iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Dr Helen Murray Taylor @drhelenmtaylor.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

A4 cont. Then I use that supply for another event. It has worked out well for me so far. (Partly because it saves horrendous delivery costs to France for my own copies!) #WomenWritersNet

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Dr Helen Murray Taylor @drhelenmtaylor.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

A4 cont but none of these are insurmountable and the owners or managers of the shops are experienced and can give you great pointers. For book stock, if there is a surplus, I often ask to buy it at cost price so that I have my own supply rather than the shop return extras. #WomenWritersNet

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Dr Helen Murray Taylor @drhelenmtaylor.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

A4 #WomenWritersNet I've organised a few events by myself or in collaboration with bookshops. The challenges include, finding a willing bookshop, getting the word out so that you have an audience, estimating how many people are likely to turn up, refreshments for everyone, getting stocks of books...

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Dr Helen Murray Taylor @drhelenmtaylor.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

A2 #WomenWritersNet I've done a few festivals (The Bronte Women Writers Festival, WayWord in Aberdeen, Graduate Writing Festival at MMU) as a panelist or speaker. Really loved doing them. Scary sometimes but brilliant audiences. I've also done events for my novel and my memoir.

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Dr Helen Murray Taylor @drhelenmtaylor.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

A1 #WomenWritersNet Edinburgh has such a thriving scene. The International Book Festival but also loads of fabulous bookshops that regularly host events. If I lived there, I would be out every night!!

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Dr Helen Murray Taylor @drhelenmtaylor.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

A1 #WomenWritersNet I love the variety of events that you get at festivals and the buzz, but I also love going to more intimate readings, Q&As, launches. Because I don't live in the UK, I don't go to half as many as I would like.

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Dr Helen Murray Taylor @drhelenmtaylor.bsky.social · 22/01/2026

I’m so disappointed that I am going to miss this #WomenWritersNet #AuthorInterview with @lilydunn.bsky.social because I’m travelling. But I will definitely catch up on it later. If you’re free this evening at 6pm why not come along. I am sure it will be fascinatin.

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Women Writers Network @womenwritersnet.bsky.social · 15/01/2026

A6 #WomenWritersNet We're thrilled to be interviewing @lilydunn.bsky.social about her #Memoir #IntoBeing next week (Thurs, 22 Jan, 6pm GMT) as part of our ongoing #WomenWritersNet #AuthorInterview series.

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Dr Helen Murray Taylor @drhelenmtaylor.bsky.social · 15/01/2026

Thank you for another great chat. It always amazes me how quickly the hour passes. #WomenWritersNet

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Dr Helen Murray Taylor @drhelenmtaylor.bsky.social · 15/01/2026

Thanks, Tia. I'm really trying not to put so much pressure on myself. The joy of creating is why we do it, right.

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Women Writers Network @womenwritersnet.bsky.social · 15/01/2026

Thank you, Helen! I hope you'll like the novel. Meanwhile, yes, @lilydunn.bsky.social's #IntoBeing is superb. I couldn't recommend it more highly to writers and readers of #memoir.

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Dr Helen Murray Taylor @drhelenmtaylor.bsky.social · 15/01/2026

A6 #WomenWritersNet I still haven't read #Orbital by Samantha Harvey. It's been recommended to me so many times. Definitely one to read very soon.

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Dr Helen Murray Taylor @drhelenmtaylor.bsky.social · 15/01/2026

A6 #WomenWritersNet Looking forward to catching up on the interview with @lilydunn.bsky.social on @womenwritersnet.bsky.social next week. I'm gutted because I don't think I can make it on the day because I'm travelling. No wifi on easyJet.

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Dr Helen Murray Taylor @drhelenmtaylor.bsky.social · 15/01/2026

A6 #WomenWritersNet I'm excited to read @valeriavescina.bsky.social novel when it comes out later this year. I'm desperate to get my hands on a copy of #IntoBeing by @lilydunn.bsky.social. Sounds like essential reading for all #memoir writers.

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Dr Helen Murray Taylor @drhelenmtaylor.bsky.social · 15/01/2026

A5 #WomenWritersNet I'm hoping to do a couple of my own to tie in with the paperback of #lovelaydown. Our local English language bookshop, Massena Around the World, runs regular events so I'll definitely be attending some of those. Hoping to make one of the bigger UK book festivals this summer

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Dr Helen Murray Taylor @drhelenmtaylor.bsky.social · 15/01/2026

That's great. Mutual support is so helpful.

