alex_beecroft: A blue octopus in an armchair, reading a book (Default)
alex_beecroft ([personal profile] alex_beecroft) wrote2008-05-14 01:36 pm

Starting up a 'Britwriters' blog and yahoo group

After envying all the writers on my list who always seemed to be going to RWA meetings or RT conventions, I thought that it would be nice if we UK writers could get together and do something en masse :)  Strength in numbers, and all that - not to mention that if there's a con in Newcastle it's easier to post some stuff to a local who is going anyway, than it is to book flights and hotels to go yourself.  (And, of course, the same at the other end of the country.

So I've started a blog and a yahoo group for us to do a bit of mutual promotion.


 If you're from the UK and you're a published author, and you're looking for a place to promote your books, then the new Britwriters Blog might be for you.

http://wulfwaru.wordpress.com/

If you're not from the UK, but you've considered writing a book set in Britain - whether a contemporary or a historical - then this blog should have something to interest you too.  And if you're not a writer but you're just interested in our peculiar little country, I'm hoping this will also give you an occasional giggle ;)

We're looking for British writers who are willing to contribute articles of interest about British life, history, the publishing industry in the UK and USA, makes of cars in Britain, the 101 most misunderstood words in either continent etc - anything that would be of general interest.  In return you can use the blog for judicious self promotion.  The aim is to create a fun and interesting blog, which people come back to to read and enjoy.  If that sounds like your cup of tea, then please join us on: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/The_Britwriters/

(The blog is the public face of the group.  The yahoo group is the place where the behind the scenes organization goes on.  In the absence of a RWA in the UK, we're also hoping to use the yahoo group to organize some flesh and blood events at cons and booksignings next year, if we get enough interest.)

And if that's as clear as mud, do get in touch and I'll try to explain it better next time!

[identity profile] cass1969.livejournal.com 2008-05-14 12:57 pm (UTC)(link)
Great idea, Alex. When I'm in a better 'place' I'll definitely sign up.

Cassi xx

[identity profile] crawling-angel.livejournal.com 2008-05-14 01:53 pm (UTC)(link)
Here's hoping I actually do get my ass published, lol! :)

(It might help if I could type properly too ;p)

[identity profile] clarelondon.livejournal.com 2008-05-14 01:57 pm (UTC)(link)
Great idea!
I'm in the UK and Brit through and through, but I can't say that my writing reflects the UK, at least not the published works - my writing's been Americanised for the very sake of publication, though I know that one of my publishers is relaxing the obligation for US spelling and grammar in the future. And some of my free fiction reflects the UK and my life.
Maybe I could lurk and contribute where I dare, and I'd definitely be interested in any UK functions.
Would that be allowed?
Else I'll just lurk and draw heart from it! LOL

[identity profile] wulfila.livejournal.com 2008-05-14 02:27 pm (UTC)(link)
While this is obviously not the right blog/group for me, good luck to you! I'll certainly read the blog now and then - there should be interesting stuff there. :)
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[identity profile] joyful-molly.livejournal.com 2008-05-14 02:47 pm (UTC)(link)
Sounds good! I'll definitely keep an eye (two!) on it! :-)

[identity profile] tiggothy.livejournal.com 2008-05-14 04:05 pm (UTC)(link)
Looks interesting. I have no time for anything right now (not even what I'm supposed to be doing) but please keep reminding me about it so I can keep up with reading!

Britwriters

(Anonymous) 2008-05-28 08:15 am (UTC)(link)
Hi Alex

I'm loving being part of the 'Britwriters'. I'd like to publicise it a bit more on my personal blog - I already have a link to it there. Would you mind if I 'lifted' your introductory post here and reproduced it on my blog? Naturally I'd give you a link and credit the post to you. It's just that you've put everything so clearly there doesn't seem much point in me trying to find another way of saying the same thing.

Lyn