Winter Writing and Reading

Winter has come to Western Australia at last, and the temperature has dropped rapidly.  It's the sort of weather that makes you wants to curl up and read a book, but what about doing some writing as well as reading?  I'm enclosing some information on a weekend workshop for writers which I'll be running at Donelly Lakes, in the gorgeous south west of the state from 21 - 23 August.  If you click the link to download the brochure you can then enlarge it.  It's a gorgeous location (I'm attaching a link to the Donnelly Lakes chalets where we'll be staying), so as well as doing plenty of writing there will be time for beautiful walks, conversation, laughter, relaxation and delicious food. 

Download Winter Reading and Writing    www.donnellylakes.com.au 

You can also find out more from UWA Extension on 08 6488 2433 of www.extension.uwa.edu.au

If you've thought about writing, always wanted to but think it might be too late, why not start this winter. You're never to old to start writing! Here are some terrific women who wrote their first novels in their seventies.

Do you remember this Dame?  I'm sure many of you will -  yes -  it's Joan Bakewell, now Dame Joan, who was at the cutting edge of British journalism in the sixties, and was the first woman to become a current affairs presenter on BBC television.  Joan Bakewell is now 75 and she's the British Government's first official Voice of Older People.  And to prove that age is no barrier to starting a new career, she has just written her first novel.  All the Nice Girls was published this year and s set in 1942.  It captures the danger and excitement of wartime, as well as the longing that comes with separation from loved ones. I really enjoyed it and it's so inspiring to see someone trying something completely new at 75. 

And this one?

This is the late great Mary Wesley who had her first novel published at the age of 70 and went on to write nine more dazzling best sellers.  If you haven't come across her books yet you've a treat in store and you might want to start with The Camomile Lawn or Harnessing Peacocks.

And here is Mary Ann Schaffer.

            Her first and sadly her only novel The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society was published last year.  Mary Ann Schaffer, a retired librarian and bookseller was in her seventies when she wrote this delightful book, and sadly she died in 2008 a few months before it was published.  Guernsey in the Channel Islands in 1946 is the fascinating background for this beautiful story of delightfully eccentric people surviving the aftermath of war with love and humour.  You won't be able to put it down.

My own new novel will be in the bookshops in September, it's called Bad Behaviour and I'll tell you more about it closer to the time. 

Bye for now

Liz

Comments

[Mango]

Good! Great! Extra! Bravo! Mango (France)

[liz byrski]

Thanks Mango - yes, at last I got around to updating the blog. Where are you in France? Liz