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

31/12/2020

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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.


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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
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 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

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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

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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.

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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.

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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 ...
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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

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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.

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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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#RubySixpence

26/9/2020

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Saturday Morning. I slept too much. Finally woke up feeling rubbish after being stuck in a  very confusing dream which I couldn't escape. 
I was obviously in the place #RubySixpence would describe as:
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HOW CREATIVITY CAN SAVE THE WORLD

27/8/2020

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These are the creative habits which make us all creative beings.
How Creativity Can Save the World

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When Reading and Real Life Collide

14/8/2020

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More Joy of Reading

8/8/2020

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The Joy of Reading - Anywhere

7/8/2020

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The Joy of Reading ...

6/8/2020

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WRITERS NEED READERS

5/8/2020

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Your Summer Read has arrived!

31/7/2020

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Woohoo! It's arrived:
Divas, Dogs and Dreamers
A heartwarming and uplifting tale of backstage love and drama

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 confusion.which follows.

​Available now on Amazon

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Divas-Dogs-Dreamers-tender-backstage-ebook/dp/B08DRT6K1V​

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LEAP DAY LAUNCH

29/2/2020

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If Bridget Jones had a Fairy Godmother, she would want her to be Ruby Sixpence. 
A long, long time ago, Ruby’s father bet a silver sixpence that his child would be 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 Ruby Sixpence has nurtured the uncommon art of bringing lovers together, a gift which comes in the same package as aging one year in four. 
But these gifts come with a price and make her duty bound to play cupid in the lives of reluctant lovers. 
Take the unusual case of Katie Hope and Joe Lawrence who are so far from a perfect match that only drastic action from Ruby will bring them together. Her unorthodox methods are surprising, however, and she doesn’t always get it right.
With the stage set, Ruby Sixpence Whistles up a Storm and stands back to stir the pot.

​https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ruby-Sixpence-Whistles-Storm-Magical/dp/B0851MJLS3/

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writer.support shool

5/2/2020

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NOW OPEN! 
https://writersupportschool.teachable.com

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Meanwhile, here is what Janet said about
UNLOCK THE BLOCK 
https://writersupportschool.teachable.com/p/unlock-the-block
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​I have just completed Part One of this course. I've been inspired to the extent that I have developed my own writing space, and enjoy hand-writing morning pages. There has been precious content within this section, I feel I have a few more weeks, even months of experimentation, to reap its benefits completely. The exercises are invaluable because on a daily basis they are building my confidence and rekindling my love of writing. Thank you.
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Happy New Writing Decade

1/1/2020

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Happy New Reading Year to you all!
So, the thing is, writers need readers because as the wonderful JK Rowling said - 'No story lives unless someone wants to listen.'
We need you to read our books and we love it when you to enjoy them. We love it even more if tell us that you have enjoyed it and write a review so that other people might also enjoy our work. We can sell some more books and spend more of our lives sitting at a desk writing the next one!

Just a thought as this brave new decade begins.
​
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
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NOW OPEN!

30/11/2019

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​WRITE YOUR LIFE
from writer support school

https://writersupportschool.teachable.com
​

Do you want to ...

Tell your own story?
Document your family history?
Write about a family member?
Create a blog about your life for family and friends?
Write an autobiography?
Write about your ancestors?
Write about other family members?
An incident in your past?
A world event which has changed your life?

Or a personal journey to fulfilment?
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Buy the workbook on Amazon


Make 2020 the year you
WRITE YOUR LIFE
https://writersupportschool.teachable.com​
​

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LAUNCH OF ONLINE WRITER SUPPORT SCHOOL

31/10/2019

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Finally - Here it is!
UNLOCK THE BLOCK
The first of many courses on our Online School
https://writersupportschool.teachable.com

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15 sessions packed with images, tips and exercises to inspire you, or someone you know, to:
  • Create fluency in your writing
  • Overhaul your writing practice to put creativity at the centre
  • Easily access your innate creativity and let it flow
  • Use your own life experiences as a source for ideas
  • Generate a constant stream of ideas, so that you no longer fear that blank page or getting stuck
  • Deepen your ideas

https://writersupportschool.teachable.com

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AVAILABLE NOW - PAPERBACK AND KINDLE EDITIONS

14/9/2019

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Whether you are writing your life story, fiction or poetry, for pleasure, or publication, then this book will focus your innate creativity so that you can become the writer you want to be.  We will look at how you can apply three simple tools which we all use every day in many aspects of our lives to:

Create fluency in your writing 
Overhaul your writing practice to put creativity at the centre
Easily access your innate creativity and let it flow
Use your own life experiences as a source for ideas
Generate a constant stream of ideas, so that you no longer fear that blank page or getting stuck
Deepen your ideas 
 
That’s it. It is that simple. And quite a lot of fun.


