Norwich Writers' Circle's The Write Stuff Blog

Descriptive Language Workshop

2012-01-20T17:49:00.000Z

17^th January 2012

Andrew Brammer’s enthusiastic explosive opening to his storytelling workshop “It’s Alive” set out to help us to develop and enrich the descriptive elements of our writing. It proved to be an exciting and entertaining experience bringing alliteration, assonance and onomatopoeia, metaphor, simile and analogies to intensify the effect of oral storytelling to his audience. These tools transferred to the written page allow us to imagine for ourselves the constructive layers that paint a landscape of the senses within the stories that we create.

An evening of humorous storytelling by Andrew Brammer on Friday 23rd and Friday 30th March 2012 at 8pm at the Forum. Tickets available from Theatre Royal Box Office 01603 630000

New Look NewPlays.org.uk

2012-01-14T08:58:00.001Z

Norwich Writers' Circle committee member James Dimelow has recently relaunched his website.

Since 2004 NewPlays.org.uk has showcased the best new plays, playwrights, theatre companies and writing festivals.

In addition to the main website gaining a new look, the NewPlays family now includes a Twitter account and YouTube channel, to further enhance your online experience.

For more information, please visit NewPlays.org.uk.

Descriptive Language Workshop

2012-01-05T14:44:00.000Z

Don’t forget that we begin the New Year on 17^th January with Andrew Brammer’s workshop “It’s Alive.” Andrew intends stimulating our minds to enliven our stories by using more descriptive language.

Spelling Mistake

2012-01-05T14:43:00.002Z

Due to technical difficulties with our website we are unable to make corrections on the on-line programme where Peter Mieville’s surname has been misspelled with an e (Mievelle). We apologise for the mistake and hope that we will be able to address this error in the near future. Meanwhile we look forward to Peter’s talk on Charles Dickens on 3^rd April and his adjudication of Competition 5: “Charles Dickens Story” on 19th June.

Christmas Party

2011-12-15T20:28:00.001Z

The Christmas Social held at St. Anne’s Church Hall on Saturday 10th December proved to be a great success. Over twenty members attended and although the catering was over enthusiastic the food was varied and festive. A different slant on our ‘Pictionery’ quiz with Norfolk village names instead of book titles was really popular. There was plenty of opportunities for members, both old and new, to mingle and get to know one another. Certainly the general agreement was that this was something we should repeat and the Summer Social will be an event to look forward to.

Christmas Social 2011

2011-12-08T19:12:00.000Z

Christmas Social

Saturday 10th December 2011

3.30 – 7.30pm

at St Anne’s Church Hall, 115 Colman Road, Norwich NR4 7HF

Please bring food contribution and a raffle prize.

Everyone welcome.

Results of Competition One: A Horror Story

2011-12-08T19:03:00.003Z

Tuesday 6th December 2011

Results of Competition One: A Horror Story

Adjudicator, Joseph Freeman, judging the twelve entries said that the overall quality was very pleasing. He gave a comprehensive critique on each story adding that the authors should not be downhearted by any comments as these were intended to improve the writing.

General points to remember
1. Presentation is very important. Do not have overly large
margins. Ensure you do not run out of ink.
2. Clarity of prose; avoid over use of complicated writing
language. Keep it simple

Results

First

“Horror in the Place de la Concorde” by Sally Newton.

Search for a missing sister with clues read from a diary and subsequent hallucinations after buying an old necklace.

Second

“Santa’s Little Helper” by Neil Walker.

A creepy tale of a child’s search for kindness in Santa’s Grotto with elements of black humour.

Tied at Third

“Talon” by Victoria Bartlett

A pendant helps a bullied child seek revenge.

“Change of Face” by Mickey Dann.

Gift of zoo trip intended to wreck havoc on the life of a plastic surgeon.

Two Special Mentions

“A Christmas Ballad” by Alex Sykes

“For a Friend” by Joanne Watkins

A spine-chilling evening’s entertainment.

Joseph Freeman

2011-11-25T19:28:00.000Z

Don't forget Joseph Freeman is adjudicating competition 1: Horror Story on December 6th.

Problem with Website

2011-11-21T22:16:00.000Z

It appears that we are not able to access our website, in fact nobody seems able to view The Norwich Writers' Circle website. However, it is possible to access the blog direct, so if you are able to read these posts perhaps you can pass on the message that we are aware of the problem and we are trying to rectify it.

Joseph Freeman Horror Story Competition

2011-11-16T14:30:00.000Z

Anyone attending "As the Nights Draw In" an Evening with Joseph Freeman, on 4th October 2011 will know they're in for a treat when he returns on 6th December 2011 to adjudicate the first competition, a horror story, of our new programme. Not only did he set out the guidelines giving tips and details of how to write horror stories but he gave us an insight into the pleasures of writing the horror genre and the inspiration one has to generate for oneself.

Manuscript Evening

2011-11-16T14:08:00.000Z

The new arrangement for the manuscript evening was tested last night (15 November 2011) in the Sexton room at the Assembly House. Members and visitors were divided into small groups so that more people were able to read their work and discuss each others writing. It was agreed that the time flew by as it was so enjoyable and we actually over ran the intended allocated time limit.

