Inside Derbyshire Literature Festival

Northern Wings would like to welcome guest blogger Abi Burlingham 

Abi Burlingham

Abi  is a writer living in Derbyshire. She has had six children’s books published, including the ‘Ruby and Grub’ series, aimed at 2-7 year olds and  and, most recently, ‘Buttercup Magic: A Mystery for Megan’, aimed at 6-9 year olds all published by Piccadilly Press.  She has a website at: www.abiburlingham.talktalk.net and blogs, via this site, every Friday.

Derbyshire Literature Festival

I had the pleasure this year of being involved in Derbyshire Literature Festival, which is held every two years.  This year’s events ran from 11^th-20^th May.  I was scheduled to do four events – two on the 11^th and two on the 14^th.  I hadn’t been involved in the festival, or any festival, before so was a tad nervous about it.  What was I going to do?  Would anyone come? Would they enjoy it?  All those sort of questions raised their not so pretty heads.  The invitation to do these sessions was particularly well timed, as ‘Buttercup Magic: A Mystery for Megan’ was launched on 26^th April, so the sessions would give me an opportunity to read a bit from that too!

I’d had to give my sessions a title months prior to the events and had decided on, ‘Fun and Frolics with Ruby and Grub’, with the sessions being aimed at 2-7 years, the years the Ruby and Grub series of books are aimed at.  I had a vague idea of what I might do, as I do workshop sessions in schools, but it wasn’t until the week before that I sat down, with all my resources and really started to think how I might cover this age range and how I could ensure that the children were engaged and active during the hour long sessions.  After two or three days surrounded by paper, books, post it notes, scissors and glue, I was feeling a bit more confident.

My first session was at Kilburn Community Hall, Kilburn, Derbyhsire.  A class of school children from year 2 attended, along with another little girl who had come with her grandma.  The children were lovely!  They really enjoyed participating in the stories and shouting out “NO!” every time Ruby asks a question in ‘Ruby and Grub’, and they loved the cutting and sticking activity… Phew!

Cutting and sticking at Kilburn Community Centre.

In the afternoon, I flew (well… drove actually) across to Nottinghamshire for a session at Sandiacre Library. The library was beautiful and they had done a lovely display.  Another class of school children came from the local school, literally fifty yards away.  They were fab!  They loved the stories and all the colouring and cutting and sticking activities.  I also gave them an introduction to ‘Buttercup Magic: A Mystery for Megan’, aimed at 6-9 years, and introduced them to my daughter’s Flopsy Bunny, who features in the story, along with the scarf my daughter knitted.  In the story, Megan knits scarves for her very own Flopsy Bunny!

My third session, on the 14^th May, was at Chesterfield Library.  They had done a lovely display and made me feel really welcome.  This event was open to the public and attracted a younger audience.  One attendee was just four months old! The oldest was around five.  They absolutely loved the puppets and sat beautifully for the stories.  One little girl even came and rested her head on my knee while I read to them.  They really enjoyed the Ruby and Grub sticking activity, and luckily, I had some ‘pre-cut’ pictures that they could use.  It was a real ‘feel-good’ session.

Chesterfield Library Welcoming Display.

My final session was at Dronfield Library, with a class of year 3s from a local school, and a few members of the public.  It was great!  The kids were sharp and funny and a few insisted on shouting “YES!” to the Ruby and Grub questions instead of “NO!” which caused much hilarity!  They loved the colourings – I don’t think I have ever seen a group of children so engrossed in colouring before.  And all of the children, from all of the sessions, loved the lollies I’d taken along in my Buttercup bucket; it’s a bit of a trademark thing for me, and lollies do seem to feature in a lot of my stories.  Megan, in ‘Buttercup Magic’ is rather fond of strawberry ones!

Happy Colouring at Dronfiel Library

By the end of Monday, I was shattered!  But I was also buzzing.  I loved the events and got some absolutely lovely feedback. The Derbyshire County Council employees were all so welcoming and helpful, and their preparation and time and effort helped to make the events special.  And a huge thumbs up to libraries, who offer so much to families and children, and without which, the majority of these events wouldn’t have taken place. I would definitely do it again.  In fact, I can’t wait until the next one!

