Editing Tips for Novelists ...

Check out these brilliant tips for the editing process ~ courtesy of Gary Smails

http://proactivewriter.com/blog/book-editing-the-top-ten-tips/

Happy Days Happiness

Wednesday was the 1st International Day of Happiness ~ Sorry my felicitations are late!

Interview ~ Gillian Hesketh by Rebeccah Giltrow

Thanks Rebeccah for making the interview so easy to do.
See more interviews, Rebecca's ideas and work at http://rebeccahgiltrow.blogspot.co.uk

Writer - Gillian Hesketh

I'd like to welcome you to my interview with writer, Gillian Hesketh.  Enjoy.

Gillian Hesketh

Hello Gillian, can you please introduce yourself?

Hello Rebeccah, I am Gillian Hesketh and I am based in Lancashire, close to the historic market town of Poulton-le-Fylde - and ten minutes from the lively seaside resort, Blackpool.

How long have you been writing?

I feel as though I’ve always been writing - as if I’ve been learning a trade in my spare time - but I’ve been writing more seriously over the past eight years.

What first got you interested in writing?

I’ve always jotted bits and pieces down, snippets of poetry, motivating quotations but I got hooked during my degrees. One of my major studies was on triggering memory to access emotion through past experience. Using the photograph as a starting point, I began writing and haven’t stopped since.   

Were you a prolific reader as many writers seem to be?

Right from the start, I found reading unbelievably difficult, often having to read something two or three times - which can become quite exhausting. Over the years, I’ve come to realise I must have some dyslexic traits.

So, has the writing been easier for you?

I love writing and as writer’s know, it’s often a long process. I’ve always had a love of language, the shapes, the effect, even from a very young age. 

Do you attend a writing group?

I have enjoyed a variety of writing groups, writerly meetings, literature festivals all of which never cease to inspire me. I am a member of SCBWI - Society of British Children’s Writers & Illustrators - a wonderful organisation and a local Mastermind Writers Group formed by a colleague and friend of mine, Kim Chamberlain.

What genre(s)/types of things do you write? 

In my filing cabinet are the makings of three contemporary novels for the female market, a draw full with poetry and a hoard of children’s stories all waiting to burst out one day.

What drew you to this/these genre(s)?

Socially, I am a teller of stories, usually about funny or strange situations I’ve found myself in. I’m also fascinated by body language [93% of language is body language] and the balance of power and control in relationships - so I suppose all these come together in my women’s fiction.

What are you working on at the moment?

My interactive resources is the most enjoyable writing task I have ever undertaken so far - and the reason why my fiction is in the filing cabinet. Designing, writing and developing creative colourful, themed resources to help children, young people and adults identify, express and communicate any difficulties they may be experiencing is a very rewarding task. Bringing broader information to the forefront sooner may enable earlier support to aid positive choices and improve well-being. I have just completed Happy Days range of interactive activities, ‘My Personal Memory Jogger’, Memory Boxes, Sorting Boxes and Memory Prompts for people with dementia, their families, friends and carers - in residential care or at home. More information and shop at: www.happydayspublishing.co.uk

Have you ever had anything published?

Yes, I’ve had poetry and short stories published, really as a showcase. I do have an inexpensive short story on Amazon: ‘Summer Indulgence’-50% of proceeds raised will go to a nominated charity, the rest towards promoting Happy Days Interactive Resources to aid well-being: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Summer-Indulgence-ebook/dp/B005LA1CKG

Have you sent your writing to agents/publishers?  Have you received any rejections?

Yes, I have submitted various pieces of writing to agents and publishers. Yes I’ve definitely had rejection slips, some thumbed through scripts which felt promising and positive feedback too - but what I’m writing at the moment is much more fulfilling.

Would you consider self-publishing/e-publishing?

I would definitely consider self-publishing and e-publishing - but self-publishing also involves self-editing and massive marketing strategies. I’m considering e-publication of ‘My Memory Jogger’ and in the process of developing an ipad app for people living with dementia their family, friends and carers.

Are you interested in eBooks, or do you prefer the old fashioned paper-made books?

I love the idea that we can have our cake and eat it - paper-backs and/or digital technology to access all genres through an assortment of media. I am a champion of the paper-back though I have to admit, I love my kindle, mostly because it’s lightweight.

Who/what influences your writing?  Where do you get your inspiration from?

People, places, situations, contemporary social and emotional issues, colour, metaphor, language change ... My list is endless. I am a prolific note-maker.

What is your writing routine?  Do you write daily or just when you feel like it?  Is there a certain time of day where you are at your most creative?

I’m not sure I should admit to my current writing routine as it takes up all day and most of the night. Trying to get to bed before midnight is a constant battle. I should take my own advice: take a break, meet friends, chill out ...

Do you have an editing process?  Do you have someone else read over your work?  Do you read your work aloud to yourself in front of the mirror?

I edit, then my little helper edits. Then I edit again, then my little helper edits again. We aim for perfection, but there’s always a sneaky comma in the wrong place or threee letters where there should only be two.

What is your writing environment like? 

So long as I have battery life in my laptop, luckily, I can now write in any place at any time with or without noise, music and interruption.

