E5 of S7 Punctuation looks at why we use it, why we should use it, how it helps to give the reader a better reading experiences, and what a handful of the types of punctuation available.   SHOW NOTES All opinions given are my own and based on my experience. I've mentioned a few places including my business www.loveofbooks.co.uk and the podcast's Facebook page which is a great place to further the discussions I begin here The Versatile Writer Podcast Group | Facebook Of course, I'd love it if you subscribed and shared this podcast on social media. Please tag me in so I can publicly thank you: Face book: Sarah Banham Twitter: @sjbwrites Instagram: s.j.banham Linked In: Sarah Banham BA(Hons) Ps I tried crowdfunding for S7 but it didn't work. Soz. 

Ep5 of S7 covers Characters Pt 2. This episode summarizes Pt 1 with names and their meanings then goes on to look at character skills, family trees, and even accents.   SHOW NOTES All opinions given are my own and based on my experience. I've mentioned a few places including my business www.loveofbooks.co.uk and the podcast's Facebook page which is a great place to further the discussions I begin here The Versatile Writer Podcast Group | Facebook Of course, I'd love it if you subscribed and shared this podcast on social media. Please tag me in so I can publicly thank you: Face book: Sarah Banham Twitter: @sjbwrites Instagram: s.j.banham Linked In: Sarah Banham BA(Hons) Ps I tried crowdfunding for S7 but it didn't work. Soz. 

Ep4 of Season 7 is Mood. I touch upon mood, atmosphere, and tone within fiction casting my eye (and memory) over Dickens through to King. I mention DC Comics' Batman and the movie adaptation of the novel Where The Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens too.    SHOW NOTES All opinions given are my own and based on my experience. I've mentioned a few places including my business www.loveofbooks.co.uk and the podcast's Facebook page which is a great place to further the discussions I begin here The Versatile Writer Podcast Group | Facebook Of course, I'd love it if you subscribed and shared this podcast on social media. Please tag me in so I can publicly thank you: Face book: Sarah Banham Twitter: @sjbwrites Instagram: s.j.banham Linked In: Sarah Banham BA(Hons) Ps I tried crowdfunding for S7 but it didn't work. Soz. 

Ep 3 of Season 7 of The Versatile Writer. Taking charge of your writing is about pushing aside those fears of inadequacy, the insecurities, the procrastination, and the writers block and getting on to the task at hand. But it's not always that easy, is it?   SHOW NOTES All opinions given are my own and based on my experience. I've mentioned a few places including my business www.loveofbooks.co.uk and the podcast's Facebook page which is a great place to further the discussions I begin here The Versatile Writer Podcast Group | Facebook Of course, I'd love it if you subscribed and shared this podcast on social media. Please tag me in so I can publicly thank you: Face book: Sarah Banham Twitter: @sjbwrites Instagram: s.j.banham Linked In: Sarah Banham BA(Hons) Ps I tried crowdfunding for S7 but it didn't work. Soz. 

Episode 2 of Season 7 of The Versatile Writer.  In this episode, I look at Length. I begin with a cheeky glint in my metaphorical eye, but continue with: . length of paragraphs . length of chapters . length of stories . length of sentences I created this specific episode because I've been asked A LOT by new writers 'how long should a chapter be?' As always, I'm giving my own opinion - others may vary.   SHOW NOTES All opinions given are my own and based on my experience. I dangled the carrot on a few sites in this epi incl my business www.loveofbooks.co.uk and the podcast's Facebook page which is a great place to further the discussions I begin here The Versatile Writer Podcast Group | Facebook Of course, I'd love it if you subscribed and shared this podcast on social media. Please tag me in so I can publicly thank you: Face book: Sarah Banham Twitter: @sjbwrites Instagram: s.j.banham Linked In: Sarah Banham BA(Hons) Ps I tried crowdfunding for S7 but it didn't work. Soz. 

