Identity Theft

This week I experienced a form of identity theft on Twitter. This is the first time in 30 years of dealing with the internet and computers that I have had this happen. So, I suppose I have, to some degrees, been fortunate. It appears someone had taken my image, my name (minus the 'y') and …

SoA demands Internet Archive stops lending books ‘unlawfully’

The Society of Authors has demanded the Internet Archive’s Open Library stops lending books “unlawfully” online in the UK, arguing the US practice of Controlled Digital Lending is a breach of copyright. In an open letter, the trade body urged the San Francisco-based Internet Archive to immediately discontinue the practice of lending scanned copies of …

UNIVERSAL CREDIT THREATENS FUTURE WRITERS

According to the Society of Authors it has warned MPs that the changes to Universal Credit could silence working-class writers, impeding diversity in publishing and thus making it harder to attract different types of readers. Speaking at the All-Party Parliamentary Writers Group inquiry into authors’ earnings on Tuesday (30th October), the SoA chief executive Nicola …

5 REASONS AUTHORS FALL for VANITY PRESSES

Whenever we hear stories about authors being defrauded by unscrupulous vanity presses, sometimes for thousands of pounds, the reaction can often be unsympathetic: “It’s their own fault for being so gullible.” “They should have done their homework.” “That was a stupid mistake. Don’t they read about these things?” Whilst it is true that authors have …

YOUR LIBRARY

How to help boost readership and earnings for writers, which could also mean you? Libraries are full of stories in a whole range of formats that people can borrow, including you. They are ideal places for research and to get ideas, so go to your local library and borrow stuff. Especially stuff written by writers …

GREAT NEWS

Came back from a great day out with the other half to discover a large envelope waiting for me. Was delighted to discover I have been accepted as a Member of the Society of Authors. The comments on my Facebook page were encouraging especially those which said ‘You’ve arrived’ - what more can one ask …

BACK IN THE SWING OF THINGS

So at last I am back in the UK after an extended stay 'down under' on the Gold Coast visiting family and friends. I had intended reporting back on the new people I was meeting but unfortunately circumstances didn't allow for me to do that so I am using today to catch up on what …

INSPIRATIONAL VISIT

Having recently spent a long week-end on the Isle of Wight I was surprised to discover how inspirational the island has been, and still is, to many writers. From Queen Victoria, who was inspired to write her letters and diaries whilst staying on the island at Osborne House to Poet Laureate, Alfred, Lord Tennyson who …

CARDIFF CHILDREN’S LIT FEST

This last two weeks has seen the start of the 'Cardiff Children's Literature Festival.' The event features Authors and Illustrators who bring a cast of colourful characters from the world of children's writing aimed predominately at youngsters aged 3-11. It features many well known, such as The Gruffalo and Harry Potter but also welcomes the …

THE BIG BANG THEORY

Well what a strange couple of weeks we've had down here on Cardiff Bay. The weather has been alternating between freezing cold and brilliant warm sunshine. And its only February! Saturday I worked at my laptop with the apartment door open it was that warm. Yet Sunday I was freezing due to the cold front …