In this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writers’ Room for A Centennial Celebration! In this special 100th episode, Pete and Laura commemorate a significant milestone in their podcast journey. Join them as they reflect on the evolution of the Begin podcast, the lessons they’ve learned, and the many ways writing has enriched their lives and those of the listeners over 100 episodes of Begin.In this season:18 Episodes 9 Guest Interviews 2 Toolbox Editions505 minutes and 65 seconds (8 hours and 42 minutes) or 9, 227.5 dad jokes and cliches!Pete and Laura delve into the significance of exploring the joy, and challenges encountered along the way over this season. Which episodes were the most downloaded? They share personal experiences and milestones, and talk about the making of a podcast dedicated to the love of writing.A Look BackLaura reflects on the themes, the ‘highs and lows’ and guest interviews that shaped the season the most for her. She finds the ‘Glass Ball Theory’ by Nora Roberts helpful when thinking about the challenges of balancing so many projects.The key to juggling is to know that some of the balls you have in the air are made of plastic and some are made of glass. And if you drop a plastic ball, it bounces, no harm done.Pete highlights the episodes that resonated most with him and why. Also, how meeting listeners and writers at local events, such as the Derby Book Festival, made such a difference to him. Personal Projects: Writing and BeyondIn this inspiring section, Pete talks about his memoir ghostwriting endeavours, sharing insights into his research process and storytelling. Laura discusses her ongoing PhD in creative writing, emphasising the importance of academic exploration in the craft of writing. Book Update: From Storytelling to Scholarly InsightsPete and Laura dive into their current reads, sharing their thoughts and takeaways. Pete discusses how different research methods have captivated him recently. Laura talks about - Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver.Looking Forward: The Future of Begin and Our WritingPete and Laura look forward to what the future holds for the Begin podcast and their personal writing projects, share their aspirations and invite you to continue this wonderful journey with them.Whether you’ve been with Pete and Laura since episode one or just joining in, there’s inspiration and camaraderie to be found in the celebration of writing. Let’s embark on the next hundred episodes together!We want to hear from you! info@derbyshirewritingschool.comSend us a voice message.Thanks for listening!

Episode 99: Embracing the Writer Within - "Episode 99: Why We Write–A Deep Dive into the Writer's Mind.Welcome back to Begin, the Derbyshire Writing School podcast! In this heartfelt episode, co-hosts and father-daughter duo Pete Billingham and Laura Stroud explore the essence of writing. Join us as we unravel what drives us to put pen to paper, and how writing shapes our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.Why We Write: An Introspective Journey"We write to taste life twice, in the moment and in retrospect." - Anais NinIn this segment, we ponder this poignant quote by Anais Nin. Pete and Laura share their personal reasons for writing, reflecting on how capturing life's moments through writing allows us to experience them more deeply. This discussion is an invitation to listeners to contemplate their own writing motivations.The Writer's Room: Exploring Our Writing Identities"I write because it means I can call myself a writer." - Laura, paraphrasing Arianna Huffington on Pablo Picasso. Here, Laura shares her thoughts on writing as an identity, inspired by Arianna Huffington's interpretation of Pablo Picasso's creative life. This conversation encourages writers to own their craft, regardless of external achievements.Personal Projects: Celebrating Our Writing EndeavorsPete discusses his recent endeavors as a celebrant and eulogy writer, highlighting the meaningful impact of his work on others. Laura shares her exciting journey into a PhD in creative writing, aiming to create safe spaces in the world of writing education. This segment showcases the diverse paths and purposes writing can take.Lessons Learned: Growing as WritersIn this insightful section, we discuss the continuous learning journey of a writer. Pete delves into Amazon ads for book marketing, while Laura shares her learning experiences from her PhD program. This segment is a testament to the never-ending growth and evolution in the writing journey.Book Update: Diving into Diverse Reads"The Miniaturist" and "Writing About Your Life: A Journey into the Past" by William Zinser Pete shares his thoughts on "The Miniaturist" and his current read, William Zinser's memoir and writing guide. Laura discusses "Can't Even: How Millennials Became the Burnout Generation" by Anne Helen Peterson, noting its insightful take on the millennial experience.Closing Thoughts: Our Writing LivesIn this heartfelt conclusion, Pete and Laura reflect on their recent experiences, from walks and dog antics to academic pursuits and the every day balancing act of life and writing. This segment is a reminder of the joy and challenge of weaving writing into the fabric of our daily lives.Join us in this episode for a warm, inviting exploration of what it means to be a writer. Whether you're a seasoned author or just starting your journey, there's something here for everyone. Let's celebrate the art of writing together!

