A bit of a cheat this post - but very useful, none the less. The following email from The New Writer magazine arrived in my inbox today, and it struck me as so packed with useful stuff (yes, Charlie, stuff, stuff, stuffff!) that I thought I'd pass it on in its entirety. Loads of potentially interesting and useful links for budding writers. I make no apology for the fact that it's very UK biased - this makes a change, as most of the writers' newsletters I subscribe to are from the US! However, even for our international readers, there are plenty of opportunities here for you too.
The New Writer magazine is 10 years old this year. First published in July 1996 the 77th issue is due out next month.
To mark this anniversary we are offering £2 off an Annual Subscription to the magazine between now and 31 March 2006.
Either send cheque/postal order for £25 (UK only) made out to The New Writer to PO Box 60, Cranbrook, Kent TN17 2ZR or complete the form online at http://www.thenewwriter.com/subscribe.htm
and type "Email Special Offer" in the Comments box at the end. We will then start your sub with the current issue.
For a Free Recent Back Copy of the magazine either send 3 First Class Stamps (or 5 IRCs if overseas) or an A4 SAE stamped at 71p to The New Writer, PO Box 60, Cranbrook, Kent TN17 2ZR.
We provide a Monthly Email News Bulletin in the subscription package at no extra cost to subscribers, see below for sample...
TNW NEWS
February 2006
HEADLINES
A novel in a year
There's no trick to becoming a novelist, no easy way to land a publishing deal. It involves a lot of hard work, but acclaimed novelist and broadcaster, Louise Doughty, shows you how, in just 12 months. Catch up with the first few weeks of her Saturday Telegraph column at www.telegraph.co.uk/novelinayear
On the matter of first sentences, she explains how - humour is a fine line. "The day after my eighth birthday, my father told me I was now old enough and ugly enough to realise that I was asking for trouble if I set light to my brother's trousers while he was still in them." And two she did like, "The day after my eighth birthday, my father told me he had found me a husband." and - Simplicity always stands out. Nick Green kept it simple, and cleverly tackled the question of why a child should remember something said the day after a birthday: "The day after my eighth birthday, my father told me why it had slipped his mind."
Search is on for Budding Screenwriters
Horror is one of the most enduring of cinema genres but the number of films being put into production in the UK in this genre, does not necessarily reflect this. With the aim to develop and foster new screenwriting talent, Golconda Films in association with The Script Factory, are holding a feature film screenwriting competition. Golconda Films Horror Screenwriting Competition is aimed at new screenwriters who have never sold or had a feature film screenplay optioned. The winner of the prize will receive a £1,000 advance on a script option to make a horror film. The two runner-ups will be placed on a one-on-one script development program at The Script Factory. Closing date 17 March. The winners will be selected by a judging panel including Gregory Mackenzie and Brett Walsh from Golconda Films, Ludwik Smolski from The Script Factory, the actor James D’Arcy and The Times film writer and critic, Wendy Ide. No entrance fee and open to all residents of the United Kingdom, European Union and any Commonwealth Country. For more information on the rules and requirements go to www.golcondafilms.com/competion or www.scriptfactory.co.uk
Kelpies Prize
The deadline for the 2006 Kelpies Prize, an annual award for children's writing, is coming up - Tuesday 28 February. The prize is £2,000 and a publication deal, with the winner announced at the Edinburgh International Book Festival in August. The Kelpies Prize is open to all ages, professions and nationalities. All entries must be original, unpublished prose of 40,000 to 60,000 words in length and must be set in contemporary Scotland and should be suitable for both girls and boys aged 9-12.
Full details, including submission guidelines and application form, are available online at www.florisbooks.co.uk/kelpiesprize
London Book Fair unveils Masterclass experts for 2006
Designed to create a focus on creative writing for the general public and to complement the business of the Fair, the events will take place on Saturday 4 March at ExCeL London Docklands and will feature leading names from the world of contemporary fiction, scriptwriting and children’s publishing.
