For The Love of Books

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.

Welcome to this month's business blog.

Looking back at June, I can't help feeling a mixture of accomplishment for the month and anticipation for what is to come.

If you've been watching my social media posts, you'll know that June saw the publication of A Guide To Creative Writing published by White Owl Books from Pen and Sword Books. In addition, I've teamed up with readers from all over the globe who will participate in my upcoming Book Tour so do look out for those. They will be every week from mid July until the end of September.

The book has its own Instagram page too, so why not check it out? It's called @A_Guide_To_Creative.Writing and it's linked with my regular page too @s.j.banham

The Versatile Writer is back this month! Season 12 began today, 1st July. You can find links via Facebook: The Versatile Writer Podcast Group or Sarah Banham, or you can look it up via Spotify etc. Don't forget to subscribe if you do. It's free.

As of last month, my business newsletter subscription increased. If you'd like to be part of my subscriber community and receive pro tips on writing, opportunities to contribute, and advertise for free, why not pop along to my site, www.loveofbooks.co.uk, click on the Free To You tab, scroll the the bottom and subscribe. You can unsubscribe at any time too.

I also gave a talk in June to Society of Authors on budget ways to market your books. It went well and I've seen some of my tips being carried out from those attendees via social media. It's always nice to know you've been listened to while doing these things :)

While work was pretty intense in June, so was my hobby life. I'd made several garments (2 shirts, a dress and 2 tops) which are all on display on my art dedicated Instagram page @SarahBanhamArt so why not take a look.

Lastly, I had minor surgery at the end of June, a back tooth extracted because the 25 year old crown had fallen off. The surgery left me quite groggy and even now, 4 days later, I'm still not quite myself. That said, staying healthy both in mind and body is always my ultimate goal and while I've not been able to work out as much this past week, I plan to get back to it this week - albeit gently.

The next few weeks and months look to be just as crazy but if you'd like to discuss taking your first steps into having a personal writing coach, why not get in touch? You'll see from my site there are 3 different programs so picking the right one for your lifestyle is the way forwards. Get in touch for a no-obligation chat.

That's all for this month. Until next time, I wish you hours of productive writing.
sjb :)

Welcome to June's blog.

So much is happening behind the scenes right now, my head is in a spin. Let's start with the first bit of news...

In case you've not heard, my next book is due out very soon. A Guide To Creative Writing published by White Owl Books will be out at the end of the month. This means that you can pre-order it now via this link: Pre Order here... It's packed with all kinds of creative writing goodies, tips, exercises and more and you can dip in and out and even refer back to it later.

For more details as they come, why not follow it on Instagram under the name @A_Guide_To_Creative.Writing I'll look forwards to seeing you there.

Next, The Versatile Writer podcast will be back with Season 12 on 1 July. You can get updates by joining its dedicated Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/theversatilewriterpodcast Episode 1 is entitled Resilience.

Behind the scenes, I'm still working on a family project and once that's finished I'll be heading back to fiction. I have several Works In Progress that I want to complete. I have several non-fiction book ideas too, but one step at a time.

In among all of this excitement, the summer months are upon us and Father's Day is just around the corner in the UK. If you celebrate this, please consider buying that special dad-figure in your life something to quench his creative writing thirst. How about a course or workshop? A coaching program? Or even grab a few gift vouchers to put towards one of my services like proofreading or editing, even ghostwriting? You can find out more via the site.

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

sjb :)

Welcome.

It's been quite the mixture of ups and downs over the past month, but head-held-high, we continue on. When I say 'we', I mean 'me' of course. This business is a one-woman-business and, as always, I endeavour to bring you amazing freebies alongside brilliant services.

Now we're in May, I'm looking to fill slots for coaching sessions this month. I run 3 different programs, two for a personal writing coach and one for a group session. Check out the site for details, information, and the benefits involved.

In case you didn't know, I also take on editing and proofreading gigs. If you've got a book ready for editing and/or proofreading, check out my site for fees.

On another topic, you may have noticed I've started the marketing of my new non-fiction, due out this summer? A Guide To Creative Writing published by White Owl Books, a section of Pen and Sword Books will be available soon. Keep checking my posts for details. Why not pre-order your copy now? You can do that via the Pen and Sword website or Amazon.

My monthly newsletter went out yesterday to subscribers. If you'd like to be included on the list and receive pro tips, opportunities, and freebies, why not sign up now? As with all my offerings, you'll find details and information at loveofbooks.co.uk

That's all for this month,

Sarah Banham
For The Love of Books
www.loveofbooks.co.uk

Welcome to April's Business Blog.

