Hello again! Thought I'd better do a catch up and tell you about some more competitions that are running and what I've been up to.
I've been out and about quite a bit, took a fantastic trip down the Manchester Ship Canal on the Mersey Ferry (although we had a bit of trouble at the Salford end with a bridge that wouldn't open for two hours!) and I've been on a small mammals workshop in Cheshire where I got to learn about trapping to find out species live in an area.
I got to see a common shrew and lots of wood mice up close and had to help weighing them and picking them up by the scruff of their tiny necks which is very tricky! It was a really interesting day - with a very early start! I'm sure it'll come in useful for my Dr Midas stories one day too, it's great to get first hand experiences like that.

Speaking of Dr Midas I've been working on the second book again in the hope of entering it for the Times/Chicken Book children's fiction competition (deadline October 30th for whole novel up to 80,000 words - http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/books/article6733392.ece).
I entered the original competition with Dr Midas and the Pirates but didn't have any success and have wanted to try again but as you need a whole book I was a bit stuck. The only other completed children's book I have is the sequel Dr Midas and the Incas. I think it would be really hard to do well with a sequel but then I started wondering if it could be changed so that it read as a standalone which it is for the main part. The biggest hurdle is how to get round the fact that this is adventure starts with Max finding out that his sister Millie has been on a time travel adventure with Dr Midas. He is so jealous that he decides to do the same and steals the time machine.
I've actually entered the first few chapters in another competition and was happy with them but when Iooked at them again I realised the start was slow in the Max and Millie parts and definitely not strong enough for setting up a first book.
So I've re-written the first two chapters so far, now the book doesn't start at Max and Milie's home but at the museum where they are on a school trip. I'm much happier with the new start, but still have a good way to go. I also need to make sure I really keep in my characters heads all the way through. I do think that my writing has really come on since my Cornerstones critique.
Actually I got asked in a job interview last week (sady I didn't get it) how did I know if my writing was any good? It's an interesting question and my answer was that I'd had a couple of competition wins and some good feedback via my website and query letters but mainly I guess because I love reading and I know what makes me give up on a book. Of course it's much harder to judge when your so close to the work, but leaving a good length of time before revising definitely helps.
Anyway I promised aye-ayes, pirates and more comps!
Firstly aye-ayes - I hope you've been watching Last Chance to See with Stephen Fry - it's been a brilliant series so far, but the best is yet to come this Sunday (BBC 2 8pm) because he's going in search of Madagascar's aye-aye. In an interview with the Radio Times he was asked if he had a favourite animal from his trip.
He said: "We met a captive aye-aye eyeball to eyeball - and what strange amber eyes they have - and watched a wild pair from below a tree as they tapped and sucked at a coconuts. They're astonishing, but spooky too. I think the Mme Berthe's mouse lemur takes a lot of beating for sheer, unadulterated cute."
Another lemur fan! There was a great photo of him and zoologist Mark Carwardine with lemurs too.
Soon everyone will know what an aye-aye is! Hopefully they'll want to read adventure stories involving them and other lemurs too! I'm also pleased to read that the title of the next Pirates of the Carribean has been annouced. Apparantly it is going to be 'On Stranger Tides.' I'm glad pirates are still proving popular and marketable, especially as I'm still trying to find a home for Dr Midas and the Pirates! (I've sent it to another slush pile via email.)
Well there's the new Brit Writers' Awards which I saw advertised in Writing Magazine which is supporting this new competition. There are lots of categories including short story, novel and poetry and entry - which is usually £10.95 is free for WM subscribers. There are also young writers categories and schools can register so their pupils can also enter for free. There's a website www.britwriters.co.uk but information is a bit sketchy at the moment. The deadline is December 8th 2009. I'd be interested to know what other people think about this one - there's a big prize up for grabs too of £10,000.
The Sunday Times have also launched a competition for previously published writers - The Sunday Times EFG Private Bank Short Story Award. There's a £25,000 prize for the winning story and entries can be up to 7,000 words long. For more details visit http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/books/article6817172.ece
The Sefton Celebrates writing competitions are also open for entry again. Deadline is October 9th 2009 and the theme for this year is journeys. There are prizes for poetry, other writing (£2 to enter), and writing by young people (free entry) . Entry forms/details at http://www.seftonarts.co.uk/uploads/file/writing%20comp%20pdf.pdf Well good luck if you enter any of these competitions.
Susan :)

Hello again! Thought I'd better do a catch up and tell you about some more competitions that are running and what I've been up to.
I've been out and about quite a bit, took a fantastic trip down the Manchester Ship Canal on the Mersey Ferry (although we had a bit of trouble at the Salford end with a bridge that wouldn't open for two hours!) and I've been on a small mammals workshop in Cheshire where I got to learn about trapping to find out species live in an area.
I got to see a common shrew and lots of wood mice up close and had to help weighing them and picking them up by the scruff of their tiny necks which is very tricky! It was a really interesting day - with a very early start! I'm sure it'll come in useful for my Dr Midas stories one day too, it's great to get first hand experiences like that.