Welcome back to Season 7 of The Versatile Writer. The first of this season's episodes looks at: . character names . their meanings . which names work well for which genre (in my opinion)   SHOW NOTES All opinions given are my own and based on my experience. I've mentioned a few places including my business www.loveofbooks.co.uk and the podcast's Facebook page which is a great place to further the discussions I begin here The Versatile Writer Podcast Group | Facebook Of course, I'd love it if you subscribed and shared this podcast on social media. Please tag me in so I can publicly thank you: Face book: Sarah Banham Twitter: @sjbwrites Instagram: s.j.banham Linked In: Sarah Banham BA(Hons) Ps I tried crowdfunding for S7 but it didn't work. Soz. 

The final episode of S6 looks at self care for writers. Covers mental health. Big thanks to those authors on social media who participated including: Facebook: Emma Louise, Samantha Nix, Cher Worth, Monti Cline, Paula Readman, Siobhan Collier, Dawn Vincent. Twitter: @lotenauthor, @JimmieWrites, @WriteNowPodcast, @DaniEverts, @SuzanneMehill. @JuliaStoneAuthor and Instagram: @RachelDavidsonAuthor    Season 7 returns 22 August 2022. Thank you for listening. Please subscribe and share.    SHOW NOTES: What are your thoughts on the episode and the questions it raised? Share them in the Facebook group:  (2) The Versatile Writer Podcast Group | Facebook www.loveofbooks.co.uk  

Writers either love them or hate them. Where do you stand?  Pseudonyms can be extremely useful for writers, or a waste of time.  I put the idea out to the writing community on twitter. Responses are included.    SHOW NOTES: What are your thoughts on the episode and the questions it raised? Share them in the Facebook group:  (2) The Versatile Writer Podcast Group | Facebook   www.loveofbooks.co.uk   Big thanks to those authors who took part through their twitter responses: @lotenauthor, @Celestialily @DanFitzWrites and @JuliaStoneAuthor 

Many writers have access to their own writing resources based upon the genres they write. If you don't, however, why not try prompts or an idea's box? Lots of help included. :)    SHOW NOTES: What are your thoughts on the episode and the questions it raised? Share them in the Facebook group:  (2) The Versatile Writer Podcast Group | Facebook   www.loveofbooks.co.uk for details of Writing Naked: Writing Without Boundaries. 

Within creative writing, we have so many challenges - most of which is about how they're viewed or framed. I experienced several different challenges with my latest novel from formatting issues to how to present the dialogue using both US and UK English.  Episode looks again at the + and - of NaNoWriMo using personal experiences.   SHOW NOTES: What are your thoughts on the episode and the questions it raised? Share them in the Facebook group:  (2) The Versatile Writer Podcast Group | Facebook   www.loveofbooks.co.uk   www.nanowrimo.org    

As a writer you have expectations of where ideas will take you. But what if the 10k story is really 50k o the 100k is really just 5k long? Our expectations of stories can hit us hard. And so can the expectations of readers too. It's got to be perfect or else they won't buy it or review it or recommend it. What do we expect of ourselves before, during, and after the writing process? What do we expect our rewards to be? Big? Humbler? This week's episodes might not be what you're expecting ;)   To continue the discussion, please subscribe/join the Facebook group: (2) The Versatile Writer Podcast Group | Facebook   #Expectations 

***SPOILERS*** In this episode I dissect my latest (currently unpublished) novel so I can understand how it was created and, in turn, listeners can apply this take to their stories too. THERE ARE MASSIVE SPOILERS INCLUDED - bypass this epi if you're not into spoilers. #Analysis #UKEnglish #USEnglish #Psychological #Subplot #plot #creativewriting #tension #layout #structure #PlotDevelopment #characterdevelopment #plotdevice #sociopath Facebook group: Visit the Facebook group for this podcast here to continue the discussion:  (2) The Versatile Writer Podcast Group | Facebook

