Gail Aldwin's Blog, page 13

Thrilled to bits!

I’ve received brilliant feedback from parents and grandparents who are looking forward to sharing Pandemonium with the youngsters in their lives at Christmas. Some children have received early copies and I’ve been sent photos of them enjoying the book. Fortunately, everyone has agreed I can post these pictures on social media so here’s a gallery I’d like you to see.

Bear and Pandemonium purchased for two-year-old Leo



Happy prize winner from the ReviewSpot competition, ‘the illustrations are just amazing and so beautiful.’



This little girl loves Pandemonium and keeps repeating words from the story.







One of the launch day photos



Another happy early reader!

I’m also delighted that Big Indie Books have published a piece I wrote about the author/illustrator collaboration between Fiona Zechmeister and I that made Pandemonium possible. It’s fantastic when a publisher presents an article beautifully as show in the banner below.

If you’re interested in reading Five Steps to Working in Collaboration, why not pop over for a read? There are plenty of other articles to catch your interest while you’re there.

Do take a photo of your young reader enjoying Pandemonium, I’d love to see a copy.

Pandemonium is available to purchase directly from the publisher, Victorina Press, with 30% discount using the coupon code XMAS2020. It’s a great stocking filler!

Two authors and a facebook group

Author M J Keeley and I met on the Black Rose Authors Facebook group. This is provided by our American publisher to link authors for information sharing purposes. Matthew’s debut Turning the Hourglass was published with Black Rose Writing in 2019 and my second novel This Much Huxley Knows will be published in 2021. When we discovered we were both UK writers published overseas, we wondered if there were other experiences we had in common. This joint post from Matthew and I suggests there are many different ways into writing. 

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Why do you write?

Matthew says:

I’ve always had a love of telling stories – because I love reading stories, I think. It’s a great feeling to know you’ve captured someone’s attention and lured them into a plot or a character. I’m an English teacher and, although I don’t usually write for children myself, it’s great to see an entire room of young people fixated when you’re reading a story aloud. To be a writer who can achieve that is something I always aim for. Writing is also something I’ve had to hone over years of practice (and will continue doing!) so there’s a sense of pride in knowing I have a talent that it’s taken me hard work to sharpen.

Gail says:

As humans I think we all need a creative outlet. For others it may be cooking or gardening or painting but for me it’s all about writing. I find the whole process absorbing: from the terror of a blank page to the gruelling process of getting a first draft down. The drafting and redrafting brings joy. I love the way stories become nuanced and layered with more detail and crafting applied. I find nailing the plot the biggest challenge and when it’s done, this brings the greatest satisfaction.

What writing support do you have access to online or in person? Any tips for resources for other writers?

Matthew says:

I subscribe to Writing Magazine and find it really useful – particularly the Writers’ News section. I think almost everything I’ve had published was through a submission call I found there. I’ve recently started using the Story Origin website too. It takes a bit of figuring out but it’s been a really helpful tool in gaining more newsletter subscribers and forming an advance review team for my new novel. Over the years I’ve also befriended other authors online, mostly through beta reading swaps. It’s been really helpful just to have some support through the writing process and to be able to talk through your frustrations with other authors!

Gail says:

I’m a member of a comedy sketch writing group called 3-She and we draft our material on a website called WritersDuet which allows us to work on one document simultaneously. Accompanying discussion takes place on a WhatsApp group call. This approach continued while I volunteered at Bidibidi Refugee Settlement in Uganda. It’s wonderful to be able to stay in contact with creative friends from even the most remote locations. When I was repatriated due to Covid-19, I initiated online support with other writing groups for feedback and sharing of short stories and novel excerpts. I also belong to Writers Abroad, an online support group for writers living overseas where updates on writing opportunities and competitions are shared. Although this group has now closed, a few of us are working together to create a new forum.

How do you find time for writing?

Matthew says:

With great difficulty! As a full time teacher it’s tough, particularly during term time. If I manage to write anything on a weeknight I consider that a success. So most of my writing is done at weekends and during school holidays. It took me over five years to write each of my first two novels and that seems to be a lot compared to most other writers, but I managed it nonetheless. I don’t have children though, so I have no idea how writers with families fit it all in!

Gail says:

After ten years of shoehorning my writing into a scheduled of paid employment, I now write full time. Because I sleep badly, I’m often at my computer in the middle of the night. This is very bad sleep hygiene, but when I’m lying in bed with ideas flying around, it seems a wasted opportunity not to get them down. 

What is one of the most important things you’ve come to learn about writing?

