tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17651714345248658182024-03-14T06:23:52.829+00:00Yvonne Battle-Felton: Why I WriteWriting about writing, momming, projects, events and life Yvonne Battle-Feltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17713321807827779543noreply@blogger.comBlogger390125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765171434524865818.post-74551552161975884772024-02-11T16:40:00.003+00:002024-02-11T16:40:55.942+00:00About Last Mic<h4 style="text-align: left;">A True Story Podcast inspired by a True Story Open Mic </h4><p>I host Telling it Like it's Lived, a monthly true story open mic night. It's
a space for sharing true stories. I don't usually read my own. I like to make
room so guests can share their stories. </p><p>But, what happens to the stories I
write that I don't get to read live? </p><p>Sometimes they end up in other pieces and
other spaces. This month, I didn't write a piece. But, this month was
different. The warm space I created didn't feel so warm. I wrote a piece
inspired by that and to remind myself to continue to create the spaces I want
to be in. To curate these spaces and empower others to speak up when the spaces
no longer feel like home. I also created a podcast for these pieces. If you'd
like to listen, here is the piece. If you'd like to share a 3-5 minute true story
for the podcast, let me know.</p><p><a href="https://open.substack.com/pub/yvonnebattlefelton/p/about-last-mic?r=38crz&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web">https://open.substack.com/pub/yvonnebattlefelton/p/about-last-mic?r=38crz&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web</a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH0vPs8kAntgb5gCU_U8SbevAqiYFvhoPik9KbTwfXK3LWTyg6Ut5E8gmLbWjXAGdohjLyhKaSCAXPYLKPphzzMc-TUtUrzcVazBGf2ZU5VbwFODd3_f9Pqw5vcdbIOh7jcB-936f6fUCDi73VJHvgObHgj6tLCnSrI-_IyvvMX2o-eTCjMjTC5muGp28/s4032/IMG_0937.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH0vPs8kAntgb5gCU_U8SbevAqiYFvhoPik9KbTwfXK3LWTyg6Ut5E8gmLbWjXAGdohjLyhKaSCAXPYLKPphzzMc-TUtUrzcVazBGf2ZU5VbwFODd3_f9Pqw5vcdbIOh7jcB-936f6fUCDi73VJHvgObHgj6tLCnSrI-_IyvvMX2o-eTCjMjTC5muGp28/s320/IMG_0937.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Yvonne Battle-Feltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17713321807827779543noreply@blogger.com0England, UK52.3555177 -1.174319737.213497824310785 -18.7524447 67.497537575689222 16.4038053tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765171434524865818.post-73778101189872526922024-01-22T07:55:00.005+00:002024-01-22T07:55:51.428+00:00Virtual Draft Night<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvLFHJ_doJpc3UNP9OVaeBkEfj7G5UImvRiDajXt9l_OYKeCAg2e9YEGXWQQdHW59Dhk73Q12st3KWrmLMAaF3q6_G4aiOuYqZZs8Kw7JH1fwgdUmHMxv4qkJi4CfRRb7_jZliQAXAvmkCprIyTytF7YsKLjMr067kmAlZLuD1KGpV_p5rllEc4m2yqR8/s940/Sheffield%20Draft%20Night%202024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="470" data-original-width="940" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvLFHJ_doJpc3UNP9OVaeBkEfj7G5UImvRiDajXt9l_OYKeCAg2e9YEGXWQQdHW59Dhk73Q12st3KWrmLMAaF3q6_G4aiOuYqZZs8Kw7JH1fwgdUmHMxv4qkJi4CfRRb7_jZliQAXAvmkCprIyTytF7YsKLjMr067kmAlZLuD1KGpV_p5rllEc4m2yqR8/s320/Sheffield%20Draft%20Night%202024.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>I make a living with my words, or with words.</p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">I write books and short stories, scripts (mostly for fun), personal essays, and from time to time poetry. I also create events and platforms like open mic nights and podcasts to connecct readers and writers and to create the communities I want to be part of. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> As part of what I do, I'm a
commissioning editor for John Murray Press. I created an event called Sheffield
Draft Night to make it easier for good writing to reach me and to be more
accessible as an editor. It's a monthly event with a warm and inviting vibe that leaves me energized. This month I had to work in Cambridge so I missed the live Draft
Night. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">I love this event and love being read to, so I decided to host an online one. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> A</span>nyone writing something new and/or are developing a work in progress,
can share 3-5 minutes from their work in progress.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Guests can join us in<a href="https://bit.ly/onlinedraftnight" target="_blank"> Zoom </a>by registering in advance or they can watch it on Facebook Live (or later) on my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/whyIwritebattlefelton" target="_blank">writer page</a>. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">What can you share? short stories,
novel extracts, creative nonfiction, poetry, script, hybrid works in progress. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Who will be watching? I'm hoping
that other editors, agents, publishers, readers, writers, booksellers,
etc...will join us live in Zoom or watch later on Facebook. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">If you'd like a reading slot, email
Yvonne Battle-Felton at ybattlefelton@gmail.com <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><br /><p></p>Yvonne Battle-Feltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17713321807827779543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765171434524865818.post-70530347857473072042024-01-02T16:12:00.003+00:002024-01-02T16:13:17.003+00:00About Last Year: Online New Years Eve Storytelling Open Mic <p> This year (and last year) I hosted an online storytelling event to ring in the new year with stories. It started in 2023 (New Year’s Eve) and lasted until 2024 (New Year’s Day). Stories connect me to the world around me. They help me navigate people, places, the past and also the present. 2024 will be a year full of stories for me. There are so many stories to read, listen to, engage with, and write. If you’d like to see the stories that moved me into the new year, you’ll find them here. Here’s to a year full of stories!</p><p> </p><p></p><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FwhyIwritebattlefelton%2Fvideos%2F354860333957390%2F&show_text=true&width=560&t=0" width="560" height="429" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe>Yvonne Battle-Feltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17713321807827779543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765171434524865818.post-22624055915269208812023-12-28T07:33:00.001+00:002023-12-28T07:33:31.437+00:00New Year, New and Old Stories<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju5Zd2-1MChNvIwU1TNCsg6QcFcWWlRsLlYjfJlJCVs1wczG5LxiZ2chmAm43HZGMQ8nVe7Aj2yF-PHE1JNLJc0ZBeXkB9I1_NVjLv2w-7FFC5cD0ZDqRANtyHN7ebwcbQuO8TQ0PfA6p18CtaIlH6SN68ns-yL95D1bntxHCFBiqQwpFlYfvE1mJ8Q4c/s1600/WXJB8427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju5Zd2-1MChNvIwU1TNCsg6QcFcWWlRsLlYjfJlJCVs1wczG5LxiZ2chmAm43HZGMQ8nVe7Aj2yF-PHE1JNLJc0ZBeXkB9I1_NVjLv2w-7FFC5cD0ZDqRANtyHN7ebwcbQuO8TQ0PfA6p18CtaIlH6SN68ns-yL95D1bntxHCFBiqQwpFlYfvE1mJ8Q4c/s320/WXJB8427.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">I rang in
2023 surrounded by stories and poems and people who write and tell them. It set
the tone for how I wanted the year to go. In 2023 I wanted to be more
intentional about having the experiences I want to have. I wanted more stories
in my life. Stories ground me. They locate me while helping me to make sense of
the world. I get to know people and places through their stories—lived and
otherwise. A New Year’s Eve storytelling event was the perfect way to celebrate
a year full of possibilities.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">A few
weeks ago, I hosted my<i> last</i> event of the year. It was excellent. Over the
summer, I had facilitated workshops lead by Sheffield Poet Laureate Danae
Wellington where writers wrote to music. The project, <i>Life in Rhythm and Meter</i>,
was funded by Dewsbury Taking the Lead as part of the Kirklees Year of Music
2023. The participants and I then had the opportunity to attend a workshop led
by Chris of TongueFu and to perform in their open mic event at Dewsbury Town
Hall. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">It was my
first time on a large stage in years. The microphone, a band, the stage, an
audience, the rhythm. It felt like being at the right place in the right time. Even
though microphones always inspire me to sing, being on the stage felt like
something I want do to more of (singing is not something I should be doing more
of). My last event of 2023 was a celebration of the workshops and the writers. Much
like the event at the town hall, the writers read while live musicians played
improv inspired by our gestures, tones, themes, words, and silences. Our event was
in the community room at Dewsbury Library. With sandwiches and cakes provided
by Cloggs Deli, people gathered to hear new writing and music, and that feeling
of welcome that stories can ignite, it was a lively event. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">I left the
last event feeling full. I was brimming with stories, overflowing with poems, bursting
with writing. So of course, a few days later, I started to hear this little
whisper. <i>It doesn’t have to end yet, does it? </i>No, not until I want to.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">So, I’m
ringing in 2024 with a night of stories and poems and people who write and tell
them. I hope you’ll join me in zoom to celebrate 2024, community, and all we
lived for, loved for, and learned in 2023. For me, 2024 is the year I bring
stories to life.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">The open
mic is free. If you’d like to join us in Zoom, please register in advance <a name="_Hlk154640817"></a><a href="https://bit.ly/newyearnewstories"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk154640817;">here</span><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk154640817;"></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk154640817;"></span>. You can also watch on Facebook live
(or later) on my author page: My Writing Life Yvonne Battle-Felton. If you’d
like a 3-5 minute open mic slot, message me wherever we connect. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Happy New Year!