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Dr Helen Murray Taylor @drhelenmtaylor.bsky.social · 15/01/2026

It is brilliant to meet up with people in person. I'm really hoping that we can have a #WomenWritersNet meet-up somewhere in 2026!

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Dr Helen Murray Taylor @drhelenmtaylor.bsky.social · 15/01/2026

A4 #WomenWritersNet My plan is just to see the word count gradually creep up. Nothing more complicated or ambitious than that.

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Dr Helen Murray Taylor @drhelenmtaylor.bsky.social · 15/01/2026

I do that too, Valeria. Sometimes I even list the things I have already done just so I can tick them off!

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Dr Helen Murray Taylor @drhelenmtaylor.bsky.social · 15/01/2026

Is your accountability partner another writer? How does it work? Also, very impressed with writing straight away in the morning. I can hardly form a sentence (spoken) without coffee 😆

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Dr Helen Murray Taylor @drhelenmtaylor.bsky.social · 15/01/2026

A2 #WomenWritersNet It was all a bit too stressful. I'm trying to take a lighter approach and do things because I want to, not because I think I should. We'll see how long it lasts haha.

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Dr Helen Murray Taylor @drhelenmtaylor.bsky.social · 15/01/2026

A3 #WomenWritersNet I didn't intend to do it every day, I don't punish myself if I don't do it, but I do it most days because I love it. And the more I do it, the more I enjoy it. I'm hoping it will be the same for my writing. 3/3

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Dr Helen Murray Taylor @drhelenmtaylor.bsky.social · 15/01/2026

A3 #WomenWritersNet It's odd. I'm usually very goal orientated and driven, and feel like there is a right and a wrong way to do something. But something has changed. I'm using the same technique to get me in front of the computer as I am to get me on the yoga or pilates mat every day 2/3

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Dr Helen Murray Taylor @drhelenmtaylor.bsky.social · 15/01/2026

A3 #WomenWritersNet My main motivation at the moment is my characters. I honestly feel like they are nothing to do with me and I am just channelling them. I want to know what they are up to. And I think because I haven't set myself particular writing goals, it is weirdly helpful 1/3

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Sandy Bennett-Haber @sandybennett-haber.bsky.social · 15/01/2026

A3 #WomenWritersNet being part of a paid writing group is a real help. There is regular feedback, and it acts a bit like a 'gym membership' in terms of 'well I better do the work, I am paying either way.' This is the group I am part of. samblakebooks.com/writers-ink-...

samblakebooks.com

Writers Ink Online Writing Group

Writers Ink is a proven online writing coaching and mentoring community that I run with NLP and business coach, journalist Maria McHale. In Writers Ink we tackle all the mindset issues writers face…

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Dr Helen Murray Taylor @drhelenmtaylor.bsky.social · 15/01/2026

A2 #WomenWritersNet I'll definitely get back into it again soon. Part of the promotion that I love is doing in person events. I'm realising that 'brand' doesn't only mean social media (thankfully). I've got a couple of exciting opportunities that I hope come off around mental health and medicine 2/2

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Dr Helen Murray Taylor @drhelenmtaylor.bsky.social · 15/01/2026

A2 #WomenWritersNetwork To be truthful, I have taken a bit of a step away from promotion and the like for the last couple of months (last year was a bit of a saga). But my memoir, love lay down beside me and we wept, will be released in paperback later this year with @wiltonsquare.bsky.social 1/2

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Dr Helen Murray Taylor @drhelenmtaylor.bsky.social · 15/01/2026

Great, Sandy. I'm sure you will get there. Helps to feel accountable though, doesn't it! #WomenWritersNetwork

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Dr Helen Murray Taylor @drhelenmtaylor.bsky.social · 15/01/2026

A1 You know something, Rita, it is really working for me. Instead of getting stuck, I can plough on. I know that I love the rewriting stage so I'm not too worried how it reads at the moment. A real change for me. #WomenWritersNet

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Dr Helen Murray Taylor @drhelenmtaylor.bsky.social · 15/01/2026

Good plan, Valeria. Reminds me that my website update is well overdue!

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Dr Helen Murray Taylor @drhelenmtaylor.bsky.social · 15/01/2026

A1 cont #WomenWritersNet I've decided this is the best way to get a complete draft of my new novel written without feeling like I'm failing to meet my target. Then I can do the exciting bit which is the rewriting and editing.

