August's Business Blog!
03rd August 2026
*Happy Birthday For The Love of Books*
15 Years!
On August 1 2011, I started my business For The Love of Books and I’m proud of what I’ve achieved in that time.
Aside from writing my own fiction and non-fiction, coaching new writers has become my favourite part of the business with editing as a close second. I adore watching new writers develop and find their confidence. It’s something very close to my own heart as it took me a lot of years to find confidence in not only my writing but presenting courses, public speaking, and …just being seen.
For someone who isn’t naturally confident, it’s all been quite the whirlwind but I’ve relied on my passion for writing to speak for me as, when under pressure to speak to an audience, my voice stops and my mind goes blank. Aah, the joys of anxiety!
My own writing has developed too over the 15 years. Sometimes, when I feel stuck with a story, I remind myself of the tips I give those I’ve coached and end up coaching myself.
Since 2006, I’ve self-published, independently published and traditionally published. With fiction and non-fiction under my belt, a degree (I earned much later in life than most), several writing residencies, leading community groups and organising events, and giving talks at fairs and festivals, I’ve given my everything to the business but I hope to give many more years yet.
July’s Featured Author was author, Lynne Hackles and August’s will be author, James Batchelor. If you want to be considered as a Featured Author, why not subscribe to my monthly newsletter. I’m looking for authors to fill 2027. Just go to www.loveofbooks.co.uk ‘Free To You’ tab and hit subscribe.
It’s also my birthday month and I’ll be spending the day before tutoring at Swanwick Writers’ Summer School. It’s certainly a career highlight!
If you’ve not already booked your place at this Derbyshire venue, you’ll have to get in quick. I’ll be running two courses on Wednesday12th August so if you’re there, be sure to come up and give me a hug. I’m very much open to photos too and please tag me in when you post them.
Until September, I wish you hours of productive writing.
Sjb
15 Years!
On August 1 2011, I started my business For The Love of Books and I’m proud of what I’ve achieved in that time.
Aside from writing my own fiction and non-fiction, coaching new writers has become my favourite part of the business with editing as a close second. I adore watching new writers develop and find their confidence. It’s something very close to my own heart as it took me a lot of years to find confidence in not only my writing but presenting courses, public speaking, and …just being seen.
For someone who isn’t naturally confident, it’s all been quite the whirlwind but I’ve relied on my passion for writing to speak for me as, when under pressure to speak to an audience, my voice stops and my mind goes blank. Aah, the joys of anxiety!
My own writing has developed too over the 15 years. Sometimes, when I feel stuck with a story, I remind myself of the tips I give those I’ve coached and end up coaching myself.
Since 2006, I’ve self-published, independently published and traditionally published. With fiction and non-fiction under my belt, a degree (I earned much later in life than most), several writing residencies, leading community groups and organising events, and giving talks at fairs and festivals, I’ve given my everything to the business but I hope to give many more years yet.
July’s Featured Author was author, Lynne Hackles and August’s will be author, James Batchelor. If you want to be considered as a Featured Author, why not subscribe to my monthly newsletter. I’m looking for authors to fill 2027. Just go to www.loveofbooks.co.uk ‘Free To You’ tab and hit subscribe.
It’s also my birthday month and I’ll be spending the day before tutoring at Swanwick Writers’ Summer School. It’s certainly a career highlight!
If you’ve not already booked your place at this Derbyshire venue, you’ll have to get in quick. I’ll be running two courses on Wednesday12th August so if you’re there, be sure to come up and give me a hug. I’m very much open to photos too and please tag me in when you post them.
Until September, I wish you hours of productive writing.
Sjb