Den of Writers | Hilary | Activity https://www.denofwriters.com/members/hilary/activity/ Activity feed for Hilary. Mon, 25 May 2026 16:38:01 +0000 https://buddypress.org/?v= en-GB 30 hourly 2 f8ea0a9a36e15e9650b7dd88a187d48a Hilary posted a new activity comment https://www.denofwriters.com/activity/p/20367/#acomment-20454 Tue, 29 Nov 2022 18:57:00 +0000 Thank you, Libby. Good to hear you found more books from them too.

In reply to - Libby replied to the topic Prize and novel publication in the forum Podium Congratulations @hilary I’ve ordered a copy of Sea Defences. I’m highly unlikely to be in Suffolk in January but have a great time at the […] ]]> 1802b93e5e38870544b56221832d8fa0 Hilary posted an update: Hello Denizens, If anyone would like an invitation to the […] https://www.denofwriters.com/activity/p/20446/ Wed, 23 Nov 2022 16:26:54 +0000 Hello Denizens,
If anyone would like an invitation to the launch of Sea Defences, please send me a message. It’s on Thursday January 12th at 6 pm in Sudbury, Suffolk.

]]> 0 bd928b5860227e9e6e9b2c51fe88db81 Hilary posted a new activity comment https://www.denofwriters.com/activity/p/20367/#acomment-20445 Wed, 23 Nov 2022 16:23:40 +0000 Thank you for ordering Sea Defences, @libby

In reply to - Libby replied to the topic Prize and novel publication in the forum Podium Congratulations @hilary I’ve ordered a copy of Sea Defences. I’m highly unlikely to be in Suffolk in January but have a great time at the […] ]]> a908ef78af0c085752248368a2663837 Hilary replied to the topic Prize and novel publication in the forum Podium https://www.denofwriters.com/forums/topic/prize-and-novel-publication/#post-12984 Wed, 09 Nov 2022 14:32:53 +0000 <p style=”text-align: right;”>Thanks for ordering, Libby.</p>
Bridport don’t publish online because they publish an anthology – even the ebook is not cheap!

]]> 1 b6d3536a04231f1af160b2c37854e9b7 Hilary replied to the topic Free book in the forum Podium https://www.denofwriters.com/forums/topic/free-book/#post-12971 Tue, 08 Nov 2022 12:54:14 +0000 Congratulations, Thea! I can empathise with the heartfelt ‘At long last…’ Well done!

]]> 1 05415e20e2281ede9b9b5baeac4a10da Hilary started the topic Prize and novel publication in the forum Podium https://www.denofwriters.com/forums/topic/prize-and-novel-publication/ Tue, 08 Nov 2022 12:43:17 +0000 Some of you will already know this if you hang out on twitter. My debut novel, Sea Defences, is coming out in January and can be pre-ordered from http://www.eye-books.com/books/sea-defences. It started life as a short story in one of the winter challenges on the old Cloud – I think it was the last one that AlanP did. There will be a Book Launch in…[Read more]

]]> 4 51968722ae8fe1f927354edb9dc7dbdf Hilary posted a new activity comment https://www.denofwriters.com/activity/p/19854/#acomment-19949 Sun, 21 Aug 2022 18:07:35 +0000 Thanks, Thea. Yes, all is well with the book, thanks. Publication date January next year. So excited! Hope all’s well with you.

In reply to - Hilary replied to the topic The Future of the Den (again) in the forum Blogs Hello. Long time no see, everyone. I’m posting this to say I do occasionally pop in to see what’s going on, but haven’t actually logged […] ]]> a3a8336693edadc65fdae3712fd1cbd4 Hilary replied to the topic The Future of the Den (again) in the forum Blogs https://www.denofwriters.com/forums/topic/the-future-of-the-den-again/#post-12520 Thu, 04 Aug 2022 12:55:44 +0000 Hello. Long time no see, everyone. I’m posting this to say I do occasionally pop in to see what’s going on, but haven’t actually logged in for a Very Long Time. So, apologies. And also, thanks to you faithful few, and especially Ath and any other admin (?) for keeping it going. Yes, other things going on for me too, but the other day I was feeling…[Read more]

]]> 3 de8853c3c59c05440a968cad9a2a52eb Hilary replied to the topic My ride so far on the rollercoaster that is publishing in the forum Blogs https://www.denofwriters.com/forums/topic/my-ride-so-far-on-the-rollercoaster-that-is-publishing/#post-8047 Thu, 26 Mar 2020 11:21:45 +0000 I will say congratulations again on here, Laure! Absolutely brilliant. Well done!

