For The Love of Books

First and foremost – how the heck did that happen? Secondly, now that we’re here, so let’s enjoy it.

July, August, and September have been pretty tough months to wade through for us as a family, but we’ve made it. In addition, lots has been going on behind the scenes at For The Love of Books towers 😉

Unbelievable Research

We attended an archaeological dig! With the intention of helping my mum tick off an item on her bucket list, I was also able to research it in the flesh for one of my short stories. It’s all very well reading up about stuff or watching it on TV, but having your hands knuckle deep into the soil was brilliant.

Years ago, before my husband had a motorbike, I needed to understand what it felt like to ride pillion so I could accurately describe it in a story. Fortunately, a friend accommodated me on the back of theirs.

There are times when we have to rely on our imagination, or photos, something else to do the job but when you have an opportunity to experience it first hand…that’s gold!



This month has also been about making important business decisions. I’ve been pitching ideas of books and courses, so much of that will be received in the new year.

I’ve been doing a bit of CPD too. Continuing Professional Development is a massive part of running a modern business. If you want it to survive, you’ve got to keep feeding it. What this means for my clients is assurance of my skills to help them succeed.



The Versatile Writer Podcast

Yes, it's back. My podcast makes a reappearance from Monday 6th October 2025. You’ll be able to download (for free) Season 15, Episode 1: Writing Residencies. It features authors Julia Stone and Ruth Loten.

If you haven’t already downloaded the podcast, please do and tell your friends. Search for The Versatile Writer on your usual platform.

The Versatile Writer aims to provide encouragement and support for writers and creatives.

Until next month, I wish you hours, days, and weeks of unstoppable writing moments.
Sjb :)

I've recently become part of a group of professionals who each have their own skills enabling writers to reach their literary goals. It is called Author Support Directory.

To remind you, I'm here to help you succeed with your writerly goals, however big or small they may be. As a writing coach, my aim is to help/empower/create confidence in whatever aspect of writing you need to get going.

I'll coach you by using the four step programme I developed for writers in all stages of their careers:
Goal Setting
Motivation
Accountability
Guidance

Whether we use techniques including 'gamifying', simple communication, other other methods we'll find a way that suits your schedule, writing style, and project.

I adopt a friendly approach to coaching which can reassure hesitant writer and motivate procrastinating ones.

Get in touch to find out more with a free discovering Zoom call: sarah@loveofbooks.co.uk

Author Support Directory link coming soon.

August was fun, wasn't it?

I had a big structural editing gig to work on, plus continuing the marketing campaign for 201 Cost Friendly Activities For All Ages and Abilities. We had two birthday parties to organise which, I'm thrilled to share, went very well.

If you're anything like me, you're in touch with nature so will have noticed the trees are starting to change colour. I love this seasonal change! It's my favourite time of year.

For me, autumn means cooler days, darker nights, sparkly lights and tying up any loose ends before the year comes to an end and, if we're lucky, we can begin all over again.

What does autumn mean to you?

If you want to know more about the behind the scenes world at For The Love of Books, why not sign up to my monthly newsletter? It's free and you can pull out at any time. Nip over to the FREE TO YOU page on loveofbooks.co.uk to subscribe.

Before I dash away, and with my Writing Coach hat on, I currently have availability to coach new writers. Whether you need me for a short time or ongoing, whatever works for you, your project, and your lifestyle, I'm happy to adapt to your needs.

For information on what's involved and included, check out my SERVICES page. I'm always happy to organise a FREE Discovery Chat via Zoom so we can best decide together what would benefit you and if we're a good fit.

With over four decades of writing experience under my belt, I'm sure I can help you achieve your goal or at least get a little closer to achieving it - and if I cannot, chances are I know someone else who may be able to help :)

Until next time,

sjb :)

Welcome to August.

For The Love of Books is officially 14 years old today! That’s 14 years of bringing you creative writing-related services and products.

Over the years those services and products have been: a variety of workshops, coaching, tips, freebies, fiction and non-fiction books, talks, cross-promotions, ghostwriting, community groups, editing, proofreading, a podcast, radio shows, copywriting, a newsletter, blogging, book events, and even book-related jewellery!

