FOCUS ON: Reading Chapter

We welcome Jean Fullerton with this month's focus on RNA Chapters

Today I'm talking to Julie Roberts of the Reading Chapter.

How long has your chapter been running, Julie?

I do not know. I took over as co-ordinator in March 2014 from Julie Cohen

How often do you meet?

3^rd Wednesday of each month. We do not meet July and August.  

Where is your regular meeting place?

Great Expectations pub, 33, London Street, Reading, RG1 4PS  

How many members attend your meetings?

On average 8 – 10. Although if all members came is could be 16. And I am happy to say we are increasing our membership each year

Do your meetings include a meal?

Yes. The menu caters from a filled sandwich or roll to a full plated lunch.

Is your chapter open to non-members of the RNA?

Yes. Providing they are writing within the RNA genre

How long are your meetings?

We start at 12.30. There is no set finishing time.

Can you give an outline of speakers/guests you’ve had in the past year?

We have had no speakers/guests. However, each month a topic of writing interest is scheduled into the meeting. Eg:  middle novel blues, the power of settings.

What do you have planned for 2017?

Valentine’s Day writing workshop, continue our monthly sessions.

What would you say makes your chapter of the RNA so special?

Great Expectations’ is within easy walking distance of the railway station, buses and the Queens Road or Oracle car parks. We use the Library Room at GE which has a setting ideal for writers. The food is good and reasonably priced. We have a camaraderie that has built over time and will continue so into the future. Reading Chapter encourages members of the RNA - NWS to join us. This also includes non-members interested in writing romantic novels. We are a group of individuals who have become friends.

Does your chapter have a website, Facebook page or Twitter account?

No.

Who is the contact for new members?

Julie Roberts. Email: jurb839@aol.com

Thanks so much for joining us, Julie!

About Jean:

Jean was born in East End of London and spent all her career as a district nurse in East London but is now a full-time writer. Wedding Bells for Nurse Connie, is her current release. Her next novel Pocketful of Dreams, set in the turbulent years of WW2, is due for release in June 2017 and is the first in next East London series. 

Her first series with Orion Fiction was set in the Victorian period after which she jumped forward to post-war East London.

She is a proud graduate from the NWS and passionate about the local chapters, which is why she has taken on the role of Chapters Liaison. 

This blog was prepared by blog team member, Helena Fairfax

Joan Hessayon Award contender 2016: Julie Roberts

Welcome to Julie Roberts, one of the talented contenders for this year's Joan Hessayon Award and graduate of the RNA New Writers' Scheme. Thank you for answering our questions, Julie.

How long have you been writing? 10 years. I started writing short stories, then novellas and now full length novels.  

Is this your first published piece? This is.my first published commercial novel, titled The Hidden Legacy. I write with four co-authors themed anthology books.

Titled: Fish Pie & Laughter, The Guilty Suitcase, The Virgin Sardine and our latest, Aphrodite’s Picnic.

How many years were you a member of the NWS and did you submit a manuscript each year?

I was a member of the NWS for nine years. I submitted to the NWS a full length novel each year. On two occasions they were resubmissions.

What came first, agent or publisher?

Publisher; I am with Accent Press

How did you find your publisher? I started out ‘hunting the agents’ at the 2014 Winter Party. Five very kindly asked me to submit. I had replies of ‘I’m tempted, but …’ or ‘I like it, you have a good voice, but …’ or ‘Good luck, you can write, but …’ I then submitted my manuscript to Jay Dixon, Commissioning Editor for Accent Press. And three days before Christmas I was offered a contract. What better present could anyone give me!

Do you have a contract for one book or more?

My contract is for two books

When was your book published?

Publication day is 23 June 2016. I was thrilled when I had this date given to me. BUT it’s now Referendum Day! Is this good or bad? Are there any authors out there with suggestions of how I can use this to maximize sales?

Tell us something about your book

It's 1815. Meredith Sanders is a female artist in a man’s world. When she receives a legacy from her deceased guardian, she is drawn into his criminal past and into danger.

Export businessman Adam Fox suspects Meredith may be involved in an art fraud. Despite her fear of betrayal, she sees he is the only man she can turn to and trust. Together they face the dangers of trying to find a Turner that must be returned to the Royal Academy before their Summer Exhibition opens.

And whatever her feelings for Adam, Meredith will not reveal the secrets of her own humble past…

What are you currently working on?

I have the first draft of another historical novel set in 1822. The working title is A Tangle of Secrets.

What piece of advice would you give current members of the NWS?

Firstly, you are very lucky to be a member.

Secondly, don’t waste those precious writing months before the end of August dallying. Get writing, keep writing and where possible send in a full manuscript. This gives your critique author the opportunity to assess all the aspects required in the novel. Some of their comments are harsh, but they are meant to help you. Cry a few tears, have a glass of wine and put the manuscript away in a drawer. But only for a couple of weeks, then get it out, re-read the report and get started on your revisions. And most important, don’t forget to renew your NWS subscription. It is the best value for money you will ever spend. I know, I’ve done it and come out a published writer. And I record here my heartfelt thanks to all the authors who take on the role of assessor. Best of luck, you could be writing on this form next year.

  

Links:

Facebook

Twitter          

Website          

Thank you, Julie, we hope you have a fabulous evening at the RNA Summer Party and good luck with your writing career.

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