Isn't is odd how we feel when a piece of art we've come to love in one medium, gets our backs up when it's been adapted to another? Books to movies, small screen to big, games to movies, even Tv shows back to graphic novels, we all have our favourite way of consuming a piece of art, or a story.  Adaptations seem to bring out the best or the worst in us when a fanbase loves the original, yet occasionally the adaptation is the better of the choice of mediums.  What are your thoughts on the idea? Share them in the Facebook group:  (2) The Versatile Writer Podcast Group | Facebook   #Procrastination #reading #story telling #books #moviestobooks #bookstomovies #smallscreen #bigscreen #baggage #firefly #serenity #robertsheehan #capmalreynolds

The Art of Handwriting kicks off the first episode of Season 6 of The Versatile Writer. Do you ever give thought to how your handwriting looks to others? Did you know it gives away a lot about your identity, your intentions, your background? Graphology is a fascinating topic that tells others about you, and perhaps more importantly, tells you about yourself.   Visit the Facebook group for this podcast here to continue the discussion:  (2) The Versatile Writer Podcast Group | Facebook #stationery #penpals #letters #artofhandwriting #handwriting #graphology #identity

The last episode of Season 5. The topic this week is on Spring Cleaning and Self Care. We writers are not always great at taking care of the things outside of our writing, so here's a reminder to care for yourself and your equipment. Digital decluttering and caring for your mental health are the top tops with ideas on how to do that. Thank you for listening to season 5. If you subscribe, Season 6 will appear in your inbox on 2nd May. If that sounds like it's too far away, why not listen to the 2+ years of podcasts from The Versatile Writer and remind yourself of some of the episodes that have helped TVW evolve into what it is today. :) If you don't already, please subscribe and share with your circle tagging me in. I'm @sjbwrites on twitter, @s.j.banham on Insta,  Sarah Banham on FB, and Sarah Banham BA (Hons) on Linked In. Lastly, please join the fb group (link below). It's a place to further discuss the points raised in The Versatile Writer. See you there :) Thank you. :)   #WritersHelpingWriters #JasonStephenson #JohnWilliams #MH #MentalHealth #SelfCare #DigitalDecluttering #Decluttering   SHOW NOTES www.loveofbooks.co.uk (7) The Versatile Writer Podcast Group | Facebook 

The second in this two-parter on writing tips. After over 3 decades in the biz, I've picked up a few titbits here and there so sharing them with you is an organic next step :) This is the pen-ultimate episode of Season 5. (S6 begins 2nd May). Remember, once this season ends, you can always fill the time with 'reruns' of over 2 years of writing-related podcasts from The Versatile Writer.   SHOW NOTES www.loveofbooks.co.uk (7) The Versatile Writer Podcast Group | Facebook  

Sequels are generally either intended or 'found' from previously written work. They're also a sensible option to exploit if the first book sold particularly well. But here's a completely different take on creating them! Indulge in under half an hour of my brain and its workings ;O) Includes thoughts on #Sequels #Prequels #Crossovers #DC #Marvel #MCU and #StephenKing    SHOW NOTES Please check out my business page www.loveofbooks.co.uk for assistance with ghost writing, copyediting, blogging, courses for new and existing writers, coaching, and community groups. I also proofread and edit too.   The Versatile Writer Facebook group is the place to answer the questions raised on the podcast. Hope to see you there. The Versatile Writer Podcast Group | Facebook  

Writing is one thing and publishing is another, but what about marketing the book? And, don't forget as a writer, you're now also in business. It's all a massive beast and a lot to contend with because there's so much to consider. But networking can help ease the pressure. Find out how to network, how to indulge in small talk, understand basic body language, and how to connect with those likely to buy your wares.   SHOW NOTES Please check out my business page www.loveofbooks.co.uk for assistance with ghost writing, copyediting, blogging, courses for new and existing writers, coaching, and community groups. I also proofread and edit too.   The Versatile Writer Facebook group is the place to answer the questions raised on the podcast. Hope to see you there. The Versatile Writer Podcast Group | Facebook  

