPSIS
In this blog, we offer you some tips on how to create a great synopsis to help you when approaching agents and publishers.
Wednesday 5 August 2020
P015 BIG BOOK MARKETING MISTAKES NOT TO MAKE Part 2
This is the second episode of a two-part podcast where I discuss the type of mistakes a large number of new and established authors make when it comes to marketing. Learn how not to make those mistakes…
Tuesday 4 August 2020
P014 BIG BOOK MARKETING MISTAKES NOT TO MAKE Part 1
When marketing your book, and yourself, you need to ensure you get things right. In this two-part podcast, I discuss the type of mistakes a large number of new and established authors make when it comes to marketing…
Thursday 30 July 2020
P013 IS WORD COUNT IMPORTANT?
When writing manuscripts, the writer needs to be aware of the correct amount words required to suit the genre they are writing in. Whilst not set in stone, word count is important when it comes the publisher. Find out why…
Friday 24 July 2020
P012 IDEAS TO WRITE FICTION PART 4
In the final part of this four-part podcast, we will talk about trying to get a book deal with a traditional publisher.
Thursday 23 July 2020
P011 IDEAS TO WRITE FICTION PART 3
The aim of part three of this four-part podcast we will talk about getting a book deal and how to get your book in front of a literary agent if you are not self-publishing
Wednesday 22 July 2020
P010 IDEAS TO WRITE FICTION PART 2
The aim of part two of this four-part podcast talks about completing your story and what happens once you have finished. We also discuss editing and beta readers.
Tuesday 21 July 2020
P009 IDEAS TO WRITE FICTION PART 1
The aim of this and the following 3 podcasts is to inform new and developing writers on how to approach the craft of writing, supply ideas on what to write, and how to go about preparing your writing format and storyboard planning.
Saturday 18 July 2020
B006 CONSULTATION PLEASE - GRANDMA!
Ann talks about being consulted by young people. She tells us how one young man asks an important question and how a young 13-year-old lady, in particular, shows her maturity in her reaction and responses to the idea of being published.
Wednesday 15 July 2020
P008 IDEAS FOR WRITING A GOOD PICTURE BOOK
From Dr Seuss to Julia Donaldson picture books have been around for some time and the market appears to be growing. Here is some useful advice on how you can become a good picture writer. We will cover:
# Memorable Characters
# Repetition
# Rhythm and Rhyme
# Baddies
# Don’t forget the Illustrator
Monday 13 July 2020
B007 TO WORKSHOP OR NOT
That is the question. It doesn’t matter if you are a newbie or someone who has been writing for awhile now, you can still benefit from a writing workshop or retreat. Listen to hear how and why you should at least attend a workshop every so often.
Sunday 12 July 2020
B005 PLACES TO WRITE
A writer should always be comfortable and settled in where they write. Here we discuss a few places where you can feel at home while letting your creative juices flow.
Thursday 9 July 2020
P007 EMBRACING THE CHILDREN WRITERS MINDSET
Today we ask you whether or not you are an Author? Good question but is it one you are prepared to answer if you have just started the writing journey? Listening to this podcast will show you that yes you can say you are an author, that you can stand up and be counted in the writing world. All it takes is confidence. Find out how.
Monday 6 July 2020
B004 NEW PLANS
Today Ann looks at how one addresses making new plans when things don’t work out, the way they should; usually through no fault of your own. This is how Ann coped with such a decision – with a strong heart and wit!
Friday 3 July 2020
P006 CREATING A WRITING SCHEDULE PART 2
In part one Create a Writing Schedule podcast we covered being committed to writing, internal momentum, external factors and how interruptions can derail your writing efforts. We continue in part two by looking at:
# Planning Your Writing Schedule
# Organising Your Writing Ideas & Research
# Creating a Routine Time for Writing
# Developing Healthy Writing Habits
P005 CREATING A WRITING SCHEDULE PART 1
This podcast, although aimed mainly at those writing for children, it can be utilised for any writing project with some adaptions. In part one we cover becoming committed to writing as well as:
# Internal Momentum That Gets You Writing
# The External Factor to Make Time for Writing
# Interruptions That Derail Your Writing Efforts
Tuesday 30 June 2020
B003 LIFE AFTER RETIREMENT
Mentor and author Ann Brady will talk about her journey into writing and what happened after she reached that important age of retirement.
Saturday 27 June 2020
P004 WORD COUNT GUIDELINES IN GENRES
If you have started writing but are not sure whether it’s a novel or a novella you are creating. Today’s podcast talks about word count in genres for adult writing. Children’s word count will be covered in another podcast later.
Wednesday 24 June 2020
B002 WHAT IS A PALKANA
We discuss where to look for inspiration when wanting new and exciting ideas for your writing. You will be surprised where and how you can attain these.
Sunday 21 June 2020
P003 THE WRITERS COMMANDMENTS
Many authors and writers live their writing life to a certain set of rules. By doing this it helps them cope with the two worlds they occupy: the one of their imagination where they write what is flowing their minds – and the real world of everyday living. In this podcast, we explain what these rules or Commandments are and how they can help new writers settle into the craft of writing.
Thursday 18 June 2020
B001 ENTERING COMPETITIONS
New writers often feel nervous about their writing. In this Blog we explain how you can gain some writing experience by entering competitions. It’s a great way to build confidence and enhance your writing ability.