Speaking of Dr Midas I've been working on the second book again in the hope of entering it for the Times/Chicken Book children's fiction competition (deadline October 30th for whole novel up to 80,000 words - http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/books/article6733392.ece).
I entered the original competition with Dr Midas and the Pirates but didn't have any success and have wanted to try again but as you need a whole book I was a bit stuck. The only other completed children's book I have is the sequel Dr Midas and the Incas. I think it would be really hard to do well with a sequel but then I started wondering if it could be changed so that it read as a standalone which it is for the main part. The biggest hurdle is how to get round the fact that this is adventure starts with Max finding out that his sister Millie has been on a time travel adventure with Dr Midas. He is so jealous that he decides to do the same and steals the time machine.
I've actually entered the first few chapters in another competition and was happy with them but when Iooked at them again I realised the start was slow in the Max and Millie parts and definitely not strong enough for setting up a first book.
So I've re-written the first two chapters so far, now the book doesn't start at Max and Milie's home but at the museum where they are on a school trip. I'm much happier with the new start, but still have a good way to go. I also need to make sure I really keep in my characters heads all the way through. I do think that my writing has really come on since my Cornerstones critique.
Actually I got asked in a job interview last week (sady I didn't get it) how did I know if my writing was any good? It's an interesting question and my answer was that I'd had a couple of competition wins and some good feedback via my website and query letters but mainly I guess because I love reading and I know what makes me give up on a book. Of course it's much harder to judge when your so close to the work, but leaving a good length of time before revising definitely helps.
Anyway I promised aye-ayes, pirates and more comps!
Firstly aye-ayes - I hope you've been watching Last Chance to See with Stephen Fry - it's been a brilliant series so far, but the best is yet to come this Sunday (BBC 2 8pm) because he's going in search of Madagascar's aye-aye. In an interview with the Radio Times he was asked if he had a favourite animal from his trip.
He said: "We met a captive aye-aye eyeball to eyeball - and what strange amber eyes they have - and watched a wild pair from below a tree as they tapped and sucked at a coconuts. They're astonishing, but spooky too. I think the Mme Berthe's mouse lemur takes a lot of beating for sheer, unadulterated cute."
Another lemur fan! There was a great photo of him and zoologist Mark Carwardine with lemurs too.
Soon everyone will know what an aye-aye is! Hopefully they'll want to read adventure stories involving them and other lemurs too! I'm also pleased to read that the title of the next Pirates of the Carribean has been annouced. Apparantly it is going to be 'On Stranger Tides.' I'm glad pirates are still proving popular and marketable, especially as I'm still trying to find a home for Dr Midas and the Pirates! (I've sent it to another slush pile via email.)
Well there's the new Brit Writers' Awards which I saw advertised in Writing Magazine which is supporting this new competition. There are lots of categories including short story, novel and poetry and entry - which is usually £10.95 is free for WM subscribers. There are also young writers categories and schools can register so their pupils can also enter for free. There's a website www.britwriters.co.uk but information is a bit sketchy at the moment. The deadline is December 8th 2009. I'd be interested to know what other people think about this one - there's a big prize up for grabs too of £10,000.
The Sunday Times have also launched a competition for previously published writers - The Sunday Times EFG Private Bank Short Story Award. There's a £25,000 prize for the winning story and entries can be up to 7,000 words long. For more details visit http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/books/article6817172.ece
The Sefton Celebrates writing competitions are also open for entry again. Deadline is October 9th 2009 and the theme for this year is journeys. There are prizes for poetry, other writing (£2 to enter), and writing by young people (free entry) . Entry forms/details at http://www.seftonarts.co.uk/uploads/file/writing%20comp%20pdf.pdf Well good luck if you enter any of these competitions.
Susan :)

There are fewer and fewer opportunities for short stories to be published in magazines. One market that still accepts them is Ireland's Own, and they also run an annual writing competition which is currently open.
There is €2200 total prizemoney up for grabs and winning and some highly commended stories will be published in a Winning Writers Annual in May 2010.

The competition, backed by self-publishing firm Original Writing has a number of categories that you can enter.
For the short story competitions your entry must be no more than 2,000 words in length and must be aimed at Ireland's Own's readership. They say it must be "of an non-experimental nature".
The Open Short Story is as you may expect open to all. There are a number of prizes, with €600 for 1st, €200 for 2nd and two runners-up prizes of €100 each. The Beginners Short Story section is for unpublished writers with €400 as 1st prize and three runners-up prizes of €100.
Then there is the memories category, where competitiors must write in no more than 800 words about a memorable moment or event. The organisers suggest: " It could be about school, holidays, falling in love, getting married, emigrating, a special person you have known, etc."
Again there are good prizes to be won, €200 for 1st place and and three runners-up prizes of €100.
For all sections entries must be previously unpublished; any number of entries can be sent in by post but each one must include a €6.00 (or £5 Sterling) fee, in cheque or money order). Don't forget to include your name and address.
Entries should be sent to: 2009 Original Writing Competitions, Ireland's Own, Channing House, Rowe Street, Wexford by September 30th 2009. Which section each entry is intended for should be clearly marked on the envelope.

There are fewer and fewer opportunities for short stories to be published in magazines. One market that still accepts them is Ireland's Own, and they also run an annual writing competition which is currently open.
There is €2200 total prizemoney up for grabs and winning and some highly commended stories will be published in a Winning Writers Annual in May 2010.

The competition, backed by self-publishing firm Original Writing has a number of categories that you can enter.
For the short story competitions your entry must be no more than 2,000 words in length and must be aimed at Ireland's Own's readership. They say it must be "of an non-experimental nature".
The Open Short Story is as you may expect open to all. There are a number of prizes, with €600 for 1st, €200 for 2nd and two runners-up prizes of €100 each. The Beginners Short Story section is for unpublished writers with €400 as 1st prize and three runners-up prizes of €100.
Then there is the memories category, where competitiors must write in no more than 800 words about a memorable moment or event. The organisers suggest: " It could be about school, holidays, falling in love, getting married, emigrating, a special person you have known, etc."
Again there are good prizes to be won, €200 for 1st place and and three runners-up prizes of €100.
For all sections entries must be previously unpublished; any number of entries can be sent in by post but each one must include a €6.00 (or £5 Sterling) fee, in cheque or money order). Don't forget to include your name and address.
Entries should be sent to: 2009 Original Writing Competitions, Ireland's Own, Channing House, Rowe Street, Wexford by September 30th 2009. Which section each entry is intended for should be clearly marked on the envelope.

Hello again, apologises for no blogs recently but I've had some personal things to deal with. Anyway here's a great short story competition from the Writers' and Artists' 2010 Yearbook for writers both published and unpublished.
Your story must be up to 2,000 words long and be about the theme of 'Unity or Union' it must also be aimed at adults. The winner will receive £500 in cash and a place on the Arvon Foundation residential writing course.

I was longlisted for the Writers' & Artists' Yearbook centenary novel writing competition so it's definitely worth having a go at entering!
The winning story will also be published on the W & A's website, no purchase is necessary although every budding writer will probably want an up-to-date Yearbook, and the competition is open to all ages and nationalities.
To enter you must first register on the publishers website at http://www.acblack.com/registration/, then email your story to [email protected] with 'WAYB10 competition' as the subject line by February 14th, 2010. One entry only per person.
For more details including full terms and conditions visit www.writersandartists.co.uk

Hello again, apologises for no blogs recently but I've had some personal things to deal with. Anyway here's a great short story competition from the Writers' and Artists' 2010 Yearbook for writers both published and unpublished.
Your story must be up to 2,000 words long and be about the theme of 'Unity or Union' it must also be aimed at adults. The winner will receive £500 in cash and a place on the Arvon Foundation residential writing course.

