Book Review, ISLAM (A Short History), by Karen Armstrong

Being largely ignorant about the Muslim faith and Islam in general this was one of the first books that I read that helped to enlighten me. I first became aware of Islam from reading the Bible, and in particular Genesis. Within Genesis is the story of Abraham, Sarah and Hagar, apparently the concubine of Abraham who gave birth to his firstborn son, Ishmael. Ishmael naturally leads into Islam and the Muslim faith and the twelve tribes of Israel. Karen Armstrong's book cuts through the cliché to reveal a faith which has inspired as many scholars, mystics and poets as soldiers. Islam, she makes clear, has not only been one  of the world's most important and inspiring religions but the basis for one of its most illustrious civilizations.
One of the greatest of the world religions through the 1500 years of its existence, Islam has also been  by far the most misunderstood. The Western world has undergone a complete revolution of thought in recent centuries, but it's mistrust of Islam is still essentially medieval.


Karen Armstrong spent seven years as a Roman Catholic nun, an experience she recollected in her bestselling autobiography, Through the Narrow Gate. She is author of the worldwide bestseller, A History of God (which has now appeared in more than thirty languages), the highly acclaimed A History of Jerusalem, The Battle for God and  a book called Buddha.

The Ammerdown Retreat Centre

Imagine a conference and retreat centre nestling in woods next to a stately home, surrounded by beautiful landscaped gardens and parkland, with an exquisitely beautiful chapel in it's midst.  The whole place is steeped in peace and tranquillity . No traffic noise, only bird song. Yet it is only 12 miles from Bath and is easy access, with ample free parking on site.


The retreat centre offers a wide variety of courses  including sensing God in Creativity , Understanding Islam and The Art of Memoir Writing.


 Regarding the above (Understanding Islam) they state. A good understanding of Islam is a must in Britain today, where Muslims number by far the biggest religious group after British Christians. In many of our major towns and cities they make up a substantial minority of the population.  This constitutes an invitation to everyone to get to know Islam and Muslims better and to explore ways of building bridges of mutual understanding and respect.  This particularly applies to those involved with Muslims as neighbours, friends, workplace acquaintances or clients in caring professions.

The Art of Memoir writing(how to start writing your own life story) workshop is available on 16th-18th June 2017. There is a residential (£240.00) and a non- residential (£160.00) workshop. The course will provide a safe, supportive and confidential space where you will learn ways to create your  own memoir for best possible results. With the help of a professional writer and tutor, Rosie Jackson, you will reflect on audience, purpose and inspiration.
Contact
The Ammerdown Centre
Ammerdown Park,
Radstock,
Somerset,
BA3 5SW
TEL: 01761 433709
centre@ammerdown.org

10 Famous Memoirs Everyone Should Read

A Moveable Feast, by Ernest Hemmingway


Long Way Gone, by Ishmael Beath


Borrowed Time, An Aids Memoir, by Paul Monette


Walden, by Henry David Thoreau


Night, by Elie Wiesel


Angela's Ashes, by Frank McCourt


Personal Memoirs by Ulysses, S Grant


The Moral Basis of Democracy, by Eleanor Roosevelt


All Creatures Great and Small, by James Herriot


West With The Night, by Beryl Markham

11 Must Read Books By Muslim Authors(The Huffington Post)

Extract from The Huffington Post:


The Islamic faith began with a series of divine revelations which were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad(PBUH), beginning in the early 7th century CE. Muhammad's (PBUH) revelations went on to form the basis of The Qur'an, the Holy book of Islam, and gave rise to a worldwide faith that now numbers over 1.6 billion adherents.
Islam has become a hotly-debated topic with the rise of militant groups like the Islamic State. Average Muslims around the world frequently face prejudice and even violence as a result of rising Islamophobia. But beneath the controversy is a rich and beautiful faith, full of the rituals and traditions of everyday people who pursue lives of meaning like everyone else.


1: The Essential Rumi, translated by Coleman Barks.


2: Does My Head Look Big In This? by Randa Abdel Fattah.


3: Reading Lolita in Teharan, by Azar Nafisi


4:Muhammad:Man and Prophet, by Adil Salahi


5:Islam in Focus, by Hammudah 'Abdul 'Ali


6: In The Footsteps Of The Prophet, by Tariq Ramadan


7:The Muslim Next Door, by Sumbul Ali-Karamali


8: The Domestic Crusaders, by Wajahat Ali


9: The Girl In The Tangerine Scarf, by Mohja Kahf


10: Purification Of The Heart, by Hamza Yusuf


11: Al-Ghazali's Path To Sufism, by Abu Hamid Muhammad al-Ghazali

Authors In History: Jalaluddin Rumi

Jalaluddin Rumi, better known simply as Rumi, was perhaps the finest Persian poet of all time and a great influence on Muslim writing and culture. His poetry is still well known throughout the modern world, and his is one of the best selling poets in America.
He was the son of a renowned Sufi Scholar, and it is more likely that he was introduced to Sufisim from a young age. Sufism is a branch of Islam primarily concerned with developing spirituality, or more precisely the inner character of a Muslim.
Both he and his father were fir believers in the revelations of the Qu'ran, but criticised the more outwardly legal and ritual practice that was being promoted at the time. In fact, much of his work is dedicated to waking people up, and encouraging them to experience life themselves, rather than blindly following the scholars of the day.
He spent his early years, like many Muslins of the time, learning Arabic law, ahadith( the body of the sayings of The Prophet Muhammad(PBUH)), history, The Qu'ran, theology, philosophy, mathematics ad astronomy. At the age of twenty-four he was regarded as one of the highest scholars in the country.
He spent his time teaching and giving lectures to the public up until the age of thirty-five, lived a fairly non-descript life. In 1244 Rumi met a travelling Sufi called Shams (or Sham Tabrizi) and the whole course of his life changed. The general theme of Rumi's thought, like that of other mystic and Sufie poets of Persian literature, is that of "tawhid"-union with the Beloved, from whom he sees himself as being cut off and aloof.
Rumi believed passionately in the use of music, poetry and dance as a path for reaching God. For Rumi, music helped devotees to focus their whole being on the divine and to do this so intensely that the soul was both destroyed and resurrected. It was from these ideas that the practice of Whirling Dervishes developed into a ritual form.
He lived most of his life under the Persionate Seljuq Sultanate of Rum, where he produced his works. He died in 1273 AD. Following his death his followers and his son Sultan Walad founded the Mevlevi Order, also known as the order of The Whirling Dervishes, famous for its Sufi dance known as the Sama ceremony. He was laid to rest beside his father, and a splendid shrine was erected over his remains.

Write a Memoir

A memoir is not an autobiography. An autobiography is the story of an entire life, but a memoir is just one story in that life. A memoir is about handing over your life to someone and saying "This is what I went through, this is who I am, and maybe you can learn something from it."
Writing about your life is also coming to a fresh understanding of it at an age when you probably think you know yourself pretty well.
There are many different types of memoirs- you can write about your childhood, you can write about places you've visited. You can write about a crime or an injustice you have encountered. You can write a memoir about anything, no matter how small or seemingly inconsequential. Everybody has stories shelved in his or her subconscious, awaiting translation. The challenge is getting started. Hand over your life and tell someone!

Rumi Quote

Knock, And he'll open the door
Vanish, And he'll make you shine like the sun
Fall, And he'll raise you to the heavens.

Tips On Starting A Memoir/Extract From Reader's Digest

1: Write a memoir, not an autobiography. An autobiography is the story of an entire life, but a memoir is just one story from that life.  You can only ever write one autobiography, but you can write countless memoirs. It's a much less intimidating project if you view it that way.