During those years, I set aside time to research, network, learn, include some personal and professional development, gain diplomas in editing, proofreading, and psychology (intended to help those I coached with characterisation), and, of course, a degree in English Literature and Creative Writing so I can be better placed to empower new writers.

Running my business has been a blast and I hope it continues. I’ve met some amazing people who are all pulling the same way which, as you might imagine, is an utter blessing.

There’s another celebration this month too. The Versatile Writer podcast is 6 years old. Season 15 commences throughout October and while there will be just four episodes this time, I’m sure you’ll still glean some useful information from them. Season 16 will commence in 2026.

Don't forget that my latest book, 201 Cost-Friendly Activities for All Ages and Abilities is available via ebook. Check out the 'My Books' tab for info. It's a great aid for finding things to do, and now it's the summer holidays, there's plenty of suggestions.

Have a wonderful summer!

Sjb 😊

Welcome to this month’s business blog.

What a busy month June was! I sometimes feel like those cartoon characters whose faces are blurred as they look in both directions.

In June, I published a book, participated in several book events (more are coming – check the dates below), hosted June’s Writers of Essex meetup, neared completion of two family projects, had a story short listed in Writing Magazine, and more. Now, we’re entering the part of the year that’s jam-packed with birthdays and anniversaries, so the busyness won’t be ending just yet.

The book is: 201 Cost Friendly Activities For All Ages and Abilities and is now available in ebook format.

The blurb reads:
Learn about astronomy, make a birthday gift for someone special, recycle your clothes, make new ones, volunteer in the community, learn to knit, watch the sunset, go for a picnic, or so much more!
Between these pages you’ll find an abundance of ideas that will make your day.
Whether you’re bored, need to recharge, want to plan a day with your family, or find a new hobby, 201 Cost Friendly Activities is jam-packed with easy-to-do ideas and suggestions.

Here’s a snapshot of the reviews:
‘A reminder that the best things in life are free’
‘I can’t recommend this book enough’
‘Very child and adult friendly’
‘In a generation where screen time is high, this book reminds us about imagination and creativity’
‘I wish this book had been around when my children were little!’

You can buy your copy here: https://tr.ee/8wnneb If it sounds like the kind of book you’d benefit from, why not share this link with your family and friends? It could be right up their street too.

If you’re within Essex and part of a group/club (WI, U3A, Scouts, Guides, etc) that would love a talk about it and books for sale afterwards, why not get in touch? sarah@loveofbooks.co.uk

If you’ve not signed up for my newsletter yet – now is a great time. Either email NEWSLETTER to sarah (at) loveofbooks (dot) co (dot) uk or nip onto my site loveofbooks (dot) co (dot) uk and click on the ‘Free To You’ tab and go from there.

In June’s newsletter my Featured Author was Ruth Loten who shared her bio and some of her latest book. If you don’t want to miss out of snippets of wonderful stuff like this – or the opportunity to be one of my Featured Authors, why not sign up?

Upcoming events for the summer are:
Saturday 12 July all day
George Yard, Braintree, Essex, CM7 1RB – Free Entry
Meet The Authors

Tuesday July 22 12.30-3pm
Galleywood Heritage Centre, Nr Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 8TR – Free Entry
Meet The Authors


Hope to see you there.

Until next time,
Sjb 😊

...and with it, I've got a heap of book/author events approaching. If you're into in-person events, and you lived in the vicinity of Essex and Suffolk (East Anglia, UK), then you might be interested in one or all of these FREE events:

Writers of Essex – Supported by Society of Authors
Where: nOm Café, Victoria Business Park, Short St, SS25BY
When: 7 June 2025 12-2pm
Organiser: Sarah Banham (sarah@loveofbooks.co.uk for info)
Theme for discussion: Out Of My Comfort Zone

Sunday 22nd June 10am-3pm
ANGLIAN AUTHORS BOOK FAIR- Free Entry
Sudbury Arts Centre CO10 2EA
Panel Discussions and Readings

Friday 27 June 10am-2pm
Costa Coffee, Stephenson Rd, Clacton CO154TL – Free Entry
Meet The Authors

Saturday 12 July all day
George Yard, Braintree, Essex, CM7 1RB – Free Entry
Meet The Authors

Tuesday July 22 12.30-3pm
Galleywood Heritage Centre, Nr Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 8TR – Free Entry
Meet The Authors


My other big news is that my next book, 201 Cost-Friendly Activities (For All Ages and Abilities) is out soon. Undoubtedly you'll see it mentioned on 'the socials' so keep an eye out and do share it if you can please.