I was longlisted for the Writers' & Artists' Yearbook centenary novel writing competition so it's definitely worth having a go at entering!
The winning story will also be published on the W & A's website, no purchase is necessary although every budding writer will probably want an up-to-date Yearbook, and the competition is open to all ages and nationalities.
To enter you must first register on the publishers website at http://www.acblack.com/registration/, then email your story to [email protected] with 'WAYB10 competition' as the subject line by February 14th, 2010. One entry only per person.
For more details including full terms and conditions visit www.writersandartists.co.uk

Topping & Co in Bath - photograph by Susan Humphreys
I guess its hardly surprising that I haven't had much time for writing lately - well not unless you count filling in application forms for jobs - I've written plenty of those! I've even written a report on social networking as part of my volunteer work and of course i'm writing all the time on Facebook and Twitter - even on here whe i can think of something to share! but as for actual fiction - nothing!

There's no excuse really though and as a former reporter I should know you just have to do it! I must try harder! Especially as this month's National Geographic magazine has Angkor on the cover.
I have however managed to find time for my quick trip to Bath where I got to hear my hero Glen David Gold read from his new book Sunnyside. He was very funny and admitted he is also very bad at writing when he should - "oh look there's a cat in the yard," was his comment. I got to have a quick chat with him after the reading and he very kindly signed my books and told me he is however working on something new (hurrah). I'm hoping it won't take him eight years as it did after finishing Carter Beats the Devil - my favourite book. I also mentioned I read his blog - which he seemed very pleasantly surprised about! Well I know how that feels - when I'm writing on here I always feel like no-one's reading it.
Topping & Company was a fanatastic bookshop - you could spend days in there and the staff were lovely. They are also open 7 days a week till 7.30pm! I couldn't resist buying the new Jonanthan Stroud book too - Heroes of the Valley especially as it was a signed copy. If you're in Bath and you love books do pop in - well linger!
I also got to pay my second visit to Bristol Zoo, it was a glorious day and I got to check out al lot of Madagascan animals again including the aye-ayes, mouse lemurs and mongoose lemurs. One of the highlights though was getting to shake hands - well legs- with Gabriella the tarantuala - which involved letting her carefully put her limbs on the palm of my hand. She was much lighter than I expected and very soft - not at all scary. I also got to hold a Madagascan Hissing Cockroach again - they were very noisy!

Topping & Co in Bath - photograph by Susan Humphreys
I guess its hardly surprising that I haven't had much time for writing lately - well not unless you count filling in application forms for jobs - I've written plenty of those! I've even written a report on social networking as part of my volunteer work and of course i'm writing all the time on Facebook and Twitter - even on here whe i can think of something to share! but as for actual fiction - nothing!

There's no excuse really though and as a former reporter I should know you just have to do it! I must try harder! Especially as this month's National Geographic magazine has Angkor on the cover.
I have however managed to find time for my quick trip to Bath where I got to hear my hero Glen David Gold read from his new book Sunnyside. He was very funny and admitted he is also very bad at writing when he should - "oh look there's a cat in the yard," was his comment. I got to have a quick chat with him after the reading and he very kindly signed my books and told me he is however working on something new (hurrah). I'm hoping it won't take him eight years as it did after finishing Carter Beats the Devil - my favourite book. I also mentioned I read his blog - which he seemed very pleasantly surprised about! Well I know how that feels - when I'm writing on here I always feel like no-one's reading it.
Topping & Company was a fanatastic bookshop - you could spend days in there and the staff were lovely. They are also open 7 days a week till 7.30pm! I couldn't resist buying the new Jonanthan Stroud book too - Heroes of the Valley especially as it was a signed copy. If you're in Bath and you love books do pop in - well linger!
I also got to pay my second visit to Bristol Zoo, it was a glorious day and I got to check out al lot of Madagascan animals again including the aye-ayes, mouse lemurs and mongoose lemurs. One of the highlights though was getting to shake hands - well legs- with Gabriella the tarantuala - which involved letting her carefully put her limbs on the palm of my hand. She was much lighter than I expected and very soft - not at all scary. I also got to hold a Madagascan Hissing Cockroach again - they were very noisy!

Can you finish a story by an Usborne author?
I have also been quite busy applying for jobs so apologies for the gap between posts. I've had another rejection, a basic slip, came back very quickly, and the envelope had got chewed up in the post. Was a bit disappointed as the agency's requirements ask for the first 50-100 words with a footer, which took a bit of time sorting. Oh well.
I have just received the new programme for this year's Bath Festival of Children's Literature. Inside there is the usual fantastic list of visiting authors (perhaps I'll get to go this time, so far I've always had diary clashes!) and there is mention of two competitions that I thought I'd pass on.

The first is by Bloomsbury, the publisher of the Harry Potter books. It is called 247tales.com and is for young writers aged between 8 and 16 resident in the UK.
The challenge is to write a story in 247 words or fewer. Each month a Bloomsbury author sets a theme and writes their own 247 story - then its your turn.
This month's deadline has just passed it was about The Web and the author was Gemma Malley author of The Declaration, a book I would like to read. The winner will be posted on Wednesday so they may change to the next theme then too.
One winner is chosen each month and they receive £75 worth of Bloomsbury books and have their 247tale featured on this website. Ten runners-up will get a signed copy of the latest book from that month's featured author, as well as links to their stories.
You can email your story (only one per month) via the website www.247tales.com or post it to: 247tales competition, Bloomsbury Publishing Plc, 36 Soho Square, London W1D 3QY.
Include your name, age, address and a contact number or email address on your entry.
The second competition is the Usborne Young Writers' Award 2009 and challenges youngsters to finish stories by five authors. The publishers are celebrating five years of Usborne Fabulous Fiction, by offering UK writers up to the age of 14, the chance to write a story with a real author.
The lucky winners will receive a trip to Usborne House in London to meet all five authors, plus lots of other great prizes including £100 worth of FREE Usborne books and an author event at your school.
The competition is open to UK children up to and including the age of 14 on 23rd October 2009, which is the deadline for the competition. Stories must be completed in no more than 1000 words (excluding the story starter).
To enter write the story-starter author's name on your story, then send it to Usborne Young Writers' Award, Usborne Publishing, 83-85 Saffron Hill, London, EC1N 8RT or email it to [email protected]
Find the stories, full rules and lots of tips at http://www.usborne.co.uk/features/young_writers_award.asp
By the way some people seem to have had problems with posting comments. I have now realised they sometimes go into spam and are automatically deleted, so I will double check there from now on.
I have also been asked about following this blog, there is no need to register.

