Category: Writing
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Out today: OCD in the Raw by Sophie Parker-Jeal
OCD in the Raw, authored by Sophie Parker-Jeal, is now available as part of the nonfiction Nuggets collection. It candidly explores her experiences with obsessive-compulsive disorder, combining humour with serious topics. Released during OCD Awareness Week, it aims to reduce stigma and foster understanding, with proceeds benefiting OCD Action.
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Meet – Shelbe Moonbeam – author of Him and Them: A spicy tale of love and lust
Meet Shelbe Moonbeam today at Bragbury End Coffee Shop in Stevenage from 2.30pm to 3.30pm, where she will sign copies of her new book. This engaging, dyslexia-friendly read, part of Creative Hats Press’s collection, offers accessible adult fiction filled with romance and humour without excessive length. Join for coffee and conversation.
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Publishing With Purpose: Stories for Everyone
Creative Hats Press is committed to making books accessible and inclusive through its Publishing With Purpose approach. They will introduce stamps to signify conscious publishing choices, such as dyslexia-aware design and community involvement. This initiative honours the late writer Tricia Ramsay’s belief in accessible writing, aiming to open stories to more readers.
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Writers, Watch Your Inbox: Spotting Publishing Scams and Phishing Emails
Writers often receive unsolicited emails promising publication or representation, making them vulnerable to scams. Scammers can exploit emotional vulnerabilities by impersonating legitimate companies. It’s vital to check email addresses, scrutinise content for warning signs, and verify offers independently. Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication to protect personal accounts.
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Funded Creative Writing Courses with North Hertfordshire College
A new set of fully funded creative writing courses will be offered at North Hertfordshire College, starting the week of 7 September 2026. Three evenings are available: beginners and improvers, mechanics of writing and publishing, and experimental writing. Eligible learners aged 19+ can secure their spot by emailing kelly@creativehats.co.uk.
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Meet – Mina Mah – British-Kurdish author of Under the Mulberry Tree this Friday July 17th in London Kings Cross 7 to 8.30pm
Join Mina Mah for a Q&A and book signing event featuring her memoir, Under the Mulberry Tree. This powerful account of her life as a medic, activist, and freedom fighter highlights her journey from oppression to empowerment. Learn about her inspiring story and purchase a signed copy of her book.
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Guest Author Q&A: Meet Urban Fantasy Author Jay Neill
Creative Hats Press is excited to host British urban fantasy author Jay Neill for an online Q&A on 17th June at 6.45pm. Neill, known for his novels The Terminus of All Things and Curious Physiologies, explores imaginative themes where the ordinary meets the extraordinary, particularly in London’s hidden realms.
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Glastonbury for Book Lovers … A Hay Festival Volunteer Steward Experience
The Hay Festival, a renowned literary and arts festival in Hay-on-Wye, Wales, features diverse speakers, including Emma Thompson and Malala Yousafzai, in its 2026 programme. Volunteer steward Kelly Hatley shares her experiences vlogging, while the festival encourages support through its social media channels.
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Funded Creative Writing Courses with North Hertfordshire College
A new batch of fully funded creative writing courses has been announced at North Hertfordshire’s Stevenage Campus, with limited availability. The courses, designed by Kelly Hatley, will commence w/c 23rd March 2026. Interested individuals should email kelly@creativehats.co.uk to secure a place or request further information.
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Representation in Writing #EqualityDiversityStereotypes
Kelly Parker emphasises the importance of authentically incorporating diversity in writing, advising against tokenism and clichés. She suggests that characters should reflect the complexity of real-life identities rather than serve as symbols. Engaging deeply with diverse experiences, fostering nuance, and embracing discomfort can enhance meaningful representation in narratives.
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YA Guest Speaker Yasmin Rahman
Tonight, Yasmin Rahman, a celebrated young adult author, will be the guest speaker at a creative writing workshop at North Hertfordshire College. She will discuss creating authentic YA characters, addressing challenging themes, and her journey as a writer. Her novels highlight emotional depth and resonate with young adults, emphasising hope and connection.
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Promote Yourself Series: #AuthorPlatforms
Nicola Warner discusses the importance of creating an Amazon Author Central page and a Goodreads Author Profile for authors. Both platforms enhance credibility and readership engagement by allowing authors to showcase their works, share bios, and interact with readers. Clear steps are provided for setting up profiles on each platform.
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The London Book Fair 2026
For three years, Kelly Hatley has attended The London Book Fair, gaining valuable insights to enhance her work with Creative Hats Press. The event features numerous seminars covering vital issues in publishing, including AI’s role, emerging genres, sustainability, and diversity. The Fair is a key networking opportunity for industry professionals.
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Brilliant Club Tutoring
Why I Love Tutoring for The Brilliant Club By Kelly Hatley When I first started working with The Brilliant Club back in 2020, I knew it would be meaningful — but I didn’t realise just how transformative it would be, both for the young people I tutor and for me as a researcher and educator.…
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Funded Creative Writing Courses with North Hertfordshire College
New Courses Announced! Fully Funded! Limited Availability so do not delay and Email kelly@creativehats.co.uk to confirm your place or request more information. Start dates w/c 12th January 2026. What better time to start or re-ignite a new hobby/past time/profession than a new year! Kelly Hatley has been teaching for North Hertfordshire College for more than…
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Very Merry Christmas Market
Join us tomorrow at the Very Merry Christmas Market at Pioneers Nursery in Letchworth from 11am to 6pm for festive fun. Meet Father Christmas, enjoy seasonal treats, and shop local. Our stall will feature books and unique gifts for all. Support small businesses and embrace the Christmas spirit!
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Festive Celebrations This Evening
If you happen to be free this evening between 5.30pm and 7.30pm do come join us at North Hertfordshire College – Stevenage Campus (near Asda) to celebrate the launch of Snap! by Simon Makinde, to recognise and reward our Summer Writing Competition Winners and to chat all things books. We will have details about our…
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Creative Hats Summer Writing Competition 2025
Winners Announced! We are delighted to recognise five talented individuals in our Summer Writing Awards this year. Our yearly fun and free to enter competition took place over the summer, led by the prompt, twist. We originally had a poetry, flash fiction and short story award but decided to include a creative non-fiction and prose…
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Creative Hats 2025 Award
CALLING ALL WRITERS: Our Annual Creative Hats Writing Competition Is Now Open! This is your invitation to join the 2025 Creative Hats Writing Competition — open now and completely free to enter! This year’s single-word writing prompt is: twist. And we mean that in the most creative sense possible. A twist in the tale? A…
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Celebrating Literary Success and Giving Back with North Hertfordshire College
One of our Writing Groups raised over £500 for FeedUp Warm-Up homeless charity.