]]> 0 2043aa33e97feb66676609ee1c0bb328 Hilary replied to the topic Good news this time - finally! in the forum Podium https://www.denofwriters.com/forums/topic/good-news-this-time-finally/#post-8046 Thu, 26 Mar 2020 11:18:54 +0000 Just caught up with this. What brilliant news, Janette. So very, very pleased for you. Congratulations! Well done. (News like this always gives me hope!!!) x

]]> 0 013cc0fca15aee3018437b1448b638ee Hilary replied to the topic Recent agent experience in the forum Blogs https://www.denofwriters.com/forums/topic/recent-agent-experience/#post-7913 Tue, 10 Mar 2020 19:19:15 +0000 Thanks, Squidge! Don’t worry – I’m not giving up. Thanks for the vote of confidence!

]]> 0 cd929168d78e362809597346ea2ae8b8 Hilary replied to the topic Recent agent experience in the forum Blogs https://www.denofwriters.com/forums/topic/recent-agent-experience/#post-7869 Sun, 08 Mar 2020 13:24:35 +0000 Thanks, Jill and Philippa. I’m getting over the experience! But I still want to find a balanced overview about 1) whether book club fiction is a thing, and 2) whether age matters. I’m prepared to accept that it isn’t (as far as pitching to editors is concerned) and it does, but I’d still want an agent who said ‘We’ll show them …’ rather than…[Read more]

]]> 1 d5454ca7c3a8340612bea4294bc16e28 Hilary replied to the topic Recent agent experience in the forum Blogs https://www.denofwriters.com/forums/topic/recent-agent-experience/#post-7863 Wed, 04 Mar 2020 10:00:15 +0000 Thank you for the beta read offers. I’m not sure I’m ready yet, but I will keep you in mind, and return the offer. Swapsies!

]]> 0 1f91df5ea2bd11965d23adc7a6d6dcd0 Hilary replied to the topic Monthly competition - February 2020 in the forum Monthly Competition https://www.denofwriters.com/forums/topic/monthly-competition-february-2020/#post-7834 Mon, 02 Mar 2020 15:29:43 +0000 Congratulations, John! Well done to all – and thanks to Libby for the comp and the perceptive comments.

]]> 0 f83d8ef539e39a625df02478dcbb60e1 Hilary replied to the topic Recent agent experience in the forum Blogs https://www.denofwriters.com/forums/topic/recent-agent-experience/#post-7833 Mon, 02 Mar 2020 14:32:55 +0000 And thank you for your comments too, Mad Iguana.

]]> 0 08ddb5f78a73ad7f3cd8d164884455d9 Hilary replied to the topic Recent agent experience in the forum Blogs https://www.denofwriters.com/forums/topic/recent-agent-experience/#post-7832 Mon, 02 Mar 2020 14:31:49 +0000 Debi thank you for this. Yes, I do think you’re right about the agent giving her time and it’s true that my disappointment is down to my expectations and hopes more than anything else. As I say, she was perfectly ‘nice’ and of course her prime motivation is going to be can she sell it. But in the meeting, I felt her doubt about this came across…[Read more]

]]> 0 9ab3439d2a8261b969afe0eba7f3f1f5 Hilary replied to the topic Recent agent experience in the forum Blogs https://www.denofwriters.com/forums/topic/recent-agent-experience/#post-7821 Sun, 01 Mar 2020 20:11:55 +0000 Thank you everyone for your solidarity and kind comments about my writing, and for the encouragement to realise all the positives in this tale as well. And, @janette, for someone not to reply properly having suggested revisions – that is, indeed, unprofessional.

