The Herald - The Herald Magazine
New partnership with publishing firm Mighty Pens could help you join your literary heroes
SIR Walter Scott is one of the legends of Scottish literature. Without him we would never have met Rob Roy, Ivanhoe, Quentin Durward and countless other great characters. Then there’s Muriel Spark, Alexander McCall Smith and Ian Rankin. Aren’t we grateful that they put pen to paper and didn’t talk themselves out of it until some other time – the eternal ‘tomorrow’.
What about you? There are many of us who would like to write a book – a novel, or even a short story. Among us there are people who have a great fictional tale inside them, an interesting life story or perhaps an interest in birds of prey, historic buildings, or celebrations of Scottish life.
The Herald has been a champion of literature for many years and we are teaming up with Mighty Pens to encourage writers of all standards to forget about ‘tomorrow’ and start writing – today.
Mighty Pens was formed by a team of experienced writers, editors and publishers to help others achieve their dreams, and to help veteran family members record their lives for future generations.
Team leader Bernard Bale said: “We began Mighty Pens for two reasons – we love words and want to encourage people to enjoy expressing themselves. Also, we have heard stories of people being cheated by businesses posing as publishers and charging thousands of pounds to publish a book, the final product being a box of about 30 paperback books and that is it. That kind of practice not only tarnishes the publishing world but destroys the joy of having your work in print. So, we decided to provide a transparent alternative with genuine publishing, coaching from professionals and a social service for writers of all standards and genres.”
Mighty Pens produces books in many different ways from basic publishing for family and fun to commercial publishing including marketing, publicity and distribution. The books can be hardback, paperback,e-books and audio books. The audio books can even be read by a chosen celebrity.
Mighty Pens also has a coaching facility for both hobbyists and careerseekers. The team of editors and writers are all seasoned professionals and are available for one-on-one courses or group coaching.
The possibilities are enormous since Mighty Pens can help you with novels, short stories, full-scale non-fiction books and articles, script-writing, song writing, press and marketing work, website copy, poetry and just about anything else that requires writing.
The Mighty Pens’ Membership Scheme provides social interaction, coaching and many discounts. There are also Writers’ Getaways in which writers can spend time with other writers in beautiful parts of Britain and enjoy workshops. In addition there are Mighty Pens Writers Holidays taking writers and readers in the footsteps of their favourite writers including Agatha Christie, Jane Austen and William Shakespeare in Britain to Ernest Hemmingway in Spain and Ian Fleming in the Caribbean and
Rudyard Kipling in India.
The Herald is able to offer a discount on all the activities of Mighty Pens. You can publish your book, take out a membership or engage for a coaching course, getaway or holiday and you will be able to benefit from a 20% discount.
Browse mightypens.co.uk and then email for further advice. Just mention HMPP in your message for priority information.
Bernard Bale leads the team. He has been writing since he was first paid for freelance local paper items back in 1960. He has experienced every kind of journalism you can think of except front-line war correspondent. He has interviewed a whole galaxy of figures from the royal family and the biggest of stars of music and entertainment to murderers and some of the best known crime figures of recent history. He has won a number of awards and also received accolades for his BBC radio and TV appearances. With more than 30 books, publishing and editorship of many newspapers and magazines, he leads the Mighty Pens team from the front.
“Someone told me that they believe I have written more than 25 million words through the years,” he said. “I apologise for inflicting all that on everyone! I have been attracted to words since I could first read. Through books you can journey everywhere, experience anything or simply
escape from the trials of life. If you are the one creating those experiences then you can be delighted that you are making a contribution to the betterment of someone else’s life.
“I love to see people having their dreams fulfilled and many people tell me that they would love to write but just can’t. I fully understand what they are saying but in reality everyone has the ability to tell a story – writing it can produce a fear factor, a fear of making mistakes or a fear of rejection.
“Don’t fear. Everyone makes mistakes and as for rejection, write it for yourself and if others like it too, that’s a bonus.
“We understand all these feelings at Mighty Pens and we are happy to help.”
Keith Wyness – best known as chief executive at Aberdeen FC, Everton and Aston Villa – is also a leading member of the Mighty Pens set-up – and he is no stranger to writing.“I have written scripts and books of my own as well as heading up PR and commercial divisions for people like British Airways and the Sydney Olympics. I too like words and I like to see people expressing themselves and simply taking great pleasure from writing or reading. That’s what Mighty Pens is all about, the wonder of words.”
Alex Norton is no stranger to readers, but did you know that he is also an awardwinning script-writer? He is also on the Mighty Pens team. “It’s all about talent,” said Alex. “Everyone has at least one talent and some have many that they don’t even know about. Mighty Pens is in part about helping people to discover their talents and helping them get the best from those talents.”
Mica Bale hit the headlines when she was just 12 as Britain’s youngest sport reporter. Now a few years later she is a successful editor, writer and author but knows what it is like to be a young person trying to make their mark in the world of words. She is also a key member of the Mighty Pens team.
The closing date is February 16 at noon. There will be three winners selected by the Herald-Mighty Pens panel. Prizes include
* A personal appraisal by one of Mighty Pens award-winning coaches
* Mighty Pens Membership for a year * Your work appearing on The Herald website
* Your work appearing in Mighty Pens Magazine
* A Mighty Pens coaching course of your choice
Don’t put off to what could be one of the best adventures you have ever had.
Editor’s decision is final.