Begin - Derbyshire Writing School Podcast

A Centennial Celebration - Reflections on Writing, Learning, and Growing Over 100 Episodes!

In this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writers’ Room for A Centennial Celebration!  In this special 100th episode, Pete and Laura commemorate a significant milestone in their podcast journey. Join them as they reflect on the evolution of the Begin podcast, the lessons they’ve learned, and the many ways writing has enriched their lives and those of the listeners over 100 episodes of Begin. In this season: 18 Episodes  9 Guest Interviews  2 Toolbox Editions 505 minutes and 65 s...

Episode 99: Why We Write–A Deep Dive into the Writer's Mind

Episode 99: Embracing the Writer Within - "Episode 99: Why We Write–A Deep Dive into the Writer's Mind. Welcome back to Begin, the Derbyshire Writing School podcast! In this heartfelt episode, co-hosts and father-daughter duo Pete Billingham and Laura Stroud explore the essence of writing. Join us as we unravel what drives us to put pen to paper, and how writing shapes our understanding of ourselves and the world around us. Why We Write: An Introspective Journey "We write to taste life ...

Unfinished Business: Breaking Through Fear, Doubts, and Excuses to Finish Your Novel

Episode 98—A Writers Toolkit Episode: Unfinished Business: Breaking Through Fear, Doubts, and Excuses to Finish Your Novel Do you have a story in your heart, a manuscript in progress, but somehow find yourself unable to reach 'the end'? In this episode, we delve into the all-too-common struggle of leaving novels unfinished. But fear not! We're not just identifying the problems; we're providing solutions, and we have a special programme designed to guide you to completion. This Episode's In...

The Pen Behind the Posts: Celebrating Staff Blog Writer Lauren's 3-Year Anniversary

Episode 97—The Pen Behind the Posts: Celebrating Staff Blog Writer Lauren’s 3-Year Anniversary In this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writers’ Room for a very special episode. Today we chat with staff blog writer Lauren Davison.  We are reaching three years of Derbyshire Writing School, so we thought it would be nice to talk to some people that have been around from the beginning. One of those is Lauren Davison, our in-house staff blogger.  Lauren has been an important part of t...

I Want To Say A Few Words: Crafting a Heartfelt Eulogy with Confidence - Book Launch

Episode - 96—I Want To Say A Few Words: Crafting a Heartfelt Eulogy with Confidence - Book Launch In this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writers’ Room for a very special episode. Today Pete launches his latest book.  I Want to Say a Few Words: How To Craft a Heartfelt Eulogy for a Loved One’s Funeral: A Simple Step-by-Step Process, Packed with Eulogy Writing Ideas, Help & Advice from a Professional Eulogy Writer is the latest book launched by Pete. “I Want to Say A Few Words: Ho...

'Everyday Storytellers Write Non-Fiction.'

Episode 95—From the Author's Voice: A Live Book Reading of 'Everyday Storytellers Write Non-Fiction.' by Laura Stroud In this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writers’ Room for a very special episode.  Everyday Storytellers Write Non-Fiction: A Step-By-Step Guide to Noticing Your Life and Turning It Into Stories, is the latest book in the Everyday Storytellers Series by Laura. Hear Laura read a section of her new book. Are you ready to uncover the power of your own story and shar...

Derbyshire Writing School Update

Episode 94 - From Truth to Tribute: Everyday Storytelling, Self-Publishing Updates, the Perfect Eulogy Writing Tool In this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writers’ Room to catch up with what’s happened since the last episode. In Section One: THE WRITERS’ ROOM. We explore writing problems and struggles by answering your questions. This month we don’t have a question for you. Why not send us a question you would ask us to chat about? We want to hear from you! Write to us at info@de...

Beyond The Manuscript: An Author's Journey into Clarity, Communication, & Connection with Lucy Rennie.

Episode 93—Beyond The Manuscript: An Author’s Journey into Clarity, Communication, & Connection with Lucy Rennie. In this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writers’ Room to chat with Lucy Rennie about how writing her latest book came out of a desire to help someone else.  Lucy Rennie is a communication and marketing expert, business mentor and bestselling author.  She helps small business owners to grow, develop and future-proof their business As a huge champion for small business...