How To Write For TV/Film 10.30am - 1.30pm
Christopher Hampton, the critically acclaimed writer-director, best known for his play Les Liaisons Dangereuses and its Oscar winning film version, Dangerous Liaisons, will share his experience and expertise at the first LBF Masterclass of 2006. He will be joined by the award-winning writer, Tim Firth, whose feature film Calendar Girls went on to become one of the UK’s top ten grossing British films of all time. Fellow scriptwriters, Deborah Moggach, whose work includes Working Title’s Pride and Prejudice, and Amy Jenkins who devised and wrote the popular BBC2 television series This Life, will also share their unique blend of talent.
How To Write Contemporary Fiction 1 10.30am - 1.30pm
Margaret Atwood is the author of more than thirty internationally acclaimed works of fiction, poetry and critical essays. Margaret’s tenth novel, The Blind Assassin won the prestigious Booker Prize and was shortlisted for the Orange Prize. Margaret will be joined by Joanna Trollope, the author of eleven bestselling contemporary novels which include Next of Kin, Marrying the Mistress, The Best of Friends and A Spanish Lover, and another leading figure from the world of contemporary fiction, yet to be announced.
Writing For Children 1 1.30pm - 5.30pm
Philip Ardagh is a bestselling children’s author whose books have received widespread international acclaim. His bestselling Eddie Dickens trilogy is currently being developed for a proposed series of feature films by Warner Bros. Philip will be joined by the multi-award winning children’s author, Geraldine McCaughrean, whose novel Not the End of The World won the 2004 Whitbread Children’s Award; Meg Rosoff whose debut novel How I Live Now won the Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize and Siobhan Dowd, the Deputy Editor of PEN International whose debut novel, A Swift, Pure Cry will be published in March 2006.
How To Write Contemporary Fiction 2 1.30pm - 5.30pm
Monica Ali’s debut novel Brick Lane was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize for fiction in 2003. The novel went on to become a #1 bestseller in hardback and was on the Sunday Times hardback bestseller list for 27 weeks. Monica has been nominated for most of the major literary prizes in Britain and was included as one of the Best of Young British Writers of the Decade by Granta magazine. Monica will be joined by Orange Prize winner Helen Dunmore, who has published six novels including Zenner in Darkness, A Spell of Winter and The Siege, and novelist Hari Kunzru, the author of the award-winning title The Impressionist.
London Book Fair Masterclasses take place in the Platinum Suite of ExCeL London, One Western Gateway, Royal Victoria Dock, London, E16 1XL. The cost of each is £25 or £45 to attend two classes. To book by credit card visit www.lbf-events.com To pay by cheque send the full amount made out to London Book Fair to Angela Pederzolli, London Book Fair, Oriel House, 26 The Quadrant, Richmond, Surrey TW9 1DL.
Poetry-next-the-Sea 2006
There’s a marine flavour to Poetry-next-the-Sea (27 to 30 April), the poetry festival held within spitting distance of the quay at Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk. Among those offering readings, workshops and discussions are John Burnside, Penelope Shuttle, David Constantine, Esther Morgan, P.J. Kavanagh, Ann Drysdale and Caroline Gilfillan. The programme also features a short history of sea shanties, a voice workshop, school poets, a significant craft exhibition, an introduction to the Poetry Archive, a Poetry Vending Machine, and an open-mic fringe session overlooking the harbour and salt marshes. Wells is an exquisite little town: you can walk everywhere and the pubs and restaurants are excellent. An unmissable festival in unbeatable surroundings. Box office and information: www.poetrynextthesea.com
email enquiries@poetrynextthesea.com, or telephone Helen Flanagan on 01328 710193.
The Writers' Summer School 2006
is to be held from Saturday 12th to Friday 18th August at The Hayes Conference Centre, Swanwick, Derbyshire. For more information see http://www.wss.org.uk and send an SAE for an application form to the Secretary, Jean Sutton, 10 Stag Road, Lake, Sandown. Isle of Wight PO36 8PE.
