Begin - Derbyshire Writing School Podcast

Episode 80 - Guest Interview – Writing Non-Fiction – Jonny Williams

In 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 is an experienced community leader in the public sector, having coached and enabled teams and individuals to maximise their potential while working for the UK Government as a civil servant, and in the higher education sector. 

His experience as a Delivery Manager enabled him to explore the disciplines of Agile Coaching and Scrum Mastery. This led to Jonny being one of less than one thousand people from around the world certified as Professional Scrum Master III in May 2021.

Peter and Laura ask Jonny:

• Tell us about yourself and your journey. How did you get started with writing?
• Tell us about your writing process. How did the book emerge?
• We understand you had been in talks with a publisher before you decided to self-publish. Can you tell us more about this? 
• Why did you choose to self-publish rather than reach out to a traditional publisher?
• What’s been the biggest challenge? 
• What advice do you have for someone who wants to write a business book or a personal brand book?
• What have you enjoyed the most about your experience?
• What do you wish you’d known sooner?
• What’s next for you, and how can our listeners find out more about you and your work?

Quick Fire Questions

• What’s the best writing advice you’ve ever received?
• What’s a must-read book you’d recommend?
• What inspiration could you give to our listeners?

In the podcast, Jonny mentions:

• Trello - project management tool.
• Google Documents
• QuillBot’s - AI-powered paraphrasing tool
• Excalidraw
• Daniel Pink – Drive
• James Clear – Atomic Habits 

You can find out more about Jonny at:

New book – Delivery Management: Enabling Teams to Deliver Value

Website – delivervalue.uk

We want to hear from you! info@derbyshirewritingschool.com

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Thanks for listening!

Episode 79 – The Prompt Box

In 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 and Laura chat about The Prompt Box and how it could help you get unstuck with your writing.

They discuss:

• How does a prompt box work?
• What is the aim of The Prompt Box?
• How can make the most of the unique contents in each Prompt Box?

The four Prompt Box types - 

1. Spark Prompt Box
2. Inspire Prompt Box
3. Create Prompt Box
4. Ignite Prompt Box

For more information, head over to Derbyshire Writing School Website - The Prompt Box.

We want to hear from you! info@derbyshirewritingschool.com

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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 success. Perhaps too busy doing the wrong things or, as Pete says, I’ve learned there is something I haven’t yet learned. You can’t do it all! Though he still tries! They discover there is a key thing you need to know to answer the question. 

Section Two: PERSONAL PROJECTS. In this section, we share what we’ve been working on.

Pete is about 90% of his first draft of: - ‘I Just Want To Say A Few Words: The Ultimate Eulogy Toolbox - A Simple and Easy Step-by-Step Guide How To Write A Eulogy for A Loved One, Friend or Colleague.’ And Laura is working on the feedback and edits for her second book in the Everyday Storytellers Series. 

Section Three: LESSONS LEARNED. In this section, we share what we are learning about writing and publishing, as it never stops! 

Excited to discover the phenomenal creative power of AI to draw images with a few words, Pete has found something else he wants to learn!

Section Four: BOOK UPDATE. In this section, we share interesting book recommendations, articles, or ideas to help you on your writing journey. 

Pete has finished and thoroughly enjoyed the biography of Jack London by Alex Kershaw. Pete mentioned the short story – To Build A Fire, which he found an excellent example of how London writes fiction with tension and release and uses life experiences for his stories. You can find a copy of To Build A Fire here.

Laura has been reading – Emilie Pine's 'Notes To Self', a collection of six essays on varied themes.

Section Five: WHAT’S HAPPENING AT DERBYSHIRE WRITING SCHOOL THIS WEEK? - How are we building the business this week?

We are excited to announce we have launched two new workbooks -

Developing a Writing Habit Workbook

Developing a Writing Mindset Workbook

Section Six: PERSONAL UPDATES - In this section, we share what’s new with us! 

Pete is looking forward to being on another podcast - The C Method with Cristina Canters, and Laura was happy for her friend who just launched a new book.

We want to hear from you! info@derbyshirewritingschool.com

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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 celebrates his upcoming sixtieth birthday, revealing India’s rich history, religions and philosophy through his careful observations. Witness the splendour and majesty of India, side by side with its brutal poverty and prejudice. Along the way, Peter encounters evangelical nuns, experiences remnants of the British Raj, and finds new friends and the kindness of strangers alike. Within this kaleidoscope of Indian culture, colour, and chaos, you’ll also explore how to recognise and store those unique memorable moments — the ‘rosebuds’ of your life.

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★ BONUS - Free download of Gathering Rosebuds - The Workbook ★ - Included as a gift on the Begin Podcast from Derbyshire Writing School.

Here is a download link for a free PDF copy of the Gathering Rosebuds - The Workbook.

Would you like to learn how to tell your life story but don’t know where to start? You may think, ‘I’m not a writer,’ or you may worry, ‘Will anyone even care what I have to say?’ Well, they will. Why? Because your life story is extraordinary, one that deserves to be told. Gathering Rosebuds - The Workbook will tell you how.