Here’s to 2024 and the stories still to come. <o:p></o:p></span></p>Yvonne Battle-Feltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17713321807827779543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765171434524865818.post-46330480830597266262023-12-10T17:06:00.003+00:002023-12-10T17:06:39.090+00:00Bookable Space Season 2: Just in time for the holidaysBookable Space is back with a new season of books, writers, and readings. <div><br /></div><div>For me, it's just in time. I'm always looking for something to read and enjoy. This season gives me another chance to do what I love: be read to and talk about books, writing, and research. The format is the same: each writer reads for about 3-5 minutes and I get to ask three questions.</div><div><br /></div><div>You may have noticed that sometimes, there are more than three questions and sometimes the readings are longer than 3-5 minutes. I do try to stick to the format but sometimes we get carried away. Ultimately, each episode is about 30 minutes so I do hope you'll enjoy it even when we vary a bit.</div><div><br /></div><div>I hope you'll catch up with episodes if you've missed any, will continue enjoying the podcast, and will find new writers and books to enjoy.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks for listening and joining me on this reading journey.</div><div><br /></div><div>Yvonne</div><div><br /></div><div> </div><iframe src="https://embed.acast.com/625af2f74e4ecc0012102f4e?feed=true" frameBorder="0" width="100%" height="280px"></iframe>Yvonne Battle-Feltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17713321807827779543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765171434524865818.post-87479449330953472772023-10-17T07:30:00.000+01:002023-10-17T07:30:51.380+01:00The Curdle Creek Gazette, The Library<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjavjyzQaJKDp5BovRwgIOK34UfIDGCIq8XEngaZQW0jH3Tp5zqrw6vLjYVjj5ksG3e4ZQ18WhC_foTBh3Ftj7evYHpmwt0dPh2vpMgCqrcDBoymq6-Nw7U5-2BmhGUnOdsGDo3Z4TP-AZTi9C85rs8HB5mPh2qg_JTL10W2oe1nwIeOHVDTQOkDjk8_JE/s852/IMG_0497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="852" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjavjyzQaJKDp5BovRwgIOK34UfIDGCIq8XEngaZQW0jH3Tp5zqrw6vLjYVjj5ksG3e4ZQ18WhC_foTBh3Ftj7evYHpmwt0dPh2vpMgCqrcDBoymq6-Nw7U5-2BmhGUnOdsGDo3Z4TP-AZTi9C85rs8HB5mPh2qg_JTL10W2oe1nwIeOHVDTQOkDjk8_JE/s320/IMG_0497.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Well, I should have expected to see you here at the
library before too long. What with you being so curious and all. You waiting on
somebody to give you an invitation to go on in or you want to come in with me? Cuz
I can tell you this for free, nobody’s giving out invitations and ain’t nobody
gonna come out here and drag you inside. At least not on a day like today. They
wouldn’t have to. You’d want to get in out of all this rain, wouldn’t you? It
hasn’t rained like this since 1919. Of course I wasn’t alive then! I read about
it in Book VII right there in the section about a good storm washing away
rotten grievances. You ought to read it some time.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Of course, it wasn’t so much the storm that did it but
the moving on that followed it. But come on in out the rain, I’ll show you
around while we dry off. Wipe your feet there on the mat. That’s it. Scrape off
all that dirt and soot. No need in tracking footprints all over the library. You
know what they say about footprints leading a body to the grave, don’t you? No?
I don’t suppose you’d want to find out, would you? Don’t look scared. It was just
a question like <i>how you doing today? Who do you think you’re talking to?
What are you afraid of?</i> You know. One of them questions you might have the
answer to but are better off keeping to yourself. No, not rhetorical. Common sense.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">You’re probably wondering why the mat just says come
and not welcome like the ones in those thick catalogues Mother Opal used to get.
I’m sure they have them where you from. Slick pages full of double-wide
freezers, wardrobes and cardboard boxes that ain’t hardly wide enough to put a
body in like they claim to be. Ain’t no misprint. Why would it say well when
the well’s over there and the mat’s over here? I know that ain’t what welcome means
but that would just be saying another thing it don’t mean, wouldn’t it? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Wring your coat out just like I’m doing here. Squeeze out
as much rain as you can. Water leaves a trail just as sure as dirt does. And besides,
you don’t want to get no water in one of the books. Some of them are
handwritten. The last thing you’d want to do is smudge out someone’s apology,
leave a handprint over an <i>I’m sorry</i>, erase somebody’s <i>forgive me,</i>
<i>it won’t happen again—I swear</i>. All the big apologies are kept right here
in the library so we can check them out when we need to or when anyone’s got a
mind to remember what the apologizer said--since they usually ain’t around no
more. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Folks got a way of turning their noses up at an old
apology. Even a classic one like the one the founders sang years and years ago.
It was beautiful. Full of ought nots and never agains, and thou shall and thou
shall nots. It gets you right here. Course, they got it right there too. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Still, better a worn apology than a new one—especially
if you apologizing to one of them timers. When you find yourself in need of
one, go flip through one of the apologies. Might even come across one of mine. I
think the best ones are the ones from folks still living. Almost shows they
worked. You know?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">That’s all you need to know about the A section. We ain’t
gonna read them right now. The first thing you ought to do is get to studying
the ordinances. Folks have a way of testing you to make sure you know how to
live your life. They’ll start an old time saying, an innocent one <i>like always
mind</i> and leave the air empty for you to fill it up with to <i>ring in time </i>from<i>
</i>Book II<i>. </i>Nothing worse than not having the right words when you need
them. You’ll find all of the ordinances, first, second, and updated editions in
the B section. What do you mean they should be in the O section? What kind of
sense would that make? They’re books, aren’t they? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Get you a library card and check out as many books as
you can carry. No sense reading them in order. You can skip around as much as
you like. I’d read the new editions though. It’s nice to know the history of an
ordinance, who did what to inspire it and all but when you caught breaking one
of them, ain’t nobody but you interested in the history of the breaking of it. Once
you understand the present, then you can get comfortable in the past. For now, I’d
recommend you get to know Book XIII. You’ll find out more than you want to know
about the Moving On there. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Once you’ve read your fill of books, I recommend visiting
a while in section S. Can I show you what’s there? Sure, ain’t nothing good
ever come along by waiting on it. You go on in first, I’ll follow. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Where you going? You’ll knock something down with all
that commotion and fast walking. What do you mean I should have told you? It’s
the S section! Where else would we keep the skeletons? <o:p></o:p></span></p>Yvonne Battle-Feltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17713321807827779543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765171434524865818.post-64328206635122785922023-06-25T00:37:00.001+01:002023-06-25T00:37:13.250+01:00Telling it Like it's Lived True Story Open Mic: Call for true stories<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaKnFz_ooAO4YqlhWvFa930I9FANHULnOtNrbTmL1cJ6YOaWkjhg9fbLdDIHgbyNpJWq32mJp-EO5XmMKjcKuZvOLxQ1D2Gw0PHoKft8C6xoyrh8w5OXqBvMusIwPdNVcK-mVtjY7i3asCfDoGSDuv00_JixoEU57CaA-u5XfQVWoh6kYxuvKXUtwkQx0/s2560/Telling%20it%20Like%20It's%20Lived%20July.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaKnFz_ooAO4YqlhWvFa930I9FANHULnOtNrbTmL1cJ6YOaWkjhg9fbLdDIHgbyNpJWq32mJp-EO5XmMKjcKuZvOLxQ1D2Gw0PHoKft8C6xoyrh8w5OXqBvMusIwPdNVcK-mVtjY7i3asCfDoGSDuv00_JixoEU57CaA-u5XfQVWoh6kYxuvKXUtwkQx0/s320/Telling%20it%20Like%20It's%20Lived%20July.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>We're celebrating July with a night of true stories loosely exploring the themes of hope and special memories. The themes are open to interpretation. Some storytellers might tell stories about growing up, people they miss, places they've been, or things that have come and gone. Some may share pieces about having or losing hope, being hopeful, or hopes for the future. Whatever the story (and whatever the form they choose to tell it in), people are invited to share them--at least for 3-5 minutes.