The Ten Penners is an off-shoot Group of the Gold Coast Writers organisation in Australia. Recently they launched their latest anthology. Today I talk with the ladies involved in the group, what the group means to them, and about their new book. Their book is available on Amazon.com, in bookshops or from their website - https://thetenpenners.wixsite.com/the-ten-penners
Friday 15 December 2023
I109 IN CONVERSATION WITH TEN PENNERS INTERVIEW
The Ten Penners is an off-shoot Group of the Gold Coast Writers organisation in Australia. Recently they launched their latest anthology. Today I talk with the ladies involved in the group, what the group means to them, and about their new book. Their book is available on Amazon.com, in bookshops or from their website - https://thetenpenners.wixsite.com/the-ten-penners
Wednesday 29 November 2023
B089 A Few Stray Thoughts About Writing
Having taken a few weeks off from podcasting I thought today I'd share a few stray thoughts about writing with you before I throw myself back in to the uploading of some new and interesting podcasts. This one includes how an author changed the way one of the Big 5 Publishers looked at writing the blurb on the back of her books.
B089 A Few Stray Thoughts About Writing
Having taken a few weeks off from podcasting I thought today I'd share a few stray thoughts about writing with you before I throw myself back in to the uploading of some new and interesting podcasts. This one includes how an author changed the way one of the Big 5 Publishers looked at writing the blurb on the back of her books.
Saturday 7 October 2023
P112 IMPORTANT ELEMENTS OF ANY CONTRACT
What is the definition of a contract? Well, simply put it is an agreement that is legally binding between two or more parties. In today's podcast I want to have a quick look at what you should include in any contract you either create for your business or in any contract one you are considering signing.
P112 IMPORTANT ELEMENTS OF ANY CONTRACT
What is the definition of a contract? Well, simply put it is an agreement that is legally binding between two or more parties. In today's podcast I want to have a quick look at what you should include in any contract you either create for your business or in any contract one you are considering signing.
Tuesday 19 September 2023
B088 BEWARE OF VANITY PRESSES
These days Vanity Presses are trying to become more legit. But some are still hanging on to their bad habits and that means taking innocent newbie writers for a ride. There are even others jumping on the band wagon in a hope of making a fast buck with some sweet talking. Today we discuss becoming more aware of these dangerous waters.
B088 BEWARE OF VANITY PRESSES
These days Vanity Presses are trying to become more legit. But some are still hanging on to their bad habits and that means taking innocent newbie writers for a ride. There are even others jumping on the band wagon in a hope of making a fast buck with some sweet talking. Today we discuss becoming more aware of these dangerous waters.
Tuesday 12 September 2023
P111 MISCONCEPTIONS IN KIDS BOOKS
When writing children's books many aspiring writers believe that it is an easy process. Or they have read that there are certain elements that, whilst relevant for novels, you can overlook in kids books. This is not the case. Today we discuss some of the more important misconceptions that all writers should be awar of before starting to write.
P111 MISCONCEPTIONS IN KIDS BOOKS
When writing children's books many aspiring writers believe that it is an easy process. Or they have read that there are certain elements that, whilst relevant for novels, you can overlook in kids books. This is not the case. Today we discuss some of the more important misconceptions that all writers should be awar of before starting to write.
Wednesday 30 August 2023
PLACES TO WRITE WHEN YOU’RE FED UP WITH WORKING AT HOME
Do you ever get cabin fever? If you’re a full-time
author, I bet you get fed up with working at home and want to find other places
to write in. Here are five suggestions you might find interesting as
alternatives. So, what are you waiting for? Get out and about!
1. Libraries
This one is rather obvious. You would be surprised how
many authors and writers don’t consider going to their local library to work.
Libraries, often have desks to work at and even a passable (free) internet
connection.
Visiting these institutions can be pleasurable as their
working areas are equipped with desks, reading lamps and comfortable chairs. It
can sometimes get busy, especially if your area has students close by who are
using it to study (or flirt!). But if you get there early, or apply for a
Reader Pass, you can find your perfect, quiet working space.
2. Theatre Cafés
A lot of authors have at some time or other used various
cafés to write their masterpieces. J K Rowling wrote large parts of the Harry
Potter series in The Elephant House Cafe in Edinburgh. However, many establishments are now quite
savvy (and a bit fed up) with freelancers who turn up at nine am, buy one
coffee and occupy a table for the whole day. Not so in most theatre cafés.
