Write Now! is a writers' group that meets in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, England twice a month.
Meeting - 3rd november 2009
Present: Tony, Nigel, Russell, Rosie, Barry, Eleanor, Carolyn, Julian, George
Chair: Nigel
News: Russell announced the (paid) publication of a short story in Telling Tales: Well done Russell. Rosie gave us details of her son-in-law's imminent MBE. Not literary, but good news all the same. Julian has a publisher reading his recently finished volume of Memoirs. Tony, with a nod to the imminent launch of The Ant-Lion, is booked to appear on the sofa with Lesley Dolphin, on BBC Radio Suffolk on the afternoon of the 23rd November, at 3.15pm. He also has a 'substantial piece' on the book earmarked by the East Anglian Daily Times.
AOB: Given over to the discussion of the Anthology, which Write Now! are hoping to publish in the first half of 2010. If you want to get involved in the project, email George or Barry
- We decided that the submission of pieces would be open to all members, whether they have paid the annual subscription or not.
- There were mixed opinions as to editing. Barry is against any form of editing, but Carolyn, George and Julian feel strongly that the same principles applied to work submitted at meetings should also be applied to anthology submissions. This doesn't imply making an editorial choice, but, as Tony pointed out, simply ensuring that grammar, punctuation, and content is of the highest standard.
- George is happy to do the design/typesetting side of things, since that is his profession(!).
- We need to get some work together so that costings and production methods can be finalised, to see if the anthology is a viable proposition. The task for the next meeting is set with this in mind.
- Other possibilities for finance and marketing were discussed, viz. Grants, Craft Fairs, Local Groups (WI, British Legion), Internet, Literary Festivals. Carolyn and Eleanor volunteered to investigate some of these.
Whatever the finer points, the Anthology is firmly in our minds as we approach the end of the year. There is a deadline of January 31st for content to be finalised, so we need to get cracking on those submissions.
Readings: The task for the meeting was for a 100 word piece with one of the themes: Letter; New Year; A Chance Meeting.
- Carolyn read a 'graphic' poem based on the shape of a kite.
- Rosie read a couple of pieces pertinent to the theme.
- George finished a story started at the last meeting, entitled Last Train.
- Tony read a couple of short pieces.
- Nigel had an extract from his ongoing novel, recently edited and polished, which was well received.
- Russell, ever the reluctant reader, brought a short story along for us to read!
- Barry had a short reminiscence of his Aunt Molly, which was both ribald and nostagic at the same time.
- Eleanor had reworked a spiritual poem from a past meeting, with an eye to an upcoming competition.
- Julian read a short anecdote inspired by a recent visit to Madeira.
Summary: The air in Woolpit was fresh, and clear of the recent 'whiff'. It had been raining, and the Village Hall was busy with indoor bowlers and local WeightWatchers. George and Barry got keys from the local repository and opened up. Wine was poured, chairs arranged and social chitchat commenced. Nine members braved the night, and our reward included a vibrant discussion on the possibilities of a group Anthology. Readings were generally short and well-received. There was a good mix of subjects and styles, as usual. Nigel chaired the meeting with a firm hand, before being called away to deal with a blackout back home. At 10pm we finished up, said our goodbyes and walked back out into the damp evening, slightly sad again that another meeting had ended, but looking forward to the upcoming excitement of Tony's book launch. Who knows what literary adventures await before the next gathering on the 17th?
George