2: Diagram your life. Some people have a burning story to tell. Others find it difficult to immediately pin point anything. To help this plot your life's six most significant moments. When you do it thoughtfully and honestly, there will usually be one pivotal event that stands out as particularly intriguing and/or meaningful. If there isn't don't worry. There are many different ways to diagram a life. Try dividing yours by critical choices, influential people, conflicts, beliefs, lessons, even mistakes. Experiment until you find the one story that wants to be told, the one experience that really fashioned you.


3: Don't begin at the beginning. Don't tell your story chronologically. That's too predictable.


4: Use all your senses. Sights, sounds, smells and textures.


5: Build writing muscle. set a daily writing goal of writing 200, 500 or even 1,000 words per day. Pick a certain time of day that works best for you and stick to it.

Arabic Calligraphy Course

SOAS University of London is the only Higher Education institution in Europe specialising in the study of Asia, Africa and the Near and Middle East. It is a remarkable institution, uniquely combining language scholarship, disciplinary expertise and regional focus it has the largest concentration in Europe of academic staff concerned with Africa, Asia and the Middle East.
Part of the range of Arabic language courses and activities at the SOAS Language Centre are aimed at those who wish to explore the significance and the techniques of one of the most important forms of artistic expression in the Islamic world. These courses are an ideal complement for those who are already familiar with or are currently studying- Arabic or a language whose writing  system is derived from the Arabic alphabet (Persian, Pashto , Urdu). Applicants must be familiar with the Arabic alphabet but it is not necessary for applicants to  be proficient in the Arabic language.
~Further information about the calligraphy courses are available from the University itself such as styles taught, materials needed and fees.


SOAS University of London
Thornhaugh Street
Russell Square
London
WC1H OXG


TEL: +44(0) 20 7637 2388

Arabic Calligraphy

extract from smashing magazine(online)
Arabic calligraphy was originally a tool for communication, but with time it began to be used in architecture, decoration and coin design. It's evolution into these major roles was a reflection of the early Muslim's need to avoid, as their beliefs required, figures and pictorials that were used as idols before Islam was established in the Arabian Peninisula.
While the Arabic tribes preferred to memorize texts and poetry, the first Muslims tried to document their Holy Book (Qu'ran) using calligraphy scripts. Understanding the history of each script and how Arabic calligraphy evolved over the history of the Islamic Empire can expand our visual experience beyond the beautiful glyphs and forms.
Some scripts reflect the time period in which they were formed whilst others provide a geopgraphical insight into where the artwork was developed.

Visual Prompt/Religious Art

Mathew 26:39
He went a little further and fell to the ground, with his face touching the earth and prayed "Father, if it is possible take this cup away from me.


26:45
Then he came back to his disciples and said to them "You can sleep now and take your rest. The hour has come and the Son of Man is now given over into the power of sinners."


Personally I find this scene/scripture more powerful, sorrowful and thought provoking than images/scripture of Christ on the cross.

Christian Writing Prompts

1: Pick a character in the Bible and describe his/her day. What are his/her struggles, joys, frustrations ect? Write at least 500 words. Can you make a story out of this?


2: Describe how a Pharisee saw Jesus standing on the steps of the temple.  What did he see and hear? Use all of the senses.


3:You are standing in the manger scene. What do you hear and smell?


4: Pick a hymn and write a short story about why the author wrote that song.


5:  It's always good to get into the bad guy's shoes. So write a story about an evil character in the Bible, see his side of the story. Why did he do this evil deed?


6:  You get to meet your hero from the Bible. What happens?


7: Write a short story using these words  Angel, Vineyard, Shield and Shepherd.


8:  Take the first line of a Psalm and write a story revolving around it.


9:  Write something inspirational.


10: You are the last one to leave church and you hear a loud thump between the aisles. What happens?

Christian Journal Writers

S.O.A.P Notes For Journaling


This new and creative way to delve more deeply into your Bible reading allows you to record your thoughts, emotions, and how God speaks to you when studying scripture.  Here's how to create S.O.A.P notes for journaling and Bible study time.


Scripture:  Choose scripture to study or one that has special meaning to you . Write it in your journal.


Observations: Record observations about what stood out to you as you read the scripture. Did something have special meaning?


Application: How can you apply this scripture to your life? Is there something you can do right now?


Prayer: End your Bible journaling time with a prayer. Ask God to give you direction and peace about your next steps.


For more information on Christian journaling www.journaling4faith.com

Book Review, The Big Book Of Christian Mysticism by Carl McColman

Spirituality & Practice (Resources for Spiritual Journeys.)


 Excerpt from a Review by Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat.


A remarkable overview of the riches, wisdom, paradoxes, and major figures in Christian Mysticism.
Carl McColman is an author, teacher and spiritual director, and the creator of the website of Unknowing(www.anamcara.com), which includes a blog devoted to Celtic and mystical spirituality. He studied Christian meditation and contemplation at the Salem Institute for Spiritual Formation and received additional training in the art of spiritual direction from the Institute for Pastoral Studies in Atlanta.
His books include 366 Celt, a year and a day of Celtic Lore And Wisdom. McColman is a lay associate of The Trappist Monastery of The Holy Spirit in Georgia.
Mysticism and mystery belong together, mysticism is difficult to describe in words or pin down in concepts.  McColman says that it encompasses union with God, the experiential core of spirituality, the place where all religious differences are resolved and unity comes alive, an ancient wisdom tradition, and a way of life.


The author writes "For Christians, mysticism is thus not a static concept. Rather it suggests something dynamic- a process, energy or movement. It involves a continual tension between what is hidden and what is revealed." In a chapter on "Why Mysticism Matters" McColman salutes love as the heart of the Christian path which involves prayer, contemplation, reading the Bible and other sacred writings, serving others and being the presence of God in a troubled world.
McColman sees the contemplative life as a journey which involves practices such as devotional reading and meditation, both of which open us to mystical wisdom.
Our lives are enriched by learning from musicians, artists, poets and writers. The author closes with a wide and divers listing of mystics from the past and the present who are worthy exemplars of the contemplative life.

Writers' Forum Online Competition

 Short Story Contest, Each Issue (quote)


All types of story are welcome, be it crime, comedy, romance, thriller, literary, twist in the tail, horror of sci fi.  Stories must be between 1000 and 3000 words. The entry fee is £6.00 or £3.00 for subscribers.  If your story is placed you will be notified and we will ask you to send a photo of yourself and a brief biography via email. There are three great prizes every issue, 1st prize £300, 2nd prize, £150, 3rd prize, £100.
For £5.00 you can request optional feedback from the judges Lorraine Mace and Maureen Vincent-Northam can provide a page of personalised critique to help you improve your writing. You will receive feedback by email if you enter online or include an SAE if you are entering by post
FREE WORKSHOP


Each month Lorraine mace selects illustrative examples to use in her workshop to show readers how to improve their writing. If you would like your story to be considered, please state this clearly in you enail entry.


To enter send an email with your story attached as a word compatible file to  storycomp@writers-forum.com

A Note on The Retreat Centres on My Blog

I would just like to point out that I am not endorsing or recommending any retreat centres. I have not personally visited any of them. I am merely searching the web for retreats that are available.(some themed, some not) Therefore tread with caution and do your own research before going off on any retreats, particularly religious/spiritual ones as all may not be what it seems.(This is not directed at any particular retreat centre that I have covered so far.)
Use your own discretion and do not put yourself into a vulnerable position. I accept no responsibility for anything covered on this blog, all this information is widely available from search engines.

A Greenhouse Retreat

The Green house Christian Centre ( following quotes)


The Greenhouse is a place of prayer and worship. A place of encounter with God. A place where you can grow. We are part of the wider Greenhouse Trust movement to see lives grow and then go on to make a difference in their church and community. We do this primarily by welcoming people into our home and loving them.
Our team at The Greenhouse Christian Centre is made up of over 20 staff who are all here to help and serve you and serve the Lord through their work.  We are a Christian team who meet together to pray and worship on a regular basis and we warmly welcome you to come and spend time with us.
Retreat themes available: quiet days, art & crafts, healing days, silent retreats and Celtic Christmas.