How important is it for you to share your writing?

It’s paramount for me to be able to share my resources to bring about early intervention and early support for children, young people and families. As we’ll be living longer,  we’ll need need activity and interaction to help us maintain skills, movement and a sense of purpose, so it’s important for me to share the activities I’ve developed with carers and care coordinators.

What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given with regards to writing?

Focus. Don’t give up. 

What advice could you give to a new writer?

Network. Immerse yourself in writing groups, courses or literary festivals. Find like-minded people. Set up a writing support group. Entering competitions helps you to edit your work to a format. Arrange to have something published in a local newspaper or magazine to try out your own voice - then nurture it. Focus. Don’t give up.

Would you rather write a masterpiece and only sell a handful of copies, or produce a badly written book and sell millions?

I would of course, like to sell my resources to millions and globally at the highest standard I can achieve. Who wouldn’t? I have many titles to work on and far too much spare energy. So maybe, when I’ve published every interactive resource I can think of, I’ll return to my novels and the children’s stories which happen to include: Ramper Pot Adventures, Scrambled Egg Pet and Stick People Have Feelings Too. [Just in case an agent or publisher happens to be reading this]

Apart from writing, what are your other hobbies/interests?

I am lucky as I live close to a riverside path and a few minutes from the beach. I have little time for hobbies at the moment but I always make time to be part of a community choir. The only outdoor activity I am capable of is snow skiing.

If you could have written anything, what do you wish that could have been?

I have random and completely unrelated answers for this: Bridget Jones’s Diary by Helen Fielding, Top Girls by Caryl Churchill, Noddy, in fact anything Enid Blyton, all of the Roald Dahl collection, Catch 22, Joseph Heller ... another list.

Do you judge books by their covers?  How important is cover art to you as a reader and a writer?

I think the cover is one of the most important things to hook your reader. If the cover isn’t right for your particular audience, your potential customer will pass by it.

Would you like to see any of your work on the big screen?

Wow - who wouldn’t? I’ve written a play, ‘There’s No Fat in Champagne’ and would love to see that performed on stage - or maybe on the big screen.

Where can we find you on the internet?

I am Gillian Hesketh.  Please contact me for information on resources, products, submissions, visits: 

You can find me at and contact details at: website: www.happydayspublishing.co.uk 

facebook: www.facebook.com/HappyDaysPublishing 

twitter: www.twitter.com/HappyDaysPages 

email: happydayspublishing@yahoo.co.uk

Would you be able to provide a short piece of your work? 

As a break-away from my interactive resources, here’s a fragment from one of my novels, ‘Consequences’

~ Prologue: Unruffled by the silhouettes of vacated city life, the woman glanced blankly in both directions and crossed the road. A half open gate lured her into a grassy quadrant, its miniature gardens neatly divided by cobble-stoned paths and surrounded by gold-tipped railings. She felt safe there. An oasis in a concrete desert.  The woman perched on the edge of a bench, its wood velvety from the damp night air. `To my darling husband ~ My best friend`, its brass plaque read. Nearby, a tree trunk, horizontal, smoothly planed and polished, glinted in the dim light, reminding her of some giant jewel in a children’s fantasy story. `Cherish Our Brave Daughter, Charlie 1978 ~ 1989` the dedication read. Eleven years old. She considered the garden, her eyes sweeping from one nurtured corner to the next and back again. In a perfect harmony, nature had softened the disciplined lines into a leafy haven, its mystic charm trying with all its might to console the woman. Maybe some people did care. She stifled the thought. Unravelling the photograph and examining the creased up image, a swelling was forming uncomfortably in her throat. The woman’s lips parted as if to speak and slowly closed again and as if responding to the urgency of a mobile phone, she rummaged in her pocket, pulled out a folded handkerchief embroidered with her initial and dabbed repeatedly at her nose. What would her words be?

Gillian Hesketh © 2011

Thank you very much Gillian.

Enid Blyton Rare Book Opportunity ...

Hello everyone,

If there are any Enidy Blyton collectors amongst you, I just thought I'd share this rare book availability and information with you ~ or please pass it on to anyone who may be interested ...

Enid Blyton - Three Cheers Secret Seven
Illustrated by Burgess Sharrocks
First Edition - 1956
Published by Brockhampton Press
Board Cloth Coated Book
Good condition
More images available

£49 plus pp

email gmhesketh@yahoo.co.uk for more images or information

Many thanks,

Gillian

Hello ... for now

Hello everyone,

Thanks for dropping by over the past years, months, hours, minutes, seconds. 

I feel the need to explain that my work:- Resources to assist Early Intervention: Student Support, Young and Adult Carers, the Elderly, people with Dementia, their family, friends and carers, has taken over my life. This is one of the reasons I've not finished 'that novel', why I'm not entering poetry competitions or writing messages and observations for this blog.

Ahh, you've forgiven me. Have you? It's not the end, honestly. I have a few children's books to publish, including 'Ramper Pot ~ Adventures'2012© and especially 'Stick People Have Feelings Too' 2012©.

I'll continue to seek out an agent or manager.