Turning Pages: An Insider's Look Into Derby Book Festival

Episode 92 —Turning Pages: An Insider’s Look Into Derby Book Festival with Sian Hoyle  In this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writers’ Room to chat with Sian Hoyle—Derby Book Festival. We are back in the writers’ room and we have a guest in our hot seat this week! Sian Hoyle from Derby Book Festival. For over 30 years, Sian worked in Marketing and Communications in London, before relocating to Derby to be closer to family. In 2012, she took voluntary redundancy from Derby City C...

Yes, I'm The Great Pretender: Navigating the Creative Challenges of Imposter Syndrome in Writing

Episode 91—Yes, I’m The Great Pretender: Navigating the Creative Challenges of Imposter Syndrome in Writing. Section One: THE WRITERS’ ROOM. In this section, we explore writing problems and struggles by answering your questions. What is Imposter Syndrome? Imposter syndrome is when you feel you’re not good enough at something, even if you’re actually doing well. It’s like having a little voice in your head that tells you that you’re pretending to be good at something, and that everyone wil...

Enhancing Creative Writing through the Magic of Copywriting with Chrissie Rowell

Episode 90—Enhancing Creative Writing through the Magic of Copywriting with Chrissie Rowell In this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writers’ Room to chat with Derbyshire Lecturer and Market Agency Owner Chrissie Rowell. We are back in the writers’ room and we have a guest in our hot seat this week! Derbyshire marketing expert Chrissie Rowell.  Chrissie Rowell has been in marketing for 16 years. After graduating with a degree in Creative Writing in 2008, she worked in freelance jo...

Unraveling Intrigue: A Crime Writer's Quest for Unconventional Inspiration with Derbyshire Author Zoë Sharp

Episode 89—Unravelling The Layers of Intrigue: A Crime Writers’ Quest for Unconventional Inspiration with Zoë Sharp. In this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writers’ Room to chat with Derbyshire Author Zoë Sharp. We are back in the writers’ room and we have a guest in our hot seat this week! Derbyshire author Zoë Sharp. We meet recently at the Authors Assemble event in Buxton. Zoë Sharp spent her childhood living aboard a catamaran on the northwest coast of England. She opted out...

Guest Interview Derbyshire Author: S. R. Durham—Writing in Multiple Genres.

Episode 88—Guest Interview Derbyshire Author: S. R. Durham—Writing in Multiple Genres.  In this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writers’ Room to chat with Derbyshire Author S. R. Durham about writing in several genres.  S. R. Durham is an indie author from the High Peak in Derbyshire. He self-published his first full-length novel, Prey, in 2021, and his second, Surrogate, in 2022. He writes across several genres, from thriller and psychological suspense to horror and speculative c...

Guest Interview – Derbyshire Author Emma-Claire Wilson

Episode 87 – Guest Interview – Derbyshire Author Emma-Claire Wilson In this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writers’ Room to chat with Emma-Claire Wilson. Emma-Claire Wilson is an author of emotional commercial women’s fiction. She writes ‘to make sense of the world’ and loves nothing more than tackling tough subjects and issues that affect her readers daily.  When she is not writing fiction, she enjoys exercising her brain muscles with freelance copywriting, coaching other write...

The Writer's Toolbox—Self Publishing With Style

Episode 86 - The Writer's Toolbox—Self Publishing With Style In this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writers’ Room for an episode of The Writer’s Toolbox—Self-Publishing With Style. What can you find in this episode? Pete and Laura chat about self-publishing, and the five key reasons self-publishing is a good idea.  The Five Key Reasons Self-publishing a Good Idea. You have more control over the process.  You have higher royalty rates. You can make changes.  You can build dir...

Guest Interview – Charlotte – Derbyshire Writing School Intern

Episode 85—Guest Interview Charlotte Howes—Derbyshire Writing School Intern We are back in the writers’ room and we have another guest in our hot seat this week! She's been here before! It's our intern Charlotte! We worked with the University of Derby to offer another paid internship at the beginning of this year. This is part of the Universities DRIVEN project, working with businesses in Derbyshire to provide practical, paid internships to graduates.  We are pleased to introduce you to C...