Beta Readers are a fantastic commodity for writers. But what are they, what's expected from them, and do they have expectations of you? Find out where to find them and much more in this episode of The Versatile Writer.      SHOW NOTES Please check out my business page www.loveofbooks.co.uk for assistance with ghost writing, copyediting, blogging, courses for new and existing writers, coaching, and community groups. I also proofread and edit too.   The Versatile Writer Facebook group is the place to answer the questions raised on the podcast. Hope to see you there. The Versatile Writer Podcast Group | Facebook  

After over 3 decades of writing, I've picked up a few tips along the way. Here's ten of them. Part 2 is coming later in Season 5. Please like, share, and subscribe to my podcast. Thank you :)   SHOW NOTES The Versatile Writer Podcast Group | Facebook www.loveofbooks.co.uk  

For the six months between July and December 2021, I focussed on revising a novel. In the last weeks of doing that, I needed help on staying on it because it's SO easy to procrastinate on finishing it. Why though, especially when I was so close to finishing it, would I want to procrastinate? The answer is in this episode. And who helped me stay accountable?    SHOW NOTES www.loveofbooks.co.uk Please visit the above link for courses, community groups and other writing services incl: ghost writing, proofreading, and editing. Facebook: Sarah Banham. Twitter: @sjbwrites. Instagram: s.j.banham Thanks go to Sarah Dodd, author of Keeper of Secrets. You can find her on Twitter @SarahJDdodd The Versatile Writer podcast group on Facebook is: (1) The Versatile Writer Podcast Group | Facebook

In this episode I look at how hyper focus affects my writing, my writing process, and how it can be used for good. Viewing it as a writing resource is a better, healthier position to take despite the feelings it leaves you with at the end of writing a novel.  I also touch on keeping track and accountability and give a special shout out to author Sarah Dodd, author of Keeper of Secrets (Twitter @SarahJDodd) who helped me stay accountable for finishing my current Work in Progress.   SHOW NOTES The show's Facebook page (3) The Versatile Writer Podcast Group | Facebook   Me I run For The Love of Books www.loveofbooks.co.uk offering writing services to businesses both big and small. Blogging, ghost writing and copywriting are the top three. To the individual writer, I offer writing courses, coaching, and much more. I also run several writing-related community groups. Why not take a look to see how can help you achieve your goals. :) You can find me on Facebook: Sarah Banham, Twitter @sjbwrites, Instagram s.j.banham, and also on Linked In: Sarah Banham BA (Hons)   #Hyperfocus #dopamine #writing #writingcommunity #novels #writingresources #indiepublishing #emotions #editing #analysis #story #adhd #accountability

Writer, Podcaster, Executive Producer, Speaker and all-around good egg, Sarah Rhea Werner was my very special guest earlier in the year. We discussed so many things in our casual chat that we discovered we had more in common than we didn't! Among other topics, we covered our love of #Firefly, #cats, our respective approaches to creative writing, and so much more. In an hour of exclusive material, find out what we both think about #obsession, using time wisely, hyper focus, #character development, processing #language, #accents, #ADHD, #neurodiversity, and what influences our writing. Sarah's known for two podcasts, The Write Now Podcast and Girl In Space, and so much more, but on this CHRISTMAS SPECIAL episode of The Versatile Writer, you'll discover even more about her. My heartfelt thanks go out to her in helping me make this episode. Sarah Banham   Show Notes The Write Now Podcast Girl In Space (girlinspacepodcast.com) (8) The Versatile Writer Podcast Group | Facebook For The Love of Books  