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Dr Helen Murray Taylor @drhelenmtaylor.bsky.social · 15/01/2026

A1 #WomenWritersNet Hello! I've decided this year to be as laid back about my plans as I can be (the new relaxed me, haha). I want to write a little every weekday, without setting myself specific targets. I've got BE PREPARED TO WRITE BADLY written next to me so I resist the urge to rewrite as I go

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Women Writers Network @womenwritersnet.bsky.social · 15/01/2026

Are you new to #SkyChats or looking for guidance on how to attend tonight's #WomenWritersNet chat on #WomenWriters Looking Ahead (15 Jan, 6pm GMT)? Click the link below to read our how-to guide on chats. Our pro tip for tonight's chat? Refresh your page regularly to see new posts and comments!

womenwritersnetwork.com

How to Chat on Bluesky — Women Writers Network

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Women Writers Network @womenwritersnet.bsky.social · 15/01/2026

Only 1 hour to go till our @womenwritersnet.bsky.social #SkyChat on #WomenWriters Looking Ahead! Come join us for a lively discussion on preparing for the #Writing year while meeting fellow women writers. #WritingCommunity #AmWriting #WomenWritersNet

Image of white rectangle centered on wooden boards, overlaid with text that states: Join us for a #Skychat on Women Writers Looking Ahead on Thursday, 15 January, 6pm GMT. Follow #WomenWritersNet and @womenwritersnet for details.

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Women Writers Network @womenwritersnet.bsky.social · 16/12/2025

Today (16th Dec) as part of their celebration of #JaneAusten at 250 BBC Radio 4 is devoting a whole day of programmes to the author. Tune in shortly to hear Val McDermid and Kate Atkinson talk about when they first encountered her work. #WomenWritersNet #BBCRadio4 www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/...

bbc.co.uk

Celebrate Jane Austen’s 250th birthday on BBC Radio 4 and 4Extra with season of special programming

New programmes explore the life, legacy, and literary brilliance of one of Britain’s most beloved authors

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Dr Helen Murray Taylor @drhelenmtaylor.bsky.social · 20/11/2025

A6 #WomenWritersNet The paperback of #lovelaydown for sure. I’m working on something completely new at last and I’d love to get a decent draft ready by this time next year. Fingers crossed.

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Dr Helen Murray Taylor @drhelenmtaylor.bsky.social · 20/11/2025

A5 #WomenWritersNet I had a great reading year this year. Read quite a few books that I know will have a direct influence on my own writing eg It lasts forever and then it’s over by Anne de Marcken haunting, bizarre, infused with longing but also funny. Exactly my kind of read.

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Dr Helen Murray Taylor @drhelenmtaylor.bsky.social · 20/11/2025

A4 My best resource was my writing friends and family, not least #WomenWritersNet. Without encouragement and support I think I would have cracked under the pressure.

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Dr Helen Murray Taylor @drhelenmtaylor.bsky.social · 20/11/2025

A3 #WomenWritersNet The main challenge was that my publisher first went into administration and then went bust. Very stressful. Thankfully #lovelaydown was published and then picked up by Wilton Square Books. Coming out in paperback in 2026 so all good.

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Dr Helen Murray Taylor @drhelenmtaylor.bsky.social · 20/11/2025

A2 #WomenWritersNet How uplifting it was to do book events for my memoir. It covers tricky territory and there were tears (not all mine) but the main feeling after each event was gratitude and joy.

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Dr Helen Murray Taylor @drhelenmtaylor.bsky.social · 20/11/2025

A1 #WomenWritersNet After a bit of a saga my memoir #lovelaydown was finally published! I also wrote a piece for @womanandhome.bsky.social about what it is like to be sectioned under the Mental Health Act. The same piece is coming out in Woman’s Own on 16 December. uk.bookshop.org/p/books/love...?

uk.bookshop.org

love lay down beside me and we wept

Check out love lay down beside me and we wept - <p>love lay down beside me and we wept is Helen Murray Taylor's lyrical memoir of devastating mental illness.</p><p>Helen Murray Taylor was finding her ...

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Women Writers Network @womenwritersnet.bsky.social · 20/11/2025

We'll ask questions labelled Q1, Q2. Please answer using A1, A2. Be sure to make friends and keep chatting afterwards! #WomenWritersNet

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Women Writers Network @womenwritersnet.bsky.social · 20/11/2025

Welcome to Women Writers Chat! Please use the hashtag #WomenWritersNet in each of your posts so everyone can see your contributions.

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