Monday 30 May 2011

General Stuff ... & Other People's Money ...


Everytime I find a space in my calendar, I intend to attend a lit fest. Everytime I try to do this, either; its winter and festivals are few and far between [if at all] or I need to climb aboard four trains and a bus to get to the festival. Okay, I could drive but I seem to have developed sleep apnea [yes, at first, I thought that was a joke word too], much like 'toping', 'knout', 'crepuscular' and 'farinaceous', words from 'One Day' by David Nicholls and Justin Cartwright's recent novel, 'Other People's Money', which I feel almost ashamed to admit, I had to look them up in a dictionary [Ooooh ~ how utterly dreadful]. However, Justin Cartwright's novel about banking dynasties, class, family secrets, a mild thriller with gentle satire played out in a rich man's playground is a really great read once you've passed the first few pages on talk of hedge funds, sub-primes and the like. 'Justin Cartwright manipulates our sympathies with masterly ease, unwinding the story with gentle satire, and, as ever, acute and beautifully phrased insights into the eccentricities and weaknesses of the human condition.' Clearly the words of a Waterstones review. Try it. Because you're worth it. By the way, it cost £12.99 at the airport - so order before you go on holiday.

Published 07/03/2011
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
ISBN 9781408814130

Gillian

Festivals, Festivals, Festivals ...

For a comprehensive list of literature festivals, try:

www.literaryfestivals.co.uk

Dates, Venues, Authors, Details, Search options, Suggestions, Calendars, Newsletter, Features, Charts ... the choices are endless ...

A great site to check out upcoming lit fests near you.

Enjoy,

Gillian

Friday 27 May 2011

Poetry Competitions ...

For a concise and clear list of Poetry Competitions, check out www.poetrykit.org ~ In chronological order ... so you can send off your stuff in time and not spend hours preparing your words only to realise you've missed the deadline date. Ever done that? I know I have.

Good luck and enjoy,
Gillian

Pre-Teen Slang ... ?

I'm looking for the latest phrases, actions, slang or taboo words etc. which boys and girls between the ages of 8 and 11 might use.

[My novel, working title: 'Ramper Pot ~ Adventures' [with series potential] [don't you just love that phrase? - I do] for 7-11 age-group is sounding far too reminicent of 'lashings of ginger beer.'] Then, might a return to the past be refreshing ? Lets hope so.

Any ideas very welcome:

Add to the comment box or if time, email gmhesketh@googlemail.com

Thankyou, Thanks, Ta, Gillian

Writing Competition ...


Do You Like Words? Silly question if you've already found this blog. If you'd like to see them in print, read on ...

Organisers of Blackpool Festival of Words: Wordpool, are compiling their festival newspaper: `Words, Words & Other Stuff` and looking for Poems, Musical Lyrics, Slogans, Flash Fiction, Extracts from Plays, Short Stories to include in the publication.

Poems - 20 lines limit.
Musical Lyrics - 20 lines limit.
Slogans.
Flash Fiction - 50 words limit.
Extracts from a Play - 500 words limit.
Short Story - 500 words limit.

If you would like to take part, send your WORDS to: kerry.hunt@blackpool.gov.uk ~ and mention where you saw the ad [just so Kerry knows I did my job].

*Deadline for submissions - 20th June 2011.
[The Editorial Team and Guest Writer will make the final decision]

Good Luck Everyone,
Gillian

Sunday 8 May 2011

Writing Workshops and More ...

I've always wanted to go ... I never find the time to get to it ... No one wants to come with me ... I've even been asked to advertise it ... and Here 'It' is ...

The Winchester Writers' Conference.
Festival and Book Fair 1st-3rd July / Workshops 27th June-1st July:

Workshops, Mini Courses, Lectures, One-to-One Appointments, Writing Competitions.

Contact www.writersconference.co.uk

Enjoy, Gillian