For more information TEL: 01202 764776
info@the-greenhouse.org
17 Burton Road,
Poole
Dorset
BH13 6DT

Authors In History: Knight of The White Elephant, William Topaz, McGonagall

William McGonagall was born in Edinburgh in March 1825. He was a poet  from Dundee and has been widely hailed as the writer of the worst poetry in the English language. He was a self educated hand loom weaver of Irish descent. His first career was as a Shakespearean actor, and as Macbeth, he once reputedly refused to die on stage- he informed the crowd that his pleasing performance was central to his second career as a poet. He had an epiphany at the age of 52 that prompted him to devote the rest of his life to poetry and in 1877 he embarked upon a twenty-five year career as a working poet. He delighted and appalled audiences across Scotland and beyond. His audiences threw rotten fish at him, the authorities banned his performances.
But his books remain in print to this day, and he's remembered and quoted long after more talented contemporaries have been forgotten. His romantic verse, often sparked by recollections of war or natural disaster, is strictly narrative without lyrical or metaphorical gestures. His poems have been criticized for their lack of imagery and lapses in rhythm and meter, and his style has been frequently parodied. His work is immediately recognizable and memorable, however and emotionally driven.
He only published a single volume of poems in his lifetime, Poetic Gems (1890), but made a living selling broadsides of his work and offering dramatic performances of it.
He travelled extensively despite limited means and late in life claimed to have been given the title "Sir William Topaz McGonagall, Knight of The White Elephant of Burma " by the King Of Burma
Though the story presumed to be a hoax, McGonagall adopted the name for the rest of his career.
He died in Edinburgh in 1902 in poverty and was buried in a pauper's grave.

The Demon Drink, A Poem, by William Topaz McGonagall

Oh, thou demon Drink, thou fell destroyer
thou curse of society, and its greatest annoyer


What hast thou done to society, let me think?
I answer thou hast caused the most ills, thou demon Drink


Thou causeth the mother to neglect their child,
Also the father to act as he were wild,


So that he neglects his loving wife and family dear,
By spending is earnings foolishly on whisky, rum and beer.


And after spending his earnings foolishly he beats his wife
The man that promised to protect her during life


And so the man would if there was no drink in society,
For seldom a man beats his wife in a state of sobriety


And if he does, perhaps he finds his wife fou',
Then that causes, no doubt, a great hullaballo;


When he finds his wife drunk he begins to frown,
And in a fury of passion he knocks her down


And in that knock down she fractures her head,
And perhaps the poor wife is killed dead,


Whereas, if there was no strong drink to be got,
To be killed wouldn't have been the poor wife's lot.................................................
....................................................................................................
.......................................................................................

Association Of Christian Writers

Inspirational events, effective resources and professional advice for writers who are Christians.


The Association of Christian Writers is a registered charity in England and Wales
All new members receive a voucher for free entry to a Writers' Day. They also have a quarterly magazine, Christian Writer, which contains news, advice, reviews and interviews. Members also have the option of joining a local group, postal or email workshops, all of which are listed on the Associations website.
The members area of the website also provides members with exclusive podcasts, tip sheets and blog posts. You can also have your own website, books and blog displayed on the ACW website. They offer advice and support and promote networking between writers.
Local Groups can provide the chance to inspire and encourage one another to:
Write to together
Eat together
Meet visiting speakers
Pray together
Join in workshops
Share information
Network
There is a fee of £28.00 per year to become a member.
General enquiries are made to Lynda Alsford admin@christianwriters.org.uk
Membership enquiries are made to Fiona Lloyd membership@christianwriters.org.uk

Christian Courier/Write For Us

Established 70 years ago Christian Courier is an independent biweekly that seeks to engage creatively in critical Christian journalism, connecting Christians with a network of  culturally savvy partners in faith for the purpose of inspiring all to participate in God's renewing work with his creation.
Christian Courier faces financial constraints. However they remain committed to paying their authors and other contributors in honorarium for their work. They encourage authors to enjoy a subscription to CC in lieu of payment where possible.
If you would like to write for them you can email Angela the Editor or Monica the Features Editor editor@christiancourier.ca
website enquiries web@christiancourier.ca

Shamanic Retreat

Lendrick Lodge(quote)  All our actions inspire people to hike high in their life and dreams.




Lendrick Lodge rests on ancient Celtic land with magical energy for all to enjoy. The Lodge is attached to no religion, our only attachment is to the intention of your dreams manifesting into a beautiful reality. A sense of community has blossomed here over the last 25 years. The live in staff and volunteers are happily approachable and go to great lengths to ensure everyone has a great experience.  The main resident teachers, Stephen and Victoria Mulhearn have held the spiritual vision of Lendrick Lodge since 2000 and hope to continue the expansion of it's heart well into the future.
Whether you choose to follow a path of continued spirited growth at Lendrick Lodge or just drop in once in a while, we hope you join the thousands of people from all over the world who describe Lendrick Lodge as a home from home.
The Lodge offers retreats and workshops under the following subject headings, Sundoor, Shamanism, Yoga, Detox, Reiki and Personal Development.
  The next Shamanic Journey Workshop "The Shaman's Path" is going to be available on  27th January and 28th April 2017.
Their website is found if you type the name into the search engine and an email contact form is available there.
Lendrick Lodge,
Brig O'Turk
Callander,
Stirlingshire
Scotland,
FK17 8HR
TEL: +44(0) 1877 376 263

Flash Fiction Competition

The Bridport Prize (quote)
Flash fiction is a style of fictional literature of extreme brevity. There is no widely accepted definition of the length of the category. Some are as low as 250 words(such as ours), while others consider stories as long as a thousand words to be flash fiction.
Other names for flash fiction include sudden fiction, micro fiction, micro-story, short short, postcard fiction, though distinctions are sometimes drawn between some of these terms, ie, sometimes one thousand words is considered the cut-off between "flash fiction" and the slightly longer short story sudden fiction. The terms micro fiction and micro narrative are sometimes defined as below 30 words.
Flash fiction often contains the classic story elements, protagonist, conflict, obstacles or complications and resolution.  However unlike a traditional short story, the limited word length often forces some of these elements to remain unwritten, that is, hinted at or implied in the written storyline.
The judge for The Bridport Prize Flash fiction Competition is Kit de Waal. The word limit is 250, not including the title. The entry fee is £8.oo. The prizes available are, 1st prize £1,000, 2nd prize £500, 3rd prize £250 and three highly commended entries will receive £100 each. The closing date is Wednesday 31st May 2017.
You will find terms and conditions and online entry forms on  The Bridport Prize website if you type it into the search engine.

Writing For Theatre

Useful tips I gained from an OU Course in writing Plays.


One of the imperatives of writing for stage is structure. Progression from point A to point B, and can happen with a character. Often with situations, situations change from the beginning to the end and it is important to identify this within this structure.  To write for the theatre is to write poetry. Refine, refine, refine. Present something in it's leanest possible form as there are more constraints in writing for theatre than television/ screenwriting.
Decide the time frame early on. How short a time can I place this in? 24 hours, 6 months or 6 years? Time is useful in creating tension. Time can also help you to structure your play. You could form the play around time or people could be running against time, or time can be used to push the plot or story on. Time progression.
Good dialogue is primarily the purveyor of character. Once you know the play and your characters  in it, you should be able to cover up their names  in the left hand column and still be able to identify them by the rhythm of  their speech.
Don't ever put a character in a play without a function, make sure that they have something to add to the plot. The acid test is if you can actually cut one of the characters out of your play and nothing is lost except a bit of dialogue, then you have obviously written a redundant character. The dialogue comes once you have identified the characters. The characters come as a result of the situation, theme, or the motif that you wish to pursue in your play.




