Category: Indie Author

Enter.Stage.Write #wwwBlogs #WritingCompetition #writingwestmids

On By shelleywilson72In Authors, Fiction, Fun Stuff, Indie Author, Inspirational, The Writing Process, Writing, Writing Tools, WWWBlogs6 Comments

I’m delighted to share news about the Enter.Stage.Write 2017 regional writing competition.

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Aspiring screen, theatre and movie writers are given the chance to take centre stage with a regional writing competition!

ENTER.STAGE.WRITE 2017

Budding screen and stage writers are being encouraged to enter a writing competition which launches in the Midlands this month aiming to give them the opportunity to see their work performed published and perhaps even commissioned.

The Transition Stage Company launched on July 1 with the competition called Enter.Stage.Write, designed to give aspiring screen and stage writers across England and the West Midlands the chance to see their work brought to life.

Enter.Stage.Write is open to anyone to write a 7 to 10-minute play and submit it. The shortlisted mini-plays will then be performed at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre by West Midlands Actors on 19th September 2017 in a glittering night which will see entrants, actors and dignitaries alike arrive to a red-carpet reception.

Founder, Natalie Edwards, an actress who hails from Sutton Coldfield in Birmingham but whose career has taken her as far as New York City, said she felt compelled to launch the competition as so few screen writers are ever given real opportunity.

Natalie

“The sad reality is that there are many highly skilled creatives not only in the West Midlands but other regions, hungry for a chance to prove themselves” she said.

“Unfortunately, their talents are overlooked or they are forced to travel to search elsewhere for exposure. Enter.Stage.Write provides an opportunity for us to acknowledge and reward creative writing talent right here. “

The red-carpet event will show-case the shortlisted ten plays, with cash prizes, trophies and the opportunity for applicants to have their work published. Natalie wants all of the winners to get the recognition they deserve.

A guest panel of judges made up of industry experts and business and community leaders will select the finalists. The winning scriptwriter will receive £1,000 cash prize.

Natalie added that the Transition Stage Company would be encouraging all aspiring writers to enter the competition. She said there was no age limit and 10% of profits from the event would be donated to Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

People wanting to enter the competition should follow the link below and follow the guidelines on the Transition Stage Company website. Information is provided on how to submit an entry and there is additional info on workshops to assist writers with their writing.

http://transitionstagecompany.com/competition.html

The closing date for writing submissions is 31st August 2017

About Transition Stage Company

Transition Stage Company was founded in Manhattan, New York, by Natalie Edwards, an actor and entrepreneur. She developed the company under the mentorship of the late Ron Tipp, producer of 1996 blockbuster, Space Jam.

The ethos was to give visual artists in New York City a Platform through theatre, Cinema and events in which they could gain exposure and representation.

Natalie has worked in independent film and theatre for eight years, returning to Birmingham in 2014 to study for an MA at the Birmingham School of Acting. She has recently been filming for various BBC TV Shows.

Natalie’s dream is to nurture Midland talent, creating an eco-system of work, paving the way for local writers and performers

For details on Transition Stage Company please contact Natalieyesufuedwards@yahoo.com  +447446739099

Thanks for visiting my blog, I hope you enjoyed this post. Want more? Connect with me here:  Twitter @ShelleyWilson72, Instagram or check out my Facebook pages http://www.facebook.com/FantasyAuthorSLWilson and http://www.facebook.com/MotivateMeBlog. You can also find me on Pinterest

#CoverReveal There’s a New Self-Help Book on the Horizon

On By shelleywilson72In Blogging, Books, Indie Author, Inspirational, mind body spirit, Non Fiction, Reading, Self Publishing, The Writing Process, Tuesday Book Blog, Wellbeing, Writing32 Comments

Back in 2013, I embarked on a year-long quest where I completed fifty-two challenges over the course of the year – one challenge for every week. I blogged the entire event starting on January 1st, 2013 and have continued blogging ever since.

That project was only meant to be a personal mission. It was a way to show my holistic health clients that they could do anything they wanted if they believed enough in their dreams. Instead, the challenge changed my life in so many ways.