Manuscript Evening

2011-11-10T21:15:00.000Z

Tuesday 15th November we will be trying out a new table arrangment for the manuscript evening in the hope that more people will be able to read during the evening.
Visitors welcome.
Remember to bring something to read; a script, story, poem or chapter of novel etc.

An Evening with Louis de Bernieres

2011-11-01T23:45:00.001Z

Best selling author Louis de Bernieres opened his talk by saying he wasn't nice to come and talk to other writers. As writing leads to a solitary life and it was nice for him to get out.

There followed a relaxed and informal evening with a question and answer session; covering inspiration, agents and many writing problems. He said it was essential to visit places you're writing about, to absorb the atmosphere, local environments and historical events. Stressing the need for good reading material he said, "Junk food for the mind is as bad as junk food for the body." He believed that whatever happens to you in life is good research for writing.

He was thanked for a thoroughly enjoyable evening.

Louis De Bernieres Room Change

2011-10-27T19:30:00.001+01:00

On the 1st November Captain Correlli's Mandolin author Louis De Bernieres will be visiting Norwich Writers' Circle.

We will meeting in The Hobart Room, instead of The Assembly House's Sexton Room.

Be sure to arrive early for what will is bound to be one of our most popular meetings in the current programme.

Reading & Writing

2011-09-19T16:16:00.001+01:00

Thanks to everyone who has read and supported this Blog since its inception in 2009.

Keep watching this space, as well as following Norwich Writers' Circle on Twitter and YouTube, to hear all our latest programme details, member news and much more.

Please visit norwichwriters.org.uk for more on our friendly, welcoming and ever-growing writing group.

Complete Works

2011-09-17T08:28:00.008+01:00

All the poems featured in our online Poetry Season are now available to listen to one handy playlist.

To listen to all of this year's poems, please go here.

Twitter 350

2011-09-15T18:18:00.000+01:00

Norwich Writers' Circle now has over 350 followers on Twitter.

To discover how to join us online, please go here.

Open Reminder

2011-09-13T18:18:00.001+01:00

Our 2011/2012 programme, which begins with an Open Evening, is now only a week away.

Entry to the 7.30pm meeting, to be held in The Assembly House's Sexton Room, on Tuesday 20th is free. This meeting gives an opportunity for the Circle to introduce itself, and to hear a selection of both members and visitors work read aloud.

We recommend that any manuscripts featured next week are no longer than 500 words and/or 10 minutes in length.

Everyone is more than welcome to our friendly writing group - reading aloud is not compulsory.

For more information of this year's upcoming meetings, including visiting writers and more, please visit norwichwriters.org.uk.

Time Lines

2011-09-11T10:10:00.002+01:00

Our online Poetry Season concludes today with Time Lines by David Underdown.

David previously won our Open Poetry Competition, and this is the title poem from his recently published first collection. To order the book please go here.

For more information on our current Poetry Competition please visit norwichwriters.org.uk/poetry.

To hear our latest poetry upload click here.

Dead Good

2011-09-08T17:27:00.000+01:00

Our YouTube video featuring the theme tune of ITV police drama Taggart has seen its popularity grow once more.

The film, which was created to celebrate programme creator Glenn Chandler's visits to Norwich Writers' Circle in October and December 2010, has now been watched over 2,500 times.

To view the video please go here.

2012 Poetry Trailer

2011-09-06T17:47:00.001+01:00

Our YouTube channel is now showing a promotional trailer for Norwich Writers' Circle's Open Poetry Competition 2012.

Please go here to watch the short film, or why not check out norwichwriters.org.uk/poetry for more Competition information.

Twenty Miles

2011-09-04T12:12:00.001+01:00

Our online Poetry Season continues today as we give you the opportunity to listen to Twenty Miles by Oliver Bernard.

To hear the poem please go here.

Visionary

2011-08-31T17:47:00.000+01:00

Our YouTube channel's success continues.

Since its launch in Summer 2010, Norwich Writers' Circle's online video channel has now been viewed over 2,500 times.

Check out youtube.com/norwichwriters for more.

Letton Hall

2011-08-29T12:12:00.003+01:00

Between 19th and 22nd September, you are invited to come and join professional authors Nick & Claire Page for a taster programme in Creative Writing at Letton Hall, near Thetford.

The 3 night retreat is designed to give you the skills, space and inspiration to get creative. Whether you are an absolute beginner or an experienced writer, everyone is welcome.

For more information on the course, please visit lettonhall.org.

Everyday Eclipses

2011-08-28T14:14:00.000+01:00

Everyday Eclipses by Roger McGough is the next poem to be featured in our online Poetry Season.

Please go here to listen to the poem.

Twitter 300

2011-08-25T18:58:00.000+01:00

Norwich Writers' Circle now has over 300 followers on Twitter.

To discover how to join us online, please go here.

Poetry Postal

2011-08-23T17:47:00.001+01:00

The postal address for our 2012 Open Poetry Competition has been announced.

Please send your entries to:

Norwich Writers' Circle
Open Poetry Competition Secretary
1 Stannard Road
Norwich NR4 7JD
ENGLAND

More information on our ever-popular competition can be found at norwichwriters.org.uk/poetry.

Good luck!

