Shows
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastA Centennial Celebration - Reflections on Writing, Learning, and Growing Over 100 Episodes!In this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writers’ Room for A Centennial Celebration! In this special 100th episode, Pete and Laura commemorate a significant milestone in their podcast journey. Join them as they reflect on the evolution of the Begin podcast, the lessons they’ve learned, and the many ways writing has enriched their lives and those of the listeners over 100 episodes of Begin.In this season:18 Episodes 9 Guest Interviews 2 Toolbox Editions505 minutes and 65 seconds (8 hours and 42 minutes) or 9, 227.5 dad jokes and cliches!
2023-12-0840 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastEpisode 99: Why We Write–A Deep Dive into the Writer's MindEpisode 99: Embracing the Writer Within - "Episode 99: Why We Write–A Deep Dive into the Writer's Mind.Welcome back to Begin, the Derbyshire Writing School podcast! In this heartfelt episode, co-hosts and father-daughter duo Pete Billingham and Laura Stroud explore the essence of writing. Join us as we unravel what drives us to put pen to paper, and how writing shapes our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.Why We Write: An Introspective Journey"We write to taste life twice, in the moment and in re...
2023-12-0132 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastUnfinished Business: Breaking Through Fear, Doubts, and Excuses to Finish Your NovelEpisode 98—A Writers Toolkit Episode: Unfinished Business: Breaking Through Fear, Doubts, and Excuses to Finish Your NovelDo you have a story in your heart, a manuscript in progress, but somehow find yourself unable to reach 'the end'? In this episode, we delve into the all-too-common struggle of leaving novels unfinished. But fear not! We're not just identifying the problems; we're providing solutions, and we have a special programme designed to guide you to completion.This Episode's Insights: From Idea to Finished BookJoin Laura, Pete, and the Derbyshire Writing School te...
2023-08-1111 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastThe Pen Behind the Posts: Celebrating Staff Blog Writer Lauren's 3-Year AnniversaryEpisode 97—The Pen Behind the Posts: Celebrating Staff Blog Writer Lauren’s 3-Year AnniversaryIn this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writers’ Room for a very special episode. Today we chat with staff blog writer Lauren Davison. We are reaching three years of Derbyshire Writing School, so we thought it would be nice to talk to some people that have been around from the beginning. One of those is Lauren Davison, our in-house staff blogger. Lauren has been an important part of the Derbyshire Writing School team and she crea...
2023-08-0420 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastI Want To Say A Few Words: Crafting a Heartfelt Eulogy with Confidence - Book LaunchEpisode - 96—I Want To Say A Few Words: Crafting a Heartfelt Eulogy with Confidence - Book LaunchIn this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writers’ Room for a very special episode. Today Pete launches his latest book. I Want to Say a Few Words: How To Craft a Heartfelt Eulogy for a Loved One’s Funeral: A Simple Step-by-Step Process, Packed with Eulogy Writing Ideas, Help & Advice from a Professional Eulogy Writer is the latest book launched by Pete.“I Want to Say A Few...
2023-07-2843 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School Podcast'Everyday Storytellers Write Non-Fiction.'Episode 95—From the Author's Voice: A Live Book Reading of 'Everyday Storytellers Write Non-Fiction.' by Laura StroudIn this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writers’ Room for a very special episode. Everyday Storytellers Write Non-Fiction: A Step-By-Step Guide to Noticing Your Life and Turning It Into Stories, is the latest book in the Everyday Storytellers Series by Laura.Hear Laura read a section of her new book.Are you ready to uncover the power of your own story and share it wi...
2023-07-1416 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastDerbyshire Writing School UpdateEpisode 94 - From Truth to Tribute: Everyday Storytelling, Self-Publishing Updates, the Perfect Eulogy Writing ToolIn this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writers’ Room to catch up with what’s happened since the last episode.In Section One: THE WRITERS’ ROOM. We explore writing problems and struggles by answering your questions. This month we don’t have a question for you. Why not send us a question you would ask us to chat about? We want to hear from you! Write to us at info@derbyshirewritingschool.comS...
2023-07-0737 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastBeyond The Manuscript: An Author's Journey into Clarity, Communication, & Connection with Lucy Rennie.Episode 93—Beyond The Manuscript: An Author’s Journey into Clarity, Communication, & Connection with Lucy Rennie.In this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writers’ Room to chat with Lucy Rennie about how writing her latest book came out of a desire to help someone else. Lucy Rennie is a communication and marketing expert, business mentor and bestselling author. She helps small business owners to grow, develop and future-proof their businessAs a huge champion for small business, Lucy is a massive believer in people do business with people...
2023-05-1935 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastTurning Pages: An Insider's Look Into Derby Book FestivalEpisode 92 —Turning Pages: An Insider’s Look Into Derby Book Festival with Sian Hoyle In this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writers’ Room to chat with Sian Hoyle—Derby Book Festival.We are back in the writers’ room and we have a guest in our hot seat this week! Sian Hoyle from Derby Book Festival.For over 30 years, Sian worked in Marketing and Communications in London, before relocating to Derby to be closer to family. In 2012, she took voluntary redundancy from Derby City Council and worked as a freela...
2023-05-1239 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastYes, I'm The Great Pretender: Navigating the Creative Challenges of Imposter Syndrome in WritingEpisode 91—Yes, I’m The Great Pretender: Navigating the Creative Challenges of Imposter Syndrome in Writing.Section One: THE WRITERS’ ROOM. In this section, we explore writing problems and struggles by answering your questions.What is Imposter Syndrome?Imposter syndrome is when you feel you’re not good enough at something, even if you’re actually doing well. It’s like having a little voice in your head that tells you that you’re pretending to be good at something, and that everyone will find out you’re not as skilled as th...
2023-05-0543 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastEnhancing Creative Writing through the Magic of Copywriting with Chrissie RowellEpisode 90—Enhancing Creative Writing through the Magic of Copywriting with Chrissie RowellIn this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writers’ Room to chat with Derbyshire Lecturer and Market Agency Owner Chrissie Rowell.We are back in the writers’ room and we have a guest in our hot seat this week! Derbyshire marketing expert Chrissie Rowell. Chrissie Rowell has been in marketing for 16 years. After graduating with a degree in Creative Writing in 2008, she worked in freelance journalism, later moving into copywriting. After working with two marketing agencie...