This is a Bonus-Bonus episode. The final instalment of Guardian Angel:The Journey Home.  This was the sequel to a novel that was written and published around 2007/8 and is now out of print. That means that this audio version is the only place to read/hear the story now as maybe three physical copies of the book remains. (If you have a copy, please contact me with a photo of it with yourself to [email protected] and I'll happily send you a gift). This also means that the audio version is now free as I'm sharing it with you via The Versatile Writer podcast.   Thank you for taking the time to listen to the book via this podcast. I'd love it if you would like, share, and subscribe it for others to enjoy.    This was Season 4 of The Versatile Writer. There will be a Christmas Special Episode, and Season 5 will commence in January 2022.   If you would like to be kept in the loop of this podcast, please visit the facebook group for THE VERSATILE WRITER, or my business page FOR THE LOVE OF BOOKS, or even my personal page SARAH BANHAM. Most of those pages collide at some point and create a Venn Diagram! :)    A monthly newsletter is also available via FTLOB by emailing me ([email protected]) with SUBSCRIBE in the title line. You can unsubscribe at any time, and in line with UK GDPR rules, I won't keep your details. The newsletter contains information about the business, the podcast, and the writers' experience, while also inviting contributions for the newsletter which goes out to my newsletter community so other's get to see your work and you don't have to pay me to do it! :)  Thanks again for listening to Guardian Angel:The Journey Home. Please like it, share it, and subscribe to it....and tell your friends, your family, and the rest of the world to do the same too ;) sjb x

The conclusion of The Journey Home.  This is a *BONUS* episode, however later today a final bonus *FINAL BONUS* episode will be released concluding the story.    

The penultimate chapter of Guardian Angel: The Journey Home. An emotional meeting between Tim and James Angel that brings up baggage from the past.    

Tim, Dale, and Jayne head for the USS Constitution to finally meet James and Tessa Angel.

*BONUS* episode.  Tim and Jayne patch things up. Jayne sets him a condition of their make up. This is a bonus episode and one that contains occasional mild language

Tim and Dale try to work out what happened the night before, then Tim sets about an apology to Jayne.

Tim confesses what the problem is, and Jayne realises the situation is all down to her. A fight ensures between Dale and Tim.

Tim finally negotiates his way out of hospital and heads to Jayne's apartment - where Dale has spent the night. This is a *BONUS* episode. Occasional mild language.

Chapter 5 sees Tim's newest hospital visitor announcing herself as his sister; the half-sister he's never met nor known anything about. She's insistent that he listens to her. There's the father she wants him to reunite with, and younger brother, Rick, to meet. And there's a time limit attached to the reunion too.  What's Tim going to do?    

Chapter Four of Guardian Angel: The Journey Home.  Tim finally wakes up in hospital and sees Jayne, Dale, and his boss, Police Chief Redfern. Everyone wants to know what happened to get him into hospital in the first place. He's a level-headed guy, what happened to him? Then there's the issues of whether he will be fit for work soon...And the doctor negotiates an overnight stay just to keep Tim in hospital. And then he gets a surprise visit from someone who's about to change the course of his life. Things start hotting up for Tim Angel.   *Occasional mild language*

Tim has an out of body experience. Hallucinating, he sees his his mother and the grandmother who raised him. Eventually, he wakes up in hospital.   This is a BONUS episode. Occasional mild language.

Continuing on from last week's chapter one, Tim has walked out of the police department and finds himself in Boston's Quincy Market.   **This coming Weds, there's a BONUS episode - Chapter 3!**