Episode 98—A Writers Toolkit Episode: Unfinished Business: Breaking Through Fear, Doubts, and Excuses to Finish Your NovelDo you have a story in your heart, a manuscript in progress, but somehow find yourself unable to reach 'the end'? In this episode, we delve into the all-too-common struggle of leaving novels unfinished. But fear not! We're not just identifying the problems; we're providing solutions, and we have a special programme designed to guide you to completion.This Episode's Insights: From Idea to Finished BookJoin Laura, Pete, and the Derbyshire Writing School team as they explore:The common reasons why writers struggle to finish their books.Solutions to overcome fear, boredom, and self-doubt.The importance of committing to your writing and creating movement in your story.How finishing your book can be an incredible achievement, teaching you more than any course or book ever could.Finish Your Book – Online Group Programme: Your Path to CompletionIf this episode resonates with you, our new group programme, Finish Your Book, might be just what you need. Designed specifically for writers who are passionate but stuck, this programme offers motivation, practical support, and a writing community ready to cheer you on.Programme Highlights:Dates and Time: Six live Zoom sessions, starting Wednesday 8 November 2023, from 7:30 pm – 8:45 pm.Price: from £115Interactive Learning: Writing sprints, peer feedback, personalised solutions, and more.Achievements: Complete writing sprints, gain feedback, create an action plan, and join a wonderful group of writers.Course Overview: [Detailed Overview Here]Why This Programme Is for YouCraft Your Story Together: Write together with focused and guided creative time.Edit Like a Pro: Learn to edit your novel or non-fiction book.Solve Your Writing Problems: Address your unique challenges.Achieve Real Progress: Make tangible progress on your writing journey.Ready to Join Finish Your Book?Don't let your ideas sit in a draft folder. Seize this opportunity to tell the world, "I wrote a book!" Enroll in our Finish Your Book programme and turn the insights from this episode into real progress on your writing journey.Enroll NowKeep writing, it will all work out. Let this episode and our Finish Your Book programme be your catalyst to success.———We want to hear from you! info@derbyshirewritingschool.comSend us a voice message.Thanks for listening!

Episode 97—The Pen Behind the Posts: Celebrating Staff Blog Writer Lauren’s 3-Year AnniversaryIn this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writers’ Room for a very special episode. Today we chat with staff blog writer Lauren Davison. We are reaching three years of Derbyshire Writing School, so we thought it would be nice to talk to some people that have been around from the beginning. One of those is Lauren Davison, our in-house staff blogger. Lauren has been an important part of the Derbyshire Writing School team and she creates lots of the useful blog posts you’ll find on our website. Pete and Laura ask Lauren:What three things have you learnt since being a part of Derbyshire Writing School?What does Derbyshire Writing School mean to you?What are you most proud of creating in your time here at Derbyshire Writing School?Can you talk to us through your blog writing process? What’s your step-by-step guide?What advice could you share for our listener if they wanted to write blog posts?Have you got a book you’re working on? What’s next in your writing career? What are your writing goals?You can find all of Lauren’s helpful blogs at https://www.derbyshirewritingschool.com/blogWe want to hear from you! info@derbyshirewritingschool.comSend us a voice message.Thanks for listening!

Episode - 96—I Want To Say A Few Words: Crafting a Heartfelt Eulogy with Confidence - Book LaunchIn this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writers’ Room for a very special episode. Today Pete launches his latest book. I Want to Say a Few Words: How To Craft a Heartfelt Eulogy for a Loved One’s Funeral: A Simple Step-by-Step Process, Packed with Eulogy Writing Ideas, Help & Advice from a Professional Eulogy Writer is the latest book launched by Pete.“I Want to Say A Few Words: How To Craft a Heartfelt Eulogy for a Loved One’s Funeral” serves as a compassionate companion in the important journey of writing a eulogy. It’s something you may not want to think about today. We understand. But someday, someone you know may need a resource that crafts the words to say at a funeral.This workbook is far more than a ‘fill in the blanks eulogy template’ process. It’s not about rushing through to a finished eulogy. Pete’s wish is to offer the reader a thoughtful, measured approach to writing a eulogy for your loved one’s funeral that is as unique as the life it celebrates.What’s included in this book:✓ An invitation to reflect, remember, and write from the heart.✓ A four-step process and sixteen practical worksheets to help you craft a memorable eulogy.✓ A compassionate professional eulogy writer who has crafted over 700 eulogies to guide you.✓ An empathetic approach to writing a eulogy.✓ 169 pages - A4 size workbook with lots of space for making notes and capturing memories.Writing a heartfelt eulogy that honours the life of your loved one starts with this book.Special Launch Offer Prices.As a launch offer, the book in various formats will have a significant price reduction for 5 days from 28th July - 1st August. What versions are available?eBook with 34 page PDF download - 0.99p - on AmazonHigh Quality PDF Download including extra worksheets - £5.99 via Pete’s Website169 large format A4 page paperback - £9.99 on Amazon———We want to hear from you! info@derbyshirewritingschool.comSend us a voice message.Thanks for listening!