Sunday 14 June 2020
P002 BASIC TECH SKILLS AUTHORS SHOULD KNOW
Before starting to write every writer should understand the basics and that starts with some technical knowledge. To get the ball rolling we offer a summary of some basic tech skills you need to know; including:
# Using Styles
# Track Changes
# Creating a PDF
Thursday 23 April 2020
CONSULTATION PLEASE - GRANDMA!
On Monday my youngest grandchild,
who is all of 5 years old, decided he needed to consult with his me, his
Grandma. The message read we would talk
in 5-10 minutes. When he hadn’t rung me within the allotted time, I was
informed he would do so later as he was taking a ‘break time.’ I had to chuckle
as his mother appreciates that as a mentor a lot of my time, especially these
days, is taken up with online calls across various parts of the world. As such
my time is usually pre-set.
Regardless he did decide to call
me back to ask me a thought-provoking question – ‘did I like Bananas, Oranges
or Strawberries the best?’ Obviously a very important question. Which has left
me wondering what his home-schooling consists off? Still, he certainly lightened
the mood of the day.
As it turned out my grandson
wasn’t the only person I consulted with this week as the day before I finally
managed to face-time with one of the younger writers I have recently been
mentoring. At thirteen she has started a series of short story books aimed at
the seven-plus age group. Her awareness of how the human race is treating our
world has led her desire to educate other youngsters through her writing. She
wants them to be more aware of what is happening to the wild animals of our
world. And while it is just an adventure book, it clearly shows what many
youngsters are thinking. Good on her I say.
Unfortunately, our discussion was
not the happiest has I had to inform her that, at this moment in time,
everything is on hold regarding the publication of her story. We won’t be able to
progress any further with the publisher until this virus situation is clear and
things return to normal. The upside is that she is on the publishers waiting
list so, pleasingly, she was fully acceptable and understanding in her attitude
of the situation. Mind you she did take the opportunity to bounce quite a
number of questions of me relating to sales, promotion and marketing. Methinks this young lady has her head switched on and will develop into a bright
young adult.
I must admit that being in
lockdown hasn’t overly affected me too much. And even though my office is only
a five-minute walk away I have been adhering to the rules of staying indoors
and social distancing. I’m not sure my hubby is pleased and/or disappointed by
this turn of events. Only time will tell haha!
In the meantime, I have worked
hard. I’ve reviewed a short story and a poem for two competitions; reviewed and
edited a novel as well as added to a novel of my own which I have been working
on for some time. Hopefully, I will get this finished soon. Add to that the
creation of forty podcast manuscripts and you could say lockdown is working
well for me. Next job is to set up a recording studio in the spare bedroom to
start recording my podcasts. Should be fun!
If you are bored and fancy a
challenge then why not have a go at the Mentoring Writers Writing Challenge.
Entry is free and is open to anyone, writers or not, of all ages as long as you
follow the rules. Check out this link for full details: www.mentoringwriters.co.uk/challengerules.html
Deadline is 30th June.
Go on… give it a go. Winners will
be included in a Children’s Short Story Book to be published later in the year.
Thursday 9 April 2020
CATCH UP & TIMES ARE CHANGING
CATCH UP
As I've been blogging more on my own websites I have missed attached anything to this site. And if truth be told had forgotten I still had it. Coming across it by accident I have decided to start adding those posts I have missed including over the last few months. I hope those that start reading this blog will enjoy my additions.
In the meantime, I am starting with what happened today. This is of course due to the current situation we are all experiencing and shows the desperation and upset that our trying to survive can cause.
TIMES ARE CHANGING
Having owned and been involved in
a number of businesses for many years I today sat and listened to someone head
up one of the hardest meetings anyone has ever had to give. Many business
owners, especially in the unusual times that we are experiencing, will undoubtedly
face an uncertain future. Whilst many are hoping, and want their livelihood to continue,
they have to face the reality of reassessing what will happen in the coming
months.
Over the years I spent in
business and particularly whilst being involved in the accountancy world I met
many such business owners. I saw the devastation that unforeseen events can throw
at us, forcing owners to face the reality that life as they knew it was about
to change forever. The hardest part was the heartbreak they knew they would lay
on others who were directly involved with them. People such as their workers, suppliers,
customers as well as those third parties indirectly connected.
Any decisions made are only done
so after many sleepless nights. The worrying about how others will react. The
thinking of what those people, as well as their own family, will do going
forward. The loss of weight caused by lack of eating and the sick feeling as
the inevitable moment draws closer when you have to say, “Things must change.”
Not only did I understand what
the person making such an announcement today was going through I also had total
empathy, having experienced that moment myself in the past. In my case I was
fortunate as I had prepared for the inevitable and led my way into that moment
of change.
What it made me realise is that it
is often forgotten by others that those who take up the mantle of business,
especially the smaller or unusual type of business, such as a small retail
shop, printing services, dry cleaners or a small publishing house, are normally
just one-man bands. They invest not just their money but a great deal of their
time and effort in ensuring that their customers benefit to the best of their
advantage. Often the amount of time they spend working outweighs the normal 40-hour
week of employed people, with their week-ends being filled with those little
jobs they perhaps didn’t have time to complete during the week.
This country is built on solid
businesses and we will, unfortunately, see many such meetings as today,
happening again and again during the coming months. However, with understanding
and patience, I trust and hope that those in this situation, including the
person who made the announcement today, will come through, battle-weary but
stronger for it. While it may take longer than anticipated, with continued
support we should see success. I know I for one will be fully supporting them
all where I can.
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