Competitions – Page 36

All together now ... on my Author's Pages — All together now … on my Author’s Pages

If you are in the UK, and involved in self-publishing, this is for you. The Self-Publishing Conference 2014, is taking place on Sunday 30th March in Leicester.

The sessions available include: working successfully with bookshops and libraries, creating the best media pitch, importance of an author website, writing a successful press release, and much more.

The conference is an all day affair, complete with breaks and lunch. At only £55, I believe it’s money well-spent for any self-publishing author, whether working on adult material, or children’s books.

Even if we don’t take all the advice that’s offered to us, we owe it to ourselves to find out what is on offer out there, and this has to be one of the most beneficial days any self-published author could spend. It’s being held on a Sunday, so negates the need for taking a day off work, if like me, you still have a ‘day job’, of however many hours.

This is one of my shortest posts, but I think it’s important to get the word out there. If you’re a writer in the UK – check it out. All the details you might need are obtainable on the link.

It’s one day and it could do so much for you.

The Self-Publishing Conference 2014

A couple of days ago, I constructed a new section in my website, titled: Tea, Breaks, and Inspiration, which at first glance might cause the casual observer to question the relevance to writing or art.

Gaining inspiration in a castle, high above the Mosel River - Cochem, Germany — Gaining inspiration in Reichsburg Castle, high above the Mosel River – Cochem, Germany

Whilst out and about, whether on a shopping trip, a day away, or on holiday; I always carry a notebook and pen. Yes, always. Some passages in my novels and short stories were born during a tea or coffee break, either when out for the day, or on holiday.

A camera is useful, especially if on your phone, as I’ve discovered since buying my first Smartphone a few weeks ago. I have also been known to use a digital voice recorder. Having said that; I’m still convinced that nothing works quite as well as a few well-chosen words in a notebook.

You can be imaginative, or you can use Google and Wikipedia, but nothing captures the atmosphere, architecture, and general feel of a museum or other location, quite like the written word, dealt with, right there on the scene. On the odd occasion, I’ve been visiting a city and stopped for a few minutes, to write down what I see. People, vehicles, buildings, and the occasional snippet of conversation can be noted.

When I’m sitting with my tea or coffee in front of me … and piece of cake of course, I look at my brief notes, and top them up with a little information. I believe ‘real’ research gives creative writing an authority, and that can only come from the confidence of the writer.

http://www.tom-benson.co.uk/tea-breaks-and-inspiration/

What are you waiting for? Get your notebook, and go out for a while.