I am taking a step back from that experience and that novel, and working on the…[Read more]

]]> 0 491417b9611d798068eaa5473c235629 Hilary replied to the topic Recent agent experience in the forum Blogs https://www.denofwriters.com/forums/topic/recent-agent-experience/#post-7799 Fri, 28 Feb 2020 18:53:34 +0000 To be fair, she didn’t say it was about representation. I just thought/hoped it would be. She said it was to discuss suggested revisions and how we might work together. As well as the thing about commercial/literary, there were so many aspects of the book that she thought didn’t work, I even asked her why she had wanted to meet me and she said…[Read more]

]]> 0 e13e2684b7905abf220a48c4cf443786 Hilary posted a new activity comment https://www.denofwriters.com/activity/p/13478/#acomment-13485 Fri, 28 Feb 2020 16:57:54 +0000 To be fair, she did say the meeting was to discuss suggested revisions and talk about how we might work together.

In reply to - Hilary started the topic Recent agent experience in the forum Blogs I’ve been thinking of posting something about this for a while, and have been prompted to do so by Sandra’s link to the Bookouture post about […] ]]> 8e707fc83864985d7be3d2c6ad4ecb06 Hilary posted a new activity comment https://www.denofwriters.com/activity/p/13478/#acomment-13484 Fri, 28 Feb 2020 16:56:33 +0000 Thanks for your rage! It was an expensive journey, too. Not off peak so I could not even use my SENIOR railcard!!

In reply to - Hilary started the topic Recent agent experience in the forum Blogs I’ve been thinking of posting something about this for a while, and have been prompted to do so by Sandra’s link to the Bookouture post about […] ]]> dcc6ea8c213eafdba3bab290ad9c8b81 Hilary replied to the topic Monthly competition - February 2020 in the forum Monthly Competition https://www.denofwriters.com/forums/topic/monthly-competition-february-2020/#post-7795 Fri, 28 Feb 2020 16:53:03 +0000 Rachel agreed, in the end, to a bath.

The water was hot. There were bubbles. The scent made her think of purple.

She closed her eyes. Lowered herself, let her hands float, slid down until her head was under water. She let the breath go out of her and waited. Slowly, she pushed herself back up. Water dripped from her face, her hair. Steam…[Read more]

]]> 0 063458283be78f3c6a9b44216354b110 Hilary posted a new activity comment https://www.denofwriters.com/activity/p/13478/#acomment-13479 Fri, 28 Feb 2020 16:06:55 +0000 Sorry – the spreadtheword post with bookouture editors.

In reply to - Hilary started the topic Recent agent experience in the forum Blogs I’ve been thinking of posting something about this for a while, and have been prompted to do so by Sandra’s link to the Bookouture post about […] ]]> 1ca4e58fefbeb9bf33106322d1c6e0a9 Hilary started the topic Recent agent experience in the forum Blogs https://www.denofwriters.com/forums/topic/recent-agent-experience/ Fri, 28 Feb 2020 15:57:42 +0000 I’ve been thinking of posting something about this for a while, and have been prompted to do so by Sandra’s link to the Bookouture post about commercial fiction.

I began submitting my novel to agents in July last year. I had my first full request the next day, even though it was the weekend, so you can imagine my excitement. I received two more…[Read more]

]]> 5 f84d8eb859cf68c2813ef9c4d6edbb65 Hilary posted a new activity comment https://www.denofwriters.com/activity/p/13441/#acomment-13476 Fri, 28 Feb 2020 15:17:06 +0000 Yes, this was interesting, especially, to me, the mention of book club fiction. I can feel a blog coming on…

In reply to - Sandra posted an update Useful definition of ‘commercial fiction’ from Bookouture : https://www.spreadtheword.org.uk/unpicking-commercial-fiction-with-bookoutures-editors/?fbclid=IwAR2FfqSMY8Ms3zZe4lrExLhphK9X5Xab6l […] ]]> 537a4ee9e0f253ed16079db366761e5a Hilary posted a new activity comment https://www.denofwriters.com/activity/p/13075/#acomment-13080 Wed, 05 Feb 2020 15:17:23 +0000 Hello there, Jill! Lovely to see you.

In reply to - Jill posted an update Thank you, Jules for all your help in beating the system and allowing me into the Den. Much appreciated, as it feels like exactly the right time for me and the stage of my writing life, as […] ]]> bd7d0be5b678d5c495b3b593d6830eb3 Hilary replied to the topic Lost my group! in the forum Andrew Wille's DIY MA course https://www.denofwriters.com/groups/andrew-willes-diy-ma-course/forum/topic/lost-my-group/#post-7446 Tue, 04 Feb 2020 07:06:32 +0000 Yes me too.