Make basic notes for your play.
. Subject of the play
. Write notes about each character
. Write about the setting
. A treatment of the play- a synopsis of each scene. It helps to know the ingredients of each scene.
. Who's in it?-when they come in, when they go out, and what they take with them or bring on with them and what happens.


EVERYBODY IN THE PLAY WILL HAVE TO HAVE A JOURNEY, INCLUDING THE AUDIENCE.

Finance For Fiction Writers

The Tom Gallon Trust Award is a biennial award made on the basis of a submitted story to fiction writers of a limited means who have had at least one short story  accepted for publication. Contact the Society of Authors for an entry form.


The Society of Authors:
The British author's organisation, with a membership of over 7,000 writers. Membership is open to those who have had a book published or who have an offer to publish(without subsidy by the author).
The Society offers specialist advice and a range of publications to it's members, and has also campaigned successfully on behalf of authors in general for improved terms and established a minimum terms agreement with many publishers. 
If you visit their site you will find a list of grants and financial awards available to authors and poets such as the one above.
For more information visit: info@societyofauthors.org   TEL:0207373 6642
The Society of Authors
84 Drayton Gardens,
London
SW10 9SB

Book Review, Stone Age SoundTracks, by Paul Devereux

The Acoustic Archaeology of Ancient Sites:
In the world of our Stone Age ancestors sound mattered much more than it does today.  Their world was quieter, less polluted by noise.  They were acutely aware of the properties of all types of rhythm and resonance, and sounds often held magical qualities for them. Recent exciting research has started to reveal the rich sound world in which they lived.  It is reconstructing  a vanished past, often using computer modelling and sophisticated equipment to calculate frequencies and resonances, and has demonstrated that stone-built chambers, temples and even caves were deliberately constructed or used in ways that would enhance the ritual sounds produced within them, sometimes accompanied by the use of hallucinogenic substances.
in the process it is exposing the very origins of music and revealing a lost world where echoes were regarded as the voices of the spirits.
Paul Devereux, BA, FRSA, is a full member of the Society for Scientific Exploration (USA), a member of the Scientific and Medical network, member of the Folklore Society, member of the Traditional Cosmology society, Member for Psychical Research and member of the Society for the Anthropology of consciousness (USA).
As a globally recognised writer, researcher and broadcaster, he is an experienced and respected author and researcher primarily dealing with archaeological themes and ancient life-ways, spanning the range from academic to popular.


Devereux's work is always research-based and the antithesis of new-age fantasies, and covers a wide range of study concerning ancient sites and landscapes, and human consciousness, especially in the  context of cognitive archaeology.  He was awarded a Lifebridge Foundation (USA) grant to make field, photographic and ethnological studies of selected shamanic landscapes throughout the Americas in 1999-2000.

Authors In History:Ross Nichols

Philip Peter Ross Nichols was born in Norwich on 28th June and he died in London on 30th April 1975. He was a Cambridge Academic and published poet, artist and historian, who founded the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids in 1964. He wrote prolifically on the subjects of Druidism and Celtic Mythology.
He revived the interest in Celtic Neo Paganism and Druidry in the 20th century. Nichols was a member and a chairman of the Ancient Druid Order which traces it's lineage to a meeting at the Apple Tree Tavern in Covent Garden, London in 1717, although Professor Ronald Hutton has demonstrated that it in fact only dates back to 1906. The 1717, story being a modification of the founding and blending of modern Freemasonry. His main work, The Book of Druidry was published after his death in 1990.
He was educated at Bloxham School, while a graduate history student at Cambridge he became influenced by the work of James George Frazer, Sigmund Freud, Carl Jung, T.S.Eliot and Robert Graves.  He worked in journalism, teaching and social work through the Great Depression and became a committed Socialist and Pacifist.
Ross was also a vegetarian and a naturist, joining Britain's first naturist community Spielplatz, near St Albans in Hertfordshire in the 1930s.
Between 1941-1947, four of his poetry books were published, including an essay in The Cosmic Shape (1946) focusing on the power of myth and the value of seasonal celebration.  In 1949, Ross was hired as the assistant editor of The Occult Observer, it was an important step as it marked the first time Nichols wrote about Druidism. He worked to change the practice of modern Druidry and introduced a concern for Celtic Mythology, Bardcraft and the celebration of the full eight seasonal ceremonies in addition to arranging the teachings into grades. Which he based on the classical accounts on the three divisions of the Druids, Bard, Ovate and Druid. We first hear about them in the writings of Julius Caesar, who in about 50 BCE wrote that Druidism originated in Britain. Others say it was Egypt, and India, whilst some mystics point to the mysterious Atlantis. Nichols also translated Jean Baptiste's (aka Paul Christian's) book, "The History and Practice of Magic" in 1969.
Modern Druidism as practised today, emerged out of two acts of rebellion during the 1960s. The Reformed Druids of North America was created as a humorous protest against Sunday morning Chapel attendance.
In 1954 Ross, joined The Ancient Druid Order and was a member for ten years, becoming it's chairman. During this time  he worked on a major book "The Land of The White Bull" a mythology for Britain. Most of his work has been lost. In 1963 he was ordained Archdeacon Of The Isles in the Ancient Celtic Church. The next year he died.

There Was A Crooked Man

There was a crooked man, and he walked a crooked mile,
He found a crooked sixpence against a crooked style,
He bought a crooked cat which caught a crooked mouse,
And they all lived together in a little crooked house.

Limericks

The limerick is a humorous poem that contains only five lines.  Light hearted in nature, it's a handful of cleverly chosen words set to an upbeat rhythm and geared to make the reader chuckle. A limerick is defined by it's bawdy nature and it's specific rhyming structure. The rhyme scheme of a limerick is AABBA. Lines 1, 2 and 5 must rhyme, with 7 to 11 syllables each, and lines 3 and 4 must rhyme, with 5 to 7 syllables each.
The history of the limerick dates back to the 13th century, when the poem's form first appeared in a Latin prayer written by Thomas Aquinas. William Shakespeare also made use of the limerick in writing King Lear, Othello and The Tempest. In 1776, the limerick became a popular style of writing children's books when Mother Goose published her book of nursery rhymes, Mother Goose's Melody.
The limerick attained widespread popularity in Ireland because of the country's strong focus on storytelling. Local taverns and pubs would host limerick competitions that encouraged patrons to create bawdy lines to make other patrons laugh. Residents of the Irish City of Limerick began to call the poems limericks and it stuck.

DIY Shamanic Journeying

 1: Place your body into a relaxed position that can be sustained for 10-15 minutes. Lying down is common but not traditional, slightly reclined will suffice.
2: Have a clear intention to focus the mind on.
3: Do you need specific information, or a connection to a power animal? Or do you need help with the work you are writing or creating at the moment?
4: A darkened room, with no interruptions is best, turn off  your phone and take care of any other distractions that may hinder the process.
4: Find a preferred time of day that works best for you. For some people it is early morning, others evening or even after lunch.
6: Practice forming questions, using how, when , why, where and what. Steer clear of yes and no questions or questions beginning with should. Forming questions is an art. The clearer the questions, the increased  potential there is to receive answers to our higher self.
A modern shamanic journey usually lasts about twenty minutes. Typically try and retrace your steps back, similar to a dream as you come out of the journey, close the spirit door and come back to consciousness within the physical body. Journey's can have immediate results or work over time.


Preparation is important prior to commencing.


1: Eat lightly or not at all.
2: Refrain from alcohol, tobacco and other substances for twenty-four hours before, substances and some medications can inhibit journeying altogether.
3: Physical activity, such as yoga and meditation can be good prior to starting a shamanic journey.
4: A light body exercise is also beneficial. In this you imagine white or gold light filling your whole body, start at the feet and work upwards, seeing the light enter all of your limbs, torso and finally encompassing the crown of your head.

