Writing saved my life
November 9, 2009
Thank goodness I am a writer. If I weren’t then I doubt I’d have survived this merrygoround they call a mobile life. In the last 28 years I’ve lived in 6 different countries with four different languages, lost my identity and found it again. Boy, am I glad I ‘saved’ my life. Not only in the form of my memoir, a Moving Landscape, but using writing as a form of therapy has been a godsend. Read my post on the superb Expat Harem blog here and be sure to have your say . . .
The Greatest Block of All
August 27, 2009
Years ago I discovered the work of American, Sheila Bender. Sheila wrote two of my favourite ever books to inspire writers: Writing in a New Convertible with the Top Down and Keeping a Journal You Love. Recently, I found Sheila online at her website Writing it Real and got in touch. I was delighted to discover that Sheila really is real and kind and honest. She asked me if I would write something about my biggest challenge as a writer for her subscriber newsletter. I agreed and Sheila, being the kind person that she is, agreed to post a special non-subscriber version just for you. So, please take a look at Writing at Real when you have a moment and please, take a look at my piece. I think you will enjoy it and maybe even learn something . . .
Put wow in your writing – London 29 June
June 23, 2009
Books need a wow factor! Find out how to make your book come alive by writing effective anecdotes and case studies. Come and be inspired and empowered when I’m the guest speaker at Storyville in WC2 from 7-9 pm on 29th. Just £15. Details at http://www.thebig-leap.com/storyville.phtml
I am delighted to announce that within minutes of my 26th book being published Craig Toedtman, President of Options Resource Careers in PA ordered 200 copies for his clients.
‘This will be a great addition to our packets….with hopes of many more orders to come!’ wrote Craig in an email to me in which he confirmed his order.
A Moving Landscape is my memoir in poetry of the 21 years I spent overseas, moving from Dubai to Oman, to Norway, England and now to the Netherlands. It tells of reality of culture shock and loss and settling in as well as the immense pleasure I have derived from the variety of landscapes in which I have had the privilege to live.
Don’t miss free writing workshops in The Hague during November
October 28, 2008
Maybe I’m mad to be doing this? Why would I want to give away my secrets for free? Maybe I’m just feeling generous? Maybe it’s because November is officially National Novel Writing Month? Or maybe I want to give my 2009 Writing Your Life Story workshops a bit of extra promotion?
Anyway, during November I am thrilled to be giving several free (OK, I admit it, one does have a minimum charge and another asks for donations to NaNoWriMo) workshops in The Hague.
Here are the dates, places and times. Don’t miss them. They may never happen again ….
Tuesday 4th November, 10-12, At the Expatriate Archive Centre, Paramaribostraat 20
Out of the Boxes – start telling your life story – Find out how to turn your life stories into words that will inspire others for blogs, newsletters, diaries, emails or a full length memoir.
Book via welcome@xpatarchive.com or Jo Parfitt
Places limited
Saturday 8th November, 2-3, Treehut, The American Bookcentre, Lange Poten
How to Beat the Block and Hang on In There – Learn how to tell those inner critics and naysayers to get outta here and crack on with your writing projects.
No need to book
Donations to NaNoWriMo welcome
Saturday 8th November, 3-5, Treehut, The American Bookcentre, Lange Poten
Writer in Residence – come along with your questions or your work for my comment.
Book your 15 minute time slot on the day itself
Places limited
Donations to NaNoWriMo welcome
Monday 17th November, 10-12, Women’s Business Initiative, Laan Copes van Cattenburch 86
Could you have a book in you? – Nothing gives a your business more of a boost than a book written by you. Could you write one that raises your profile and your reputation without breaking the bank? Find out here.
Book via info@womensbusinessinitiative.net or Jo Parfitt
Tuesday 25th November, 10-12, American Women’s Clubhouse Living Room
Write Your Life Stories – writer and publisher Jo Parfitt teams up with editor and designer Karin Harms to present this interactive and inspiring workshop that will give you the ingredients for writing compelling life stories.
Book via AWC
€10 members / €15 non members
Places limited
For more information please go to Expat Rollercoaster and look at the Workshop page