★ Plus - you also get A FREE 42-page PDF of worksheets to accompany the workbook. ★

These worksheets have everything you need to document your life’s memorable stories. Print as many worksheets as you need when you need them.

Don’t Forget - here is a download link for a free PDF copy of the Gathering Rosebuds - The Workbook.

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Gathering Rosebuds in Kerala: A Memoir About Storing Life’s Special Moments: is available at Amazon. 

• Paperback
• Hardback
• eBook
• Large Print
• Dyslexia-friendly version - typeset and printed with OpenDyslexic

We want to hear from you! info@derbyshirewritingschool.com

Send us a voice message.

Thanks for listening!

Episode 76 - The Writers Toolkit Workbooks

In 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 
• Episode 14 – The tool of play 
• Episode 22 – The ability to rest when needed
• Episode 30 – The tool of editing 
• Episode 37 - Motivation to write 
• Episode 73 – The ability to take courage

What if you would like to develop your skills as a writer by developing these tools? This is where the Derbyshire Writing School Workbooks come in.

Check out our workbook library and develop your writing knowledge quickly.

• Creating Characters Workbook – This workbook will tell you everything you need to know about characters and how to create them, and you’ll take part in activities to help bring your characters to life. 
• Beating Writer’s Block Workbook – This workbook will kick-start your imagination as you explore where writer’s block comes from and how you can overcome it with actionable steps and advice. 

Coming soon!

• Developing a Writing Habit – We all want to develop good writing habits, but where do we start? This workbook will show you how you can fit your writing into your busy schedule and finally finish your first draft. 
• Understanding Point of View – You know POV is important, but maybe you don’t truly understand why. Our workbook has everything you need to know with POV.
• Developing a Writer’s Mindset – Writing is hard. To hold strong, you need to develop a writing mindset. This workbook will help you explore the tools you need to see your writing projects through. 
• How to Edit Your Book – Reaching the final draft can be a long process, but how do you make that journey? And how can you make it as easy as possible? In this workbook, we’ll show you how.

Find out more about our writing workbooks and develop your writing with us!
We want to hear from you! info@

Episode 75 – Guest Interview – Derbyshire Author – Sarah Ward

In 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.

Sarah is also the writer of the Doctor Who audio drama The Unwilling Assassin for Big Finish and The Perils of Nellie Bly, featuring the Fifth Doctor.

Besides writing, Sara is an experienced Board Member of the Derby Book Festival and the Crime Writers Association. 

Pete and Laura ask Sarah:

• Tell us about yourself and your journey. How did you get started with writing?
• Can you tell our listeners more about your novels, and your audio drama work?
• We’ve got lots of questions we’d love to ask you, but we want to start with point of view. We know point of view is important in our writing. How do you decide who should tell the story?
• What advice can you give to our readers to allow them to write from an authentic and consistent point of view?
• Sarah, we are really interested in talking about how you’ve found the experience of writing under a pen name. Can you talk to us about this experience and explain why you made this decision?
• Would you recommend writing under a pen name if your genre/ style is significantly different? Did you face any challenges?
• We loved seeing a glimpse of your research reading list for The Quickening. Can you tell us more about your writing process? Does this change for every book?
• Setting also plays a huge part in your work. How do you create such vivid settings? Is this part of your research process, too?
• We have lots of indie authors who listen to our podcast, and authors who are keen to learn about marketing their books. Can you talk about how much marketing you are involved with? Do you have any advice for our listeners?
• What’s next for you, and how can our listeners find out more about you and your work?

 You can find Sarah:

At her website - https://crimepieces.com or Twitter or Facebook.

We want to hear from you! info@derbyshirewritingschool.com

Send us a voice message.

Thanks for listening!

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 - email us!)

'It’s not word the count that matters - but the words that count!'

Section Two: PERSONAL PROJECTS. In this section, we share what we’ve been working on.

Laura has finished the first draft of her second book in the series - Everyday Storytellers. Book Two is writing non-fiction. It’s off to the editor and waiting to start the processing of shaping the words. 

Pete is working on - I Just Want To Say A Few Words. The Ultimate step-by-step guide to writing a eulogy. This is a workbook based practical guide to writing a short eulogy for a funeral or memorial service.

Section Three: LESSONS LEARNED. In this section, we share what we are learning about writing and publishing, as it never stops! 

Now having an agent as a ghostwriter, Laura is refining book proposals and learning how to answer in one sentence the question, ‘Why am I the person to tell that story, and why does it have to be told now?’

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 1-1 Coaching Packages from Derbyshire Writing School

• The Power Coaching Package–We offer single sessions to work through specific chapters or problems you’re facing. These sessions include detailed feedback on 2,000 words of your writing.

What’s included:

• 1 x 55-minute session (via Zoom or in-person) and typed actions from the call
• Feedback on 2,000 words of your written work.
• 1 x 15-minute accountability call (3 weeks after our session).
• Email support for three weeks after our session.

Writing Coaching–Power Package from £145.00

Section Four: BOOK UPDATE. In this section, we share interesting book recommendations, articles, or ideas to help you on your writing journey. 

Pete has been reading - Jack London A Life by Alex Kershaw. 

