Getting Books into Bookshops – Sometimes there’s a Problem
I met thriller writer Jack Chandler on a Menorca writing retreat a couple of years ago. She has been in touch asking for support for a petition to help self-published … Continue reading
Forget The Booker, Make Sure You Enter The Rooker Book Competition
I’ve just heard about the nicest writing competition I have ever come across, run by what sounds like the nicest football club. It’s an annual competition run by Lewes FC. … Continue reading
Opening Pages — A Podcast from Mercia Press
From a cosy bookshop in Cork City comes voices from Ireland’s oldest independent publishing house. In free podcasts Mercier Press authors read their opening pages, sharing the stories behind their … Continue reading
A Generous Irish Short Story Competition for Anyone, Anywhere
The Moth Short Story Prize is an international prize, open to anyone from anywhere in the world, as long as their story is original and previously unpublished. The winning story … Continue reading
Writing History in a Regency Kitchen
Join me in a three week course for fiction writers, historians and absolute beginners Designed for beginners, emerging writers and authors wanting to explore a new field, you will be … Continue reading
Brilliant Opportunity for Disabled Writers at the Start of their Writing Career
Curtis Brown Creative is offering a free nine-month mentoring programme to four aspiring disabled authors. You can be at any stage of your writing career from just starting to having … Continue reading
What scares you? Talk, Discuss, Create
Emma Dalrymple, a former psychology lecturer, contacted me recently to ask if she could to use some of the exercises in Back to Creative Writing School at an event she … Continue reading
The Dragon’s Den for Writers – Ireland’s Novel Fair for Unpublished Novelists
The Novel Fair in Dublin is an annual event that all emerging writers should have in their sights. Entries are welcome from anywhere in the world as long as you can make the February Fair online or in-person.
International Competition for Novel Extracts
Will 6000 words taken from your unpublished novel win you fame and fortune?
Well no, but it might get you a consultation with an agent and $3000.
But as the old lottery slogan said, you have to be in it to win it…
Back to School…
It’s September 1st and the start of the academic year is fast approaching. That’s my thin excuse for mentioning my writing guide Back to Creative Writing School. It’s got a … Continue reading
The Novel Olympics – The Booker Long List
The Booker long list was announced at the end of July. Who is going to win gold?
If You’re Looking for an Agent…
Here’s a list of nine established literary agents actively seeking clients. All of them work with respected literary agencies and have good track records. They are looking for all genres of fiction as well as nonfiction.
Free International Writing Competition from an Aussie Author with a Sense of Humour
Free International writing competition for people with a sense of humour. And you’re given the first sentence…
The Best New Library in the World
I LOVE THE SOUND of the Biblioteca Gabriel García Márquez in Barcelona which has just won the Best New Library award for 2023. In the Exiample district – not far … Continue reading
BRIDGET WHELAN writer 