Words by the Water
10 to 19 March. Theatre by the Lake in Keswick, Cumbria is the centre for this exciting literature festival organised by Ways With Words. For 10 days writers and readers get together to share the pleasure of books, words and ideas. George and Diana Melly, Joanna Trollope, Sara Paretsky, Penelope Lively and loads more interesting writers.
http://www.wayswithwords.co.uk/cumbria.html
The fourth Harrogate Crime Writing Festival will take place 20 to 23 July featuring P.D. James, George Pelecanos, Ian Rankin, Mark Billingham, Martina Cole and Val McDermid. http://www.harrogate-festival.org.uk/crime/
For a full A-Z of literary festivals in the UK visit
http://www2.britishcouncil.org/home/arts/arts-artforms/arts-literature/arts-literature-uk-and-overseas-events/arts-literature-festivals-uk.htm
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COMPS & CALLS FOR SUBMISSIONS
Swanley Scribblers Writing Competition
Write a story maximum 1500 words, or poem up to forty lines.
Prize Money: Short Stories: First £50.00. Second £25.00. Third £15.00.
Poetry: First 25.00. Second £15.00. Third £10.00.
Entry Fee:£4.00 per item Short stories. £3.00 per item Poetry.
Competition closes 28 February.
For entry form email: swanscribblers @aol.com
or send SAE to: Bobtails, Oliver Road, Swanley, Kent BR8 7DY.
My Life as an Opera
Win £50 for your True-Life Story, then see it turned into a Mini-Opera or Micro-Musical. Springtide Community Music Theatre, based in Teignmouth, Devon, is running a unique, free-to-enter competition that could see an incident from your own life turned into a 10-minute piece of music theatre. All you have to do is submit a short account of an incident from your own life in no more than 250 words. Your story won’t be judged on literary merit, but rather on its originality and its suitability as the basis for a miniature piece of music theatre.
“We’re looking for a brief moment from someone’s life it could be scary, funny, dramatic, touching, tragic or enlightening” says David Haines, Springtide’s resident composer; “just tell it in your own words. It might be a flash of understanding, or a turning point; a moment of triumph, or one of failure. But it has to be a story that has the potential to be played out in 10 minutes by a cast of one, two or three people.”
Six stories will be chosen, and the winners will each receive a £50 cheque and free tickets to see the show scheduled for premiere performances during November 2006. You’ll retain the copyright to your story but agree to Springtide publishing it in programmes and using it in publicity. There is no lower or upper age limit, though Springtide do ask people to send in only one entry per person. Entries cannot be returned and only the winning entries will be acknowledged. You can enter by sending your story (typed or printed) to: My Life As An Opera, 88 Higher Brimley, Teignmouth, TQ14 8JU, or submit it as an e-mail (not an attachment) to:
MyLifeAsAnOpera@aol.co.uk quoting “Competition Entry” in the subject line.
Closing date for receipt of entries is 28 February and the six winners will be announced by 31March. However you submit your entry, send your contact details including postal address, telephone number & email address if you have one. My Life As An Opera is supported by generous grants from Awards for All and Arts Council England, South West.
The Windsor Fringe Marriott Award for New Drama Writing
Amateur playwrights are invited to submit unpublished one-act plays for the third £500 Windsor Fringe Marriott Drama Writing Award. Three winning scripts will be selected for performance during Drama Nights at the Windsor Fringe in September/October. One of the three scripts will be chosen for the £500 prize. Submissions must be received by 2 March. Only amateur playwrights are eligible; only one script per author will be accepted. Each play must be an original work by the entrant, and submitted scripts must not have been previously published or performed. Each play must be no more than 30 minutes long, have a cast of no more than six actors, and be suitable for staging in a studio theatre.