KINDLE EDITION
PAPERBACK EDITION
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Book Covers

8/8/2019

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As well as the busy programme of schools and community work, I have to remind myself that I am a writer!

​I have completed the final edits on Ruby Sixpence Whistles up a Storm - she was shortlisted for the First Chapter Award at Retreat West earlier this year and should be available by Christmas.

And I have begun the first draft of my new RomCom - Divas, Dogs and Dreamers  - which I hope to have out early next year.

The rest of my time has been spent devising online courses, based on the Kick-Start programme and writing a book to accompany it.

I have spent a couple of days updating my other book covers. As you know, Once Upon a Blue Moon was shortlisted for the Selfies Award earlier this year, so I have added the sticker!

And I have designed a lovely new cover for The Art Forger's Daughter, which fits better with The Traveller and The Rose, as my two 20th Century Historicals.

Both new covers will be live on Amazon in the next couple of days.
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Wrabfest 2019

3/8/2019

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Hurrah! Final gig of the season. We are at Wrabfest with The Big Write.
Wrabfest is a local village festival. It is a huge affair, offering foodstalls, a beer tent, and two stages with acoustic and electric bands throughout the afternoon and evening. There’s something for everyone!
Including an extensive children's area which is where we are, in a rather big tent! 
We have brought with us all of our favourite story building games which I have developed and honed over the last few years to encourage the simple art of sharing stories. 
Children love stories. And they love games.
Their enthusiasm and imagination is a delight and refreshes the jaded parts of a tired writer! 

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Jaywick Open Gardens

17/7/2019

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I am delighted to be invited to Dig4 Jaywick at the  the Jaywick Community Garden. 

​Situated in the Brooklands area of Jaywick Sands (listed in the Indices of Multiple Deprivation as the 1st most deprived area in England,) the overall aim of the project is to promote the benefits of community gardening by working with the community  to provide facilities for recreation and education. The garden also helps to educate the public in horticulture, garden crafts and the protection and improvement of the natural environmental by encouraging reduction, re-use and recycling. It also provides training for local people, especially those with learning difficulties, and mental health issues, providing skills and raising their self-esteem. The garden also provides a resource for local schools and colleges where students can learn about gardening, conservation and the natural environment.

I have brought The Big Write - prompts and conversation -  to encourage people to express their thoughts about this wonderful place and to create a collective poem, line by line, from the visitors, volunteers and supporters.

And the sun is shining!

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Junior Ambassadors

1/6/2019

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Time to hit the ground running after the half term break.
Junior Ambassadors is now in its third year and growing!
7 schools, 250 children, 32 workshops and a final presentation to come this term.

This fantastic project, managed by Tendring District Council, focusses on Cultural Awareness.

The children have a visit from the Chinese Cultural Society, Colchester Action for Refugees, an African drummer and storyteller and a Bollywood dancer.

‘If a nation loses its storytellers, it loses its childhood.’ Peter Handke

​My job is to follow up these artists and ambassadors and create stories poems and letters based on these themes. When I work with children, my intention is to spark their imagination and to develop the innate creativity, which we are all born with.  I like to share my love of stories with children and use the creative techniques, which I practice as an Author. The workshops are designed to give the children skills and techniques to kick-start a love of creative writing, of reading and of telling stories. 

I love this very busy project. The children invariably surprise us all!

George the Bookworm

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In addition, I am back in Wix and Wrabness Primary School with the wonderful Grand Theatre of Lemmings and artist Nicola Burrell, who works with cardboard.
The theme this term is HOMES. And George the Bookworm is back, this time in a caravan! He will challenge the children to write stories and poems in the cardboard books, to add to the cardboard city which Nicola will create with the children. And on Father's Day, they will all build cardboard dens! 
​
I enjoy working with the children and staff at this amazingly creative school.

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Short Story Judge

15/5/2019

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Reading short stories this month ready for judging the short story competition.
Some amazing stories with a range of subjects issues and styles. So hard to choose even the shortlist. Fortunately I will be working with other judges to help choose the winner.

Pen to Print is based at Barking and Dagenham Library. They do a ton of work to build a network of expertise and support for aspiring writers in Barking and Dagenham and sharing this with a wider national and international community.
​
The short story competition is one of the many things they do.

Find them here: Pen to Print

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    Made with the children of Wix and Wrabness Primary School
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