Writing Round Up

It's been a busy month with several enjoyable writing related meet-ups over the last few weekends. They started off with our SCBWI Ireland zoom session when we had the pleasure of welcoming Ashwin Chacko as our guest. He was an inspiring speaker and it was good to reconnect with SCBWI members across Ireland again. That weekend also involved catching up with some writing friends for afternoon tea. It was lovely to spend time together again sharing our news.

Last weekend I met up with local children's writers and Illustrators at our Belfast SCBWI social. It was good to meet some new faces and to welcome some more familiar faces as we spent the morning in Waterstone's cafe sharing news, experiences, ideas and tips. It's great being part of this supportive group and lovely to be back meeting in person.

Later that day I caught up with Jo and Chris in The Secret Bookshelf. Although they'd been rushed off their feet all day (it was the first day of Independent Bookshop Week) we had a good chat, including discussing some exciting plans (more news about those in due course) and I left with a bag full of books including a goody bag.

Yesterday I was back with my writing pals in Coney. Over summer berry muffins and coffee we shared our news, made plans and worked hard under Maddie's guidance.

The writing exercises were difficult because they really made us think about how we tend to describe objects and how we can improve our writing craft in this area.

And the added bonus of beautiful sunshine made this a perfect way to spend a morning. For a bit of fun, I totalled up the number of people in the writing community I've connected with directly so far this month. I was surprised that the total was as high as 77. I feel very fortunate to know 77 other writers, illustrators and creatives and privileged that I am part of a number of groups which are nurturing and supportive.

Independent Bookshop Week

It's time to support your local independent bookstore. 

Yesterday Independent Bookshop Week kicked off and I paid a visit to my local bookshop. They are such Aladdin's caves with treasures waiting to be discovered in every nook and cranny. As well as having a lovely chat with The Secret Bookshelf 's owners Jo and Chris, I came away  with a goody bag and a few more books than planned (nothing new there!)

I also treated myself to a 'blind date with a book'  - you can select a wrapped up book based on the hand written description 

not knowing the author or title. I did have a go at guessing some but was stumped with this one so I picked it.

When I returned home I couldn’t wait to open it - it was like receiving an unexpected present. It's been added to the TBR pile, while I'm currently reading this fabulous YA book written by one of my writing friends. 

I missed Jenny's book launch at our local bookshop a couple of months ago so was really glad to catch up with her yesterday to get my copy signed.

There are loads of events on throughout this week at local independent bookshops - check them out - you won't regret it.