2023-04-2834 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastUnraveling Intrigue: A Crime Writer's Quest for Unconventional Inspiration with Derbyshire Author Zoë SharpEpisode 89—Unravelling The Layers of Intrigue: A Crime Writers’ Quest for Unconventional Inspiration with Zoë Sharp.In this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writers’ Room to chat with Derbyshire Author Zoë Sharp.We are back in the writers’ room and we have a guest in our hot seat this week! Derbyshire author Zoë Sharp. We meet recently at the Authors Assemble event in Buxton.Zoë Sharp spent her childhood living aboard a catamaran on the northwest coast of England. She opted out of mainstream education at...
2023-04-2052 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastGuest Interview Derbyshire Author: S. R. Durham—Writing in Multiple Genres.Episode 88—Guest Interview Derbyshire Author: S. R. Durham—Writing in Multiple Genres. In this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writers’ Room to chat with Derbyshire Author S. R. Durham about writing in several genres. S. R. Durham is an indie author from the High Peak in Derbyshire. He self-published his first full-length novel, Prey, in 2021, and his second, Surrogate, in 2022. He writes across several genres, from thriller and psychological suspense to horror and speculative crime. Ste worked in journalism and PR for a decade, before going freelance as a copywri...
2023-04-1447 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastGuest Interview – Derbyshire Author Emma-Claire WilsonEpisode 87 – Guest Interview – Derbyshire Author Emma-Claire WilsonIn this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writers’ Room to chat with Emma-Claire Wilson.Emma-Claire Wilson is an author of emotional commercial women’s fiction. She writes ‘to make sense of the world’ and loves nothing more than tackling tough subjects and issues that affect her readers daily. When she is not writing fiction, she enjoys exercising her brain muscles with freelance copywriting, coaching other writers, and writing articles for The Glass House Online Magazine.
2023-04-0742 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastThe Writer's Toolbox—Self Publishing With StyleEpisode 86 - The Writer's Toolbox—Self Publishing With StyleIn this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writers’ Room for an episode of The Writer’s Toolbox—Self-Publishing With Style.What can you find in this episode? Pete and Laura chat about self-publishing, and the five key reasons self-publishing is a good idea. The Five Key Reasons Self-publishing a Good Idea.You have more control over the process. You have higher royalty rates.You can make changes. You can build direct relationships with your audience.Yo...
2023-03-3120 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastGuest Interview – Charlotte – Derbyshire Writing School InternEpisode 85—Guest Interview Charlotte Howes—Derbyshire Writing School InternWe are back in the writers’ room and we have another guest in our hot seat this week! She's been here before! It's our intern Charlotte!We worked with the University of Derby to offer another paid internship at the beginning of this year. This is part of the Universities DRIVEN project, working with businesses in Derbyshire to provide practical, paid internships to graduates. We are pleased to introduce you to Charlotte, our intern. Having just finished a master's degree in creative writing...
2023-03-2427 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastHibernation Over! Laura and Pete's Winter Catch UpEpisode 84 - Hibernation Over! Laura and Pete's Winter Catch-Up!In this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writers’ Room to catch up after a winter hibernation squirrelled away working on writing projects. You can tell Pete hasn’t done a podcast for a time. He gets so enthusiastic about everything in this episode! So much so, he skips section one! Section Two: PERSONAL PROJECTS. In this section, we share what we’ve been working on.Pete’s new author website is live! Have a look at www...
2023-03-1739 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastGuest Interview – Kerry Fox – Authors Assemble! – Buxton Crescent Heritage TrustEpisode 83 – Guest Interview – Kerry Fox– Authors Assemble! – Buxton Crescent Heritage Trust.Kerry Fox is the Event Manager for the Buxton Crescent Heritage Trust. She has been in the post since July 2022 and before working for the Trust she was the Commercial Director for a Nationwide Event Staffing Company. Her role at the Trust is to create and deliver a variety of high-quality and engaging talks, workshops, experiences and events for Buxton residents and for visitors to the area, supporting the work and the charitable aims of the Trust. In this episode, Kerry tells us about the upcom...
2023-03-1021 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastFinding Your Writing VoiceEpisode 81 - Finding Your Writing Voice In this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writers' Room to chat about the question – how do you find your voice as a writer?Section One: THE WRITERS’ ROOM. In this section, we explore writing problems and struggles by answering your questions.What is the writer’s ‘voice?’ Voice in writing refers to the unique perspective, tone, and style of a piece of writing. The personality of the writing can help to make a piece of writing more interesting and engaging for the re...
2022-12-0947 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastGuest Interview – Writing Non-Fiction – Jonny WilliamsEpisode 80 - Guest Interview – Writing Non-Fiction – Jonny WilliamsIn this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writer’s Room to chat with author Jonny Williams about his new book - Delivery Management: Enabling Teams to Deliver Value.Jonny Williams is an Agile Delivery Lead at Red Hat. Prior to this, he was Head of Delivery at Homes, England. He also provides coaching at DeliverValue.uk Having enabled teams to deliver value for over ten years, he now supports organisations to uncover effective modern approaches to work. Jonny i...
2022-12-0245 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastThe Prompt BoxEpisode 79 – The Prompt BoxIn this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writers' Room to chat about The Derbyshire Writing School Prompt Box.Are you stuck for ideas? Have you ever stared at a blank screen and felt stuck for words? Like all your ideas have dried up. Are you feeling empty or uninspired? Do you need help getting your ideas moving? Or do you want to inject some joy back into your creative writing? The new Prompt Box from Derbyshire Writing School could be the answer. In this episode, Pete an...
2022-11-2512 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastWhy Don't I Write Even Though I Want To?Episode 78 – Why Don’t I Even Though I Want To? In this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writers' Room to chat about a question that has mystified writers for centuries – Why Don’t I Even Though I Want To? Section One: THE WRITERS’ ROOM. In this section, we explore writing problems and struggles by answering your questions.What stops us from writing? Why don’t we write even though we want to? Getting to grips with the question they talk about it being procrastination or fear of failure and...
2022-11-1835 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastGathering Rosebuds In Kerala – A Reading by Pete Billingham – Free Book Link!Episode 77 - Gathering Rosebuds In Kerala – A Reading by Pete Billingham - Free Workbook link!In this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writers' Room for a special episode as Pete reads chapter one of his memoir, Gathering Rosebuds in Kerala: A Memoir About Storing Life’s Special Moments.Gathering Rosebuds in Kerala is a journey through bustling cities, backwater canals, and the stunning beaches of South-West India, with insightful reflections on facing ageing, discovering meaning in life, and storing life’s special moments forever.Travel with Pete as he cel...
2022-11-1115 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastThe Writer's ToolkitEpisode 76 - The Writers Toolkit WorkbooksIn this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writer’s Room to look at The Writer’s Toolkit Podcast episodes and reveal exciting information for any writer wanting to improve their skills. This is how the Derbyshire Writing School Writer’s Toolkit podcast episodes came to be. But we’ve gone one step more!Here are the tools we’ve covered on Begin (the podcast) so far: Episode 4 – A writing habit Episode 7 - The tool of reading (like a writer)Episode 11 – A writing mindset E...
