Festival time

This is my new author photo. I found it amongst the photos taken by my partner, Paul, following his death in March. This year has mostly been about processing my grief at his loss and at the loss of my mum, but I am gradually remerging and will be putting on my brave author face this autumn at the Off the Shelf festival in Sheffield.

As with all things, my natural response to my grief has been to write about it and I’ve been doing this in my blog which I’ve now called ‘Swimming through Clouds’ https://griefwriting.blogspot.co.uk/. My grief writing will feed into a few of things I’m involved in during the festival.

First up, on Monday 10th, I’ll be speaking about my writing journey with other writers from the Hallam Writers group. All of us have taken different paths towards careers in writing and the talk is for anyone who has thought they’d like to publish their writing. We’ll also be reading from our writing. I’m not sure yet whether I will read from my grief blog or from a work of fiction.

http://www.offtheshelf.org.uk/events/destination-publication

On Saturday 5th November I’m joining widow and writer, Ingrid Hanson, in leading a Grief Writing workshop for other people who might find it beneficial to write about their loss and remember loved ones. If the idea appeals to you but you’re a bit daunted, please don’t be. Writing is therapeutic and there will be no pressure to share your words.

http://www.offtheshelf.org.uk/events/grief-writing-workshop-with-beverley-ward-and-ingrid-hanson

For children, (and away from the grief theme) I’m looking forward to interviewing 8 year old Toby Little who has published his own book of postcards to the world. I’ll be talking to him about his writing and about mine and then I’ll be helping children to write their own postcard. If you have young ones, please come along.

http://www.offtheshelf.org.uk/events/dear-world

Other events that I will be involved in are the Sheffield Authors event. I’m looking forward to hearing the winning entries to the short story competition, especially as members of my writing group have entered. Come along to hear from local writing talent.

http://www.offtheshelf.org.uk/events/i-want-to-tell-you-a-short-story

And, last but not least, my personal favourite is the Novel Slam which this year is in a new venue at The Crucible. From small beginnings 5 years ago, the Slam has gone to strength to strength and is a must for all aspiring novelists. This year I’m neither entering nor judging but I’ll be offering some coaching as a prize to one of the lucky winners.

http://www.offtheshelf.org.uk/events/novel-slam-2016

Have a good festival and hope to see you somewhere along the way!