Busy With Many Jobs

2011-08-21T08:58:00.000+01:00

Our online Poetry Season continues today with Busy With Many Jobs by Tadeusz Różewicz.

To watch the video poem please go here.

Assembly House Art

2011-08-19T17:47:00.001+01:00

Norwich Writers' Circle's regular meeting venue, The Assembly House on Theatre Street, is holding an Art Show which features new work by more than 150 artists from Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire, until the end of the month.

Flying Colours: Fascinating Forms has been receiving rave reviews, with the Eastern Daily Press commenting: “The Georgian gem in the heart of Norwich is suddenly reborn as a major gallery via an event which aims to be the region’s answer to the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition”.

This major new contemporary art exhibition is attracting over 200 people a day, and continues until Wednesday 31st August. The art show is open from 9.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Saturday, and 11.30am to 4.00pm on Sundays. Admission is free.

Voewood Festival

2011-08-17T17:47:00.001+01:00

This year sees the first Voewood Festival.

The event, described as the literary garden party of the year, takes place over the weekend of 27th to 29th August at a house in High Kelling, voted the best in the region in this year's England Favourite House Awards.

Amongst the weekend's numerous highlights are appearances by historian Dan Cruickshank, Man Booker prize winner DBC Pierre, ex-MI5 boss Sir John Scarlett, plus The King's Speech authors Mark Logue and Peter Conradi.

Musical highlights include Beth Orton, David McAlmont, Glen Matlock and Adam Ant.

For more information please visit voewoodfestival.com.

2011/12 Programme

2011-08-15T22:22:00.000+01:00

Our full 2011/12 programme is now available online.

Norwich Writers' Circle will meet again on the 20th September for one of ever-popular free Open Evenings. Highlights for the following weeks include an evening with horror writer Joseph Freeman and a visit from best-selling author Louis de Bernières.

Along with welcoming other authors to our ever-growing writing group, we will also be hosting our popular Manuscript Evenings and holding several in-house competitions.

Our first meeting, on 20th September, will be an Open Evening. The free evening will be a chance for the Circle to introduce themselves to new members and visitors.

Further details of the programme can be seen here.

We look forward to seeing you at The Assembly House.

Men Talk

2011-08-14T12:12:00.001+01:00

Men Talk by Liz Lochhead is the next poem to feature in our online Poetry Season.

Watch the video on YouTube by going here.

Wymondham Words

2011-08-12T20:20:00.001+01:00

The Wymondham Words Festival returns next month.

The event's 2nd year, which runs from Friday 16th to Sunday 18th September, features a weekend of readings, conversation and music set in the beautiful and historic South Norfolk market town.

Amongst the weekend's highlights is evenings with George Szirtes and Heidi Williamson. The weekend also sees our current Open Poetry Competition adjudicator Helen Ivory host a writing workshop on the Saturday.

Please visit wymondhamarts.com for more Festival info.

Murder City

2011-08-10T17:37:00.001+01:00

The popularity of our YouTube video featuring the theme tune of ITV police drama Taggart has continued to grow.

The short film, created to celebrate programme creator Glenn Chandler's visits to Norwich Writers' Circle in October and December 2010, has now been watched over 2,000 times.

To view the video please go here.

Twitter 250

2011-08-08T17:57:00.000+01:00

Norwich Writers' Circle now has over 250 followers on Twitter.

To discover how to join us online, please go here.

The Shout

2011-08-06T14:14:00.000+01:00

As part of our ongoing online Poetry Season we are proud to feature Simon Armitage's The Shout.

To listen to the poem please go here.

Visiting Writers Celebration

2011-08-04T20:20:00.000+01:00

Our YouTube channel has been updated to include a video featuring all the visiting writers from our most recent programme.

Amongst the writers featured in the short film are Martin Figura, Paeony Lewis and Glenn Chandler.

To watch the film please go here.

Programme Start

2011-08-02T17:57:00.004+01:00

The beginning of our 2011/12 programme has been announced.

Norwich Writers' Circle will meet again on the 20th September for one of ever-popular free Open Evenings. In the weeks that follow we will be holding a evening with horror writer Joseph Freeman and welcoming best-selling author Louis de Bernières, along with a lot more to be announced.

Details of our complete programme will appear here during our annual Summer break. Watch this space for more details.

Refrigerator 1957

2011-07-30T14:54:00.000+01:00

Our Summer Poetry Season belatedly begins today with Refrigerator 1957 by Thomas Lux.

Please go here to watch the video poem.

Skylight Press

2011-07-28T17:47:00.001+01:00

A new small press is looking for talented British writers to publish.

Skylight Press publish literary fiction, poetry, drama, and non-fictions titles, and our looking for submissions via e-mail.

To discover more about Skylight, please visit them online.

Make An eBook

2011-07-26T18:18:00.000+01:00

One of Norwich Writers' Circle's online friends Michael Boxwell has recently published Make An eBook.

The book, aptly described as the complete handbook for creating, marketing and selling eBooks successfully, is available from here.

We whole-heartily recommend this book for all NWC members, and Blog readers, who are looking to sell their books online.

Summer Poetry

2011-07-17T09:19:00.001+01:00

In conjunction with our recently launched Open Poetry Competition, this Summer sees our own online poem celebration.

