The monthly Hampshire Writers’ Society meeting was on Tuesday night and we were thrilled to have James Wills, Literary Agent from Watson, Little to give a talk. It was titled “Do I need an agent in the Digital Age?” – his answer to which was a very surprising ‘no’.
However, he went on to say that an agent is essential to transform the passion of a writer into ‘possibilities’ – possible film, TV, theatre, and project momentum. Agents are not just there to push books, but to help the passionate.
James’ passion for what he does certainly came through in his talk and he was a delight to listen to. For a more detailed report of the night, please see the Hampshire Writers’ Society website.
However, he went on to say that an agent is essential to transform the passion of a writer into ‘possibilities’ – possible film, TV, theatre, and project momentum. Agents are not just there to push books, but to help the passionate.
James’ passion for what he does certainly came through in his talk and he was a delight to listen to. For a more detailed report of the night, please see the Hampshire Writers’ Society website.
(James Wills, Literary Agent, Watson, Little)
We were also very honoured to have The Right Worshipful the Mayor and Mayoress of Winchester, Cllr Ernie Jeffs, and Mrs Barbara Jeffs attend the evening. I’d like to take a moment to advertise a charity event that they both support:
A Picnic and Grand Concert
The Harvey Hall, St Swithun’s School, Winchester.
24th May 2014
7.00 for 7.30pm
TICKETS £10 each (children £2) from:
Winchester Tourist Information Centre – phone 01962 840500
Winchester Discovery Centre
Rifles Museum – phone 01962 828549, email: [email protected]
Six West, West Street, Alresford
The Harvey Hall, St Swithun’s School, Winchester.
24th May 2014
7.00 for 7.30pm
TICKETS £10 each (children £2) from:
Winchester Tourist Information Centre – phone 01962 840500
Winchester Discovery Centre
Rifles Museum – phone 01962 828549, email: [email protected]
Six West, West Street, Alresford
It is in aid of Hounds for Heroes, Network Scouts, Countess Mountbatten Hospice, and a community pot. Everyone is welcome and it sounds like it will be a fantastic day, so please bring the whole family - I will definitely be going.
(The Mayor and Mayoress of Winchester, and Celia Leofsy. Please click images for a larger view.)
Finally, and certainly not least ... well at least not for me ... I was invited to give a brief talk about my book, The Company of Goblins. It was a little strange to be talking to all the members from the speaker’s podium having been on the other side for the last two years. But all the members seemed as thrilled as me that I had made the transition, even the Mayor and Mayoress wished me every success – thank you so much to everyone for your support!
I will back next month to listen to more great speakers at the June meeting. Again, anyone who would like to attend is more than welcome. Lady Carnarvon will be giving a talk about Highclere Castle (known to many as the fictional house in Downton Abbey) and Lindsay Ashford and Steven Lawrence from Chawton House (Jane Austin) will be hosting the event. Lindsay is a crime novelist and will be adjudicating the competition which is to write the first page of a historical novel, so please get writing.
I will back next month to listen to more great speakers at the June meeting. Again, anyone who would like to attend is more than welcome. Lady Carnarvon will be giving a talk about Highclere Castle (known to many as the fictional house in Downton Abbey) and Lindsay Ashford and Steven Lawrence from Chawton House (Jane Austin) will be hosting the event. Lindsay is a crime novelist and will be adjudicating the competition which is to write the first page of a historical novel, so please get writing.