Can you finish a story by an Usborne author?
I have also been quite busy applying for jobs so apologies for the gap between posts. I've had another rejection, a basic slip, came back very quickly, and the envelope had got chewed up in the post. Was a bit disappointed as the agency's requirements ask for the first 50-100 words with a footer, which took a bit of time sorting. Oh well.
I have just received the new programme for this year's Bath Festival of Children's Literature. Inside there is the usual fantastic list of visiting authors (perhaps I'll get to go this time, so far I've always had diary clashes!) and there is mention of two competitions that I thought I'd pass on.

The first is by Bloomsbury, the publisher of the Harry Potter books. It is called 247tales.com and is for young writers aged between 8 and 16 resident in the UK.
The challenge is to write a story in 247 words or fewer. Each month a Bloomsbury author sets a theme and writes their own 247 story - then its your turn.
This month's deadline has just passed it was about The Web and the author was Gemma Malley author of The Declaration, a book I would like to read. The winner will be posted on Wednesday so they may change to the next theme then too.
One winner is chosen each month and they receive £75 worth of Bloomsbury books and have their 247tale featured on this website. Ten runners-up will get a signed copy of the latest book from that month's featured author, as well as links to their stories.
You can email your story (only one per month) via the website www.247tales.com or post it to: 247tales competition, Bloomsbury Publishing Plc, 36 Soho Square, London W1D 3QY.
Include your name, age, address and a contact number or email address on your entry.
The second competition is the Usborne Young Writers' Award 2009 and challenges youngsters to finish stories by five authors. The publishers are celebrating five years of Usborne Fabulous Fiction, by offering UK writers up to the age of 14, the chance to write a story with a real author.
The lucky winners will receive a trip to Usborne House in London to meet all five authors, plus lots of other great prizes including £100 worth of FREE Usborne books and an author event at your school.
The competition is open to UK children up to and including the age of 14 on 23rd October 2009, which is the deadline for the competition. Stories must be completed in no more than 1000 words (excluding the story starter).
To enter write the story-starter author's name on your story, then send it to Usborne Young Writers' Award, Usborne Publishing, 83-85 Saffron Hill, London, EC1N 8RT or email it to [email protected]
Find the stories, full rules and lots of tips at http://www.usborne.co.uk/features/young_writers_award.asp
By the way some people seem to have had problems with posting comments. I have now realised they sometimes go into spam and are automatically deleted, so I will double check there from now on.
I have also been asked about following this blog, there is no need to register.

Well if you've been following me on Twitter you will know I've had a reply from the agent who was looking at my full manuscript of my revised Dr Midas and the Pirates. Sadly the whole thing had come back so I knew it was going to be bad news. She wrote : "Publishers are being increasingly choosy about what they take on and many have cut back on the volume of books they acquire. This has a knock on effect and I have to be equally choosy. Unfortunately I didn't think that your work had that elusive "stand-out" quality that I am looking for, although I did enjoy your lively style," and went on to wish me well. This is obviously a difficult time for publishers just as it is with other companies, and it seems to me they really need to be certain of guaranteed big sales before they'll sign a writer and this is the case with agents too. Perhaps I need to get all of you to pledge to buy a copy!!! Anyway I've done as I always do, sent it out again to another agent. I'm also going to have a go at the two Pure Inspiration writing competitions, being run this summer by English Heritage and being promoted by two very successful children's book writers. The first has to be based around Whitby Abbey and will be judged by Yorkshire author G.P Taylor. Winning stories will be published in a special English Heritage book. Graham received loads of rejections himself before self-publishing. Promoting the competition, he said: "When you are an unknown author, getting that first break can be extremely difficult. This competition will give several authors the chance to have see their works in print, hopefully uncovering some bright new talent for the future." The second has to be based around Lucky Spot, a crystal horse made of suspended crystals, by Stella McCartney at Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens, Northumberland, and will be judged by the author of Skellig, David Almond. Winners of the Belsay competition will receive signed books, and the overall winner will receive a year's free membership to English Heritage. The Whitby competition runs from 19 May to 4 September 2009, with entries welcomed from writers of all ages and abilities - although they must use Whitby Abbey as an integral part of the story. There are four categories that will be judged separately: * Ages 11 and under (maximum story length: 500 words) * Ages 12 to 16 (maximum story length: 1250 words) * Ages 17 to 21 (maximum story length: 2500 words) * Over 21s (maximum story length: 2500 words) All entries should be emailed to [email protected], no later than 12 noon on Friday 4 September 2009. The Belsay stories can be set at any time: past, present or future, or indeed, be set in the real world or a parallel world, as long as Lucky Spot remains an integral part of the story. They must be submitted by email to no later than 12 noon on Tuesday 7 July 2009. For more details visit http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/nav.20852

Well if you've been following me on Twitter you will know I've had a reply from the agent who was looking at my full manuscript of my revised Dr Midas and the Pirates. Sadly the whole thing had come back so I knew it was going to be bad news.