Have you ever felt like you're spinning a lot of plates? Maybe you've got a lot of fingers in a huge amount of pies? If so, that's a taster of what it's like in the creative business world right now.

March was crazy - yet amazing. Included in many other events, meetings, and conversations, I also spoke at the Brightlingsea Literary Festival with a story that earned me laughter and applause with the final sentence, and visited the incredible London Book Fair - something I hadn't done for five years.

I was happy to see how much is happening and how many other Creatives (with a capital C) were in the same boat as me. We were all highlighting ourselves, ensuring that others saw us in the very best light, showcasing our promotional abilities and shaking hands with those who have come to mean something important to us.

I met my publisher, Charles Hewitt from Pen and Sword Books (always a good idea to put a name to a face and shake a hand), exchanged business cards with several people I regularly talk to online (TG Trouper, JonJon Jones etc, had a fantastic conversation with - and unexpected hug from - Anna Ganley, Society of Authors new Chief Exec, and even volunteered a few hours at the ALLi (Alliance of Independent Authors) stand where I managed to make more friends and get more hugs from Founder and Director of ALLi Orna Ross. It was a very huggy day!

Before I drop any more names, I'll end by summarising: March was an amazing literary merry-go-round, leaving me breathless. But now we've gracefully moved into April, so let's see what this month has to offer.

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

sjb :)

PS: Why not subscribe to my free monthly newsletter? It includes opportunities, freebies and tips. Go to www.loveofbooks.co.uk, Click on the FREE TO YOU tab and the SUBSCRIBE button is there.

Indeed it is. Hello from my business blog.

Spring is trying so hard to show its face and I'm here to welcome it. I'll bet you are too. Dark days are now few, leaving space for light. Something we all need.

The past few weeks have been challenging to say the least. Participating in local events, preparations for future ones, and keeping abreast of things required of me by others has meant I feel like I've been living in a blender! That said, I'm incredibly fortunate and thankful I'm involved in so much in and around the writing community.

I'll be taking a break towards the end of the month and believe me, it's needed.

Before that though, I'll be participating in the final night of the Brightlingsea Literary Festival (Poetry, Prose and Prosecco), attending the London Book Fair (first time in five years!), helping out at the ALLi stand (come say hi), and speaking at the Writers of Essex quarterly meetup.

If you're looking to get started on a writing project and need some guidance in the form of a friendly coach, please consider me. You'll find details of what's included (and all the benefits) on loveofbooks.co.uk, and The Versatile Writer podcast is well into Season 11, is free to download and available anywhere you get your podcasts from.

That's all for now. See you in April.

sjb

Hello! Hello! Hello!

It's been a busy first month of the year, and I hit the ground running as soon as I returned from my Christmas break. It was certainly a bumpy landing but now we're at the end of the month, I'm starting to see the wood from the trees.

- Hit the ground running
- Bumpy landing
- See the wood from the trees.

Expressions are so useful to get across your meaning, aren't they? :)

January 2024 has already taught me/reminded me of two major things: Resilience and 'Wiggle Room'. If you're a subscriber to my newsletter community, you'll understand my meaning there, if not, why not join them? It's free and is filled with offers, opportunities, and insights. Go to the 'Free To You' section of www.loveofbooks.co.uk, and click on subscribe. You can unsubscribe at any time and in line with UK GDPR guidelines, I won't keep your details.

So, what's your plan for the year? Mine is proactivity. If being proactive sounds like that's right for you too, why not book yourself onto one of the personal or group coaching programs on the site to get that book started, or even completed.

Before I dash, The Versatile Writer podcast continues Season 11 this month. Keep an eye out on social media for Episode 1 or request to join the Facebook group: www.facebook.com/theversatilewriterpodcastgroup

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

Sarah Banham
For The Love of Books
www.loveofbooks.co.uk

Welcome to my business blog - the first of the New Year!

Firstly, I wish you a brilliant 2024. Let's hope we all get one.

Secondly, if you are a resolution kind of person, and you've vowed to write or begin writing, please take a look at my services page to see how it can assist you in your goals. If you're not a resolution kind of person (like me) and prefer to set smaller goals each month (like me), why not check out the writing coach section of my services. There really is something there for everyone, all levels and abilities.

Thirdly, why not sign up to my monthly newsletter this year? It's free and you'll get heaps of offers including the opportunity to contribute. Head over to the sign up page on the site. I promise I won't send you anything other than the newsletter and in line with UK GDPR regs, I won't keep your details if you decide to unsubscribe.