]]> 0 3c6bc0b60d3430f1bef83f92b0595b3f Hilary replied to the topic Class 3: Writing Exercise, Raine. in the forum Andrew Wille's DIY MA course https://www.denofwriters.com/groups/andrew-willes-diy-ma-course/forum/topic/class-3-writing-exercise-raine/#post-7429 Sun, 02 Feb 2020 18:16:24 +0000 Amazing piece, Raine. A wonderful example of writing a character through the eyes of another one. Very sad.

]]> 0 5970c60a5a4454457a33c98d9ab25bb0 Hilary replied to the topic Class 3 writing exercise "I don't remember", Sandra in the forum Andrew Wille's DIY MA course https://www.denofwriters.com/groups/andrew-willes-diy-ma-course/forum/topic/class-3-writing-exercise-i-dont-remember-sandra/#post-7428 Sun, 02 Feb 2020 18:13:16 +0000 I wonder if he will end up getting away with the misbehaviour? Interesting piece.

]]> 0 8a54954e176f8b2eebf2b32df243212a Hilary replied to the topic Class 3: Writing Exercise, Bella in the forum Andrew Wille's DIY MA course https://www.denofwriters.com/groups/andrew-willes-diy-ma-course/forum/topic/class-3-writing-exercise-bella/#post-7427 Sun, 02 Feb 2020 18:08:40 +0000 Great contrast between the two letters, Bella. And yes – what is buried within – that’s the most interesting bit. Very clever.

]]> 0 8d293f6f7b55d06f750a46d2ac54e554 Hilary replied to the topic Class 3 Writing Exercise "I Don't Remember" - KazG in the forum Andrew Wille's DIY MA course https://www.denofwriters.com/groups/andrew-willes-diy-ma-course/forum/topic/class-3-writing-exercise-i-dont-remember-kazg/#post-7426 Sun, 02 Feb 2020 18:04:04 +0000 An amazing piece of writing, Kaz. Very powerful. Strong imagery. Brilliant.

]]> 0 07bdc52d81ae7e410287a79e13632194 Hilary replied to the topic Class 3 Writing Exercise "I don't remember" - Hilary in the forum Andrew Wille's DIY MA course https://www.denofwriters.com/groups/andrew-willes-diy-ma-course/forum/topic/class-3-writing-exercise-i-dont-remember-hilary/#post-7425 Sun, 02 Feb 2020 18:00:36 +0000 Oh, except the Dad drawing. That’s from a character in one of my stories.

]]> 0 4968fee1ca781ac204d3363e3c61b284 Hilary replied to the topic Class 3 Writing Exercise "I don't remember" - Hilary in the forum Andrew Wille's DIY MA course https://www.denofwriters.com/groups/andrew-willes-diy-ma-course/forum/topic/class-3-writing-exercise-i-dont-remember-hilary/#post-7424 Sun, 02 Feb 2020 17:59:58 +0000 I enjoyed doing this. I didn’t really think about the Burroway while I was writing – it was more a free-writing exercise. And it’s not in the voice of any character I’m already writing. Just came out of nowhere.

]]> 0 d5dfe9bd14695c6c107b2fabdfcc215c Hilary started the topic Class 3 Writing Exercise "I don't remember" - Hilary in the forum Andrew Wille's DIY MA course https://www.denofwriters.com/groups/andrew-willes-diy-ma-course/forum/topic/class-3-writing-exercise-i-dont-remember-hilary/ Sun, 02 Feb 2020 17:58:45 +0000 I don’t remember when my Dad stopped drawing. Or why.
I don’t remember my Mum ever being soft.
I don’t remember ever laughing while I was eating, or spluttering bits of cake. I saw other people do it though.
I don’t remember the taste of the wine. It didn’t really have a taste. But I remember it was too warm.
I don’t remember how I got the v-s…[Read more]

]]> 0 9db7381b335ef36da2bedc347755e740 Hilary replied to the topic Craft Seminar Class 3: Character 2 – Inner Lives in the forum Andrew Wille's DIY MA course https://www.denofwriters.com/groups/andrew-willes-diy-ma-course/forum/topic/craft-seminar-class-3-character-2-inner-lives/#post-7422 Sun, 02 Feb 2020 17:09:04 +0000 Liking this: All good characters are created round, but some are created rounder than others.