Episode 95—From the Author's Voice: A Live Book Reading of 'Everyday Storytellers Write Non-Fiction.' by Laura StroudIn this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writers’ Room for a very special episode. Everyday Storytellers Write Non-Fiction: A Step-By-Step Guide to Noticing Your Life and Turning It Into Stories, is the latest book in the Everyday Storytellers Series by Laura.Hear Laura read a section of her new book.Are you ready to uncover the power of your own story and share it with the world?Your stories matter. It’s time you started sharing them.Maybe you’ve started to jot down your memories, thinking one day you’ll turn them into stories, or perhaps you’ve started journaling, or even just started to think more about documenting your life. But what’s really stopping you from writing? Structure? Voice? Editing? Are you worried about sharing your words?You have a story to tell, and this book will help you tell it.Through practical advice and lots of creative activities, this book will show you how to shape real-life stories into a narrative that flows and engages readers.Through this step-by-step approach, you’ll learn:What non-fiction writing is and how to write compelling stories.Where to start with your storytelling so you feel confident in beginning.Why noticing your life is the key to always having something to write about.How to structure your story so your readers want to turn the page.When to share your life stories and when to hold back.For memoir writers, bloggers, or people who want to take their travel stories to the next level, this book is for you. Filling you with confidence and skills to get your story told.The book also includes:A secret-revealing chapter about finding your writing voice.A breakdown of the essential four stages of editing.A writing toolkit to skyrocket your storytelling.A friendly pep talk to motivate and encourage you!This book will help you write about your life and help you share it with the world.Notice your life.Save the special moments.Share your words.So why wait? It’s time to unlock the power of your words and share your unique perspective with the world. Don’t let your stories go untold any longer. Start writing TODAY.We would love to hear from you. Please let us know about your self-publishing questions, problems or ideas. We want to hear from you! info@derbyshirewritingschool.comSend us a voice message.Thanks for listening!

Episode 94 - From Truth to Tribute: Everyday Storytelling, Self-Publishing Updates, the Perfect Eulogy Writing ToolIn this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writers’ Room to catch up with what’s happened since the last episode.In Section One: THE WRITERS’ ROOM. We explore writing problems and struggles by answering your questions. This month we don’t have a question for you. Why not send us a question you would ask us to chat about? We want to hear from you! Write to us at info@derbyshirewritingschool.comSection Two: PERSONAL PROJECTS. In this section, we share what we’ve been working on.Laura has been busy ghostwriting two memoirs. She explains her interviewing process and her quest to find the best questions to explore the story the memoir will tell.Pete explains how and why his eulogy writing book got a new title and subtitle.I Want to Say a Few Words: How To Craft a Heartfelt Eulogy for a Loved One’s Funeral. A Simple Step-by-Step Process, Packed with Eulogy Writing Ideas, Help & Advice from a Professional Eulogy Writer.With some finer details to finish for the paperback and audio, should Pete publish the eBook or wait is the question? What about creating an audio book? What do you think? Section Three: BOOK UPDATE. In this section, we share interesting book recommendations, articles, or ideas to help you on your writing journey. Laura reflects on the epic story: ‘A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara.’ Also tells us about her book club recommendation: Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus.Pete is excited about - The Lost Pianos of Siberia by Sophy Roberts. In ‘The Lost Pianos of Siberia’, Sophy Roberts embarks on an epic journey across the vast, timeless landscape of Siberia. Unravelling hidden tales of forgotten pianos and the resilient people whose lives have intertwined with these instruments. Sophy sets on a quest to find one such instrument for a friend. Siberia. The word makes everything it touches vibrate at a different pitch… Siberia rolls off the tongue with a sibilant chill… Siberia is far more significant than a place on the map: it is a feeling which sticks like a burr, a temperature, the sound of sleepy flakes falling on snowy pillows and the crunch of uneven footsteps coming from behind. Section Four: LESSONS LEARNED. In this section, we share what we are learning about writing and publishing, as it never stops! Amazon updates the rules on categories for self-publishing and the price of publishing book through KDP. Worth making sure your pricing is correct!Pete mentions - So Good They Call You a Fake | Joshua Lisec’s Secrets to Creating Unbelievable Results from The James Altucher Show Podcast. https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/so-good-they-call-you-a-fake-joshua-lisecs-secrets/id794030859?i=1000616783197Section Five: WHAT’S HAPPENING AT DERBYSHIRE WRITING SCHOOL THIS WEEK? - How are we building the business this week?