Welcome back to The Versatile Writer after a short hiatus. I decided to separate the podcast into seasons of 8 episodes and today's episode marks the first with 4 bonus epis in this particular season. Season 4, therefore, is me narrating the sequel to Guardian Angel, a crime thriller self published back in 2006/. This book is out of print now, but you can hear the first story and its sequel exclusively via this podcast. First, a bit of context: Detective Tim Angel works with his partner Detective Dale Faulkner at the Boston Police Department, Massachusetts, US. Tim's girlfriend is crime writer Jayne Murray who both Tim and Dale met while she was a passenger in 'drive-alongs' to gain insight into the seedier side of Boston for her next novel. Tim and Jayne hit it off, but due to Tim's upbringing - being raised by grandparents, and having a more traditional outlook than most modern men - it took a while for love to blossom. Dale, on the other hand, has a reputation with women that Tim doesn't like, but overlooks. After all, their personal life is quite separate from their day job. Until now... Following on from the narration of Guardian Angel, the crime thriller I narrated in March 2021, the sequel, The Journey Home, follows Detective Tim Angel's very personal journey as he edges towards a nervous breakdown. After a very odd 'phone call, Tim discovers news that could send him over the edge. Refusing to let his friends support him, Tim learns about his father's decisions to abandon 6 year old Tim after the death of his mother. Lastly, thank you for sticking with TVW during its hiatus and reframing of formats. I hope you enjoy this story.  Here's chapter 1. :)   Sarah   For more information on Sarah Banham, For The Love of Books, and the services provided by both, please visit www.loveobooks.co.uk Sarah can be found on Twitter: sjbwrites Instagram: s.j.banham and Facebook 'Sarah Banham' and 'For The Love of Books'.  

Recently I was able to interview author and astronomer Mark Thompson to discuss one of his books that I reviewed last year. 101 Facts You Didn't Know About Space, published by White Owl Books was as informative as it was entertaining. I interviewed Mark to find out about his thoughts on writing, astronomy, and some non-fiction writing tips plus found out a few extra titbits including a world record break attempt due in September and that Mark cannot write while wearing slippers! Listen in and share your thoughts on the podcast's face book page - details in the show notes below.   Show Notes for Episode 78 Interview with Astronomer and Author Mark Thompson Mark’s site MARK THOMPSON – STEM Broadcaster and Author (markthompsonastronomy.com) which includes his books, charity work, and his podcast. Mark’s YT channel Awesome Science and Technology with Mark Thompson - YouTube Pen and Sword Pen and Sword Books: 101+Facts+ Search (130) Results (pen-and-sword.co.uk) (1) The Versatile Writer Podcast Group | Facebook  

The Versatile Writer rarely has part 1&2 of episodes but this week is one of them! Part two continues looking at ways to avoid and prevent the block.   Show Notes for Writers Block   Show notes for today’s show had the following sites mentions: Mentalfloss.com, jeffgoins.com, Twitter: @sjbwrites (7) The Versatile Writer Podcast Group | Facebook Writing Naked: Writing Without Boundaries eBook: Banham, SJ: Amazon.co.uk: Books I’d be grateful if you liked and subscribed to The Versatile Writer, and share it with your family and friends. Also, I’d love it if you headed on over to my website, there maybe something there that interests you: www.loveofbooks.co.uk Thank you sjb

This week's episode discusses the book, The Legacy of Anne Frank, by Gillian Walnes Perry MBE, and published by Pen and Sword Books. I reviewed her book when it was first released in August 2019, and recently organised an interview with her through the publisher. This is the interview, via Zoom, in which we cover Gillian's connection to The Anne Frank Museum, and the legacy Anne, herself, left the world.   SHOW NOTES – Gillian Walnes Perry MBE I hope you enjoyed this episode. Below are links to the sites Gillian and I talk about in this episode. A lot of what Gillian spoke of can be found on these sites: www.annefrank.org www.annefrank.org.uk www.gillianwalnesperry.co.uk   Pen and Sword Books: Military History and Nostalgia Book Publishers (pen-and-sword.co.uk) The publisher of The Legacy of Anne Frank. The Legacy of Anne Frank: Amazon.co.uk: Gillian Walnes Perry: 9781526731043: Books Gillian’s book on Amazon www.loveofbooks.co.uk To learn of the COMMUNITY GROUPS I lead, the services I offer, and everything about me/my business. www.facebook.com/groups/theversatilewriter The Facebook group for this podcast If you enjoyed this episode, you may enjoy others too so why not like, share, and subscribe to The Versatile Writer so it automatically appears in your feed. I’d be grateful if you shared episodes on your preferred social media platforms too. When you do, please tag me in so I can thank you publicly on Facebook: Sarah Banham, Twitter: @sjbwrites and Instagram: s.j.banham Thank you 😊

