A Worship of Writers by Fiona Lloyd

(Worship: collective noun for a group of writers)


Here's a teaser for you: what's the connection between loincloths and lemon drizzle cake? Answer: they both featured at the ACW Writers' Day, held last weekend in Leeds. Forty-five writers gathered together at Lister Hill Baptist Church in Horsforth for a day of teaching, networking and fun. It was the first time a national ACW day had been held so far north (we think), and it proved to be very popular.


Our main speakers were Fiona Veitch Smith and Corin Child. Fiona gave a talk on adapting our stories for the screen, and gave helpful advice on the differences between written and visual media. It was this session which featured the loincloth - or rather, the instruction to get rid of it. Before you start blushing, I should point out that Fiona was encouraging us to dispense with clichéd descriptions in our writing...such as always depicting Tarzan in a loincloth.



After a tea break, Corin led a helpful and thought-provoking session on "Writing Aloud". As Christian writers we need to strike a careful balance between remaining humble and looking for opportunities to market our work, and Corin reminded us of the importance of building relationships so that we can share our writing more effectively. The afternoon was given over to optional seminars, run concurrently by Corin and Fiona. Then it was time for another tea break, followed by a talk from Steve and Mandy Briars on getting our books into bookshops. (Steve and Mandy publish Together Magazine, which aims to build connections between writers, editors and publishers.)


I've been to three writers' days now, and I'm amazed how much I've learned. Even when the theme of the day is not an area of writing I can identify with, I've still been able to add new skills or ideas to
my "writers' toolbox". But these events aren't just about the teaching, even though it's always been excellent. Writing can be a lonely business at times, whether we do it full-time, or juggle it with other work commitments. The opportunity to meet and make connections with other writers is invaluable. Spending a day with people who have a passion to make their writing the best it can be - and will encourage me to do likewise - always gives me a huge boost. In addition, there's always a bookstall and (most importantly) a plentiful supply of coffee and cake...


Fiona Lloyd works part-time as a music teacher, and serves on the worship-leading team at her local church. She enjoys writing short stories, and is working on her first novel. Fiona self-published a violin tutor book in 2013, and blogs at www.fjlloyd.wordpress.com. She is married with three children. Fiona is ACW's membership secretary.




Comments

  1. Thanks, Fiona! I echo your appreciative thoughts. There was something very validating and energising about the day, and I think as much as anything, it was being with other writers - both writers of Christian books and Christians who are writers.
    As a result of Corin's talk, I took a given opportunity the very next day to promote my work and hope to have some news soon which I'll share on the ACW FB page and also my on blog! THANKS All, for a great day.

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    1. Wow - sounds exciting, Hilary! Looking forward to hearing your news.

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  2. I had the most amazing time Fiona. Thank you for everything you did to make it such a success. Also thank you (and your daughter) for the most amazing gluten free cake. Adrianne did a fabulous job organising it and the day was a triumph. Well worth travelling from Scotland for.

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    1. You're welcome - hope it didn't feel like too much of a trek for you.

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  3. Hip hip hooray! The whole day was marvellous. Loved every minute of it. Thank you to the whole team. Next one in Durham?

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    1. Loved meeting you, too, Fiona - we Fionas need to stick together. Durham sounds like a great idea.

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  4. Dorothy Courtis25 June 2015 at 14:06

    It's ages since I've managed to get to an ACW event. Maybe the next one!

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    1. Would be lovely to meet you, Dorothy. Sounds like the book tour's going well.

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  5. Sounds amazing, as always. Roll on October - hope to see you all at the London one...

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