This is a blog you’ll enjoy if you like writing! I write for magazines in the UK and abroad and I am also the Agony Aunt for Writers’ Forum magazine.


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Privacy Policy/GDPR

Posted on August 11, 2021 by Della Galton

Privacy Policy / GDPR

I, like thousands of other writers, have read the Information Commissioner’s Office guidelines for compliance with the new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) rules, and am completely baffled by the whole thing! Still, personal data is important, so this is my statement that explains how I collect, store and process data.

Awareness
I am a sole trader. There is just me. Only me. I’ve had to read up about GDPR and then brief myself on the subject. I operate only one website: www.dellagalton.co.uk

Information I hold:
– Email addresses of people who have emailed me and to whom I have replied – this data is captured by my email programme and stored on my computer and shared via my password-protected iCloud account to my other devices (smartphone/tablet/laptop). These devices are all password/fingerprint activated and only I have access to this data.
– If you contact me via the Contact Form on my website, the WordPress software I use stores a copy of your email address on their servers and forwards a copy to me. WordPress take steps to keep their servers secure.
– Email addresses and names of people who have signed up to my mailing lists via the opt-in link on my website. This is all stored and processed by Mailchimp. Ways to opt-out are available at the bottom of every newsletter that I send out (which isn’t that frequently).
I have access to databases of followers on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. I am the data controller but not the data processor of these databases – I use strong passwords and two factor authentication on these sites.

Communicating privacy information

  • I have put this document on my website.
  • I have added a link to my contact page.
  • All newsletters issued contain reminders about how subscribers can unsubscribe/opt out of receiving future communications (which will also delete their data from these systems).

Individuals’ rights
On request, I will delete data.

If you unsubscribe yourself from the Mailchimp mailing list, their data is automatically deleted.

Subject access requests

I aim to respond to all requests within 48 hours and usually much sooner, although please bear in mind … I do go away sometimes and don’t always have access to the Internet. I will always respond as soon as is practically possible. (Please remember – I’m a sole trader. There’s just me. If I’m running a weekend workshop I may not get chance to look at your request until I’m back at my office desk. But I will action your deletion request as soon as I can.)

Lawful basis for processing data
If people have emailed me, they have given me their email address (usually so that I can respond to them). As stated above, my email programme automatically says this data and it is stored on my iCloud account.
If people have opted into my Mailchimp lists (by subscribing) they have actively opted in, in the knowledge that they will receive occasional emails.
Followers of my WordPress Website have opted in and are given unsubscribe reminders with each email.

Data breaches
I have done everything I can to prevent this, by strongly password-protecting my computer and website as well as Mailchimp, Google, Dropbox, Twitter, and Facebook with two step authentication. If any of those organisations were compromised I would take steps to follow their advice immediately.

Data Protection Officers

I am not a major organisation so I do not need to appoint a Data protection Officer.

International
My lead data protection supervisory authority is the UK’s ICO.

Basically, if you have any queries or concerns, please get in touch, but bear in mind when doing so you are giving me your email address so that I can get back in touch with you. I will deal with any request concerning your data as quickly as possible.

Thank you!

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Posted in Writing | 2 Comments

My Inspiration for writing Sunshine Over Bluebell Cliff

Posted on May 17, 2020 by Della Galton

Boldwood Books recently published my latest novel, Sunshine Over Bluebell Cliff, which is the beginning of a series of four. I thought you might like to know some of the truth behind the fiction.

For twenty years my parents owned and ran a seaside hotel called the Marlborough. It was a beautiful Art Deco style building within a pebble’s throw of Boscombe Pier, which is around two miles from Bournemouth Pier. Not that the beach in between has very many pebbles, just glorious golden sand.So maybe it was just a matter of time until my writing would feature a seaside hotel.           

The Bluebell Cliff Hotel was inspired by the Marlborough. But then fiction took over.  The Bluebell Cliff is a hotel with a unique USP.  It’s a venue where guests go to live out their dreams, however daft or whacky these dreams might be!

If you want to propose to your girlfriend by climbing up a lighthouse (Milk Tray Man style) or you want to break a Guinness World Record then the Bluebell is the place for you!  

My fictitious hotel has a different location too. When I was younger I loved long distance running and on Sunday morning, myself and a couple of other OTT runners, most of whom were fitter than myself, did a seventeen mile run that began in Wareham Forest and took in Studland bay and climbed up Ballard Down to the top which is the piece of the Jurassic coastline that juts out over Old Harry Rocks.  It was a long hard run across road, forest tracks, soft sand and grass and I think I was probably hallucinating with overtiredness by the time we finally crested Ballard Down.  But oh the joy of achievement of being on top of the world.  I have memories of the most beautiful scenery in Dorset, no doubt coloured by endorphins and exhaustion.

