Den of Writers | Julie Cordiner | Friends Activity https://www.denofwriters.com/members/juliec/activity/friends/ Activity feed for Julie Cordiner's friends. Wed, 15 Apr 2026 10:19:15 +0000 https://buddypress.org/?v= en-GB 30 hourly 2 56ffab30ea176d20323ef846fb7e040f Sandra replied to the topic Monthly Competition April 2026 in the forum Monthly Competition https://www.denofwriters.com/forums/topic/monthly-competition-april-2026/#post-17655 Tue, 14 Apr 2026 14:34:17 +0000 Untitled

‘Gobsmacked’ the inelegant word that came to mind when I read the letter. What else would you expect , being told your three year-old daughter’s poem had been awarded first prize ?  A prize  which earned her up to three sittings with well-renowned portrait artist Bernard Broom. Especially when I’d not an inkling she’d  written any…[Read more]

]]> 0 47fba8d6bdae911eefcc8ba5d4837e84 Janette posted a new activity comment https://www.denofwriters.com/activity/p/25667/#acomment-25668 Thu, 02 Apr 2026 16:11:54 +0000 It was a pleasure, Libby – and I truly loved your story too.
I have just messaged Ath.

In reply to - Libby replied to the topic Monthly ompetition March 2026 in the forum Monthly Competition Congratulations, Terrie! What a wonderful story. Loved it. Thank you, Janette, for stepping in. Btw does Ath know he […] ]]> ffe5c091516737b892ff284b1f275f80 Sandra replied to the topic Monthly ompetition March 2026 in the forum Monthly Competition https://www.denofwriters.com/forums/topic/monthly-ompetition-march-2026/#post-17637 Thu, 02 Apr 2026 12:47:26 +0000 Thank you Janette – you did us proud with thoughtful comments, and well done for every other entry, all of which fitted the remit  much more closely than my hastily-grabbed from a long-ago hidden in the drawer novel.

]]> 0 8b8e02afdc6fd2c1922e3473bcdabfa5 Janette replied to the topic Monthly ompetition March 2026 in the forum Monthly Competition https://www.denofwriters.com/forums/topic/monthly-ompetition-march-2026/#post-17635 Thu, 02 Apr 2026 11:15:15 +0000 Simple, I thought – judge a few stories for the March competition while Ath is out of action (Ath, if you’re reading this, sending BIG healing vibes and willing a speedy recovery). But – what a dilemma to be handed. These are all excellent and worthy to be winners in their own right.

But judge I must, as promised, so here are my thoughts:

Jill -…[Read more]

]]> 0 11486780d397d1c41234e9432052a040 Sandra replied to the topic Monthly ompetition March 2026 in the forum Monthly Competition https://www.denofwriters.com/forums/topic/monthly-ompetition-march-2026/#post-17633 Thu, 02 Apr 2026 10:00:55 +0000 Janette has kindly volunteered !!

]]> 0 68a5ab732165e60fbeaedd52fe997e12 Sandra replied to the topic Monthly ompetition March 2026 in the forum Monthly Competition https://www.denofwriters.com/forums/topic/monthly-ompetition-march-2026/#post-17630 Thu, 02 Apr 2026 08:13:04 +0000  

Having heard Athelstone indisposed again, it’s unlikely he’ll be be judging  this any time soon

]]> 0 65cca6e772119a7c624c06e912dcaa80 Janette posted a new activity comment https://www.denofwriters.com/activity/p/25618/#acomment-25643 Sun, 29 Mar 2026 10:07:07 +0000 Thanks, Bella. Gwynn GB warned it was a lot of work done properly, but to treat it as a business. It seems though, that you don’t escape any of the marketing work if taken on via trad publishing. Yes, let’s hope the work pays off – fingers crossed.