Episode 93—Beyond The Manuscript: An Author’s Journey into Clarity, Communication, & Connection with Lucy Rennie.In this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writers’ Room to chat with Lucy Rennie about how writing her latest book came out of a desire to help someone else. Lucy Rennie is a communication and marketing expert, business mentor and bestselling author. She helps small business owners to grow, develop and future-proof their businessAs a huge champion for small business, Lucy is a massive believer in people do business with people. Lucy Rennie is on a mission to share her love for small business. She works with entrepreneurs and business owners. Lucy uses strategies to keep progress going, creating trust and bringing in the best customers and staff for their companies. A massive Star Wars fan, Lucy lives and works on the side of a big hill overlooking Whaley Bridge, a beautiful village on the edge of the Peak District with her husband, 2 kids and a crazy chocolate Labrador, Kylo Ren. In this episode, Pete and Laura ask Lucy:Congratulations on the publication of your book—Clarity, Communication & Connection: Three Clear Steps to Future-Proof Your Business. Let’s talk about your writing process. Have you always wanted to write a book? Where did the idea come from?One challenge for writers is maintaining motivation and productivity throughout the writing process. How did you stay motivated and focused while writing, and what advice do you have for writers struggling with these issues?What did you learn through the writing process? What three pieces of specific advice could you share with our listeners about writing non-fiction?Your book focuses on the importance of communication and clarity in business. Can you speak to how these concepts apply to writers and the writing process, too?Your book emphasises the importance of being adaptable and open to change. How can this help writers overcome creative block or feeling stuck in their writing?Describe what you mean by "future-proofing" and how writers can adopt this approach.Talking of future-proofing, what are your plans for the future with your business, and your book writing? You can find out more about Lucy, her book and her business at:Website - https://www.iamlucyrennie.com/Book – Clarity, Communication & Connection: Three Clear Steps to Future-Proof Your Business. FacebookInstagramLinkedInTwitterWe want to hear from you! info@derbyshirewritingschool.comSend us a voice message.Thanks for listening!

Episode 92 —Turning Pages: An Insider’s Look Into Derby Book Festival with Sian Hoyle In this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writers’ Room to chat with Sian Hoyle—Derby Book Festival.We are back in the writers’ room and we have a guest in our hot seat this week! Sian Hoyle from Derby Book Festival.For over 30 years, Sian worked in Marketing and Communications in London, before relocating to Derby to be closer to family. In 2012, she took voluntary redundancy from Derby City Council and worked as a freelancer until 2015, when she co-founded the Derby Book Festival with her friend Jenny Denton. Despite having no prior experience in publishing, the pair were keen readers and believed they knew the sort of events that would appeal to the people of Derby. Derby Book Festival was born! They ran the event as volunteers for the first year, then with some Arts Council funding and local business sponsorship, they took on paid roles. In 2020, during the pandemic, Sian took over as Director and has since organised two festivals each year since 2021, along with an ever-expanding community program. Turning the Derby Book Festival into an important community experience for the people of Derby. Pete and Laura ask Sian:Tell us more about yourself and your work with the Derby Book Festival. When did you first fall in love with books?We know how important reading is, but let’s talk about this some more. Part of the festival’s aim is to celebrate the joy that books and reading bring to our lives. So for you, Sian, why is reading so important?Two questions here really: First, how do you decide what a ‘good book’ is? And how do you decide which authors to bring to the festival?What practical advice could you offer to our listeners to help them get the most out of attending the book festival?For more information on Derby Book Festival, check out:Website: https://www.derbybookfestival.co.uk/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DerbyBookFestival/Twitter: https://twitter.com/derbybookfestInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/derby_book_festival/Sian mentions the following books:Trespasses: A Novel by Louise KennedyWe Need to Talk About Kevin by Lionel ShriverTo Kill a Mockingbird by Harper LeeSend us a voice message.Thanks for listening!

