Writing News from Author Anita Belli

Juggling and Spinning Plates Whilst Riding a Unicycle - My 2020 writing life

31/12/2020

I am doing a stocktake of the year so far. Some may say that 2020 has been rubbish and in some ways it has. The stress of getting ill, staying indoors and dealing with life under lockdown.
For me, the thing I missed most was hugging my children and grandchildren. Distanced, mimed hugs from the roadside are no substitute.

But because I am a self-employed author and creative writing tutor, my work is a portfolio of creative activity, some of which I have been able to continue, whilst exploring new skills and new audiences for my work.

I feel as though I am juggling whilst spinning plates and riding a unicycle.

As my workshop programme was cancelled during lockdown, I took the time to learn how to develop workshops on line. It has been a steep learning curve, but well worth the effort. You can see the beginnings of my work here at my online school; more programmes will be following very soon:
https://writersupportschool.teachable.com

I have also set up a new blog post which tells the stories behind the stories of my novels and am surprising myself by how much there is to say!
The Stories Behind the Stories is where I will explore the themes and ideas behind my novels. The backstories of the characters and how they came about.
Where the ideas come from and how they grow into a story.
And how my own life experiences feed the constant, fast flowing stream of stories and ideas

And … drum roll please …. For the first time ever, I am participating in a Vodcast with the amazing Gerald Hornsby in which we talk about writerly things. Afternoon Tea from Bookends will be published weekly and we would love to hear from you if there are topics you would like us to talk about.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNjKLAPqOeY

During lockdown, we have also been supporting other authors to publish their books and are delighted to announce that are are now able to make a new offer, through
Hard Pressed Books to Publish your book.

Meanwhile, the stalled programme of work in schools re-started in 7 schools! I worked with Tending District Council on the Junior Ambassadors Programme; to deliver 21 creative writing workshops across seven schools in Tendring before Christmas. For this Cultural awareness programme, I worked with African, Indian and Chinese practitioners to enrich the children's lives and understanding of other cultures, through creative writing.

And I haven't forgotten to be a writer!
On the 29th February this year, I published
Ruby Sixpence Whistles up a Storm

What older woman would not like to feel empowered, to feel as though she can make things happen and influence events? To be the Fairy Godmother her younger self would have loved?

Meet Ruby Sixpence, born on a leap day; a spare day in which magic happens. Born in that enchanted crack in time where opportunities, and people like her, slip through. Over the centuries she has nurtured the uncommon art of bringing lovers together, a gift which comes in the same package as ageing one year in four. But these gifts come with a price ...

I am currently getting up early to work on my new work in progress (WIP) which is the next book in the Ruby Sixpence Series - Ruby Sixpence and the Mother of The Bride

And in the summer, I published my homage to the years I spent working in theatre, and tribute to my current theatre friends.

Divas, Dogs and Dreamers

When Sophie Wilde is knocked off her bicycle by Producer Alex Brooke, she becomes entangled in his world of Royal Gala's, Divas and dogs. She doesn't mean to fall in love with him; her life is complicated enough with her alcoholic boomerang ex, her chaotic family and busy life in the wardrobe departments of London’s West End Theatre. But Sophie is a serial daydreamer and makes lists to put off doing what needs to be done. When the singing Diva from hell, Callandra Jewell, throws a mega tantrum on tour, all the lists in the world cannot control the powerful mesh of emotions generated in the ensuing confusion.

So my new strap line will now read;
Author, Creative Writing Tutor, Mentor, Publisher, Blogger, Vlogger….
And the juggling and plate spinning is another new skill I didn’t know I had.
(I’m still not great on the unicycle.)

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Between Times

28/12/2020

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As we reach the bridge between 2020 and 2021 we can look both ways, like Janus. We look back over the distance we have travelled and we can see just how much the landscape has changed around us. And we can look forward into 2021, into the mist of uncertainty.

We have learned the hard way in 2020, that our plans and resolutions could turn to dust in an instant. The world changed around us and some recovery time is essential if we are to stay well and continue to be creative. Some of us have lost our livelihoods; others lost their lives in this time of extremes and we are desperate to return to normal.

Except that no one is clear what ‘normal’ is anymore. In many ways, everything has changed; we have been forced to embrace new technology which allows us to do things we didn’t know we wanted to do. Some have learned how to work from home, whilst others are having to retrain and look for other ways to earn a living.
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Check out my BLOG here: The stories behind the stories.
This is where I explore the themes and ideas behind my novels.
The backstories of the characters and how they came about.
Where the ideas come from and how they grow into a story. And how my own life experiences feed the constant, fast flowing stream of stories and ideas.

Writer and Creative Writing Tutor

How much do you want to know about me?
I am a compulsive writer and I want to share some of my writing with you as well as thoughts and ideas about writing and some useful techniques. Welcome and please leave a message.