Travel writing, reviewing & sketching out the next novel
New drop-in journalism mentoring scheme, Media freedom Awards deadline looms, Raynor Winn controversy continues, Irvine Welsh's new novel reviewed, Edinburgh International Book Festival & more
My dear wordsmiths,
Greetings from the depths of Lancashire, England, from where Write Reject Repeat is authored. I shout this out because I’ve realised how many of you hail from pastures across the world - so hello to my new friends. Hello Canada where I seem to have a particularly large group of new besties, but also The Netherlands, The USA, Italy and that one subscriber in Australia - I see you. Actually, I think I know who you are.. I have to say that it’s comforting to know that those in the query trenches and tackling careers in journalism are not alone - they have a community.
This week I went back to my roots with a spot of theatre reviewing (for those who don’t realise I’m basically a frustrated theatre kid with no obvious performance skills). It’s a while since I attended a musical and I’ve reviewed hundreds in my time but I can feel some more coming on. I very much enjoyed Chicago press night at The Opera House Theatre in Blackpool Winter Gardens and my jazz hands have been reignited Here’s my review via Blackpool Gazette.
I also published my latest travel review if you are interested; here’s my article from Helengeli, Maldives. I will never not appreciate the opportunities in travel writing I have been given - I’m lucky but also never underestimate the power of networking and contacts. It’s not all luck and it involves a lot of saying yes to projects that may not be your cup of tea - but lead to those which are. I’m also more than aware that each trip could be be my last opportunity, so make the most of it!
Novel planning
Whilst I am still very much pushing queries to my current novel, I am sketching out the next. I plan this to to be very different , probably with more in common with my very first - in a drawer - masterpiece. I plan to use some closer to home experiences in this one and and it will probably to be more blatantly commercial. As the queen of escapism myself, I see the need, and I’m dying to use some of my journalism experience to inform the story. How is everyone else getting on? I’d love to hear about your novel progress - any tips on planning for a pantster-style writer? Or is that an oxymoron..
News, events & opportunities
JOURNALISM: Mentoring opportunity
The Journalists’ Charity is partnering with Journo Resources to provide a new drop-in mentoring scheme, designed to support working journalists looking to get ahead in the industry. The Moving Forwards Mentoring Scheme will allow UK-based journalists to book one-to-one calls with experienced mentors who can offer support on job applications, next steps, building confidence, and more. The 45-minute-long sessions will be run by experts from the Journo Resources community, each with more than a decade of journalism experience.
James Brindle, CEO of the Journalists’ Charity, said: “At a time when journalism has never been more important, we’re delighted to be partnering with Journo Resources to help more journalists focus on their career development. In such a challenging and volatile world, the charity is determined to play its part to help journalists and support journalism. This exciting new initiative complements our existing support offer, which helps journalists at all ages and stages with advice, training, and financial assistance.”
The scheme aims to fill a gap in the market for those looking to develop their careers, as well as ease the pressure on existing mentoring schemes, which often attract hundreds of applicants. You can find out more HERE
JOURNALISM: Media Freedom awards deadline looming
Entries for the Media Freedom Awards close on 11 August 2025. The Media Freedom Awards recognise UK individuals, teams and media organisations who have demonstrated determination, resilience and resolve in fulfilling their vital role in championing the public's right to know. Categories range from Investigation of the year, to Campaign of the year to Young Journalist of the year & more. You can view the categories HERE.
BOOKS: The Raynor Winn controversy latest
Best-selling Raynor Winn's new book has been delayed because questions about her bestselling work The Salt Path have caused her and her husband "considerable distress", her publisher has said. Penguin Michael Joseph said the decision to postpone the publication of her fourth book, On Winter Hill, had been made with Winn. Story via BBC HERE
BOOKS: Irvine Welsh’s Men in Love - reviewed
“Some of his graphic descriptions of oftentimes squalid sex may leave you needing a shower. But the simple ease and joy with which he re-inhabits these vivid characters makes this his paciest, funniest, most page-turning book in years.” Malcolm Jack for The Scotsman
You might be interested in this, by my colleagues at The Scotsman. You can read HERE
BOOKS: Edinburgh International Books Festivals starts in August
Edinburgh International Book Festival, the world-leading festival of words, literature, and ideas. The 2025 programme has close to 700 events featuring 641 writers from 35 countries, across six continents. It takes place from 9-24 Augus, and returning to Edinburgh Futures Institute (EFI) for the second year. The key theme of the festival this year is ‘Repair’. Everything you need to know via the festival website HERE
JOURNALISM: Call for media access in court
The Law Commission has called for media access during sex offence evidence sessions Media representatives should be able to remain in court when complainants in sexual offences cases give evidence, a new report has concluded. The recommendation, contained within the Law Commission’s final report into reform of Evidence in Sexual Offence Prosecutions, comes after the Society of Editors criticised provisional proposals in 2023 to restrict access to court rooms while complainants in sexual offence cases give evidence as well as plans for the automatic exclusion of all but one member of the media. You can read more via Society of Editors HERE
JOURNALISM: More clarity around reporting restrictions
Another change for court reporting and one that will make UK journalist’s jobs a little more straightforward. When reporting restrictions are applied for - it is often difficult to source this information and the Criminal Procedure Rules will soon explicitly require proper notification of journalists when discretionary reporting restrictions (as opposed to automatic restrictions for youth cases and certain offences) are proposed, addressing a long-standing concern about transparency in criminal courts. Read all about it HERE
Thanks for reading, until next week! Nicola x