In reply to - Janette started the topic A Step Into Indie Publishing in the forum Blogs Several weeks ago, I posted that I had stopped seeking representation for my book, Grace (full title to be revealed with the book cover), […] ]]> e522dc40030a74a68ed51889a8a94a27 Janette started the topic A Step Into Indie Publishing in the forum Blogs https://www.denofwriters.com/forums/topic/a-step-into-indie-publishing/ Thu, 19 Mar 2026 17:04:17 +0000 Several weeks ago, I posted that I had stopped seeking representation for my book, Grace (full title to be revealed with the book cover), and go down the Indi path. As a complete publishing novice, my first reaction was ‘where the hell do I begin?’ And, for those others wondering the same thing, promised I would report back on anything I had don…[Read more]

]]> 2 1ed0a26b54be8f61d9412acb573f3753 Sandra replied to the topic Monthly ompetition March 2026 in the forum Monthly Competition https://www.denofwriters.com/forums/topic/monthly-ompetition-march-2026/#post-17558 Mon, 09 Mar 2026 10:31:16 +0000 Not yet mad enough …

Wine-heavy eyes and naked, she was cleaning her teeth in front of the bathroom mirror when he came in through the door behind her.   He stood behind her, serious-faced, saying nothing, but unignorably attentive.   She finished brushing. Spat, rinsed and spat a couple more times then put the toothbrush back in the glass on…[Read more]

]]> 0 bf6738a7243c90276392c1d160978ad3 Sandra replied to the topic February 2026 Monthly Competition in the forum Monthly Competition https://www.denofwriters.com/forums/topic/february-2026-monthly-competition/#post-17528 Sun, 01 Mar 2026 12:03:35 +0000 Congratulations, Ath – more Teabreak always welcome, and well done Jill for so richly regarding the rules. Thanks Libby for appreciating my desire to take part, but this extract the only one I could recall which specifically mentioned ‘loving’

]]> 0 765d6c5e069a6da4a00c9e27d58adde4 Janette posted a new activity comment https://www.denofwriters.com/activity/p/25513/#acomment-25521 Sat, 28 Feb 2026 16:48:19 +0000 So sorry, Libby, that I simply haven’t found the time to fit in the comp yet. There is a crazy amount of things going on for me atm, some of which will become apparent soon.

In reply to - Libby replied to the topic February 2026 Monthly Competition in the forum Monthly Competition Amid the excitement of the annual Den Challenge there’s also the February monthly comp!! A reminder that there are two […] ]]> a3700e08c46a03430c4f2fb15f916dda Sandra replied to the topic February 2026 Monthly Competition in the forum Monthly Competition https://www.denofwriters.com/forums/topic/february-2026-monthly-competition/#post-17470 Wed, 18 Feb 2026 09:10:32 +0000 ‘Snap’ snippet

From the steps of Leith’s registry Office, exceeding the word count and containing expletives, but the best I can do given other demands.  

Then, hand in hand, another looking-to-be-wed couple arrived from the rear carpark. On foot and windblown,  Well-matched in the scruffiness of their clothes. Even earlier for their ceremony th…[Read more]

]]> 0 c18a330ff3e8c633ebb7696316758298 Janette posted a new activity comment https://www.denofwriters.com/activity/p/25265/#acomment-25312 Sun, 08 Feb 2026 21:37:46 +0000 Hi Hel! So glad to hear from you again! How are you? Are you still writing?
I am starting the self-publishing route for my Grace book after reading up on the Trad V Indie comparisons. Currently awaiting cover design proposals, when I’ll send them my WIP for typesetting. It’s all feeling terrifyingly close, but exciting.

In reply to - HELEN KAMPFNER posted an update Hi Janette, hi everyone. So lovely to reconnect. How are you all doing? ]]> d0a422adccbaf737817954205d02fa22 Sandra's profile was updated https://www.denofwriters.com/activity/p/25293/ Sun, 08 Feb 2026 11:09:22 +0000 0 ff05f2827218d7c685d3f80683d9536c Sandra replied to the topic January 2026 Monthly Competition in the forum Monthly Competition https://www.denofwriters.com/forums/topic/january-2026-monthly-competition/#post-17286 Sun, 01 Feb 2026 10:57:42 +0000 Well done Libby, like Terrie my mind was contorting to keep up; the wellies adding much to the scene. And thank you Terrie for a theme which was instantly  fulfilled (and I’m still re-reading and finding further inspiration, except I can’t get my head around irony)

]]> 0 03881fecb127a8ada755ba35f7bad022 Janette posted a new activity comment https://www.denofwriters.com/activity/p/25212/#acomment-25237 Fri, 30 Jan 2026 19:58:58 +0000 So sorry, Terrie, I simply haven’t found the time on this occasion.