Much later when I wrote Sunshine Over Bluebell Cliff the idea popped into my head, what if there was a hotel up on Ballard Down? A hotel perched on a clifftop that stared out over the sea. What if there was a lighthouse too?   

It’s odd isn’t it, how reality creeps into fiction.   I don’t think much of it has to do with our conscious mind.  Little pieces of reality mingle with little pieces of fantasy and fiction is the result.

I adore Dorset.  I have a deep affinity with the landscape:  the fields, the forest, the sea. I feel as though my roots are buried deep in the very earth itself.  In fact Sunshine Over Bluebell Cliff isn’t the first novel I’ve set in the Purbecks. Neither will it be the last. I have just completed the second novel in this series.

There’s a lighthouse in my novel.  Lighthouses are hugely evocative. I think I really am quite an old romantic at heart. 

And of course there is romance, although not of the slushy variety – I like the kind of romance that is threaded through with dry humour. 

My characters are quirky.  They range from the mysterious Mr B who is a brilliant chef at the Bluebell Cliff, as well has being a conspiracy theorist who won’t tell anyone his actual name in case they steal his identity.

Then there is Clara King who is the new manager and has been left in sole charge for the hotel’s first season. Clara has a passion for dogs (rather like myself) and a penchant for designer handbags and pastel suits (not so much like myself!).  

There are also the Brothers Grim, Adam and Nick Greenwood who own the neighbouring Hotel to the Bluebell and see it as a competitor.

There is Phil Grimshaw, maître D and part time actor. There is Clara’s warm but flawed family full of strong matriarchal women.        

There is Foxy the three-legged dog. 

 And let’s not forget the mysterious saboteur who wants to put the Bluebell Cliff out of business. 

 I do love a bit of mystery.  I do love quirky characters.

 I do love a page turner.  

 I am told that Sunshine Over Bluebell Cliff has all of these elements.

 I had the best fun writing it. I hope you have the best fun reading it too.

Sunshine Over Bluebell Cliff is out now in audio, print and digital formats.  Digital version is available HERE.

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Posted in Being a full time writer, Book Deals, Feel Good Novels, News, Sunshine Over Bluebell Cliff, Writing | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

My New Newsletter for Writers – Social Media Itis

Posted on August 30, 2019 by Della Galton

Hi

It’s been such a long time since I wrote a post and for that I apologise. I seem to have succumbed to social media-itis. This is a technical term for having too many social media sites to update regularly. Oh and I did recently sign a 4 book contract with Boldwood Books, which is hugely exciting and hard work and is keeping me busy!

While I’m not saying I will never blog on here again, if you are still interested in any of the following:

  • Tips for Writers.
  • Writing Courses.
  • News about what I’m getting up to!
  • Then pleases subscribe to my quarterly newsletter. A subscribe box should come up on this  website when you visit. If it doesn’t then please email me.

Alternatively, or as well as! Please follow me on Twitter. @DellaGalton

Or check out my NEW You Tube channel for my 60 second videos on writing. Search Della Galton.

And my next writing courses in case you are interested are:

Write Your Novel Today – Three Part Workshop
Sat 8th March 2020
Gillingham, Dorset
10.00am – 4.00pm

So you want to write a novel but it’s difficult to get uninterrupted time away from family or commitments… Why not treat yourself to this three-part guided workshop with local author and experienced tutor, Della Galton?

Course Content

Workshop One – Write your first page.

Very often starting is the hardest part so in this workshop we will focus on writing your first page – 30 minutes writing followed by feedback from Della and the group.

Workshop Two – Write that tricky scene.

Do you have a tricky scene you’ve been putting off writing? Dive into the middle and start writing. 30 minutes writing followed by feedback from Della and the group.

Workshop Three – write your last page.  You may not be a plotter – you may not know how you are going to get there but if your last page is written, you will know where you’re heading. 30 minutes writing followed by feedback from Della and the group.

Cost: £35.00

Venue: Conversion Studio, Woolfields Farm, Milton on Stour, Gillingham, North Dorset.

To book please email Della via this website.

Thank you so much for your support.

All best wishes

Della xFacebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmail

Posted in News, social media, Tips on writing | Tagged | 3 Comments

Last minute Christmas Presents for Writers

Posted on December 18, 2018 by Della Galton

So… have you finished your Christmas shopping? Is everything wrapped and under the tree? Or have you just looked at your calendar and thought blimey, is it only a week away I’d better get cracking? (pun intended!).