SCBWI Writing and Marketing Workshop

Last Saturday saw the latest in the SCBWI North West Professional series events.Philippa Donovan ran an informal workshop so thinking caps were required!

Philippa Donovan

Philippa has over ten years experience in the publishing industry, she has worked as an agent, a literary scout and is now commissioning editor at Egmont.

She loves her job and especially enjoys the excitement of finding a new talent. However the writers she works with are at the end of their journey to publication and she would like the opportunity to share her experience with those writers earlier on the road. That is why she set up her company Smart Quill.

Smart Quill is a consultancy service that will work closely with an author, no matter what their experience, to hone their manuscript increase publication chances. As well as this they also offer support when negotiating the ever expanding world of digital publishing.

Brave New Digital World

With the advent of the e-book publishing is changing on an almost daily basis. Philippa sees this as being an exciting time for the unpublished writer, a time where the digital ball is fairly in your court. You can now get your work published at low cost on many different digital platforms and make them available world wide. Agents are looking for authors who have already proved them selves through e- book sales to sign and publish traditionally. 

The e-book means that some time and cost limitations have gone. But remember other things remain, the need for a good designer, a good editor, and attention to marketing and publicity. Your e-book is your shop window to the publishing industry and what is inside had better look good if you want them to take serious notice. 

So Many Books, So Little Shelf Space

Surprisingly enough, despite the e-book, publishers are still producing a great number of books. Phillippa's first and biggest piece of advice was 'know the market and how your story will fit into it.'

And so our first exercise was given. In small groups we had to come up with a brand new idea for a story and then come up with a compelling pitch all in fifteen minutes. Nothing too challenging then!

Creativity was soon sloshing around the room and many great new ideas were pitched. So if there are any publishers reading this who are looking for a new exciting story for 3 to 11 year olds with a  vampiric teenage rat switched at birth as a lead character who finds a miniature female horrid Henry on the space rocket Titanic, please don't hesitate to get in touch.

What our story needs is an orangutan.

After a much needed refreshment break Phillipa really was keen to share her wealth of experience with us.

Make your Manuscript a Masterpiece

As writers we all know that when we edit our manuscript we need to pay special attention to characterization, point of view, dialogue and plot. Philippa asked us not to forget the authorial voice, or rather DO forget it and throw it right out. A reader should be so involved in story that they have no perception of the writer. Avoid devices that may remind the reader of authorial presence. Even simple things like overuse of certain speech tags will jolt the writer out of the story and remind them of the writer behind it.

Furious note taking as Philippa shares her experience.

And Finally....

When you do have your manuscript as polished as can be it's time to find yourself an agent, and that's a serious business. Agents are a publisher's guarantee of quality, they are also the author's guarantee of being read seriously and not getting lost at the top of Mount Manuscript. Make sure you spend time researching the different agencies and carefully choose those that will suit your work. When you have a short list take time over those submissions, and make sure they adhere to the agencies submission policy.

It was a great afternoon and no one could quite believe how quickly the four hours flew by. So a great thank you to Philippa for heading up to the North to share her experience and weekend with us.

SCBWI North West Professional Panel

On Saturday 22nd April, Manchester City Library played host to the second event in the Society for Children's Book Writers and Illustrators North West Professional Series. The Baker room was packed, and not surprisingly as our speakers for the afternoon brought a wealth of experience from the publishing and agenting world of children's literature. They included, Catherine Pellegrino, literary agent, Ben Cameron from the Pavilion Children's Books and Fiona Ross, the events manager for the UK division of Barefoot Books.

Catherine Pellegrino, Ben Cameron, Fiona Ross

In a three hour long session of talk, questioning and the occasional pitch much wit and wisdom was shared. Here we bring you our edited highlights.

Catherine Pellegrino

Catherine could not tell us enough times just how much she loves her job. She has twenty five years experience in children's literature and has worked for companies including Bloomsbury and Penguin. More recently she spent five years with Rogers, Coleridge and White Literary Agency before setting up her own business last year. She is looking for imaginative, well crafted writing but more than anything a strong, engaging voice.