In 2014 I published my first book, How I Changed My Life in a Year based on my year of challenges. It went on to hit the number one spot on Amazon’s best seller list in self-help and memoir, and in 2016 it attracted the attention of Penguin Random House.

Since then so much has changed for me. I fell ill following a viral infection caused by an insect bite which in turn began to affect my body, energy levels, and mood. I had to close my holistic health business as there were days I woke up without the use of my arm and hand. It’s been a tough struggle at times, and along with the symptoms of my illness I also had to deal with depression and anxiety – something I’ve self-managed for over eighteen years.

However, I have always clung to positivity and self-help as a way to look after myself, physically and emotionally. Writing is another personal development tool that I find hugely cathartic. I adore penning my YA fiction as this acts as an escape from reality when I need it. My non-fiction books, however, are my way of sharing what I’ve learned, and the journey I took to get where I needed to be – the good and bad bits. Perhaps this is why How I Changed My Life in a Year was so successful, as people could relate to my story on a personal level.

After such a turbulent time, I’m now delighted to announce that my next non-fiction book, dubbed the sequel-that’s-not-a-sequel, How I Motivated Myself to Succeed: Top Motivation Tips for Life, Happiness, Changing Habits and Releasing Fears will be released on Friday 22nd September 2017 but is available for pre-order now.

I’d also like to take this opportunity to share the incredible cover, designed by my friend and fellow self-help author, Peter Jones from Soundhaven.

HIMMTS cover KINDLE

Look out for the blog tour in September and feel free to drop a message in the comments below and let me know what you think of the cover, blurb, topic, or anything else you feel drawn to share.

Blurb:

If you’ve ever felt like life is passing you by at a startling rate, or you just exist day to day rather than living life to the full, this book will share honest, straightforward, and realistic techniques to help motivate you to make powerful changes.

From setting goals and organising your life, to freeing yourself from fear, Shelley shares the unique story of how she planned, prepared, and executed the year of challenges and life-changing events brought about by her motivational, award-winning blog.

How I Motivated Myself to Succeed is full of practical tips, exercises, and real-life stories of success, including advice on how to trust yourself and celebrate achievements, as well as manage your time and balance your life effectively.

Shelley’s first book, How I Changed My Life in a Year, became a bestseller in self-help and memoir as it struck a nerve with the thousands of women looking to make a difference and be the best they could be.

Dubbed as the sequel-that’s-not-a-sequel, this book can be enjoyed before or after reading How I Changed My Life in a Year.

Pre-Order your copy today:

Amazon UK

Amazon US

Thanks for visiting my blog, I hope you enjoyed this post. Want more? Connect with me here:  Twitter @ShelleyWilson72, Instagram or check out my Facebook pages http://www.facebook.com/FantasyAuthorSLWilson and http://www.facebook.com/MotivateMeBlog. You can also find me on Pinterest

Meet Author Sacha Black @sacha_black #WritingTips

On By shelleywilson72In Authors, Blogger Bash, Blogging, Books, Indie Author, Inspirational, Self Publishing, Social Media, The Writing Process, Writespiration, Writing, Writing Tools, WWWBlogs52 Comments

It’s an absolute delight to introduce my next guest to the blog today as she is a popular figure in the blogging community, ‘Boss Lady’ of the Annual Bloggers Bash Awards, and recently published author of the brilliant 13 Steps to Evil writing craft book (you can read my review of the book HERE).

So, without any more waffle, allow me to introduce the very lovely, Sacha Black.

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The Fun Stuff:

What part of the world do you come from?

I was born in London. But spent most of my youth growing up in the countryside a couple of hours north. I went to university in Hertfordshire, and have stayed here ever since. That was 12 years ago, and now Hertfordshire feels like home.