Hibernation Over! Laura and Pete's Winter Catch Up

Episode 84 - Hibernation Over! Laura and Pete's Winter Catch-Up! In this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writers’ Room to catch up after a winter hibernation squirrelled away working on writing projects. You can tell Pete hasn’t done a podcast for a time. He gets so enthusiastic about everything in this episode! So much so, he skips section one!  Section Two: PERSONAL PROJECTS. In this section, we share what we’ve been working on. Pete’s new author website is live! Have a look at...

Guest Interview – Kerry Fox – Authors Assemble! – Buxton Crescent Heritage Trust

Episode 83 – Guest Interview – Kerry Fox– Authors Assemble! – Buxton Crescent Heritage Trust. Kerry Fox is the Event Manager for the Buxton Crescent Heritage Trust. She has been in the post since July 2022 and before working for the Trust she was the Commercial Director for a Nationwide Event Staffing Company. Her role at the Trust is to create and deliver a variety of high-quality and engaging talks, workshops, experiences and events for Buxton residents and for visitors to the area, suppo...

The Writer's Toolbox - Christmas Writing Prompts

Welcome to the Christmas Writing Prompts podcast episode from Derbyshire Writing School. Where we inspire your festive creativity with a series of holiday-themed writing ideas. Whether you're a seasoned writer or just looking to try something new this holiday season, we have a prompt to spark your imagination and get your words flowing. So grab a pen and paper, and let's get started on some festive writing! Someone rumoured that 98.7% of all successful writers start the Christmas season wit...

The Writer's Toolbox – Christmas Writing Prompts

Welcome to the Christmas Writing Prompts podcast episode from Derbyshire Writing School. Where we inspire your festive creativity with a series of holiday-themed writing ideas. Whether you're a seasoned writer or just looking to try something new this holiday season, we have a prompt to spark your imagination and get your words flowing. So grab a pen and paper, and let's get started on some festive writing! Someone rumoured that 98.7% of all successful writers start the Christmas season wit...

The Writer's Toolbox - Christmas Writing Prompts

Welcome to the Christmas Writing Prompts podcast episode from Derbyshire Writing School. Where we inspire your festive creativity with a series of holiday-themed writing ideas. Whether you're a seasoned writer or just looking to try something new this holiday season, we have a prompt to spark your imagination and get your words flowing. So grab a pen and paper, and let's get started on some festive writing! Someone rumoured that 98.7% of all successful writers start the Christmas season wit...

Finding Your Writing Voice

Episode 81 - Finding Your Writing Voice In this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writers' Room to chat about the question – how do you find your voice as a writer? Section One: THE WRITERS’ ROOM. In this section, we explore writing problems and struggles by answering your questions. What is the writer’s ‘voice?’ Voice in writing refers to the unique perspective, tone, and style of a piece of writing. The personality of the writing can help to make a piece of writing more interest...

Guest Interview – Writing Non-Fiction – Jonny Williams

Episode 80 - Guest Interview – Writing Non-Fiction – Jonny Williams In this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writer’s Room to chat with author Jonny Williams about his new book - Delivery Management: Enabling Teams to Deliver Value. Jonny Williams is an Agile Delivery Lead at Red Hat. Prior to this, he was Head of Delivery at Homes, England. He also provides coaching at DeliverValue.uk Having enabled teams to deliver value for over ten years, he now supports organisations to uncove...

The Prompt Box

Episode 79 – The Prompt Box In this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writers' Room to chat about The Derbyshire Writing School Prompt Box. Are you stuck for ideas? Have you ever stared at a blank screen and felt stuck for words? Like all your ideas have dried up. Are you feeling empty or uninspired? Do you need help getting your ideas moving? Or do you want to inject some joy back into your creative writing? The new Prompt Box from Derbyshire Writing School could be the answer. In ...

Why Don't I Write Even Though I Want To?

