Friday, March 24, 2023

Two years and going strong...

The Woking Writers’ Collective blog is now two years old. Thanks to everyone who has got themselves involved and shown their continued support.



Originally launched by Mal Foster as Writers at the Gate in 2021, the intention has always been to help promote recently released books by locally based independent authors from the Woking area.


Joint book signing with Woking Mayor, Saj Hussein


CLICK HERE to explore the latest books by Sunny Angel, Lelita Baldock, JRC Cox, Alan Dale, Mal Foster, Greg Freeman, Jacquelynn Luben, Sue Mackender, Marisa Noelle, Carla Scarano D’Antonio, Harriet Steel, and more. 


Promoting books outside a local bookshop


Saturday, March 18, 2023

Carla Scarano D'Antonio

It is with deep regret that we have learned of the passing of one of our own. Woking writer, poet, artist, crafter and reviewer Carla Scarano D'Antonio.

The Woking Writers' Collective offers its condolences to Carla's family, friends and, of course, the many people who have admired her work in recent years. MORE




Carla Scarano D'Antonio

1963-2023






Saturday, March 11, 2023

New book on the horizon for Marisa

Fight For Freedom is the 3rd book in Woking author Marisa Noelle’s The Mermaid Chronicles series. 


About the book...


THE MAINLAND IS DESTROYED

Cordelia, Wade, and friends return to the mainland to find a nuclear junkyard. With the human population drastically reduced, most blame the mermaids and selachii for deserting them and hiding in the sanctuary of Atlantis.

When a new prophecy says they must unite with a third, a human, Wade and Cordelia open their land to the survivors. But sharing Atlantis comes with a price. Prejudices are rife, and many are out for revenge. And the third in their trio is anything but cooperative.

Distracted by the politics on the island, Cordelia misses the creeping return of Wade’s old flame, Stephanie. Seeking vengeance, Stephanie transforms into a sea witch and evokes the hound of the ocean, a terrible beast from the ancient depths that kills without prejudice.

With Atlantis threatened, Cordelia’s powers misfiring, and a betrayer among their ranks, mermaids and Selachii are once again at risk of extinction. Only if they can remain united with the humans and vanquish the hound and Stephanie will they have a chance to reclaim their island.

Perfect for fans of the Shatter Me series by Tahereh Mafi, Twilight by Stephanie Meyer, The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare, Shadow & Bone by Leigh Bardugo, Crush by Tracy Wolff, Mermaid’s Return by A.L. Knorr.

You can pre-order your copy HERE

 

 

About Marisa

MARISA NOELLE is the writer of middle-grade & young-adult novels in the genres of dystopian sci-fi, fantasy, horror & mental health. She is a mentor for the Write Mentor program that helps aspiring MG & YA authors. When she’s not writing or reading or watching movies, she enjoys swimming. In the pool, she likes to imagine she could be a mermaid and become part of some of her make-believe words. Despite being an avid bookworm from the time she could hold a book, being an author surprised her as she was a bit of a science geek at school.

Marisa had plenty of ideas for her career and still regrets not moving to Hawaii to train dolphins and pretend the real world didn't exist. Struggling with anxiety led her to the field of psychology. Heavily influenced by underdog movies such as The Karate Kid, she realized her mission in life was to help other people through any medium. Embarking on a psychology degree, she wanted to emulate her hero, Jodie Foster, from Silence of the Lambs and actually tried to secure work experience at Broadmoor. Thankfully she left the idea of criminal profiling behind but uses many of these aspects in her novels.

Now a full-time novelist, she lives in Surrey, UK, with her husband and three children.


WEBSITE

Saturday, February 4, 2023

Supporting Angela - It's what we do!

 

The Woking Authors Collective is all about supporting each other, and it was great to see debut author, Angela Hales, beaming with pride as she launched her first children’s book. The A to Z of Animal Magic, at the Crown & Anchor public house, Old Woking, on Friday, 3rd February.



Surrounded by family and friends, Angela admitted to being “shaky and nervous” prior to the event. “Writing a book was always an ambition of mine, but something I never expected to do, so now I can relax, knowing that my ambition has finally been achieved," she said.

