Next Wild Writing Session! Plus Two Masterclasses & Members' News
Join me for an online writing session Tuesday 7 October 7-9pm GMT
Hi there!
Some very exciting news in today’s newsletter - details of a masterclass on how to write historical fiction with the wonderful , a masterclass on how to write short fiction with 3 prize-winning writers and an editor—plus our next Wild Writing Session and some heartwarming news from writer, John Duvall, one of our members.
Our first Wild Writing Session was a great success! It was such good fun and so productive, we’ve decided we’re going to have them twice a month, to keep ourselves accountable and perhaps to make ourselves work on what we’re finding most challenging! The next one is tomorrow!
For anyone new, these are informal writing sessions. We begin at 7pm GMT with a quick chat and then work on our own writing until 8.30 pm, then wrap up and say good bye.
Wild Writing Sessions are twice a month on the first and third Tuesday of the month.
Dates and zoom links in the Calendar.
7-9pm GMT Tuesday 7 October
7-9pm GMT Tuesday 21 October (Zoom links below). ⬇️
Don’t worry if you can’t make it at 7 on the dot, just come when you can and leave when you’d like.
I’m hoping these monthly sessions will be a chance to keep in touch and keep us accountable to our writing projects.
What will you work on?
Also coming up in two months, we’ll have a Wild Writing Studio to share what we’ve written and give each other feedback on our work-in-progress.
7-8.30 pm GMT Tuesday 25 November.
These sessions are for members, so do consider becoming a paid subscriber so you can join us.
🌿 Masterclass on How to Write Historical Fiction
7-8.30 pm GMT Wednesday 26 November
I’ve known
for years so I’m doubly delighted that she has a new book out on 6 November, The Bruegel Boy, and has agreed to talk in depth about how to write historical fiction.Emma is the bestselling author of
, an invaluable guide to the craft of writing. Emma is the author of prize-nominated and best selling historical novels, The Mathematics of Love and A Secret Alchemy, and the acclaimed guide Get Started in Writing Historical Fiction.I’ve also written two historical novels, The Priest and the Lily and Sugar Island (as Sanjida O’Connell).
We’ll explore:
The inspiration behind Emma’s new book, The Bruegel Boy and what it took to write a novel set in sixteenth century Holland
What makes historical fiction resonate with modern readers
How to balance research with storytelling
Create authentic characters and dialogue
Find the right voice for your period
Avoid common pitfalls in the genre.
You’ll also receive a downloadable handout of writing exercises to develop your skills further. The session will finish with a live Q&A, giving you the chance to ask your own questions about writing and publishing historical fiction.
Whether you’re just starting out or polishing your novel for submission, this session will equip you with the tools and confidence to write compelling historical fiction.
You can book on Luma: https://luma.com/0m0ddh4y
And I have a special discount for all subscribers of
: 20% off.Please quote this code at the checkout: OAI9ES
🌿 Masterclass on How to Write Short Stories
7.30-9 pm GMT Tuesday 9 December
I’ve also known
member, Joe Melia, for years, and through Joe, who is the former coordinator of the Bristol Short Story Prize, met prize-winning author . Ken and I both had a story published in The Book of Bristol, which Joe edited rather marvellously. We will also be joined by another prize-winning writer, Brontë Schiltz. Brontë and I both have short stories in the forthcoming anthology, The Monster, Capital.Do join us for a 90-minute online masterclass on writing compelling short stories – from first draft to final submission, including a Q&A and bonus handout with tips and practical exercises.
We’ll explore:
How to develop your story from a first draft to a polished piece (Ken Elkes)
How to create tone, atmosphere and affect in Gothic fiction — making your stories feel the way you want them to feel (Brontë Schiltz)
Ways to shape plot and voice in short thriller fiction (Sanjida Kay)
Recommendations for how to get your stories published, increase your chances in competitions, and discuss what editors may be looking for (Joe Melia).
We’ll also discuss why there is no single ‘right way’ to write, and share destinations for your fiction — from journals to competitions to anthologies.
The session will finish with a Q&A, giving you the chance to ask questions about writing and publishing your own work.
You’ll also receive a bonus downloadable handout of writing exercises, tips and references from each writer and editor to develop your skills further.
You can book on Luma: https://luma.com/czorgssu
And I have a special discount for all subscribers of Wild Writing with Sanjida: 20% off.
Please quote this code at the checkout: AO3O98
🌿 Members’ News
I’m delighted to share with you
member, John Duvall’s success.John has just published his second children’s book 👏🏽 It’s called The Young Crow and is beautifully illustrated by Rebecca Gibbon.
I first met John years ago when I was a TV director and he was a sound recordist. He’s also a tree surgeon and passionate about trees. Recently he came over to our rewilding project to give us advice about our trees, and even pruned all the trees in Jasmine Orchard.
The Young Crow is a heart-warming story about two children, Alec and Rosa, who love discovering the wildlife around them. One day they see a baby bird tumble from his nest. He can’t fly and the two friends decide to look after him.
The Young Crow is based on a true story. Here’s what John says:
'I rescued a fledgling crow when I was just starting to climb trees. The bird stayed with me for four months, and then flew away.
Years later, I was working for The BBC on an interview with Philip Roth about his book called The Human Stain. I was proud to share my story with Philip.
He said to me, “you know you probably killed that bird.”
He explained that crows are social and rely on each other for survival. The crow I rescued never learned their language and was probably rejected by the other crows.
The story I wrote - The Young Crow - tells the same tale, but the kids who rescue a fledgling bring it home to “grandma” who knows that the bird will need to speak “crow.”'
This is a beautiful book and one I'd highly recommend for any child.
Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow!
Sanjida x
PS Members, do please send me your news so I can spread the word about your achievements!
Zoom links for members. ⬇️
To join in with the session, do please consider subscribing.
🌿 Wild Writing Session:
7-9pm GMT Tuesday 7 October
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87820195566?pwd=adTO1e6BwQIdVPL0OWndUshXiC3M2E.1
Meeting ID: 878 2019 5566
Passcode: 968555
🌿 Wild Writing Session:
7-9pm GMT Tuesday 21 October
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83201514904?pwd=lSEK2Hdt32M2ivclz7gypK9o5DL8pH.1
Meeting ID: 832 0151 4904
Passcode: 376119