Episode 78 – Why Don’t I Even Though I Want To?  In this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writers' Room to chat about a question that has mystified writers for centuries – Why Don’t I Even Though I Want To?  Section One: THE WRITERS’ ROOM. In this section, we explore writing problems and struggles by answering your questions. What stops us from writing? Why don’t we write even though we want to? Getting to grips with the question they talk about it being procrastination or fear of...

Gathering Rosebuds In Kerala – A Reading by Pete Billingham – Free Book Link!

Episode 77 - Gathering Rosebuds In Kerala – A Reading by Pete Billingham - Free Workbook link! In this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writers' Room for a special episode as Pete reads chapter one of his memoir, Gathering Rosebuds in Kerala: A Memoir About Storing Life’s Special Moments. Gathering Rosebuds in Kerala is a journey through bustling cities, backwater canals, and the stunning beaches of South-West India, with insightful reflections on facing ageing, discovering meaning...

Gathering Rosebuds In Kerala - A Reading by Pete Billingham - Free Book Link!

Episode 77 - Gathering Rosebuds In Kerala - A Reading by Pete Billingham - Free Workbook link! In this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writer’s Room for a special episode as Pete reads chapter one of his memoir, Gathering Rosebuds in Kerala: A Memoir About Storing Life’s Special Moments. Gathering Rosebuds in Kerala is a journey through bustling cities, backwater canals, and the stunning beaches of South-West India, with insightful reflections on facing ageing, discovering meaning...

The Writer's Toolkit

Episode 76 - The Writers Toolkit Workbooks In this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writer’s Room to look at The Writer’s Toolkit Podcast episodes and reveal exciting information for any writer wanting to improve their skills. This is how the Derbyshire Writing School Writer’s Toolkit podcast episodes came to be.  But we’ve gone one step more! Here are the tools we’ve covered on Begin (the podcast) so far:  Episode 4 – A writing habit  Episode 7 - The tool of reading (like a wri...

The Writer's Toolkit

Episode 76 - The Writers Toolkit Workbooks In this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writer’s Room to look at The Writer’s Toolkit Podcast episodes and reveal exciting information for any writer wanting to improve their skills. This is how the Derbyshire Writing School Writer’s Toolkit podcast episodes came to be.  But we’ve gone one step more! Here are the tools we’ve covered on Begin (the podcast) so far:  Episode 4 – A writing habit  Episode 7 - The tool of reading (like a wri...

Guest Interview – Derbyshire Author – Sarah Ward

Episode 75 – Guest Interview – Derbyshire Author – Sarah Ward In this episode, Pete and Laura chat with Derbyshire author Sarah Ward. Sarah is the author of four contemporary crime novels set in the Derbyshire Peak District. The Daily Mail described her debut novel, In Bitter Chill, as a ‘Tense, well-told story of loss and family secrets’. Sarah’s published her Gothic thriller, The Quickening, using her middle name, Rhiannon Ward, and was a Radio Times book of 2020. She published The Shado...

Guest Interview - Derbyshire Author - Sarah Ward

Episode 75 - Guest Interview - Derbyshire Author - Sarah Ward In this episode, Pete and Laura chat with Derbyshire author Sarah Ward. Sarah is the author of four contemporary crime novels set in the Derbyshire Peak District. The Daily Mail described her debut novel, In Bitter Chill, as a ‘Tense, well-told story of loss and family secrets’. Sarah’s published her Gothic thriller, The Quickening, using her middle name, Rhiannon Ward, and was a Radio Times book of 2020. She published the Shado...

Am I Real Writer?

Episode 74 - Am I A Real Writer? - In this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writer’s Room to chat about and try to answer the question - Am I A Real Writer?   Section One: THE WRITERS’ ROOM. In this section, we explore writing problems and struggles by answering your questions.   What makes someone a writer? Often people will say to us, ‘But I’m not a real writer?’ So what makes a real writer? Pete’s pithy wisdom on what makes a ‘real writer’ (on a mug or a T-shirt - email us!) 'It...