What did you want to be when you grew up? Continue reading “Meet Author Sacha Black @sacha_black #WritingTips” →

My Route to Publication by Lizzie Lamb @lizzie_lamb #TuesdayBookBlog

On By shelleywilson72In Authors, Blogging, Book Review, Books, Fiction, Fun Stuff, Indie Author, Inspirational, Reading, Romance Fiction, Self Publishing, The Writing Process, Tuesday Book Blog, Women's Fiction, Writing55 Comments

I’ve met my next guest on a couple of occasions, once at the Book Connectors meet up in Birmingham, and then again in Leicester just before Christmas. She is always so supportive of others, a delight to chat with, and an inspiration to all writers’. I am, therefore, over the moon to invite the lovely Lizzie Lamb to join me today to talk about her route to publication. Over to Lizzie…

Work Desk
My Work Desk

Many thanks to Shelley for inviting me onto her fabulous blog to talk about my route to publication. For those who don’t know me, I am in indie author and have just published my latest Scottish-themed contemporary romance, GIRL IN THE CASTLE. So, how did I manage to publish four novels in under five years and work collaboratively on two others? Read on – Continue reading “My Route to Publication by Lizzie Lamb @lizzie_lamb #TuesdayBookBlog” →

Dear Mr Kershaw #BookReview @DerekPhilpott

On By shelleywilson72In Book Review, Book Reviews, Fun Stuff, Humour, Indie Author, Non Fiction, Reading, Self Publishing, The Writing Process, Tuesday Book Blog, Writing24 Comments

Book Review

Title: Dear Mr Kershaw: A Pensioner Writes

Author: Derek Philpott

Category: Humour/Music

My Rating: 5 Star

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My Review:

I spotted this book on Gary’s Fiction is Food blog where the author, Derek Philpott was a guest on the Author Spotlight feature. You can read Gary’s post HERE. Continue reading “Dear Mr Kershaw #BookReview @DerekPhilpott” →

Why I Love the #BloggersBash and Why You Should Attend

On By shelleywilson72In Authors, Blogger Bash, Blogging, Fun Stuff, Indie Author, Inspirational, Social Media, Writing82 Comments

On a beautiful sunny day in June, Westminster was invaded by a gaggle of bloggers (or should that be a brace of bloggers??).

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A room full of introverts shrugged off their fears and embraced the nature of the Bloggers Bash with fun, frolics, and cake-a-plenty!

As I stuffed my face with a full English breakfast in my hotel on Sunday morning, I noticed an influx of blog posts from attendees and the nominees/winners of awards arriving in my notifications. Fast work guys! I loved reading their thoughts on the event and the positive moments they took from the day. Bloggers from across the globe got involved with live streaming, and posts of gratitude. Suzanne from Global Housesitter scooped the runner-up prize for Best Newcomer Blog, and she posted her thoughts HERE.

The lovely Ellen Best won the prize for her ‘Connections’ story submitted for the short story competition which you can read HERE.

The beautiful and bubbly Ritu, from But I Smile Anyway grabbed the coveted prize of Best Overall Blog and summed up the entire event perfectly in her post which you can read HERE.

(Images: Ellen Best receiving her award from Hugh. Ritu from But I Smile Anyway).

Please pop over to Twitter and follow the hashtag #BloggersBash2017 where you can catch up on some of the wonderful posts and photographs as well as watch the videos from the day. Continue reading “Why I Love the #BloggersBash and Why You Should Attend” →

Have I Stumbled into Writing Horror? #Writing #NewRelease #YA

On By shelleywilson72In Authors, Books, Fiction, Friday Book Share, Horror, Indie Author, Mystery, Reading, Self Publishing, Social Media, The Writing Process, Thriller/Mystery, Urban Fantasy, Writing, Writing Tools, Young Adult42 Comments

Have I Stumbled into Writing Horror?

When my publisher added my new release to their catalogue, I noticed they listed it under horror. I was about to correct them when I glanced at the extract I’d added to a guest post and realised there was a lot of blood mentioned!

Once I’d completed my Guardians trilogy and nestled it comfortably in the fantasy genre, I began to pen Oath Breaker, a werewolf novel, always thinking I was sticking to the fantasy theme albeit with a more urban feel.

Oath Breaker

With a recent battle against depression still hanging over me, I realise that my writers’ voice has taken on a much darker tone. The third book in my trilogy, Guardians of the Lost Lands was a little more disturbing than its predecessors. However, has my voice changed so much that I’m now crossing from fantasy to horror? Continue reading “Have I Stumbled into Writing Horror? #Writing #NewRelease #YA” →