Breaking News

Welcome to the new monthly news blog. This has replaced the previous members showcase and will bring you a roundup of the last months new from ACW members. This is the place to be at on the 15th of every month to find new books, courses and maybe hints and tips for helping you to sell more books. You never know what you might find out in here. So with clashing of cymbals and drumroll, our first offering.

Book Release

ACW member Fiona Veitch Smith will be releasing her Young Joseph Series on 18th August, 2016. If you are looking for fun Christian books for young children then this series will more than fit the bill. You can find out more on the ACW Bookshop

My first tip for helping you sell more books is have cracking covers like these. I don't have any kids and I want to buy these. I will have to find some children who I think might like them just so I can read the books to them.

First Page Courses 

ACW member Andrew Chamberlain of First Page Courses has announced the Autumn course. The First Page Courses team comprise ACW member and speaker Andrew J Chamberlain, Mark Finnie, Church and Bible Engagement Director from Biblica, and the editor and journalist Emma Newrick. The 2016 course will run from 31st October to 4th November, and this year their focus is:

-        Blogging

-        Building your platform and profile as an author

-        Our genre focus is the Crime Novel. 

The guest speakers for this year are:

-         ACW’s very own webmaster Wendy H Jones self-published author of the best selling DI Shona McKenzie series, who will be speaking to us about how to develop an author platform. 

-         Award-winning author Mari Hannah, author of the Kate Daniels series, who will be speaking on  the crime novel genre

-         Award-winning local blogger Beth Pipe, who will be talking about developing and building a blog.

This year the fee for the course, which includes full board accommodation is £475, or £250 for part of the week: either Monday to Wednesday – to hear Beth and Mari, or Wednesday to Friday to hear Mari and Wendy.

For more details check the website: www.firstpagecourses.com or email us at info@firstpagecourses.com

My second tip for selling more books is to make sure your books are the best they can be. If you're a crime writer then this course will tick every box to help you write and sell your books. No matter what genre you write in it is worth coming along for the blogging and promotion days. 

ACW Writers day and AGM

Saturday 8th October, 2016   Time 10:00 - 16:00

St Paul's Church              http://www.stpaulsfinchley.org.uk

50 Long Lane, Finchley, London, N3 2PU

The Writing Experience with guest speakers

Andrew Chamberlain and Amy Boucher Pye

Andrew Chamberlain is a writer and creative writing tutor,and presenter of The Creative Writer’s Toolbelt, a podcast hat gives practical, accessible advice on the writing craft. He has published fiction commercially and as a self-published author. Andrew will be speaking on Capturing your reader

from page one.

Amy Boucher Pye is an experienced editor, writer and speaker, and her memoir Finding Myself in Britain was published in 2015. She has also written devotionals and Bible studies. Amy will be speaking on Discovering and Unleashing your creativity.

Ali Hull is a Commissioning Editor for Lion Hudson plc, and works on books aimed at adults, both Christians and non-Christians. She is also involved in Writers Essentials, a feedback and coaching service for authors. Ali will be available for 10 minute slots for you to pitch your book idea and get feedback. Bookings essential.

Cost: members: £22 pre booked, £27 at the door

         Non Members: £27 pre booked, £32 at the door

Cost includes break time drinks and snacks. Please bring a packed lunch. 

You can find out more and book on the website events page

My third tip for selling more books. Come along to the writers day and network with other writers. You can also sell your books on the ACW bookstall.

Book Release

ACW member Wendy H. Jones will be releasing The Dagger's Curse, the first in the Fergus and Flora Mysteries for Young Adults on 10th September, 2016. 

An ancient Egyptian dagger. A hungry curse. A city under siege.

In the dead of night the ancient dagger is stolen from the museum in Dundee. As mysterious accidents, illness and even death stalk the city, the Detective Duo, Fergus Bernstein and Flora MacDonald, follow clues that lead them into ever increasing danger. Can they find the dagger and break the curse before it’s too late?

Dare You Face The Dagger's Curse?

Poetry Competition

The latest ACW Competition is now up and running. One for all you poets or budding poets out there. This will be on the topic of news. You can find out more on the ACW website Competitions Page

So plenty for everyone in this edition. If you are an ACW member and would like something announced in the news section, then contact Wendy H. Jones, The Webmaster, on webmaster@christianwriters.org.uk by 13th of each month.