2022-11-0417 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastGuest Interview – Derbyshire Author – Sarah WardEpisode 75 – Guest Interview – Derbyshire Author – Sarah WardIn this episode, Pete and Laura chat with Derbyshire author Sarah Ward.Sarah is the author of four contemporary crime novels set in the Derbyshire Peak District. The Daily Mail described her debut novel, In Bitter Chill, as a ‘Tense, well-told story of loss and family secrets’. Sarah’s published her Gothic thriller, The Quickening, using her middle name, Rhiannon Ward, and was a Radio Times book of 2020. She published The Shadowing in September 2021, which was a Daily Express book of the year...
2022-10-2838 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastAm I Real Writer?Episode 74 - Am I A Real Writer? - In this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writer’s Room to chat about and try to answer the question - Am I A Real Writer? Section One: THE WRITERS’ ROOM. In this section, we explore writing problems and struggles by answering your questions. What makes someone a writer? Often people will say to us, ‘But I’m not a real writer?’ So what makes a real writer?Pete’s pithy wisdom on what makes a ‘real writer’ (on a mug or a T-shirt...
2022-10-2138 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastThe Writer’s Toolbox – The Tool of Creative CourageEpisode 73 - The Writer’s Toolbox – The Tool of Creative Courage “You cannot swim for new horizons until you have the courage to lose sight of the shore.” ― William FaulknerIn this ‘Toolbox’ episode, Pete and Laura chat about the tool of ‘Creative Courage.’ Creative courage is not only about taking risks with your story but also about believing your story will be worth telling before you’ve even started!Pete and Laura chat about:What do we mean by courage as a writer, and why is t...
2022-10-1418 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastGuest Interview - Cat Mitchell - Publishing 101Episode 72 - Guest Interview - Cat Mitchell - Publishing 101In this episode, Pete and Laura chat with Cat Mitchell about publishing. Cat Mitchel is a lecturer in writing and publishing, and teaches on the Publishing MA course and the Writing and Publishing BA course at Derby University. Cat has over five years of experience working in the publishing industry, including four years working in various marketing and publicity roles at Penguin Random House, UK in London. She also worked as an intern at a literary agency, an events coordinator at a bo...
2022-10-0744 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastGuest Interview – Alex Davis – What is Genre?Episode 71 - Alex Davis – Guest Interview – What is Genre?In this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writer’s Room to chat with a regular visitor to the podcast - Alex Davis.Alex currently works as an Associate Lecturer in Creative and Professional Writing for the University of Derby and is a freelance copy-editor, proofreader, and events organiser. In this episode, Pete and Laura ask Alex:What do we mean when we talk about genre?How do we decide (or identify) what genre we are writing in?What...
2022-09-3042 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastGuest Interview – JC Niala - Writer, poet, and playwright.Episode 70 - Guest Interview–JC Niala JC Niala is a writer, poet, and playwright, and a keen grower. She is specifically interested in how our imaginations of nature affect how we treat it. Her artists' journal of poems Portal: 1918 Allotment (Fig, 2022) uses poetry, prose, and art to document her recreation of an English allotment in the style of the year 1918. In 2022, she received the Social History Society’s Public history prize 2022 for this project. JC’s nature writing debut, 'A Loveliness of Ladybirds, was shortlisted for the Nan Shepherd Prize for Nature W...
2022-09-2341 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastGuest Interview – Fly On The Wall Indie PressEpisode 69 Isabelle Kenyon – Guest Interview – Fly On The Wall Indie PressIn this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writer’s Room to chat with Isabelle Kenyon.Isabelle Kenyon is a northern writer and the author of 5 chapbooks including Growing Pains - (Indigo Dreams Publishing Ltd) and one short story with Wild Pressed Books - ‘The Town Talks’, 2020.She is the M.D. and editor of Fly on the Wall Press, a socially conscious small press for chapbooks and anthologies. Fly on the Wall Press is a publisher with a differen...
2022-09-1641 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastGuest Interview - The Derbyshire Writing School InternsEpisode 68 - The Derbyshire Writing School InternsIn this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writer’s Room to chat with three student interns who spent time at Derbyshire Writing School this summer.We’ve been working with the University of Derby to offer three paid internships over the summer. This is part of the Universities DRIVEN project, working with business in Derbyshire to provide practical, paid internships to graduates. We were thrilled to have Charlotte, Lauren, and Mitchell join our team! THE WRITERS’ ROOM ...
2022-09-0935 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastHappy Second Birthday - Derbyshire Writing School!Episode 67 - Happy Second Birthday Derbyshire Writing School!We are back! In this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writer’s Room to talk about their summer, and update you on their writing and celebrate Derbyshire Writing School’s second birthday!PERSONAL PROJECTS – In this section, we share what we’ve been working on.Spending the summer working on a first draft, Laura has almost completed the first version of book two in the series with - Everyday Storytellers - Writes Non-Fiction. We wil...
2022-09-0234 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School Podcast'Begin' - Season 2 Finale!Episode 66 - Season 2 Finale In this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writer’s Room to review the highs and lows and lessons learned in the last 33 episodes before they head off on Summer break. THE WRITERS’ ROOM - Let’s review the last 33 weeks:-Pete and Laura askWhat were the highs and lows of season two?Which were your top three episodes and why?Any memorable moments?What have we learned?PERSONAL PROJECTS–In this section, we share what we’ve been work...
2022-05-2745 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastGuest Interview – Lauren Davison - Could Writing Be Good For You?
2022-05-1329 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastDo I Need An Author Platform?Episode 64 - Do I Need An Author Platform?In this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writer’s Room to ask - Do I Need An Author Platform?THE WRITERS’ ROOM - In this section we explore writing problems and struggles by answering your questions.You are a writer, but you need the world to find your work. How do you do that? From a portfolio of work in progress to selling books you’ve written, an author platform is the starting point. Pete and Laura...
2022-05-0637 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastThe Writer’s Toolbox - The Tool of a Writing RetreatEpisode 63The Writer’s Toolbox – The Tool of a Writing RetreatHere at Derbyshire Writing School, we’re launching our first set of mini-writing retreats and it’s we thought it would be a good idea to talk about a writing retreat is a tool you could and should add to your writing toolbox. In this ‘Toolbox’ episode, Pete and Laura Chat about writing retreats. Together they talk about:What is a writing retreat?What are the benefits of attending at writing retreat?What happens at a writing retreat?How to...