Submission guidelines
So that each script may be judged anonymously, the author’s name must appear on the cover page only, not in the script. Writers should submit two copies of their plays, printed on loose sheets of A4 paper with no binding or stapling. Pages must be numbered. No submissions will be accepted by fax or email; no scripts will be returned. The cover page must show the name of the play and the author’s name, contact details and signature. All submissions will be evaluated by reader groups, and the final selection judged by our judges, which will include Fay Weldon, one of Britain’s most influential and versatile writers. A £5 reading fee will be charged per entry. Please make cheques payable to Windsor Fringe Festival. Scripts should be sent together with the reading fee to Windsor Fringe Marriott Drama Writing Award, Suite 640, 24-28 St Leonard’s Road, Windsor, Berks SL4 3BB. For additional information: Ann Trewartha tel: 01753 863218 ann.trewartha@btinternet.com www.windsorfringe.co.uk
The Academy of Children's Writers
21st annual Write a Story for Children competition. Entrants must be over 18 and unpublished. First prize of £2,000, and second and third prizes of £300 and £200 respectively. Closing date 31 March; entrants will be informed of the winners by the end of May. For entry forms and details, send SAE to: Write a Story for Children Competition, Academy of Children's Writers, PO Box 95, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, PE28 5RL. Email per_ardua@lycos.co.uk
Boost 4 Writers
Announces a Writing Contest in 2006 for Writers of Children’s Literature
www.boost4writers.com Category: Short Story/Picture Book (ages 6-9), Word Limit: Up to 800 words, Submissions: Limited to writers age 18 years or older, Entry Fee: $10.00 (US) per manuscript, 1 January through 10 April, Winners announced 1 May.
Writers Inc Writers-of-the-Year Competition 2006
Closing date 10 April. Thirteenth annual competition welcomes prose and poetry in all styles, forms and subjects, in four categories: Poems, Extended Sequences of Poems, Short Stories, Writing for Children. Up to £2,500 in prizes. Full details at the website http://www.writersinc-london.org.uk/competition.html
Momaya Press's Short Story Competition
is open to writers of any nationality writing in English, and also offers the opportunity for winners to be published, in the Momaya Annual Review 2006. Prizes: $200 (£130) first, $100 (£65) second, 8 honourable mentions. All ten winners will be published. Closing date 30 May. All you need to know at http://www.momayapress.com/contest.htm
Iota Annual Poetry Competition
First prize £100, 2nd £50, 2 x £25. Winning poems to be published in iota and on its website. No line limit. Deadline 15 April. Entry fee: £2 per poem. Iota subscribers: free entry for two poems (£2 per subsequent poem). To enter please write name, contact details and poem title(s) on a separate sheet and send with poem(s) and a cheque/PO (if appropriate) made out to iota to: 1 Lodge Farm, Snitterfield, Stratford-on-Avon, Warwickshire CV37 0LR. For further details visit www.iotapoetry.co.uk
Women's Poetry Competition 2006
1st Prize £1000; 2nd Prize £500; 3rd Prize £250; 22 other finalists will win £25 each. Judge: Wendy Cope; Closing date 28 April; Entry Fee: £5 for up to 5 poems; Email poetry@mslexia.demon.co.uk for guidelines or ring 0191 2616656. www.mslexia.co.uk
New Writing 15
The latest in the long-running anthology series from the British Council. Writers from, or resident in, the UK and the Commonwealth are encouraged to submit short stories, poetry, literary essays, memoirs, biography and fiction. This could be an extract from a work in progress. Submissions deadline 30 April. The work must be unpublished and not be due for publication until at the earliestSeptember 2007, and the author should be willing to give the British Council non-exclusiveelectronic rights for 2 years following publication, plus translation rights and other sub-rights to be confirmed. Guidelines at
http://newwriting.britishcouncil.org/about/submissions/
Ware Poets Open Poetry Competition
Closing date 30 April. Prizes: £500, £200, £100 plus The Redwing Sonnet Prize of £100 for the best sonnet. Sole Adjudicator: George Szirtes. Up to 50 Lines. Entry Fee £3 per poem, £10 for four. SAE for details to The Competition Secretary, 48 Highbury Road, Hitchin, SG4 9SAor e-mail: warecomp@waitrose.com
Down To Earth
is the theme for the Lymm Lines writing competition 2006. Poems not exceeding 32 lines and short stories (1000 words max.) are invited from writers over 16 years for a fee of £3 per entry. Separate competition for under 16s with a £1 fee. Closing date 1 May. Prize money of at least £300 will be shared between winners, whose entries will also be on display during Lymm Festival Week in June. SAE for full details, rules and entry forms to Down To Earth, c/o 39 Fairfield Road, Stockton Heath, Warrington, Cheshire, WA4 2UR.