Every weekend, for the next 7 weeks, we will be uploading some of the best comtemporary poetry to our popular YouTube channel for you to experience and enjoy.

For more information on how to enter our OPC please go here.

Open Poetry 2012

2011-07-16T09:49:00.000+01:00

Our 2012 Open Poetry Competition has been launched.

The competition - Norwich Writers' Circle's 41st - has the following prizes in the Open Category:

1st

£300.00

2nd

£150.00

3rd

£75.00

In addition to the main prizes, we also have sponsored ones for Minimalist and Humorous poetry, plus another on The Family.

The competition closes on the 21st February 2012, and this year, as previously announced, will be judged by Helen Ivory.

A prizegiving evening, featuring adjudications and readings, will then take place on the 17th April 2012 at The Assembly House. This evening also sees the launch of the Competition's Anthology, which will be able to be purchased from the night onwards.

To read the Competition rules and much more, please visit the dedicated section of our main website by going here.

Assembly House Twitter

2011-07-14T16:16:00.000+01:00

Norwich Writers' Circle's regular city centre meeting venue, The Assembly House, is now tweeting.

To hear all the latest news from the popular Grade I listed Georgian building, please go here.

Forthcoming Attractions

2011-07-12T14:14:00.006+01:00

Norwich Writers' Circle is currently on its annual Summer break. Our writing group will meet again in September, when our 2011/12 programme starts.

In the meantime, this Blog will be updated and include information on forthcoming meetings, along with all our regular member news, and the launch of our annual Open Poetry Competition. The OPC launch will also be complimented by Norwich Writers' first online poetry season.

Watch this space for all the latest NWC news.

Anne Thanks

2011-07-10T09:59:00.002+01:00

Last Tuesday's AGM & Prize-Giving Evening saw our long-standing Chairman, Anne Funnell, step down from her role.

Anne has now sent the below message to us:

Dear All

I was overwhelmed by the magnificent bouquet presented to me on the occasion of my resignation from the post of Chairman of the Norwich Writers' Circle. There were so many that the flowers filled two vases.

The card signed by various members of the Circle was very touching and even more wonderful was the Waterstone's voucher which was totally unexpected and will be carefully preserved until the right book is chosen.

Thank you all very much

Anne Funnell

Summer In The City

2011-07-08T17:47:00.000+01:00

A video featuring a selection of images from our recent Summer Social is now available to watch on our popular YouTube channel.

To watch the short film please go here.

AGM And More

2011-07-05T22:44:00.006+01:00

Norwich Writers' Circle's AGM took place this evening.

This well-attended meeting also included our annual prizegiving, which acknowledges Circle members' successes in the various group competitions held throughout the year.

The prizes awarded tonight were:

The Ivy Ferrari Trophy
1st

Maureen Nisbet

2nd

Sally Newton

3rd

Phyllida Scrivens

The Competition Cup

1st

Mickie Dann

2nd

Sally Newton

3rd
Maureen Nisbet

The Colin Sutton Cup for Humour

1st
Sally Newton

2nd
Joanne Amos
3rd
Anne Sanderson

Sadly this evening's meeting also saw Anne Funnell, our Chairman, step down after several years in the role. Anne's efforts were recognised by all Norwich Writers' Circle members in a presentation of a gift, along with some flowers.

We next meet in September, following our annual Summer break.

Details of our new programme, including competitions and visiting writers, will be announced on this Blog in the weeks ahead.

We hope to see you later on in the year.

Flash Mob

2011-07-03T09:29:00.000+01:00

Following the Flash Mob which descended on The Norfolk & Norwich Millennium Library on 5th June, a video of the event is now available to watch online.

Please go here to watch the mob in action, including Norwich Writers' Circle member Anne Sanderson.

Agnes & Walter

2011-07-01T18:18:00.000+01:00

Norwich Writers' Circle committee member Elizabeth Taylor can currently be seen on stage in Smith dancetheatre's Agnes & Walter

The show, inspired by The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty, is currently being performed in Norfolk this July, before heading to the Edinburgh Festival during the Summer.

More about the theatre production can be found on the show's official website here.

Rate My Story

2011-06-29T20:20:00.000+01:00

A new website has been launched giving authors and writers the opportunity to gain quick easy feedback on their work.

Check out ratemystory.net for more information.

David Underdown

2011-06-27T17:57:00.006+01:00

Congratulations to one of our previous Open Poetry Competition winners, David Underdown, who has recently had his first full collection published.

Copies of the Time Lines are now available from the publishers, Cinnamon Press, or via Inpress Books.

To discover more about David please visit his official website.

Our latest poetry competition will be launched this Summer. Watch our websites for more information in the coming months.

Summer Fun

2011-06-25T22:22:00.006+01:00

Norwich Writers' Circle held its annual Summer Social today.

The afternoon/evening event proved popular with many in our growing writing group attending, and then enjoying the relaxed atmosphere of St Anne's Church Hall. The social also saw the opportunity for members to informally catch up with one another before our forthcoming Summer break.

We next meet on the 5th July, for our final meeting of our current programme. We will back at The Assembly House for our AGM and Prize-Giving Evening. Everyone is welcome.

