Lucy McCarraher: On Demand

At The Assembly House this evening, Norwich Writers' Circle's 2009/10 programme continued, in a packed Sexton Room.

Our latest meeting featured Lucy McCarraher, who discussed her writing career to date, and how she became an author.

Lucy described to us how her previous publishing experiences with Macmillan led to her books being sold over the internet. The visiting writer stated that she believed that print on demand was the future of publishing, due to the amount of control it gives the author. The only downside to being published using POD is that, once your book has been published, and for any chance of success, you must be prepared to organise the promotionial work yourself.

The evening ended by Lucy taking part in a Q&A session, which gave visitors and Circle members the opportunity to ask questions raised by the author's interesting talk.

Esther Morgan will be hosting a Poetry Workshop at our next meeting on 3rd November. We hope to see you then.

Simon Scarrow: History Man

Norwich Writers' Circle's 2009/2010 programme continued this evening with a visit from historical novelist Simon Scarrow.

The well-attended meeting started with Simon discussing the importance of history and how it shapes who we are, where we came from and where we are collectively going.

The novelist, whose latest book The Gladiator is currently riding high in the bestseller lists, also shared with us the importance of historical accuracy in fiction. Scarrow stressed that the plot was key, and that we must not to get too hung up on meaningless details. He added by saying that whilst storytelling is important, a balance must be made between keeping the plot moving and describing your characters' living era.

Simon's humorous and insightful talk was soon followed by a spirited discussion on the various subjects raised by the visiting writer, and much more besides.

The next NWC meeting at The Assembly House is on the 20th October. This meeting will feature another visiting author, Lucy McCarraher, who will be talking to us about fiction writing and publishing on demand.

We hope to see you next time.

Open Poetry Competition Launched

We have recently launched our Annual Open Poetry Competiton.

The competition - Norwich Writers' Circle's 39th - has the following prizes in the Open Category:

1st

£200.00

2nd

£100.00

3rd 

£50.00

In addition to the above, there are also prizes for Minimalist, Humorous and poems on the theme of The Family.

The competition closes on the 16th February 2010, and this year will be judged by local poet Hilary Mellon.

A prizegiving evening, featuring adjudications and readings, will then take place on the 20th April 2010 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.

For more information on the competition, please go here.

Paws For Poetry

They run like things gone mad,

Their long bodies bent in the middle.

Thick, fluffy fur of many colours

Flashes as they streak past.

Strong, clawed feet move in a blur

As they scamper over all surfaces.

Small, beady eyes seek out fun

Or the next meal.

A tangle of brizzly bodies,

Writhing like snakes

As they roll around.

They run up and down their tunnels

Noses quivering.

They squeak and squeal, bark and chatter.

They are never still but run all over the place.

Put your head around the door

And they come to you,

To stick their head in your pockets looking for treats.

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The above poem about ferrets was written by Victoria Bartlett, and was featured in Norwich Writer’s Circle's recent Open Evening.

Since our mid-September meeting Victoria’s poem has been published in a fundraising book. The book, entitled Paws For Thought, has been published to raise awareness and money for the Wymondham based PACT Animal Sanctuary.

We hope you enjoyed the read.