“I would rather be ashes than dust! I would rather that my spark should burn out in a brilliant blaze than it should be stifled by dry-rot. I would rather be a superb meteor, every atom of me in a magnificent glow, than a sleepy and permanent planet. The function of man is to live, not to exist. I shall not waste my days trying to prolong them. I shall use my time.” ― Jack London.

Among the eleven books on her bedside table for reading is - This Is Not a Pity Memoir by Abi Morgan.

Section Five: WHAT’S HAPPENING AT DERBYSHIRE WRITING SCHOOL THIS WEEK? - How are we building the business this week?

A Peak District Writing Retreat - A one day writing retreat to build momentum within your writing project.

Personal Updates - Pete is almost becoming a Derbyshire man! Biking the trails around the Peaks!

We want to hear from you! info@derbyshirewritingschool.com

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Episode 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 Faulkner

In 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 this an important tool in our writing journey?

When we think about creative courage, we need to consider:

• Creative courage in our stories.
• Creative courage as a writer.

What Does Creative Courage in our stories mean? 

• Creative courage can mean taking creative risks. 
• Creative courage can mean asking tough questions.
• Creative courage can mean trying new things.
• Creative courage can mean challenging our characters.
• Creative courage can mean ‘killing our darlings’. 

What do we mean if we think of Creative Courage as a writer?

• It takes courage to set really huge goals.
• It also takes a lot of courage to accept that we will not be perfect.
• It takes a lot of courage to believe in yourself.
• It takes a lot of courage as a writer to say no.
• It takes a lot of courage to share our work. 

What about practical advice?

Take some time to journal and free-write around these prompts:

• How are you going to show courage?
• What creative risks do you need to take?
• Why is courage important to you? (If it is).
• What do you need to say no to?
• Where do you need to show more courage is your writing life?
• How will you deal with sharing your work? How can you put boundaries in place to protect yourself?
• When did you last show courage?

Keep sharing your, your story, keep sharing your truth because it matters!

 We want to hear from you! info@derbyshirewritingschool.com

Send us a voice message.

Thanks for listening!
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1-1 Coaching Packages from Derbyshire Writing School

If you know you’ve got a book in you, but you keep getting blocked, or you keep feeling resistance every time you sit down and stare at a blank page, we can help. Our writing coaching will push you to answer the difficult questions and challenge the blocks that are stopping you from creating your best work. We work together to unlock your potential. Your story is in there somewhere, and we’ll help you get it out of your head and onto the page.

The Power Coaching Package – We offer single sessions to work through specific chapters or problems you’re facing. These sessions include detailed feedback on 2,000 words of your writing.

What’s included:

• 1 x 55-minute session (via Zoom or in-person) and typed actions from the call
• Feedback on 2,000 words of your written work.
• 1 x 15-minute accountability call (3 weeks after our session).
• Email support for three weeks after our session.

Episode 72 - Guest Interview - Cat Mitchell - Publishing 101

In 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 book festival, and a freelance book publicist.

Cat is currently researching disability in publishing, and in 2021 published the Access Denied report, which investigated barriers for disabled job seekers and employees in the industry.

Pete and Laura ask Cat:-

• When we talk about the publishing industry, what do we mean?
• We’d love to know even more about you. Tell us three things you love about the publishing industry?
• Can you tell us more about the relationship between publishers and writers?
• What advice would you give to writers when interacting with publishers?
• Tell us about Penguin Random House. What was it like working for one of the big publishers?
• You’ve undertaken extensive research into disability and publishing/working in publishing. Please, can you tell us more about this? Plus, what can we do to support?
• You’ve got lots of exciting projects on the go. Please, can you tell us more? What’s next for you?

In the interview, Cat mentioned:-

Her article - Access Denied: disabled employees and job seekers reveal their stories.

Inklusion - Innovating access in the literature sector

You can find Cat on Twitter

We want to hear from you! info@derbyshirewritingschool.com

Send us a voice message.

Thanks for listening!

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:

1. What do we mean when we talk about genre?
2. How do we decide (or identify) what genre we are writing in?
3. What is a genre trope and can you give us an example of tropes for a specific genre (e.g. Gothic or Supernatural).
4. Why do certain genres have lots of tropes? And how can we find out what the tropes of a specific genre are?
5. Please can you give three tips for our listener to help them ‘hit the tropes’ without allowing the story to become boring or predictable?
6. As writers, we know it’s important to read and research and writing publications is one way, we can do this. We know you work with the Writing Magazine; can you tell us more about the work you do?
7. In November 2022, you’re hosting a writing event Writing Magazine – An online day of workshops, panels & talks on ghost stories, gothic and supernatural fiction. 

Writing Magazine and Alex Davis Events present - WINTER HAUNTS
Ghost Story, Gothic and Supernatural Fiction Day

General event listings for Alex's events

Further information on editing services and one-to-one author coaching sessions.

You can find Alex on Twitter

Quick fire questions:

• What’s the biggest mistake you see writers make?
• What single tip can you give to make our writing better?
• What advice would you give to a first time writer?

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We want to hear from you! info@derbyshirewritingschool.com

Send us a voice message.

Thanks for listening!