In reply to - Terrie replied to the topic January 2026 Monthly Competition in the forum Monthly Competition Just a  reminder that  there is less that  a week   until the  the  January  comp ends  and there are only  a couple  o […] ]]> df8209020f021c051a2d82b051eab527 Janette posted a new activity comment https://www.denofwriters.com/activity/p/25183/#acomment-25184 Tue, 13 Jan 2026 13:47:56 +0000 Good to hear you’re feeling stronger, John. Still battling with my September Song entry – good to hear you’re onto it too.

In reply to - John T posted an update Happy fairly-new-year, everyone! I’ve written very little in the last three months for health reasons, but I’m slowly winding back up again. I’ve found a (hopefully acceptable) way to take […] ]]> 9be59c05ae8311de5b5b3c20451f811e Sandra replied to the topic January 2026 Monthly Competition in the forum Monthly Competition https://www.denofwriters.com/forums/topic/january-2026-monthly-competition/#post-17222 Sun, 04 Jan 2026 11:55:27 +0000 Fingers crossed, yet another resolution

New book and a new – and very welcome – experience for me:  a “How To” write book received as a birthday present which I found many times more compelling, educational; entertaining and personally useful than the many “How To” books on writing I own: a dozen on my bookshelves, and knowledge of one di…[Read more]

]]> 0 bfbd559e485f1631c33e7cb196562b43 Janette posted an update: Gosh, I almost forgot about the monthly comp, and a worthy […] https://www.denofwriters.com/activity/p/25166/ Fri, 02 Jan 2026 18:32:56 +0000 Gosh, I almost forgot about the monthly comp, and a worthy winner you chose, Ath. Well done, Terrie, and thank you, Ath, for the prompt. I can’t promise anything in the coming weeks but will try my best in among the prep work for publishing.

]]> 0 eeb8b1d392dbda10180858a456a091c6 Sandra replied to the topic Monthly Competition - December 2025 in the forum Monthly Competition https://www.denofwriters.com/forums/topic/monthly-competition-december-2025/#post-17215 Thu, 01 Jan 2026 10:41:50 +0000 Well done Terrie, and everyone else who between them provided a kaleidoscope view of Christmas, and thank you Ath for prompting me into putting a long-held memory into words.

]]> 0 21423a136f6a747fcfce3b488adc9829 Sandra replied to the topic Monthly Competition - December 2025 in the forum Monthly Competition https://www.denofwriters.com/forums/topic/monthly-competition-december-2025/#post-17165 Tue, 16 Dec 2025 10:32:06 +0000 A never-forgotten Christmas

The telegram sent by my new-made grandfather, telling my father of my safe arrival, at five minutes to midnight on the twentieth December (and, according to my great-grandfather’s fish scales, weighing 6lbs 4 ozs) is explanation enough of why I don’t remember my first Christmas. To establish whether it was my sec…[Read more]

]]> 0 905475dc03339aa69acb749dfe97fb06 Janette posted a new activity comment https://www.denofwriters.com/activity/p/25089/#acomment-25103 Mon, 15 Dec 2025 14:34:08 +0000 Thank you, Sandra and Libby. All taken on board, but the novel has had three beta readers so far, plus an agent’s when she almost took it on. Better luck this time, eh?

In reply to - Janette posted an update So sorry for my absences. I have made the decision to self-publish my books after careful consideration, reading how some trad friends have fared, and revisiting notes from my last […] ]]> ffd17ef8a68e4ad57d4b1530250bfb94 Janette posted an update: Would you know? A cancellation gave me space to knock out a […] https://www.denofwriters.com/activity/p/25102/ Mon, 15 Dec 2025 14:28:11 +0000 Would you know? A cancellation gave me space to knock out a story for December. That’s it though until next year.