<p></p><p>Stories may be in the form of prose, notes, lists, poems, or something in between. The openmic'ers may be writers, readers, poets, spoken word performances, everyday friends, strangers. Everyone has a story to tell and at Telling it Like it's Lived true story open mic, we love to listen to them. Some writers write their pieces down, others type them, some are off the cuff, and others memorized. There's more than one way to tell a good story.</p><p>I'm your host, Yvonne Battle-Felton. I'm an award-winning writer, podcaster, event host, and I'm the Academic Director of Creative Writing at Cambridge University Institute of Continuing Education. I created this event because I get to know people and places through their stories. Telling it Like it's Lived true story open mic is over one year old. We're fortunate to be supported by Kirklees Community Cohesion Team and Kirklees Libraries. Sarah Preston, Dewsbury Librarian, is my co-host. She's warm, friendly, and enthusiastic. You'll love her stories. We have wonderful, supportive volunteers like Ian who helps readers make sure they don't go over time, helps to set up and clean up, makes people feel comfortable, takes awesome pictures after the event, and is an engaging storyteller, and Bob who puts up fliers in all the right places, tells people about the open mic, and shares stories that make us laugh, think, and wonder.</p><p>The first Thursday of every month, the event is free and light refreshments are served. Thanks to funding from Community Plus, we are able to offer even more food. On special occassions (like July), we will have light refreshments and also hearty food like sandwiches.</p><p>It's a great night full of wonderful people. I hope you'll join us.</p><p>If you'd like a 3-5 minute open mic slot, email me or message me here. If you'd like to listen, all 18+ are welcome. Hope to see you there.</p>Yvonne Battle-Feltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17713321807827779543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765171434524865818.post-89182368409015113512023-06-10T17:52:00.001+01:002023-06-10T17:52:34.286+01:00Bookable Space Podcast Episode One Featuring Courttia Newland<p> <a href="https://make.headliner.app/download/14597182-49fa-4a0c-a5b5-26c9de1f1bb5" target="_blank">Listen in</a> as Courttia Newland reads from A River Called Time in the first episode of Bookable Space, the podcast where writers read three sections from their book and host Yvonne Battle-Felton asks three questions.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHMxz04blZIWzU2HaYzoGULrki5I9TDF8iSzxBpdcgQxpbpzSuP7mRNNFbDmirhCIA8DJd-Ie6trb9g536SePFWWgqE6w18fGo5xNYjxTA_ph9HwOTpb6hDThkeG9KDKMNviEFKI1xYA4-pjQhOVv_UPHQwLC7YnIHBREE0brG430kXfXsKuFAIPiT/s2517/episode%201%20Courttia2015%20by%20Sharmila%20Chauhan.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2517" data-original-width="1866" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHMxz04blZIWzU2HaYzoGULrki5I9TDF8iSzxBpdcgQxpbpzSuP7mRNNFbDmirhCIA8DJd-Ie6trb9g536SePFWWgqE6w18fGo5xNYjxTA_ph9HwOTpb6hDThkeG9KDKMNviEFKI1xYA4-pjQhOVv_UPHQwLC7YnIHBREE0brG430kXfXsKuFAIPiT/s320/episode%201%20Courttia2015%20by%20Sharmila%20Chauhan.jpg" width="237" /></a></div><br /><p>photo by Sharmila Chauhan</p><p><br /></p>
<br />Yvonne Battle-Feltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17713321807827779543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765171434524865818.post-64409885772413554542023-05-26T18:16:00.000+01:002023-05-26T18:16:51.265+01:00Life in Rhythm and Meter: Free Creative Writing Workshops<div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Introducing Life in Rhythm and Meter, a
celebration of words, music, and community. </span></div><div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">The project includes two parts. Part I is three-free
creative writing workshops where participants will write to, with, and inspired
by music. Through a series of listening and writing exercises, readings, and
discussions, participants will develop new writing (poetry, fiction, and personal
essay). Part II is a continuation of the celebration of words and music and
includes a workshop where participants will receive feedback on their work (up
to 500 words of prose, 20 lines of poetry), and the opportunity to read at an
Autumn performance event featuring the participants and local
musicians. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Sponsored by Dewsbury Taking the Lead, the sessions aim to
complement the July 6 workshop and July 7 session with TongueFu where
participants will write a group poem.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">You're in good hands. The workshops are facilitated by writer,
academic, and creative producer Yvonne Battle-Felton and feature Sheffield Poet
Laureate, Danaé Wellington.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">What can you expect</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">? Engaging discussion, inspiring
music, encouraging guidance through writing exercises, followed by a break
(free light refreshments provided), discussion, writing and reflection. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Who is it for?</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> The workshops are open to all (over 18) regardless of
writing experience. We want to reach you where you are. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">When is it?</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> Part I: 6-7:30 PM Tuesday June 13, Tuesday June 20, and
Tuesday, June 27<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Autumn performance event: The workshop will be in September
2023, with the open mic style performance event two weeks later.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">What do you need to bring</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">? Something to write on and with.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">What does it cost?</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> Thanks to generous sponsorship by Dewsbury Taking the Lead
the workshops are free.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Where: Dewsbury Library, Dewsbury Retail Park, Railway St,
Dewsbury WF12 8EQ<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Travel Bursaries</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">: we have a limited number of travel bursaries available and
are able to reimburse up to five participants up to £25 (about £8.33 per
workshop) towards travel (with receipts).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">To register your interest, please complete the short form <a href="https://forms.gle/LxR1UrTzQ2aqZXLX7">here.</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">About us: <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHYqdqsUHYiSPOIL14-EMBMzr9-E95S319QorIEQyGTtOokUku9SBQGMB8xqdI-GxiPL-PIuSIai5A16jrUxs2g5ZRqXhQAQ5bgaudZlaM_s1KTgdntmoMr39_9CBmFG4yQuxWawOxOBkdhgw3OX5I88juj_0bkfmoXTC071heVHXUkfjjnpYpc2aK/s2726/Danae%20w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2726" data-original-width="2044" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHYqdqsUHYiSPOIL14-EMBMzr9-E95S319QorIEQyGTtOokUku9SBQGMB8xqdI-GxiPL-PIuSIai5A16jrUxs2g5ZRqXhQAQ5bgaudZlaM_s1KTgdntmoMr39_9CBmFG4yQuxWawOxOBkdhgw3OX5I88juj_0bkfmoXTC071heVHXUkfjjnpYpc2aK/s320/Danae%20w.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Danaé Wellington</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> is a</span><span lang="YO" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: YO; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> neurodiverse</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> Jamaican-British poet</span><span lang="YO" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: YO; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">,
performance</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> artist, cultural producer</span><span lang="YO" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: YO; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> and the founder of </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Odd
Child Productions, a Black led events and production company in Sheffield</span><span lang="YO" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: YO; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">. </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Danaé is the current Sheffield Poet
Laureate (2022-2024) and</span><span lang="YO" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: YO; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> has</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> been
published in several anthologies including Halfway Smile and Surfing the
Twilight (Hive 2018/2019) and</span><span lang="YO" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: YO; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> has</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> written
for Black Ballad UK.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span lang="YO" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: YO; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Her work centres on Black creole and
Christian faith, Black womanhood, liberation and resistance. </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">A former neo-soul vocalist, Danaé has featured on