Creative Journeying And Creative Writing

Ancient techniques which have been used in every culture for thousands of years are currently experiencing a renewal. I became aware of the term Shamanic Journeying several years ago and even tried a guided journey, with a shamanic practitioner.  I found it to be similar to a hypnotic state and many images and thoughts were brought forward during the process.The shamanic guide stays with you and asks you questions as you journey. It was an unusual experience at the time and I encountered a power animal, my totem animal apparently is a white blue eyed wolf. The white wolf came with me on the journey after appearing more or less straight away. After which  images of previous lives came to the fore, the images were clear and in colour. I saw myself  hung as a witch in one life and was an apprentice Buddhist Monk in Tibet in another life, this is apparently what needed to be addressed in this life. I don't know if it's true or if it was figments of imagination, stirred under questioning. It could be books that I had read or information obtained via other means rising to the surface, but it was interesting anyway.
So what is shamanic journeying? It is a method of obtaining an altered state of consciousness by either the use of monotonous sound such as percussion (drums, rattles), or in the case of Native American Indians, the sound of a waterfall, or the use of some type of sensory deprivation.
Both of these methods  create a forced incubation period which allows the mind to go within and wander interiorly. Whilst in this state, a person can receive insights and revelations which they didn't expect. Once the shamanic journey is over the inspiration received is put into practice and verified, thus completing the process of the creative act. Those received inspirations and visions are recorded in writings, drawings or paintings. Thus the shamanic journey itself becomes the active vehicle for two aspects of the creative process. The incubation by way of the changed state of consciousness and the inspiration by way of the content of the experience.

A Crafty Retreat

Whilst looking for writing retreats this week I came across the Retreat Company. They offer a huge range of retreats on a variety of themes, from detox and weight loss,to yoga and also a conscious crafting week-end.
The conscious crafting week-end is  using crafts such as knitting and so on as a means of entering a meditative state and thereby assisting with the improvements found with meditation techniques. Such as improved attention, concentration, better cognitive  function and a whole range of psychological benefits.
As I do art as well as writing I was also interested in a piece I came across associating art & crafts with mental health & well-being. The article said that research has shown that contact with visual art releases feel-good chemicals such as endorphins, into the brain.  These chemicals help with stress, pain relief, positive mood, relaxation and concentration. They also have positive physical effects, they slow down pulse and breathing, reduce blood pressure and boost the immune system. This is called "The Relaxation Response".
Whether viewing or making art, we can use it to explore our opinions, ponder our feelings, investigate our likes or dislikes, and consider our cultural identity and values. This can help us to express ourselves more clearly, and understand the way we view the world around us.
All of this ties into the theory of engaging the body in another pursuit whilst allowing the mind to roam, ponder or muse, as I covered earlier in an  post about overcoming writer's block.  So if cleaning a kitchen, gardening, running or walking are not up your street then art & crafts,  (the making or viewing of them) could be the answer for you. It can be used to explore the process of your literary creation.

The Writer's Den, A Retreat For Young People

The Writer's Den is a non-residential creative writing retreat for 9-14 year olds, usually taking place over a week-end and providing lots of opportunities for young writers to try out all kinds of different writing skills from graphic novels to ghost stories.Situated in East Midlands and run by the organisation "Young Writing East Midlands", whose core activities are to support, champion and create opportunities for the many young writers finding their voice in the region. Young Writing East Midlands also work with schools, and colleges looking to engage pupils in writing projects.


For more information on the range of courses, workshops and events that they offer you can email jess@www.writingeastmidlands.co.uk

Authors in History: Enid Blyton

Enid Blyton (11th august 1897-28th November 1968), was born in South London  and was a prolific English children's writer whose books have been among the world's best-sellers since the 1930s, selling more than 600 million copies.  She wrote on a wide range of topics including education, natural history, fantasy, mystery, and biblical narratives and is best remembered today  for her Noddy, Famous Five, Secret Seven  Adventure series. she was the eldest of three children and showed an early interest in music and reading. She was educated at St Christopher's School Beckenham and went on to train as a kindergarten teacher. She taught for five years before her marriage to editor Hugh Pollock with whom she had two daughters. This marriage ended in divorce and she remarried in 1943, to surgeon Kenneth Fraser Darrell Waters.
Following the commercial success of her early novels such as Adventures of The Wishing Chair (1937) and The Enchanted Wood (1939), Blyton went on to build a literary empire, sometimes producing fifty books a year in addition to her prolific magazine and newspaper contributions.  Her writing was unplanned and sprang solely form her unconscious mind.  She typed her stories as events unfolded.  The sheer volume of her work and the speed with which it was produced led to rumours that Blyton employed an army of ghost writers, a charge she vigorously denied.  Blyton's work became increasingly controversial among literary critics, teachers and parents from the 1950s onwards, because of the alleged unchallenging nature of her writing and the themes of her books, particularly the Noddy series.  Some libraries and schools banned her works, which the BBC had refused to broadcast from the 1930s until the 1950s because they perceived to lack literary merit.
She died in 1968, one year after her second husband.

Book Review, Gangsta Granny, by David Walliams

Another hilarious and moving novel from best selling, critically acclaimed author David Walliams, the natural successor to Roald Dahl. A story of prejudice and acceptance, funny lists and silly words, this new book has all the hallmarks of David's previous best sellers. Our hero Ben is bored beyond belief after he is made to stay at his grandma's house. She's the boringest grandma ever: all she wants to do is to play scrabble, and eat cabbage soup. But there are two things Ben doesn't know about his grandma, one, she was once an international jewel thief and two, all her life, she has been plotting to steal the crown jewels, and now she needs Ben's help.


David Walliams, is an English comedian, actor, author, presenter and activist, know for his partnership with Matt Lucas on the BBC One sketch shows Little Britain. Rock Profile and Come Fly With Me.

A Calling Card Script

If you are going to take the plunge and launch yourself into the scriptwriting world The Writers & Artists Yearbook offers this advice on producing a calling card script, this is a short extract regarding that:


"WHAT IS A CALLING CARD SCRIPT?


Written well, it is a script that simply speaks your voice. It is interesting, engaging, intriguing, and in some way unusual.  It shows what you can do. It is an opportunity to be truly original.  It shows the choices you make when you are not writing to a strict brief or commission.  It demonstrates your skill and hints at your potential. It opens doors and starts a dialogue. It's the start of a writer's journey, not the final goal or end point of it. It  is a means to any number of ends - yet must not feel like it's been written just to impress or to second guess. 
A calling card script is not necessarily the first script you write. You must apply the same rigour to every script until you complete one that you feel speaks your voice. And if you really want to write professionally, then the calling card must not be the only script that you ever write. You must always be writing anew-again, and again, and again. No matter how successful you ultimately might be each new original script you write is a kind of calling card of who you are as a writer at any given point in your career.


A STATEMENT OF YOUR INTENT
AN EXPRESSION OF YOUR VOICE"

Writing for the BBC

As I said in a previous post the BBC has a very comprehensive website regarding their requirements for script submissions. I think that it has altered some what since I first looked into it years ago. It must be the sheer volume of unsolicited scripts that they receive which has now made it necessary for them to accept such work in "limited windows", ie they open the doors for a month or so at particular times of the year.
However they appear to be encouraging and are on the look out for new talent, these are some of the main points that they have listed for would be scriptwriters.


. Developing your idea, all ideas are only as good as the characters that drive them. All good ideas need to be dramatic.


. Action, what is the central dramatic action in your idea?


. Form and format, knowing what you want to write. Strong scripts know what they are and what they are trying to do. Great writers master medium and form and manipulate it.


. Character, bringing your words to life. Great characters are active not passive. They are always on some kind of journey, physical, emotional or psychological. Great characters are distinct.


. Beginnings, hitting the ground running. Knowing where to start with the story that you tell is inextricably linked to the ending you are trying to reach.