Partners 21st Open Poetry Competition
Closing date 1 May. First prize £300, second prize £100, third prize £50 and all with publication by Partners. Entry fee £2.50 per poem. For further information SAE to Partners: 289 Elmwood Avenue, Feltham, Middlesex TW13 7QB.
Swanwick Competition
A free place at this year’s Swanwick Writers’ Summer School (12 to 18 August) is the top prize in three writing competitions: (a) a short story of up to 1,000 words on any subject or theme (open to any previously unpublished writer); (b) a sonnet on the theme of ‘friendship’ (open to anyone who has earned less than £1,000 from their poetry writing in the last two years); (c) the first 1,000 words of a children’s novel aimed at 7-12 years (open to anyone who has earned less than £5,000 from children’s writing in the last two years). Closing date 8 May. Guidelines at www.wss.org.uk
The Virginia Warbey Poetry Prize
A new poetry prize in memory of Virginia Warbey who died in a car accident in 2004, aged 35. A valued member of Chandler’s Ford Writers, Virginia won prizes in many poetry competitions including the prestigious Petra Kenney. This will be an annual open poetry competition for adults with the following prizes: First Prize £750, Second Prize £300, Third Prize £150, 10 Runner-up Prizes of a year’s subscription to Acumen. Judges: UA Fanthorpe and RV Bailey. Closing date 19 May. Entry Fee: £3 per poem (5 poems for £12). http://www.poetrypf.co.uk/prvwarbeypprize.html#CWF
Novel Writing Award
£500 + publishing contract for first novel. Entries by post + SAE. Submit first 10,000 words, typed, double spaced; mark each sheet with nom de plume & working title Separate sheet with name, address, email, working title, nom de plume. Deadline 30 June. Entry - £20 per novel.
Jan Fortune-Wood, Cinnamon Press, Meirion House, Glan yr afon, Tanygrisiau, Blaenau Ffestiniog, Gwynedd, LL41 3SU. http://www.cinnamonpress.com/
Poetry Collection Award
£100 + publishing contract for first collection. Best poems will be selected for an anthology. Entries by post + SAE. Submit ten poems; any style to 40 lines; mark each poem with nom de plume & collection title. Sheet with name, address, email, collection title, nom de plume. Deadline 30 June. Entry - £16 per collection, including a free copy of the winners anthology, worth £7.99. Jan Fortune-Wood, Cinnamon Press, Meirion House, Glan yr afon, Tanygrisiau, Blaenau Ffestiniog, Gwynedd, LL41 3SU. http://www.cinnamonpress.com/
Call For Submissions For Women Writers
Getting Even: Women’s Tales of Revenge - anthology edited by Mitzi Szereto, to be published by Serpent’s Tail.
The “fairer sex” - we’ve all been screwed over in one way or the other, with the screwers often walking away unscathed. Old story, right? But what if FOR ONCE the “unfair sex” (and even some of our own) actually got what’s coming to them? Lover, husband, husband’s bit on the side, boss, child minder, neighbour, loan officer, auto mechanic, milkman, whomever. Ladies, it’s time to settle the score! Who says revenge ain’t sweet?
Stories can be of any length, but try tokeep under 9,000 words, may be of any sexual orientation, unpublished material only. Deadline 1 August.