2022-04-2222 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastGuest Interview – Peter Billingham – 'Gathering Rosebuds' – How to Write a MemoirWe are back in the writers’ room and we have a guest in our hot seat this week! In this special edition Laura and Pete chat about publishing his book - Gathering Rosebuds in Kerala.Laura asks Pete:You’ve finished. You’ve hit publish. How do you feel?What is a rosebud?What was the hardest part of writing your book?Did you find any part of the process surprising?Three things you’ve learnt.What did you enjoy about this process?Sell your book in a sent...
2022-04-1542 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastThe Writer's Toolbox - The Tool of A Literary AgentEpisode 61 - The Writer’s Toolbox - The Tool of a Literary Agent In this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writing Room to chat about The Tool of a Literary Agent for a writer. THE WRITERS’ ROOM - The Tool of a Literary Agent What is a literary agent, and how will this tool help us as a writer? That’s the subject for this edition of the podcast. A literary agent is a professional who represents a writer or a group of writers...
2022-04-0826 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastGuest Interview – Dawn Brookes – What is a Literature Festival?Episode 60 - Guest Interview Derbyshire Author - Dawn Brookes - What is a Literature Festival?We are back in the writers’ room and we have a guest in our hot seat this week! We are really pleased to welcome back Derbyshire author Dawn Brookes. Dawn has been on the podcast before, you can listen to her talk about self-publishing in episode 19.Dawn Brookes is an international bestselling author whose books have hit the number one spot in the USA, UK and Canada. Dawn is also the...
2022-03-2533 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastGuest Interview - Charlotte Lunn - Is Poetry Good For You?Episode 59 - Guest Interview - Charlotte Lunn - Is Poetry Good For You?We are back in the writers’ room and we have a guest in our hot seat this week! It’s Derbyshire Writing School’s very own guest poetry facilitator – Charlotte Lunn.Charlotte Lunn is a published poet, workshop facilitator and bookseller. After completing her creative writing degree at The University of Derby, Charlotte became the events co-ordinator at Scarthin Books and has regularly reviewed literature for BBC Radio Derby. Charlotte has perform...
2022-03-1832 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastThe Writer's Toolbox - How To Develop The Tool of a Writing Habit Episode 58 - The Writer's Toolbox - How To Develop The Tool of a Writing Habit Everyone is different and has different writing goals and values.Gretchen Wilson says it well ... “We won’t make ourselves more creative and productive by copying other people’s habits, even the habits of geniuses. We must know our own nature and what habits serve us best.“So, What Is A Writing Habit? A habit is something you do often and regularly, sometimes without knowing that you’re doing it. So, it almost bec...
2022-03-1123 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastThree Books That Changed My LifeEpisode 57 - Three Books That Changed My LifeTHE WRITERS’ ROOM - In this episode, Pete and Laura chat about three books that impacted their lives.Pete's BooksHow I Raised Myself From Failure to Success in Selling – Frank BettgerThe Seven Habits of Highly Effective People – Stephen CoveyA Million Miles In A Thousand Years: What I Learned While I Was Editing My Life – Donald Miller. Laura's BooksPresent over Perfect: Leaving Behind Frantic for a Simpler, More Soulful Way of Living – Shauna Niequist.Daring Greatly: Ho...
2022-03-0447 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastThe Truth About WritingIn this episode, we're going to share eight truths we have learned about writing. Pete and Laura's ListWrite For YourselfWriting Will Always Be HardWrite Every DayIf You Let It, Writing Will Give You StructureWrite To Understand YourselfNo-one Will Care About Your Book As Much As You Do.Write To Hit Publish.OUR CURRENT PROJECT UPDATES - What writing projects are we working on & what’s happened this week?Pete is excited at the return of the proof of Gathering Rosebuds - The Workbook.Laura is working hard on book two in...
2022-02-2542 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastThe Writer's Toolbox - The Tool of Writing Sprints Episode 55 - The Writer's Toolbox - The Tool of Writing Sprints Do you want to write faster, more efficiently and with fewer errors? If so, the answer is simple: start writing in sprints.In this episode, we tell you more about how you can add the tool of writing sprints to your writer’s toolbox. Sprinting is the art of writing as fast as possible for a set amount of time without editing, refining, or re-reading the words. We cover:1 - What Is A Writing Sprint...
2022-02-1816 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastThe Writer's Toolbox – The Tool of A NewsletterEpisode 54 - The Writer’s Toolbox - The Tool of A NewsletterIn this episode, Pete and Laura chat about the tool of writing a newsletter.It’s easy to get your words published and have some engaging content of yours out into the world in a few minutes. It might just look a little different from what you’ve imagined.Starting a free newsletter on Substack gives you three powerful reasons to help you grow as a writer and builds the tools you have as a writer.In this e...
2022-02-1119 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastGuest Interview – Fiona Thomas – How To Make a Living As A Freelance WriterEpisode 53 – Guest Interview – Fiona ThomasWe are back in the writers’ room and we have a guest in our hot seat this week!Fiona Thomas – from Fionalikestoblog.comFiona Thomas is an author and freelance writer with work published in iPaper, Grazia, Happiful Magazine and Huffington Post. Her most recent book Out of Office: Ditch the 9-5 and Be Your Own Boss. They have featured Fiona in Stylist, Forbes, Daily Mail and shortlisted her for a Business Book Award.In this episode, we ask Fiona:
2022-02-0441 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastThe Writer's Toolbox - The Writing WorkshopEpisode 52 - The Writer’s Toolbox - The Writing WorkshopIn this episode, Pete and Laura chat about the tool of a writing workshop.What Is A Writing Workshop?How Does A Writing Workshop Run?What Is The Aim Of a Writing Workshop?Why Is A Writing Workshop Useful For People Who Want To Write? What feedback we should expect from a writing workshop?How Can Derbyshire Writing School Help?At Derbyshire Writing School, we run courses, workshops, and retreats to help you develop your work. We are planning some exciting writing workshops cent...
2022-01-2817 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastFormatting Your WorkTHE WRITERS’ ROOM - Formatting Your Writing.This week in the Writers’ Room, Pete and Laura talk about how to format your work. When formatting your work, there are a couple of different things to consider.How you layout your writing in a document on the page.How your format your work for printing (we could also call this typesetting). Tools to help you format your work: Pete has been using Atticus writing and formatting software and is finding it helpful with his Gathering Rosebuds project.Atticus...