Many Theatre Cafés can be functional, with airy
architecture, and because can you stay there for any amount of time, you might
spot a famous actor arriving or leaving rehearsals. It also exudes artiness
with posters and works of art on its barren walls. A theatre is a useful place
for a few hours uninterrupted working.
There may also be other Café’s which offer quiet places
for writers. You need to investigate your local area. In mine of Cardiff Bay
there is Sunflower & I, a café which offers a unique experience. Having a
Bohemian style and atmosphere it is the ideal place for a writer. And it has a
16+ rule which means no children to disturb that inspirational flow.
3. Formal Gardens
This is probably not such a useful tip, especially in the
midst of winter in the UK. But, if you’re on the other side of the world, or
it’s summer where you are, then get to a garden to write when you’re fed up
with working at home. Find a shaded bench or a leafy tree to sit under, take
out your notebook or laptop and start writing.
A public garden is ideal as there’s something about the
sound of nature, be it birdsong, the gentle flow of water from a pond, or the
rustle of the wind in majestic trees that never fails to inspire. You can also
write on the decking of your home, or in your own garden. And, if you are close
to the sea, this is another special place to write.
Remember, writing places can, in themselves be
inspirational.
4. Planes, Trains and Automobiles
OK, so you can’t really write in a car unless it’s a huge
motor-home. However, trains and planes are absolutely the best places to get a
lot of writing done. I’m not sure why this is, but I guess it’s the lack of
distractions. For the number of minutes or hours, you are stuck in a seat with
a table in front of you not doing anything, and poor wifi (if any), it is
perfect!
5. Other People’s Homes
‘What?’ I hear your shout. Now, bear with me. We are not
suggesting you sneak into other people’s homes and settle down to write a few
words of your manuscript. No, no, no!
Imagine this. You are invited to a house party for the
weekend, but are in the middle of a manuscript. You want to go, but are
thinking of refusing the invitation.
Instead of being a party pooper, and saying, “I’d love to come for a visit, but I have to work.”
Instead say, “I’d love to come for a visit, but as I have
to work would you mind if I spend a few hours writing while I’m there?” Most
people won’t mind, honestly.
I know of one author’s friend who is keeping an early
draft of a manuscript she wrote in her house, in case (she said ‘when’ – a true
friend), the author becomes famous.
I hope I’ve given you some ideas on what to do if the
walls are closing in and you are fed up with working at home.
So, what’s your favourite place to write? I’d love to
know!
© Ann Brady 2023
Monday 28 August 2023
B087 WHY A WRITING MENTOR IS FOR YOU
We are all aware that all great athletes would not be where they are without the assistance and support of their coaches. And the same can be said for writers. So, if you have ever wondered, ‘Do I need a writing mentor,’ well in this podcast we ask you some questions and give answers that will help you decide.
B087 WHY A WRITING MENTOR IS FOR YOU
We are all aware that all great athletes would not be where they are without the assistance and support of their coaches. And the same can be said for writers. So, if you have ever wondered, ‘Do I need a writing mentor,’ well in this podcast we ask you some questions and give answers that will help you decide.
Wednesday 23 August 2023
P110 WRITING A MEMOIR
Writing a memoir is not an easy experience but if you would like to think about taking on such a task on then in this podcast we are offering some basic guideline tips to help you get started and how to get your story across to the right readers.
P110 WRITING A MEMOIR
Writing a memoir is not an easy experience but if you would like to think about taking on such a task on then in this podcast we are offering some basic guideline tips to help you get started and how to get your story across to the right readers.
P098 TIPS FOR ASPIRING WRITERS PT 3
Becoming a writer can be easy or hard depending on your mindset. In the final part of this 3-part podcast we conclude with our learning from established writer/authors from across the generations. Having been kind enough to share their perspective on how writing should be approached in order to achieve success, we conclude this series and hope you have learnt much to help you in your writing.
P096 TIPS FOR ASPIRING WRITERS PT 1
Becoming a writer can be easy or hard depending on your mindset. Research plays an important part in any writing genre or style. In this 3-part podcast we take on board advice from established writer/authors from across the generations. What is offered is their perspective on how writing should be approached in order to achieve success.