Catherine shared her thoughts with us about  why a writer should have an agent.

Gatekeepers. A good agent is the gatekeeper to to industry. They know EVERYONE in the publishing houses. They will have a good idea of what manuscript will suit which  publisher and they are able to submit to those publishers that are closed to unsolicited material.

They like the slushpile. As writers we often feel so negative about it, but to an agent... 'There's gold in them there slushpiles!'

Agents are editors. It's a difficult time to be picked up by a publisher. Anything at all wrong with your manuscript may give an editor the excuse to walk away. But your agent will edit, and edit and edit again, helping you to make sure your precious story is as perfect as it can be by the time in lands on a commissioning editors desk.

Negotiators. Don't grumble about that 15% commission, a good agent will find you the best possible deal, better than you are likely to arrange yourself, and easily earn it back.

Troubleshooters. Agents act a middle man between yourself and your publisher. Should the publisher be dragging their heels on getting that publication date then the agent can deal with them on your behalf. Or if you are taking your time with your final edit... well you get the picture, but it all builds to good relationships between writers and publishers.

On your side. Your agent is there for you, they have your best interests at heart, and are on the end of a phone should you need them. The best kinds of writer/ agent relationships should be built on trust and last a career.

One of the ''Fantastic' books on Pavilion's back list.

Ben Cameron, Pavilion Books

Pavilion Children's Books is an imprint of Anova Books and has been publishing for nearly thirty years.  It is most well know for publishing Terry Jones' 'Fairy Tales and Fantastic Stories' as well as works by people including Paul McCartney, Quentin Blake and Michael Foreman.

They are now a small publisher producing around twenty books a year, many of these are from their strong blacklist but they also publish around eight new titles. They are happy to work with both agented and unagented writers.They publish fiction books for babies and children up  to 12 . They are especially interested in books that have a really engaging humour.

Here are some of Ben's hints.

Life.  Make sure you have one and that you share something of it when you submit. We want to know about you beyond your story.

Word count. Stick to it, under a thousand words for picture books and under thirty thousand for novels.

Pictures. If you write picture books but don't illustrate, don't try to, or find someone else to. Leave it to us to match you with the illustrator that will suit you.

Patience. It may tale us a little while but we WILL get back to you.

Fiona Ross Barefoot Books

Fiona is the Events Manager for the UK division of Barefoot Books, a transatlantic publisher with a strong emphasis on multicultural stories that have an ethical or moral dimension. They are open to submission and are looking for illustraors or writers  to work on early reading projects.

As an Events Manager Fiona has to come up with all kinds of weird and wonderful ways to promote Barefoot Books. This often involves bringing the book alive, making it a three dimensional multi-sensory experience in some way, and has on occasion included sleepovers. Yet with all her creativity Fiona was keen to throw the ball back at us as writers. What can we do do help promote ourselves and our books both before and after publication? 

National Curriculum. Can you link your book in anyway to the National Curriculum? Will it fit into one of the literacy strands, or possibly history , geography or PSHE? If you don't know it's time to get talking to your teacher friends. If a publisher can make a clear link with the National Curriculum then schools sales will increase and you will be reaching your target audience.

Another hat. Okay so we know your a writer, but what else do you do? If you climb mpountains write an article about mountain climbing that mentions your book. If you bake cakes send articles to cake magazines and mention your book. Could your story include a cake recipe? Could it be a cake? Partner yourself with interseted organisations that may promote your book.

Social Media. Facebook, Twitter and other social networks is where it's all happening and it's time you joined the party. Don't use it as the place to lay on the hard sell, but to engage with people. Get their interest by asking intersting questions, invite them to come back and engage with you.  Possibly start a blog (but more on that later)

Coffee, cake and chat.

Questions and Answers

After cake break and pitching we all reconvened for an extensive Q & A that ranged over topics including submission hates, rhyming books and trends. Here are some questions we really sunk our teeth into.

What's your opinion on self publishing?

Ben- It is a  continuum of the publishing world, but in no way an easy option as it means you have a heavy responsibility to self edit and self promote.