The Writer’s Toolbox – The Tool of Creative Courage

Episode 73 - The Writer’s Toolbox – The Tool of Creative Courage   “You cannot swim for new horizons until you have the courage to lose sight of the shore.” ― William Faulkner In this ‘Toolbox’ episode, Pete and Laura chat about the tool of ‘Creative Courage.’  Creative courage is not only about taking risks with your story but also about believing your story will be worth telling before you’ve even started! Pete and Laura chat about: What do we mean by courage as a writer, and why is t...

The Writer’s Toolbox – The Tool of Creative Courage

Episode 73 - The Writer’s Toolbox – The Tool of Creative Courage   “You cannot swim for new horizons until you have the courage to lose sight of the shore.” ― William Faulkner In this ‘Toolbox’ episode, Pete and Laura chat about the tool of ‘Creative Courage.’  Creative courage is not only about taking risks with your story but also about believing your story will be worth telling before you’ve even started! Pete and Laura chat about: What do we mean by courage as a writer, and why is t...

Guest Interview - Cat Mitchell - Publishing 101

Episode 72 - Guest Interview - Cat Mitchell - Publishing 101 In this episode, Pete and Laura chat with Cat Mitchell about publishing.  Cat Mitchel is a lecturer in writing and publishing, and teaches on the Publishing MA course and the Writing and Publishing BA course at Derby University.  Cat has over five years of experience working in the publishing industry, including four years working in various marketing and publicity roles at Penguin Random House, UK in London. She also worked as ...

Guest Interview – Alex Davis – What is Genre?

Episode 71 - Alex Davis – Guest Interview – What is Genre? In this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writer’s Room to chat with a regular visitor to the podcast - Alex Davis. Alex currently works as an Associate Lecturer in Creative and Professional Writing for the University of Derby and is a freelance copy-editor, proofreader, and events organiser.  In this episode, Pete and Laura ask Alex: What do we mean when we talk about genre? How do we decide (or identify) what genre we a...

Guest Interview – JC Niala - Writer, poet, and playwright.

Episode 70 - Guest Interview–JC Niala JC Niala is a writer, poet, and playwright, and a keen grower. She is specifically interested in how our imaginations of nature affect how we treat it.  Her artists' journal of poems Portal: 1918 Allotment (Fig, 2022) uses poetry, prose, and art to document her recreation of an English allotment in the style of the year 1918. In 2022, she received the Social History Society’s Public history prize 2022 for this project.  JC’s nature writing debut, 'A ...

Guest Interview – Fly On The Wall Indie Press

Episode 69 Isabelle Kenyon – Guest Interview – Fly On The Wall Indie Press In this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writer’s Room to chat with Isabelle Kenyon. Isabelle Kenyon is a northern writer and the author of 5 chapbooks including Growing Pains - (Indigo Dreams Publishing Ltd) and one short story with Wild Pressed Books - ‘The Town Talks’, 2020. She is the M.D. and editor of Fly on the Wall Press, a socially conscious small press for chapbooks and anthologies. Fly on the Wal...

Guest Interview - The Derbyshire Writing School Interns

Episode 68 - The Derbyshire Writing School Interns In this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writer’s Room to chat with three student interns who spent time at Derbyshire Writing School this summer. We’ve been working with the University of Derby to offer three paid internships over the summer. This is part of the Universities DRIVEN project, working with business in Derbyshire to provide practical, paid internships to graduates.   We were thrilled to have Charlotte, Lauren, and Mi...

Happy Second Birthday - Derbyshire Writing School!

Episode 67 - Happy Second Birthday Derbyshire Writing School! We are back! In this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writer’s Room to talk about their summer, and update you on their writing and celebrate Derbyshire Writing School’s second birthday! PERSONAL PROJECTS – In this section, we share what we’ve been working on. Spending the summer working on a first draft, Laura has almost completed the first version of book two in the series with - Everyday Storytellers - Writes Non-Fic...

'Begin' - Season 2 Finale!

Episode 66 - Season 2 Finale  In this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writer’s Room to review the highs and lows and lessons learned in the last 33 episodes before they head off on Summer break.  THE WRITERS’ ROOM - Let’s review the last 33 weeks:- Pete and Laura ask What were the highs and lows of season two? Which were your top three episodes and why? Any memorable moments? What have we learned? PERSONAL PROJECTS–In this section, we share what we’ve been working on. Laura...