records with</span><span lang="YO" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: YO; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> acclaimed artists</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> Tuesday Born</span><span lang="YO" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: YO; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> and
Mic Righteous and released her debut LP Good Fruit produced by Maurice Fulton.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBnte_tw-reJH9iE0hey6jSMDvEjTD5UtmdOCbPTdgp4FSBgpn3y4vNsQCnZmGe9vILkhzIpC3NwOOPUaYhkta-Odniaq1lwN6ob8Q7kQ1FdLFb1u6R_KL7h_nRKtxKDazqq3tS4fvaBb7eBRRMDmXMzibxZGdoech4dZDJjomlo6_oUcbDrTrxjXs/s2048/Yvonne%20Battle-Felton%2016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBnte_tw-reJH9iE0hey6jSMDvEjTD5UtmdOCbPTdgp4FSBgpn3y4vNsQCnZmGe9vILkhzIpC3NwOOPUaYhkta-Odniaq1lwN6ob8Q7kQ1FdLFb1u6R_KL7h_nRKtxKDazqq3tS4fvaBb7eBRRMDmXMzibxZGdoech4dZDJjomlo6_oUcbDrTrxjXs/s320/Yvonne%20Battle-Felton%2016.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span lang="YO" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: YO; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">Yvonne Battle-Felton</span></b><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">, author of <i>Remembered</i>, Yvonne is an author,
academic, host, creative producer, and writer. Yvonne won the Northern
Writers Award in fiction in 2017. <i>Remembered </i>was longlisted for the
Women’s Prize for Fiction (2019) and shortlisted for the Jhalak Prize
(2020). Yvonne also writes for children and has six titles in Penguin
Random House’s Ladybird series. Host of Arts Council funded, <i>Write Your Novel
with Yvonne Battle-Felton,</i> a writing podcast in collaboration with New
Writing North, Yvonne creates and hosts literary and storytelling events. Yvonne
also writes creative nonfiction, and is a columnist for Mslexia. Yvonne is
Senior Commissioning Editor (Fiction) at John Murray and Associate Teaching
Professor and Academic Director of Creative Writing for Cambridge University
Institute of Continuing Education.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Dewsbury Taking the Lead</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> is a Dewsbury Town Investment Plan
project funded by the Town Fund and aims to support a vibrant cultural
community in Dewsbury and surrounding areas using a programme of events, skills
development and participatory opportunities across music, textiles, visual arts
and performance. Exploring heritage, community, culture and beyond with people
living, working and studying in Dewsbury as they plan for the future together.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj8GBnPSGr_hY1BvyvPyaqFK0oY0O_0hw76xtOWHD6rGSnw3NNiRZC3fUGBkHAxoXn3b5I7BmsV6qgdNrYnvZNdqgsqg_MQDlxp0FDhaCO_2SkaJh3f_KvF9saui7kmJ3zFeJCUGASzvRVsUgejgJkDPkYsP9VnlRh5YoUh8jPoctrfTQwgnC0IC4qT" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="259" data-original-width="772" height="107" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj8GBnPSGr_hY1BvyvPyaqFK0oY0O_0hw76xtOWHD6rGSnw3NNiRZC3fUGBkHAxoXn3b5I7BmsV6qgdNrYnvZNdqgsqg_MQDlxp0FDhaCO_2SkaJh3f_KvF9saui7kmJ3zFeJCUGASzvRVsUgejgJkDPkYsP9VnlRh5YoUh8jPoctrfTQwgnC0IC4qT" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgkAt8QLC03kPQYoD3aB-9o2BUPyNuYV2zL53BNIPSzQPZYutWTwTQiRWEDiURGZer0TEyXPhvFWbgPtG5T_kYmEqNBk82aesezV2d66LVfYdXumQWEZgZf1QZH3TEUIS2v3-tOS1IAEf7rYcie9gVoc6BVR8zSrFiOLit0iytKT6_aQ_kG24F1ul5O" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1260" data-original-width="3808" height="106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgkAt8QLC03kPQYoD3aB-9o2BUPyNuYV2zL53BNIPSzQPZYutWTwTQiRWEDiURGZer0TEyXPhvFWbgPtG5T_kYmEqNBk82aesezV2d66LVfYdXumQWEZgZf1QZH3TEUIS2v3-tOS1IAEf7rYcie9gVoc6BVR8zSrFiOLit0iytKT6_aQ_kG24F1ul5O" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><br /></div>Yvonne Battle-Feltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17713321807827779543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765171434524865818.post-52115841818117377782023-02-07T18:18:00.006+00:002023-02-07T18:18:55.330+00:00Sheffield Draft Night--Hachette led open mic for works in progress<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE0Ger83wD-UYfQlgYSy0Qwv0QUmXifNqItKus1GyjnLvWkTQWq4hwlnraUcSvwJdaJLnYrHZtDEXqeCZdzs2nRKUK5RKuhwdT8sR6lhe-om08jXUPNNlmedJ29WRH5WYk-2qYb6LckKj2Gg7RsfdH6yH4VNoTUJLfFvHAiYlD7i3u8ImjWZyffmAQ/s1080/Sheffield%20Draft%20Night%20Feb-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE0Ger83wD-UYfQlgYSy0Qwv0QUmXifNqItKus1GyjnLvWkTQWq4hwlnraUcSvwJdaJLnYrHZtDEXqeCZdzs2nRKUK5RKuhwdT8sR6lhe-om08jXUPNNlmedJ29WRH5WYk-2qYb6LckKj2Gg7RsfdH6yH4VNoTUJLfFvHAiYlD7i3u8ImjWZyffmAQ/s320/Sheffield%20Draft%20Night%20Feb-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="margin: 0in;">Join me at Sheffield Draft Night, a night of readings,
conversation, and food.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; font-size: inherit; font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 0in; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; font-size: inherit; font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 0in; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">I love events that bring people together over stories, food,
sharing information, and community. This event is an opportunity for people to
get together and read from their work. Hopefully it's also an opportunity for
an editor or agent to hear something they might want to hear more of.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; font-size: inherit; font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 0in; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; font-size: inherit; font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 0in; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Supported by Hachette, Sheffield Draft Night is an evening where writers
share 3-5 minutes from their work in progress. It's a chance for writers at any
stage of the draft to read their work to an engaged audience. The event is open
to readers, writers, editors, publishers, agents, booksellers, and anyone who
wants to hear some new work. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; font-size: inherit; font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 0in; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; font-size: inherit; font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 0in; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">So far, writers have read fiction, memoir, poetry, and children's
writing. It's a free event. All (over 18) are welcome to listen. Please order
your free ticket(s) via Eventbrite. If you'd like a 3-5 minute reading slot,
email Yvonne at ybattlefelton@gmail.com <o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; font-size: inherit; font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 0in; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Light refreshments are served. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; font-size: inherit; font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 0in; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><a href="https://bit.ly/Sheffield_drafts">https://bit.ly/Sheffield_drafts</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; font-size: inherit; font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 0in; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;">about me: I’m a writer, academic, fiction editor (John
Murray), and host<o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;">When: Wednesday, Feb 8 (it's a monthly event, the second
Wednesday of each month)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; font-size: inherit; font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 0in; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Where: Sheffield Central library<o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; font-size: inherit; font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 0in; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Time: 18:30-19:30<o:p></o:p></p>Yvonne Battle-Feltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17713321807827779543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765171434524865818.post-4721328195785639352022-08-29T17:58:00.000+01:002022-08-29T17:58:55.212+01:00Introducing Bookable Space Podcast--<h3 style="text-align: left;"> An Audio Literary Salon</h3><div>For the past few months, I've been devising a podcast where authors read to me. <a href="https://shows.acast.com/bookable-space" target="_blank">Bookable Space</a> is a twice-weekly podcast where authors read from their books and answer three questions about their characters, setting, research, story, etc...</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm calling it an audio literary salon because the focus is on the author's reading from their books allowing listeners to hear the stories in their own words. I love it.