Matthew says:

Not to over-write. I think when we begin ‘properly’ writing we have this illusion that writing means using as many adjectives as possible and filling every sentence with intense detail and figurative language – I did anyway. It’s taken me a long time to learn the art of editing and simplicity. Reading Stephen King’s On Writing was really helpful. He talks about the ‘invisibility’ of writing and how language that draws too much attention to itself can end up being a distraction. Now I really strive to write fluidly without over-complication that pulls the reader out of the moment. A lot of that has involved ditching redundant adverbs (and any redundant words really!), unnecessary speech tags, and passive voice.

Gail says:

Don’t expect the first draft to be any good. I’ve heard authors say writing is like moulding a piece of clay. You have to keep working at it until the pot is shaped and smoothed and ready for firing. The trouble with writing is you have to make the clay as well! From initial idea to final product is a long journey. To sustain me through the rigours of writing, I’ve learnt to enjoy every stage of the process. 

What achievement in your writing has been most important to you?

Matthew says:

Probably the publication of my first short story. It was called Blue Sky and appeared in an anthology released by a now-defunct publisher. In retrospect, the story wasn’t very good and some of the writing is terrible, but getting that acceptance email and then seeing my name printed in the pages of a real book was really powerful. It spurred me on and woke me up to the idea that I must have some degree of skill. From there, I’ve had many more short stories published and my second novel is about to be released. I’m much prouder of my recent work but I still remember how exciting it was to see that first story in print.

Gail says:

I sold my first story in 2010. A local writing project called Broadsheet Stories supplied fiction on A3 sheets to cafes across Dorset. A new story was printed each week and mine was released in December that year. At the time, I thought about taking a photo of the £25 cheque but decided against it. The next time I received cash for my writing was in 2016 when I won first prize in the Bournemouth National Poetry Day competition. I’ve been writing for over ten years and at this stage it’s important to receive some return for my effort. In no other profession are people asked to give away their work for free. 

Where will your writing journey take you over the next five years?

Matthew says:

I’d love to have at least one other novel published by then. I’m working on a manuscript right now – something quite different to anything I’ve written previously. Moreover, I want writing to play a bigger part in my life, rather than being an extra activity that I squeeze in around my full-time job. I’m not sure what that will look like yet but that’s the goal and I’m taking steps to build up my writing platform!

Gail says:

I’d like to continue writing collaboratively and independently. I love co-writing comedy sketches and dream of taking a show to the Edinburgh Fringe one day. In the meantime, my children’s picture book Pandemonium needs to be marketed and promoted and my second novel This Much Huxley Knows will be published in July 2021. 

About Matthew Keeley

Matthew is a writer and English teacher living in Glasgow. His debut sci-fi novel, Turning the Hourglass, was published in 2019 by Black Rose Writing and his new novel, The Stone in My Pocket, will be published early in 2021 through The Conrad Press. He also writes short stories, the occasional poem, and arts reviews for award-winning online magazine The Wee Review.

You can find out more about Matthew here: https://linktr.ee/matthewjkeeley

About Gail Aldwin

Gail Aldwin is a novelist, poet and scriptwriter. Her debut novel The String Games was a finalist in The People’s Book Prize and the DLF Writing Prize 2020. Pandemonium, a children’s picture book written by Gail, was published on 1 December 2020. Gail regularly appears at literary and fringe festivals. Her home overlooks water meadows in Dorset. You can find Gail on Twitter @gailaldwin.

Lockdown launch for PanDeMoNium

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I guess the pandas at Hawes department store (the setting for Pandemonium) are glad the doors will once again open in the UK this week. Of course, with bookshops closed due to lockdown on launch day, Tuesday 1 December 2020, it doesn’t help in getting this children’s picture book out into the world. Fortunately, there’s the internet to rely on. As part of publication day celebrations, I’m holding a competition on Twitter. In Pandemonium, Peta gets up to mischief in the department store. You can see an early version of a double page spread below:

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If she can be that naughty in a café, imagine what would happen in a sweet shop!

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Here she is, nicely camouflaged amongst the hand finished rose and violet creams made by the House of Dorchester. If you’re active on Twitter, do pop over there now to follow, like and retweet my competition post for a chance to win this box of delicious rose and violet creams and a copy of Pandemonium. (These are the most gorgeous chocolates ever and I promise Peta hasn’t licked any!) The winner’s name will be picked from a hat at noon on Thursday 3 December. Due to the cost of postage, the competition is open to UK residents only.