Part 1 in a two-parter. While you may not consider writers' block to be a real thing, it affects thousands of writers all across the globe and has done since before the name was even coined in 1945. The Versatile Writer looks at famous writers it's affected to various online outlets who are dubious it even exists and looks at many ways to kickstart your writing again, using both tough-love and self care.   SHOW NOTES Show notes for today’s show had the following sites mentioned: Mentalfloss.com  jeffgoins.com  Twitter: @sjbwrites The Versatile Writer Podcast Group | Facebook Writing Naked: Writing Without Boundaries eBook: Banham, SJ: Amazon.co.uk: Books I’d be grateful if you liked and subscribed to The Versatile Writer, and share it with your family and friends. Also, I’d love it if you headed on over to my website, there maybe something there that interests you: www.loveofbooks.co.uk Thank you sjb  

This week's episode looks at the decision to, the creation of, and the content surrounding business newsletters. First deciding if you need or want one, then going about shaping it into what your brand is, are two of the most difficult questions you may have to answer. In TVW this time, I go deeply into the tone and shape of what I wanted mine to convey, and how I chose a subscription method that suited both me and my subscriber.  By sharing three examples of my monthly newsletters, I give a good understanding of the kind of kindred spirit who may subscribe to it.   SHOW NOTES for ‘Newsletters’ In this week’s episode, the following links were mentioned. The Versatile Writer Podcast Group | Facebook loveofbooks.co.uk To subscribe to the For The Love of Books newsletter, please email [email protected] with NEWSLETTER in the header. You can opt out at any time and, in line with UK GDPR regulations, your details won’t be saved or sold. Writing Naked: Writing Without Boundaries eBook: Banham, SJ: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store Please subscribe to The Versatile Writer so it’ll magically appear in your feed each time an episode is published. You can also comment on it too. I will respond to every comment I get :) I’d be grateful if you could share the podcast on social media too as it may resonate with one of your friends or family at just the time they need to hear it. If you do share it, please tag me on Facebook: Sarah Banham, Twitter: @sjbwrites and Instagram: s.j.banham Thank you in advance.  sjb :)  

Every time we write a book, whether that's a novel or non-fiction, so much goes into it; even more when we self publish it. Add to that the mental health aspects that go along with it. The fear, the anguish, the anxiety, the self-doubt. Writers really do put themselves through the mill! This week's episode looks at fears and perceived worries of releasing a new book to the public. How will it be met? Will it be welcomed? Will it be torn to shreds by reviewers with imagined scores to settle? Perhaps birthing a difficult book is really just launching a new novel but dressed in scary clothing?    SHOW NOTES for BIRTHING A DIFFICULT BOOK Below are the links to the businesses who helped me get my newest novel out there. Thanks again for listening, and don’t forget to hit subscribe so each episode magically pops up in your podcast feed without you looking for it. I’d be grateful if you could share it with your friends and family too. Who knows – it may speak to them right now? You never know what people could be waiting for and this could be it, better than that, you’ll have helped make it happen. Thanks again. Sjb x www.helenbaggot.co.uk This is Helen, who edited Livin’ and Lovin’ in Texas www.jessicabelldesign.com This is Jessica who designed the Livin’ and Lovin’ in Texas cover The Versatile Writer Podcast Group | Facebook link to the Facebook group Livin' and Lovin' in Texas eBook: Banham, S J: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store Here’s hoping you’ll buy yourself a copy of this too. And while you’re there, I’ve got other books available. Why not look at those too? Please leave a (hopefully nice?) review too. :)  Finally, please visit my website www.loveofbooks.co.uk where you can find my services including writing courses, ghost writing services, blogging and sales copywriting services too. There's also a multitude of community groups you can join, a newsletter you can subscribe to, and - oh yeah - this podcast :)  Thanks in advance.   

