News
MAKING THE TIME TO BE CREATIVE
Journalist, actress, singer, publisher, editor, writer, artist, and public speaker are some of the many activities in Maria Bligh’s busy life.
So, how does she find time to remain fresh and creative?
At the meeting in the Hydro Hotel on 10th March 2026, Maria let members of Anderida Writers into her secrets.
Experience has taught her the value of discipline and planning to develop the essential routines she uses. These include maintaining health by drinking plenty of water and taking regular exercise, such as walking.
Maria then led us into an exercise she performs at the start of each day. Called The Morning Pages, it’s an exercise where you write about anything in your mind to fill a page or two of notepaper. You don’t read or review what you write.
This is an exercise to clear your mind and banish negative thoughts.
She also detailed approaches such as visualising what you want to do or achieve. Or you can think about what you might have done in another life. Perhaps you could still do some of these things. As members read out ambitions and goals they would have liked to achieve, the discussion focused on which ones were still possible.
But overall, the message was simple – do what makes you happy. And create the time needed.
To make the most of creativity, you need to be organised and develop routines to get the most out of the time you have available.
NEW FRENCH COVERS FOR A YOUNGER AUDIENCE
I'm delighted to reveal these beautiful retro covers designed by the team at my French publishers L'Archipel. It is hoped they will attract a younger readership. The French really do pull out all the marketing stops! Tamara/Ellie.
TAMARA MCKINLEY BRINGS OUT NEW BOOK
Anderida Writers' patron Tamara McKinley, writing under her pen name Ellie Dean, has brought out the latest book in her long-running Cliffehaven Series called The Long Road Home.
It should be available at Amazon, Tesco, Morrisons, Asda, Waterstones and Gardners from March 12th.
The Long Road Home is set in 1947, and in the wake of heart-breaking loss, Roisin makes a promise to her granddaughter, Bella, that they will cross the Wye Valley and travel to Cliffehaven to find the family she’d left behind. But as they set out, there is no telling who they will find, or whether they will be welcomed.
Meanwhile, Roisin’s estranged brother, Ron Reilly, has been drawn back to the past, as his son, Jim, continues to suffer from his years of fighting in Burma. The war may be over, but there are storms still to be weathered.
NEW SERIES ON THE WAY
Ellie is currently writing the first book in a new WW2 series, which will, once more, be set on the south coast of England, but this time, in Portsmouth – one of the most bombed cities in England.
Wharf Road is the working title, and the story will follow Evie and Alfie Hansen and the rest of their diverse family through the traumas of war. While Evie keeps the home-fires burning and suffers the heartache of sending her young children away to safety, Alfie and his brother Edward must keep their huge cargo barges operating from Portsmouth Harbour.
Wharf Road winds its way through the docklands where there is a pub on every corner and the teeming mass of immigrants and sailors from all corners of the world are united in fighting against the tyranny of Hitler. But it is in the quiet terraced houses that ordinary lives will be shattered by the coming conflict, and where they can find Love, Community and Courage on Wharf Road
A MANNER OF SPEAKING
At the main meeting on 10th February, Dec Cluskey, part of 60s chart toppers, the Bachelors, and a renowned speaker, treated us to a fascinating insight into the art of speaking in public. Confident, charismatic and eloquent, Dec dipped into his considerable experience as a Toastmaster and performer, to offer practical tips.
As writers are often called on to speak in public, whether at conferences, bookshop events or on video, Dec gave us the benefit of his wisdom and experience, including how to choose and use the right microphone.
Among the highlights of his presentation were the factors that lead to a memorable speech, including structure, personal appearance, confidence, humour, and how to present yourself for maximum impact.
He finished by telling us to find six stories from our lives to talk about, so we'll never be stuck for words.
Thanks also to his daughter, Victoria, who chipped in with her experiences and insights.
ON THE EDGE WITH NICOLA GARRARD
At our meeting on 13 January 2026, we were joined by guest speaker Nicola Garrard, author of 29 Locks, 21 Miles and On the Edge. She wrote the first two novels for young adults, while her latest book is suitable for both adults and young adults. It’s already receiving a lot of praise and great reviews from other authors.
In a fascinating presentation, Nicola talked about the inspiration behind her books and characters, based on her family and experiences in Devon. As the title suggests, On the Edge, is about people pushed to their limit and how they react. It’s linked to problems in the West Country, where many people remain homeless, while thousands of second homes are empty.
In response to questions, she spoke about being a traditionally published author, having an agent, and the number of edits to be completed before a book is ready for release. After the initial release and promotion by the publisher, it’s down to the author to continue to market her work.
Anderida Writers' Christmas Lunch was a joyful occasion on Tuesday, December 9th, 2025 when members and guests dined in the Orangery Suite of the Hydro Hotel, Eastbourne.
Chairman Tony Flood took the opportunity to wish everyone a Happy Christmas. Anderida's vice chairman Nigel Gearing presented the Gearing Trophy Poetry award to Philippa Drake, and provided a Christmas Hamper for a raffle, won by Robert Crouch.
Michael Fleming, John Silverton, Tony and Philippa read out limericks, and Francis Wait held a quiz, which was won by David Bailey.
Tony thanked Nigel Gearing and club patron Tamara McKinley for judging and donating generous prizes for the Gearing Short Story and Poetry Competition, as well as Francis Wait for helping to organise it.
Tamara then thanked Tony for all his hard work and his outstanding contribution to the smooth running of Anderida.
AUTHOR MICHAEL FLEMING WINS THIRD PRIZE IN TOP STOCKHOLM WRITERS COMPETITION
Michael Fleming was awarded third place at the Stockholm Writers Festival First 5 Pages Prize in 2025 for his entry 'No More Bets'.
"Given that there were 1164 entries from around the globe (I understand the winner and runner-up hail from New Zealand and the USA, respectively) I feel honoured and, to use an English idiom, downright chuffed," said Mike. "I've accepted an invitation from Stockholm Writers to attend their Award ceremony in August."
'No More Bets' is a crime thriller that follows on from 'Backhanders' which was shortlisted in December for the Marlowe and Christie International First Novel Prize. Both novels feature his anti-hero protagonist, Will Whitley. Michael explains: "I believe that any anti-hero protagonist must be constantly intriguing – even when they are hands down unlikeable. Whitley is ruthless, a physically imposing thug with a quick brain. Despite his best efforts, the occasional act of compassion leaks from his otherwise impervious badness. He certainly seems to have caught the attention of certain competition judges."
Michael is the author, together with Matt Fleming, of The Fish on My Ear and Other Stories, a collection of thought-provoking short stories. The theme is death, but there is humour as well as pathos, and each story has a twist in the tale.