Catherine- There have been reported cases of big successes through self publishing so it can happen. BUT self publishing companies usually do not offer a thorough editorial service meaning that your book may not be finished to the quality it deserves.

How do you feel about the e-book verses traditional print?

Fiona- the e-book is effecting children's publishing less as parental nostalgia means that parents still but books fot their children. Apps can add to the reading experience but don't overtake the traditional book.

Ben- For very small children print is still the most practical format. Personally  I feel that the e-book is taking more away from the illusrator than the writer.

Catherine- I love my kindle but wonder what will happen to all the antiquated bookshops in the future. In some respects e-books is  doing publishers a service. They are now looking closely at their production values and producing books that people really want to own.

How useful is social networking as most children don't use it?

Fiona- It's the adults that buy the books, you need to show case yourself on line to them.

Ben- most bookshops are on Twitter, you should be interacting and building relationships with them.

Catherine- You owe it to yourself, your agent and your publisher to have an on-line presence and  just leaving the great onesself promote.

So what about blogging? Is it useful?

Fiona- Blogging is part of the on-line holy trinity 'Facebook, Twitter and blog' which gives you a web presence and gets people commenting (and you can delete all the negative comments and just leave the great ones). But take care, it is a commitment and may take you away from writing your book so be strict with yourself.

Catherine- It's great but you have to remember that you are show casing your skills as a writer. It must have a strong voice and include interesting, original material. You also need to be regular in your blog so to build a following, at least once a fortnight.

Hanging on their every word!

So a big thanks to everyone on the panel who gave up some of their weekend to give us the insiders look on the world of children's literature. Everyone left, having being engaged and informed, and with their fingers crossed (if they had a crack at pitching).

The next event in the SCBWI North West Professional Series is the writing and marketing workshop run by Phillipa Donovan from Egmont. It's on 12th May City  Library Manchester at 12pm

Manchester Children's Book Festival 28th June - 8th July 2012

In 2010 Manchester twinkled with some of the brightest stars from the world of children's literature. It was all part of the first ever Manchester Children's Book Festival, an event first conceived by Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy and organised with Manchester Metropolitan University. For four days the city buzzed with a whole host of events, from author talks to story tellings, competitions and professional developmet. There was, something for children, teachers, writers, librarians or anyone who just likes a good tale.

Each child born be named with love,

For each child's name a star above,

My name be known,

O let my given name be known.

Carol Ann Duffy

After its success it's not surprising that MMU are planning a second event in July 2012. But if the stars twinkled at the inaugral event then Manchester is going to be abalze at this one. The MCBF has grown from just four days to eleven,and with events all over the city, many of which are free, there really is no reason not to join in.

It was launched this February at New Charter Academy. Children from the Academy were joined by pupils from local primary schools to be, entertained, inspired and delighted by Carol Ann who was supported by musician and friend John Sampson.

Kaye Tew and James Draper, the festival directors, believe that the legacy of the festival will be the inspiration it provides to pupils, teachers and the Manchester community to produce the literary pioneers of the the future.

So what have they lined up to inspire us? The programme is so jam packed we suggest you check out their own Festival Programme,  but here are some of our personal picks.

Author Events

Michael Rosen

Michael returns to the festival on Saturday 7th July with an three exciting and entertaining events to cover a wide age range.

In the morning he will be Going on an Art Hunt. Manchester Art Gallery is sure to be a very fruitful hunting ground and inspiration will be found round every corner. This interactive event is sure to delight any adventurous child with a love of art, poetry or just life. (7+ recommended).

During the afternoon he will be treating us to afternoon tea at the Midland Hotel. During this relaxed afternoon there will be sandwiches, cake, pastries and poetry as  Michael shares his latest poetry anthologies 'Even my Ears are Smiling' and 'Bananas in my Ears'.  

From there Michael is hot foot to host his Michael Rosen Family Poetry Show at the Zion Arts Centre. I think we can all be sure that Michael will sleep well after all that!