Angela suffers from a condition known as ‘essential tremors,’ a common movement disorder that causes her hands to shake involuntarily. “Writing and illustrating the book has really helped me cope better with my condition. Now, I already have some ideas for a new book, which I’ll start as soon as the dust from this one settles down,” she added. 

The colourful 58-page book intended for 2 to 3 years olds is available by order from all good shops and can be purchased online from Amazon and its publisher Austin Macauley, (Prices may vary).

 


On hand at the launch event to offer their support were fellow Woking authors JRC Cox (left), Sue Mackender and Mal Foster.



 

GET THE BOOK

Thursday, January 12, 2023

Woking's Angela Hales produces her first children's title

 



A new children’s author has emerged as Woking-based Angela Hales publishes her first title with Austin Macauley Publishers.

The A to Z of Animal Magic is a 58-page book which is suitable for two to three-year-olds is officially published on 3 February 2023 and is available in paperback at £7.49 from Amazon, Waterstones and Barnes & Noble in the US.


Children's author, Angela Hales

Angela suffers from ‘essential tremors’ and needs to keep her hands busy. Essentially, (pardon the pun), the book is written and illustrated by Angela, who confesses to never attempting to write a book before.


BUY NOW

 


 

 

Thursday, December 22, 2022

Lelita Baldock's Winter Writing Retreat at Home



 February 10th -12th 2023


~ HOSTED BY LELITA BALDOCK ~

Join Lelita Baldock and  a group of outstanding authors across multiple genres for a three day winter writing retreat at home.

Lelita says, "Winter can get you down. Long days in the cold, less time socialising and interacting with others.

You can now join together and inspire each other to creativity and purpose this February!

From the comfort of your home, receive daily presentations to enlighten and guide, writing prompts and tips and more...

Do as much or as little as suits your schedule.

Whether you are a seasoned author, a dabbler, or someone looking to start a new hobby using the written word, this retreat is for you! With a focus is on making the space, physically, emotionally and mentally, to take the time to write, the Winter Writing Retreat at Home will support you to find your writing voice.

Running from Friday evening through the second weekend of February this retreat will help you find your writing groove.

Wherever you are at in your writing journey,  join us and be inspired to continue through the winter season and into the future."


___________________________________________


About Lelita: Award-winning Historical Fiction author signed to London-based literary agency InterSaga. Upcoming novel through Cahill Davis Publishing.

She is the author of two historical fiction novels. Her 2020 debut, Widow's Lace, is a tale of hidden desires, fears and betrayal, set between Australia and England. Her latest release, Where the Gulls Fall Silent, uncovers the everyday realities of life on the Cornish coast, and explores the impact of social structures and expectations on individuals and their choices. 

Lelita enjoys engaging with other readers and writers through social media, publishing a regular writing newsletter. When not writing, Lelita will most likely be found reading, with a cup of coffee or icy white wine in her hand. 


The other presenters:-

 

Fiona Barker, Presenter/One-on-One Sessions

Marian L.Thorpe, Presenter/One-on-One Sessions

Alizee Musson, Presenter/One-on-One Sessions

Sarah J Maxwell, Presenter


 One-on-one Sessions

Looking for one-on-one feedback on your work?
Some presenters are offering one-on-one feedback sessions for £25. 

Applications open in January and will be on a first-come, first-serve basis.


See website for schedule

(TBA)


What you get:


* Daily Zoom presentations from highly skilled and respected authors 
(all recorded so you can watch anytime)

* A daily suggested schedule to support creativity
(posted to the private Facebook Group and Emailed)

* Writing prompts

* Email tips

* Private Facebook Group
(to share snippets and connect for the lead up to and during the retreat)


Sign up now for just £10!

 

One-on-one Sessions

Looking for one-on-one feedback on your work?
Some presenters are offering one-on-one feedback sessions for £25. 
Applications open in January and will be on a first-come, first-serve basis.


Want to know more?

Visit Lelita's website

HERE