If you fall into the latter category – I um may actually be in that category – here are some nifty ideas for presents for the writer in your life.

Up to £10

  • Novelty pens/mugs with writing quotes.
  • USB drives for backing up work.
  • Reference books such as Thesaurus or Book of Baby Names (handy for naming characters)
  • Books about writing or inspiring writing quotes.

£15 to £60

  • Book vouchers. (One of the best Christmas presents I ever got was a voucher to buy books from an ‘online book store’. It kept me going all year.)
  • External hard drive for backing up work.
  • Subscription to Writers’ Forum (£38 for 12 issues)
  • A one hour mentoring session with Della Galton. (Special Christmas Voucher can be provided). (£30).
  • A four week course of evening classes in Gillingham Dorset. 7th Jan, 14 Jan, 21 Jan, 28 Jan. 4 x 2 hour sessions. (£34).
  • A one day course on Saturday 12 January in Gillingham Dorset. Write a Short Story in a Day. (£45).

£60 to £150

  • Ergonomic chair.
  • New desk.

£150 plus

  • New laptop!
  • Or if you really want to push the boat out, why not buy your writer a week in a writing retreat, or a writing holiday, (some weekend suggestions below) or even his/her very own writing shed.
  • Weekend writing course at Fishguard, Pembrokeshire. 15th to 17th February, 2019. (£249). Click here for more details.
  • Weekend writing course at Cirencester, 12th to 14th April, 2019. (£255). Click here for more details

For any of my courses please email me HERE for more details. Please state name of course for which you would like details.

Happy Last Minute Shopping!

All best wishes

Della xxxxFacebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmail

Posted in ideas, Inspiration, Writing conferences & schools | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

How do I become a full time writer? I want to give up my day job.

Posted on August 10, 2018 by Della Galton

This is a question I get asked a lot.  Both through my column for Writers’ Forum and also by strangers (and friends) who know what I do. Mostly the people who ask me want to write fiction.  (it’s much easier, incidentally to do it if you write non fiction.)

I asked this question of an author 30 years ago and their first reaction was to say, ‘Don’t do it.’  I ignored this slightly tongue in cheek advice and went ahead! Incidentally, it didn’t take long before I had to get another day job in order to pay my mortgage.

The next time I attempted it in 2000 I was more prepared. Preparation is essential, and will make the difference between success and failure. Everyone’s circumstances are different, of course, but here are my top tips for making the switch

  • You will need to be already established as a paid writer of fiction (or non fiction if that’s your chosen path). Doing both is a good plan I have found. Getting established takes time so it’s important to build up relationships with editors and publishers before you quit your day job.  I had been getting paid for my writing for 13 years before I gave up my day job the second time.
  • If possible, don’t give up your day job until your earnings as a writer equal your salary, or come close. Be prepared to live on half your income for a while. If this is impossible, don’t attempt it.
  • In the beginning you will need an alternative form of income as well. Then you will have at least some guaranteed income a month (important for bills, mortgage etc). This could be a part time job. It could be savings. It could be a pension. (I had savings and a part time job.)
  • Work out exactly what you will need to earn each month. Then work out exactly what you will need to sell each month in order to achieve it. Then write approximately double the amount of pieces that you will need to sell to allow for misses.You are bound to have some.
  • Pick a date and hand in your notice. You can always go back if things don’t work out.

This may all sound a little like a tale of caution. So I will add one more thing. Even though I work longer hours than I did while employed, even though it’s very hard at times and I never feel economically secure, writing for a living is still my dream job. I absolutely LOVE it.

Good luck with your journey.

PS if you want to know if your short stories are publishable, (or even if you just want to make them better) why not come along to my course on Sun 26 August and get some feedback on your story.

Venue: Kinson Community Centre, Bournemouth

Time: 10 till 4.00

Cost £40.00

(email me if you’d like further details)

 

 

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Posted in Being a full time writer, Dear Della, Questions from Dear Della | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

The Elements of a Short Story

Posted on July 17, 2018 by Della Galton

I often get asked if there is any sort of checklist for writing a short story.  And yes, I think there is.  Here is what I think a short story should include:

A character who has a problem/conflict which must be resolved by the end of the piece in an unexpected way.

In fact this definition could, very roughly, be applied to all fiction.  If one or more of the elements are missing the story won’t quite work. Don’t take my word for it.  If you have a story that doesn’t work, try running this checklist against it. Are the following elements in place?