.Plan the story, beginning, middle and end. But stand back, look at your characters, and ask whether they are driving it forward.


.Middles, you need to be in control of the middle. Surprise the audience.  Don't let the story flat-line.


. Endings, great endings somehow feel inevitable they are what should follow on from everything that has gone before. Yet they must not be predictable.


. Dialogue, dialogue is not just about what characters say- it's about what they express by what they say. Strong character voices are authentic, be sparing and specific with slang/dialect.


. Rewriting. Scripts aren't novels, or short story, or poetry or rhetoric. Make sure that you give your script the time and space it needs and you need to get it as right as you can.  The industry wants to see the best, most developed script you think you can write. And they want to see what's different and unique about what you can do.


 I may well have a go in the New Year.

500 Words Writing Competition for Children

Seven years ago, Chris Evans of BBC Radio 2 had a dream: to get children excited about reading and writing. All children no matter what their ability. 500 words is now one of the most successful story writing competitions for kids in the world. Nearly half a million pupils have written a story for the competition.
To enter all the children have to do is write an original story on any subject or theme in 500 words or fewer and submit it online. If they win, their story will be read live on the radio by a superstar celebrity. Each year 10 million Radio 2 listeners, hear, read and love these stories.
The next live lesson is to happen on 16th January 2017 at 11am @ bbc.co.uk/livelessons. Simply visit the website on the day and follow the instructions on the page to tune in. The competition is open to every 5-13 year old in the UK and there are lots of  prizes to be won.
 The first prize(gold) is a stack of books equal to Chris Evans in height and 500 books for their school library. The second prize(silver) is a stack of books equal to the height as Honorary Judge, Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall. Third prize (bronze), the winner will walk away with their own height in books.
The top 50 shortlisted entrants will receive a pair of tickets to the final (for the entrant and the guardian). All entrants to the competition will be asked if they wish to be entered into a random ballot to receive a pair of tickets to the final.
More information on all of the above  is available  at live.lessons@bbc.co.uk

Onomatopoeia

Onomatopoeia is poetry and a language all on it's own. In Latin and Greek the word means "name making". Poets use this device in which words they use sound like the very thing being named or written about. The sound imitates the actual sound to which it refers, such as "pop", "sizzle" or "crash".
 Most nursery rhymes are composed around the use of onomatopoeia, a form of poetry with sound words as it's focus, children have little difficulty in creating a word that imitates the sound it represents. This perception of sound can be demonstrated through the instruction of simple songs such as nursery rhymes. The rhythm of nursery rhymes have a repetitive pattern that young children can follow and retain long after the song is over.
As well as helping young children grasp the rudiments of language, nursery rhymes have been used as a form in which to pass on the memory of historic events, which most of us have long forgotten. For example Ring a Ring o Roses refers to the Bubonic plague and the accompanying red rash that appeared on the unfortunate victims. Remember Remember , alludes to Guy Fawkes failed attempt to blow up the English Houses of Parliament. Many of the words and meanings of nursery rhymes were used to parody the royal and political events of the day, as direct dissent would often be punishable by death.
So the humble nursery rhyme has a two fold purpose in the basic form of poetry.

NOOK And Self Publishing

Barnes & Noble Nook (styled Nook) is a suite of e-book readers developed by the company, based on the Android platform. The first device was announced in the United States on 20th October, 2009 and was released on 30th November 2009 for $259.  On 21st June 2010, Barnes & Noble reduced the Nook's price to $199 as well as launched a new Wi-Fi- only model, for $149, and released a Nook coloured touch screen for $249.
The Nook competes with the Amazon Kindle, Kobo eReader, and other eReader offerings and colour tablets used sometimes as readers, such as Apples iBooks for ios devices. Various Nook models feature a 6 inch, 7 inch or larger touch screen.
Version 1.3 of the Nook introduced Wi-Fi connectivity, a web browser, a dictionary, chess and Suduko games, and a separated, smaller colour touchscreen that serves as the primary input device.
The Nook also features a read in store capability that allows visitors to stream and read any book for up to one hour while shopping in a Barnes & Noble bookstore.
In June 2014 the company announced a partnership with Samsung Electronics to make Nook Tablets, as the bookseller moved forward with plans to revamp it's digital business. Samsung and Barnes & Noble introduced the Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 Nook 7.0 in August 2014.


The features and tools that are said to be available to independent authors who sign up to  Nook Press include:
Easy to Use Content Tools( you can write, edit, and format your manuscript in one place. Collaborate directly with friends and editors.)
Share With Your Community (find fellow authors, marketing advice, and more with our Nook Press Blog and Facebook communities.)
Help is available with all aspects of self publishing via email.
No Cost (no delivery fees or production costs)
Amazing Sales Opportunities (get instant access to millions of readers at Nook and Barnes & Noble.com, and increased visibility through multiple merchandising opportunities.)
Watch The Royalties Roll In(track your earnings on a daily basis and adjust the price of your book if necessary.)
Once you have signed up for an account with NOOK, the site is clear and easy to use and you are helped each step of the way with easy to follow instructions. You can upload a manuscript from a file that you have already created or you can type a novel directly into the Nook software. I uploaded a ready made manuscript and the only problem I had was the spaces between paragraphs, which I had to manually delete to enable the entire manuscript to upload. Once you have done that you can preview your work and edit it as much as you like before you hit the publish button(the cover has to be uploaded separately). Once published it goes for sale as an eRead document on the Nook site, my book turned up minus the cover at first but that was the only issue I had with it.
All in all, easy to do.

Another Big Boy, Barnes & Noble

Barnes & Noble originated in 1886 with a bookstore called Arthur Hinds & Company, located in The Cooper Union Building in New York City.  In the fall of 1886, Gilbert Clifford Noble, a then recent Harvard graduate from,Westfield Massachusetts, was hired to work there as clerk.  In 1894, Noble was made a partner, and the name of the shop was changed to Hinds & Noble.
That was the start of what was to become one of the biggest book-sellers in New York and you can find a very comprehensive history of trading and changing hands and names elsewhere on the internet.
I was drawn to try self publishing with Barnes & Noble because or their commitment to community interest projects and I also wanted to see if it was easier or any different to self publishing on Amazon. Regarding their community interest projects I read that Barnes & Noble hire community business managers to engage in community outreach.  These manager's responsibilities include the organizing in -store events, such as author appearances, children's story times and book groups.
Community business development managers also work closely with local schools and groups to promote literacy and the arts. For example, Barnes & Nobel sponsors a children's summer reading programme that promotes literacy and puts over 2 million books into the hands of children each year.
Barnes 7 noble also hosts book fairs, which raise funds for schools and libraries and an annual holiday book drive to collect books for disadvantaged children.
They also collected and donated nearly 1.5 million books to more than 650 local charities across the country that provide services to disadvantage children during the 2014 Holiday Book Drive.
To promote nationwide literacy among 1st-6th grades and to encourage more reading during the summer, Barnes & Noble has implemented a summer challenge if children read eight books and write about their reading, Barnes 7 Noble will give the reader a free book.
So after researching the company I thought I would give it a go and publish my first 100,000 word children's book on their NOOK site, which I did earlier this year. It was easy self publish with NOOK, but as before with Amazon I have not earned anything from it within the last 6 months. My sales figures have been worse than  my two pounds profit with Amazon, they have been zero. The same problem exists with Barnes & Noble as with Amazon, no  third party verification of sales figures for an independent author. In your account  you can download a company generated spread sheet of sales for the previous days and months and that is about it.
So for this disadvantaged author it has not proved to be  profitable to self publish with another Big Boy.

