Lincoln Library talk

Want to learn all the tricks of the romance writing trade? Come and learn the secrets of this hugely popular genre from one of their best-selling authors Kate Walker at #LincolnLibrary next week! Tickets are limited so book now on 01522 782010 or email Lincoln_library@gll.org

One of the extra special things about being a writer is the way that I get to meet up with so many readers at such different stages of their reading experience. Last Friday was one of those days when I was invited to hand out the certificates to the readers who had worked hard to earn a completers' certificate in the Reading Ahead classes run by The Reading Agency.

To quote the Reading Agency web site:

One in six people struggles to read. However, research shows that when we ...inspire people to read for pleasure they benefit from far greater opportunities in everyday life, education and employment. Reading Ahead (formerly called the Six Book Challenge) is the gateway to these opportunities. Because everything changes when we read. 

Reading Ahead supports young people and adults by changing their perception of reading, opening up opportunities and building their confidence.

Run through public libraries, adult learning organisations, colleges, workplaces and prisons, Reading Ahead invites participants to pick six reads and record, rate and review them in a diary in order to get a certificate. The programme isn't just about books - it's about newspapers, magazines and websites too. The new name reflects this to help those for whom books might be a barrier to joining in.

I had a wonderful afternoon at a local library, meeting the successful readers, sharing in their delight in a new-found joy in reading and presenting their completion certificates. Thank you to all library staff for their warm  welcome - and tea and cake! - and to those new readers - keep on reading!

Radio Interview

I don't know how many of you can pick up Radio Humberside from Hull  but if you can then I'm doing an  interview with them this morning. 

This of course  is because of the workshop I'm doing on Valentines's Day - so just to remind you  . . . .

Dates: 14th February 2012

Time: 1:30pm to 4:30pm

Location: The Ballroom The Angel
Brigg Lincolnshire
Tickets cost £7 per person and are available in advance from Ashby, Brigg and Scunthorpe libraries.
Places are limited so book early to avoid disappointment.
The event is for adults aged 16 and over. To book a place contact Emma Prideaux at North Lincolnshire Central Library on 01724 860161  or email library.enquiries@northlincs.gov.uk.

The interview will be at about 11.10  am on the David Burns morning show - and if you can't listen this morning, then I'm sure it will be available  on their Listen Again feature

Looking ahead 2

A few more details about two more workshops I have  coming up this year.

Maybe Wales isn't easy for you to reach. (Though I have had students at Fishguard who have come from London,  Norwich -  Spain! )

Maybe you can't spare a whole weekend to attend a course.

Maybe you haven't been on a 'basic' course so you feel the Advanced Romance Writing might be too much for you

Well how about  a half day workshop? A full day one?

The first of these is, appropriately enough  on Valentine's Day:

LINCOLNSHIRE

Planned for Valentine’s Day will be a workshop on writing romance with
North Lincolnshire Libraries

Date: February 14th obviously!

Location: The Ballroom The Angel, Brigg Lincolnshire

Time: 1.30 – 4.30 pm

Cost, where to apply and all other details to be announced as soon as possible.

But you can check on their page here  or ring  the Central Library to enquire  Tel: 01724 860161

NOTTINGHAM

Saturday 19th May

10am-4pm workshop (including a one hour lunch break and a short break in both the morning and afternoon).

At The Nottingham Mechanics 3 NORTH SHERWOOD STREET NOTTINGHAM NG1 4EZ

 Details and booking forms will be posted on the Nottingham Writers Club web site


I will of course post details of each event as I get them on my Events page here on my site. It's due to be updated in the next couple of days so then you’ll have as much information as I have.