Submission requirements:
Submit stories in hard copy, double-spaced (with a Windows-compatible file available on request). Manuscripts not chosen will be discarded, so do not send your only copy. Include with your submission a brief author bio and your email address. Please do NOT submit stories by email unless I request it. For queries/postal information, contact: worddabbler@yahoo.com
Legend Writing Award 2006
Short stories (no set theme) up to 2000 words. Six cash prizes: £500, £150, £150, plus3 x £50. Entry fee £5. This competition particularly aims to encourage newshort story writers in the UK. It is organised by Hastings Writers' Group and judged by author David Gemmell. Rules/entry form available from website: www.legendwritingaward.com or send SAE to LWA, 39 Emmanuel Road, Hastings TN34 3LB. Closing date 31 August.
Poetry Library
Check out all the current UK poetry competitions at http://www.poetrylibrary.org.uk/competitions/
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SNIPPETS
Writers' worksheets to help streamline those ideas and turn them into first time saleable work. No hassle. Raylia Chadwick MA (Lit) is an international writer of features and articles and an experienced writing workshop leader. For details email rayliachadwick@writenow.co.uk
Short story writers (and readers), please visit www.theshortstory.org.uk for news, views and information about short stories. Includes a comprehensive list of UK magazines that publish short stories. Plus up to the minute news on The National Short Story Prize. Shortlist announced April 2006, winner 15 May 2006
New publisher Myrmidon Books welcome new and original submissions from first-time writers. They do not currently publish non fiction or children’s books but are especially interested in contemporary thrillers, historical fiction and literary novels. Also horror, science fiction and fantasy genres but likely to publish such work after 2007 and under a new and separate imprint. More at http://www.myrmidonbooks.com/
QWF Magazine - Issue 49 out now! Special reduced price for TNW readers of £3.50 - a saving of 70p. Cheques to QWF, PO Box 1768, Rugby CV21 4ZA.
Southern Writers' Conference, a residential weekend (June 9-11) near Chichester, open to everyone serious about writing. Speakers include Sandi Toksvig and Penny Jordan. See www.southernwriters.co.uk for details and recent updates.
Nick Corder’s article on his experience of an MA course in Creative Writing appeared in the Nov/Dec issue of The New Writer. If you would like a copy of his comprehensive listing of courses available around the UK just send an email to admin@thenewwriter.com typing “Creative Writing Courses” under subject and we’ll send you Nick’s very useful research.
National Association of Writers’ Groups
Do you belong to a writing group? Are you a short story writer, a novelist, a playwright, a poet ora non-fiction writer? Then there's something for you on the NAWG website. Read about our Competitions, our Festival of Writing, and our Link magazine. You can see if there is a writing group in your area. The National Association of Writers' Groups has something for everyone who writes. www.nawg.co.uk
WANT TO WIN? NEED THE KNOW-HOW? IT’S A MUST- HAVE. COMPETITIONS BULLETIN. Details of around £100,000 prize money each issue. 50+ competitions for poetry, around 40 for short stories, etc. Only £2.50; £15/6 pa. carolebaldock@hotmail.com
Seaglass Books Professional editing & design; competitive prices; high quality author financed books. See www.seaglassbooks.co.uk or Contact Sian Parry: sian@seaglassbooks.co.uk - 01766 832112. 5% discount for TNW subscribers.
Do you require an extra pair of hands to reproduce your manuscripts into type format? Denise Henderson at Online Admin Services can help. A small friendly, professional and flexible admin and secretarial support service, delivering high quality at affordable rates. Contact 01235 537974, denise@online-admin.uk.com, www.online-admin.uk.com.
The Writer’s Library
How often have you reached a sticky part of the work-in-progress only to find something isn't quite right and you need to look it up? The answer to that question that’s been bugging you will be in one of the book’s recommended at TNW’s Writer’s Library - go to the revamped pages at our website and check out these essential volumes … www.thenewwriter.com/thewriterslibrary.htm
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E-NEWS
An Ethical Way to Get Rid of Unwanted Gifts
There's a new way to get rid of unwanted books swap them for books you do want, online. It's a green way to get new books to read without spending a penny. Several book swap sites have gone live in the past year but there's one book swap site in the UK http://www.ReadItSwapIt.co.uk - which is totally free to use. There are thousands of books available on the site, which was invented two years ago by two young British entrepreneurs in the hope that it would encourage book swapping and giving in the UK. "We wanted to create a site that would enable people to gain access to hundreds of books, without having to spend any money," said co-founder Neil Ferguson, a computer programmer who set up the site in his spare time.