She wrote : "Publishers are being increasingly choosy about what they take on and many have cut back on the volume of books they acquire. This has a knock on effect and I have to be equally choosy. Unfortunately I didn't think that your work had that elusive "stand-out" quality that I am looking for, although I did enjoy your lively style," and went on to wish me well.
This is obviously a difficult time for publishers just as it is with other companies, and it seems to me they really need to be certain of guaranteed big sales before they'll sign a writer and this is the case with agents too. Perhaps I need to get all of you to pledge to buy a copy!!!
Anyway I've done as I always do, sent it out again to another agent.
I'm also going to have a go at the two Pure Inspiration writing competitions, being run this summer by English Heritage and being promoted by two very successful children's book writers.
The first has to be based around Whitby Abbey and will be judged by Yorkshire author G.P Taylor. Winning stories will be published in a special English Heritage book.
Graham received loads of rejections himself before self-publishing. Promoting the competition, he said: "When you are an unknown author, getting that first break can be extremely difficult. This competition will give several authors the chance to have see their works in print, hopefully uncovering some bright new talent for the future."
The second has to be based around Lucky Spot, a crystal horse made of suspended crystals, by Stella McCartney at Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens, Northumberland, and will be judged by the author of Skellig, David Almond.
Winners of the Belsay competition will receive signed books, and the overall winner will receive a year's free membership to English Heritage.
The Whitby competition runs from 19 May to 4 September 2009, with entries welcomed from writers of all ages and abilities - although they must use Whitby Abbey as an integral part of the story.
There are four categories that will be judged separately:

* Ages 11 and under (maximum story length: 500 words)
* Ages 12 to 16 (maximum story length: 1250 words)
* Ages 17 to 21 (maximum story length: 2500 words)
* Over 21s (maximum story length: 2500 words)
All entries should be emailed to [email protected], no later than 12 noon on Friday 4 September 2009.
The Belsay stories can be set at any time: past, present or future, or indeed, be set in the real world or a parallel world, as long as Lucky Spot remains an integral part of the story. They must be submitted by email to no later than 12 noon on Tuesday 7 July 2009.
For more details visit http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/nav.20852

Well if you've been following me on Twitter you will know I've had a reply from the agent who was looking at my full manuscript of my revised Dr Midas and the Pirates. Sadly the whole thing had come back so I knew it was going to be bad news.

She wrote : "Publishers are being increasingly choosy about what they take on and many have cut back on the volume of books they acquire. This has a knock on effect and I have to be equally choosy. Unfortunately I didn't think that your work had that elusive "stand-out" quality that I am looking for, although I did enjoy your lively style," and went on to wish me well.
This is obviously a difficult time for publishers just as it is with other companies, and it seems to me they really need to be certain of guaranteed big sales before they'll sign a writer and this is the case with agents too. Perhaps I need to get all of you to pledge to buy a copy!!!
Anyway I've done as I always do, sent it out again to another agent.
I'm also going to have a go at the two Pure Inspiration writing competitions, being run this summer by English Heritage and being promoted by two very successful children's book writers.
The first has to be based around Whitby Abbey and will be judged by Yorkshire author G.P Taylor. Winning stories will be published in a special English Heritage book.
Graham received loads of rejections himself before self-publishing. Promoting the competition, he said: "When you are an unknown author, getting that first break can be extremely difficult. This competition will give several authors the chance to have see their works in print, hopefully uncovering some bright new talent for the future."
The second has to be based around Lucky Spot, a crystal horse made of suspended crystals, by Stella McCartney at Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens, Northumberland, and will be judged by the author of Skellig, David Almond.
Winners of the Belsay competition will receive signed books, and the overall winner will receive a year's free membership to English Heritage.
The Whitby competition runs from 19 May to 4 September 2009, with entries welcomed from writers of all ages and abilities - although they must use Whitby Abbey as an integral part of the story.
There are four categories that will be judged separately:

* Ages 11 and under (maximum story length: 500 words)
* Ages 12 to 16 (maximum story length: 1250 words)
* Ages 17 to 21 (maximum story length: 2500 words)
* Over 21s (maximum story length: 2500 words)
All entries should be emailed to [email protected], no later than 12 noon on Friday 4 September 2009.
The Belsay stories can be set at any time: past, present or future, or indeed, be set in the real world or a parallel world, as long as Lucky Spot remains an integral part of the story. They must be submitted by email to no later than 12 noon on Tuesday 7 July 2009.
For more details visit http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/nav.20852

Don't look down! I loved watching this amazing double high wire walk by Sky Productions at Maryport harbour. One of my characters in Dr Midas and the Khmers, Tomistoma, wants to be an acrobat and tightrope walker, so when I heard about a free high wire event I just had to go! I love any excuse for a research trip and this one was to take me up to Maryport in the Lakes. My mum went along with me as she's been before to see for a pirate day which I couldn't make. The event was called 'Walk to the Stars' and was part of Lakes Alive a fantastic arts event which included six Reach for the Sky performances by aerial acts including Corazon de Angeles which I've looked up on You Tube. The event I chose was on Friday night at Maryport harbour and was by Ramon Kelvinck Jr and Jade Kindar-Martin (Sky Productions) from France. The town was packed out with locals and visitors and we all craned our necks to watch the two men make their way from one side to the other 60 feet above the ground - crossing over at the half way point! The wind was clearly blowing their shirts and the music really added to the atmosphere. Scarily they wore no safety harnesses or ropes and there was no safety net. I was able to get a real sense of the skills needed to do a high wire act and I loved the fact the two men placed a hand on each others hearts before doing their act and kissed the mast before climbing down after successfully completing it! There were other acts on during the evening including Los Kaos - Penny Farthing stunt-riding identical twins and Bongo Bolero who wore a striking leotard. For pictures of those and more of the high wire act visit my website www.drmidas.co.uk When I got back I wrote up what I'd seen and felt so I can use it in my book.

Don't look down! I loved watching this amazing double high wire walk by Sky Productions at Maryport harbour. One of my characters in Dr Midas and the Khmers, Tomistoma, wants to be an acrobat and tightrope walker, so when I heard about a free high wire event I just had to go! I love any excuse for a research trip and this one was to take me up to Maryport in the Lakes. My mum went along with me as she's been before to see for a pirate day which I couldn't make. The event was called 'Walk to the Stars' and was part of Lakes Alive a fantastic arts event which included six Reach for the Sky performances by aerial acts including Corazon de Angeles which I've looked up on You Tube. The event I chose was on Friday night at Maryport harbour and was by Ramon Kelvinck Jr and Jade Kindar-Martin (Sky Productions) from France. The town was packed out with locals and visitors and we all craned our necks to watch the two men make their way from one side to the other 60 feet above the ground - crossing over at the half way point! The wind was clearly blowing their shirts and the music really added to the atmosphere. Scarily they wore no safety harnesses or ropes and there was no safety net. I was able to get a real sense of the skills needed to do a high wire act and I loved the fact the two men placed a hand on each others hearts before doing their act and kissed the mast before climbing down after successfully completing it! There were other acts on during the evening including Los Kaos - Penny Farthing stunt-riding identical twins and Bongo Bolero who wore a striking leotard. For pictures of those and more of the high wire act visit my website www.drmidas.co.uk When I got back I wrote up what I'd seen and felt so I can use it in my book.