Before I dash away to deal with the millions of emails I received over the festive season, I've decided this year is the one where things are going to be different. Over the past five years or so, I deliberately took a step away from festivals, fairs, networking and generally being out and about. My reasons were many, but ultimately it was not a healthy decision, so 2024 will mean you may see more of me/my work out there. I hope it will be welcomed and met with smiling faces. Hopefully I will see many of you where I haven't in recent years.

If you see me, come say hi and network with me. Maybe we can help each other?

Sarah :)

Welcome to the final blog of the year.


It’s wonderful to see so many writers completing the #NaNoWriMo challenge this year. Congratulations if you’re one of them. I participated for eight consecutive years which left me with a life time of stories to develop and, although I no loner participate, I still appreciate the feeling of relief when you’ve reached the 50k mark.

With that in mind, I want this month’s blog to be about celebrating achievements. It’s so easy to overlook all our accomplishments and see them in the rear-view mirror. If it’s not that, we sometimes tell ourselves that the fantastic thing we did/got/earned/were awarded doesn’t really mean anything despite the effort or years it took to get. I find highlighting those specific things helps keep my spirits up. It’s probably the same for you too.

This month then, I wanted to remind myself of what I’ve achieved this year and I hope you use this idea to do the same as well. Remember, these things can be big or small.


Highlights of 2023

Although I didn’t shout it from the rooftops at the time, in January I signed a traditional publishing contract for a non-fiction book.

I independently published the second edition of ‘I’ve Got A Pen and I’m Not Afraid To Use It’.

I enjoyed an online book tour as 4 UK authors asked me questions about the book and my writing life.

And just a few weeks ago I joined the The Romance Novelist’s Association. That’ll sit nicely alongside my memberships of Alliance of Independent Authors and Society of Authors.

Basking in that glory should keep me going for a while!

I’ve already set mini goals and intentions for 2024, so let’s see how they progress in the coming months.

I’ll be ‘breaking up’ (notice how many of us still use those school days terms?) on December 15 and recommencing on January 5th 2024 so, until then, I wish you a peaceful and healthy Christmas (if you celebrate it) and a productive New Year.

See you in January,
Sjb 😊

This week I’ve enjoyed a mini online book tour answering questions set by authors up and down the UK as I celebrate the release of ‘I’ve Got A Pen and I’m Not Afraid To Use It: A Writing Companion’.

Today I’m sharing a selection of those questions. I’ve Got A Pen and I’m Not Afraid To Use It – A Writing Companion is available through www.loveofbooks.co.uk or Amazon (Click here)

On Monday, Julia Stone asked: ... to continue reading, visit www.loveofbooks.co.uk
Read More

From 6-10 Nov ‘23, I’m taking ‘I’ve Got A Pen and I’m Not Afraid To Use It: A Writing Companion’ on a mini online book tour! I’ll be answering questions posed by authors across the UK.

Today’s Q&A is with Rosie Sandler. Rosie is the author of several books including the recent Seeds of Murder published by Embla Books.


Rosie Sandler: What drives you to write?
SJ Banham: That’s an interesting question. I’m compelled to express myself through the ...
To continue reading, visit www.loveofbooks.co.uk
Read More

From 6-10 Nov ‘23, I’m taking ‘I’ve Got A Pen and I’m Not Afraid To Use It: A Writing Companion’ on a mini online book tour! I’ll be answering questions posed by authors across the UK.

Today’s Q&A is with author, Philippa Hawley. Philippa Hawley is retired GP, now a writer, based in Wivenhoe, Essex. She is the author of four contemporary novels, the latest being : ‘To Be Frank’, published 2022 by Blossom Spring Publishing. All her books can be purchased on Amazon.


Philippa Hawley: As a starting point, can you tell us a little about yourself and your writing day. Are you disciplined with a routine, or does it vary with the mood? Do you break off for multiple cups of coffee?

SJ Banham: I’ve been a writer for almost four decades now and over that time, my routine has vastly altered. For the past dozen years...
Read More

From 6-10 Nov ‘23, I’m taking my latest non-fiction book, 'I’ve Got A Pen and I’m Not Afraid To Use It: A Writing Companion’ on a mini online book tour! I’ll be answering questions posed by authors across the UK.

Today’s Q&A is with Author, Philippa East. Philippa is also a psychologist and therapist.

Philippa East: What new insights into your own writing and writing processes did you gain in the course of writing and publishing this guide for others?