Episode 91—Yes, I’m The Great Pretender: Navigating the Creative Challenges of Imposter Syndrome in Writing.Section One: THE WRITERS’ ROOM. In this section, we explore writing problems and struggles by answering your questions.What is Imposter Syndrome?Imposter syndrome is when you feel you’re not good enough at something, even if you’re actually doing well. It’s like having a little voice in your head that tells you that you’re pretending to be good at something, and that everyone will find out you’re not as skilled as they think. The term impostor phenomenon was introduced by Pauline R. Clance and Suzanne A. Imes.For more information you can read a detail review by Pauline R. Clance on her website - https://www.paulineroseclance.com/impostor_phenomenon.htmlTogether they mention:The Netflix Documentary - Lewis Capaldi: How I’m Feeling NowThe Netflix Documentary - StutzSection Two: PERSONAL PROJECTS. In this section, we share what we’ve been working on.Laura has been completing all the details necessary when publishing a book. Besides working with clients ghosting writing and memoir writing. Peter has been refining the third edit of his book in progress. He has changed the name and subtitle of the book and is reflecting on his mission with the book. Section Three: BOOK UPDATE. In this section, we share interesting book recommendations, articles, or ideas to help you on your writing journey. Pete is finding great insights from reading: Write Useful Books: A modern approach to designing and refining recommendable nonfiction.Publisher Rocket saves time and frustration when searching for keywords. Publisher Rocket will help you get your book in front of more Amazon shoppers so you can spend less time marketing and more time writing.Laura has been reading - Write It All Down: How to Put Your Life on the Page by Cathy Rentzenbrink.Section Four: LESSONS LEARNED. In this section, we share what we are learning about writing and publishing, as it never stops! Update from Ingram Spark about changes for their 10 yr celebration - uploads are now free with T & C. https://help.ingramspark.com/hc/en-us/articles/15276524164749-IngramSpark-Celebrates-10-Years-Section Five: WHAT’S HAPPENING AT DERBYSHIRE WRITING SCHOOL TH

Episode 90—Enhancing Creative Writing through the Magic of Copywriting with Chrissie RowellIn this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writers’ Room to chat with Derbyshire Lecturer and Market Agency Owner Chrissie Rowell.We are back in the writers’ room and we have a guest in our hot seat this week! Derbyshire marketing expert Chrissie Rowell. Chrissie Rowell has been in marketing for 16 years. After graduating with a degree in Creative Writing in 2008, she worked in freelance journalism, later moving into copywriting. After working with two marketing agencies, she set up her own agency, Black Hare Marketing, and also lectures at the University of Derby in various marketing subjects, including branding, advertising and copywriting Chrissie and Laura are working together in the local Derbyshire initiative called - Reskill and Recover Tuesday 16th May and Tuesday 23rd May 2023. Reskill and Recover is an initiative designed to help participants, from small and medium-sized businesses in the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire areas, improve business skills, efficiency and growth. To find out more, please email reskillrecover@derby.ac.uk.Pete and Laura ask Chrissie:Please tell us more about yourself and your writing journey.We know copywriting is an important skill for authors, but also for so many people in different roles. Let’s start at the beginning. What is copywriting, and how does it differ from other types of writing?What are some common mistakes that new copywriters make, and how can they avoid them? What are two of the most effective copywriting techniques that you’ve used, and why do they work?How important is storytelling in copywriting, and how can new writers learn to use it effectively?What advice do you have for new copywriters who are just starting out and want to improve their skills?For more information on Chrissie Rowell, check out:Black Hare MarketingReskill and RecoverEmail - c.rowell@derby.ac.ukWe would love to hear from you. Please let us know about your self-publishing questions, problems or ideas. We want to hear from you! info@derbyshirewritingschool.comSend us a voice message.Thanks for listening!