2022-01-2134 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastNew Year, New Goals! Writing in 2022Episode 50 - New Year, New Goals! Writing in 2022.In this episode, Pete and Laura chat about the difference between New Year Resolutions or New Year Intentions.Pete talks about his newsletter – The Art of Memorialising as well as his ‘Intentions’ to increase the % of his income from online projects and products. Laura maps out her first quarter plans based on yearly intentions, quarterly goals, and daily actions. PERSONAL PROJECTS – In this section, we share what we’ve been working on.Pete has been using Atticus writing and formatti...
2022-01-1437 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastGuest Interview - Derbyshire Author - Shirley MannEpisode 49 - Guest Interview - Derbyshire Author - Shirley Mann Shirley Mann is a journalist who has worked across newspapers, radio and television. She spent most of her career working as a reporter, producer, and presenter for the BBC on programmes across radio and television, including Radio 4 and Countryfile. She then set up her own media company with lecturing as a sideline, producing short films for environmental organisations.Her first book, ‘Lily’s War’, was inspired by the wartime romance of her parents. Her mother was a WAAF in Bomber Command and her father...
2022-01-0733 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastThe Writer’s Toolbox - The Tool of JournalingEpisode 48 - The Writer’s Toolbox - The Tool of JournalingIn this episode, Pete and Laura chat about journaling. What exactly is journaling? How can this help us as writers?Journaling is getting your thoughts from your head onto paper. But what are some benefits of Journaling?Journaling can:Help us manage stress and anxiety – positively affecting our mental health. Develop our creativity and build ideas. We can see patterns in our work, and we’ll learn what ideas have potential and which topic we keep retu...
2021-12-1029 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastThe Writer's Toolbox - The Tool of CreativityEpisode 47 – The Writer's Toolbox – The Tool of Creativity Writing is an act of creation. When we write, we bring new ideas, stories, even people, into existence. The more we write, the more we learn to craft and shape narrative. We learn what sounds good and we develop extra levels of creativity and imagination.In this Writer's Toolbox episode, Pete and Laura chat about the tool of creativity - where they find ideas spark and how they develop those ideas. The dictionary defines creativity as the ability to produce original ideas, or to make somethi...
2021-12-0314 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastWhere Do Ideas Come From?THE WRITERS’ ROOM - Where Do Ideas Come From? Where do ideas come from? Do find you have a never-ending supply of creativity coursing through your mind? Or do you struggle to find inspiration?In this episode, Pete and Laura chat about creativity – where they find ideas spark and how they develop those ideas. They also ask, can we have too many ideas? Where to look for ideas?Go on an Artist Date.Get a writer’s journal and update with something every day.Write 10 ideas a day for 5 da...
2021-11-2639 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastWho Else Thinks Technology Can Hinder Or Help Our Writing?THE WRITERS’ ROOM - Who Else Thinks Technology Can Hinder Or Help Our Writing?Do you find technology helps you write, or does it become something else you can use to procrastinate and put off writing your novel? Pete lists 19 – yes 19! Software, apps or platforms he thinks he might use to publish the book his working on. Excessive? You need to listen to find out.PERSONAL PROJECTS - In this section, we share what we’ve been working on. Pete and Laura discuss the week’s activities - Laura is...
2021-11-1946 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastHow To Write Crime Mystery Fiction - Guest Interview Tom MeadEpisode 44 - How To Write Crime Mystery Fiction - Guest Interview Tom MeadTom Mead is a Midlands-based author. He has previously written for Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine, Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine (amongst various others). He is a great admirer of golden age authors of the locked-room mystery subgenre (John Dickson Carr, Clayton Rawson, Helen McCloy) and has written many stories in tribute to these masters. His story Heatwave was included in The Best Mystery Stories of the Year 2021 (edited by Lee Child) and his debut novel Death and...
2021-11-1235 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastThe Writer’s Toolbox - The Tool of NaNoWriMoEpisode 43 - The Writer’s Toolbox - The Tool of NaNoWriMoNaNoWriMo = National Novel Writing Month.It started back in 1999 in the States and has grown into a vast community. It’s a non-profit organisation, with the sole aim of helping you to tell your story. The challenge is to write 1,700 words a day, every day for a month. There are a few rules:Only words you write in November count.One author writes the words.You must write fiction.Should You Take P...
2021-11-0516 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastThe Writer’s Toolbox - A Writing TribeEpisode 42 – The Writer’s Toolbox – A Writing TribeIn this episode, Pete and Laura take another delve into The Writer’s Toolbox and add the tool of a Writing Tribe to the toolbox.Writing can feel lonely. Not just the act of tapping away at the keys, but losing yourself in your work and wondering if another pair of eyes will ever read it. Creating a writing tribe can be a wonderful way to find motivation, encouragement, accountability, and community. That’s why this week we are adding the tool of the...
2021-10-2916 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastGuest Interview - Chris Gregory - How To Write Audio DramaEpisode 41 - Guest Interview - Chris Gregory - How To Write Audio DramaChris Gregory is the founder of the Alternative Stories and Fake Realities Podcast. Alternative Stories have provided content to BBC and North American radio stations, represented the UK at the International Radio Drama Festival for the past two years and has been nominated for many Audio Verse Awards (for podcast drama) as well as nominated for Best Arts Podcast in this year's Discover Pods awards.The podcast provides opportunities for writers to hear their work professionally produced and s...
2021-10-2240 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastGuest Interview Derbyshire Poet - Karey Lucas-HughesWe are back in the writers’ room and we have a guest in our hot seat this week! The Derbyshire poet - Karey Lucas-Hughes.Karey was born and grew up in north London in the 1960s. She studied French and English at Lancaster University before spending a few years living and working in Tokyo, Japan and Hamilton, Canada, with her husband Martin. They moved to the Peak District nearly 20 years ago, where they brought up their two children. Karey worked in secondary education for many years. In recent years, she has trained to tea...
2021-10-1543 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastShould You Focus On One Writing Idea at A Time?THE WRITERS’ ROOM - Should You Focus On One Writing Idea At A Time?“What you stay focused on will grow.”― Roy T. BennettThere is a metaphor describing the delicate balance of holding many projects on the go at the same time - plate spinning. Like the circus act, with all the plates spinning, you work successfully with several things at once. Can you do that with writing projects? Pete and Laura chat about the reasons spinning projects could be a way of procrastination, and how focus brings results. Laura...
2021-10-0848 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastThe Writer's Toolbox - The Tool of Life DocumentationEpisode 38 – The Writer’s Toolbox – The Tool of Life DocumentationIn this episode, Pete and Laura take another delve into The Writer’s Toolbox and add the tool of life documentation as a writer. Creative writing has many benefits, but often it can be intimidating to start. One way to dive into creative writing is through documenting your memories. In doing so, you can treasure them forever. Even passing them on to family as your legacy. Other benefits include:Finding clarity and truth within your life. Bringing closure and healing...