There is so much more to share but I'll save it for next month.

See you in July!
sjb :)

Welcome to this month’s business blog.

Wow! I hope you held on tight because April raced by, didn’t it? Still, I managed to get quite a bit done.

Two books I’ve been working are at their respective ends: one is being edited (this one won’t be for public consumption) and the other has just received its cover. It’s always an exciting time when one of my books ‘meets’ its cover. It’s like some kind of book world blind date. I think they’ll get on though. They’ve got a lot in common.

If you’ve not signed up for my newsletter yet – now is a great time. Either email NEWSLETTER to sarah (at) loveofbooks (dot) co (dot) uk or nip onto my site loveofbooks (dot) co (dot) uk and click on the ‘Free To You’ tab and go from there.

My subscribers have just been given a heads up on the book’s title and a chance to WIN a copy. If you sign up now, you’ll be in with the same chance too.

Business-wise I’ve booked in proofreading and editing gigs until the end of August – however if you’re interested in hiring me for your manuscript before the year is out, you still can. Just get in touch soon 😊

Until next time,

Sjb 😊

Happy April, one and all.

I hope spring has sprung for you too. With a mixture of daffodils, tulips, crocuses, and bluebells around the county, it's both glorious and stunning for those of us who love nature and appreciate its benefits. Although, while it is all blue skies, there is still a bite to the air.

From a business point of view though, the first quarter of 2025 has been ridiculously busy. If you're a newsletter subscriber, you'll know exactly what my March looked like. If you're not, why not jump on board now? With heaps of freebies and benefits, it's worthwhile. Click on SUBSCRIBE on my 'Free To You' page via www.loveofbooks.co.uk now.

My challenge for April is to slow things down a little, although if you know me well, you'll appreciate how much of a challenge that really will be.

My next 'big thing' will be a new non-fiction book coming out soon. Keep an eye on 'the socials' for updates.

For the remaining Thursdays in April, I will be Writing Coach in Residence at Costa Coffee, Clacton Shopping Village (CO154TL) from 10am-1pm. This means, should you require any writing advice, guidance, help with brainstorming, I'm your gal!

Lastly, The Versatile Writer podcast is on episode 5 (of 8) this week, so why not download it for free? Links are via www.loveofbooks.co.uk

Until next month,
sjb

Hi,

Welcome to March's business blog.

February left with celebrations in the air as I proudly accepted 2nd Prize at the Brightlingsea Literary Festival's Spooky Story Competition. Congratulations to the winner, Andrew Obst, and Linda Taglialavore who was placed 3rd. Thank you also to the organisers and the musicians during the evening, TG Trouper and John Beere.

As for March... Well, there's a lot planned.

First, The Versatile Writer podcast - providing support and encouragement to writers and creatives - recommences on March 3. It is free to download wherever you get your podcasts from.

Next, my newsletter has a new section - 'Featured Author' whereby I invite subscribers to share their mini biography and their writing. This is exclusive to subscribers so if you're not yet on my list, why not make now the time to subscribe? Details of how to do that are via my site, click on the Free to You tab and hit subscribe.

Next, this coming Thursday 6th March is World Book Day. It is also the day I start my Writing Residency at Costa Coffee, Clacton Shopping Village, Stephenson Road, Clacton. Every Thursday in March and April, I will be in store available for any writing-related questions, so if you've written yourself into a corner, want some guidance on how to end your book, are interested in developing your technique or anything writing related, why not come say hello between 10am and 1pm. This free service is available to anyone of any age and writing ability.

Next, (told you there was a lot happening in March!), on Friday March 28, 10-2pm, come along to Costa Coffee, Clacton Shopping Village where you can 'Meet The Authors'. Six authors (including me) will be available for you to ask questions about their work and buy their books. It's a great opportunity to buy a book and a cup of coffee at your favourite Costa store.

Lastly, I'll be publishing again very soon. Keep a look out on all my platforms for news.

Until next month,

sjb :)

WRITING COACH IN RESIDENCE
Supported by Costa Coffee and World Book Day

Do you have a burning question about creative writing?
Curious how to begin?
Wondering how to develop your literary skills?
Are you writing a book, or want to start?
Do you need guidance?