</div><div><br /></div><div>The podcasts have been a fun way to meet authors, learn about their writing, and be read to. I'm getting to know books that I may have missed the first time around, new books, and soon-to-be published books. I've been devising the show over the past few months to make it the best it can be and because in the fall, I'll be starting a new venture as a commissioning editor at John Murray Press alongside Creative Writing at Hallam, writing, and creating/hosting events.</div><div><br /></div><div>Please sign up to the podcast to hear episode 1. Episode 1 features Courrttia Newland, it drops on September 13, Hope to see you (well, sort of) there.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzpBEEDFkma21QM3Y6PLPobBpzvp5wRwGeIF_r7LKvnppj36zt1UxZTutd-i5LC3q308acNtJiPchnch0CA4UAyQZAB5rekJBSvdwih3VhbEqsnp9mu9eY1yiwyU3m2PRUZYC2pKF5-G64ia7IlciSTdpvyJD4xngAvE3fHPq1TlYCusqap9cYxf5v/s1600/WXJB8427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzpBEEDFkma21QM3Y6PLPobBpzvp5wRwGeIF_r7LKvnppj36zt1UxZTutd-i5LC3q308acNtJiPchnch0CA4UAyQZAB5rekJBSvdwih3VhbEqsnp9mu9eY1yiwyU3m2PRUZYC2pKF5-G64ia7IlciSTdpvyJD4xngAvE3fHPq1TlYCusqap9cYxf5v/s320/WXJB8427.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Yvonne Battle-Feltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17713321807827779543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765171434524865818.post-56317456571406793312022-06-28T07:10:00.003+01:002022-06-28T07:10:38.787+01:00Dewsbury Live Literature Salon: what is it?<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyq9TF7rKhdhklfDg5WPuRAJZw5spfaWIXJuPcWX1CTF1fMl0Rg9CYJfi26QVjsVntYGuTaEzSdl5xc5hsYeA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /> To read about Dewsbury Live Literature Salon and to support it, visit the campaign on <a href="https://www.spacehive.com/dewsburyliveliterature" target="_blank">Spacehive</a>. <p></p>Yvonne Battle-Feltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17713321807827779543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765171434524865818.post-10129431947333223692022-06-21T08:54:00.004+01:002022-06-21T08:54:55.870+01:00Dewsbury Live Literature Night Crowdfund Update<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY5SPn3RsCRBWPEjtf8rVrSLPopGYP19tEiBW06djMdYt8fhch4_bqZBoiUFAUMzSx7lKjfYxE27hOs4yi5kN_krUOSdivX__SDyf98QXcSJ__6bNGVGjYADJHyQRErSoHNtN2908N4qAdPIvPOPn0PEipOIY6GkIlFpFUkPjHvm-_bFxRjuUHhyVC/s1600/WXJB8427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY5SPn3RsCRBWPEjtf8rVrSLPopGYP19tEiBW06djMdYt8fhch4_bqZBoiUFAUMzSx7lKjfYxE27hOs4yi5kN_krUOSdivX__SDyf98QXcSJ__6bNGVGjYADJHyQRErSoHNtN2908N4qAdPIvPOPn0PEipOIY6GkIlFpFUkPjHvm-_bFxRjuUHhyVC/s320/WXJB8427.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">We have a venue for Dewsbury Live Literature Night! I
had to wait to make it official, but I’ve recently found out that the board has
agreed to host these monthly literary events at the Dewsbury Art Group theatre.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Why a theatre? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">It’s a warm welcoming space where anything is
possible. Imagine the sets! Depending on the production, we’ll be on the stage
with amazing backdrops that make us feel like we’re anywhere. There are lots of
seats, a kitchen, it’s accessible, and the people are lovely. They’re even
going to keep the bar open so guests can buy drinks. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Great readings, engaging company, a lovely host, new
friends, good food, what else could I need? You.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">If you haven’t already liked my Dewsbury Live
Literature Night event on <a href="https://www.spacehive.com/dewsburyliveliterature">Spacehive</a>, please
do it now. Your likes could bring more attention to the page and shows your
support. If you’re able to give money to it, that’s great. If you aren’t, that’s
fine too. Your support means a lot and I can’t bring this project to life
without you.<o:p></o:p></span></p>Yvonne Battle-Feltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17713321807827779543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765171434524865818.post-82864542857324538272022-06-06T07:17:00.000+01:002022-06-06T07:17:48.903+01:00One Thing I Love About This Book<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">I love reading. Sometimes, a book grips me because of its
compelling title, complex characters, vivid description, engaging narrative
voice, interesting plots, moving themes, gripping tensions, sense of mystery,
or something in between. It might take me on an emotional journey inviting me
to imagine, reflect, act. Books I love tend to have something in them for me as
a reader. Sometimes, that something changes based on when I read it and what I need
at the time.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">There are books I come back to because there’s
something I love in them. In this series of mini book reviews, I’ll be sharing one thing I love
about some of the books I’ve read. That’s it. Just one thing. In the comments,
please join in by sharing one thing you love about the book too. If you’d like
to talk about another book that hasn’t been featured yet, feel free to contact
me through the site (click the contact me link) with the title, author’s name,
your name, and one thing you love about the book and I can post it.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The books aren’t in any particular order. I’ll include
the title, author’s name, a bit of the back of the book blurb, and a picture if
I have it.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">There’s so much to love about the books I’ve enjoyed
reading. Here I can share one thing.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">I’m kicking the series off with <i>The Selfless Act of
Breathing</i> by JJ Bola. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">See you soon.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikXsDjM4t9v1PvQeuNHY1ndos2MZIUruxRTj0yxebQBaErQoTK09kaN4Cgnm9oHsShnP78vznSWy-ow8VlRHTw_gSGRuIayB0x3EIPFx6DMJhlXPDjtZqKsFApBCqUJu7wQoVvfrWRfSSUv6inEBWcxBQvcpqXlY_pRbYAuHGRvCezcDn8XfLN6wYA/s1600/WXJB8427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikXsDjM4t9v1PvQeuNHY1ndos2MZIUruxRTj0yxebQBaErQoTK09kaN4Cgnm9oHsShnP78vznSWy-ow8VlRHTw_gSGRuIayB0x3EIPFx6DMJhlXPDjtZqKsFApBCqUJu7wQoVvfrWRfSSUv6inEBWcxBQvcpqXlY_pRbYAuHGRvCezcDn8XfLN6wYA/s320/WXJB8427.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span><p></p>Yvonne Battle-Feltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17713321807827779543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765171434524865818.post-67670856534085536072022-05-28T08:54:00.002+01:002022-05-28T08:54:09.887+01:00Dewsbury Live Literature Nights Crowdfund<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXjS_perlJIN2Cn3p-ujDVqkWV5nQac4aj3zhPUe8mlcEqM2Cxir0dJCgB1k2RYlWILu4IWcBo1EDV6bDIm_vbzudgavvBZuBUZnVdDOY4KbTj9byhgkPUVe0iDTb3X-S8CdCfi4OYJjfPliF6cQADs4R6iblyzHQ3gSK-MEqD33bXSP2iMtR_Z7Xp/s3264/20130223_155245_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXjS_perlJIN2Cn3p-ujDVqkWV5nQac4aj3zhPUe8mlcEqM2Cxir0dJCgB1k2RYlWILu4IWcBo1EDV6bDIm_vbzudgavvBZuBUZnVdDOY4KbTj9byhgkPUVe0iDTb3X-S8CdCfi4OYJjfPliF6cQADs4R6iblyzHQ3gSK-MEqD33bXSP2iMtR_Z7Xp/s320/20130223_155245_4.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>If you know me, you know how much I love books, stories, talking, reading, writing, and bringing people together. So, you won't be surprised that I've created a live literature night in Dewsbury.</p><p>Why Dewsbury? </p><p>I moved here in July and I want a literary event nearby. I also want to get to know Dewsbury. What better way to do it than to bring people together over events where authors read to us, we eat good food, and we have a chance to talk?</p><p>Dewsbury Live Literature Nights is a live event where an author reads to us from one of their books. Readings will be followed by lively discussion and food. The event is free to attend. </p><p>How will I pay for this?</p><p>I've launched a <a href="https://www.spacehive.com/dewsburyliveliterature " target="_blank">crowdfund</a> on Spacehive to pay for the authors and their travel, locally catered food, the venue, and to let people know about the events. If I get more money than I've asked for in the crowdfund, I'll be able to pay musicians. There's something welcoming about music and food that makes an event feel welcoming. </p><p>This project brings me one step closer to hosting my own show where I get to talk to authors about their books, the authors read to me, and I get to introduce readers to authors they may not have known and authors to readers they may not have reached. It's like being a literary matchmaker.</p><p>How can you help?</p><p>Please help fund the project, and also like and share the page. If you can't fund financially, please like the project page and share the page.</p><p>If the link doesn't work for you, please search for Dewsbury Live Literature on Spacehive. </p><p>Thanks!</p><p><br /></p>Yvonne Battle-Feltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17713321807827779543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765171434524865818.post-18555261288871097702022-03-13T13:55:00.005+00:002022-03-13T13:59:39.390+00:00Alex: If the Clues Fit--my film debut<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgRiVUg8KF1I8SAdyHwM2VGRFnqDm2_n6WjJ0_EWo9HZb2odLUxQ3QO9szPTCWZ61-PgL7okWFP4tKtoX0Xo5fK2lawsQvbMFjYtr8UeMeVjfFJMV0STIlmVxzn60WV3ELlU9T4RNIkmIuQyV1pFDwRy8Dg0dULjdge2AjW5MrbXB_qGwIuIuixMC-W=s1200" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="801" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgRiVUg8KF1I8SAdyHwM2VGRFnqDm2_n6WjJ0_EWo9HZb2odLUxQ3QO9szPTCWZ61-PgL7okWFP4tKtoX0Xo5fK2lawsQvbMFjYtr8UeMeVjfFJMV0STIlmVxzn60WV3ELlU9T4RNIkmIuQyV1pFDwRy8Dg0dULjdge2AjW5MrbXB_qGwIuIuixMC-W=s320" width="214" /></a></div><p>In 2020/2021, I participated in the BFI North's Scratch Me program. If you have the opportunity to participate in a similar program, I highly recommend it. </p><p>For me, it meant working with an industry professional to write my short film. I wrote a short film introducing Alex, a mystery-loving, Black American teenager who suddenly finds out his mother is behind a string of disappearances in Sheffield. </p><p>The story lets me explore relationships between families, mysteries, Sheffield, and what happens when someone you loves does something bad for good reasons? I'd love to continue to develop this project into a series. </p><p>For now, I stumbled across the video on Google, so I'm showing it here too. I hope you enjoy watching this short film as much as I enjoyed writing it.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>
