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A Brief Initial Report on our Saturday Writers’ Workshop
From Ray.
On Saturday the 24th September, a total of seventeen members and guests attended the Marsh Ink Writers’ Workshop, conducted for us by Peter Guttridge and held in the Old School New Romney, between 10am and 4.43pm.
With members and guests starting to assemble from nine-thirty, eager to be put through their literary paces by a master of the written word, the really serious stuff got under way at a little after ten.
Work started, with each member and guest discovering, in pairs, each others preferred genre for writing, their favourite authors, favourite books, hobbies and pastimes and then presenting this information verbally to the rest of the audience. This information received, digested and explored briefly by an increasingly amused and, occasionally bemused, audience, the mood for the rest of the day was established. So that between the humour behind many of Peter’s anecdotes and that generated by the members themselves, the physical written exercises set us throughout the day seemed hardly like work at all. Consequently, lunchtime came as a bit of a surprise, as did the huge spread of ‘Finger Buffet’ delicacies awaiting us in the back room and provided by Jean Parrett.
The afternoon session, specifically devoted to the more humorous side of writing comedy, was even more relaxed and entertaining than the morning’s, and four-thirty and the group photograph came far too quickly for all of us.
Ex ‘Marsh Ink’ member has first novel published.
Sally Tivey, once a long serving member of Marsh Ink, has had her first novel ‘Double Helix’ published. A
teacher at Primary schools in Kent, she has also taught Psychology at F.E colleges and at The Folkestone School for Girls. Married and with three children and two dogs to look after, Double Helix is her first full length novel to be completed and is available from the publishers Headleys of Ashford. www.headleysofashford.co.uk at £7.99 + £1.00 UK post / packing. ISBN 978-0-900443-19-0.
Short listed runner-up of MI short story competition has third novel launched, with fourth on the slipway.
Joe Stein was on the point of giving-up all idea of writing, together with any hope of ever becoming a published author when, almost in an act of desperation, he submitted his entry ‘Danny the Rat’ to the Marsh Ink 2001 short story competition.
The 2001 Competition, the third of four held over consecutive years, was possibly the best, as it had attracted well over two hundred entries from across the world and from as far away as Australia. With Local Mayors, Civic dignitaries, MPs and several established professional writers in attendance at Waterstones of Folkestone, the main prize winners, runners-up, highly commended and short listed entrants received their awards and certificates from the hands of the honoured guests. Drank wine, ate cheese and sausages from sticks, had their pictures taken with celebrities and rubbed shoulders with their professional peers.
In spite of being only one of ten short listed entrants and appearing at first a little isolated and out of his comfort zone, Joe soon became engrossed in conversations with the other amateur and professional writers present. Realising that, like him, many had been through the same highs and lows, Joe was inspired to continue writing and in 2004 had his first book ‘Cold Fire, Calm Rage’ published.
The last paragraph of a letter from Joe to our secretary that year and reproduced below, encapsulates completely the many advantages a writers’ group like Marsh Ink provides for its members and competition entrants.
“I know that the point of local writing groups is for like-minded local people who love writing to get together, but I also know that when they take the time not only to organise competitions which they allow others to enter, but also go to the trouble or arranging events such as the evening at Waterstones, the value they have extends beyond just the local effect.”
Note: Joe has since had another two books accepted for publication and has another on the way. RA.
New Members Welcomed.
The group meeting of the 12th October was well attended with eight existing and two prospective new members, Valery and Susan, with everyone either reading their variations on the three homework first lines set in September, or other examples of previous work. Naturally, more homework was set for those willing and adventurous enough to have a go at completing between 200 and 500 words on the subject of:-
“What would you have liked your ancestors to have been?”
Or any variations thereof, just in case I wrote it down incorrectly?
Report.
At our meeting on the 25th May 2011, our president Pamela Oldfield discussed and returned the entries she received in response to the competition she set the group last year.
Attached to each story Pamela had included her comments and any constructive criticisms about the story content, presentation and construction, all of which were greatly appreciated by those authors present. Unfortunately two entries were not identified due to the absence of their authors; however one has since been reunited with its owner, leaving only one unattributed and in need of a home. Without giving too much of the storyline away, it will no doubt be recognised by the fact that virtually all characters in the story share the name ‘Jameson’, so if the author recognises their work, will they please contact the secretary.
At some time in the future, and with all authors’ permissions, it is hoped that some of these entries will appear on this website.
Pamela kindly left a copy of her latest book,‘The Penningtons’ published by ‘Severn House’,with the secretary for circulation among the members and was in return presented with a bunch of flowers in recognition of all the work she does on our behalf. RA.
On Wednesday the 25th May 2011, Our president Pamela Oldfield will be guest of honour, and will be discussing the short story competition entries she received from members earlier this year, followed by a talk about writing in general. Also, since Pamela’s latest book ‘The Penningtons’ published by ‘Severn House’ is currently on sale in all major book shops, there is every likelihood that, if we twist her arm a little, Pamela may even reveal a few of its secrets. RA.
Visit Of Paul Bright.
Paul came to the meeting on 21st October 2009, to talk to us about his children's picture books and poetry. Paul is a past member of Marsh Ink and the members were very pleased to see him again. Everyone listened enthralled, as he shared his stories and told us about his journey to publication.
Paul explained how picture books were created, and shared useful tips about approaching publishers and agents. It was a very enjoyable evening. Marsh Ink wish Paul well with his writing. And we will all be looking out for future titles by Paul Bright in Little Tiger Press.
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