I missed my deadline plus mind monkeys and preparing to query again
Words by the Water festival, Waterstones Children's Book Festival, Author MW Craven signs six figure deal & new Reuters report is dropping journalism truth bombs
My dear wordsmiths,
We are all friends here so I’m sure you won’t mind I’ve missed my self-imposed newsletter deadline by a whole day - though as a former daily newspaper editor missing deadlines comes with a side of self-loathing and fury. I’m pretty sure, on this occasion, no one will have noticed - and I’m here now! Please subscribe so you see when I upload - much appreciated! Both free and paid subscription models are available.
How has your week been? There have been a number of frosty mornings in the shire and I’ve seen the local barn owl twice - which fills my heart with hope that the countryside will persevere, despite the encroaching towns and cities. I’ve also been out and about myself, getting promo photos for the latest podcast promos and attending meetings that were actually not online for once. There are lots of exciting things coming up.
It’s been a busy week day-job wise, with our team over in Yorkshire putting the ‘Star’ in Sheffield once more. When tragedy hits and everyone is looking for accurate and timely information and reports amid the noise, readers turn to established and trusted brands in their local community - even at a time of great media diffusion. The Sheffield Star team, led by editor Claire Lewis, has proven this in spades this week. On that note there is currently an opportunity to join the team as a trainee - as one journalist is off to work as a local democracy reporter. Are you the right journalist for the job?
Apply for the role at Sheffield Star HERE - you’ll have to be quick.
I’ll be chatting journalism - and if you even need a PR company to get in the press - with the ITPR which is, ironically, a PR company on Thursday March 13 from 5.30pm to 7.30 pm. Don’t worry I’m only 15 minutes of that but the event - part of the Lancashire Technology Networking Events series- takes place at OneCoWork on Winckley Square, Preston. Link to get tickets is here.
Preparing to query
Even this Queen of procrastination has to start querying again at some point. On my manifestation board, the movie rights to my novel are being signed next year ( and what a movie it would make) so I better get on with it. But I’m not rushing - or I’ll regret it. There is a plethora of mixed advice on querying online - I’ll let you know how I get on! Let’s just hope the mind monkeys don’t muddy the process.. they are strong right now! All guidance welcomed..
News, events, reads & opportunities..
Journalism, books and writing
A live online debate lead by Nic Newman, lead author of the report named above took place on Thursday. The lively conversation saw plenty of truth bombs for the media industry, with many takeaways for editors and journalists. According to the recent report from the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism - Journalism, Media and Technology Trends and Predictions - artificial intelligence (AI) and generative AI will continue to be a big disruptor. In addition, news organisations contend with numerous other challenges, including political and economic instability, further format shifts and decline in referral traffic.
Do Gen Z know what a journalist is?
This comes from the US and honestly, is very interesting..
‘The issue with younger generations is deeper than media mistrust. It’s that no one knows what a journalist is.’
via Poynter
Former local journalist releases third novel (via HTFP)
Nathan Woolford worked for the Gloucestershire Gazette, Torquay Herald Express, Richmond and Twickenham Times, Surrey Comet, News Shopper, Bournemouth Daily Echo and Swindon Advertiser. Now his third novel, Worlds to conquer, is out.
Waterstones Children’s Book Festival, Lincoln, February 14 – 16:
Including events featuring bestselling and beloved children’s authors, including Skandar creator A.F. Steadman, the graphic novel genius behind Heartstopper Alice Oseman, Bunny vs Monkey legend Jamie Smart and all-round children’s literature icon Jacqueline Wilson, the festival boasts a huge variety of events and activities to suit all ages.
Events will take place in different locations across the heart of the city, including The Engine Shed, Southside, Lincoln Central Library, and the beautiful Waterstones bookshop positioned on the High Street. Tickets are on sale now.
Words by the Water festival , Keswick, March 12-16:
This event returns to Theatre by the Lake this March with a glittering line-up this year with a huge variety of speakers and expanded programme. The many guest speakers will include festival favourite James Rebanks, poet Laureate, Simon Armitage, and writer and broadcaster Reverend Richard Coles. Popular North-Eastern crime fiction queens, Ann Cleeves and L.J.Ross will both be at the festival and this year's Booker long-listed Sarah Perry will be interviewed by Cumbrian novelist Sarah Hall.
Leah Varnell (Festival Director) says ‘We are delighted that alongside the Main House programme the festival will be flying the flag for Cumbria once again with 'Book Case Choices' and 'On Your Doorstep' as well as other themed days in the Studio focussing on the environment, culture and politics. We are also championing on young and emerging local talent by launching the Cumbrian ‘Young Writers Competition’.
The main festival runs from 12-16th March and includes author talks, workshops, poetry and a number of free events including story telling for children.
Author MW Craven renews book deal with Constable Crime in six figure agreement:
Craven said he is ‘thrilled’ after Constable signed three more titles including the continuation of the Washington Poe and Tilly Bradshaw series and the launch of a new series featuring lone-wolf protagonist Ben Koenig beginning with Fearless. The deal includes what MW Craven describes as : “More Poe, bringing the series up to nine full length novels, more Koenig, bringing the series up to three.’ and ‘More of something my publisher calls ‘rip roaring’.’
As always, thanks for reading this far and don’t forget to send me your book inspiration! I’m always willing to feature book promotion in this newsletter - just get in touch. Have a great week, Nx