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 writing snacks, editing and self-publishing.
It’s a scorcher! How is everyone? Feeling full of good summer vibes? Have you had a BBQ or picnic?
Lots of you have made the very wise decision to stay indoors. Here in Dundee, it’s been overcast but humid.
Meanwhile, in the southern hemisphere, some of our writers woke up to frost!
Do you snack when you’re reading/writing? What’s your go-to nibble?
A good few of you don’t like to snack when you’re reading or writing. But for those who do, biscuits, coffee and chocolate are the most popular.
Do you struggle with editing your own work? Do you find it difficult to be objective?
Most of you recommended leaving a story aside for a while, whether for a week or even months. It can be too hard if you’ve only just finished the story, because you’re still too close to it.
The other top piece of advice is to send it to somebody you trust.
Have you self-published? Did you find the process easy?
Around half of you have self-published or have considered it.
Others feel the process is intimidating – with cover design, the technical aspects and promotion sounding the most difficult.
Patsy Collins advises:
My top tip is to allow yourself lots of time for the technical aspects. It’s much easier doing it in stages. #PFWritingHour
— Womagwriter (@womagwriter) July 19, 2022
Was writing something you always wanted to do? What first sparked your interest?
Quite a few of you can blame Enid Blyton for setting you on your path to becoming a writer! Others can point to other children’s books, comics and supportive teachers, parents and grandparents.
Some of you may have come to writing later in life, but with no less success!
Where is your reading/writing “happy place”? Do you have a wee nook?
Lots of you have dedicated office spaces for writing, whether that’s a spare bedroom or a cosy corner of the kitchen.
David Balmer’s bench has us intrigued! There is definitely a story there!
Every story I’ve had accepted has been written on this bench. Trouble is, passers-by often ask what I’m writing. A famous actress now in her eighties often walks by, and the highly successful author who first suggested I should try getting a story in the Friend! It’s a good spot!
— David Balmer (@DavidBalmer14) July 19, 2022
The favourite spot for reading seems to be either in bed or in the garden. Bliss!
We’ll see you at our next Writing Hour on Twitter — 11 a.m. on Tuesday 26 July, 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.
