In this episode, Pete and Laura head over to The Writers’ Room for A Centennial Celebration!

In this special 100th episode, Pete and Laura commemorate a significant milestone in their podcast journey. Join them as they reflect on the evolution of the Begin podcast, the lessons they’ve learned, and the many ways writing has enriched their lives and those of the listeners over 100 episodes of Begin.

In this season:

• 18 Episodes
• 9 Guest Interviews
• 2 Toolbox Editions

505 minutes and 65 seconds (8 hours and 42 minutes)
or 9, 227.5 dad jokes and cliches!

Pete and Laura delve into the significance of exploring the joy, and challenges encountered along the way over this season. Which episodes were the most downloaded? They share personal experiences and milestones, and talk about the making of a podcast dedicated to the love of writing.

A Look Back

Laura reflects on the themes, the ‘highs and lows’ and guest interviews that shaped the season the most for her. She finds the ‘Glass Ball Theory’ by Nora Roberts helpful when thinking about the challenges of balancing so many projects.

Pete highlights the episodes that resonated most with him and why. Also, how meeting listeners and writers at local events, such as the Derby Book Festival, made such a difference to him.

Personal Projects: Writing and Beyond

In this inspiring section, Pete talks about his memoir ghostwriting endeavours, sharing insights into his research process and storytelling. Laura discusses her ongoing PhD in creative writing, emphasising the importance of academic exploration in the craft of writing.

Book Update: From Storytelling to Scholarly Insights

Pete and Laura dive into their current reads, sharing their thoughts and takeaways. Pete discusses how different research methods have captivated him recently. Laura talks about - Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver.

Looking Forward: The Future of Begin and Our Writing

Pete and Laura look forward to what the future holds for the Begin podcast and their personal writing projects, share their aspirations and invite you to continue this wonderful journey with them.

Whether you’ve been with Pete and Laura since episode one or just joining in, there’s inspiration and camaraderie to be found in the celebration of writing.

Let’s embark on the next hundred episodes together!

We want to hear from you! info@derbyshirewritingschool.com

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Episode 99: Embracing the Writer Within - "Episode 99: Why We Write–A Deep Dive into the Writer's Mind.

Welcome back to Begin, the Derbyshire Writing School podcast!

In this heartfelt episode, co-hosts and father-daughter duo Pete Billingham and Laura Stroud explore the essence of writing. Join us as we unravel what drives us to put pen to paper, and how writing shapes our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

Why We Write: An Introspective Journey

"We write to taste life twice, in the moment and in retrospect." - Anais Nin
In this segment, we ponder this poignant quote by Anais Nin. Pete and Laura share their personal reasons for writing, reflecting on how capturing life's moments through writing allows us to experience them more deeply. This discussion is an invitation to listeners to contemplate their own writing motivations.

The Writer's Room: Exploring Our Writing Identities

"I write because it means I can call myself a writer." - Laura, paraphrasing Arianna Huffington on Pablo Picasso. Here, Laura shares her thoughts on writing as an identity, inspired by Arianna Huffington's interpretation of Pablo Picasso's creative life. This conversation encourages writers to own their craft, regardless of external achievements.

Personal Projects: Celebrating Our Writing Endeavors

Pete discusses his recent endeavors as a celebrant and eulogy writer, highlighting the meaningful impact of his work on others. Laura shares her exciting journey into a PhD in creative writing, aiming to create safe spaces in the world of writing education. This segment showcases the diverse paths and purposes writing can take.

Lessons Learned: Growing as Writers

In this insightful section, we discuss the continuous learning journey of a writer. Pete delves into Amazon ads for book marketing, while Laura shares her learning experiences from her PhD program. This segment is a testament to the never-ending growth and evolution in the writing journey.

Book Update: Diving into Diverse Reads

"The Miniaturist" and "Writing About Your Life: A Journey into the Past" by William Zinser Pete shares his thoughts on "The Miniaturist" and his current read, William Zinser's memoir and writing guide. Laura discusses "Can't Even: How Millennials Became the Burnout Generation" by Anne Helen Peterson, noting its insightful take on the millennial experience.

Closing Thoughts: Our Writing Lives

In this heartfelt conclusion, Pete and Laura reflect on their recent experiences, from walks and dog antics to academic pursuits and the every day balancing act of life and writing. This segment is a reminder of the joy and challenge of weaving writing into the fabric of our daily lives.

Join us in this episode for a warm, inviting exploration of what it means to be a writer. Whether you're a seasoned author or just starting your journey, there's something here for everyone. Let's celebrate the art of writing together!

Episode 98—A Writers Toolkit Episode: Unfinished Business: Breaking Through Fear, Doubts, and Excuses to Finish Your Novel

Do you have a story in your heart, a manuscript in progress, but somehow find yourself unable to reach 'the end'? In this episode, we delve into the all-too-common struggle of leaving novels unfinished. But fear not! We're not just identifying the problems; we're providing solutions, and we have a special programme designed to guide you to completion.

This Episode's Insights: From Idea to Finished Book

Join Laura, Pete, and the Derbyshire Writing School team as they explore:

• The common reasons why writers struggle to finish their books.
• Solutions to overcome fear, boredom, and self-doubt.
• The importance of committing to your writing and creating movement in your story.
• How finishing your book can be an incredible achievement, teaching you more than any course or book ever could.

Finish Your Book – Online Group Programme: Your Path to Completion

If this episode resonates with you, our new group programme, Finish Your Book, might be just what you need. Designed specifically for writers who are passionate but stuck, this programme offers motivation, practical support, and a writing community ready to cheer you on.

Programme Highlights:

• Dates and Time: Six live Zoom sessions, starting Wednesday 8 November 2023, from 7:30 pm – 8:45 pm.
• Price: from £115
• Interactive Learning: Writing sprints, peer feedback, personalised solutions, and more.
• Achievements: Complete writing sprints, gain feedback, create an action plan, and join a wonderful group of writers.

Course Overview: [Detailed Overview Here]

Why This Programme Is for You

• Craft Your Story Together: Write together with focused and guided creative time.
• Edit Like a Pro: Learn to edit your novel or non-fiction book.
• Solve Your Writing Problems: Address your unique challenges.
• Achieve Real Progress: Make tangible progress on your writing journey.

Ready to Join Finish Your Book?

Don't let your ideas sit in a draft folder. Seize this opportunity to tell the world, "I wrote a book!" Enroll in our Finish Your Book programme and turn the insights from this episode into real progress on your writing journey.

Enroll Now

Keep writing, it will all work out. Let this episode and our Finish Your Book programme be your catalyst to success.

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We want to hear from you! info@derbyshirewritingschool.com

Send us a voice message.

Thanks for listening!