  • Character
  • Conflict
  • Change
  • Resolution
  • Surprise

If a story isn’t working, I very often find that one of the last two is missing. Another common problem (oh the irony) is that there simply isn’t enough conflict, i.e. the character doesn’t have a big enough problem for the length of the piece.

Don’t take my word for it. If you have a story that doesn’t quite work, apply the checklist and see if you can fix the missing element and get the story to work.

Happy Editing!

Della xx

PS if you would like some more help with identifying what’s gone wrong with a short story I’m running two summer workshops in Bournemouth on Saturday 21 July and Sunday 26 August.  You can bring along a story of up to 2000 words for detailed feedback.

  • Venue: Kinson Community Centre
  • Time 10 till 4.00
  • Cost £40
  • Email me via this website to book.

 

 

 

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Posted in plotting, Short stories for magazines, Tips on writing, Writing, Writing problems and solutions | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Four Reasons We Don’t Write – and What to Do About Them!

Posted on June 18, 2018 by Della Galton

Motivation – one of my favourite subjects. Motivating yourself to write should be easy, shouldn’t it? After all, we want to write. Don’t we? So why is it so difficult to get started? Recognise any of these excuses – er hem, I mean REASONS?

Time: I’d like to write but I never seem to have the time.

If that’s you, ask yourself a question. Is it really true?  Do you really not have time? Or are you just not prioritising writing?  Possibly because you don’t feel you deserve the luxury of having time to write when there are so many other things to do, for example, work, friends and family.

Well, if writing is what you really want to do, then don’t you deserve to carve out some time for it?  If you were to allocate half an hour three times a week you could probably write a short story in a month (perhaps even two). Little and often really is the key.

Focus: I don’t know what I want to write.

Many people set off with the idea of writing a novel.  This is very commendable; don’t let me stop you if that’s your burning passion. But there are many other forms. Here are some less time intensive ones:

  • A blog
  • A short story
  • A poem
  • Morning pages
  • A feature for a magazine

Why not experiment until you decide what’s for you. Better still why not pick one of the above and set a deadline to complete it.

Confidence: I’m not good enough to be published.

How do you know until you try? Not many people are good enough to be published until they’ve done some market research and learned what works and what doesn’t.  Writing is a little like learning the piano I think – we wouldn’t expect to be concert pianists without a fair bit of practice.

Laziness: It just feels too much like hard work a lot of the time.

Newsflash – it is! Believe me, I know it is. I write a lot and some days (actually there are quite a lot of them) I would much rather be doing something else. Some days it feels as though I’m wading through sludge.

Usually when this happens, I just carry on. (I have to, it’s my day job).  Very often it’s because I’ve got to a tricky bit. So my top tip for this is that it’s much better to finish writing when I’m really enjoying myself – then I’ll be all the keener to go back to it again. This really does work. Trust me.

If you’re really stuck I once heard a novelist say she used to handcuff her ankle to the desk to make herself sit still until she’d done her allotted amount of words. I can’t say I’ve tried this one – but I’m not ruling it out!

Happy writing

Della xxx

PS I’m running a course in Bournemouth this Saturday. 23 October. Write a Short Story in a Day (Hopefully the title is self explanatory but if you’d like further details please do leave a comment or email me.)Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmail

Posted in Inspiration, Tips on writing, Writing, Writing problems and solutions, Writing Ramblings | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

How to Judge a Short Story Competition

Posted on May 23, 2018 by Della Galton

Firstly, apologies from me! I haven’t written a blog for too long. I’ve been writing a novel and it was all consuming. It’s now winging its way to publishers via my agent, who loved it. So fingers crossed.

More on that soon. But here’s a question that came through to Dear Della recently, which might be of interest to you.

Q: I have been asked to judge a short story competition, having been a winner more than once in previous years.  I am thrilled to be asked, but also nervous.  Do you have a set criterion when you judge short story competitions yourself?

A: Yes I do.  The following is my own personal criterion for judging a short story competiton.

  1. Is it a short story and not just an extract or anecdote?
  2. Does it begin well – was I hooked?
  3. Are the characters believable and convincing?
  4. Do I care about the story or do I get to the end and think, ‘so what!’?
  5. Is the dialogue realistic and/or convincing?
  6. Does the plot work or is it contrived and/or predictable?
  7. Is the ending satisfying or does it tail off or feel contrived or predictable?
  8. Does the title add to the story?
  9. Is the pace right or does it feel rushed or drawn out?
  10. Does this story have the X Factor?