Locally based author, Sarah Banham, will be available to answer your creative writing-related questions

Each Thursday, 10am-1pm
March 6th - April 24th

Costa Coffee, Clacton Shopping village, Stephenson Road, Clacton, Essex CO154TL
This is a free* event.

COMMUNITY ... CREATIVITY ... CONNECTION
Supported by WBD. World Book Day® is a registered charity, company and trademark.

SJ Banham is a fiction & non-fiction author both independently & traditionally published. Approaching her 4th decade in writing, she has been a writer in residence, radio presenter with Writers’ Block, is the lead for Writers of Essex writers’ group supported by Society of Authors, and produces The Versatile Writer podcast. She has written 6 fiction & 7 non-fiction books, ghost written 3 biographies, and been included in 8 anthologies. She has a degree in English Lit & Creative Writing. www.loveofbooks.co.uk

*This is a free event, however any services requested from For The Love of Books are subject to charge.

It’s the first business blog of 2025!

I’m back from my social media hiatus and love every minute of it I did! Then why did I return? Well, in this day and age, it’s pretty tough to run a microbusiness without refusing the easiest (and free) resources out there. However, I will be quite selective on what I post and where.

While I took January away from the socials, I used my time wisely and wrote another book. It’s a non-fiction tome this time which I will share information on soon. My next steps will be to check the notes from my proofreader and then take it through its next steps before February is over. My hope it to get this one out around Spring.

Over the festivities, I trimmed back my services dramatically and neatened up my website so do take a look at it to see if anything takes your fancy. www.loveofbooks.co.uk

The Versatile Writer podcast will be back in early March too, and I’ve been organising some more author events and a few surprises are around the corner so keep an eye on my business page on Facebook (For The Love of Books) for updates.

Until next month,

sjb

Welcome to the final business blog of 2024.

Things are going from strength to strength with plenty happening behind the scenes.
The Versatile Writer podcast is over half way through season 13, with the final episode airing on 24 December. This podcast aims to provide encouragement and support to Writers and Creatives.

I’ve been taking part in lots of ‘signing and selling’ events joining other authors on the lead up to Christmas. Our next two are:
3rd December 1-3pm Galleywood Heritage Centre, Nr Chelmsford, Essex
12th December 3-6pm Costa Coffee, Clacton Shopping Outlet, Stephenson Road, Clacton.

Please support your local authors. We’ll have plenty of genres to choose from and books wrap easily.

On 7th December, I’ll be hosting the Writers of Essex (kindly supported by Society of Authors) meetup. It’s the final one of the year. Our theme will be ‘Our Highs and Lows of 2024’. We’ll meet from 12-2pm at the café inside First Site, Lewis Gardens, High Street, Colchester. If you’re a writer and you’d like to join, come along. The meeting is free, but please buy refreshments from the café.

Lastly, I will not be available between 1-31 January as I’m blocking out the month to focus my attention on completing a book. However, I will be back at my desk on 3 February 2025, ready to bring you all that For The Love of Books offers.

Merry Christmas, and I wish you a prosperous 2025.

Sarah Banham
www.loveofbooks.co.uk

Happy November to you!

It's been quite the year with so much happening and soooo many ideas.

Firstly, though, before I get into reflecting, this will be the last Business Blog Post of the year. Basically, I don't send out newsletters or business blogs in December because most people don't want their feed filled up this way. So I take a step back and recommence in January.

So, what was October like here? Well, things are moving, events are happening, people are showing interest and the projects I've been working on are either coming to an end or finished. Yup, it's looking good.

This year, 2024, has been pretty good regarding new partnerships, new clients, and new ideas. I brought out a new non-fiction book, A Guide To Creative Writing ( https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/A-Guide-to-Creative-Writing-Paperback/p/50594 or Amazon if you prefer). Added to that I started 'getting back out there' by going to networking events, being on a book judging panel, creating book/author events for writers, speaking at fairs and festivals, and returning to the London Book Fair. I've made heaps of new connections and partnering with others. My newsletter subscriber list has doubled and The Versatile Writer podcast is about to air Season 13 (Nov 3rd).