Don't look down! I loved watching this amazing double high wire walk by Sky Productions at Maryport harbour.
One of my characters in Dr Midas and the Khmers, Tomistoma, wants to be an acrobat and tightrope walker, so when I heard about a free high wire event I just had to go!
I love any excuse for a research trip and this one was to take me up to Maryport in the Lakes. My mum went along with me as she's been before to see for a pirate day which I couldn't make.
The event was called 'Walk to the Stars' and was part of Lakes Alive a fantastic arts event which included six Reach for the Sky performances by aerial acts including Corazon de Angeles which I've looked up on You Tube.
The event I chose was on Friday night at Maryport harbour and was by Ramon Kelvinck Jr and Jade Kindar-Martin (Sky Productions) from France.

The town was packed out with locals and visitors and we all craned our necks to watch the two men make their way from one side to the other 60 feet above the ground - crossing over at the half way point!
The wind was clearly blowing their shirts and the music really added to the atmosphere. Scarily they wore no safety harnesses or ropes and there was no safety net. I was able to get a real sense of the skills needed to do a high wire act and I loved the fact the two men placed a hand on each others hearts before doing their act and kissed the mast before climbing down after successfully completing it!
There were other acts on during the evening including Los Kaos - Penny Farthing stunt-riding identical twins and Bongo Bolero who wore a striking leotard.
For pictures of those and more of the high wire act visit my website www.drmidas.co.uk
When I got back I wrote up what I'd seen and felt so I can use it in my book.

Don't look down! I loved watching this amazing double high wire walk by Sky Productions at Maryport harbour.
One of my characters in Dr Midas and the Khmers, Tomistoma, wants to be an acrobat and tightrope walker, so when I heard about a free high wire event I just had to go!
I love any excuse for a research trip and this one was to take me up to Maryport in the Lakes. My mum went along with me as she's been before to see for a pirate day which I couldn't make.
The event was called 'Walk to the Stars' and was part of Lakes Alive a fantastic arts event which included six Reach for the Sky performances by aerial acts including Corazon de Angeles which I've looked up on You Tube.
The event I chose was on Friday night at Maryport harbour and was by Ramon Kelvinck Jr and Jade Kindar-Martin (Sky Productions) from France.

The town was packed out with locals and visitors and we all craned our necks to watch the two men make their way from one side to the other 60 feet above the ground - crossing over at the half way point!
The wind was clearly blowing their shirts and the music really added to the atmosphere. Scarily they wore no safety harnesses or ropes and there was no safety net. I was able to get a real sense of the skills needed to do a high wire act and I loved the fact the two men placed a hand on each others hearts before doing their act and kissed the mast before climbing down after successfully completing it!
There were other acts on during the evening including Los Kaos - Penny Farthing stunt-riding identical twins and Bongo Bolero who wore a striking leotard.
For pictures of those and more of the high wire act visit my website www.drmidas.co.uk
When I got back I wrote up what I'd seen and felt so I can use it in my book.

As you may know I now volunteer one day a week at the Harris Museum & Art Gallery in Preston, Lancashire. I was really excited to hear about their new summer exhibition which is all about fairy tales. Enchanted Worlds: Art of Fairy Stories and Mermaid Tales runs from the 13th June - 5th September 2009 with a big family fun day planned for the first Saturday at 12 noon. Enchanted Worlds will include painting, sculpture, photography, film, animation, puppetry, print and illustration from some of the world's most revered artists of the genre. The exhibition includes pieces inspired by Hansel and Gretel, Little Red Riding Hood, Rumpelstiltskin, Beauty and the Beast and The Little Mermaid. With rare first editions illustrated by famous artists such as Arthur Rackham, Edmund Dulac and Mervyn Peake being on display. Other featured artists are Richard Dadd, Jean Cocteau, Lotte Reininger, David Hockney, Quentin Blake, Paula Rego, Jan Pienkowski, William Heath Robinson and Mabel Lucie Attwell. For more information on this exhibition visit www.harrismuseum.org.uk One of my top three favourite books is Carter Beats the Devil by Glen David Gold. So I was really excited when I discovered he is visiting the UK to promote his new book Sunnyside. I can't wait to get my hands on a copy of the book - its publication kept being delayed - so it will be a real treat to hear him talk about it too. His tour is very short taking in London, Brighton and Bath. I'm going to Bath (July 2nd) where he will be at an independent book shop called Topping and Company - what a great name! They have lots of great book events (they also have an Ely branch) on so take a look at their website if you fancy an excuse to visit the lovely city. Their website is at http://www.toppingbooks.co.uk/. Interestingly Gold's publishers had originally planned an exclusive three month tie-in with Waterstones which really upset smaller bookshops. My only other news is that I've decided to change my main character in Dr Midas and the Khmers from a boy to a girl. So Joe is becoming Jo - thank goodness for find and replace although there's no shortcuts I know of to change the his's to her's without affecting those belonging to other characters! The reason I decided to make the change is because I was reminded there aren't enough girl adventurers while I was reading Blood Sun (highly recommended) and the Eye of the Serpent. Having Jo seems to work better with having her mum in the story too and with another plot device I can't mention as it would spoil things. I'm hoping to write about twins in my next book - a boy and a girl - but again I'm now thinking two girls might be the way to go instead. Better finish this one first though.