2021-10-0116 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastThe Writer's Toolbox - Finding Motivation To WriteEpisode 37 – The Writer’s Toolbox – The Tool of MotivationIn this episode, Pete and Laura take another delve into The Writer’s Toolbox and add the tool of motivation as a writer. How Do You Write When You Don’t Feel Like It?There are days when we feel like we could write forever. When we know just what we want to type, when we reach a state of flow. Those are the days. But we can’t have those days every day. Don’t Feel Li...
2021-09-2418 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastGuest Interview - Alex Davis - How To Write Ghost StoriesWe have a guest in The Writers’ Room this week - Alex Davis. Alex is an author and literature professional based in Derby. Today he joins Pete and Laura to talk about How To Write A Ghost Story.As a writer, Alex has published a novel - THE LAST WAR - a science-fiction novel and a non-fiction book along with 50+ short stories and poems. Among them four short stories called - FIGHTING CATS AND DOGS.Alex currently works as an Associate Lecturer in Creative and Professional Writing fo...
2021-09-1739 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastHow To Find Time To WriteEpisode 35 - How Do I Find Time To Write?In THE WRITERS’ ROOM - How Do I Find Time To Write?Finding time to write feels impossible. There is always something else that seems more important. As they say, a writer’s house is never as clean as just before they sit down to write! But in all seriousness, how do we find time to write? That’s the question we’re tackling in the Writer’s Room on this episode of the podcast.We all like the feeling of having w...
2021-09-1049 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastHappy First Birthday Derbyshire Writing School!Episode 34 - Derbyshire Writing School – Happy 1st Birthday! Derbyshire Writing School is one-year-old!Our aim has always been to create courses, workshops and resources that balanced the creative and the practical. Derbyshire Writing School — Creative writing taught the way it should be:FunHeartfeltPracticalSo how has Derbyshire Writing School faired in its first year?It’s been a rollercoaster of a year. 39 Blog posts33 Podcast Episodes1300 Podcast Downloads10 Newsletters100s of Writing Prompts4 New Team Members1000s of Website Visits4 New Courses6 New Workshops1 New Group...
2021-09-0319 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastSeason One FinaleWe have reached the last episode of season one! For 33 weeks we’ve shown up week in and week out and have lots of fun creating this podcast, but this isn’t goodbye, it’s see you soon. Taking 9 weeks off for summer, we will work hard to plan and create the best podcast episodes about writing. We are writers and we want to share what we’re learning to help you grow as a writer too. So we will be back on September 3rd for more interviews, toolbox episodes and dad and daughter chats.In th...
2021-06-2545 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastHow To Review Writing GoalsEpisode 32- How To Review Writing GoalsPete and Laura are back in the writers’ room. Back in January we shared an episode about writing goals (Episode 10). We looked at how to set writing goals and how to measure them, but 6 months into the year where are we with these goals? Join us this week as we talk about the mid-year check-in and how we can assess where we are with our goals as we reach the halfway point of 2021.Why should we review goals?How do we review goals?What happens if...
2021-06-1846 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastGuest Interview - Lucy Thorpe - How Do I Become A Freelance Writer?Episode 31 - Guest Interview - Lucy Thorpe - How Do I Become A Freelance Writer?Lucy Thorpe is a freelance writer who works with brands and publications in health, lifestyle, beauty and marketing. Lucy writes content, copy, editorial and provides marketing services to businesses around the world.For more information, visit - www.lucythorpecontent.comIn this episode of the podcast, Laura and Pete chat with Lucy about the highs and lows, benefits and challenges of being a full-time freelance writer. Laura and Pete ask Lucy:Tell us a...
2021-06-1147 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastThe Writer’s Toolbox - The Tool of EditingEpisode 30 - The Writer’s Toolbox - The Tool of EditingIn this episode, Pete and Laura take another delve into The Writer’s Toolbox and add the tool of editing as a writer. Hate it or love it, editing is a huge part of writing. We can’t avoid it, so it’s best to embrace it and ensure it’s part of or writing process. In this “Toolbox” podcast Peter and Laura chat about what we mean by editing?Editing is about revision and preparation. It’s about removing and addin...
2021-06-0429 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastThe Writer’s Toolbox - Constructing CharactersEpisode 29 - The Writer’s Toolbox - Constructing CharactersIn this episode, Pete and Laura take another delve into The Writer’s Toolbox and add the tool of constructing characters as a writer. This week we are looking at the tool of characterisation and specifically ‘how to get inside your character’s head.’Why You Need To Get Inside Your Character’s Head?Getting inside your character’s head is never time wasted. It will help you see the world through your character’s eyes. It will help...
2021-05-2817 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastHot Seat Interview Laura Stroud - Founder Derbyshire Writing SchoolEpisode 28 - Hot Seat Interview - Laura Stroud - Founder of Derbyshire Writing SchoolWe are back in the writers’ room and we have a guest in our hot seat this week! I am really pleased to interview Derbyshire author, and the founder of Derbyshire Writing School, Laura Stroud. Pete asks Laura several questions about her writing and how they came to start Derbyshire Writing School.When did you realise you wanted to be a writer, not just for enjoyment and pleasure, but to create a business and make it your future?Whe...
2021-05-2138 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastWhy Should I Use Writing Prompts?Episode 27 - Why Should I Use Writing Prompts?THE WRITERS’ ROOM - Why Should I Use Writing Prompts?“Everybody walks past a thousand story ideas every day. The good writers are the ones who see five or six of them. Most people don’t see any.” — Orson ScottIn the Writers’ Room this week, Pete and Laura chat about the benefit of using writing prompts. Following on from the launch of The Prompt Box subscription, they discuss how writing prompts can be like training your writing muscles. How they can be...
2021-05-1432 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastHow Do I Start Writing Non-fiction?THE WRITERS’ ROOM In the Writers’ Room this week, Pete and Laura chat about writing non-fiction. Pete’s non-fiction books are:Nailed To The Cross: How Primitive Methodism Liberated The White Slaves of Bromsgrove Death Goes Digital: How Funeral Directors Can Use LinkedIn To Demonstrate Professionalism, Build Reputation and Create VisibilityLaura’s non-fiction books are - Everyday Storytellers: A step by step guide to writing about your travels, adventures & life.How to Plan Your DIY Wedding: Your step-by-step guide to building a personalise...
