Slough Writers - My Presentation - 'Writing for Magazines' (non-fiction)

 This evening, I presented to Sloughwriters, my writers' group a talk entitled 'Writing for Magazines' (non-fiction). I have to admit to having been somewhat nervous talking to a group of various writers. It was attended by around 17 members. The gist of what I spoke about is given in this handout.

I'd planned the talk to take around one hour which it did, almost to the minute and I think it went reasonably well.

My ambition is to make myself available to other groups, clubs, and organisations based in Berkshire and surrounding counties. If you wish to book me, please click here for further information.

The Young Ones!

They start young reading my blog, and this is what they think of it!

Books, books and more books!

I've had a busy morning.

I've been sorting out my bookshelves. I have so many books, they were two deep in some places. I've sorted them by genre. I have a big selection of reference books, some books about writing, and a few fiction.

I've also managed to get the webmaster of SpeakerNet to add 'Berkshire' to the list of areas speakers can give talks.

Search & Rescue Dogs

Today, I've begun researching material for a feature article on Search & Rescue Dogs for 'Dogs Today' magazine.

"SARDA (Search And Rescue Dog Association) dogs are air-scenting dogs that use their sense of smell to find people. They are trained to find people in all types of terrain, including urban, rural, and mountainous areas. SARDA dogs are non-discriminatory and don't need any information about the missing person to start searching. "SARDA dogs are part of a team that includes handlers, bodies, and trainees. Bodies are volunteers who help with the search by acting as missing people for the dogs. Trainees are dogs that are still being trained."...

I've sent email enquiry letters to around ten 'Rescue' organisations and already a couple have responded.

This afternoon I rewrote, edited, and uploaded the HTML file for my 'LATEST WORK' page on my website.  I've changed the size of the font and re-ordered the list so that the entries are in reverse order (more recent at the top).

Losing a Dog

 

Above: Hyde Park Secret Pet Cemetery

Today, I've completed and submitted my article 'Losing a Dog' to 'Dogs Today' magazine. 

'I lost my loving lively Jack Russell Terrier, Lottie, not long ago. I was devastated, and to some extent, I still am. However, I wondered how others deal with the loss of such a companion. I decided to research the emotional and practical sides of losing a dog. Here, I write about my findings, in the hope that they will help you deal with your sorrow.'...

Keep an eye out for it!

This week, I've written two new articles for 'Dogs Today' magazine: 'Up, Pup and Away!' and 'Planes for Pampered Pooches', both dealing with flying with your dog. I'm currently writing an article: 'Losing your Dog', again for 'Dogs Today'. I've pitched an idea to 'Able' magazine about 'Braywick Plant Nurseries' which employs and empowers adults with learning difficulties and various complex mental health conditions. I've also submitted my article: 'Does your dog make you happy' to 'Happiful' magazine.

 

Appeal for Information - Companion Dog Shows

 

Organising a Companion Dog Show 2025

I'm currently researching material for a feature article on 'Organising a Companion Dog Show' for 'Dogs Today' magazine.

I'd like to tag on to any group who are about to start organising a 2025 Companion And Fun Dog Shows South East in the near future. I'd like to follow your team over the next few months as you plan and organise all aspects of your event right up to, and beyond the show itself. I'm planning to have it published this time next year (2025) in time for new groups to start organising their own Companion and Fun Dog Show in 2026.

Depending on your location, I would like to observe and collect information including photographs of your meetings, either in-person or via the Internet.

If you are interested in assisting me, please get in touch with me via email at sloughwriter@gmail.com or you can call me on 01753 357 090 or 0777 466 4656.

Many thanks for reading this far. I look forward to hearing from you.

"We love including Richard's diverse features. He always takes such tremendous care and is a pleasure to deal with."
Beverley Cuddy. Editor, Dogs Today Magazine