Bafta Writing Competition

The Bafta Rocliffe New Writing Competition is a platform for aspiring screenwriters to have their work showcased and a fantastic opportunity to take their writing career to the next level.  Each year the Bafta Rocliffe New Writing Competition calls submissions for film, television drama, children's media and television comedy scripts.  Following a blind judging process, selected script extracts are performed by a professional cast to an audience of producers, development executives, directors, actors and literary agents, aiming to give a platform to emerging writing talent from across the country.
The benefits for a writer include: hearing their work read by  professional actors, a development focused discussion generated by the readings, feedback and advice from experienced industry members and an invaluable method to test out new concepts and material on an audience.
They call for scripts four times a year in different writing categories, TV Drama, TV Comedy, Children's Media and Film.
You can subscribe to Bafta News, find  competition deadlines and terms & conditions and an entry form on the Rocliffe website. Bafta and Rocliffe also offer a limited number of bursaries to allow applicants who have dependents, are carers, are in receipt of benefits, or are in education, who work less than 16 hours a week or on a minimum wage to receive free entry to the competition. To apply for a bursary, complete the bursary form, without completing the main application form.

Soul Friend Retreat

Anam Cara means Soul Friend in Gaelic. The Anam Cara Retreat Centre for writers and artists is located on the northern coast of the Beara Peninsula, Co. Cork, Ireland. High on a heather-covered hillside Anam Cara overlooks Coulagh Bay and the mountains and farmlands of the sub-tropical Beara Peninsula.
The retreat is set apart to nurture and to provide sanctuary for those who create. Whether you come to work on a writing or artistic project or as part of a workshop or special interest group, you will find support, creature comforts and peace - all that you need to produce your best work.
Sue Booth-Forbes, an experienced writer and editor who began her writing career at Cambridge university Press, creates an ambience and daily schedule that will help you to concentrate your energies on your artistic endeavour.


The retreats are set around a daily routine which includes three meals per day which you can share with other guests or take alone and it is recommended that you stay at least one week to obtain the most from the retreat experience. Housekeeping an laundry are also taken care of.
To find out more details and prices you can email info@anamcararetreat.com,  the web address is www.anamcararetreat.com or telephone +353(0)27 7441

A General Rule Of Thumb, Advice From The BBC

I sent for some guidelines for writing for The BBC years ago and came across them recently. It states this is how to begin your film or television screenplay. Scene headings are typed in capitals and must indicate interior or exterior, the location, and day or night. Scene action is double-spaced under the heading in upper and lower case text with double-spacing between paragraphs.  Scene action should only deal with what is happening on the screen and must never stray into the superfluous novelistic text related to character thoughts or back-story.
A general rule of thumb is to limit a paragraph of scene action to four or five lines. Consider each paragraph as a significant beat of action within your scene. Begin a new scene heading with a line of scene action. So this was technical layout advice I was offered then. I recently visited their website and they have a comprehensive and detailed section on scriptwriting but I will just link in the bit about writing scenes today.
SCENES (BBC, WEBSITE)
A combination of time, place and setting you use to frame and show a significant moment or event in the story.
Scenes show the conflicts, tensions, dilemmas, decisions, actions and reactions of characters driving your story. Ask these questions of every scene you plan to write.
1) What effect does this scene have on the character within the moment?
2) What effect does it have on the subsequent events of the story?
3) What impact does it have on the world of the story?
4) What else is going on below the surface and beyond the text?


Juxtaposition is crucial.

Organising A New Project

It can be a daunting task when you begin a new novel, where do you start?  I work in a combined way these days. I have disorganised free thought where I just write anything in long hand into a notebook and I also start a new spring bound folder for the same project.
The folder keeps the free flowing work in order as I go along I tear out the pages of the notebook and file them under their relevant headings.


I put  different coloured dividers into the folder and use these headings to label the dividers
THEME(the overall thrust and message of the work and anything relevant to it)
 PLOTTING, I put plot ideas here in any order as I think of them and then I can move them around and add to them
SCENES, I put scenes as I see them in my mind here, again not always in order but I can reorganise them at a later date.
CHARACTERS, here I have my character profiles that I have written and I can add to them or take things out. You can also put photos of  people that help you with physical descriptions of characters etc.
RESEARCH, I keep all my research here, from internet searches, newspaper clippings, pieces from books that you use. You can also put in photographs of locations if it helps your writing.
BIBLIOGRAPHY, I list the books that I have read as background research.


When I have finished the free flow writing and organised it as above I then sit down at my laptop and begin to write the whole story. Organised chaos.

Authors in History: C.S.Lewis

Clive Staples Lewis (29th Nov 1898 - 22nd Nov 1963) was a prolific Irish writer, a scholar, novelist, poet, academic, medievalist, literary critic, essayist, lay theologian, broadcaster, lecturer, and Christian apologist.
He used logic and philosophy to support the tenets of his Christian faith. His mother died when he was ten years old and during WW1, he served with the British army and was sent home after being wounded by shrapnel.
Lewis and fellow novelist JRR. Tolkien were close friends. They both served on the English faculty at Oxford University, and were active in the informal Oxford Literary group known as The Inklings.
According to Lewis's memoir "Surprised By Joy", he was baptised in the Church of Ireland, but fell away from his faith during his adolescence. Lewis returned to Anglicanism at the age of thirty-two, owing to the influence of Tolkien and other friends, and he became an "ordinary laymen of The Church of England". His faith profoundly affected his work, and his wartime radio broaddcasts on the subject of Christianity brought him wide acclaim.
In 1956, he married American writer Joy Gresham, sadly she died of cancer four years later at the age of forty-five. Lewis grieved deeply for his wife and shared his thoughts in the book "A Grief Observed", using a pen name.
Lewis's works have been translated into more than thirty languages and have sold millions of copies. The books that make up The Chronicles of Narnia have sold the most and have been popularised on stage, TV, radio and cinema.
Lewis died from heart trouble and renal failure on 22nd November 1963 in Headington oxford, one week before his sixty-fifth birthday.

Book Review, The Girl On The Train

This book review is taken form Amazon's Best Selling book list where it says:


The runaway Sunday Times No.1 Best Seller and thriller of the year, now a major film starring Emily Blunt.

"Really great suspense novel kept me up most of the night. The alcoholic narrator is dead perfect." Stephen King.

Rachel catches the same commuter train every morning.  She knows it will wait at the same signal each time, overlooking a row of back gardens.  She's even started to feel like she knows the people who live in one of the houses.. "Jesse and Jason" , she calls them.  If only Rachel could be that happy. And then she sees something shocking.  It's only a minute until the train moves on, but it's enough.

Now everything's changed. now Rachel has a chance to become part of the lives she's only watched from afar.  Now they'll see; she's more than just the girl on the train.


Also available on Kindle.

Nielsen and ISBN Numbers

I have taken the following information about ISBNs from the Neilsen site:


ISBN Services For Existing Publishers.
Nielsen has launched a new online service, the Nielsen ISBN Store: www.nielsenisbnstore.com
The UK ISBN Agency provides the following services for existing publishers.
. Provision of advice concerning the ISBN system.
. Allocation of additional ISBN publisher prefixes and numbers to publishers(and self-published authors) based in the UK or Republic of Ireland.
. Maintenance of publisher name and contact details, together with their ISBN prefixes for inclusion in the Publishers International ISBN Directory and Nielsen Book's Publisher Database.
. Re-issuing lists of ISBN numbers already allocated (for multiple numbers previously issued to a publisher, in both 13-digit and, if originally issued before 2007, 10 digit format), together with the title and publication date of all associated publications which Nielsen Books holds on it's bibliographic database.
Completed application forms for additional ISBN prefixes and numbers, as well as for listings of numbers already allocated, can be emailed to the agency. ISBN allocations and re-issued lists (for multiple numbers) are sent to you by email unless you request them to be posted.
The standard processing time for an ISBN prefix application is 10 working days from receipt of the application form; this assumes the application form is legible, full and correctly completed, and is accompanied by the correct fee. Payment can be made via Visa/MasterCard or cheque.