Episode 89—Unravelling The Layers of Intrigue: A Crime Writers’ Quest for Unconventional Inspiration with Zoë Sharp.In this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writers’ Room to chat with Derbyshire Author Zoë Sharp.We are back in the writers’ room and we have a guest in our hot seat this week! Derbyshire author Zoë Sharp. We meet recently at the Authors Assemble event in Buxton.Zoë Sharp spent her childhood living aboard a catamaran on the northwest coast of England. She opted out of mainstream education at twelve and wrote her first novel at fifteen. She began writing the Charlie Fox crime thriller series after receiving death-threats in the course of her work as a photojournalist. Nominated for many awards, they used her work in a Danish school text book, inspired an original song and music video, and is being optioned for TV and film. She is currently writing a new mystery thriller series for Bookouture. This began with The Last Time She Died, which is set in Derbyshire.When not working on her novels or short stories, you can find Zoë improvising weapons out of everyday objects, renovating houses, or international pet-sitting. Pete and Laura ask Zoë:Tell us a little about your journey from that 15-year-old who wrote a book to the prolific author of today. How did you develop your writing skills and find your unique voice as an author, and what steps did you take to improve your craft over time? How does your experience as a photojournalist influence your approach to writing, and what unique perspectives or skills did you bring to the table because of your background? What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when transitioning from visual storytelling to written storytelling?What unique challenges and opportunities do you face as a writer in the crime fiction genre, and how do you approach storytelling in this genre?Describe to us Charlie Fox. How did you develop her character over time? What advice would you give to aspiring writers who are interested in exploring the crime fiction genre?Can you walk us through your typical writing process, from idea generation to finished manuscript? How do you approach each stage of the process? What can readers expect from your upcoming books, and what new challenges and adventures can they look forward to experiencing?Interesting more in the crime writing work of Zoë? Check out the following links:Author website: https://www.zoesharp.com/Author Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ZoeSharpAuthorAuthor Twitter page: https://twitter.com/authorzoesharpAuthor Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/authorzoesharp/Author Goodreads page: https://www.goodreads.com/authorzoesharpWe would love to hear from you. Please let us know about your self-publishing questions, problems or ideas. We want to hear from you! info@derbyshirewritingschool.comSend us a voice message.Thanks for listening!

Episode 88—Guest Interview Derbyshire Author: S. R. Durham—Writing in Multiple Genres. In this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writers’ Room to chat with Derbyshire Author S. R. Durham about writing in several genres. S. R. Durham is an indie author from the High Peak in Derbyshire. He self-published his first full-length novel, Prey, in 2021, and his second, Surrogate, in 2022. He writes across several genres, from thriller and psychological suspense to horror and speculative crime. Ste worked in journalism and PR for a decade, before going freelance as a copywriter in order to focus on his family and his fiction writing.Pete and Laura ask Ste:Tell us about yourself and your journey. How did you get started with writing?Can you tell us more about your self-publishing route to publication? How did you find the experience? Is there anything you would do differently now?Your book covers look fantastic! Can you tell us more about the creative design process you went through?You class your first book as a horror thriller, and the second is folk horror. Please, can you talk through the nuance of these genre categories?What three pieces of advice can you give to our listeners to help them write in these genres?What’s next for you, and how can our listeners find out more about you and your work?You can find Prey and Surrogate on Amazon.You can be among the first to hear about the latest news from Ste by signing up for his newsletter mailing list here.We would love to hear from you. Please let us know about your self-publishing questions, problems or ideas. We want to hear from you! info@derbyshirewritingschool.comSend us a voice message.Thanks for listening!

Episode 87 – Guest Interview – Derbyshire Author Emma-Claire WilsonIn this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writers’ Room to chat with Emma-Claire Wilson.Emma-Claire Wilson is an author of emotional commercial women’s fiction. She writes ‘to make sense of the world’ and loves nothing more than tackling tough subjects and issues that affect her readers daily. When she is not writing fiction, she enjoys exercising her brain muscles with freelance copywriting, coaching other writers, and writing articles for The Glass House Online Magazine.  Her debut, This Child of Mine, although not autobiographical, was based on personal experiences and resulted in a highly emotional piece of fiction that secured her representation with Kate Nash Literary Agency. It is due to be published by Avon Harper Collins in the summer. Peter and Laura ask Emma-Claire:Tell us about yourself and your journey. How did you get started with writing?Congratulations on the upcoming publication of your novel - This Child of Mine. Can you tell us more about the book? How did you manage writing about such an emotive and emotional topic? What three pieces of advice could you share with our listener if they want to write about difficult topics or themes? You’ve shared about the power of writing with a ‘tribe’ and the importance of attending Ponden Hall writing retreat. Can you talk to us more about this? How do you think this helped you with your process? Emma-Claire, you write commercial women’s fiction. We know it’s such a wide-ranging space to work in. Can you tell our listener more about this as a category and genre? And What advice can you give to our listener if they wanted to pitch a novel within this category of fiction?What’s next for you, and how can our listener find out more about you and your work?Quick Fire QuestionsWhat do you wish you’d known sooner on your writing journey?What motivates you to write?What advice would you give to our listener?How Can We Find More About You?PREORDER EMMA-CLAIRE'S BOOK HEREEmma-Claire’s Website - https://emmaclairewilson.com/my-books/https://twitter.com/@ECWilsonWriterEmma-Claire mentions: The Emotional Craft of Fiction: How to Write the Story Beneath the Surface. Book by Donald Maass.We want to hear from you! info@derbyshirewritingschool.comSend us a voice message.Thanks for listening!

