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LOOKING FOR: ADULT FICTION, NON-FICTION Amanda Preston has been a literary agent for over 20 years and co-founded LBA in 2005. She won the RNA Literary Agent of the Year award in 2018.  She represents commercial and reading group fiction, as well as a range of narrative non-fiction and memoir. She loves working with authors, championing them every step of the way, and works with them and their publishing teams to build them into brand names and award winning and bestselling authors in the UK and internationally. Whether commercial or reading-group, she loves innovative and well-written stories that hook her in from the start and whose voice stays with her. She is looking for novels that demand to be talked about and shared, whatever their genre, and that she is still thinking about days after finishing.  She is on the hunt for a high-concept thriller which is character and plot driven, but also has a discussable issue at its heart i.e Elizabeth is Missing by Emma Healey and Girl A by Abigail Dean. She love thrillers where the location is as integral to the plot as the crime i.e The Dry by Jane Harper and The Sanatorium by Sarah Pearse, and would love a good locked-room thriller but is only looking for fresh and unique ideas in this area.  She is also on the hunt for a glorious book club love story that is doing something a bit different and special i.e Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus or anything by Taylor Jenkins Reid or Liane Moriarty! Or smart, contemporary, observant romcoms with a very strong emphasis on diverse / own voices.  Finally, she would love a historical that vividly brings that period to life as well as having a stunning plot i.e, The Familiars by Stacey Halls and The Doll Factory by Elizabeth MacNeal. Amanda would like you to submit a covering letter, 1 page synopsis and the opening three chapters (max 5,000 words). (In addition to the paid sessions, Amanda is kindly offering one free session for low income/under-represented writers. Please email agent121@iaminprint.co.uk to apply, outlining your case for this option which is offered at the discretion of I Am In Print).  By booking you understand you need to conduct an internet connection test with I Am In Print prior to the event. You also agree to email your material in one document to reach I Am In Print by the stated submission deadline and note that I Am In Print take no responsibility for the advice received during your agent meeting. The submission deadline is: Friday 29 November 2024