Webmaster Wanted

2011-06-23T18:18:00.011+01:00

Following James Dimelow's surprise decision earlier this week to step down from being our webmaster, we are currently looking for someone to maintain our internet presence.

During James' tenure he has not only revamped our main website, he has also introduced this Blog, along with our Twitter and YouTube services. He has decided to no longer hold his webmaster position in order to concentrate on his own writing and the forthcoming relaunch of his website - NewPlays.org.uk - due this Summer.

If you are interested in becoming our new webmaster, please feel free to contact us online.

Writing The Image

2011-06-21T22:42:00.006+01:00

This evening Norwich Writers' Circle welcomed Claire Hamburger, who gave us a workshop on Writing The Image.

During the meeting the writer, tutor and visual artist gave us a several tasks to inspire us including writing a piece of prose or poem based on a random she had brought along. We also played The Metaphor Game which was designed to spark of ideas in our heads. The tasks were given to do by Claire then lead to various discussions within our group.

We next meet on Saturday 25th June in St Anne's Church Hall on Colman Road, for our annual Summer Social.

Hope to see you then.

Taggart

2011-06-19T10:10:00.003+01:00

Following the recent announcement of the show's demise, our YouTube video featuring the theme tune of police drama Taggart has now been viewed over 1,000 times.

This video was created to celebrate Glenn Chandler's - the creator of long-running programme - visits to Norwich Writers' Circle in October and December 2010.

To view the video please go here.

Anthology Anniversary

2011-06-16T18:18:00.001+01:00

Our Open Poetry Competition Anthology is still available to buy.

A new trailer for the book is now available to view on our popular YouTube channel. Please go here to watch the short film.

The book is available to buy by sending £7.00 per copy to our PayPal account. Please note, if you are purchasing the book outside Europe, the retail price is £10.00 a copy.

PayPal reference - norwichwriters@hotmail.co.uk

The Winner's Anthology can also be purchased by sending a £7.00 cheque made payable to Norwich Writers' Circle to:

Mrs M Nisbet
1 Stannard Road
Norwich NR4 7JD
England

Elizabeth Taylor

2011-06-14T17:57:00.002+01:00

See Norwich Writers' Circle committee member Elizabeth Taylor perform on stage in the coming months.

Elizabeth will be peforming in Smith dancetheatre's Agnes & Walter - a show inspired by The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty - all over Norfolk this July, before heading to the Edinburgh Festival later on this Summer.

To read more about this exciting theatre production please go to the show's official website which can be found here.

Twitter 200

2011-06-11T08:58:00.000+01:00

Norwich Writers' Circle now has over 200 followers on Twitter.

To discover how to join us online, please go here.

Follow Phyllida

2011-06-09T17:57:00.001+01:00

One of Norwich Writers' Circle's most popular members Phyllida Scrivens has a Blog following her French adventures this Summer.

To follow Phyllida please go here.

Laurence Mitchell

2011-06-07T22:22:00.001+01:00

This evening Norwich Writers' Circle welcomed back Laurence Mitchell to adjudicate our Travel Article Competition.

The travel writer commented that he was impressed by the high standard of 12 competition entries, and that he found the winner extremely hard to choose.

Laurence also commended all the entries for following his suggestions as outlined to us on his previous visit to us.

The competition winners were then announced as:

1st - The Colin Sutton Cup for Humour
Kalimera Strumphita
by Sally Newton

2nd
The Magical Mystery Tour
by Jo Amos

3rd
Sand Covered Nudists & German Wanderlust
by Anne Sanderson

We then heard a selection of the humorous competition entries, including all 3 winners, before chatting to the visiting writer.

Our next meeting is on 21st June, when writer, tutor and visual artist Clare Hamburger will be holding a workshop entitled Writing The Image.

We hope to see you then.

Mob Rule

2011-06-05T10:10:00.009+01:00

Yesterday, at roughly 2.00pm, a Flash Mob descended on The Norfolk & Norwich Millennium Library.

For the next 30 minutes the mob alternated between silence, indvidual reading and collectively reading aloud an extract from the Simon Armitage poem The Christening. Included in the mob was Norwich Writers' Circle member Anne Sanderson.

The event was organised by Writers' Centre Norwich to celebrate reading and to show their love of libraries. The flash mob was also designed to promote WCN's current Summer Reads scheme.

To read an extract of The Christening please go here.

Helen Ivory

2011-06-03T17:47:00.004+01:00

The adjudicator for our 2012 Open Poetry Competition has been announced as Helen Ivory.

In 1999 Helen won an Eric Gregory Award from the Society of Authors. She has had 3 collections of poetry with Bloodaxe Books: The Double Life of Clocks (2002), The Dog in the Sky (2006) and The Breakfast Machine (2010).

Helen Ivory edits the webzine Ink Sweat and Tears. She is an Editor for The Poetry Archive and programmes the Creative Writing courses for Continuing Education at UEA. She teaches for the Poetry School, the Arvon Foundation and for various organizations in Norwich. She is also an artist and regularly posts new work on her website - helenivory.co.uk - which is about to be archived by the British Library.

Our websites will be updated all our latest Open Poetry Competition news, including information on its official launch. Watch this space for more details this Summer.