But most of all, I need to market Happy Days resources and materials for children, young people and adult carers, care homes, people with dementia, self care for support workers ...

I will be popping back now and again with anything interesting, fun or random posts that I come across.

Meanwhile, pop over to my Happy Days Publishing blog, go to my Happy Days Facebook Page where we can easily get to meet each other - or tweet me [Happy Days @ Happy days pages]

Otherwise, try www.daughtersindistress.blogspot.com

See you soon, 

Gillian

Networking ...

When your face is at the windscreen and your head is nearly through the roof, it doesn't mean you'll arrive at your destination any sooner!

That was the ditty I was chanting in my head when, this morning, I was once again on the last minute, zig-zagging my way through short cuts, trying to get to a Creative Perspective Patent and Trademark seminar slash network meet. Arriving at the correct street without the aid of a satellite navigation system and with ten minutes to spare calmed my psyche for a nano-second.  The street had been re-defined and was now barely a component of the newly styled one-way system. At the car park [two sets of traffic lights and a pelican crossing later], I had to alight from the car, make an olympic dash to a visitor desk, provide identification, sign a form, collect a badge and car park pass - to be placed on the dash in the car which was now resting comfortably in an iced puddle at the other end of the car park. Skating to the car, I slipped, [knew it was coming] pasted the badge on inside screen, then teetered to the opposite end of the university campus to gain access to the reception.

And no, the story doesn't end there. The three day industry convention was clearly the university's best kept secret. Even the receptionist didn't know about the lecture theatre's onslaught [I was hoping the inclement weather had made everyone else late too]. The secret, proven by the fact that I had been despatched to a specific circular lecture theatre and arrived mid song in the darkened venue with 30 tuned drama students raising their arms to the midnight. In true Miranda style, I looked back at the swing doors - as if it had been their fault but for the sake of the students, avoided an aside. A large woman with a badge and a friendly face [don't let the facts get in the way of a good story - she was only a size 12] ushered me from the building and pointed to another. Any. But not hers. Great, another icy fandango across the quadrant to what looked like my pre-war infant school of days gone by. Inside, a light aircraft on display. A light aircraft on display? Yes. And another man with a badge. Perhaps he could help? No. He was ingratiated with some sort of archive. A light at the end of a tunnel shone onto an A4 poster belittled by it's size 10 font:

Creative Perspective Convention  

Hoo - ray! I had arrived. Ten minutes late. I snook into the silenced room where a quiet man with a grey voice was telling his story. It was a good story. The man had created a truly successful hi-tech business. He proffered plenty of advice, motivating tips and suggestions. And then ... in a flash ... it ended. Everyone may have lived happily ever after, but I would never know. The audience scrambled out as if a school bell had rung for a fire alarm or the summer recess. I was left on my own at the back of the room. The quiet man whispered to another man with a badge then left.

So the moral of the story is ... Don't be late if you want to network.

And:

• Find out about transport, location and parking before the event
• Know exactly where you're going [phone up or email first for details]
• Estimate how long your journey will take - including parking time
• Always allow yourself extra time for delays

* Don't let the stress of traffic delays affect your driving or speed.

Happy networking,

Gillian

Another tip from Successful Speaking Coach, Kim Chamberlain

Loaded with information and ideas, I found Kim Chamberlain's 'Better Speaking, Better Thinking' ebook a great place to find refreshing tips to brush up on and build up my confidence around presentation skills. Speaking and thinking styles including Edward do Bono's 'Six Hats' system encourages an assortment of ways to develop one's own presentation style. Including strategies, structure techniques, communication and even potential problems 'If your mind gores blank', Kim seems to have all possibilities covered. By the time I'd read the text in full, I felt much more prepared to face my forthcoming presentations. Since then, I often refer to the text to prompt and refresh my presentations. My tips: Not to be missed - Excellent value.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=kim+chamberlain+better+thinking+better+speaking+general+edition

Better Speaking, Better Thinking ...

Check out Kim Chamberlain, Speaker, Writer, Trainer and thankfully, my friend :

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Better-Speaking-Thinking-General-ebook/dp/B00ADMNHCS/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1355152638&sr=1-1

Or go to Kim Chamberlain at: http://www.successfulspeaking.biz/home/hrysalisforwomen.com/index.html

Enjoy,
Gillian

Successful Women: A guide to achieving success in six life areas

Hi everyone, well in particular, Successful Women or to be more precise, women who want to be successful. Check out my friend's new kindle offering ...

Successful Woman; a guide to achieving success in six life areas by Kim Chamberlain:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Successful-Woman-achieving-success-ebook/dp/B00AEMF1US/ref=sr_1_21?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1355240933&sr=1-21

I would definitely recommend Kim's Successful Woman: A guide to achieving success in six life areas. Not only is this fast pace easy-to-read for women on the go, I find it a treasure to dip into when I'm feeling fractionally negative. Kim's tips, ideas and prompts help me to stay positive and challenge myself to higher levels of achievement.
Great Christmas present and terrific value. [I'm sending it to my friends' kindles for Christmas - but don't tell them]

Check it out - at 77pence, it's Great for Christmas presents!

Gillian