]]> 0 f83df5a3075151eeae66f638cb985ea5 Janette replied to the topic Monthly Competition - December 2025 in the forum Monthly Competition https://www.denofwriters.com/forums/topic/monthly-competition-december-2025/#post-17164 Mon, 15 Dec 2025 14:22:58 +0000 Running the Christmas Gauntlet

Brace yourself, girl. Everywhere is going to be madness today. Most of the throng will be feeling much the same way … which means shouting and kids screaming; means shoving and pushing … but take a deep breath. Concentrate on the list. You’ve successfully run the Christmas shopping gauntlet before.

The veget…[Read more]

]]> 0 f9b986c30801e50f74fe0ecd5f61ceea Sandra posted a new activity comment https://www.denofwriters.com/activity/p/25089/#acomment-25093 Sun, 14 Dec 2025 09:59:09 +0000 Janette (and Bella), one tip I didn’t mention earlier is that it makes very good sense to set your page size for composing to Blurb’s trade book size. Makes it, in my opinion, a lot easier to read on screen too. Blurb’s page size is 13.02cm x 20.95cm. Select mirror margins , set top margin 2 cm, bottom 2.25 cm, inside 1.75cm, outside, 1.75 cm…[Read more]

In reply to - Janette posted an update So sorry for my absences. I have made the decision to self-publish my books after careful consideration, reading how some trad friends have fared, and revisiting notes from my last […] ]]> 500efc7b2dc503c862affd752a3bcc3c Janette posted a new activity comment https://www.denofwriters.com/activity/p/25089/#acomment-25092 Sat, 13 Dec 2025 15:18:38 +0000 Hi Bella. So far I’m deep into reading the Writers and Artists Guide to Self Publishing, which is very ‘involved’ though gives lots of advice. I have also signed up to David Gaughran’s free self-publishing course (on his website). I also found this: https://justpublishingadvice.com/publishing-companies-to-avoid-and-nasty-new-author-scams/
I’ll let…[Read more]

In reply to - Janette posted an update So sorry for my absences. I have made the decision to self-publish my books after careful consideration, reading how some trad friends have fared, and revisiting notes from my last […] ]]> 96d4a18727c37b216eaf480fae739cb3 Janette posted an update: So sorry for my absences. I have made the decision to […] https://www.denofwriters.com/activity/p/25089/ Fri, 12 Dec 2025 19:47:38 +0000 So sorry for my absences. I have made the decision to self-publish my books after careful consideration, reading how some trad friends have fared, and revisiting notes from my last (self-publishing) workshop in York. I’m very wet behind the ears regarding publishing, especially self-publishing, so I am deep into swatting about it before I make any…[Read more]

]]> 6 582200d6af5badb6e8cfb78e3a4f62d6 Janette posted a new activity comment https://www.denofwriters.com/activity/p/25065/#acomment-25088 Fri, 12 Dec 2025 19:39:48 +0000 That’s wonderful news, Jill. Here’s to upwards and onwards!

In reply to - Jill posted an update On a personal note – thank you again fellow writers for the good wishes when I first returned to the Den. I can now report that I am in remission. Hope this good news yesterday will spur me […] ]]> 8e6d2bddcc2c85b04133189048329a43 Sandra replied to the topic November 2025 monthly competition in the forum Monthly Competition https://www.denofwriters.com/forums/topic/november-2025-monthly-competition/#post-17093 Thu, 20 Nov 2025 20:10:51 +0000 Sorry, Terrie, no way do I have head space to do anything for this. Will aim to Do Better next time

]]> 0 ce931dcbefd94b35ee669a0374e3f98f Janette's profile was updated https://www.denofwriters.com/activity/p/24967/ Mon, 10 Nov 2025 21:22:55 +0000 0 b1e38ca27daa3390fceb780f55165d5b Sandra posted a new activity comment https://www.denofwriters.com/activity/p/24527/#acomment-24963 Sat, 08 Nov 2025 20:39:51 +0000 Not read the book, but I imagine a sort of rattley squeak.