Episode 86 - The Writer's Toolbox—Self Publishing With StyleIn this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writers’ Room for an episode of The Writer’s Toolbox—Self-Publishing With Style.What can you find in this episode? Pete and Laura chat about self-publishing, and the five key reasons self-publishing is a good idea. The Five Key Reasons Self-publishing a Good Idea.You have more control over the process. You have higher royalty rates.You can make changes. You can build direct relationships with your audience.You can publish your book without gatekeepers.  How Then Do You Self-publish Your Book With Style?What if you:Don’t want to only publish through Amazon?Don’t want to fall for the common mistakes first-time self-publishers stumble upon?Want to learn how to get your book out into the world professionally? Want to understand more about the publishing process and take ownership? Want to take the steps needed to turn your word document into a paperback book?You need to check out Self-publishing with Derbyshire Writing School.Are you ready to take control of your writing career and share your work with the world? Check out—Self-publishing with Derbyshire Writing School. Our Self-publishing with Style course provides you with expert advice and guidance, allowing you to successfully self-publish your work. You’ll leave with confidence and a solid plan to take your writing forward and finally hold that finished book in your hands. Our course will talk you through the most common mistakes, secrets, and the top tips you need to know to self-publish a book to be proud of. We’ll show you how you can get your self-published book on Waterstones.com, or even create a hardback version, whilst keeping the costs low. We believe in your book. And we can help you turn your dream into a reality.Please let us know about your self-publishing questions, problems or ideas. We want to hear from you! info@derbyshirewritingschool.comSend us a voice message.Thanks for listening!

Episode 85—Guest Interview Charlotte Howes—Derbyshire Writing School InternWe are back in the writers’ room and we have another guest in our hot seat this week! She's been here before! It's our intern Charlotte!We worked with the University of Derby to offer another paid internship at the beginning of this year. This is part of the Universities DRIVEN project, working with businesses in Derbyshire to provide practical, paid internships to graduates. We are pleased to introduce you to Charlotte, our intern. Having just finished a master's degree in creative writing, Charlotte is dedicating her time to reading and writing more of what she loves. Her goal is to see a book she’s written someday on a shelf in Waterstones. What a splendid vision and dream!Pete and Laura ask Charlotte:What do you write, what do you read?Why do a second internship with Derbyshire Writing School?  Talk about your internship. What did you learn, enjoy, or find challenging?Has anything surprised you through your time working at Derbyshire Writing School?If you could give two pieces of advice to someone starting out on their writing career, what would they be?What’s next for you?In the podcast, Charlotte speaks about a treasure map she created of indie bookstores in Derbyshire, and also the blogs she has written for Derbyshire Writing School website.You can find all the information about what’s happening at Derbyshire Writing School by visiting ‘The Socials!’ InstagramFacebookTwitterWe want to hear from you! info@derbyshirewritingschool.comSend us a voice message

Episode 84 - Hibernation Over! Laura and Pete's Winter Catch-Up!In this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writers’ Room to catch up after a winter hibernation squirrelled away working on writing projects. You can tell Pete hasn’t done a podcast for a time. He gets so enthusiastic about everything in this episode! So much so, he skips section one! Section Two: PERSONAL PROJECTS. In this section, we share what we’ve been working on.Pete’s new author website is live! Have a look at www.peterbillingham.com Pete also updated everyone on the progress of his current work in progress the Eulogy Writing Toolkit. Section Three: LESSONS LEARNED. In this section, we share what we are learning about writing and publishing, as it never stops!The explosion of information on ChatGPT is impacting the world of writing - so Pete and Laura chat about that and what it could mean to them.  Section Four: BOOK UPDATE. In this section, we share interesting book recommendations, articles, or ideas to help you on your writing journey.Pete talks about – The Wild Places by Robert Macfarlane. You can read a detailed recollection of his thoughts on this book on his blog – Book Review - The Wild Places by Robert Macfarlane. Laura talks about the Kickstarter campaign for Pilgrimage by Joanna Penn. You can read more about it on the Creative Penn Blog.  Section Five: WHAT’S HAPPENING AT DERBYSHIRE WRITING SCHOOL THIS WEEK? – How are we building the business this week?There is also the exciting news we published the first of the Derbyshire Writing School Workbooks - Beating Writer’s Block: Remove Your Blocks.You can find all the information about what’s happening at Derbyshire Writing School by visiting ‘The Socials!’ InstagramFacebookTwitterWe want to hear from you! info@derbyshirewritingschool.comSend us a voice message