]]> 0 672d4018e569d5298f43f0973f84dbb7 Hilary replied to the topic Class 2 Writing Exercise Jane in the forum Andrew Wille's DIY MA course https://www.denofwriters.com/groups/andrew-willes-diy-ma-course/forum/topic/class-2-writing-exercise-jane/#post-7421 Sun, 02 Feb 2020 16:43:13 +0000 Hello @JaneShuff
VERY late to this, but I’m trying to do a bit of a catch up with class 2 before I get on to class 3. I LOVED meeting Dipsy in the initial passage and then reading your questionnaire about her. I agree about not needing to answer al the questions, but they are great prompts.
Anyway, thanks for posting.

]]> 0 9e22114b2955b9d2dd54f30ab1cec536 Hilary posted a new activity comment https://www.denofwriters.com/activity/p/12471/#acomment-12525 Wed, 08 Jan 2020 12:19:44 +0000 Very exciting! I’ll be there, and if anyone else is coming and likely to be in Lincoln early… I might be in a pub somewhere. Or I’ll be visiting the cathedral all by my little old self! Or with @elle maybe?

In reply to - Philippa East posted an update Hello Everyone and HAPPY NEW YEAR!! Well, this means that it is THIS YEAR that Little White Lies comes out… Most of you already have these details, but below is a link (via […] ]]> faaba0d3ee6e701e290a59d026758b13 Hilary replied to the topic Feedback on the Course in the forum Andrew Wille's DIY MA course https://www.denofwriters.com/groups/andrew-willes-diy-ma-course/forum/topic/feedback-on-the-course/#post-6816 Fri, 29 Nov 2019 14:15:02 +0000 Just dropping in quickly to say hello, and to apologise for my absence for the last few weeks. Will try and catch up soon. (Nanowrimo kind of took over).

]]> 0 16f68053eaa34dded91fb099644d4cee Hilary replied to the topic Feedback on the Course in the forum Andrew Wille's DIY MA course https://www.denofwriters.com/groups/andrew-willes-diy-ma-course/forum/topic/feedback-on-the-course/#post-6598 Wed, 30 Oct 2019 17:37:42 +0000 Happy so far, but I’m aware there’s a lot more I could be doing – and will be doing…

]]> 0 c87e105fc1be53100acabaecdbe825e8 Hilary replied to the topic Class 1 - Writing exercise, Kaz in the forum Andrew Wille's DIY MA course https://www.denofwriters.com/groups/andrew-willes-diy-ma-course/forum/topic/class-1-writing-exercise-kaz/#post-6597 Wed, 30 Oct 2019 17:33:53 +0000 Gorgeousness: My favourite bits were ‘afternoons draped in honey’ and ‘as cleanly as she peeled old skin from a white potato.’ I have been told I overwrite too sometimes. But what does it really mean?

I liked your I remember, too. Many of us chose to capture a single incident, or linked series, in our I remembers. I’ve also done it with…[Read more]

]]> 0 b9f3f95a162f3457d07bfd1320c41981 Hilary replied to the topic Class 1: Writing Exercise, Raine. in the forum Andrew Wille's DIY MA course https://www.denofwriters.com/groups/andrew-willes-diy-ma-course/forum/topic/class-1-writing-exercise-raine/#post-6508 Thu, 24 Oct 2019 11:12:29 +0000 YES about the detail. So evocative.

]]> 0 ab1160eb4d366019c44d4866dbaa04f7 Hilary replied to the topic Class 1 Writing Exercise, Jane in the forum Andrew Wille's DIY MA course https://www.denofwriters.com/groups/andrew-willes-diy-ma-course/forum/topic/class-1-writing-exercise-jane/#post-6507 Thu, 24 Oct 2019 11:10:40 +0000 Sorry you’re feeling that way, Jane. It’s great that we can support one another with or without feedback – glad you posted anyway.

]]> 0 6df7a9589eb9a04f78ae6d13067a6b24 Hilary replied to the topic Class 1: Writing exercise, Squidge in the forum Andrew Wille's DIY MA course https://www.denofwriters.com/groups/andrew-willes-diy-ma-course/forum/topic/class-1-writing-exercise-squidge/#post-6506 Thu, 24 Oct 2019 11:06:42 +0000 I love the bit of dialogue about the peas.
I found the listening exercise very hard. Tried it again the other day. I would need to be very close or the speakers would need to be very loud!
Interesting about trying to write ‘gorgeous’ when you don’t feel you normally do. A good exercise, though, to try a different approach. Scary dream!