P095 ABOUT STORY SETTING
There are two important but broad elements on Story Setting - Time and Place. In this podcast I explain why it is relevant that you master the art of including both time and place in your writing so as to ensure you produce the best story you can.
P093 SETTING AND MEETING WRITING GOALS PT 2
In the second of this two part podcast we conclude explaining how to set up your own writing goals. We offer tips and ideas as well as explaining about why you should reward yourself in order to achieve success in your writing.
B072 PROMOTING A BOOK AT CHRISTMAS TIME
With Xmas almost upon us there is still time for authors to promote their books both for those last minute buys and for the post Xmas sales in the New Year. Here we talk about some ways you can do this.
P091. CONTENT POST IDEAS THAT ARE DIFFERENT
Contacting with readers through your blog posts is quite an important and relevant part of promoting both you and your work. In this podcast I have taken some ideas given me by other more established authors and shared them with you. I hope you find them interesting and useful.
B031 COPING WITH WRITERS BLOCK
Has that Gremlin Writers Block hit you? Today we discuss ways in which you can overcome the frustration of that gremlin through exercise etc.
P047 FORMATTING A CHILDRENS MANUSCRIPT
Whether you are submitting to an editor, agent or publisher you really do need to ensure your manuscript is formatted correctly. Not only do these tips help with children's manuscripts they can be adapted for all types of books.
P046 CREATING A FLEXIBLE WRITING OUTLINE
Ensuring your story is enticing to readers is the one job all writers really want to achieve. To do this you need to understand where your story is going to go. By drawing up an outline on the crisis, conflict, characters and scenes it will help you produce a book that will flow, and be the best it can possibly be.
P045 USING KICKSTARTER TO FUND YOUR BOOK
You've written your book but need to fund getting it published. One of the newest ways of doing this is to create a fund from future readers willing to support your reading. Today we talk a bout using Kickstarter to fund your book launch.
I002 IN CONVERSATION WITH LIS McDERMOTT
An informal interview with trained musician, musical educator, professional photographer, writer, poet and now mentor Lis McDermott. She had me laughing by throwing a few surprises into the conversation. A fun interview.
B029 TIPS FOR CREATING GREAT CHARACTERS
A story is only as good as the journey it takes its readers on and part of that journey is allowing readers to hold hands with your characters. Don’t just have good characters, make sure yours are great. Here are some tips to help you create them.
B028 CREATING AN AUTHORS PRESS KIT
Getting your name and details of your book out into the world is as important as writing the book itself. One key element all authors should have is a good Media or Press Kit. Here I list the necessary items needed that you should include in yours.
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.
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.
B002 WHAT IS A PALKANA
Today 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.
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.
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.
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
P001 INTRODUCTION TO MENTORING WRITERS
This podcast introduces you to Mentoring Writers, their principle mentor Ann Brady and the Kids4Kids Organisation aimed at helping younger writers. Ann will introduce herself, and tell you what Mentoring Writers is all about.
Sunday 13 August 2023
B086 PLANNING SCHOOL VISITS
As a childrens book author you should be loooking at sharing your work with children. One of the best and easiest ways of doing this is through planning school visits. In this podcast we discuss how to go about organising your school visits.
Saturday 5 August 2023
P109 WHAT MAKES A GOOD PROTAGONIST
No matter what genre or style you write your story in, whether for book, stage or screen, you always need to make sure you have a good, no a great protagonist. In this podcast we discuss what makes a good hero/heroine and we offer samples from a couple of popular films to help you get the feel of our theme.
Saturday 29 July 2023
B085 WHY A COPYRIGHT PAGE & ISBN ON EBOOKS
In light of the confusion over AI and it's effects on writers, today we are discussing why you should consider having both a copyright page and an ISBN for your ebooks.
We will doing further podcasts about how AI, plagiarism, copyright and how it could affect your work in the future.
Saturday 22 July 2023
P108 WHICH MARKETING METHODS SUIT YOU
Marketing is probably every authors nightmare. I often stress that authors are a business and you are, which means you need all the help you can when its comes to getting your work out there. In this podcast, I want to look at digital marketing and how you could utilise it to help your promotions and marketing programme.