Episode 83 – Guest Interview – Kerry Fox– Authors Assemble! – Buxton Crescent Heritage Trust.Kerry Fox is the Event Manager for the Buxton Crescent Heritage Trust. She has been in the post since July 2022 and before working for the Trust she was the Commercial Director for a Nationwide Event Staffing Company. Her role at the Trust is to create and deliver a variety of high-quality and engaging talks, workshops, experiences and events for Buxton residents and for visitors to the area, supporting the work and the charitable aims of the Trust.  In this episode, Kerry tells us about the upcoming ‘Authors Assemble!’ event in Buxton.On Friday 17th March, between 10 am and 5 pm, in the splendour of the Crescent’s Assembly Rooms for ‘Authors Assemble!’. A literary event, showcasing the work of Authors local to the High Peak or who have supported the work of the Buxton Crescent Heritage Trust. Authors will showcase their work, giving talks about their writing and taking part in public book signings. In attendance will be David Nolan – the King of Manc Noir, Celia Harwood – Buxtons’ own Crime Novel writer, David Blackmore – former Royal Armouries Museum Registrar, Ste Durham – local horror and thriller writer, Dr Peter Collinge – Historian, Researcher and Writer.And - Laura and Pete from Derbyshire Writing School! For more information - https://buxtoncrescentexperience.com/tour/authors-assemble/

Welcome to the Christmas Writing Prompts podcast episode from Derbyshire Writing School. Where we inspire your festive creativity with a series of holiday-themed writing ideas. Whether you're a seasoned writer or just looking to try something new this holiday season, we have a prompt to spark your imagination and get your words flowing. So grab a pen and paper, and let's get started on some festive writing!Someone rumoured that 98.7% of all successful writers start the Christmas season with a writing prompt! (We just made that rumour up, but it sounds like a good way to start the Christmas season, right?) So we are sharing lots of festive writing prompts to act as your writing advent calendar this year. Our festive prompts are a mixture of life writing, fiction prompts, and questions. These will help you ponder your writing goals and even develop your writing habits. Spend five minutes a day or an hour each evening and start the Christmas countdown with a burst of creativity on us. We’d love to know how you get on. Please share your favourite prompt and your responses with us.For all 25 Christmas-Themed Writing Prompts, check out our blog post. We want to hear from you! info@derbyshirewritingschool.comThanks for listening!

Episode 81 - Finding Your Writing Voice In this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writers' Room to chat about the question – how do you find your voice as a writer?Section One: THE WRITERS’ ROOM. In this section, we explore writing problems and struggles by answering your questions.What is the writer’s ‘voice?’ Voice in writing refers to the unique perspective, tone, and style of a piece of writing. The personality of the writing can help to make a piece of writing more interesting and engaging for the reader.The one key truth in finding your ‘voice’ as a writer is to start with one truth! Be yourself. Section Two: PERSONAL PROJECTS. In this section, we share what we’ve been working on.Pete blasts the trumpets as he finishes and submits for editing his next book. It’s a radical departure from a memoir. This is a ‘How To’ non-fiction book called:‘I Just Want To Say A Few Words.’ The Ultimate Eulogy Writing Toolkit – A Simple and Easy Step-by-Step Guide How To Write A Eulogy for A Loved One, Friend or Colleague.Laura explains more about her process of designing the cover for the second in the series of Everyday Storytellers and commits to typing 2022 on the date published! Pete gets excited thinking about his next projects and Laura tries to guide his enthusiasm about which to do next. There are five ideas on the table.A book about empathy. A short ebook called - How To Live Forever - Digitally that is.A book about - How Can You Make Your Life memorable?A collection of Short Travel Stories. The Madeira Project. An adventure in the making!Do you have any thoughts? Email us at info@derbyshirewritingschool.com Section Three: LESSONS LEARNED. In this section, we share what we are learning about writing and publishing, as it never stops!Both Pete and Laura muse on the reality that everything takes longer than you think when writing a book.Section Four: BOOK UPDATE. In this section, we share interesting book recommendations, articles, or ideas to help you on your writing journey.Pete has been reading – Thom Wheeler – The Way A River Went. Laura is just beginning – Quit: The Power of Knowing When to Walk Away by Annie Duke Section Five: WHAT’S HAPPENING AT DERBYSHIRE WRITING SCHOOL THIS WEEK? - How are we building the business this week?Beginning a new time with Derbyshire Writing School, Charlotte has joined the team as an intern. Laura celebrates the success of the recent creative writing retreat in Buxton. Section Six: PERSONAL UPDATES - In this section, we share what’s new with us!Pete is exploring the world of AI with new writing tools, and Laura is looking forward to Christmas!