This coming Saturday, November 14th, 2015, I, along with an entire coastline of Dorset writers, will be at Dorchester Library and Learning Centre, for the Dorset Writers Network launch of their eBook, This Little World.
There will be publishing, writing and poetry workshops, and in the afternoon, Kate Kelly, Kathy Sharp and I, three members of Littoralis – local authors whose books are inspired by the sea -will be taking part in a discussion panel. I am looking forward to this immensely and have already sorted out my outfit … It may involve red.
Bookings for the day are being taken, and it’s a great opportunity for writers to get together, whether you’re thinking about putting pen to paper and are not sure where to start, you’re looking to refresh your current skills, or you’d like to spend the day in the company of other writers. It’s excellent value. Please see the poster below for the details.
We would love to see you there.
Contact details and me!
Books will be available for purchase, and I always have my signing pen ready, just in case …
What an honour it was to be at last night’s Bridport Story Slam, attending as a judge – my first time in this role as a writer.
Part of the Bridport Open Book, the event was held at the Beach & Barnicott, a wonderful, intimate grade II listed bar and restaurant in the centre of Bridport, Dorset. Supported by The Dorset Writers Network, the slam was organised by the lovely Frances Colville, and compared by Declan Duffy, a charming and humorous MC who ensured the proceedings were seamless.
Twelve brave souls entered the fray, and when their name was pulled from the hat, they stepped onto the stage and entertained us with stories no longer than five minutes each.
From the foreboding tale of Hide and Seek, to a plum fedora, and ending with the death of Cock Robin as told by the sparrow, I was delighted with the diversity of the new writers.
Kate Kelly, Penny Deacon & Laura James
With my two colleagues, Kate Kelly and Penny Deacon, I retired to the Judges Chambers to consider the verdict.
The winning story was A French Tale, a glorious, witty, well-observed account of a seven-nearly-eight-year-old girl’s burgeoning curiosity about the world around her. It was written and read by Wendy Breckon.
Writing for a slam is a different art form to that of writing for a mail-in competition. There has to be a performance at a slam. The reader has to put the physical energy and life into his or her words, get up in front of a room of waiting listeners, and entertain them. There’s something very traditional about that. Something familial. As if we’re snuggled around the fire in the warmest room in the house, holding our breath as our grandparents, mothers, or fathers tell us their greatest tales.
Wendy achieved this. Her descriptions put me right in the middle of her scenes and I could visualise the story from start to finish, and her delivery was divine. But had I received her tale to read for myself, it would still have worked – proof she had written a great story.
Many thanks to the organisers, performers, my able assistant, my daughter, who handled book sales, the venue and my fellow judges. It was an excellent evening and I hope a positive experience for everyone who took part.
It was Dorset Heritage weekend on the 14th and 15th September, and there were houses and places of historical interest open to the public for free.
We were attending Kate Kelly’s YA ‘Red Rock’ book launch on Saturday, an excellent event, so it was on Sunday we took a trip to Dorchester. We spent a fascinating afternoon touring the old Crown Court and underground cells.
The Tolpuddle Martyrs were tried in this very court and held in the dark, claustrophobic cells before and during the trials. It’s part of our rich Dorset history, which includes smugglers, a naval base, George the Third, the Olympics, and Thomas Hardy. Kathy Sharp and I, both Dorset writers, have been contracted for books that were inspired by our beautiful county.
Dorset inspires, from its landscapes to its buildings.
‘Truth or Dare?’ will be with you in October, and in the lead-up, I’ve been busy visiting places that feature in the story, and capturing them on camera. A photo tour will follow in due course.
There will also be the cover reveal. It is superb. Another Berni Stevens masterpiece.