Saturday 15 July 2023
IX1 THE PROS & CONS OF 'THREADS'
Following the release of the new app 'Threads' we offer you some quick buttlet points which give you the pros and cons of what Threads is all about. We will report more about this new addition to the Facebook/Instagram/WhatApp family as we discover it.
Monday 10 July 2023
I008 IN CONVERSATION WITH - MK JONES - AUTHOR
Today I am 'In Conversation With'... Welsh Author MK Jones. Mary has written who series of books using her geneology background as inspiration. She shares with us details of her latest books and the forthcoming ones she is currently working on. Mary also shares some usefult tips for all new and developing writers of all genres.
Monday 3 July 2023
P107 EXPLAINING BLEED IN PRINTING
If you are including any illustrations in your written work, including your cover, and are publishing the book yourself then it is important to understand the need for good bleed. Today we talk about the need for the exacting measurements needed to produce a perfect copy of your book. Thanks go to OldMateMedia (Australia) for their assistance in producing this podcast).
Monday 26 June 2023
B084 WORRIED ABOUT TIKTOK
Should you be worried about TikTok? We talk today about what has been happening and is still happening across the world over the app TikTok. Also why and how Governments, military organisations and even businesses are reacting to having the app on corporate devices.
Monday 19 June 2023
P106 UNDERSTANDING PLOT HOLES
Every good story needs a good plot. But what happens if along the way you forget or omit something from your plot? Or maybe you end up going of at a tangent by introducing another plot? In this podcast I talk about understanding plot holes and how to mend them.
Monday 12 June 2023
B083 MAKING VIDEOS FOR INSTAGRAM IGTV
With social media being one of the most prominent advertising platforms, today we talk about how to create and use IGTV videos to enhance your marketing strategy.
Monday 5 June 2023
P105 OUR TIPS FOR ENDING ANY STORY
If there is one thing all fiction books need, no matter what genre, it is a solid ending. Although you make have decided how your story is to end actually creating the right format for your story is crucial. Therefore, in today's podcast we are offering you some tips to ensure the ending of any story is a good one.
Monday 29 May 2023
B082 STARTING MARKETING YOUR BOOK
In this podcast we offer you some tips and ideas to help you prepare your book for marketing, as well as to how to create your marketing plan.
Monday 22 May 2023
P104 WRITE VILLAINS WHO FEEL HUMAN
What is the difference between villains and antagonists? In today's podcast we discover more about the types of villains there are and how to write them so they feel human.
Monday 15 May 2023
B081 TRY GOOGLE DOCS FOR EASIER WRITING
There are many programmes available to assist writers. But have you ever thought of using Google Docs. They are not just for MAC computers but are a great resource that will aid you in your writing journey. Why not check out what Google Docs has to offer.
Monday 8 May 2023
I007 Interview with Claire Donald
A fun interview with Welsh author Claire Donald writer of a variety of children's picture books including the successful Mother Earth Weeping which is used in primary schools today.
Monday 1 May 2023
WOW!! WE IT THE NUMBER NO 2 SPOT
1 April 2023 -
Good news this week as we discovered that the Mentoring Writers Resource Box Podcasts we produce has been listed as No 2 in the Top 10 UK Writing Podcast Shows to listen to.
We can’t help but feel quite chuffed about this and thank FeedSpot, The Media Contact Database for Publishers website that has researched and listed us in the best 150 UK Writing Podcast Shows. We must be doing something right.
B080 BYO... YOUR BOOK
We've all heard that comment BYO… bring your own when it comes to attending a party. We,, today we discuss how BYO your Book can be a simple but great tool for marketing your book on a one-on-one basis. Check it out now.
Monday 24 April 2023
P103 SUSPENSE WRITING
Being able to add tension, pacing, narrative structure, elements of seeing, and character development are both necessary and important if you want to add suspense to your storyline. The success of suspense in a book will take it from a simple story to a page-turner. Find out why and how.
Monday 17 April 2023
B079 BLOG POST IDEAS TO GARNER READERS
Getting readers to view your blogs can be difficult so today we offer a few ideas from lour fellow authors to help you garner more readers and encourage others to follow you.
Monday 10 April 2023
P102 WRITING A SYNOPSIS
You have a desire to become a writer but with a difference. You are wanting to offer your writing services to other writers, businesses, news sheets, blogs etc. But what do you charge for these types of services. Today we discuss how you do it and what the prices should be.