Talking of the newsletter, why not subscribe? It's free and gives plentiful FREE opportunities and exclusive offers. Who wouldn't want to advertise their book or event free of charge? But the only way you can do that is by signing up. Go to my website www.loveofbooks.co.uk and click on the FREE TO YOU tab then scroll to the bottom of the page and HIT SUBSCRIBE. You can pull out at any time with no hard feelings, just tell me via email and I will remove your name from the list.

2025 is starting to take shape already. More will be revealed soon. In the meantime, and totally unrelated, if you are participating in NaNoWriMo this year then I wish you success. If you need help after it's over by way of a writing coach, please get in touch for a discovery chat.

Until January 2025, I wish you a peaceful festive season and a successful New Year.

sjb :)

I'll be participating in several events within Essex, UK between now and the end of the year. For info, here's the basics. Keep checking social media for more.


Day: Sat 19 Oct
Who: Essex Independent Authors
Where:Chelmsford Market
Time: 9-3pm


Day: Sun 9th Nov
Who: Essex Independent Authors
Where: George Yard, Braintree
Time: 10-3pm


Day: Tues 3rd Dec
Who: Essex Independent Authors
Where: Galleywood Heritage Centre
Time: 12-tbc


Day: Thurs 12th Dec
Who: Writers of Essex
Where: 'Christmas Coffee & Books at Costa’, Clacton Shopping Village
Time: 3-6pm

Hi there,

It's drizzly and chilly here in the UK, and yet the seasonal colours more than make up for it.

Lots happening here at For The Love of Books HQ, mostly behind the scenes. I'll be involved in several book events from this month leading up to the end of the year, Season 13 of The Versatile Writer will be back in November, and I've reduced my editing and proofreading fees to help authors with the cost of living (check out the 'Services' tab).

For those participating, NaNoWriMo is just around the corner. Should you be taking part, why not let me know so I can cheer you on? Once you've finished, don't forget I can assist and guide you to your manuscript's completion through my coaching programmes. Alternatively, A Guide To Creative Writing can give you a few hints and tips on the challenge, as can my podcast (particularly Season 7 bonus episode).

The World Book Tour I ran for A Guide To Creative Writing is now over, and I thank every single reviewer for their kind words. It does seem to have struck a chord with many of you and I'm genuinely pleased to hear it. The tour ran from mid-July through to the end of September, every Monday with reviewers posting from around the UK, around the UK, and Europe on my platforms and theirs. I'm very grateful to those of you who were gracious enough to post as planned.

Now school terms have well and truly got back into the swing of things, and as we slide our way towards the end of the year, why not take the opportunity to start a coaching programme with me? There are currently 3 types to choose from, details on the site (loveofbooks.co.uk), and I'm open to a discovery chat as well if you wanted to go through things first, before signing up.

As mentioned above, I've reduced some of my service fees. This applies to the editing and proofreading services - super helpful for NaNoWriMo participants. In light of the cost of living issues many of us face daily, it makes sense to do this at least for a trial of 6 months. You've gotta do what you've gotta do!

Until next time, I wish you hours of productive writing.

sjb :)

Hi One and All,

Back at my desk this morning, although I knew it was September, I didn't entirely register it in my brain. What a surprise! Welcome to September. It's time to reflect over what August brought and look to the autumnal months ahead.

Autumn is often a time where holidays are over and people begin to settle down into the darker months (this side of the world, at least). I adore this part of the year and feel like I wake up. How does it make you feel? Does it affect your writing at all? Maybe for the better?

Although I focus on writing a lot more, traditionally I've been known to begin craft projects this time of year too. Crafters among us will appreciate that making things in Autumn prepares us for festive gift-giving. Too exciting for words. Then, of course, that cut off point at New Year means we begin the cycle once again. But that's looking waaaay too much into the distant future.

Back to the present.

While August is but a breath behind us, it was an extra busy one for me. Between reaching work deadlines and assisting a family member with hospital visits (all is good now in case the mention of 'hospital' concerned you), shopping and general care, August was one of the busiest months I've had this year. As they quite rightly say, time heals all wounds.

Work-wise, I added a few extra special offers to my newsletter, which enabled subscribers to widen their advertising possibilities. This means if they have a book to promote, it's a handy way to get word out - especially useful if you're an independently published author - but it applies to traditionally published ones too. If this sounds like something you'd benefit from, why not check it out by going to the 'Free To You' tab and subscribing? You can pull out at any time too.

