Happy New Year! Reflections, Talks and Writing ???????

Happy New Year!???

As I'm starting to send a monthly, rather than fortnightly, newsletter this is slightly?longer than normal?so feel free to jump sections...

1. Sedrick's Adventures in Hopeland,

2. An Author Talk,

3. More Writing,

4. A Writing Prompt for you to Try,

... or grab a cuppa and have a read through all of them. ??

As always, please feel free to share what's happening in your world with me by responding to this email.

What's been happening in my world??

Christmas and New Year were very quiet for me.? I reflected a lot on the past year.? Read some pieces of writing I'd put in my journals and then shredded them!?

I couldn't believe some of the things I'd written.? Shredding or burning was the only option.?

Despite that, it was nice to reflect on what I'd achieved:

??I published 2 books - Sedrick's Adventures in Hopeland and Falling in Love at 40,

??The audio version of Katie A New Chapter was released,

?I worked with Stoke Heath Prison,?

??I gave a few talks about mental health, confidence, resilience and my writing journey.?

All in all, it was a great year. Although, reading through some of my journals there were a few ground-hog days! ( I plan to do less of these this year!)

Anyway, enough about me.? How was your Christmas and New Year?? Have you had a chance to reflect on 2024?

??I know for some people this time of year is anything but joyous and I've added a writing prompt below for you to use, should you feel it will help.?

Now, on with the newsletter.

1. Sedrick's Adventures in Hopeland

"“Circle your arms forwards children,” the instructor yelled through?the somewhat crackly microphone, the music was so loud it?sounded distorted. “And now circle them back.” Oh, my word! Sedrick wanted to scream.""

I'm not a gym fan! I do like swimming but the gym is a no no for me. I did find it useful after I'd had my operation but only when I was working with a personal trainer. Once I stopped working with a PT I found I wasn't enjoying it anymore so I stopped going.?

Exercise is important, but it also needs to be something you enjoy. I walk a lot and I plan to find a new class this year and get back into my swimming.?

What is your favourite form of exercise??

I'll be sharing more snippets from Sedrick over the next few newsletters.? If you can't wait, click here to purchase a copy.

Fun Fact: Did you know Sedrick's Adventures in Hopeland contains over 50% of the words on the year 3 and year 4 word lists?

2. An Author Talk?

I'm so excited.?I've been invited to talk at this event:

Meet the author event: Mental health recovery through creative writing

"Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to invite people to a special event featuring two local authors?Lisa M Billingham?and Julia Sutton who have bravely navigated mental health challenges and shared their experiences through writing."

“The Library and Knowledge Services team is dedicated to providing evidence-based resources and information, but we also recognise the profound impact that creative writing and reading can have on mental health. This event offers an exciting opportunity to share Lisa and Julia’s inspiring journeys with a wider audience, encouraging meaningful conversations and learning from their experiences.”

The event will take place on Zoom on Friday 7 February 2025, 12.30-2.00 pm.

Book your free?place here, or click the image below.

3.?More Writing

I've started writing again!? Woo Hoo.? I haven't done any for a while as I've been editing 3 books ready for publication.?

I also counted the number of short stories I have written and I was a little surprised to find that I have over 50 pieces of content.? I'm now considering how to share these with the world.??

If anyone has any experience with online platforms such as Patreon and Buy Me a Coffee, please let me know.?

4.??A Writing Prompt for You to Try

January is often one of the most difficult months for many people.

I know, I've been there.?

When I discovered my love for writing I was amazed at how cathartic I found the process.??

Writing isn't for everyone but if you are struggling, why not try one of these?prompts ??????

Click on the image for more writing and creativity prompts.

You never know, you might uncover a hidden talent.? And remember, you don't have to write using these prompts, you could doodle or draw instead.?

Finally...

My newsletters from now on will be monthly rather than fortnightly and will be sent on a Tuesday.? I will share any breaking news with you in between but for now, thank you so much for taking the time to read my newsletter; please feel free to share it with anyone you think may benefit or ask them to subscribe via my website.

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I'm a multi-genre author, inspirational speaker and workshop facilitator and? I'm open to interesting conversations and collaborations.? Please?email [email protected]?in the first instance or book a call with me.?

Don't forget to share how you're doing with me.

Note: all work in my newsletters, on my website and on social media are protected by copyright.

Take care, have a fantastic month and be happy.

See you soon.

Lots of Love, Light & Gratitude

Lisa xxx ??????