If you’d like a copy of Pandemonium, please support Victorina Press by ordering through the website. Use coupon code XMAS2020 to receive 30% discount. Please help this independent press to discover more unheard voices and promote inclusion by purchasing directly from them.

Blog tour, discount Christmas shopping and further adventures

Where would a writer be without readers? Thank you to everyone who has shown interest in Pandemonium. This week starts a big push to help my children’s picture book reach a wider audience with support from book bloggers. Do watch out for posts on social media with links to further reviews.

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If you’re thinking of purchasing a copy of Pandemonium for a young child in your life, now’s the time to do it. There’s a 30% seasonal discount from all Victorina Press titles using the coupon code XMAS2020. Purchasing directly from the publisher is a good way to support this independent press in furthering their ambition to discover unheard voices and promote diversity in publishing. While visiting the Victorina Press bookshop for Christmas purchases, why not treat yourself, too? I can recommend you pre-order Amanda Huggins‘ wonderful novella All Our Squandered Beauty. It’s a captivating read.

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I’ve had more fun taking Peta on further adventures in Pandemonium. See what she’s up to now:

[image error] In the café, Peta gets hungry …

Enjoy the last week of November and I’ll touch base again on publication day, 1 December 2020.

Monday 16 November is Odd Socks Day!

Some of these campaigns really do make me cringe (think of #NationalDoughnutDay on 5 June) but not this one. #OddSocksDay is part of Anti-bullying Week 2020 which puts a spotlight on bullying and considers the steps that can be taken to prevent it. Every November, schools in the UK have a focus on bullying and by working with the wider school community, steps are put in place to protect vulnerable youngsters.

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This year, #OddSocksDay on Monday 16 November launches a week of activites to raise awareness about bullying. This is intended to be a fun day where there’s no pressure to wear fashionable clothes or dress up. Everyone can wear odd socks, so it couldn’t be simpler. The idea is to encourage people to express themselves and everything that makes us unique.

Recognising individuality is the central theme in Pandemonium, a picture book I’ve written for children 2–7 years which is illustrated by Fiona Zechmeister. Now is a great time to purchase Pandemonium thanks to a seasonal offer from Victorina Press. Although released on 1 December, you can submit your pre-order now and benefit from 30% discount. This offer also applies to all Victorina Press titles. Simply go to the online shop, make your selection and use the coupon code XMAS2020 to claim your discount (limited to a single use per customer). If you haven’t yet got a copy of The String Games, now is your chance! I can also recommend pre-ordering Amanda Huggins’ remarkable novella All Our Squandered Beauty.

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And here’s something else to celebrate, Pandemonium received its ninth early   review on goodreads today!

Adventures in #PanDeMoNium

Since the start of November, I’ve posted photos on social media of a cheeky purple panda who’s out and about. This is to help promote my forthcoming children’s picture book Pandemonium. In case you don’t follow me on Twitter @gailaldwin, here’s what’s been happening this week.

[image error] Last hot chocolate for a month and clinging on for dear life.



[image error] Up to something or just hanging around?



[image error] What’s happening hare?







[image error] Rendition of chopsticks, anyone?

You can pre-order Pandemonium from Victorina Press. The first one hundred books include a FREE sticker set. Early reviews recommend Pandemonium:

most excellent for early yearscertain to become a favourite on the bookshelfyou will laugh out loudabsolutely beautiful picture book

What’s not to like?

Art under the lockdown lens

In a determined effort to make the most of our freedom before lockdown, David and I visited the Russell-Cotes Gallery in Bournemouth on Saturday. Formerly the home of Merton and Annie Russell-Cotes, the building was completed in 1901 and is stuffed with paintings, sculptures and mementos from overseas travels enjoyed by the couple.

[image error] Photo: Ethan Doyle White

Unlike the photo above, it was pouring with rain when we visited, as evidenced by this photo of the leaking conservatory.

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Fortunately, the rest of the house is dry! Until 18 April 2021, there is a special exhibition titled Hidden Highlights Life in Lockdown which comprises eighty of the galleries ‘lesser works’ taken out of storage to replace planned exhibitions which had to be rescheduled due to Coronavirus. The gallery invites visitors to reinterpreted the paintings on display through a lockdown lens. Some of the works include hilarious captions which had me laughing out loud. What do you think of these examples?

[image error] Shall we drive to Corfe Castle to test our eyesight?

[image error] The hand washing and hand sanitising inspection was very thorough



[image error] Socially-distanced dating Georgian style

The exhibition has inspired me to run a social media campaign to promote Pandemonium along the same lines. Here’s the first example:

[image error] Ghost Buster! Corona Buster!

