The Writing Hall

25/07/2024

COVER REVEAL! Briony Marshall's new novel is all about girl empowerment, and lots and lots of crocheting!

A warmhearted and humorous read that also gives an insight into what being an 'influencer' is really like, day to day.

Release date: 30th July.

💖 COVER REVEAL! 💖
“What began as a tipsy round of ‘What’s your New Year Resolution?’ between three friends led to life-changing events for them all.

Eve, a barista and avid crocheter, pledged to put her energies into her hobby, so that it brought her a regular income.

Simone vowed to dump Jack, the lothario lawyer who had her further down on his list of priorities than she wanted to be.

And Jemma promised to pick up her studies, and the career path she’d always hoped for but shelved to work in a nightclub.

As they followed their plans, they couldn’t help but change as people. Would they realise their resolutions and still be friends by the end of it all?”
Hooked, coming 30th July 2024. 💖

08/07/2024

If you enjoy writing or you'd like to get started, this workshop will give you lots of support and prevent you from making mistakes.

If you are already a fledgling writer, this workshop could highlight some bad habits you may not even know you're applying to your work.

If you're just someone who loves writing and who loves books, come along to this relaxed, informative and fun session.

Delivered by author, editor, and publisher Diane Hall of The Writing Hall.

📅 27th July, 12.30pm
🏛️ Upton Village Hall, Harewood Lane, Pontefract

£10 per person, includes refreshments.



Book your place here:

First-time authors often commit the same sins when penning their debut masterpieces. This unique workshop will show you what to avoid.

22/04/2024

Still sharing industry secrets to this day. I'm such a bad 'un.

11/01/2024

A very interesting read!

The top ten key publishing trends for 2024 as told by publishing industry experts. Read to learn what to watch in publishing.

05/12/2023

Escapism at its finest. Great gift.

I’ve still got a few gift wrapped copies of my novels available after my Christmas event. 🎁 They’ve got bows, ribbons and tags … the works! (All books are also signed and hand wrapped by yours truly.) Drop me a DM if you’re interested, it seems a waste to unwrap them. They’d make smashing secret Santa gifts 🎅🏻 , or a fabulous surprise for the bookworm in your life! 📚 And right now I could get them posted out in plenty of time for Christmas! 🎄

10/09/2023

Do you enjoy writing stories and/or penning poetry? We're always looking for new people to join our writers' group. Enjoy a lovely lunch, too!

Calling all new and aspiring writers, join us for writing advice, support and solidarity!

11/08/2023

Loving our group of local writers, though there's always room for more.

Lots of help, support, tea and sandwiches, and great company on offer! If you're a fledgling writer and would love some inspiration and to be with like-minded people, why not come along?!

September 2nd, from 10:00am, at the Victoria Cottage Teamrooms, Ackworth.
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-literary-lunch-chapter-three-tickets-696581192097?aff=oddtdtcreator

04/08/2023

Are you, or will you soon be, at the stage where your book needs a thorough fettle (a good edit, in other words!)?

Self-editing is a fine art. Join me on November the 2nd for more information and tips to hone your editing skills.

Editing is often the hardest part of writing - what should stay, what needs improving, what should go. Join Diane Hall to find out how.

27/07/2023

Just a reminder for our next lunch on Saturday the 5th of August, in Ackworth.

If you're a closet writer, an openly aspiring writer, or a write-every-now-and-again-because-I-enjoy-it writer, come along to our next workshop. I'm sure you'll get something out of it that will help and inspire you.

https://www.facebook.com/events/792286615774596

02/07/2023

Held a literary lunch for budding authors yesterday, which was the first one in seven years (I've been busy!) :)

It was a lovely session with a group of talented and ambitious writers, and I'm pleased that the participants wanted to make it a regular thing (accountability is so important when you're trying to smash a writing goal!).

Thank you to those who came along - it was so lovely to meet some new people! - and I look forward to helping you further.

If anyone is interested in joining us on August 5th, comment below and I'll send you the relevant details.

30/05/2023

I've been wanting to resurrect my literary lunches for ages, but I've just never got around to it.

But now I have. Ta-da! :)

A writing workshop followed by a light lunch, for budding authors and poets looking to get their words in print

10/05/2023

After the super kind words from Janie Crow today and with all of the love that post has shown me as a result, I wanted to pop on and say thank you. ❤️ Pictured are both the things Janie mentioned. And what a happy accident that my wedding shawl and Unravelled compliment each other so nicely? 🥰
My novels are available from my .
(P.S: ‘The Briony Bundle’ is still available and offers you both my paperbacks for just £9.98! A bargain, if I do say so myself.) So welcome everyone, thanks for joining me on my author journey and happy reading! ❤️📚
Pattern: Climbing Rose by Janie Crow
Yarn: Stylecraft Yarns Special DK
Crocheted by: My amazing Momma. ❤️
Book: Unravelled by me available from The Writing Hall

26/04/2023

Author interview with Briony Marshall about her new book, ‘From Rags to Richie’.

27/03/2023

Does anyone still exclusively use a Kindle e-reader or similar?

How many of you have gone back to physical books in recent years, or did you never stop reading them?

Though digitalisation seemed to decimate the physical book market, statistics show that it’s bouncing back.