As you may know I now volunteer one day a week at the Harris Museum & Art Gallery in Preston, Lancashire. I was really excited to hear about their new summer exhibition which is all about fairy tales. Enchanted Worlds: Art of Fairy Stories and Mermaid Tales runs from the 13th June - 5th September 2009 with a big family fun day planned for the first Saturday at 12 noon. Enchanted Worlds will include painting, sculpture, photography, film, animation, puppetry, print and illustration from some of the world's most revered artists of the genre. The exhibition includes pieces inspired by Hansel and Gretel, Little Red Riding Hood, Rumpelstiltskin, Beauty and the Beast and The Little Mermaid. With rare first editions illustrated by famous artists such as Arthur Rackham, Edmund Dulac and Mervyn Peake being on display. Other featured artists are Richard Dadd, Jean Cocteau, Lotte Reininger, David Hockney, Quentin Blake, Paula Rego, Jan Pienkowski, William Heath Robinson and Mabel Lucie Attwell. For more information on this exhibition visit www.harrismuseum.org.uk One of my top three favourite books is Carter Beats the Devil by Glen David Gold. So I was really excited when I discovered he is visiting the UK to promote his new book Sunnyside. I can't wait to get my hands on a copy of the book - its publication kept being delayed - so it will be a real treat to hear him talk about it too. His tour is very short taking in London, Brighton and Bath. I'm going to Bath (July 2nd) where he will be at an independent book shop called Topping and Company - what a great name! They have lots of great book events (they also have an Ely branch) on so take a look at their website if you fancy an excuse to visit the lovely city. Their website is at http://www.toppingbooks.co.uk/. Interestingly Gold's publishers had originally planned an exclusive three month tie-in with Waterstones which really upset smaller bookshops. My only other news is that I've decided to change my main character in Dr Midas and the Khmers from a boy to a girl. So Joe is becoming Jo - thank goodness for find and replace although there's no shortcuts I know of to change the his's to her's without affecting those belonging to other characters! The reason I decided to make the change is because I was reminded there aren't enough girl adventurers while I was reading Blood Sun (highly recommended) and the Eye of the Serpent. Having Jo seems to work better with having her mum in the story too and with another plot device I can't mention as it would spoil things. I'm hoping to write about twins in my next book - a boy and a girl - but again I'm now thinking two girls might be the way to go instead. Better finish this one first though.

As you may know I now volunteer one day a week at the Harris Museum & Art Gallery in Preston, Lancashire. I was really excited to hear about their new summer exhibition which is all about fairy tales.
Enchanted Worlds: Art of Fairy Stories and Mermaid Tales runs from the 13th June - 5th September 2009 with a big family fun day planned for the first Saturday at 12 noon.
Enchanted Worlds will include painting, sculpture, photography, film, animation, puppetry, print and illustration from some of the world's most revered artists of the genre.

The exhibition includes pieces inspired by Hansel and Gretel, Little Red Riding Hood, Rumpelstiltskin, Beauty and the Beast and The Little Mermaid. With rare first editions illustrated by famous artists such as Arthur Rackham, Edmund Dulac and Mervyn Peake being on display.
Other featured artists are Richard Dadd, Jean Cocteau, Lotte Reininger, David Hockney, Quentin Blake, Paula Rego, Jan Pienkowski, William Heath Robinson and Mabel Lucie Attwell.
For more information on this exhibition visit www.harrismuseum.org.uk
One of my top three favourite books is Carter Beats the Devil by Glen David Gold. So I was really excited when I discovered he is visiting the UK to promote his new book Sunnyside. I can't wait to get my hands on a copy of the book - its publication kept being delayed - so it will be a real treat to hear him talk about it too. His tour is very short taking in London, Brighton and Bath. I'm going to Bath (July 2nd) where he will be at an independent book shop called Topping and Company - what a great name!
They have lots of great book events (they also have an Ely branch) on so take a look at their website if you fancy an excuse to visit the lovely city. Their website is at http://www.toppingbooks.co.uk/. Interestingly Gold's publishers had originally planned an exclusive three month tie-in with Waterstones which really upset smaller bookshops.
My only other news is that I've decided to change my main character in Dr Midas and the Khmers from a boy to a girl. So Joe is becoming Jo - thank goodness for find and replace although there's no shortcuts I know of to change the his's to her's without affecting those belonging to other characters! The reason I decided to make the change is because I was reminded there aren't enough girl adventurers while I was reading Blood Sun (highly recommended) and the Eye of the Serpent. Having Jo seems to work better with having her mum in the story too and with another plot device I can't mention as it would spoil things.
I'm hoping to write about twins in my next book - a boy and a girl - but again I'm now thinking two girls might be the way to go instead. Better finish this one first though.

As you may know I now volunteer one day a week at the Harris Museum & Art Gallery in Preston, Lancashire. I was really excited to hear about their new summer exhibition which is all about fairy tales.
Enchanted Worlds: Art of Fairy Stories and Mermaid Tales runs from the 13th June - 5th September 2009 with a big family fun day planned for the first Saturday at 12 noon.
Enchanted Worlds will include painting, sculpture, photography, film, animation, puppetry, print and illustration from some of the world's most revered artists of the genre.

The exhibition includes pieces inspired by Hansel and Gretel, Little Red Riding Hood, Rumpelstiltskin, Beauty and the Beast and The Little Mermaid. With rare first editions illustrated by famous artists such as Arthur Rackham, Edmund Dulac and Mervyn Peake being on display.
Other featured artists are Richard Dadd, Jean Cocteau, Lotte Reininger, David Hockney, Quentin Blake, Paula Rego, Jan Pienkowski, William Heath Robinson and Mabel Lucie Attwell.
For more information on this exhibition visit www.harrismuseum.org.uk
One of my top three favourite books is Carter Beats the Devil by Glen David Gold. So I was really excited when I discovered he is visiting the UK to promote his new book Sunnyside. I can't wait to get my hands on a copy of the book - its publication kept being delayed - so it will be a real treat to hear him talk about it too. His tour is very short taking in London, Brighton and Bath. I'm going to Bath (July 2nd) where he will be at an independent book shop called Topping and Company - what a great name!
They have lots of great book events (they also have an Ely branch) on so take a look at their website if you fancy an excuse to visit the lovely city. Their website is at http://www.toppingbooks.co.uk/. Interestingly Gold's publishers had originally planned an exclusive three month tie-in with Waterstones which really upset smaller bookshops.
My only other news is that I've decided to change my main character in Dr Midas and the Khmers from a boy to a girl. So Joe is becoming Jo - thank goodness for find and replace although there's no shortcuts I know of to change the his's to her's without affecting those belonging to other characters! The reason I decided to make the change is because I was reminded there aren't enough girl adventurers while I was reading Blood Sun (highly recommended) and the Eye of the Serpent. Having Jo seems to work better with having her mum in the story too and with another plot device I can't mention as it would spoil things.
I'm hoping to write about twins in my next book - a boy and a girl - but again I'm now thinking two girls might be the way to go instead. Better finish this one first though.