Guest Interview – Lauren Davison - Could Writing Be Good For You?

Do I Need An Author Platform?

Episode 64 - Do I Need An Author Platform? In this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writer’s Room to ask - Do I Need An Author Platform? THE WRITERS’ ROOM - In this section we explore writing problems and struggles by answering your questions. You are a writer, but you need the world to find your work. How do you do that? From a portfolio of work in progress to selling books you’ve written, an author platform is the starting point. Pete and Laura chat about: What is an author pla...

Do I Need An Author Platform?

Episode 64 - Do I Need An Author Platform? In this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writer’s Room to ask - Do I Need An Author Platform? THE WRITERS’ ROOM - In this section we explore writing problems and struggles by answering your questions. You are a writer, but you need the world to find your work. How do you do that? From a portfolio of work in progress to selling books you’ve written, an author platform is the starting point. Pete and Laura chat about: What is an author pla...

The Writer’s Toolbox - The Tool of a Writing Retreat

Episode 63 The Writer’s Toolbox  – The Tool of a Writing Retreat Here at Derbyshire Writing School, we’re launching our first set of mini-writing retreats and it’s we thought it would be a good idea to talk about a writing retreat is a tool you could and should add to your writing toolbox.  In this ‘Toolbox’ episode, Pete and Laura Chat about writing retreats. Together they talk about: What is a writing retreat? What are the benefits of attending at writing retreat? What happens at a w...

Guest Interview – Peter Billingham – 'Gathering Rosebuds' – How to Write a Memoir

We are back in the writers’ room and we have a guest in our hot seat this week!  In this special edition Laura and Pete chat about publishing his book - Gathering Rosebuds in Kerala. Laura asks Pete: You’ve finished. You’ve hit publish. How do you feel? What is a rosebud? What was the hardest part of writing your book? Did you find any part of the process surprising? Three things you’ve learnt. What did you enjoy about this process? Sell your book in a sentence. What’s next? Gathe...

The Writer's Toolbox - The Tool of A Literary Agent

Episode 61 - The Writer’s Toolbox - The Tool of a Literary Agent  In this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writing Room to chat about The Tool of a Literary Agent for a writer.  THE WRITERS’ ROOM - The Tool of a Literary Agent  What is a literary agent, and how will this tool help us as a writer? That’s the subject for this edition of the podcast.  A literary agent is a professional who represents a writer or a group of writers and their work. An agent has relationships with publ...

The Writer's Toolbox - The Tool of A Literary Agent

Episode 61 - The Writer’s Toolbox - The Tool of a Literary Agent  In this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writing Room to chat about The Tool of a Literary Agent for a writer.  THE WRITERS’ ROOM - The Tool of a Literary Agent  What is a literary agent, and how will this tool help us as a writer? That’s the subject for this edition of the podcast.  A literary agent is a professional who represents a writer or a group of writers and their work. An agent has relationships with publ...

Guest Interview – Dawn Brookes – What is a Literature Festival?

Episode 60 - Guest Interview Derbyshire Author - Dawn Brookes - What is a Literature Festival? We are back in the writers’ room and we have a guest in our hot seat this week!  We are really pleased to welcome back Derbyshire author Dawn Brookes.  Dawn has been on the podcast before, you can listen to her talk about self-publishing in episode 19. Dawn Brookes is an international bestselling author whose books have hit the number one spot in the USA, UK and Canada. Dawn is also the founder ...

Guest Interview - Charlotte Lunn - Is Poetry Good For You?

Episode 59 - Guest Interview - Charlotte Lunn - Is Poetry Good For You? We are back in the writers’ room and we have a guest in our hot seat this week! It’s Derbyshire Writing School’s very own guest poetry facilitator  – Charlotte Lunn. Charlotte Lunn is a published poet, workshop facilitator and bookseller.  After completing her creative writing degree at The University of Derby, Charlotte became the events co-ordinator at Scarthin Books and has regularly reviewed literature for BBC Rad...