Summer Reads

2011-06-01T17:37:00.002+01:00

Our writing friends at Writers' Centre Norwich have recently launched the Summer Reads scheme.

The scheme starts with 6 great books, which you can read one or all of, whether alone or in a book group. You can get further involved ny reading information on the books online, meeting the authors in special events and much more.

For further information please go here.

In The Mix

2011-05-30T08:58:00.001+01:00

Visitors to our popular YouTube channel can now watch a mix of all our uploaded videos to date.

To watch the video playlist, simply click here.

Short Stories Wanted

2011-05-26T17:37:00.001+01:00

A new company, Hollander Literary Agency is now looking for new clients to publish their short stories.

Use Word doc format only.
Maximum 25 pages.
Name & Address, email address, Title, Genre should appear on the front page.
The story should finish with the words - End of Story
Please allow 12 weeks for us to read submissions.
No communication will be entered in to unless we feel there is potential in the story but we will offer advice where we feel it is needed.
Communication will be to the email shown on Page 1 of the submission.

Submission is by e-mail only to phollander6@gmail.com

Good luck.

Rural Read

2011-05-23T17:27:00.002+01:00

Congratulations to long-term Norwich Writer's Circle member Vera Clouting who has had a short article published in the May 2011 edition of The Countryman magazine.

We were luck enough to listen to the article at our recent Manuscript Evening where it proved to be a popular read.

One Vision

2011-05-20T17:37:00.000+01:00

Our YouTube channel's success continues.

Since its launch in 2010, Norwich Writers' Circle's online video channel has now been viewed over 2,000 times.

Check out youtube.com/norwichwriters for more.

May Scripts

2011-05-17T22:44:00.003+01:00

Norwich Writers' Circle's 2010/11 programme continued tonight with one of our regular Manuscript Evenings.

The evening proved to be as popular as ever, giving both Circle members and visitors the opportunity to read their work aloud in front of our friendly and welcoming group. The readings discussed tonight included a selection of short stories, plus some poetry and the start of several novels.

During the meeting, NWC also welcomed a couple of new members to our ever-growing writing group.

We next meet on 7th June when Laurence Mitchell returns to adjudicate our Travel Article Competition.

Hope to see you then.

Wrekin Writers

2011-05-14T08:58:00.002+01:00

Wrekin Writers have launched their own short story competition.

The competition, which closes on 11th July 2011, has a top prize of £150.00 for a short story of no more than 1,200 words.

For more information please go here.

Street Hunt

2011-05-11T17:57:00.003+01:00

As part of this year's Norfolk & Norwich Festival, the Street Hunt competition has been launched.

Street Hunt is a visual crossword puzzle, a treasure hunt where the riches are road names, a story emerging from the page, and your chance to win up to £10,000.00.

For more information please visit streethunt.co.uk.

Poetry People

2011-05-08T10:10:00.001+01:00

Our popular YouTube channel has been updated to include a film featuring a series of images from our recent Open Poetry Competition Prize-Giving Evening.

Please go here to view the short film.

Poetry United

2011-05-05T17:47:00.000+01:00

United Press have recently launched their biggest ever free poetry competition.

Over 250 winners are selected every year, each one representing a different UK town or area. All winners are published in the anthology and all receive a free copy of the book, and one overall winner will receive £1,000.00. To enter you can submit up to 3 poems, all of which must be no more than 25 lines (each blank line counts as one line) and 160 words each.

To see how to enter the competition, which closes on 30th June, please go here.

Paeony Lewis Returns

2011-05-03T22:44:00.008+01:00

Norwich Writer's Circle welcomed back Paeony Lewis tonight to adjudicate our In-House Competition Four.

Competition Four required Circle members to write the text for a Picture Book in no more than 500 words.

The successful children's author and tutor that she thoroughly enjoyed reading the 13 competition entries, relating them to her golden writing rules.

Paeony golden writing rules are that stories:

feature writing that flows
do not feature pedestrian language
aimed at the correct audience
must be child-friendly and centred
include characters we care about
have a clear story structure
have an awareness of the illustrations
include emotions expressed through actions
feature clear language

The winners of the competition were:

1st
Only Joking
by Cathy Rushworth

2nd
The Big Surprise
by Mickie Dann

3rd
Rocky's Twango
by Maureen Nisbet

Commended
Listen, Can You Hear Me?
by Thelma MacFarlane

The meeting concluded, when a packed Sexton Room heard a variety of entertaining competition entries, including the winners. We were also then lucky enough to enjoy an interesting discussion with the visiting writer on the process involved in publishing a picture book.

We next meet on 17th May when we will be holding one of popular Manuscript Evenings. Please feel free to come along and join in.

Sell Out Success

2011-05-02T17:47:00.002+01:00

Following its launch less than a fortnight ago, our latest Open Poetry Anthology's 1st edition has already sold out.

The book's 2nd edition is now available to buy via our main website. To purchase your copy of the anthology, please go here.

The Reckoning

2011-05-01T08:58:00.000+01:00

Congratulations to Norwich Writers' Circle committee member Victoria Bartlett, who has recently finished drafting her latest novel, The Elchilda's Reckoning.

Victoria's latest is a science fiction novel is a sequel to The Return Of A Dark Lord, which we have been lucky enough to hear extracts from in our regular Manuscript Evenings.