For an additional fee, applications can be "fast tracked", in which case the processing time is reduced from 10 working days to 3 working days. We have also introduced a Super Fast Track Same Day service for applications received before 13.00. Or you can go online to the Nielsen ISBN Store using the above link. A single ISBN is £99 including  VAT and then it rises for 100, 1,000, 10,000 batches of ISBNs.  Full pricing details are found on their web site.

Amazon Concluded, Royalties, Distribution, ISBNs and Tracking

I raised the issue with Amazon about being able to track your royalty figures as an independent author shortly after publishing with them. I was trying to find my way around the account that you are issued with on signing up with them. You only have the dashboard in that account and the figures issued there are generated by Amazon for Amazon. How can an independent author actually verify the amount of times that their book has been purchased for Kindle downloads or distributed(as a print on demand book?)
There is no third party verification that the amount of books sold, downloaded or distributed is accurate. This is even more the case if you use an Amazon generated ISBN number for a printed book. An ISBN number is a unique number issued for each book printed and when you publish on Amazon you are given the option of using one of their ISBN numbers for free. This gives Amazon publishing rights as they own the ISBN number for your book, but they do not own the contents though.
However Amazon  also gives you the option of supplying your own ISBN number. Nielsen is one of the UK providers for ISBNs. The prices  start at £99 for one number issued by them, including VAT ( You can purchase ISBN numbers in batches of 10, 100, 1,000 and 10,000 the prices rise accordingly and are listed on the Nielsen website.)
An ISBN number enables the tracking, sales and distribution of a book. One title has a unique ISBN number issued to it, ( a certain number of copies have to be held by law in UK libraries once a book has been issued with an ISBN number). So if I self publish another print book on the internet I will be providing my own ISBN number to see if I can actually independently track sales and distribution of it rather than relying on a huge company to supply that information.
So all I all Amazon self publishing is easy and quick to use but I haven't personally found it particularly profitable. That might just be my experience and others may do so. I also wonder if self publishing or vanity publishing as it is known is off putting to people.
Is a self published book considered to be of less worth than one that has been picked up by a reputable publisher and printed by that merit?
Is self publishing on the internet actually just flooding the market with sub standard work because there are no editors involved in the process? Or is it  giving people a voice? Or is it actually a way for the Big Boys to get their hands on masses of original work for nothing and make a profit from  it? Or all of the above?

Poetry Organisations

The British Haiku Society
Flat 4, 2 Clifton Lawns,
Ramsgate,
Kent CT11 9PB
email: membership@britishhaikusociety.org.uk


The Society, founded in 1990, runs the annual British haiku awards in three categories: haiku, tanka and haibun. it is active in promoting the teaching of haiku in schools and colleges, and is able to provide readers, course/workshop leaders and speakers for poetry groups etc.


The Poetry Society,
22 Betterton Street,
London WC2H, 9BX
email: info@poetrysociety.org.uk
www.poetrysociety.org.uk


A leading voice for poets and poetry in Britain, Founded in 1909 to promote a more general recognition and appreciation of poetry, the society has nearly 4,000 members. With education, commissioning and publishing programmes, and a calendar of performances, readings and competitions, the society champions poetry in its many forms.

A Haiku

The Writer's Way, Sara Maitland


Maitland suggests an exercise in writing poetry which I think is probably a very good starting point if you are new to poetry writing. Try writing  a Haiku, she says,
"Go for a walk(you can do this exercise without moving actually, just by looking around the room you are in, but it is more fun to get out.)
Look at one thing completely. In a sense the smaller the better, a leaf, a blade of grass, one square inch of pavement, the door handle of a car. Anything will do. But really look. When you get home, write down everything you can think of about the object. Write a Haiku about it. This will make your sense of language as concentrated as your experience of looking.


A Haiku is a classic Japanese poetry form. it has seventeen syllables, divided into three lines of five, seven and five syllables. It should describe an immediate and personal experience and it should contain at least "one season word", a word that reveals what time of year the poem is set in. (It does not have to be "spring" or "winter") it can be an indirect reference, a one word metaphor, (like snow or cherry blossom.)

Urban Writers' Retreat

Urban Writers' Retreat is run by Charlie Haynes and she says....."I give writers the time, space and structure, allowing them to escape the everyday world and immerse themselves in their writing. My aim is to create a little slice of heaven, and to support writers so that they can get on with that thing they love most."

The retreats are held in the peace and quiet of a country house in the wilds of Devon about twenty minutes from Newton Abbott.  The rooms available are, ensuite doubles, doubles and singles and you can choose a retreat from three to six days for £255, or £460 respectively.

Alternatively if you are pushed for time and are in need of a quick boost you can book a place on a London Retreat. These accommodate groups of between ten and twenty people and cost £45 per day including lunch.

Email: urbanwritersretreat.co.uk

Writers Online Competition

(You have to subscribe to enjoy reduced competition entry fees and enter exclusive subscriber only competitions.)


Enter a short story competition and poetry writing competitions for your chance to see your winning entry in print and win a cash prize. Open competitions have writing prizes of £200 and £50 for short stories, and £100 and £50 for poetry competitions.  They are open to all writers, requiring a £5 entry fee, or £3 if you are a Writing Magazine subscriber.
With writing prizes of £100 and £25, the monthly subscriber only competitions are free to enter, but open only to subscribers(please note, subscribers only competitions while free to enter, still need to be bought, in the same way as other orders on the website, ie. placed in the basket and then taken all the way through the check out process.)
They also run annual competitions for "Self Published Book of The year" with £370, and £250 prizes, and the Writers Circle Anthology Award.  Click on the relevant title to down load entry forms.  Visit their competitions showcase to see winning entries from previous competitions.  For queries please contact the Competitions Coordinator on 0113 2002917 or email writingcourses@warnersgroup.co.uk

Authors in History, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Arthur Ignatius Conan Doyle, creator of Sherlock Holmes, was born in Edinburgh on 22nd May 1859, of Scots-Irish parentage. His family was Roman Catholic and he was educated at a series of Jesuit schools between 1868-76.
He went on to become a medical student at Edinburgh University, this training provided him with a career in medicine as well as giving him knowledge which was to prove useful in creating his famous Detective with his forensic knowledge.
In 1877 Conan Doyle became the surgeon's clerk to Joseph Bell, an Edinburgh surgeon, whilst also having other temporary medical assistantships during the next three years.  He also served a seven month contract on a whaling vessel in 1880. He held various posts but none of them for very long, including another brief spell as a ship's surgeon, this time sailing to Africa.
By 1882 he had begun writing, and his first short story was published in 1883, entitled "The Captain Of The Pole Star". Publication of other short pieces followed on a regular basis over the next three years. By 1886 Conan Doyle had started work on a novel, a mystery which was to introduce the reading public to the consulting Detective, Sherlock Holmes.
This was called a Study in Scarlet and was published in 1887 and was the first of many subsequent adventures and was the seed of what was to become for Conan Doyle an ambivalent relationship with the character of Sherlock Holmes. In 1891 Conan Doyle established a Harley Street practice as an eye specialist. In the same year, six short stories featuring Holmes appeared. They were published between July and December in the monthly editions of The Strand Magazine, the periodical which was to publish the stories exclusively until 1927.
 At one point Conan Doyle decided to kill off the violin-playing cocaine addict detective because he said that if he was tired of thinking of new plots for him each month, then his readers must also be tired of it. Conan Doyle also wanted to branch out into other writings and felt that he was being confined by his tie to The Sherlock Holmes Adventures. However due to public pressure and popular demand he actually brought the Detective back to life and continued to write Sherlock Holmes Adventures.
He died in 1930 leaving the following titles, A Study in Scarlet, The Sign of The Four, The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes, The Hound of the Baskervilles, The Return of Sherlock Holmes, The Valley of Fear, His Last Bow, The Casebook of Sherlock Holmes, The Uncollected Sherlock Holmes.