Shutterstock / 13_Phunkod©“The People’s Friend” Writing Hour is held every Tuesday at 11 a.m. on Twitter and it’s always a brilliant time! It’s a time when we can get together with writers for a chat.
Every week we summarise everything that went on for those who missed out.
This week we chatted about self-promotion and your writing news.
How is everyone? Have you been reading outside in the good weather?
We didn’t even need to ask – of course, everybody’s been reading!
Whether you’ve been reading outside in the sun is another matter. Some of you enjoy it, but others prefer the shade.
When you have writing success, who is the first person you tell?
Most of you tell your partners first. Others tell a family member, a writing buddy, a pet or it just depends on who’s available!
Do you find it easy to promote your writing on social media? Are you a bit shy?
Lots of you find it difficult to promote your own writing – either online or in person. It does feel unnatural to do, especially for people who are quieter in nature.
As a few of you pointed out, you find it more fun to share the successes of other writers. That’s how people will feel when you share your good news, too, so don’t worry too much.
Helen Yendall had some great advice:
It always feels like ‘boasting’ and so it feels wrong! But I think it’s part of being a published writer. As long as you do it with a ‘light touch’ and intersperse messages about your writing with other things – and you’re generous about promoting others – then I think it’s fine.
— Helen Yendall 💙 #A Wartime Secret (@HelenYendall) August 9, 2022
Does writing/reading help you through difficult times in life, or do you find it hard to concentrate?
As expected, lots of you find that reading and writing provides a much-needed escape when life gets tough.
Some of you said that writing completely absorbs you, taking you away from daily worries.
A few of you find that reading becomes difficult during hard times. Maybe that’s why so many of us turn to childhood favourites!
For others, it’s good to take a break from reading and writing and spend time on other hobbies instead – music, crochet and journaling to name a few.
If you could join the “Friend” for a month, which job would you like to do?
There were some creative jobs like Official Pianist, Official Snack Tester and Tea Maker.
While we don’t think there’s ever been an Official Snack Tester, there was once a features writer affectionately known as “The Violin Man”. We also used to publish sheet music in the magazine, so we’re sure Official Pianist is not too far off.
I’ve been told that there used to be tea makers as well. Apparently, they were able to remember how every single person liked their tea!
Most of you put yourselves forwards for roles that come under the Fiction Team umbrella. Reading Pocket Novels, reading new submissions and choosing stories that are right for the magazine.
A couple of you would like to join the ranks of our talented illustrators. Others would love to be sub editors, proof-reading and getting a story ready for publication. While some want to write on certain features like the ‘This Week We’re Loving’ page, recipes and the travel features.
And one of you would love to be Editor. We’ll tell Angela to watch out!
Tell us your writing news! Do you have an idea bubbling away? Have you written some poetry? Started a story?
We love reading up on what you’re working on.
Louise was inspired by last week’s Writing Hour prompt:
I’ve been writing and researching a story, inspired by your great writing prompt last week. I’m currently researching the restrictions of Utility clothing and wedding dresses in WWII.
— Louise McIvor (@lou_mcivor) August 9, 2022
We’ll see you at our next Writing Hour on Twitter — 11 a.m. on Tuesday 16 August, 2022.
Or click here to see our previous roundups.
Abigail Phillips Abbie is the newest member of the fiction team at the "Friend." She loves how varied the role is - every day is different and there is always a new story to read. She is keen to work closely with established writers and discover new writers, too.