As you can see most of my points are measurable.  They will encompass factors like quality of writing, language and grammar. Number 10 is the one I use when I am trying to decide on a winner.  If a story has the X Factor it can sometimes be forgiven other minor faults. It’s difficult to pin down whether a story has the X Factor. They are the ones that send a shiver down my spine – or prompt me to say, ‘Wow.’  I wish I’d written that.  They might be clever or funny or poignant. And yes it’s a personal thing – one judge’s X factor may be another judge’s ‘not in a million years.’ But that is what makes a judge unique.

Have you ever judged a competition? I’d love to know your top tips.

Also on the subject of short stories – my next course is on Saturday 23 June, 2018 in Bournemouth.

Write a Short Story in a Day.

Venue: Kinson Community Centre.

Cost: £45

Please email me for further details.

Last but not least, you can unsubscribe from this email at any time by pressing the unsubscribe button or emailing me and I will unsubscribe you.  Many thanks for reading.

All best wishes

Della

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Posted in competitions, Dear Della, Questions from Dear Della | Tagged , | 4 Comments

Happy Christmas

Posted on December 17, 2017 by Della Galton

Just popped on to wish you a very, very happy Christmas. Here is Small Hound, lower picture, dressed in her best festive outfit to wish you the same. And Big Hound, not wanting to be left out of the festive fun, stole some chocolate coins from the worktop.

I am cooking for six this Christmas Day and we have decided to go Vegan. Wish me luck, guys. I hope you are doing something nice.  And if you are at a loose end – well it’s a great time for writing.  While everyone else is slaving away over a hot stove, you can slave away over a hot keyboard and get in a head start for the New Year. Thank you for reading my blog.  And have a lovely festive season, whatever you are doing.

With love from Della & hounds!

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Posted in Writing | 3 Comments

Is it possible to make a full time living writing for magazines?

Posted on November 17, 2017 by Della Galton

Is it possible to make a full time living writing for magazines? If so, how?

I started writing for womags after joining an Adult Education class called Writing for Profit and Pleasure. The teacher was Jean Dynes (she writes as Barbara Dynes – see her column in Writers’ Forum.)   In that first class, back in September 1987, Jean asked if there was any news.

A girl in the row in front, put up her hand and said, ‘I’ve just sold my 27th story this year to Loving Magazine.’

Wow, I thought.   I want to sell a story. Just one would do. (ho ho, little did I know how addictive it was). But how was it done?

By researching the markets, I learned, which meant reading the magazine. So off I went to buy a copy of Loving, which I read from cover to cover, several times. They bought the 3rd story I sent. Then the 4th, then the 5th. I was on the verge of giving up the day job when they rejected the 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th.

We all know how it works. There are far more rejections in this business than successes

It’s always been like that for me. It still is. And blimey the market is much harder than it was. Back in 1987 there were 100 plus womags that carried fiction. In 2000, which was when I did finally give up the day job to write full time, there were 21 markets. Everyone said it was impossible to write short stories for a living.

It wasn’t! But back to my original question.

Is it impossible now? When there are a handful of magazines that still take stories from writers (who aren’t on their list). I think sadly that it may be. There are just too many of us out here. I know so many fabulous writers who get their stories rejected because there are only so many slots. So can we still follow the dream of being a full time writer?

I once heard a brilliant quote from Linda O Byrne, who at the time was fiction editor of Bella magazine. She said, ‘Don’t give up. There is always a market for excellence.’

I think she was right.

I’ve been a full time writer for 17 years. Here’s how I do it. I write short stories for the remaining markets. I am the agony aunt for Writers’ Forum. I have several self published books on Amazon which earn me £200 plus a month. I do some journalism. I do the odd spot of teaching. I write novels.  Last year I struck lucky. The Reading Group was published by a huge publisher (Quercus is part of the Hachette Group) but I wasn’t paid a huge advance to write it which meant I wrote it in addition to not instead of my usual work.

In short, I diversify. My income is made up of lots of bits of writing related work. Lots and lots of bits which means I work lots and lots of hours. Often 60 hours plus a week.

I live in hope of having a best selling novel that will mean I don’t have to worry about money so much.

The bottom line is that I love writing. I can’t stop. I won’t stop. I think Linda O Byrne’s advice still holds true. Don’t give up. There is always a market for excellence. I don’t think I’ve quite reached excellence yet – but I shall never, ever give up aiming for it.

The Reading Group is published by Quercus. For most of November it is 99p. Not bad for 500 plus pages! Click here to buy/find out more. And if you do like it please leave me a review.  Until Sunday 19 November you can win a copy of the paperback by going to www.oapschat.co.uk

£7.99 (paperback) £3.99 (kindle)Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmail

Posted in Inspiration, News, Short stories for magazines, The Reading Group, Writing | Tagged , , | 5 Comments