THE WRITERS BUREAU
STUDENT STORIES

“Before I started the course, I always knew I wanted to write, but didn’t have a clue how or what to do or how to go about it. Thanks to the course, I now know how to structure my writing, how to set the work out and how to start with an attention-grabbing title and first paragraph. Getting the facts right is also very important.

“My first published article was about finding out our house was built on the site of a Georgian Rectory. I also had two letters published in magazines – one about how I tried to teach my grandson that wolves are lovely creatures to which he replied, ‘They do eat people. They eat Grannies!’

“I’ve had other work published, for which I didn’t receive payment. This is just as rewarding because you feel that you are being taken seriously. I wrote a piece for the U.K. Wolves Conservation Trust, of which I am a member, and they published it in their quarterly magazine.

“I also wrote about a visit to Wellington’s former home – Apsley House in London. I wrote it and sent it off immediately to my chosen publication. I received a letter thanking me for my writing and advising that it would be published in the autumn newsletter.

“My most recently published work was a very small piece about Tummy Tuck jeans on the radio. A work colleague of mine was invited to talk about fashion and I wrote about it for the local newspaper.

“I would never have had the courage to do any of this writing if it hadn’t been for The Writers Bureau and my tutor.”

Trish Christie, UK

“It is said that you are the author of your own destiny. So I decided to change my destiny and become an author. No, I haven’t written a best-selling bodice ripping saga ……yet!

“I joined the Writers Bureau in 1994 and, shame on me, I still haven’t completed the course. Events overtook my life and things had to be put on hold including the course.

“But my pen, or rather keyboard, has not been dormant. Avidly writing long letters and, latterly, emails to all my friends and family all over the world. Freelancing as a copywriter (still creative writing!) and since coming here I have been able to continue this with the help of ASDL. I have been writing a family history for my children and grandchildren, although not famous enough to have it published, and drafting my first novel. I even tried a few competitions, without any luck, (will take note of Simon Whaley’s advice in the April edition of E-zee Writer) but it kept my writing muscle going. I have had one or two items published, letters and articles and of course, brochures and press releases.

“Moving to France in 2000, I set up a bed and breakfast business with people coming from all over the world (which meant more letter writing and emails as many of them stayed in touch) and in the winter, various people came on a retreat, one or two to conceive, draft, write and edit their books or essays. It has all been a lot of fun.

“Now, in the next couple of months I am going to complete my course, my family history and my novel which is in its third and final synopsis. Now being able to sit back and bask in the success to come, you see how positive I am, I have jotted down ideas for my second novel.

“I realise that time is not on my side but I take heart from Mary Wesley who published her first novel in her latter years.

“Although my success is not in the conventional way, The Writers Bureau did open up doors for me, it gave me the confidence to freelance and to carry on writing.

“So you see success comes in many forms.”

Kate Baldwin, France