<iframe allow="autoplay; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/514727436?h=cf1beaeac7" width="640"></iframe>
<p><a href="https://vimeo.com/514727436">Alex: If The Clue’s Fit (BFI ‘Scratch Me’) (2020)</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/monteldouglas">Montel Douglas</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>Yvonne Battle-Feltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17713321807827779543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765171434524865818.post-46456224448217119832022-03-01T13:30:00.000+00:002022-03-01T13:30:00.007+00:00Creative Writing Workshops at the Art of Science Late Night Event<p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgmBmUX50HETdew9EZtS2MCXxbKrAZAhBrh8bWY9ene5zAo9ySDDOx5MDf4wV-zm7kWrfJc3tHJH7Cz68FMnvncs0dahrFJDcJqsAxOPfHBa4k1SZ0gmNc9aw8MSt9WS08IxqYFP_ef-5IXcZpvoH77MYlZLSreaZodtOHzim1PV9sN2AYdUBmu79kV=s3264" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgmBmUX50HETdew9EZtS2MCXxbKrAZAhBrh8bWY9ene5zAo9ySDDOx5MDf4wV-zm7kWrfJc3tHJH7Cz68FMnvncs0dahrFJDcJqsAxOPfHBa4k1SZ0gmNc9aw8MSt9WS08IxqYFP_ef-5IXcZpvoH77MYlZLSreaZodtOHzim1PV9sN2AYdUBmu79kV=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">The Art of Science</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">I hope you'll join me for a free creative writing workshop celebrating art and science. We'll be touring the exhibits, listening to researchers share insights while considering questions like: what's the worst that can happen when science and fiction collide.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">For more information, see below:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Science +
Fiction =What’s the Worst that Could Happen?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">When
science and fiction combine, whether the beaker is half empty or half full is
up to you. This creative writing workshop will include a tour of some of the
research exhibits/experiences, brainstorming science-inspired possibilities,
and writing. Perfect for any writing experience level, pieces can also be
submitted for publication in the short-story dispenser and available to print at
the Millennium Gallery at a later date. To attend the workshop, register for the event using the <a href="https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/late-the-art-of-science-tickets-264204682317">Eventbrite</a> link, please bring
something to write or type on/with and your imagination. Science and fiction,
what’s the worst that could happen?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">When:
March 17<sup>th</sup> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Doors open
at 7. Join us at the Millennium Gallery cafe at 7:30 to explore the exhibits as a group or see them
independently. We’ll explore from 7:30-8:00 and then write from 8-8:45.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p></p>Yvonne Battle-Feltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17713321807827779543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765171434524865818.post-20577768365941430422022-02-28T19:04:00.002+00:002022-02-28T19:04:38.406+00:00On Writing as Advocacy: Mother to Mother (fiction)<p>Writing helps me to explore my emotional landscape and figure out how I feel. Often, it helps me consider how I need to respond. Lately, I've been feeling uncomfortable with the silences around the war in Ukraine. So, while I don't know what to say and even less what to do, I invited people to join me to write from 5AM-7AM (GMT) on Zoom. </p><p>Why on Zoom?</p><p>I needed to connect in a quick way to people no matter where or when in the world they were. </p><p>Why so early in the morning?</p><p>I needed to start my day in those emotions. I needed to process them because as I said, not talking about it, led to not doing about it. </p><p>What did I write?</p><p>I decided to paste what I wrote. I've also decided not to edit it. I can't quite explain why it makes sense to me not to edit it. Maybe it's because the war is not over. Because I still don't know how to help. </p><p>You'll also notice there are no speech marks. That's really unusual for me. Even in a draft. But in this case, since these are conversations the characters (and I) need to have and have not had, there are no speech marks. It feels like an important reminder that we need to be talking to one another. Working together to support, protect, uplift, talk, listen. </p><p>What will I do next?</p><p>Research organizations I can donate to and ways I can help. </p><p>Mother to Mother</p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">We sit, six feet apart, feet dangling over the edge of
the bench, the ocean below, changing skyline before us.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>That
was my school, she says. She’s a teacher, like me. My mother went there when
she was a little girl. Hair pinned up in plaits and ribbons, plaits and ribbons
on top of her little head. She was small then. I went there, my brothers went
there, my children went there, but, between you and me, it was my school. I
never forgot it. The drip of the rain on the glass ceiling in the science room.
The smell of the chalk on the board, the clap of the erasers, boom, boom,
boom—but not like this.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Not
like this, I say. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>There’s
another explosion. Bricks, glasses, bones, scraps of paper, sparks. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>She
rubs her hands together. The shh, shh, shh, shh of skin against skin wet from
tears. Mine are slick with them. We don’t talk about it though. Breathing
doesn’t come easy. Hers is labored at times catching on memory and present.
Right now takes your breath away. She moans shaking when the fire spreads out,
the sirens that aren’t coming this way anyway because there’s another fire
there and another over there and another over—<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>See
the little chairs? she asks.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I see
them.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>And
the little shoes, bookbags, desks, papers and pens bursting and breaking. The
chalkboards and growing charts and laminated stickers with names neatly etched
for little hands to trace. It all scatters and tangles in the piles of left
behind jackets and scarves and gym clothes and class fish and handwritten notes
from parents that their children will not be attending school for awhile
because of the war but thank you for everything. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>There
goes the market, she says. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>And
the way that she says it makes me wish I could have seen it now the way she
sees it then, in the memory that plays where it isn’t burning and shattering.
Like it is now. Because now, there is burning but it isn’t the bread she’s
remembering.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I had
my first job there. Not my first one, she laughs. Her first job, like mine, was
on a small farm. She hated that job but loved the people. Wishes she had
thought to thank the workers for taking her in and showing her how to protect
her then slender fingers and freshly done nails with paint that chipped the
first hour on the first day and was gone by the last hour of the first day. She
wishes she had thought to go back to the small town she thought she would never
see again, never wanted to see again. Who knew she would want to go back there
right now? To feel the soil, she explains. There is something about the crunch
of the crunch of the memory that snaps us back to the bench where we watch what
the news calls soldiers dig through bricks too heavy and jagged for bare hands.