Michael inspiring children in 2010

Cathy Cassidy

Cathy says she loved the 2010 MCBF and so is very excited to be invited back. Possibly not as excited as Manchester is to have her. And forget cloud 9, on July the 1st the author of the divine 'Chocolate Box Girls' series will be taking us to Cloud 23 at the Hilton Hotel for the Northern book launch of her latest novel, 'Summer's Dream'. While there you will be treated to mocktails, a reading by Cathy from 'Summer's Dream' and a question and answer session. You can even opt to stay for dinner in Cathy's company. That sounds like a summer's dream to us.

Our hostess, Cathy Cassidy.

Phillip Pullman

New to MCBF and sure to be a popular event, the author of the phenomenal Dark Materials trilogy (not to mention one af my all time favourites 'Clockwork') is coming to talk about his work past, present and future. Be sure to bring your treasured copies of his work along on the 5th July as he will be happy to sign them for you.

Jacqueline Wilson

Another MCBF newbie  but as Jacqueline is one of the most loved children's authors of the moment then book early for this one. On July the 3rd Jacqueline will talk about her work, how she became a writer and her writing routine. There will also be a limited book signing.

Jacqueline Wilson and Phillip Pullman

Andy Cope

Andy is the author of the 'Spy Dog' series. He was one of the most popular author events in the 2010 festival when he brought his 4 legged muse, Lara, along with him.

On the 2nd of July they both return  with the new book in the series 'Roller Coaster'. And if that wasn't enough he's also going to tell us all about The Art of being Brilliant too!

Andy and friends.

Workshops

Theatre Explorers

Children will let their imaginations run wild through role play, movement and storytelling  at The Royal Exchange Theatre.

Roald Dahl's The Witches: Workshop

The Library Theatre Company in partnership with Cornerhouse present an interactive film-screening of Roald Dahl's 'The Witches.'

Waterstone's Children's Party

Are you sad that World Book Day is over and you no longer have an excuse to dress up as your favourite character? Well Waterstone's Deansgate have the answer. On the 1st of July come along for fun, games and yes fancy dress, at their interactive children's party.

Exhibitions

Once Upon a Wartime

11th February-2nd September 2012

Moving tales of loyalty, separation, excitement, survival and identity are brought to life in this major exhibition for children and adults alike. Explore some of the best loved children’s novels about war and the true events that inspired them.

The exhibition includes costume and script from Speilberg's Movie adaptation of 'War Horse'.

'Old Friends New Faces:' Illustrated Characters from Children's Literature

Monday 18th June-Friday 24th August 2012

An exhibition of children’s books from the Children’s Book Collection at Manchester Metropolitan University’s Special Collections will be on display in the Gallery on the third floor of the MMU Library at the All Saints campus.

Professional Development

The Manchester Children’s Book Festival offers a full, two-day suite of masterclass workshops, seminars, talks and panel discussions, giving teachers, writers, librarians and arts practitioners opportunities to develop their own writing-for-children, explore critical engagements with children's books, or get "hands-on"" in arts and craft sessions.

The two days also includes admission to the 'Have you ever thought about writing for children?'  and the 'Official Opening Event' with Carol Ann Duffy.

Competitions

All Write! 2012

A creative writing project for 8-12 year olds.

Midland Future Manchester

What does the future hold for Manchester? If you are between 12-16 years, why don't you show us a a short story.

Authors Up North

On Saturday 11th February I attended a writers' event at Manchester City Library, Eliot House. It was  entitled 'It's Grim Up North' and I am happy to say that it was anything but grim. 

The packed out Baker room played host to   first in a professional series of talks and workshops organised by the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators .The events are to be held over the year and aim to bring a range of children's publishing professionals into our region to work face to face with authors and illustrators of all levels. (See our events page for details of other workshops).

For this first meeting three experienced North West Children's writers came to talk about their journey into publishing and discuss what it was like to be a working author in the North West. There was time to listen to the speakers, chat over a chocolate brownie and ask questions.

Name: Steve Hartley

Books: Danny Baker Record Breaker Series.

