What a fun packed and inspirational day was had by everyone who attended the Betty McKay seminar held in The Carlton Hotel on Saturday the 26th January. Welcoming refreshments supplied by the Carton Hotel and a surprise bag of goodies sourced courtesy of Sheila Grant ensured the workshop got off to the best of starts.
Betty soon had the entire audience enthralled by her hints and tips of how to write for children, she explained that the needs of the under 7’s and the over 7 are as diverse as the little darlings themselves. The under 7’s begin their literary journey with simple books of various materials, cloth, plastic, paper etc, containing stories told with eye catching pictures, through to books that able the child to progress their reading skills. Books for the over 7’s should appeal to the growing independence of the child, and can cover subjects from fantasy to reality situations. Betty set the attending members writing for children challenges with some imaginative and hilarious results.
All too soon the morning session was over and we adjourned for a delicious lunch of sandwiches and mouth watering shortbread.
Writing for woman’s magazines was the topic of the afternoon session. This challenging section of the writing market is proving more and more difficult to write for, due to declining publication opportunities. Betty gave us a full and in-depth insight in how to produce a story that will be noticed among the many that land on the editor’s desk. Wither producing romances, suspense or reality based stories, researching your market is a must to writing the story that will end up in print. As with the morning session time flew past and too soon it was time to head home.
I’m sure all those attending will join with me in thanking Betty McKay for the most informative and enjoyable day, also thanks to the organisers of the seminar and the staff of the Carlton Hotel.
Kathy Wallace