Hi
Three things, today…
1. Compendia Writing Group
As you may know, this year I have expanded the Compendia Community offerings to include a series of regular online ‘writing group’ sessions. Writers of all kinds, and of all abilities, hang out together for an hour. We have a quick chat then get down to work. Cameras on (though like everything else we do during the hour it’s not compulsory), microphones off.
I work too, but the session is not about me. An hour to focus, or to brainstorm, or even to read if that’s what you want and need. A creative hour to use as you see fit, basically.
So far the meet-ups have taken place on a Sunday, at 6pm (UK time). But a few people have commented that 6pm on a Sunday isn’t massively convenient for them.
Of course it’s impossible to find a time that will suit everyone. But, to try to address this issue, there’ll be another writing group meeting this week.
Sunday 24th March at 8.30pm to 9.30pm (UK time)
To join in, you don’t need to sign up but you do need to be a paid subscriber to Compendia.
If you choose to subscribe, in addition to access to the writing group, you’ll get all my posts, past and future, which include essays, humour, fiction, behind-the-scenes publishing gossip, and much more. All for as little as 65p (around US$0.83) per week.
Please note - there will be no more special offers for the foreseeable future. This price is as low as I can go while still making Compendia worth my time.
And if you already subscribe, thank you. Your contributions are literally what allows me to continue to write and publish here. There are lots of exciting things on the horizon, I promise!
Join us!
2. Beyond the Book
I’m delighted to announce that, a bunch of mates and I have put together the inaugural Beyond the Book Festival! Taking place in Brighton, UK, on Saturday 6th April, with Kathy Lette headlining, the festival aims to celebrate writing and literature, in all its forms and across all genres. The festival is sponsored by Goldsboro Books and Moshimo, and features a whole host of amazing writers, including Steve Fulcher, Araminta Hall, David Fennell, Erin Young, Graham Bartlett, Lizzie Enfield, Frances Quinn and Anna Mazzola (and me). We’ll also have poetry from prize-winning performance poet John McCullough, and an industry panel featuring editors and agents. All the authors will be signing their books afterwards, and there’ll be a drinks party hosted by Goldsboro Books.
You can take a look at the programme here, and tickets are still available below. Do join us!
3. Chez Castillon
After a very successful writing retreat last year, I return to Chez Castillon in May 2024 (10th - 16th). I’ll be leading a retreat, which is not a course as such but an informal, fun setting where you can get your head down and do some work in a wonderfully relaxing and inspiring setting.
The format is that we will get together to catch up, usually before breakfast, then the day is your own to do with what you will. Before dinner we’ll reconvene to chat about problems and issues, and perhaps set targets for the next day. But nothing is compulsory, not even the 1:1 session with me to which everyone is entitled.
That’s it! Until next time…