2021-05-0747 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastGuest Interview - Alex Davis - What is show don't tell?We have a guest in The Writers’ Room this week - Alex Davis. Alex is an author and literature professional based in Derby.As a writer, Alex has published a novel - THE LAST WAR - a science-fiction novel and a non-fiction book along with 50+ short stories and poems. Among them four short stories called - FIGHTING CATS AND DOGS.Alex currently works as an Associate Lecturer in Creative and Professional Writing for the University of Derby, and is a freelance copy-editor, proofreader, and events organiser. Alex als...
2021-04-3046 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastThe Writer's Toolbox - What are Morning Pages?Episode 24 - The Writer’s Toolbox - What are Morning Pages?In this episode, Pete and Laura take another delve into The Writer’s Toolbox and add the tool of ‘Morning Pages’. Julia Cameron made this tool famous in her book called ‘The Artist’s Way’. “In order to retrieve your creativity, you’ll need to find it. I ask you to do this by an apparently pointless process I call the morning pages… Morning Pages are meant to be, simply the act of moving the hand across the page and writing down whate...
2021-04-2317 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastGuest Interview - Derbyshire author Daniel Henshaw - How To Write For ChildrenWe are back in the writers’ room and we have a guest in our hot seat this week! We are really pleased to introduce Derbyshire author Daniel Henshaw. Daniel is the author of 5 children’s books, all featuring Jeremy Green:‘The Great Snail Robbery’‘The Curious Case of the Missing Orangutan’‘Jeremy’s Shorts’‘Glenkilly’‘Killer Cat from Outer Space’.Daniel is a qualified primary school teacher and holds a degree in English Studies.In 2016, one of Daniel’s stories was shortlisted in the ‘Best Novel for Children’ category at the Wells Festival of Literature. A r...
2021-04-1637 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastWhy It’s Absolutely Essential For A Writer To RestEpisode 22 - Why It’s Absolutely Essential For A Writer To RestIn this episode, Pete and Laura take another delve into The Writer’s Toolbox and add the tool of rest. Talking about rest as a writer can feel tricky. It stirs up lots of emotions about self-worth, productivity, and output. Often, we associate our worth with what we produce, and we tie up our success in how much we have achieved. This can be dangerous, as it can mean we don’t rest when we should. We can feel like we may not...
2021-04-0914 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastHow To Deal With Feedback?Episode 21 — How To Deal With Feedback?THE WRITERS’ ROOM - How To Deal With Feedback?“We all need people who will give us feedback. That’s how we improve.” Bill Gates.In the Writers’ Room this week, Pete and Laura chat about getting and giving feedback on our writing. Pete and Laura recognise how important it is to receive feedback, but through their conversation recognise how we ask for, and how we give feedback, can make all the difference to improving our writing. Also, importantly, how having empathy and understandin...
2021-04-0239 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastHow Can I Be More Productive?Episode 20 — How Can I Be More Productive?THE WRITERS’ ROOM - How Can I Be More Productive?In the Writers’ Room this week, Pete and Laura chat about productivity. How can you achieve more in less time? This is often a question we find ourselves asking. But what does productivity mean for writers, and what systems ideas and methods can help? During the conversation, Laura mentions - The Checklist Manifesto and Pete Talks about - ‘Sane New World: Taming the Mind’ by Ruby Wax.OUR CURRENT...
2021-03-2643 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastGuest Interview - Dawn Brookes - What is self-publishing?We are back in the writers’ room and we have a guest in our hot seat this week! We are really pleased to introduce Derbyshire author Dawn Brookes. Dawn Brookes is an international bestselling author whose books have hit the number one spot in the USA, UK and Canada. Dawn is also the founder of a local literature festival in Oakwood, Derby.Dawn Brookes holds an MA in creative writing and is the author of the Rachel Prince Mystery series, combining a unique blend of murder, cruising and medi...
2021-03-1933 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastGuest Interview - John Woodhouse - What Is Ghostwriting?We are back in the writers’ room and we have a guest in our hot seat this week - John WoodhouseJohn is an author, journalist, and broadcaster. He is a writer of bestselling autobiographies, including I Love the Bones of You with Christopher Eccleston and Stronger with Gareth Thomas. John is a TV and film critic for BBC radio. John has run his own comedy club and has extensive interests in popular culture and entertainment. He lives in the Staffordshire Moorlands with his wife Steph and two children. Pete and...
2021-03-1240 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastWhat Are The Benefits of Writing?Episode 17 - What Are The Benefits of Writing?THE WRITERS’ ROOM - What Are The Benefits of Writing?In the Writers’ Room this week, Pete and Laura chat about the joy they have found in writing, and the benefits it brings into their lives. They also tell a little about how their journey into writing started.What are the benefits and joy you received from writing? Please write to info@derbyshirewritingschool.com and let us know.Laura talks about the benefit of documenting her life through writing, you c...
2021-03-0533 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastGuest Interview - Lauren Davison - Should I do a creative writing degree?We have a guest in The Writers' Room this week - Lauren DavisonLauren Davison is a Creative and Professional Writing student, currently studying at the University of Derby and she answers the big question – What is a creative writing degree really like? Lauren developed a passion for writing at a young age and in an interesting place! She enjoys writing both fiction and non-fiction, and exploring new genres through the modules of her joint honours degree.In this interview, Lauren talks about the benefits and struggles of...
2021-02-2624 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastHow Do I Write A Blog Post?THE WRITERS’ ROOM - How do I write a blog post?In the Writers’ Room this week, we chat about a question we have received from Laura, who attended one of our Online Courses:‘Hi Laura and Pete, I want to move ahead with my writing and start blogging. How do I write a blog post?’Laura suggests to:Take some time to conduct a bit of research. Looking at blogs that you enjoy reading. Then decide what sort of blog you’d like to write, spend time to identify its purpos...
2021-02-1935 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastThe Writer's Toolbox - What is creative play?Episode 14 - The Writer’s Toolbox - What is creative play?In this episode, Pete and Laura take another delve into The Writer’s Toolbox and add the tool of creative play. When you write, does it feel like all work or play? What if taking your writing opportunities too seriously stifled your creative writing, rather than unleashing heaps of energy to change the world through your words?There is a tool for every specific purpose - using the right tool to get the work done makes the task easie...
2021-02-1219 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastGuest Interview - Charlotte Lunn - How Do I Get Started With Poetry?Episode 13 - Guest Interview - Charlotte Lunn - How Do I Get Started With Poetry?We have a guest in The Writers’ Room this week - the Derbyshire Poet, Charlotte Lunn.Charlotte Lunn is a published poet, workshop facilitator and bookseller. After completing her creative writing degree at The University of Derby, Charlotte became the events co-ordinator at Scarthin Books and has regularly reviewed literature for BBC Radio Derby. Charlotte has performed across the midlands. Shottle Hall and Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site have also...