Stay safe and well.

Irenosen Okojie and the NCWIC

This week I was delighted to join the online National Creative Writing Industry Conference.

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About the conference

Keynote speaker Irenosen Okojie says: I’m thrilled to be opening the 6th National Creative Writing Industry Conference. This vital, inspiring conference energizes aspiring writers. I’m looking forward to sharing experiences on finding my authorial voice, navigating the industry and methods to stay curious about the world which connects us to the writing process in rewarding ways.

About Irenosen Okojie

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Irenosen was born in Nigeria and moved to England aged eight. During her education she attended state schools and boarding schools before studies at London Metropolitan University in Communication and Visual Culture. She is a freelance Arts Project Manager and Coordinator and writer of fiction. Her debut novel, Butterfly Fish, published by Jacaranda Books won a Betty Trask Award and was shortlisted for the Edinburgh First Book Award. Her short story collection, Speak Gigantular was shortlisted for the Edgehill Short Story Prize, the Jhalak Prize, the Saboteur Awards and nominated for a Shirley Jackson Award. It was selected by film director Carol Morley as an Observer Summer Read.

About the keynote speech

I love a good keynote and this was certainly the best I’ve attended online. Irenosen talked a lot of sense and I so wanted to share her words of wisdom that I tweeted her observations and advice. Here are the top ten things that I took from the speech: 

Developing an adventurous spirit feeds into the work



There is no write way or wrong way to tell a story



Create a reward system for yourself while writing your novel to help you keep going



We need different exciting voices to enhance the publishing scene



Rejection is part of the writing process. Take on critique that is useful and ignore the rest



Read first novels. Often they can be brilliant but not always perfect… learn from their mistakes



Writing is a joy



Literature is for everyone



We must write for our sanities



Let writing become an obsession

How many of these do you sign up to? 

There are events scheduled for the rest of this week, so if you’re interested click here to see the sessions still available that might be of interest. Thanks to Comma Press and The Manchester Writing School for hosting the conference. 

Celebrating Libraries Week

Libraries Week is an annual event which takes place during the second week of October. This year it runs from 5–10 October 2020 and aims to celebrate all that UK libraries have to offer. And it’s not just public libraries that participate but school libraries, workplace libraries and university libraries.

[image error] Titles available for loan through Dorset Libraries

In Dorset, our libraries have become community hubs where so much more is on offer than the loan of books, audiobooks and DVDs. Babies and young children enjoy songs and rhymes, school children join fun learning activities, residents can find out more about managing health and there’s access to wifi and games. Help is available at the library to find out about employment opportunities, and support to start a new hobby or set up a business. With so much going on, libraries are well worth celebrating.

The aim of this year’s Libraries Week is to help build a Nation of Readers and Dorset Libraries have taken the opportunity to showcase local writing talent. Along with other writers, I was invited to complete a survey and submit some photos. My information was selected and made into a short video slideshow. This has been posted on Dorset Libraries’ social media channels and you can see the slideshow here.

I am delighted to play my part in celebrating Libraries Week and hope you will join me in paying tribute to the staff and volunteers who work so hard to allow libraries to offer such creative, innovative and diverse activities.

Writers Abroad

I’ve been a member of the online writing community Writers Abroad for the last year. It’s a privilege to join such a talented group of writers who currently live as expatriates or have had the experience of living overseas. I first learnt about the group from writer Susan Carey when we both had stories published during the first National Flash Fiction Day celebrations in 2012. I started following Susan’s blog and in 2013 she posted an open call for submissions to Foreign Encounters a Writers Abroad anthology inspired by chance or planned meetings. I wrote a story about living in Papua New Guinea and was pleased to have this published alongside other short stories, non-fiction and poetry.

Writers Abroad now approaches its tenth anniversary and to celebrate a decade of online critiquing, feedback, networking and shared motivation, we’re releasing a new anthology Far Flung. This showcases writing by past and present members of the group whose portraits appear on the collage below.

[image error]contributors to Far Flung

Far Flung includes poetry, non-fiction and fiction from writers based across the world. For a stimulating and varied reading experience, place your pre-order now for the kindle edition of Far Flung which will be released on 31 October 2020. A paperback will follow. With a foreword from Peter May and all proceeds going to the World Literacy Foundation, what’s not to like?

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You’ll notice a copyright free image of Durdle Door to represent Dorset on the cover. Where else to you recognise?