Previous Speakers and Workshops
November 30th 2011
Lisamarie Lamb
Our speaker in November was author Lisamarie Lamb.
Here, Lisamarie tells us abou her writing life:
I have a blog (http://www.themoonlitdoor.blogspot.com) and I talk about all sorts of writing related things on there. I also post pieces of flash fiction.
I was five when I wrote my first short story - it involved a car going over a cliff, Jessica Fletcher and the Phantom Raspberry Blower. It didn't have much of a plot (he did it, she solved it) but it did have rather colourful (crayon) illustrations and it did make me realise that writing was for me.
At 12 I wrote my first novel during the school summer holidays. Loosely based on the Famous Five, with a bit of James Bond thrown in, it was an adventure story and my English teacher made me read some of it out in class. And that's when I realised that I wanted people to hear my stories and read my work.
Over the intervening years, I have written various short stories, plays, poems and novels in different genres, including romance and children's books. My first novel, Mother's Helper, is out now, as well as a collection of short stories entitled 'Some Body's At The Door'. I have been chosen to appear in various anthologies due to be published between now and June 2012. The first of these is Satan's Toybox: Demonic Dolls, which is available through Amazon, and which includes my short story, 'Mr Doll'. I'm a little bit addicted to submitting to these collections, and have a file with at least ten more anthologies that I need to write for!
I promise I'm better at plots now, and I use my own characters, but the excitement, fun and just a little wonder are still there. My crayon skills have not improved.
October 26th 2011
Jean Fullerton
Our speaker this month was author Jean Fullerton.
Jean has recently won the Festival of Romance's Reader's Award for the Best Historical Read.
Jean grew up in the East End of London, a city she is very proud of. This, combined with her love of history, led her on the path to writing historical novels set in London and particularly the East End. Her third novelPerhaps Tomorrowis due out shortly, with another (Hold on to Hope) in the pipeline for 2012.
Come and hear her share her advice at 7.30 on Wednesday 26th October, at the Mick Jagger Centre, Shepherds Lane, Dartford, Kent, DA1 2JZ.
The Speaker evenings are scheduled for the final Wednesday of each month at 7pm. They are also open to non-studentsplease contact us via the website.
September 2011
Our Speaker this month was author Debbie Viggiano. Debbie spoke about her efforts to get published and what she had learned along the way.
Debbie's website: www.debbieviggiano.com
April 20th 2011
Linda Regan
Our speaker this month is author and actress Linda Regan. Linda will be well known to viewers of television programmes such asHi De Hi and has carved herself a new career as a successful crime writer.
February 23rd 2011
Jessica Ruston
Writer Jessica Ruston joined us this month to tell us how she started writing blockbusters. We were all interested to hear how she organises her writing and her time, along with something of the publishing process.
Find out more about Jessica at:
January 26th 2011
Tom Hart Dyke
A lively evening was spent with Tom Hart Dyke as he regaled us with his time as a hostage of guerillas in Central America, an event which led to his book Cloud Garden (with Paul Winder). We also heard something of his project, the World Garden, featured on BBC Two's Save Lullingstone Castle, and from which came his book An Englishman's Home.
Read more about Tom's exploits and the World Garden on the website:
http://www.lullingstonecastle.co.uk/
November 24th 2010
Fiona Harper
Fiona Harper, award winning Harlequin Mills & Boon was our speaker this month. She spoke non stop to an audience who all left determined to write for this famous publishing house!
http://www.fionaharper.com/index.htm
November 20th 2010
Lynne Hackles
We had a great day with Lynne Hackles at our Writing Short Stories for the Magazine Market workshop. She helped generate plenty of ideas and we all left feeling enthusiastic. A wonderful tonic for a miserable autumn day.
October 27th 2010
Lesley Cookman
Well known crime author Lesley Cookman travelled to Dartford and chatted about how she came to her life of crime - crime writing that is! Students were enthralled as she explained about her writing life and her publishing history. A selection of books were purchased by students.
Read more about Lesley on her website:
September 29th 2010
Christopher Fowler
Renowned author Christopher Fowler attended The Write Place this month and students and guests enjoyed his tales of his writing life along with wise words of advice for those setting out on their writing adventure.
For more information about Christopher:
http://www.christopherfowler.co.uk/
May 2010
Keith Skinner and Alan Moss
It was great to meet Keith Skinner and his colleague, Alan Moss at Speaker's night on May 26th. Keith and Alan thrilled us with interesting tales of life in the Yard, the trials of a writer turned historical researcher and innumerable tips on how to make our crime stories factually accurate. Our guests proudly discussed their book, 'The Scotland Yard Files'.(National Archives, 2006). We received so much positive feedback after the talk, the evening certainly seemed to strike a chord. We look forward to a plethora of who-dunnits from The Write Place students now.
"Very good for any one interested in writing crime fiction. Alan Moss was very interesting with his vast knowledge of police procedures" - June Crowe.
April 2010
Ghost Connection
April's Speaker's Night was a great reminder of how valuable these evenings are for writers. Nobody sat through the fascinating evening without shivering, shuddering or looking over their shoulder at least once during the evening. We all went home with ghosts, poltergeists, sounds and even fraud on our minds. The four intrepid investigators from Ghost Connections entertained us with their anecdotes, views, research and spooky sound recordings. An unforgettable evening.
February 2010
Vivian Akinpelu
This month, we welcomed Vivian Akinpelu from Pneuma Springs Publishing to the Write Place. Vivian gave an illuminating and interesting talk that traced the history of their company from a gap that was identified in the publishing industry to their current success and future philosophy
William Beadle from The Whitechapel Society 1888 .
"I found him very interesting with a wide knowledge of his subject. He made me want to find out more which I was able to via the internet" - June Crowe.
Crime writer Yvonne Hughes
Writer & journalist, Joanna Czechowska
Writer & journalist, Kelly Rose Bradford
Penn Press
Pulp Fiction Author Danny Hogan
A One Day Travel Writing Workshop with Cindy-Lou Dale
Delegates comments:
"Cindy Lou Dale - Cindy's enthusiasm and commitment to her craft cannot be doubted. She gave a lot of information and detailed presentation. I only wish I had her ability to persuade people to let me use their top-of-the-range car!" - Joanna Whisker.
A One Day Journalism and Life Writing Workshop with Kelly Rose Bradford
Delegates comments:
"Kelly's enthusiasm spreads quicker than marmite on toast! The workshop was interesting, informative and fun. There was good interaction and she made everyone believe they had a 'tale to tell' - she also gave contact details which increased my trust in what she was presenting" - Joanna Whisker.
"A very informative workshop with a lady who certainly knows her stuff. She is very vivacious and oozes enthusiasm. A very enjoyable day" - June Crowe.
A One Day Fiction Writing Workshop with Jane Wenham Jones
Delegates comments:
"Brilliant! She has such a great sense of humour which came across at the workshop. She was extremely helpful and I felt she never talked down to us. A really good interesting day, came away with renewed enthusiasm" - June Crowe