In reply to - RichardB posted an update Finest line of dialogue I’ve encountered for some time. From The Watchmaker of Filigree Street, by Natasha Pulley: ‘What does a clockwork octopus in an elevator shaft sound like?’ ]]> af7a7f6f084f6ff7bf2a91520fd8dc42 Janette posted an update: Well done, Terrie - a great choice! I have a busy November […] https://www.denofwriters.com/activity/p/24944/ Sun, 02 Nov 2025 10:24:23 +0000 Well done, Terrie – a great choice! I have a busy November coming up but will try and fit in some time to take part in the monthly comp.

]]> 0 25898277bf9ed2ee11eefb6e4ff3fd98 Sandra replied to the topic Monthly competition October 2025 in the forum Monthly Competition https://www.denofwriters.com/forums/topic/monthly-competition-october-2025/#post-16997 Sat, 25 Oct 2025 18:38:18 +0000 This the result of apending 5 days writing with a gathering of Self-Edit participants.

Games people play

Monday morning’s plumping of the pillows of our marital bed effortful, thanks to both sleep and sex absent as snow in August throughout the weekend. Similarly,  energy enough to dissipate the sourness of my reaction when I noticed  the wor…[Read more]

]]> 0 0637a30c167df78ed1fc51084ca4d3b5 Sandra posted a new activity comment https://www.denofwriters.com/activity/p/24864/#acomment-24865 Sat, 18 Oct 2025 09:00:45 +0000 I wondered whether it included self-published books … then that it would be easy enough to self-apply the validation. Will be interested to see how this develops.

In reply to - Libby started the topic A scheme to show books written without AI in the forum Coffee Shop As boundaries continue to blur between human creativity and AI, here’s a  new kite-mark scheme to help readers […] ]]> 496a64055033a9affc1419b7a52a9cdd Sandra replied to the topic Chit Chat in the forum September Song https://www.denofwriters.com/groups/september-song/forum/topic/chit-chat-7/#post-16970 Thu, 16 Oct 2025 07:54:01 +0000 I pulled half a dozen titles from my shelves, in the hope they’d inspire me with characters and plot. In the end the one I chose hung around longest; re-reading it reminded me why it felt so memorable.

]]> 0 12ba7b6502a73f7009e63212395066d0 Janette replied to the topic Choices in the forum September Song https://www.denofwriters.com/groups/september-song/forum/topic/choices-7/#post-16953 Tue, 14 Oct 2025 18:56:48 +0000 I might live to regret this, but I am changing my choices (it was a flip of a coin in the first place).

My choices now are:

Sunshine.

The Love Song of Miss Queenie Hennessey

]]> 0 9ed2517b34c7257662586e83c981c713 Janette posted a new activity comment https://www.denofwriters.com/activity/p/24826/#acomment-24839 Tue, 14 Oct 2025 15:39:14 +0000 Welcome back, CAS. Great another Cloudie has found their way here.

In reply to - Athelstone posted an update Welcome to a new member Silver. Some may remember her as Catasshe back in the Wordcloud days ]]> d3af6e4dece7c70ec94f02ec4ad23ed4 Janette replied to the topic Monthly competition October 2025 in the forum Monthly Competition https://www.denofwriters.com/forums/topic/monthly-competition-october-2025/#post-16952 Tue, 14 Oct 2025 15:36:56 +0000 As the Veil Grows Thin

 

Hey, Vee, I’m still at your side my dear. My old bones are aching in this hospital chair but, aye, I’m still watching over you.

 

They say you might hear me but – I don’t know. See, I can’t get used to how still you are. Never would’ve been afore, hey? Specially when we first met, when we danced like demons and made lo…[Read more]

]]> 0 78fb63f09ef55cf8c3cd4d1abcb11fdb Sandra posted a new activity comment https://www.denofwriters.com/activity/p/24813/#acomment-24818 Mon, 13 Oct 2025 12:38:25 +0000 I chose my title for its inspiration and flexibility; it’s a bonus I’ve already written 286 words.