There are no gloves, she explains. No time for them.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>There
wouldn’t have been. There would have been warnings on the news but some
wouldn’t have believed it. Who wanted to? Others will have been gone before the
monthly, weekly, daily, hourly, minute by minute, last second warnings. They
would have felt too late. She says someone asked why didn’t she leave? Where
would I go? And how?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>There
are trains, I say. I read about trains crammed with schoolchildren, parents,
shopkeepers, school teachers, preachers, clerks, managers, secretaries,
scientists, bakers, writers, readers, lovers, friends, neighbors, enemies,
retired janitors, teammates, infants, toddlers, teenagers, taxi drivers, librarians,
camera crew, doting grandparents, estranged sons, trans daughters, baristas, former
veterans, homeless young people scared and alone—I stop.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Is
that what the papers called them? she asks.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>No, I
say, just people. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>About
the market. She points to the cracked concrete slabs, heavy and caked with age,
stained. The line of people who are called soldiers but who are not really
trained for this or trained but not ready because the concrete they use in
practice is the same size and density but not the same weight. Concrete absorbs
shock. They are digging for neighbors because though there were warnings ,there
are always some who stay behind. Who will feed the children? She asks. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I do
not know, I say. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>There
are tanks everywhere. Even where they do not fit because where do they fit? I
worked at the market, she says. When I was 15. I stacked boxes and cans, boxes
and cans. Then, they taught me to bake and to cook.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Are
you a chef? I ask.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>She
shakes her head no. The market closed down years ago, replaced by a bookstore,
then a second-hand store, it’s a café now. Or was. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>She’s
50. Too. She doesn’t have laugh lines yet but in another life, she laughed,
sometimes often, other times not. She cried too. Sometimes often, other times
not. She married, divorced, raised three children. Always wanted to die of old
age.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Me
too, I say, me too.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This
is not old age, she says. My grandmother lived to 100. She wasn’t happy about
it. She said there are things she wanted to die without seeing.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Like
what?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>She
looks towards the church, the sparkling white rubble, the shattered
gold-painted frames.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Did
the news say I have three children?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>No, I
say.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I do.
Two boys, one girl. I wanted to send them away before now. You know, they did
not want to leave? Home, me. How will we find you? As if I am a place to come
back to. Some families got out together, she says. But, how could they all? Did
they tell you I teach at the university? My students, she says, my students
will be great writers one day. Those who make it, will write about today. If
the words come. They don’t always. Sometimes, there are none. No words at all.
It’s hard to describe it when you see it—in terms anyone else can understand.
Fear is unquantifiable. There’s no relevant meter. Like when they ask how much
it hurts on a scale of 1-10. Whose 1? Whose 10? It hurts. It all hurts. I see
that some are not trying to. It’s hard to know what to say when it isn’t you,
isn’t it?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
know about dying, I say. About feeling, when it comes down to it, that there is
no rescue. Like whatever happens is not meant to happen but there is no one to
stop it from happening and who you become is not the person you’d thought you’d
become when the time came down to it. I know about walking away and not walking
away. About staying to fight and leaving to fight. About asking if dying is the
only way to save us. But, I say, I don’t know about this type of war.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>And
what will you do to help us? she asks.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Our
feet swing back and forth, back and forth, while the skyline changes again. Over
there, where there were curves and straight lines, angles, tall and short
shadows like abstract art, is nearly flat.<o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p></p>Yvonne Battle-Feltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17713321807827779543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765171434524865818.post-58806102423165731622022-02-14T18:51:00.007+00:002022-03-20T14:44:52.109+00:00Call for True Stories: Telling it Like It's Lived True-Story Open Mic (Dewsbury)-Rescheduled<h3 style="text-align: left;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-size: 11.5pt;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiqzjE3L0ET70p3vhVrK3Wj7hRfVZLHwly9L0ETycf05PUT8qQ7yPDcLib69HlWc11XuDT6rZVUccv5Qk7OTMJ6g7_X48VmimAUus8t9cNh63BF3MhljpCIsd5ywpPB1ELsbFZQBD8wbBRCDAM1VVkcTbUO2YCx8WEGLLUqCYFkozAjboZ2af20lbu-=s1440" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiqzjE3L0ET70p3vhVrK3Wj7hRfVZLHwly9L0ETycf05PUT8qQ7yPDcLib69HlWc11XuDT6rZVUccv5Qk7OTMJ6g7_X48VmimAUus8t9cNh63BF3MhljpCIsd5ywpPB1ELsbFZQBD8wbBRCDAM1VVkcTbUO2YCx8WEGLLUqCYFkozAjboZ2af20lbu-=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /></span></h3><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 11.5pt;"><br /></span></h3><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 11.5pt;"><br /></span></h3><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 11.5pt;">We’re celebrating Spring with a night of true stories.</span></h3><p>
</p><p style="background: white; margin: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></p>
<p style="background: white; margin: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: black; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; padding: 0cm;">Calling all storytellers, writers, readers, and
anyone with a good story to tell! All are welcome to share true stories loosely
inspired by the theme memories.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: black; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; padding: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: black; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; padding: 0cm;">Pieces might be serious, funny, thoughtful,
sad, it’s up to you. Stories might be about family, love, death, home, travel,
beginnings, endings, and more. All we ask is that you tell the story <span class="markx2taiy23j">in</span> <span class="markfd04tcmxd">your</span> <span class="markb53z9se11">own</span> <span class="markkji4w3133">words</span>—and
that it’s true. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;"><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: black; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; padding: 0cm;">Please note, you may choose to read <span class="markfd04tcmxd">your</span> writing from paper or a device, use notes,
or tell it straight (without notes), it’s up to you. The event is for all level of storytellers, readers, writers, etc...It will be a warm, inviting environment. You'll be in good hands.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;"><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: black; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; padding: 0cm;">When: Thursday, April 7, 6:30 PM-7:30
PM </span><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: black; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; padding: 0cm;">Where: Dewsbury Library<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: black; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; padding: 0cm;">To sign up for a 3–5-minute open mic slot, please email
Yvonne at </span><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; padding: 0cm;">ybattlefelton at gmail(dot)com</span></span><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: black; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; padding: 0cm;"> by 3 PM, Wednesday, April 6.</span></p><p style="background: white; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: black; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; padding: 0cm;">Please note: this event has been rescheduled to give more time to spread the word. So, please do spread the word.</span></p><p></p>Yvonne Battle-Feltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17713321807827779543noreply@blogger.com0Dewsbury, UK53.689833 -1.629694925.379599163821155 -36.7859449 82.000066836178846 33.5265551tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765171434524865818.post-4593094702488419292022-01-03T20:28:00.006+00:002022-01-07T17:41:29.509+00:00Write Your Novel Podcast: All Wrapped Up<p>Happy New Year!</p><p>I've been meaning to do this post for a while but if you've been enjoying my Write Your Novel series and trying to catch up with it, New Writing North has it right <a href="https://newwritingnorth.com/projects/write-your-novel/" target="_blank">here</a> all in one place.</p><p>The podcast is a great way to hear from award-winning authors about how they create. It was a treat to record. I didn't do it alone, it took a community to create the series. Thanks to Arts Council funding and support from New Writing North, I had an amazing producer, Candace Wilson, who read all of the books. I really enjoyed talking with her about them before we interviewed the authors. We also had a wonderful production company, Sonderbug Productions. It's the most supported I've felt when creating a project like this and it is a great reminder that anything is possible with a great team.</p><p>Speaking of community, if you haven't had the chance to get involved, please do. I'm engaging in the Discord chat for the series, so if you have a question, want to tell me how it's going, or just want to chat writing, get in touch there. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjq9Bkj5JIwKrfsQAtAZghpi50_ckjIInHSDfUiy5sOrA0yl4P5HjUnbNyB6hmaiRkXPkwWxWhv1IDRpyNCi5ly_K9lpaAYTczCPdTJLwSJeGrYjPsgilt-dBX5BrzrD8cIyFm5bQMYCT7aKCUJqBZpD3Dn2OjLt1fDNQ9PBhCjuSHUJuVQ9Q6fFoce=s900" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjq9Bkj5JIwKrfsQAtAZghpi50_ckjIInHSDfUiy5sOrA0yl4P5HjUnbNyB6hmaiRkXPkwWxWhv1IDRpyNCi5ly_K9lpaAYTczCPdTJLwSJeGrYjPsgilt-dBX5BrzrD8cIyFm5bQMYCT7aKCUJqBZpD3Dn2OjLt1fDNQ9PBhCjuSHUJuVQ9Q6fFoce=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Yvonne Battle-Feltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17713321807827779543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765171434524865818.post-12626357545803631542021-12-31T17:53:00.004+00:002021-12-31T18:00:15.399+00:00New Year Energy: Diary from the End of the Year<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEifymwcJk2SSHBlC1IhAhx6rq9cM0XLAZ9SSXtKhlUa5WN8TsZJIsP0V8pJ436SnpxMcoSvaLKV1z4LGcw-cYNqyBZeebs-PGywJ4NF8r8QyNx3nIoHXLVFYV6AId8VZrX8OmnQmAhhsxnRBIj1jWnoILia8oKyjb97kC3vjjxLx32pnJED-t6iXbMc=s3264" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEifymwcJk2SSHBlC1IhAhx6rq9cM0XLAZ9SSXtKhlUa5WN8TsZJIsP0V8pJ436SnpxMcoSvaLKV1z4LGcw-cYNqyBZeebs-PGywJ4NF8r8QyNx3nIoHXLVFYV6AId8VZrX8OmnQmAhhsxnRBIj1jWnoILia8oKyjb97kC3vjjxLx32pnJED-t6iXbMc=s320" width="320" /></a></div>
Today, I had planned to host a storytelling open mic event on Zoom to celebrate the new year. According to the Facebook event, over 500 people were "interested" and 43 were "going." One person registered in Zoom. What does that tell me?<div><br /></div><div> For one, my idea of fun (reading stories to strangers, listening to other people read, writing party games) is not everyone else's. And, that's okay. It also shows me there is an appetite for listening to stories but not necessarily in sharing them--at least not on Zoom, with me, with me on Zoom, on New Year's Eve, and that I'm doing a good job of reaching audiences but not as good when it comes to reaching writers, and more. </div><div><br /></div><div>I've rescheduled the event for a day in February to give me time to develop audiences, reach more writers, and restructure. The day I picked is 2/22/22 because as a date, it brings me numerical joy. It also means I can personally invite readers, explain the event more succinctly, and it's a date I don't have to compete with New Year's Eve celebrations around the NYE-celebrating world.</div><div><br /></div><div>I don't know about you, but I'm bringing some of my 2021 energy into 2022 and couldn't be happier about it. I'm sticking to early morning writing because if I don't make time to do the things I love, how can anyone else? I'm also setting boundaries around time and how I spend it, creating events I want in my life, supporting other creatives and causes, and investing in my own successes. </div><div><br /></div><div> I have wanted a literary talk show for a while now. I love hosting book events, talking to authors, meeting readers, asking questions, being read to, all of that really fills me with joy. So, what can I do to bring these projects to life on a larger scale? I don't know. Maybe that's where a business coach can come in. </div><div><br /></div><div>I'm excited for what 2022 has to offer and the steps I'm taking to enjoy this literary path I'm on.