]]> 0 e2f8a89624c1b19b32d5aafab27bb3dd Hilary replied to the topic Bumbling Round the Citadel in the forum Blogs https://www.denofwriters.com/forums/topic/bumbling-round-the-citadel/#post-6474 Tue, 22 Oct 2019 20:39:36 +0000 Thanks for sharing this, Philippa. What a journey!
And I would just like to add, for the record, that while Philippa was going through all this, and working (and crying) so hard, she has continued to be ever-generous in giving support and encouragement to others. Much appreciated.

]]> 0 f838a5bfccd576a222848b15ef262801 Hilary replied to the topic Class 1: Writing Exercise, Hilary in the forum Andrew Wille's DIY MA course https://www.denofwriters.com/groups/andrew-willes-diy-ma-course/forum/topic/class-1-writing-exercise-hilary/#post-6439 Fri, 18 Oct 2019 13:50:41 +0000 Did the listening exercise this morning. Not ideal as I couldn’t hear very well – the tables were too far apart. So it’s not dialogue, just snippets. But, for what it’s worth, here are some of my eavesdroppings!

…completely messed up my belly button…
He obviously thinks they’re after something else.
I was pulling roots up and at the end I…[Read more]

]]> 0 c667d37d6d4eec6ce03eff962452f3fc Hilary replied to the topic Class 1: Writing Exercise, Hilary in the forum Andrew Wille's DIY MA course https://www.denofwriters.com/groups/andrew-willes-diy-ma-course/forum/topic/class-1-writing-exercise-hilary/#post-6425 Thu, 17 Oct 2019 20:56:09 +0000 Thank you, Kaz.

]]> 0 9abe498705f882ef2167e20a398ae2fc Hilary replied to the topic Syllabus and course materials. in the forum Andrew Wille's DIY MA course https://www.denofwriters.com/groups/andrew-willes-diy-ma-course/forum/topic/syllabus-and-course-materials/page/2/#post-6420 Thu, 17 Oct 2019 19:43:02 +0000 Andrew Wille sends his regards to the group and says if we have any questions please ask. I think he’s posting bit of additional stuff soon on his website.

]]> 0 79b67db2f5abe0d2d9428ff1679b73ab Hilary replied to the topic Class 1: Writing Exercise, Hilary in the forum Andrew Wille's DIY MA course https://www.denofwriters.com/groups/andrew-willes-diy-ma-course/forum/topic/class-1-writing-exercise-hilary/#post-6419 Thu, 17 Oct 2019 19:39:51 +0000 Thanks, Raine.

]]> 0 f2a622c92d232368f7f7da69fa0674e6 Hilary replied to the topic Class 1: Writing Exercise, Hilary in the forum Andrew Wille's DIY MA course https://www.denofwriters.com/groups/andrew-willes-diy-ma-course/forum/topic/class-1-writing-exercise-hilary/#post-6416 Thu, 17 Oct 2019 10:51:40 +0000 Thanks, Bella. Tomorrow I’m spending some time in a coffee shop with my six-week-old grandson and a notebook and pencil. I’m hoping for some lightness and humour in my eavesdropping!

]]> 0 58ae91b9cb52c04a5b055c1cdac135a4 Hilary replied to the topic Craft Seminar Class 1: Getting Started: Memory, Obs in the forum Andrew Wille's DIY MA course https://www.denofwriters.com/groups/andrew-willes-diy-ma-course/forum/topic/craft-seminar-class-1-getting-started-memory-obs/#post-6415 Thu, 17 Oct 2019 10:42:59 +0000 Appreciating hugs, tissues, tea, chocolate biscuits.

]]> 0 f9ce0da04df5a2b01f73a38a07e6c40a Hilary replied to the topic Class 1: Writing Exercise, Hilary in the forum Andrew Wille's DIY MA course https://www.denofwriters.com/groups/andrew-willes-diy-ma-course/forum/topic/class-1-writing-exercise-hilary/#post-6413 Wed, 16 Oct 2019 20:38:54 +0000 I’m sorry this is a sad piece. Perhaps this has something to do with why I’m feeling emotional about my writing.

]]> 0