2021-02-0526 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastGuest Interview - Alex Davis - How To Self Edit Your WritingEpisode 12 - Guest Interview - Alex Davis - How To Self Edit Your WritingWe have a guest in The Writers’ Room this week - Alex Davis. Alex is an author and literature professional based in Derby.As a writer, Alex has published a novel - THE LAST WAR - a science-fiction novel and a non-fiction book along with 50+ short stories and poems. Among them four short stories called - FIGHTING CATS AND DOGS.Alex currently works as an Associate Lecturer in Creative and Professional Wr...
2021-01-2942 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastThe Writer's Toolbox - What is a writing mindset?Episode 11 - The Writer’s ToolboxIn this episode we take a delve into The Writer’s ToolboxPete and Laura introduce an occasional format of the podcast they will visit from time to time - The Writer’s Toolbox. “To the man who only has a hammer, everything he encounters begins to look like a nail.” ― Abraham MaslowThis quote by the father of understanding the hierarchy of needs puts Pete in an awkward place as Laura reveals the list of tools Pete, her fat...
2021-01-2226 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastHow Do I Set Writing Goals?Episode 10 - How Do I Set Writing Goals?THE WRITERS’ ROOM - How Do I Set Writing Goals?In the Writers Room this week, Pete and Laura chat about setting objectives and writing goals. This last year has been challenging for everyone, but there is a significant benefit for a writer to set goals remembering that being kind to yourself is the highest priority. This last year, among many lessons, it has taught us sometimes things outside of our control can affect what we are planning to complete. “Be grateful for w...
2021-01-1530 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastHow Do I Write A Eulogy? - THE WRITERS’ ROOM HOT SEATEpisode 9 - Hot Seat Interview - How Do I Write A Eulogy?THE WRITERS’ ROOM HOT SEAT What could you learn about creative writing from someone who has written 700 eulogies or more? A eulogy is ‘good words’ spoken, usually at a funeral. At 3000 words a eulogy - that’s about 30 novels worth of writing our hot seat guest has written. Could you improve an aspect of your writing by understanding how someone can write a life story of a person they have never met? A true story that combin...
2021-01-0842 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastWhat Is The Best Writing Advice You Have Received?THE WRITERS’ ROOM - What’s the best writing advice that you have ever received.In the Writers’ Room this week, Pete and Laura chat about the source of the best writing advice they have received. (So far.)‘Hi Laura and Pete, with so many resources in books, and online in videos, podcasts and courses, say nothing of any formal education or study, the question I have is this, “What is the best writing advice you have ever received?’Surprised, they both discover that the best advice they received is very similar. Whi...
2021-01-0141 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastHow Do I Read Like A Writer?Episode 7 - How Do I Read Like A Writer?Stop Press! Pete gets very excited receiving his first fan mail, even more so when it is a book he once had, but disappeared not long after Laura once visited! Thanks to Sheri, Pete has his own copy of - ‘The Artist’s Way.’THE WRITERS’ ROOM - What’s the biggest problem you are experiencing with writing this week?In the Writers’ Room this week, Pete and Laura chat about how reading as a writer changes when you want to understan...
2020-12-2546 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastHow Do I Overcome Self-Doubt As A Writer?Episode 6 - How Do I Overcome Self-Doubt As A Writer?THE WRITERS’ ROOM - What’s the biggest problem you are experiencing with writing this week?In the Writers Room this week, Pete and Laura chat about how to overcome the one problem all writers face, and that is self-doubt.‘Hi Laura and Pete, the question I have is, How do I overcome self-doubt as a writer? I’m always wondering about whether anyone will read my words, and what they would say. So much sometimes, it stops me from wri...
2020-12-1844 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastHow Do I Fill My Creative Well?Episode 5 - How Do I Fill My Creative Well?THE WRITERS’ ROOM In the Writers’ Room this week, Pete and Laura chat about how you can maintain creativity for the long haul. Hi, my question is, ‘How do I fill my creative well? What can I do to make sure I feel I want to write and have things to write about?’Pete and Laura think about creativity being a well that can run dry or muscle you need to exercise? What do you think? Pete tells...
2020-12-1145 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastHow Do I Develop A Writing Habit?Episode 4 - How Do I Develop A Writing Habit?THE WRITERS’ ROOM - What’s the biggest problem you are experiencing with writing this week?In the Writers' Room this week, Pete and Laura chat about how you can develop a writing habit. Pippa the office dog joins in too!Hi, I’m a new writer and I struggle to write each day, what suggestions to you have for me to make it a habit?YOU DON’T NEED A WRITING HABIT! Says, Laura, but Pete disagrees. What do...
2020-12-0440 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastHow Do I Return To Writing?Episode 3 - How Do I Return To Writing?THE WRITERS’ ROOM In the Writers Room this week, Pete and Laura chat about a listener’s question. I'm looking at getting back into writing after a time of being away. What is your advice for someone like me?Laura talks about the benefits of writing with many practical suggestions. But remember the importance of having fun! Pete thinks about how getting back into writing could be more than using a writing prompt and explore how you could create a legacy...
2020-11-2743 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastIs Writer's Block Fact or Fiction?Episode 2 - Is Writer’s Block Fact or Fiction?THE WRITERS' ROOM - What’s the biggest problem you are experiencing with writing this week? In the Writers' Room this week, Pete and Laura chat about writer's block.Is writer’s block fact or fiction? Does it really exist or is it just an excuse I make when I can’t write?Pete talks about the Steven Pressfield article link. First Drafts are Killers - Laura talks about the different forms of writer’s block she has experienced. Laura tells o...
2020-11-2039 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastHow Do I Get From Short Stories To A Novel?Episode 1 - How Do I Get From Short Stories To A Novel?THE WRITERS' ROOM - What’s the biggest problem you are experiencing with writing this week? In the Writers' Room this week, Pete and Laura chat about Phil's question. "I seem to have no shortage of creative ideas. I'm fine with short pieces, but I struggle to get from an overall idea to a longer piece of writing. And to see it through. I know this is partly about the daily discipline that I feel help with. But...
2020-11-1937 min
Begin - Derbyshire Writing School PodcastTrailer - Begin - The Podcast from Derbyshire Writing School“The beginning is the most important part of the work.” ― Plato, The RepublicWhat makes BEGIN - the podcast from Derbyshire Writing School - different?It is all about you. About the problems you are facing and how to overcome them. It's about finding the best way to help you learn, grow and develop your creative writing skills. In this trailer, Pete Billingham and Laura Stroud explain who they are. They tell a little about their background and why they started the business - Derbyshire Writing School.The trail...
2020-11-1913 min