Hi Mr Cornwell, I have just read a short article you wrote for the UK Writers’ & Artists’ 2010 Yearbook, “Notes from a Successful Historical Novelist”. What you had to say was so encouraging I wanted to get up from the kitchen table and cheer. I live in an Australian capital city which has a very strong State Writers’ Association, running loads of courses, workshops, classes, writers’ groups etc. In the past I’ve been told by some that I will never get anywhere as a writer here, unless I’m a member, which I found quite depressing and annoying. It isn’t that I think I am – or my work is – necessarily hot property (rather, I spend a lot of time alternately hopeful, scared and doubtful, but nevertheless I try). I’m just not a “joiner” and the thought of being part of a writers’ group makes me cringe. When I read what you had to say on the subject, I suddenly felt much less alone, in wanting to travel my own road (hope that makes sense). Just wanted to say thank you. All the best.
Audrey Wilson