We look forward to hearing more extracts in the coming months.

Anniversary Anthology

2011-04-27T17:27:00.001+01:00

Our popular Open Poetry Competition Anthology is now available to buy, following its recent launch at the Prize-Giving Evening.

To purchase the book, please go here.

Easter 2011

2011-04-24T08:58:00.003+01:00

Wishing you a Happy Easter

from everyone at Norwich Writers' Circle.

Please go here to watch

our Easter greetings video.

G'Day Sally

2011-04-22T10:10:00.002+01:00

In addition to Phyllida Scrivens, who has been previously announced, you can also join Norwich Writers' Circle committee member Sally Newton this Saturday - 23rd April - at the first G'Day Book Festival.

The festival, which runs between 9.00am and 4.00pm, at St Gregory's Centre For The Arts on Pottergate will feature books signings, creative writing, readings and a human library.

To read more about this growing literary event please go here.

Poetry Prize-Giving

2011-04-19T22:22:00.004+01:00

At The Assembly House this evening we held the prize giving for our Annual Open Poetry Competition.

This year's competition, which had over 500 entries, was adjudicated by Martin Figura. The Joy Of Six member commented on the variety of the poems entered, plus also how much he enjoyed judging the competition.

After the compeition prize-winners were announced, a selection of poems from the Anthology were read aloud by the poets to a packed, and very appreciative, Kent Room.

The main competiton winners were:

1st - £300.00

The Explosion

by Howard Wright

2nd - £200.00

Growing Hippastrum

by Gill McEvoy

3rd - £100.00

The Yare At Rockland

by Melissa Collin

In additon to the above, the OPC's sponsored prizes were also announced. The winners in these catergories were as follows:

Family - H G Powell - £35.00

Just Jacaranda

by Wendy Klein

Humorous - John Coleridge - £15.00

For The Good Of Her Health

by Bob Sheed

Minimalist - John Lewis (token) - £10.00

Early Snow

by Tim Lenton

All the winning poems are now featured in our competition's 40th Anniversary Anthology, which was also launched this evening.

The popular Winners' Anthology is also now available to purchase via our website, by going here.

Please visit norwichwriters.org.uk to see the full list of winners.

Trailer Park

2011-04-16T16:16:00.000+01:00

Congratulations to Norwich Writers' Circle committee member James Dimelow whose teaser trailer for his latest play has been viewed over 500 times on YouTube.

To view the trailer please go here.

Room For Poetry

2011-04-13T17:47:00.001+01:00

Please remember that our Open Poetry Competition adjudication, which takes on 19th April, will be held in The Assembly House's Kent Room, rather than in our regular meeting place.

Be certain to get to the 7.30pm event, hosted by competition adjudicator Martin Figura, in good time, as it is promises to be one of the most popular meetings in our calender.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Twitter 150

2011-04-10T14:14:00.000+01:00

Norwich Writers' Circle now has over 150 followers on Twitter.

To discover how to join us online, please go here.

Underworld

2011-04-08T17:57:00.001+01:00

Congratulations to NWC member Elspeth Rushbrook who has another article published in Fine City Magazine.

Elspeth's most recent article examines the world of undercrofts beneath our familar city streets.

Issue 10 of the free lifestyle publication is now widely available throughout Norwich.

Traveller's Tales

2011-04-05T22:55:00.004+01:00

This evening Norwich Writers' Circle welcomed Laurence Mitchell.

The local author and travel writer discussed his career to date, and well as launching our In-House Competition Five.

During the evening Laurence discussed his travels to date, and how his keen interest to see the world resulted in a career. We were also some photos from a recent trip to Calcutta and given information on writing for the travel market.

Laurence also informed us what he would be looking for in our witty competition entries. The visiting writers main points were:

Show don't tell
Have a beginning, middle and end
Have an opionion
Use culturally relevant metaphors
Feature (a) local character(s)

We next meet on 19th April, for the Open Poetry Competition Adjudication and Prize-Giving Meeting. This evening will be hosted by the Competition adjudicator Martin Figura.

G'Day Phyllida

2011-04-02T16:16:00.002+01:00

Join Norwich Writers' Circle member Phyllida Scrivens on 23rd April at St Gregory's Centre For The Arts in Pottergate, when she will be a stallholder at the G'Day Book Festival.

The festival, which runs between 9.00am and 4.00pm, features books signings, creative writing, readings and much more.

To read more about this new literary event please go here.

NWC Venue Celebration

2011-03-27T17:47:00.000+01:00

A film celebrating Norwich Writers' Circle's historic meeting venue is now available to watch on our YouTube channel.

The video gives you the opportunity to explore The Assembly House, as well highlighting our popular writing group's use of the Grade I listed building.

Please go here to watch the short film.

New NWC Trailer

2011-03-21T17:27:00.009Z

Our ever-popular YouTube channel has now been updated to feature another short film.

To watch our latest Norwich Writers' Circle trailer, please go here.

EDP WBN

2011-03-18T17:47:00.001Z

Congratulations to Norwich Writers' Circle member Phyllida Scrivens who was one of 20,000 readers that distributed a million free books across the UK and Ireland on 5th March.