                     

Big Break: It took 15 years but eventually Steve's chance came when he was  chosen for the 2008 Undiscovered Voices Anthology. The Anthology is produced bi-annually by the Society of Children's Writers and Illustrators. It publishes the work of 12 unpublished and unagented children's writers and showcases their work to the publishing community. As well as launching Steve's career it has also set many other authors on the path to publication including Sarwat Chadda and Candy Gourlay.

Top Tips:

1. Find your voice. The one that you truly own, and not the one you wish you did. You might want to write gut wrenching drama, but if you keep slipping slap stick gags in, then it's not going to work for anyone.

2. Be prepared to really polish your work. It needs to be as good as it can be when you submit to agents or authors, they will make judgments about you as a writer based on what you are prepared to submit.

3. And before you submit, really do your research. Spend time looking at publishers and agents to see what interests them. Only submit to those who you believe will love your work and who you would love to work with. 

What's Next? The original Danny Baker, 'The World's Biggest Bogey' is being re issued in April with a 100% new and 100% unofficial Olympic Danny Baker story. Meanwhile Steve has his teeth into a new, very different project.

Name: Jon Mayhew

Books: Mortlock, The Bone Collector

                    

Big Break: Breaking his ankle when training for the London Marathon! When poor Jon found himself housebound for six weeks he began to write... and write... and write! And no, what he wrote was not fit for publication.

Jon didn't give up writing, or running or breaking his ankle. Another six weeks at home took him further along the literary road until his wife (possibly going mad at having him home so much) booked him on a Cornerstones weekend. Here Jon learned the value of good critique. He edited his work, he spent time at writing groups and conferences, he met people, he talked about his work and people asked to see it. 

Top Tips:

1. Critique is good. It's what helps us grow and develop as writers. Be a member of a writing group and attend classes and conferences when you can.

2. Netwoking is important, and doesn't need to be done cynically. Getting to know people on-line or through events such as conferences and book launches may help open doors to you. Editors and agents are more likely to seriously read a piece of work given to them by a person they have met than one that is just treading slush.

3. And be choosy. As aspiring writers we can be too keen to jump at any offer we get, but it's important to be working with the right person, some one who loves your work as much, maybe more, than you do. 

What's Next? Jon's third book 'The Bonehill Curse' will be released in May this year.

Name: Toby Forward

Books: The Wyvern Quartet, The Flaxfield Quartet, and The Wolf's Story (to name a few).

Big Break: It took a while for Toby to be brave enough to submit his writing anywhere, but when he did it was to 'Morning Story' a programme that used to be broadcast on BBC Radio 4. His first submission was considered 'a bit much' for 11 O'clock in the morning but he was invited to submit another. Feeling encouraged he did and this time it was accepted and broadcast. This was his first step on a career than has lasted  since 1987 and includes over twenty published titles. 'Morning Story' sadly is no longer in exsistance, but Toby believes aspiring writers should seek out opportunities to have short work published, be that radio, anthology or magazines. It's all about learning your craft.

Top Tips:

Toby suggested that we came up with our own 'Top Ten Tips for Writing'. They should be personal to all of us. Here are the highlights of his own.

1. Write for your own inner child.

2. Picture that child as you write and just tell them the story. Don't patronize them.

3. If you hit an impasse, miss it out and write something further on in your story. It will be easy to fill the gap later.

4. Don't begin to edit until it's finished.

5. Don't have morning coffee until the first 500 words are done.

What's Next? Toby is currently completing the forth book in the Flaxfield Quartet. The first book, 'Dragon Born',  was recently long listed for the Carnegie Medal. We're all routing for you Toby!

It was a Saturday afternoon well spent. Listening to and chatting with authors who started out no different to anyone else in the room was an inspiring experience.  Everyone left energised and enthused, ready to write the good write once more.

We're practicing out grim faces.

The Next event is on 21st April 2012 1—4pm Manchester City Library, Elliot House

The Professional Panel is an opportunity to meet with some of the industry professionals— including Catherine Pellegrino (Literary Agent), Ben Cameron (Pavilion Children’s Books) and Fiona Ross (Barefoot Books).

 For tickets contact Stephanie by email at: lilyboo147@googlemail.com