Round the Campfire
are looking for recommendations for good reads and we need your help to do it. TNW subscriber Jean Currie writes: The aim of this new website is to persuade another reader to pick up a book you have enjoyed. Reviews should be between 200 and 500 words and guidelines can be found on www.roundthecampfire.co.uk
The Scout Pack
The Scout Pack specialises in screenplay and manuscript development; editing and scouting services for the film, television and publishing industries; and copyright registration for your work. They work with agents, publishers, producers and distributors in order to develop a stronger and more dynamic market for novels and screenplays. www.thescoutpack.com
Poetry with meaning opens to the public
Poetry with meaning promises to bring poets together and offer to help aspiring poets with their career in poetry. This is an interactive website brining poets together. Its main premise is allowing authors to publish their writings online for free. Poetry with meaning also allows poets to discuss their talent with each other through comments. The entire site gravitates towards a sense of community and helping poets connect. A key facet of Poetry with meaning is the tools and articles written by professional authors. www.poetrywithmeaning.com
Dee Rimbaud writes: I’ve just added a new section to my website, links to websites and webpages that feature the work of highly-rated poets. These poets were recommended by poets, writers, artists and magazine editors, in response to a survey, in which I asked the following questions:
Which poet has most influenced your outlook on life?
Who is your favourite living poet?
Which poet do you believe deserves more recognition than he or she has received?
If you scroll through the names there will no doubt be many poets whose work you are already familiar with, but there will also be many you will not have heard of. Of the latter, there is the potential for some interesting discoveries.
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/dee.rimbaud/recommended.html
The Poetry Archive
exists to help make poetry accessible, relevant and enjoyable to a wide audience. It came into being as a result of a meeting, in a recording studio, between Andrew Motion, soon after he became U.K. Poet Laureate in 1999, and the recording producer, Richard Carrington. They agreed about how enjoyable and illuminating it is to hear poets reading their work and about how regrettable it was that, even in the recent past, many important poets had not been properly recorded.
www.poetryarchive.org
Welcome to story, the campaign to celebrate the short story. We believe that the short story is one of the most exciting and important literary forms, and that it can and should reach the widest possible readership. We believe that the short story matters. Research has shown that writers are more than eager to grapple with the exquisite craft of the short story, and readers are more than ready to consume its treasures.
However, this once popular medium struggles to receive the attention it deserves, despite its position as one of the elite forms of modern literature. Building on the huge success of the Save Our Short Story campaign, story aims to increase the profile, prestige and presence of the short story in our culture; whether you are a writer or someone working with books, we want you to join us in order to help it thrive. http://www.theshortstory.org.uk/
www.bookgroup.info a one-stop-shop for all things bookgroup where you can find reviews, author interviews, search for a group and get some great offers.
Today's Woman
A supportive online community for men and women over 18, to help writers succeed in the writing industry. Offers a useful selection of services including author interviews, regular columns , interactive forums, and a place to share your writing for critiques by your peers. http://www.todays-woman.net
Looking for new topics and new characters? SciTalk (www.scitalk.org.uk) can help, with its free, easy-to-use database and website of enthusiastic scientists who would really enjoy talking to you. Browse the topics now and arrange to meet.
