By the close of January, most people’s resolutions will have melted faster than a smattering of sleet. However, on Monday 30th both staff and students decided to turn over a new page, or open a new chapter if you will, after an inspiring hour with Teresa Geering.

The international best-selling author (although she prefers “online indie writer”) took time out from her increasingly busy schedule to offer some top tips and invaluable advice to aspiring Ashford authors. As Teresa began her talk the seats in the literature section increased, as secret scribblers sneaked in to hear the story master’s secrets to success.

Aside from penning the final instalment of her Shasta and Erasmus smash hit, Teresa also co-writes short stories with another author, mentors budding writers, writes poetry and for the last 20 years Teresa has also done voluntary work for Kent Police. She noted “Don’t give up the day job” and that the life of an author is “hard work!”

Teresa advised that alongside the ever present writing journal, to keep a tape recorder on hand as a anything can inspire a writer and it’s faster to talk out your ideas, than to write them down. In fact once you start penning your plot you should never stop - “Write, write, write. Don’t try and edit as you go. Write it and then go back to it.”

Teresa added that it is often best for authors to write about what they know about “as your reader is your biggest critic” and will spot any errors. However, she added for those daring author’s pushing their style and knowledge that “research is your thing; research constantly.” Which was apt as the talk took place in the LRC – home of infinite information!

To ensure excellent editing, Teresa told the rapt writers to file finished texts in a drawer for a short period of time as you will re-read it from a fresh perspective. For authors blighted by writer’s block this approach does help, in addition Teresa sagely advised “Walk away. Write other things. You’ll know when you’re ready as you’ll be inspired.” Blocks can be productive as she noted that “There will always be a ‘next book’ for a writer.”

One of Teresa’s top tips was to aspire higher - “You need to aspire to be known all around the world, it’s not about the money.” Often author’s may fear that their stories are not suprememly sintilating, but she noted “Don’t think that whatever you write is rubbish, as your rubbish is someone elses masterpeice.” Another aspiring author’s eyes may help to develop a story as Teresa’s totally top tip was to “Join a writer’s club.”

On that inspiring ending all the assembled authors agreed that the Ashford LRC Secret Scribbler Support Circle was essential! If you are interested in joining the new writer’s club please see Katie in Ashford LRC, or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Teresa’s tremendous titles Eye of Erasmus and Shasta Summer are available from your LRC. Ask at the LRC Front Desk to borrow these brilliant books. Browse Teresa’s bountiful blog at http://tgeering.blogspot.com/ and peruse her publisher at http://www.nightpublishing.com/index.html

Inspired already? Pen a poem in our cracking competition. Participate & you may pocket a fabulous £50 pound prize! Ask at the LRC Front Desk, or go to: http://moodle.wkc.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=2759