These are the SHOW NOTES for today’s episode of The Versatile Writer with me, Sarah Banham on the topic of REWRITING and ANALYSIS. This week, I look at a specific novel of mine that was originally self published back in the olden days of 2007. I consider aspects of story telling that might not stand the test of time; things like tech, social trends, and character intentions. Because I go quite deep into the creation of a specific novel and what might happen if I updated it for a current day audience, it becomes clear that the original story might be lost. Spoilers are included. Websites mentioned in the show were: www.allianceindependentauthors.org www.loveofbooks.co.uk The Versatile Writer Podcast Group | Facebook

After a short hiatus, TVW is back and, in this episode, talking stress. Stress comes at us in all different shapes and sizes. For me, this time it came in the form of 'inability to cope with tech'.  Talking mental health, anxiety, and stress in the workplace - whether that workplace is in an office with others, in a factory or bank, or in your back room because you're self employed - stress is stress. It won't just go away, but having a break from it can help your mind cope with it better when you do come back.   Today's SHOW NOTES for The Versatile Writer episode ‘Stress’ Today’s show broke down the reasons why I took a couple of weeks away from podcasting, takes a look at mental health, and considers what we can do to alleviate our own negative thoughts. The link for the group mentioned in today’s show is below- I hope you consider joining it. The Versatile Writer Podcast Group | Facebook 

Every so often the opportunity to become a Writer in Residence comes up. But if it doesn't, and you'd like to add 'Writer in Residence' to your literary CV, why not orchestrate your own residency by contacting venues near your base? This week's episode looks in detail at what Sarah did to create a residency within Essex Libraries.   SHOW NOTES: The Versatile Writer - Help and support for like-minded writers The Versatile Writer: Becoming A Writer in Residence   The websites for the venues mentioned in this week’s episode of The Versatile Writer. University of Suffolk www.unicaf.uos.ac.uk Essex Libraries www.essexlibraries.gov.uk Essex County Council www.essexcounty.org For The Love of Books www.loveofbooks.co.uk Society of Authors www.societyofauthors.org  

On The Versatile Writer this week, TVW looks at what a community is. Some of us consider it your network of friends, or it might be something a bit more professional like those who associate themselves with your business, your social media presence or your podcast. In this episode, I look at ways I've done it so far as well as highlight those who have pointed me in the right direction for further community building. I invite you to share your ways too. I also mention the Face Book groups I run in case listeners might like to join them. :0) Please subscribe to The Versatile Writer and please share it with your friends and family. It could be just what they're waiting to hear right now. Happy listening :)   Show Notes: On this week’s episode on BUILDING A COMMUNITY, these are the people I mentioned with their websites and Face Book groups. For The Love Of Books www.loveofbooks.co.uk The Casual Birder Podcast (1) Casual Birder Podcast group | Groups | Facebook https://casualbirder.com/ Podfest Expo 2021 www.podfestexpo.com The Versatile Writer Podcast Group (1) The Versatile Writer Podcast Group | Facebook Writers of Essex (1) Writers of Essex | Groups | Facebook Shiny Firefly Fans (1) Shiny Firefly Fans | Facebook    

You know those times when you consider where you are? Rather than dwell on that, we should consider how far we've come. In this week's episode, TVW reflects on what it took to create the self confidence to publish 11 books. It wasn't easy, in fact it took determination and a need to want more.  (Sometimes you have to educate yourself rather than leave it to the schools.) :O)

It's okay looking at the end of a project, but before it ends, it has to begin. This week TVW looks at the start of one, where it begins, how it begins, the excitement it brings, and what that excitement might look like.