Click to read more about this training, in which we demonstrate a live problem solving approach which is based on the active participation of family members. Course Category Inclusion Parents and Carers Behaviour and relationships Problem Solving Description In this training we demonstrate a live problem solving approach which is based on the active participation of family members. ‘Family Circles’ is an evolving new approach to problem solving with families and is based on our years of family work and the development and use of the Circle of Adults process. Inspired by our own Parent Solutions work and the Circle of Adults process as well as Family Group Conferencing and other Restorative Interventions we bring you Family Circles. Essentially the approach involves gathering a family together for a process that is facilitated but majors on the family members offering each other their wisdom and ideas. The approach is capacity focused, person centred approach to working with families rather than the dominant deficit oriented and ‘medical model’ of viewing and planning for or doing things to families. This training can be modelled with a group of professionals or better still with a family. In our work with families we develop the importance of naming stories or theories and seeking linkages and synthesis between what is found out and explored about the family situation and its history. We like participants to sit with the uncertainty, to reflect on the question ‘why’ but without judgement of each other. Deeper reflections may span a whole range of perspectives from ‘within person’ considerations, to situational or systemic possibilities. Health or emotional issues can be reflected on alongside organisational or transactional aspects of what is going on for the family. The better the shared understanding the better the strategy or actions which emerge from these meetings. Quality hypotheses with a close fit to reality lead to more effective implementation in the real world. We encourage ‘loose’ thinking, a search for connections, deeper listening, an ‘open mind’, speculation and exploration without moral judgements. From this stance self-reflection as well as reflection on the situation can produce remarkable insights. The quality of theories or new stories generated is directly influenced by family members’ experiences and the models of learning, behaviour and emotion, systems, educational development, change and so on that they have been exposed to.  Learning Objectives To provide opportunities for: Shared problem solving in a safe exploratory climate in which the family will find its own solutions. Individuals to reflect on their own actions and strategies An exploration of whole-family processes and their impact Emotional support and shared understandings of issues at a child, parent, family, school and community level. Feed back to each other on issues, ideas and strategies that are agreed to be worth sharing with them. Who Is It For? Anyone interested in working with families in a way that builds and makes use of their capacities rather than focus on their challenges and difficulties. Social Care teams School staff Community organisers Educational Psychologists Course Content True family empowerment Deepening shared stories and understandings Facilitating groups Problem solving process Handling family group communication Allowing direct feedback and challenge between participants in a safe way Building relationships Process: Family members are welcomed: Introductions are carried out, ground rules and aims clarified whilst coffee is drunk. A recap from the last session is carried out: To follow up developments and reflections after the last meeting. One issue is selected for the main focus Issue presentation: The family member who raised the concern is asked questions to tell the ‘story’ of the issue or problem. Additional questions/information from the group about the problem are gathered: Ground rules may need to be observed carefully here. Individual participants need to be kept focused and prevented from leaping to premature conclusions or to making ‘helpful’ suggestions about strategy. Relationship aspects to the problem are explored. Metaphors and analogies are invited. How would a fly on the wall see your relationship? If you were alone together on a desert island, what would it be like? Impact of previous relationships/spillage from one relationship to another are explored. Eg what situation they are reminded of? For instance, does this situation remind you of any of those angry but helpless feelings you had with your other son when he was an adolescent? This provides opportunities to reflect on how emotions rub off on other people. The parent feels really frustrated, and on reflection we can see that so does the child System/Organisation factors (Family system/school and community systems and so on): What aspects help or hinder the problem? For instance, does the pastoral system of the local school provide space, or time and skilled personnel able to counsel this young person and work actively with their parents? Synthesis. At this stage the Graphic facilitator summarises what they have heard. They then go on to describe linkages and patterns in what they have heard. This can be very powerful. The person doing the graphic work has been able to listen throughout the presentation process and will have been struck by strong messages, emotions and images as they have arisen. The story and meaning of what is happening in the situation may become a little clearer at this point. Typical links may be ‘mirrored emotions’ strong themes such as loss and separation issues, or repeated processes such as actions triggering rejection. This step provides an excellent grounding for the next process of deepening understanding. What alternative strategies/interventions are open to be used? Brainstormed and recorded. ’Either/ors’ need to be avoided at this time also. This needs to be a shared session in which the family member who is presenting the concern contributes as much as anyone. Care is needed to ensure that this person is not overloaded with other people’s strategies. The final selection of strategy or strategies from the brainstormed list is the problem presenter’s choice. Strategies might include: a special time for the young person, a meeting with the child’s parents to explore how she is being managed at home and to share tactics, a home-school diary, counselling, or an agreed action plan that all are aware of, agreed sanctions and rewards and so forth. Strategies may productively involve processes of restitution and restoration, when ‘sorry’ is not enough. Making it right, rather than punishments or rewards, may then becomes the focus. First Steps. The problem presenter is finally asked to agree one or two first steps which they can carry out over the next 3-7 days. It can help to assign a ‘coach’ who will check in with them to ensure they have carried out the action they have named. This is a time to be very specific. Steps should be small and achievable. The person is just ‘making a start’. A phone call, or making an agreement with a key other person not present at the meeting would be ideal examples. Final reflections. Sometimes referred to as a ‘round of words’ help with closure for all involved. Reflections are on the process not the problem. In large families this is best done standing in a circle. In smaller groups all can remain sitting. Passing around a ‘listening stick’ or something similar such as a stone or light heighten the significance of the process ending and improve listening. Finally the problem presenter is handed the ‘Graphic’ this is their record of the meeting and can be rolled and presented ceremoniously by the facilitators for maximum effect! If you liked this course you may well like: Parent Solutions