SJ Banham: Some new insights came disguised as reminders.
Read More

This week only, I've handed the reins over to fellow authors up and down the UK. They're asking me questions about my new book, 'I've Got A Pen and I'm Not Afraid To Use It: A Writing Companion' and, as you'll see from the answers, we've covered a lot!

Today, the questions were set by author Julia Stone. Julia is an author, an artist and a psychologist who writes psychological suspense: HER LITTLE SECRET, was published in 2021 by Orion Books; THE ACCIDENT in 2022. More information can be found at: linktr.ee/JuliaStone

Julia Stone: In a nutshell what is your book about?
SJ Banham: I believe the title says it all. ‘I’ve Got A Pen and I’m Not Afraid To Use It’ encourages, supports, and empowers writers, new and established. The book takes all the things I’ve learned and experienced over my career and condenses them into easy-to-read tips, anecdotes, and suggested solutions for challenges.
Read More

Welcome, welcome, welcome!

What a month it's been. Let’s jump straight in.

Unless you’ve been living under a rock😉, I suspect you will have seen that I have a new book out. ‘I’ve Got A Pen and I’m Not Afraid To Use It: A Writing Companion.’

It’s available in e-format and paperback from this site (www.loveofbooks.co.uk) and Amazon. I hope you’ll give it some time and, if it’s not your thing, that you’ll share it with someone else.

I’ll be doing a few promotional campaigns over the next couple of weeks so if a freebie interests you, keep a look out.

Now this book has taken its first breaths, I can focus on other things. One of those is my coaching service. There are 3 programmes to suit your needs, so please check out the site for details.

If reading isn’t your thing but listening is, Season 10 of The Versatile Writer podcast is available to download now, free of charge, from anywhere you get your podcasts.

Lastly, before I dash, gift vouchers are back again this year so if you need something for the writer in your life, maybe these will help. Available in £25, £50, and £100 increments and can be used on or towards any of my services*. Ts&Cs apply.

Until next month, I wish you heaps of productive writing.
Sjb 😊

Autumn has arrived.

Welcome to this month's business blog. As you might imagine, heaps of exciting things are going on in the background, some of which I can share with you today.

Firstly, The Versatile Writer podcast is back with Season 10 on October 23rd. Do join the dedicated Facebook page www.facebook.com/groups/theversatilewriterpodcastgroup to keep up to date with news.

Secondly, a new non-fiction book is about to be released. Yay! That never gets old. More in the coming days, so do look out for news of a cover reveal on my socials.

Thirdly, as the festive season appears to be arriving fast each year, I've jumped ahead of the curve. Gift vouchers are now available so you don't need to be stuck for ideas for that special person in your life. Available in £25, £50, & £100 increments. Ts & Cs apply so check out the site for more details.

Here's wishing you a productive and successful month of writing (or reading), and I'll catch up again next month.

Bye for now
sjb :)

Summer was just here…where did it go?

As the leaves turn orange, and berries adorn the branches, I’m reminded that Autumn is almost upon us.

So, what does Autumn mean to you? For some it means the holiday season is over, that school recommences, and work is heading towards its year end goals. It might also be a reminder that you’ve got just four months left to fulfil January's resolutions!

At For The Love of Books towers (in my dreams!), I’m focusing on steering the ship in a straight line towards the remainder of 2023. In case you missed it, the business was 12 years old in August. That's a dozen years of evolving and becoming what you know it is today: a place that empowers creativity. 12 years! I'd call that a win.

As Brits, we tend to downplay wins because the idea of having attention on us feels uncomfortable, yet being seen is necessary, if excruciatingly uncomfortable at times. Telling the world of these wins and selling our wares is the only way forwards especially if we want to keep afloat (to keep this blog's nautical metaphor going). It’s true, I’ll unlikely ever make the Forbes Rich List, but what For The Love of Books has done in the last dozen years is evolve into something beautiful that’s benefitted so many writers, and I’m really proud to have started it.

I think that alone is worth celebrating.

Celebrating personal wins can really keep our mindset buoyant. Life will always get in the way. The news will always be depressing. But if you want to get that book written, increase your personal or professional development with a writing coach, or leave behind a legacy heirloom for future generations by hiring a ghost writer, there’s only one way it’s going to happen. Just do it. I’m here to help you make that magic happen.

To keep in touch with behind-the-scenes activity, and to qualify for exclusive offers, why not sign up for the free monthly newsletter? Click on the ‘Free To You’ tab and sign up now.

Until next month,

Sjb 😊