Gareth Parkes's Friends

Gareth Parkes's Groups

July 9

Gareth Parkes updated their profile photo

July 9

June 23

March 28

About Me:: I was born in South Africa but have lived in the UK since 1995. Unfortunately I have not yet completed writing anything... never know, with your input I might do so.

My main interests are family genealogy, Southern African history, European history, US and Canadian history, Modern history, History of Religion, Photography, Travel, Art, Museums and Historical Books Collecting.

Favourite Books: The Bible, The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, Gone with the Wind, Of Mice and Men, Animal Farm, Jonathan Livingstone Seagull, Duncton Wood amongst many others.

At 8:46am on July 9, 2009, Carole Gill said…: thank you so much for accepting my friend invite!
why not join my group Newbies--?
maybe we can encourage you to get something down, take a look give it a bit of a mull over! that's all I ask.
I have had two serious nudges by two friends who pushed me, so that I finally did some writing!
you never know!

At 11:45pm on July 8, 2009, Carole Gill said…: I agree with previous comments, just write something!
start small and it grows, truly!

At 12:21pm on June 23, 2009, William Klein said…: Gareth,

What you want to do is break away from the millions who "plan" on writing a book one day. You don't want to be one of those wannabee guys who talk about writing, but never get around to it. It's hard work, really hard work, and its lonely, and sooner or later you'll say goodbye to all of those writing classes and social gatherings, lock your door and plant yourself behind a desk or table and begin. A good way to start your writing career is with historical fiction, simply because plot development is a lot easier than starting from whole cloth. Aim high, and give your reader good character development and above all, a good story. You can read about me on my profile. I also have a blog at http://wklein722.blogspot.com

Bill
San Francisco

At 5:50am on January 7, 2008, James Conroyd Martin said…: Hi, Gareth,

It's great to be included among your friends.

I hope you do get inspiration here.

Where in the UK are you?

Jim (Chicago)

At 8:31pm on December 31, 2007, Anita Davison said…: Hi Gareth - Nice to meet you. All encouragement with your writing - we all had to start somewhere - but believe me, once you get started - it's addictive

At 7:35am on December 31, 2007, Gareth Parkes said…: Hi John, born in Durbs. My German side of the family were the original settlers in Westville, arrived 1845 to set up cotton farming.

Thanks for the advice; I have already started researching family records as I have an idea I wish to pursue and I know the areas very well already.

As to vasbyt... a habit already.

At 6:21am on December 31, 2007, John Halsted said…: Gareth, Where in ZA are you from. I was born in Durban and went to school in Westville.

Not sure if this will help - I started my book with a map of the area I was interested in, then researched and inserted events that occurred in that place during the selected period (give or take a decade either way). Then put in more detail, usually geographic, and finally put some narration around the characters as they walk through the geography and the events?!?!?!
I did my research at night at home and typed up the notes and built the chapters while on the train to and from work. It wasnt so much of a discipline but more of a habit.
I encourage you to go for it. Start by doing a little everyday. To coin a saying that you and I know only too well - Fasbyt!

Regards

John

At 11:01am on December 28, 2007, Sidney Allinson said…: Hello, Gareth. It is a pleasure to see that you and I share interest in the history of Southern Africa, Europe, and North America. My particular emphasis is on past military events in those regions, which is the main focus of my writing. You might wish to ask your local public library to lend you a copy of my latest -- "KRUGER'S GOLD: A novel of the Anglo-Boer War."
Best Regards from sunny Victoria, BC