In reply to - Athelstone replied to the topic Choices in the forum September Song Because I know what the consequences of each choice are, mine have been made for me, very kindly, by Jules. Sunshine The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida ]]> fd43e58529c6c7b2aecfbdcd5d6d12ce Sandra posted a new activity comment https://www.denofwriters.com/activity/p/24813/#acomment-24816 Mon, 13 Oct 2025 12:23:48 +0000 I’m relieved to hear it, and look forward to your entry. Mine is coming on nicely, but I’m nervous as to what strictures the 25th will bring

In reply to - Athelstone replied to the topic Choices in the forum September Song Because I know what the consequences of each choice are, mine have been made for me, very kindly, by Jules. Sunshine The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida ]]> 030a8caee7182208e13c15a211ea23c0 Sandra posted a new activity comment https://www.denofwriters.com/activity/p/24813/#acomment-24814 Mon, 13 Oct 2025 11:07:07 +0000 Yikes! That book title is ‘kind’?

In reply to - Athelstone replied to the topic Choices in the forum September Song Because I know what the consequences of each choice are, mine have been made for me, very kindly, by Jules. Sunshine The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida ]]> 105c582de3e50703971976d596f14a99 Jules replied to the topic Choices in the forum September Song https://www.denofwriters.com/groups/september-song/forum/topic/choices-7/#post-16941 Sun, 12 Oct 2025 17:43:39 +0000 Rain

The Morning Gift

]]> 0 ca4b3d1236938fd132ca955ddd315615 Jules joined the group September Song https://www.denofwriters.com/activity/p/24811/ Sun, 12 Oct 2025 17:40:15 +0000 0 9011dbc9fb001d7b7ee856e9531c8f42 Squidge replied to the topic Choices in the forum September Song https://www.denofwriters.com/groups/september-song/forum/topic/choices-7/#post-16939 Sat, 11 Oct 2025 10:16:59 +0000 Ice

The Lies of Locke Lamora

]]> 0 3cd2966deeceb8d97c7c2304efec1da8 Squidge joined the group September Song https://www.denofwriters.com/activity/p/24807/ Sat, 11 Oct 2025 10:14:37 +0000 0 36c7ea4e1399dde0c628b8d6373b3da7 Sandra posted a new activity comment https://www.denofwriters.com/activity/p/24776/#acomment-24805 Fri, 10 Oct 2025 08:45:51 +0000 Bless you Ath!! Details of the Winter comp so inspired me I had sentences in my head when I woke this morning that needed me to get up and write them down immediately. That hasn’t happened for some months, and though I know what you’ve still to reveal will change things, I’m confident l’ll be able to incorporate it with the as-yet loose ideas I…[Read more]

In reply to - Athelstone started the topic Chit Chat in the forum September Song What it says ]]> bffb6896eb632e8fc21dca3d7cd74dd1 Janette replied to the topic Choices in the forum September Song https://www.denofwriters.com/groups/september-song/forum/topic/choices-7/#post-16932 Thu, 09 Oct 2025 14:08:29 +0000 Rain

Chocolat

]]> 0 c0335fced226e10a9bbd565eb7db777d Janette joined the group September Song https://www.denofwriters.com/activity/p/24796/ Thu, 09 Oct 2025 14:06:12 +0000 0 571edb97cc6d4140b719cfb2c040b108 Sandra replied to the topic Choices in the forum September Song https://www.denofwriters.com/groups/september-song/forum/topic/choices-7/#post-16931 Thu, 09 Oct 2025 11:31:30 +0000 Rain

The missing shade of blue

]]> 0 ea26d05fa033af393121a1ab173f51ef Sandra joined the group September Song https://www.denofwriters.com/activity/p/24789/ Thu, 09 Oct 2025 10:45:11 +0000 0