Phyllida's World Book Night efforts have been featured in the EDP.

Please go here to read the Eastern Daily Press article.

Jean Fullerton's POV

2011-03-15T22:44:00.003Z

This evening Norwich Writers' Circle's 2010/11 programme continued with a visit from Jean Fullerton.

The successful saga writer, who first visited us in December 2009, returned to give us a workshop on Characterisation & Viewpoint.

During the evening the visiting writer discussed the importance of characters within our chosen narrative. Jean also highlighted to us that it is vital to give each of our characters their own distinctive voice for our stories to have an impact.

The meeting proved popular with a lot of members as we were regularly given opportunities to offer our feedback, along with being able to discuss with Jean Fullerton any points of interest.

We next meet on the 5th April when Laurence Mitchell will be giving us a talk on Travel Writing.

No Mean City

2011-03-12T18:18:00.001Z

To celebrate author and screenwriter Glenn Chandler's visits to Norwich Writers' Circle in October and December 2010, our YouTube channel has been updated.

Our latest upload features a selection of images from Glenn's visits, along with the opportunity to listen to the original theme tune to ITV1's long running police drama Taggart, which was created by the BAFTA award-winning writer.

Please go here to watch the short film.

Jarrolds Literary Lunch

2011-03-10T17:37:00.003Z

On Monday 4th April at 12.30pm Jarrolds will be holding a Literary Lunch, at Norwich City Football Club.

This lunchtime event, which takes place at The Top Of The Terrace Restaurant, features a chance to meet popular authors M R Hall, Elly Girffiths and Wilbur Smith, who will be discussing their writing and promoting their latest books.

To purchase your tickets, which also includes a 2 course meal, please call 01603 660661, or visit the store.

Review News

2011-03-08T17:27:00.002Z

Congratulations to NWC member Sally Newton, whose debut novel The Mouthy Prince is gaining positive reviews online.

Since its publication last year, the adventure story which is available to buy in Jarrolds, as well as on Amazon, has proved to be very popular.

To read an excerpt of The Mouthy Prince please go here.

Sally's story is a Norwich Writers' Circle recommended read.

Tonight's The Night

2011-03-05T16:16:00.005Z

Tonight is World Book Night.

As part of the celebrations BBC Two, from 7.30pm onwards, will be broadcasting a whole evening of book-related programmes.

Congratulations to Norwich Writers' Circle member Phyllida Scrivens, who is one of 20,000 passionate readers selected to distribute copies of their chosen book this evening.

Check out the official WBN website for more information.

Books For Busy People

2011-03-03T17:27:00.002Z

During March, Norfolk Library & Information Service is promoting Books For Busy People.

The scheme, which features a whole load of great books detailed in a handy credit card sized leaflet featuring reviews and further reading selections, is available from libraries across the county.

This month also will also see the libraries promoting World Book Night, which takes place on the 5th March.

Neil Storey's Ghost Stories

2011-03-01T22:44:00.004Z

Following his visit to us in October last year, Neil Storey returned to Norwich Writers' Circle this evening to adjudicate our Ghost Story Competition.

The popular author and historian commended all 16 entries in the competition, citing that he was impressed with the humanity of the characters featured and some of the descriptive passages featured in the short stories.

The winners were then announced as:

1st
Going Home
by Mickie Dann

2nd
Local Hero
by Paul Taylor

3rd
The Ghostly Badger
by Barré Funnell

We then heard all 3 winning entries, plus a spooky short story selection, featuring some of the runners-up.

At our next meeting we will be welcoming back Jean Fullerton who will be giving us a workshop on Characterisation & Viewpoint. We hope to see you then.

G'Day

2011-02-26T16:16:00.000Z

St Gregory's Centre For The Arts, in Pottergate, is holding a Book Festival on 23rd April - St George's Day - called G'Day.

The festival, which runs between 9.00am and 4.00pm, features books signings, creative writing, readings, story telling and even a human library.

To read more about this exciting literary event please go here.

Changing Channels

2011-02-24T17:27:00.001Z

The success of our YouTube channel continues.

Since its launch last year, Norwich Writers' Circle's online video channel has now been viewed over 1,500 times.

Check out youtube.com/norwichwriters for more.

A Big Thank You

2011-02-22T17:47:00.000Z

A big Thank You to everyone who has entered this year's Open Poetry Competition - our 40th.

All the competition entries are currently being adjudicated by Martin Figura, in readiness of the winners being announced at a special event on the 19th April at The Assembly House.

Please return to this Blog for the latest OPC updates.

Andrew's Radio Times

2011-02-19T15:51:00.004Z

Congratulations to Norwich Writers' Circle member Andrew Stephenson, who has had a letter published in the 12-18 February 2011 edition of Radio Times.

Andrew's letter reads as follows:

I am enjoying Episodes (Mondays BBC2) greatly. This, in the face of criticisms - from RT amongst others - that it is not funny, or has not got moving, or otherwise has not the critics's fire. If its creators sold it on that pretext, they were wrong. It is satire.

Comedy tries for laughs. Satire sticks sharp things into deserving targets. Whilst straight-facedly exploring what's wrong with the world, as a natural corollary it commonly manages to be hilarious in ways comedians struggle to fathom.