In 2021, I completed my second novel (Gothic fiction), my first middle-grade adventure, developed a podcast series, interviewed amazing authors for a children's book club and a monthly literary salon, chaired events, read amazing books, wrote a column for Mslexia, judged contests, written a short story, and more. It's the eve of 2022, I've started a new novel, am starting a short story, creating another story night, and investing in my literary legacy. </div><div><br /></div><div>What energy are you taking with you in 2022?</div>Yvonne Battle-Feltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17713321807827779543noreply@blogger.com0West Yorkshire, UK53.810817600000007 -1.7626125.500583763821162 -36.91886 82.121051436178846 33.39364tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765171434524865818.post-50032409650355012902021-12-22T09:00:00.010+00:002021-12-22T09:00:00.224+00:00Bookable Space African-American Lit-Literary Salon with Sheila Williams<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3-KGKm-Jwog/YXRlpxG2KrI/AAAAAAAAFjU/5rq2QjnryL0oJCXyJlThnq0lr81ie6owwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Bookable-Space%2BAfrican-American%2BLit-Literary%2BSalon%2BNov.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1325" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3-KGKm-Jwog/YXRlpxG2KrI/AAAAAAAAFjU/5rq2QjnryL0oJCXyJlThnq0lr81ie6owwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Bookable-Space%2BAfrican-American%2BLit-Literary%2BSalon%2BNov.jpg" width="207" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Sheila Williams joined us for the final salon of the series. She read from The Secret Women, a touching book about grief, friendship, secrets, and more. It's a moving book that will make you laugh, cry, and reflect on the relationships in your life and the secrets you keep.
Not able to join us live? Enjoy the video. Readings followed by discussion hosted by Yvonne Battle-Felton.
Sponsored by US Embassy in London/BAAS
<iframe allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" height="314" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fbookablespace%2Fvideos%2F273271278033839%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=0" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="560"></iframe></div>Yvonne Battle-Feltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17713321807827779543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765171434524865818.post-86323232864143222092021-12-15T09:00:00.004+00:002021-12-15T09:00:00.255+00:00Bookable Space African American Lit-Literary Salon October: Nathan Harris<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WOd-imPUnyg/YXRnXzPTvRI/AAAAAAAAFjs/SdBhoQfMxG85X8iAUEYULsat1uCMDbmXgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Bookable-Space%2BAfrican-American%2BLit-Literary%2BSalon%2BOct.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1325" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WOd-imPUnyg/YXRnXzPTvRI/AAAAAAAAFjs/SdBhoQfMxG85X8iAUEYULsat1uCMDbmXgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Bookable-Space%2BAfrican-American%2BLit-Literary%2BSalon%2BOct.jpg" width="207" /></a></div>We celebrated my birthday with a salon featuring Nathan Harris. Nathan read from The Sweetness of Water. Readings followed by discussion with our host, Yvonne Battle-Felton.<p></p><p>It's a moving book and a really engaging discussion. </p><p>Not able to join us live? Here's the video. </p><p><br /></p><iframe allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" height="314" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fbookablespace%2Fvideos%2F1074598446279627%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=0" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="560"></iframe><div><br /></div><div>sponsored by US Embassy London/BAAS funding</div>Yvonne Battle-Feltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17713321807827779543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765171434524865818.post-45486353393081227812021-12-08T11:00:00.007+00:002021-12-08T11:00:00.174+00:00Bookable-Space African-American Lit-Literary Salon with Cadwell Turnbull<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rGLazFY4FtQ/YXRme1_wSCI/AAAAAAAAFjk/zK19sxOF_c8KVhO493N-7AdsQshu8LOXQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Bookable-Space%2BAfrican-American%2BLit-Literary%2BSalon%2BSept.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1325" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rGLazFY4FtQ/YXRme1_wSCI/AAAAAAAAFjk/zK19sxOF_c8KVhO493N-7AdsQshu8LOXQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Bookable-Space%2BAfrican-American%2BLit-Literary%2BSalon%2BSept.jpg" width="207" /></a></div><p></p><p>What a conversation! By now, you know how much I love this part of what I do. Talking to people about their writing process and practice really brings me joy. </p><p>If you weren't able to join us live, here's Cadwell Turnbull reading from No Gods, No Monsters. Readings were followed by lively discussion about writing influences, insights into the book, and more. </p><p>Funded by a small grant received from BAAS/US Embassy in London, if you weren't able to join us live in Zoom or Facebook Live, here's the video:</p><p><br /></p><iframe allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" height="314" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fbookablespace%2Fvideos%2F1094773494388319%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=0" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="560"></iframe>Yvonne Battle-Feltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17713321807827779543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765171434524865818.post-75647453103049443102021-12-01T23:43:00.015+00:002021-12-01T23:43:00.179+00:00Book-able Space Middle Grade Book Club with Sharna Jackson<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oRMYNPzMUl8/YR7h3PTfa2I/AAAAAAAAFgU/xuVbg7MIvMk7ywOCwB-owPLzYXwhJJC1gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/thumbnail_November%2BBook%2BClub%2BPoster%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="828" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oRMYNPzMUl8/YR7h3PTfa2I/AAAAAAAAFgU/xuVbg7MIvMk7ywOCwB-owPLzYXwhJJC1gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/thumbnail_November%2BBook%2BClub%2BPoster%2B2.jpg" width="207" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p>This was the first book club of the season. We celebrated the launch with Sharna Jackson. Sharna read to us from High Rise Mystery and answered our book club questions. </p><p>Watch the video before or after you've read the book. High Rise Mystery is available in bookstores and libraries. </p><iframe allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" height="314" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fbookablespacemiddlegradebookclub%2Fvideos%2F375303127132318%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=0" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="560"></iframe><div>Funded by Sheffield Hallam University. Hosted by Yvonne Battle-Felton </div>Yvonne Battle-Feltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17713321807827779543noreply@blogger.com0