A Chance to Write for BBC TV
The Open Call is the BBC’s once a year submission window. It opens at 12 noon Tuesday 7th November 2023 and closes at 12 noon Tuesday 5th December 2023. They … Continue reading
My Son the Poet…would Byron be rapping if he were alive today?
It may not be your kind of thing, but you might like to try by pressing Watch on You Tube . I’ll be honest and say it is going to … Continue reading
Historical Fiction Should Reflect the Things that Concern Us Today – Tim Weed QUOTES FOR WRITERS
As a reader of historical fiction, I’m looking for something bigger than a simple reconstruction of history. I’m looking to experience a new world, to enter a new and de-familiarized … Continue reading
Mrs Finnegan’s Brighton Almanac – the Perils of Hair Washing
Mrs Finnegan, Brighton’s Regency Housekeeper, advises on hair washing (Don’t!) and tells the story of poor St Rocco. Mrs F is making a personal appearance next Saturday do come and say Good Day!
We Make Sense of our Lives through Stories – Heather Webb QUOTES FOR WRITERS
History isn’t just a series of bygone eras, littered with a mélange of fascinating and horrific events and people. It’s a detailed map of who we are and what we … Continue reading
Historical Fiction – think of it as a painting rather than a faithful photograph – Hilary Mantel QUOTES FOR WRITERS
Hilary Mantel on what readers should expect from a historical novel “…you are buying a painting with the brush strokes left in…”
Writing the Past as if it was Now
Free writing workshop in Brighton September 2023. The setting: a glorious 200 year old house. The subject: the past (and that need not be as far away as you might think.)
Mrs Finnegan’s Brighton Almanac – How Needlework Solved a Murder Case
The housekeeper at The Regency Town House returns to reveal a dastardly murder in 1831 and a Saint who should be thoroughly ashamed of himself.
The Importance of Structure in Novel Writing – Paula Hawkins QUOTES FOR WRITERS
A strong structure is invaluable to a writer: it will help you through your story; you will start to know what needs to come next, what to reveal next, because … Continue reading
Mrs Finnegan Regrets the next Edition of her 1836 Brighton Almanac will be delayed
By a few days. Possibly a week. I am a trifle indisposed at the moment. AND if anyone mentions blistering, cupping or leeching I shall be very cross indeed. The … Continue reading
Why Reading is Part of Being Human – James Baldwin QUOTES FOR WRITERS (and readers)
American writer and activist James Baldwin explains how reading connects us with others QUOTES FOR WRITERS and readers
Mslexia International Short Story and Flash Fiction Competitions
International writing Competitions for women – short story and flash fiction – from prestigious UK magazine. You have to be in it to win it….
What We All Write About All the Time – Willa Cather QUOTES FOR WRITERS
Isn’t it queer: there are only two or three human stories, and they go on repeating themselves as fiercely as if they had never happened before; like the larks in … Continue reading
Mrs Finnegan’s Brighton Almanac – Sussex without Spuds can you imagine!
Mrs Finnegan learns that potatoes have only recently been introduced into Sussex and cannot imagine the county or a meal without them…
BRIDGET WHELAN writer 