SHEILA RAWLINGS
News and Events
Welcome to my news page, where I will endeavour to keep everyone updated as to the progress of my novel writing, book reviews and events as they happen.
Tuesday, January 2nd 2018
LOCAL SUPPORT
Just before Christmas, I was lucky enough to have my first article published. It appeared in ‘The Sydenham Society News’, the local news magazine for Sydenham, where I live. The article complimented a similarly themed event which they happened to be covering, therefore my article fitted in perfectly.
Wednesday, August 2nd 2017
WHAT A DIFFERENCE AN EDIT MAKES
I recently made an extremely wise decision to approach a professional proof reader to edit my latest novel. It was the best investment I have ever made. Not only did Sian Phillips do a thorough job in reading my manuscript, she also made several useful and spot on suggestions for improving it. Although it means I now have much work ahead of me with the revisions, her valuable input has helped to turn what was an okay story into something special. If any of you are looking for a proof reader/editor. I can thoroughly recommend her.
Saturday, April 21st 2018
EXPERT ADVICE FOR GETTING IT RIGHT
On Saturday, April 21st, I attended a brilliant masterclass for crime fiction writers – explaining what you should know about the realities of crime detection in order to bring authenticity to your stories. It was held at the Brighthelm Centre in Brighton and the speakers were (left to right): Kate Bendelow, practising crime scene investigator; Graham Bartlett, ex-senior detective (and advisor to author
Tuesday, April 24th 2017
EXPRESSING AN OPINION
I must be totally addicted the Guardian Masterclasses because I attended yet another one this evening. This time is was about writing opinion pieces. The lectures were split between Tim Dowling and Polly Toynbee, both columnists for the Guardian. Their experience and knowledge made for an entertaining evening. I also learnt heaps from both of them.
Saturday, June 29th 2019
THE GOLDEN THREAD
This Saturday, while the world and his wife were probably – very sensibly – cooling down at the seaside, I attended the Chalke Valley History Festival in Wiltshire. Several eminent historians and historical authors
attended the festival, offering a selection of talks on a variety of historical topics. Among them was Kassia St Clair, author of ‘The Golden Thread: How Fabric Changed History’ and ‘The Secret Lives of Colour (featured on Radio 4’s ‘Book of the Week’). She gave a fascinating and informative insight into the role of fabric throughout the ages. Although probably of interest to mostly women, it was interesting to see quite a few men in attendance.
Tuesday, September 3rd 2019
COPPERS IN PRINT
Nowadays, it’s not unusual for retired police officers to make use of their years of experience by turning their hands to writing novels and memoirs. This evening, Pinner Bookshop played host to an evening with two of the best – Matt Johnson (second from right), author of the bestselling crime novel trilogy
Monday, February 1st 2021
BLOG TOUR FOR ‘BENEATH THE FEAR’
The Blog Tour for my second novel, ‘Beneath the Fear’ is due to start next Monday (8th February). Reviews are the lifeblood of any author and I am grateful to all 21 book reviewers who were kind enough to sign up for the tour. Their honest opinions mean a lot.
Monday, January 24th 2022
MY FIRST INTERVIEW
I was delighted to be interviewed by Camilla Downs for her website: ‘Meet the Authors – a place for book lovers’. To read the interview – and find out how I ended up breaking into a celebrity’s home – click here.
Game’ and John Sutherland (first on the left), author of ‘Blue: A Memoir – Keeping the Peace and Falling to Pieces’. Their insight into modern day policing was both entertaining and informative.
Peter James); Neil White, practising criminal lawyer and Erin Kelly, author. The whole day was extremely enjoyable – not to mention informative. I now have no excuse for getting the facts anything other than accurate.