What a great day at the WforW Litfest Day on 18th April! by Margaret Graham

On 18^th April Downley Old School Community Centre was treated to an influx of readers and aspiring writers who came to spend the day with  bestselling authors of all descriptions. Words for the Wounded, founded and run by bestselling author, Margaret Graham, with her two other writing grannie friends, Penny Deacon and Jan Speedie, planned a fantastic line-up of bestselling ‘stars’.  It proved to be a great day; funny, interesting and inspiring.

        Katie Fforde, two Midsomer Murders writers, a literary agent, two Indie authors and Penny Deacon, hilariously held the audience in the palm of their hands from 10.00- 5.00. It was an amazing opportunity to chat to these stars of the literary world, learn from them, whether reader or writer, and make new friends.  

            After Trustee Matt Pain’s welcome, Katie Fforde (patron of Words for the Wounded) was in conversation with Margaret Graham. These two bestselling writers explained the life of a professional writer and answered numerous questions. Rachel Cuperman, another patron, and Sally Griffiths, chatted with Margaret and gave away the secrets of writing scripts for one of our most successful series, Midsomer Murders. 

Lunch was organized by Jan Speedie and Margaret’s family, with smoked salmon, quiche, beef and heaven knows what, amongst a feast of other dishes, and a huge range of salads, not to mention as much wine as you liked, finished with desserts and coffee.

            In the afternoon the fun continued with an Indie writers’ question and answer panel - Amanda Hatter and Catriona Troth enlightened us all. 

          Felicity Trew, a literary agent from the highly respected agency Caroline Sheldon Literary Agency presented a powerpoint presentation and answered questions. Here's Penny Deacon with Felicity.

           Penny Deacon ended the day talking of the difference between Mills and Boon writing and crime. 

The mixed media artist, Sharon Bennett,  displayed and sold her work. 

The day was strongly supported by the Community Centre, who discounted the hire fee for the charity, Tesco who provided cakes, coffee and champagne (for the raffle) Morrisons for the cheese, The Wellington on the Strand with a voucher for the raffle, Sharon Bennett – a print, and the lovely Katie Fforde gave  a signed copy of her latest book, published by Random House, The Vintage Wedding. 

£1500 was raised for our wounded servicemen and women, with £250 of that being raised by the raffle. As I said, at the start of this post, it was fantastic day. 

Mark 16^th April 2015 in your diaries for the next one. We have Elizabeth Buchan best selling author (another patron!), Jemima Hunt, literary agent,  Tracy Baines, successful genre short story writer and Catherine Balavage, actor, writer and founder of e-magazine Frost Magazine. (Many have already reserved their places Margaret 01494 630713. adminstrator@wordsforthewounded.co.uk)  To read a more detailed review, go to http://www.frostmagazine.com/2015/04/the-words-for-the-wounded-litfest-review-by-pat-heath/ 
     * Margaret Graham’s latest novel, published by Random House is released on 21^rd May. Easterleigh Hall at War, sequel to the bestselling Easterleigh Hall.