Hello again. Haven't really got anything particular to talk about this week so I thought I'd upload my photo of me meeting the lorikeet at Rainbow Landings, Edinburgh Zoo. The bird is such a beautiful colour you can see why they called the exhibit rainbow landings! I had an email last week from someone I know via volunteering who said their granddaughter loved reading and animals so they'd had a look at my website (www.drmidas.co.uk) and really enjoyed it which was really nice to hear. Its nice to know I'm not the only one who loves books and animals! Speaking of reading I'm really enjoying a book by Philip Caveney at the moment called Eye of the Serpent featuring his boy hero Alec Devlin. Philip is from Manchester (hurrah another northern writer!) and stupidly I missed his talk to the North West branch of SCBWI recently. The book is a mystery set in Egypt with some fantastic scenes (some are a bit scary!) involving hyenas and bats - of the possessed type! I don't like my animals coming to any harm in my books but when they're demonic I suppose it's ok! Ha! There's another sequel out soon which I can't wait for and I'm going to have to try his Sebastian Darke series next. I love finding a new writer because it can be a wait between books. I'm also very excited to hear that the next Max Gordon book is out soon by David Gilman. I love the Dangerzone series and will be checking out WH Smith for the latest Blood Sun this month. I'm not actually supposed to be reading as you know having vowed to steer clear of my Eva Ibbotson book until I've finished my first draft but I'm failing miserably. It's not my fault that there's such good books out there though. David Gilman has a nice website and blog too where you can follow his writing, he recently went to see some tall ships - like I have - and he very kindly replied to my comments. Don't forget to let me know your favourite writers too.

Hello again. Haven't really got anything particular to talk about this week so I thought I'd upload my photo of me meeting the lorikeet at Rainbow Landings, Edinburgh Zoo. The bird is such a beautiful colour you can see why they called the exhibit rainbow landings! I had an email last week from someone I know via volunteering who said their granddaughter loved reading and animals so they'd had a look at my website (www.drmidas.co.uk) and really enjoyed it which was really nice to hear. Its nice to know I'm not the only one who loves books and animals! Speaking of reading I'm really enjoying a book by Philip Caveney at the moment called Eye of the Serpent featuring his boy hero Alec Devlin. Philip is from Manchester (hurrah another northern writer!) and stupidly I missed his talk to the North West branch of SCBWI recently. The book is a mystery set in Egypt with some fantastic scenes (some are a bit scary!) involving hyenas and bats - of the possessed type! I don't like my animals coming to any harm in my books but when they're demonic I suppose it's ok! Ha! There's another sequel out soon which I can't wait for and I'm going to have to try his Sebastian Darke series next. I love finding a new writer because it can be a wait between books. I'm also very excited to hear that the next Max Gordon book is out soon by David Gilman. I love the Dangerzone series and will be checking out WH Smith for the latest Blood Sun this month. I'm not actually supposed to be reading as you know having vowed to steer clear of my Eva Ibbotson book until I've finished my first draft but I'm failing miserably. It's not my fault that there's such good books out there though. David Gilman has a nice website and blog too where you can follow his writing, he recently went to see some tall ships - like I have - and he very kindly replied to my comments. Don't forget to let me know your favourite writers too.

Hello again. Haven't really got anything particular to talk about this week so I thought I'd upload my photo of me meeting the lorikeet at Rainbow Landings, Edinburgh Zoo.

The bird is such a beautiful colour you can see why they called the exhibit rainbow landings!
I had an email last week from someone I know via volunteering who said their granddaughter loved reading and animals so they'd had a look at my website (www.drmidas.co.uk) and really enjoyed it which was really nice to hear. Its nice to know I'm not the only one who loves books and animals!

Speaking of reading I'm really enjoying a book by Philip Caveney at the moment called Eye of the Serpent featuring his boy hero Alec Devlin. Philip is from Manchester (hurrah another northern writer!) and stupidly I missed his talk to the North West branch of SCBWI recently.
The book is a mystery set in Egypt with some fantastic scenes (some are a bit scary!) involving hyenas and bats - of the possessed type! I don't like my animals coming to any harm in my books but when they're demonic I suppose it's ok! Ha! There's another sequel out soon which I can't wait for and I'm going to have to try his Sebastian Darke series next.
I love finding a new writer because it can be a wait between books. I'm also very excited to hear that the next Max Gordon book is out soon by David Gilman. I love the Dangerzone series and will be checking out WH Smith for the latest Blood Sun this month. I'm not actually supposed to be reading as you know having vowed to steer clear of my Eva Ibbotson book until I've finished my first draft but I'm failing miserably. It's not my fault that there's such good books out there though.
David Gilman has a nice website and blog too where you can follow his writing, he recently went to see some tall ships - like I have - and he very kindly replied to my comments.
Don't forget to let me know your favourite writers too.

Hello again. Haven't really got anything particular to talk about this week so I thought I'd upload my photo of me meeting the lorikeet at Rainbow Landings, Edinburgh Zoo.

The bird is such a beautiful colour you can see why they called the exhibit rainbow landings!
I had an email last week from someone I know via volunteering who said their granddaughter loved reading and animals so they'd had a look at my website (www.drmidas.co.uk) and really enjoyed it which was really nice to hear. Its nice to know I'm not the only one who loves books and animals!

Speaking of reading I'm really enjoying a book by Philip Caveney at the moment called Eye of the Serpent featuring his boy hero Alec Devlin. Philip is from Manchester (hurrah another northern writer!) and stupidly I missed his talk to the North West branch of SCBWI recently.
The book is a mystery set in Egypt with some fantastic scenes (some are a bit scary!) involving hyenas and bats - of the possessed type! I don't like my animals coming to any harm in my books but when they're demonic I suppose it's ok! Ha! There's another sequel out soon which I can't wait for and I'm going to have to try his Sebastian Darke series next.
I love finding a new writer because it can be a wait between books. I'm also very excited to hear that the next Max Gordon book is out soon by David Gilman. I love the Dangerzone series and will be checking out WH Smith for the latest Blood Sun this month. I'm not actually supposed to be reading as you know having vowed to steer clear of my Eva Ibbotson book until I've finished my first draft but I'm failing miserably. It's not my fault that there's such good books out there though.
David Gilman has a nice website and blog too where you can follow his writing, he recently went to see some tall ships - like I have - and he very kindly replied to my comments.
Don't forget to let me know your favourite writers too.