🌟 Unlock the Power of Narrative Proficiency Intensive! 🌟   Master the Art of Compelling Storytelling and Transform Your Approach to Selling with our Exclusive Online Course! Are you ready to captivate, engage, and influence your audience like never before? Welcome to the Narrative Proficiency Intensive, where storytelling meets sales mastery! This comprehensive course is meticulously designed to elevate your narrative skills and empower you with the tools to craft irresistible stories that sell.   📘 Here's a sneak peek at what you'll learn in each module: 🔹 Module 01: Introduction to Story Selling Mastery Lay the foundation for your storytelling journey and understand the art of persuasive narrative in the realm of sales. 🔹 Module 02 & 03: Fairy Tale - Once Upon A Time & Story Staircase Delve into the enchanting world of fairy tales, learning how to structure narratives and create compelling story arcs. 🔹 Module 04 & 05: Personal and Professional Story & Story Staircase Craft authentic, impactful stories from your personal and professional experiences, discovering how to resonate with your audience on a deeper level. 🔹 Module 06 & 07: A Story With A Lesson & Story Staircase Infuse your narratives with valuable lessons, mastering the art of teaching through storytelling while perfecting the staircase technique for building engaging tales. 🔹 Module 08 & 09: The Emotional Story & Story Staircase Harness the emotional power of storytelling, understanding how to evoke feelings and connect with your audience at an emotional level using the staircase method. 🔹 Module 10 & 11: Success Story & Story Staircase Learn the secrets behind crafting compelling success stories, building narratives that inspire action and drive results, employing the staircase technique for maximum impact.   💡 Benefits of the Narrative Proficiency Intensive: Unlock the secrets of storytelling to captivate and influence your audience. Gain confidence in crafting compelling narratives for personal and professional success. Elevate your sales game by mastering the art of story selling. Utilize the staircase technique for structuring impactful stories effortlessly. Transform your approach to communication and persuasion. Join us on this transformative journey and become a master storyteller capable of captivating audiences and driving sales with the Narrative Proficiency Intensive! Enroll now and embark on your path to storytelling mastery! 🚀✨ Course Curriculum Story Selling Mastery Program Introduction to Story Selling Mastery 00:00 Success Story - Story Staircase 00:00 The Emotional Story - Story Staricase 00:00 The Emotional Story 00:00 A Story With A Lesson - Story Staircase 00:00 A Story With A Lesson 00:00 Personal and Professional Story Staircase 00:00 Personal and Professional Story 00:00 Success Story 00:00 Fairy Tail - Story Staircase 00:00 Fairy Tail - Once Upon A Time 00:00

🌟 Unlock the Power of Storytelling in Sales with 'Narrative Persuasion Pro: Mastering the Art of Story-Based Selling' 🌟 Are you ready to revolutionize your sales game and become a master of persuasion? Introducing 'Narrative Persuasion Pro,' the definitive online course designed to equip you with the unparalleled skill of story-based selling. Craft compelling narratives that captivate your audience, forge deeper connections, and skyrocket your sales like never before. In this immersive course, you'll delve into: 📚 The Science Behind Stories: Understand why stories are the secret weapon in sales and how they influence human psychology. 📝 Crafting Compelling Narratives: Learn the art of weaving stories that resonate with your audience, evoke emotions, and drive action. 🎯 Targeted Persuasion Techniques: Tailor your narratives to specific demographics, personalize your approach, and boost conversion rates. 🔑 Mastering Engagement: Discover how to keep your audience hooked from the opening line to the closing pitch. 💡 Application in Diverse Settings: Adapt storytelling techniques for presentations, pitches, content creation, and more. 🚀 Elevate Your Sales Strategy: Implement story-based selling to enhance your brand, close deals faster, and leave a lasting impact on your clients. Led by industry experts with a proven track record in sales and storytelling, this course provides a comprehensive toolkit that will transform you into a persuasive storyteller. Join 'Narrative Persuasion Pro' today and: 🌟 Gain an edge over competitors by leveraging the art of storytelling in your sales approach. 🌟 Develop an arsenal of compelling narratives to influence and inspire action. 🌟 Watch your sales soar as you connect with your audience on a deeper, emotional level. 🌟 Elevate your professional brand and become a standout in your industry. Don't miss this opportunity to unlock the secrets behind successful storytelling in sales. Enroll in 'Narrative Persuasion Pro' now and become a master of the art of story-based selling! Enroll today and start transforming your sales strategy! Course Curriculum INTRODUCTION Introduction to Story Selling Mastery 00:00 STORY SELLING STAIRCASE STRUCTURE Fairy Tail - Once Upon A Time 00:00 Fairy Tail - Story Staircase 00:00 Personal and Professional Story 00:00 Personal and Professional Story Staircase 00:00 A Story With A Lesson 00:00 A Story With A Lesson - Story Staircase 00:00 The Emotional Story 00:00 The Emotional Story - Story Staricase 00:00

Join leading body shape expert and Personal Stylist Abbey Booth, founder of Stories With Clothes, to discover your Body Shape. Feel more confident and understand what suits your shape and why!

Discover fine-tasting, award-winning, ethical chocolate in Best of British craft chocolate tasting experience, celebrating craftmanship in British chocolate making.

Can You Hear It? Sound Effects - Help children develop their listening, visual and spelling skills.