Monday 3 April 2023
B078 JOURNALING HELPS CREATE WRITING CONFIDENCE
Want to write but don’t have the confidence to start. Well here is a way to help you learn the craft of writing. It's called journaling. It is a writing process used by many writers, new, developing and even established, as it helps develop the art of creating themes and scenes within the mindset. Listen to learn more.
Monday 27 March 2023
P101 PRICING YOUR WRITING SERVICES
You have a desire to become a writer but with a difference. You are wanting to offer your writing services to other writers, businesses, news-sheets, blogs etc. But what do you charge for these types of services. Today we discuss how you do it and what the prices should be.
Monday 20 March 2023
B077 AMAZON AND KIDS EBOOKS
Today we discuss why there is a benefit for authors to ensure they offer a digital version of their books. And this includes children's picture books. We explain the 'Look inside' part of Amazon and briefly why you should have a copyright in all your books even the kids ones.
Monday 13 March 2023
P100 WORD COUNTS FOR CHILDRENS BOOKS
With more and more children's books being written and published are you up to date on the word count? If not, hopefully this podcast will help you decide how many words are, or are not, enough for your next book.
Monday 6 March 2023
B076 CREATING ARTWORK FOR CHILDREN'S BOOKS
One of the joys of writing picture books is deciding on the images that must compliment the story. After all, pictures tell 50% of the story and therefore they need to be great. In this podcast I talk about finding and working with an artist/illustrator and some finer points you need to know.
Monday 27 February 2023
P099 BEING ATTACKED UNNECESSARILY
What do you do when you think you have been verbally attacked unnecessarily? As a mentor this recently happened to me and it was not nice. So this is how I resolved the problem and how I turned it into a positive for other authors.
Monday 20 February 2023
B075 VARY YOUR SENTENCE STRUCTURE
When writing it is often too easy to fall into the trap of writing the same old same sentences. Today we talk about you can vary your sentences with the easiest of adjustments, whether it be adding words, removing them or simply just placing them in a differing order.
Monday 13 February 2023
P098 TIPS FOR ASPIRING WRITERS PT 3
Becoming a writer can be easy or hard depending on your mindset. In the final part of this 3-part podcast we conclude with our learning from established writer/authors from across the generations. Having been kind enough to share their perspective on how writing should be approached in order to achieve success, we conclude this series and hope you have learnt much to help you in your writing.
Thursday 9 February 2023
P097 TIPS FOR ASPIRING WRITERS PT 2
Becoming a writer can be easy or hard depending on your mindset. Understanding the genre and style of your writing is also an important part in any writing. In the second of this 3-part podcast we continue learning more from established writer/authors from across the generations, as they offer their perspective on how writing should be approached in order to achieve success.
Sunday 5 February 2023
P096 TIPS FOR ASPIRING WRITERS PT 1
Becoming a writer can be easy or hard depending on your mindset. Research plays an important part in any writing genre or style. In this 3-part podcast we take on board advice from established writer/authors from across the generations. What is offered is their perspective on how writing should be approached in order to achieve success.
Sunday 29 January 2023
B074 SELLING YOUR AUDIOBOOK
With audio books becoming more and more popular we give you some tips about the best places where you can sell your audio book in order to gain the best return for your efforts.
Sunday 22 January 2023
P095 ABOUT STORY SETTING
There are two important but broad elements on Story Setting - Time and Place. In this podcast I explain why it is relevant that you master the art of including both time and place in your writing so as to ensure you produce the best story you can.
Sunday 15 January 2023
B073 BENEFITS OF WRITING REGULARLY
What is a writer and what are the benefits for anyone to be able to write regularly. In this podcast we talk about the therapeutic aspects of writing and why you should be doing it.
Sunday 8 January 2023
P094 AMAZON CHANGES YOU MAY NOT HAVE HEARD ABOUT
There have been and there are a lot of ongoing changes happening in Indie publishing and none more so than in the world of Amazon, the home of Indie publishing. This podcast covers some of those changes may have already affected you or that might be doing so in the near future.
Sunday 1 January 2023
IX NEW YEAR MESSAGE 2023
A special thank you message with updates to all our listeners about Mentoring Writers from our Mentoring Principle.
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