Friday 25 February 2011

Writing Buddies, 18 February 2011

An extract from the Writing Buddies blog:
The Writing Buddies met at The Art House Café in Southampton on Friday 18 February 2011, where a slightly smaller number than usual were gathered. Regulars Jacqueline, Catherine and Glen sent their apologies.

Lisa has self published her book The Terrible Zombie Of Oz, which is available in paperback on Amazon and e-book in the Amazon Kindle store. Lisa did all the work herself including the jacket design and really enjoyed the process. See  www.createspace.com/3540206. The group congratulated her on this achievement.

Tessa is looking to get her books on Kindle, however, Amazon are insisting on 35% of the proceeds.

Jimmy's article has now been published on The Motion Online publication.  He is proof reading his book Growing Up in Wartime Southampton: Someone Else's Trousers and this has to be completed by 26 February  and returned to The History Press.  He has been informed that his book  will now be in the shops mid April and his book launch will take place on Sunday 8 May 2011.  Jimmy has also finished Java's Revenge and is looking forward to beginning his 15th book.

Elizabeth has now sent off her entries for two short story competitions and is starting the first assignment for The Writers Bureau.  She has also done a little more work on her book.

Jacob, at the moment, is just writing for the love of it.  He is currently writing counter cards for a board game.

John has reviewed six shows and has received payment for the first four.  He recently had a job interview for an Art Workshop and although he was not successful he did  gather lots of information.  He showed the group IdeasTap literature. See also www.artshub.co.uk

Laurel is aiming to enter the Bridport Prize writing competition.  She is preparing three entries, a poem, flash fiction and a short story, which she says, she hopes will be 'off the wall.'  She is trying something not already thought of. The group gave her encouragement with this.

Annette is contacting various publishers. The Editor of Scots Magazine requested that she email her ideas and the magazine would like to publish her work, for which she will be paid. Regarding the 1950's stories, The History Press like the ideas Annette has put forward.  Penny advised Annette that The History Press are good at contacting so will not keep keep her waiting long for a decision. Low royalties though, perhaps only 5%.

Mo has started turning one of her stories into a play. She was at the Nuffield Theatre on Monday and has a meeting in London regarding her poetry.

Penny's latest book deadline is the end of February.  The Writing Buddies Anthology is now almost finished.  Penny is working on DSFA magazines and has been offered work on Twitter. 
She is also considering writing another ghost book.

The next meeting of Writing Buddies is on Friday 25th February at the Art House Cafe, Above Bar, Southampton at 2pm.  All with an interest in writing are welcome to come along.

Post by Elizabeth Streatfield.
Events coming up:

19 February: Penny will be joining the Haunted Southampton group
                     (Petercollins@hauntedsouthampton.com) at the Duke of Wellington pub.

24 February: 7.00 – 10.00pm, again with Haunted Southampton at The Saints Pub, Millbrook where
                     Andy Ford will be giving an evening of clairvoyance.

16 March:    An evening of ghost stories will be held at Waterstones in Above Bar.

16 April:       Bitterne Historical Society are holding a history fair at  The Gregg School.


A discussion took place regarding selling Writing Buddies' books.  Tessa mentioned that the Echo interviewer she had recently spoken to, had expressed an interest in any forthcoming events. Also she felt that selling on the internet would be better than trying to sell at a market.

Jacob suggested inviting local publishers to a group meeting.  This was thought to be a good idea  and Penny asked him to look into this further.

Penny mentioned that Catherine has already set up Buddies on Twitter and that it is easy to put Pay Pal up on site to sell books. The setting up of a sub committee was suggested to further discuss advertising and sales of books.

The Art House Café has given over the front window to Writing Buddies for two months and Penny will send members an e-mail with details.  Many suggestions were forthcoming for displays ranging from Anthology contracts and book cover, mobile of writers business cards, Thorn Press advert and ink cartridges.

Penny advised that Lordshill are launching a new history society. This will be funded by Southampton City Council and will be a way of getting elderly people living in sheltered accommodation out in the community. Penny has been approached to be a Fellow of the Society.  The first meeting is on Monday 14 March at 10.30am.