While Season 12 of The Versatile Writer podcast is now over, Season 13 will soon start preps and will also come with a special offer. Originally only for newsletter subscribers, I've widened it and will soon put the Ts&Cs on my site so others can benefit too. Keep an eye out for the 'Podcast Special Offer'.

This coming Saturday 7th September is the Writers of Essex (12-2pm) Autumn meetup. Writers of Essex is kindly supported by Society of Authors. It's online this time and we have a speaker, Author Debbie Young who will be speaking about Starting Your Own Book Festival. It's sure to be a hit with many of us. If you're a member of Writers of Essex but not of Society of Authors, and you'd like to attend, please email me sarah@loveofbooks.co.uk ASAP so I can get the link out to you. (Please don't leave this until the day of the talk, it gets too busy.)

Until next month, I wish you hours of productive writing.

sjb

Here's my article about creating realistic characters in this month's Writers Online from Writing Magazine 📖😀 Big thanks to my publisher White Owl Books from Pen and Sword Books for helping make it happen :)

https://www.writers-online.co.uk/how-to-write/creative-writing-casting-characters/

Ploughing through the year as we are, it's great to take a moment and celebrate that FOR THE LOVE OF BOOKS is now 13 years old.

You may have seen the social media posts today. If you did, you will also have seen the special birthday offer I'm running throughout August. 20% off group coaching. You can find out more details on the 'Coaching' tab on the home page of loveofbooks.co.uk along with the Ts&Cs.

If you're a newsletter subscriber, you will have noticed a fair amount of special offers for you this month including a few EXCLUSIVE ones. Take advantage of them :) There are opportunities to write for the subscriber community and to enjoy some free marketing to boot.

Season 12 of The Versatile Writer podcast is well underway now. Eight episodes packed with tips and encouragement for new and established writers. You can download it for free via Spotify, iTunes etc.

I'm running a book tour for A Guide To Creative Writing too, my latest book. It's running every Monday from July to September so each time you see a post, please help me get the word out by sharing it :) You can grab a copy of it via the publisher's website www.pen-and-sword.co.uk or via the 'Shop' tab.

Last month I participated in a book event and this month I'm organising one! On 7th August from 4-6pm, 7 authors (including me) will be signing and selling our books from Costa Coffee at the Clacton Shopping Village, Stephenson Road, Essex CO15 4TL. Authors are Carly-Ann Osborn, Julia Stone, Ruth Loten, Vicky Ball, TG Trouper and Mark Butterworth (and me). There will be a diverse variety of genres on offer so if you enjoy reading or your children do, why not come along and have a chat and a coffee (provided by the wonderful staff at Costa) and buy a book. We'll even sign it for you.

As you can see, August is jam packed with events, offers, and projects so, as we raise a glass on the 13th birthday of the biz, here's to a productive summer and I'll see you in September.

sjb
ps don't forget to take advantage of the 20% discount. It won't be around forever ;)

1st August is the 13th birthday of For The Love of Books.

It's never a birthday unless presents are involved, so here's my gift to you. All through August 2024, I'm giving 20% off group coaching per person. Instead of £60pp person, it will be £48pp*

To see what is included in my group coaching, check out the 'Coaching' tab above. You'll find lots of goodies.

So if you've been considering coaching for a while but not taken that step, now is the absolutely the time to do it.

Hurry - this offer is valid only for August.

*Ts&Cs apply

Here's your chance to meet seven Essex-based authors at your favourite Costa Coffee shop.

Where: Costa Coffee, Clacton Shopping Village, Stephenson Road, CO15 4TL
When: Wednesday 7 August 2024
Time: 4-6pm

If you enjoy reading thrillers, romance, speculative fiction, family fiction or other genres, or you want to learn more about writing a book yourself, here's your chance to ask the authors for advice and buy their books.

Vicky Ball, Ruth Loten, Mark Butterworth, Julia Stone, TG Trouper, Carly-Ann Osborn and SJ Banham will be available to chat about your book tastes and sign their books personally to you.

Whether it's a gift for someone else or you want to treat yourself, this is the perfect opportunity to discuss all things books with these authors.

Buy a book...buy a coffee...enjoy the summer holidays.