20/03/2023

20/03/2023

I've just been away for a week and read three books in seven days. One of the things I miss is devouring books like a reader; being an editor, it's difficult to step over the threshold onto the other side. Reading tends to feel like work and it makes the act much less enjoyable.

Or that's what I thought until last week. Maybe the issue is simply a lack of time and being unable to relax more than anything else.

There's no point to this post, I'm just musing. Here's a picture as compensation for the fact you won't get that minute or two back.

16/03/2023

Great recommendation!

March Book Club - Day 16

A Little Pick Me Up by Katie Portman

Anyone local to me is likely to have this one on their bookshelf already as it's written by none other than my good friend and fellow adoptee of Barnsley, Katie Portman.

In this book, Katie shares her experiences, wise words and thoughts on a myriad of topics, creating an uplifting, thought provoking and insightful book that will resonate with so many of you. She talks about all the emotions that, as women, we so very often feel challenged by; be it dread, fear, guilt, jealousy - they are all in their with her own experiences, tips on how to deal with them and quotes to take with you as you go about your day.

It really does do what it says, it's 'A Little Pick Me Up' that I recommend to any women that need a friendly, positive read in order to make sense of very 'normal' but often challenging emotions.

11/03/2023

Phrases that make you want to claw your eyes out in books.

I'll go first: 'they made their way to....' (I'm only on page 37 and they've made their way to somewhere three times already). Just say 'they went'!

Now you go.

10/03/2023

I've always wanted to put on a writing retreat, to somewhere quiet and idyllic, where it feels an absolute privilege to sit down and channel the appreciation of the environment into creative writing.

Would anyone be interested in this?

05/03/2023

It's lovely to see the happiness radiating from TWH author Sophie Mei Lan and her fiance, Rate My Takeaway's Danny Malin.

Sophie, author of 'Eat. Sleep. Control. Repeat.' (link to the book in the comments) has finally found her soulmate. The couple has announced that their first baby is on the way. Congratulations, you two!

He’s the star of Rate My Takeaway youtube channel and I’m the author of a book about eating disorders, he loves a kebab and a nap whereas I love being active and going on adventures, and eating plant-based food. He’s a former butcher whereas I’m a lifelong vegetarian who loves fitness. Our a...

05/03/2023

🚨 GIVEAWAY CLOSED! 🚨
Looking for the perfect cosy night in? A date with a book perhaps? Well I’ve got you covered!
To celebrate the release of From Rags to Richie 🎉 I’m giving away 2 of these fantastic Love Bundles! 💖
Each Love Bundle includes:
💖 Both of my novels!!! From Rags to Richie and Unravelled, in paperback!
💖 An exclusive Unravelled Red Heart Buddle, to keep those paperbacks warm and snuggly.
💖 A blanket, so you can snuggle down and get cosy.
💖 Sweet treats to set the mood and a nice mug (or two) of hot choc, to wash it all down.
All you have to do to enter is:
💖 Follow me! ✍️
💖 Like & Share this post. 👍
💖 Tag a friend or loved one who you also think deserves a Love Bundle (or tag yourself, there’s no judgment here for self love!)
Competition closes on Sunday 19th March 2023 at 11:59pm (GMT). Winners to be announced and contacted on Monday 20th March 2023.
Competition running across both my Instagram & pages. (You can enter on both.)
Competition Open Internationally. 🌎
Good Luck Everyone! Spread The Love! 💕
✨ T&Cs ✨
Per Instagram/ Facebook rules, this promotion is in no way sponsored, administered, or associated with Instagram/ Facebook Inc. By entering, entrants confirm that they are 13+ years of age, release Instagram/ Facebook of responsibility, and agree to Instagram's/ Facebook’s terms of use. Entrants must have a valid postal address and be willing to share this information so prizes can be delivered. Winners will be announced via a live video and contacted via DMs after the competition has closed. Briony Marshall and her team accept no liability for the loss or damage to prizes during transit, along with any custom or surplus charges that may occur. There is no cash alternative. No purchase necessary.

02/03/2023

So, it's World Book Day. A day publishers like myself enjoy as more people think of books than on other days of the year, and a day parents dread because they've got to find/make an outfit in which their child vaguely passes as a character in any form of media. I've been there. Thankfully, my kids are grown now, and I don't have to curse these 24 hours any more.

Here's a picture of a hastily put together attempt at Red Riding Hood for my youngest, when she was at primary school. It was essentially her usual school uniform, a random red cape I uncovered as I scavenged through her old dressing up box, and a basket and tea towel. I'd forgotten that it was World Book Day until 20 minutes before we had to walk out the door (which was typical).

01/03/2023

'From Rags to Richie' is now out in paperback! If you purchase both of Briony Marshall's rom-coms, in what I've nattily entitled 'The Briony Bundle', you'll receive a discount.

It's still winter outside, i.e. dark and dismal (well, it is where I am), so why not curl up with The Briony Bundle, a mug of hot chocolate, under a snuggly throw?

You know you want to.

To celebrate Briony Marshall's newest release, we're offering both of her titles (Unravelled and From Rags to Richie) for a special price if bought together. Purchasing The Briony Bundle will see you receive both of these heartwarming, funny stories at a 15% discount. Escape from the stresses and st...