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.

BACK IN THE SWING OF THINGS

So at last I am back in the UK after an extended stay 'down under' on the Gold Coast visiting family and friends. I had intended reporting back on the new people I was meeting but unfortunately circumstances didn't allow for me to do that so I am using today to catch up on what was missed. Apart from meeting the author Ally Blake I met quite a few other writers which was great, as well as linking up with fellow SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators) Members from the Gold Coast, Queensland area.

It is surprising where some writers go to offer their books for sale. Two of them I met at a local market/craft fair across the road from one of the places I was visiting. Mind you it was warm so sitting outside for a few hours wasn't too bad. As one of these writers wrote stories about their dog she had her pet on the stall with her which certainly proved to be an attraction and drew the crowds to her stall.

Despite the size of Australia it’s surprising the number of writing groups there are in the country, especially around the Gold Coast. One long standing group was The Ten Penners. They started out as a group of ten like-minded writers in 2004 and have developed their group since. The ladies I met proved to be warm and welcoming and were delighted to meet a fellow author.

Another author I met was Ally Blake. She was doing a workshop at the local library (see the previous blog Ally Blake Workshop 8th August). Ally writes for Mills & Boon and has just released book number 36. She is a well-recognised speaker and her events (I am told) are always well attended.

The other authors I met via a local SCBWI group meeting. They meet once a month at a local coffee shop to share ideas and up-date each other on what is happening in their individual writing worlds. Much the same as we do here in Cardiff where I live. Again I was made most welcome and it proved to be an interesting afternoon. Remember, if you are ever away from home always check for a local writers group or your societies meeting group as people will usually let you join in and will make you feel welcome.

And so, now I am back, it's time to get into the swing of things once again. I am seeing my publisher regarding the release of the final books in the Little Friends Picture Book Series and will be discussing what comes next. I have even started making a list of the things I want to achieve. Maybe the break away from all things writing has refreshed me? Who knows? Only time will tell.