John S Alty

Hi Squidge,

I only read the second version and I really enjoyed it and found it an engaging opening. I agreed with Philippa when the stake was revealed about what would happened if she failed, Tilda’s reaction felt weak compared to the pressure she has just been put under. Also if this is a school of sorts I would imagine she would have been…[Read more]

Thank you Daedalus – I take your points, I have trimmed it down and I will look at hinting at the girl’s age,as it’s six chapters in, it’s not the start of a book so I hope it wouldn’t have to be handled in the same way, but thanks for reading as ever – and not sure what your observation says about me!

Lovely blog, Skylark and I did laugh at the train incident! Listening to you speak was a perfect end to a very enjoyable Festival. Like Janette, knowing that you were giving the keynote was the number one reason I decided to go for the fourth time in a row, despite the JW changes.
You handled it brilliantly, with passion and clarity, and we could…[Read more]

Big step @alanr – best of luck with the subs, keep us posted with your progress

@Squidge – I think you meant to thank @madiguana, the Admin who is custodian of the Den’s twitter channel 🙂

Thanks, Daedalus, Jules & Squidge.
I think some of the members here were in Writewords and also the Writer’s Workshop Cloud.
Time moves on, but I’m still working on my first novel. At last, at last, I’m ready to submit to agents.

Hi Alan 🙂 Welcome to the Den

Hi Alan, good to make your acquaintance

Superb blog, Skylark, and a great pleasure to read. I’ve wanted to go to the FoW for years, with it always a bit out of reach, but this year I really wanted to go for the sole reason of seeing your moment of triumph. (Not to mention hearing your words of wisdom). But there will be more such moments and I look forward to seeing them i…[Read more]

Hi,
I came across this site by accident while browsing Twitter. So glad to have it, and much appreciation to the folk(s) who set it up.

Hi, I was there on the Sunday for the closing keynote – one of the latecomers, I’m afraid. My excuse: first time at York and general unfamiliarity.
I thought you were terrific, and handled any nerves with aplomb. I just wish I’d seen your book first, as the conversations about Jessica (Jezica?) went over my head. Afterwards I did look at the…[Read more]