Freelance Writing Organization Int'l A free site hosting thousands of writing resources in a massive online database. 40+ genres, funds for writers, markets, education, news, and more. Publishers of Inkwell Newswatch Writers ezine. Professional writing resources for editors, journalists and writers. http://www.fwointl.com
Meet Other Writers! Writing.Com is the online community for writers. Membership includes a writing portfolio and the chance to meet and bond with fresh creative minds, just like you! http://tnw.Writing.Com
The Everyday People's Guide to Writing a Novel
features Peder Hill's concise articles on the elementsof story tellingand includesthe popular excerpts and Blog about the novel he's currently writing. http://www.musik-therapie.at/PederHill/
The Write Coach: 1-2-1 coaching and workshops to build confidence and motivation, release blocks, increase creativity and assist writers to become more successful. Free competitions, free e-zine and other resources on website. www.thewritecoach.co.uk
WritersServices.com attracted over 1.5 million visits last year to browse some of the 1000+ pages of advice for writers. The site pays its way by providing editorial and self-publishing services. Visit www.writersservices.com
The World’s Knowledge
Find out what’s on at the British Library:
http://www.bl.uk/index.shtml
For full information on all the courses at the various centres of the Arvon Foundation go to http://www.arvonfoundation.org/courses.asp
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PUBLICATIONS
The Seven Basic Plots
Christopher Booker (Continuum, £12.99)
Breathtaking in its scope and originality, "Seven Basic Plots" examines the basis of story telling in literature, film, and libretto. No one will ever see stories in the same way again. This remarkable and monumental book at last provides a comprehensive answer to the age-old riddle of whether there are only a small number of 'basic stories' in the world. Using a wealth of examples, from ancient myths and folk tales via the plays and novels of great literature to the popular movies and TV soap operas of today, it shows that there are seven archetypal themes which recur throughout every kind of storytelling. But this is only the prelude to an investigation into how and why we are 'programmed' to imagine stories in these ways, and how they relate to the inmost patterns of human psychology. Drawing on a vast array of examples, from Proust to detective stories, from the Marquis de Sade to E.T., Christopher Booker then leads us through the extraordinary changes in the nature of storytelling over the past 200 years, and why so many stories have 'lost the plot' by losing touch with their underlying archetypal purpose. Booker analyses why evolution has given us the need to tell stories and illustrates how storytelling has provided a uniquely revealing mirror to mankind's psychological development over the past 5000 years. This seminal book opens up in an entirely new way our understanding of the real purpose storytelling plays in our lives, and will be a talking point for years to come.
Successful Photography for Writers
David Davenport (Robert Hale £4.99)
Writers who illustrate their articles with photographs stand a better chance of their work being accepted for publication. "Successful Photography for Writers" shows how you can acquire an eye for seeing a good picture and take the sort of photographs editors require. This book will be welcomed by writers who would like to illustrate their work as well as beginners who want to know what is required to make a picture publishable. Authors planning a non-fiction project and novelists who use a camera as a pictorial notebook will also value the book's practical approach. Techniques for capturing pictures that will enhance your writing are clearly explained and are also illustrated with captioned photographs. Guidance on how to achieve creative results, pitfalls to avoid, and the importance of presenting your work in the most effective way, are just some of the essential topics covered. "Successful Photography for Writers" is packed with sound advice plus ideas to stimulate your creativity and help you produce photographs which will be a vital factor in getting your work published.
Pretext 11: This Little World
(Pen & Inc Press, School of Creative Writing, University East Anglia £7.99)
Features exclusive work by leading and upcoming authors from around the world. Seamus Heaney shares some startling poetry, Michael Holroyd muses on sibling rivalry, José Luis de Juan, Luisa Valenzuela and Alison Croggon present thrilling extracts from their next novels and there’s an exclusive interview with Iain Sinclair. Also in this issue, there are essays from Dubravka Ugresic and Sarah Gooderson, ponderings on the solitary life of the writer from Richard Beard, short fiction from Ron Butlin, Cecilia Rossi and Errol Scott, poetry from David Solway and a fantastic debate between Michèle Roberts and Patricia Duncker.
Issue 9 of Free Verse is out
Poetry by Heidi Lynn Staples, Thorpe Moeckel, Amie Keddy, Rupert Loydell and Robert Garlitz, Jason Stumpf, Grace Lee, Graham Foust, Max Winter, Emily Waples, Jerry Mason, Maurice Oliver, Ian Seed, Sandy Longhorn, Joseph Donahue. http://english.chass.ncsu.edu/freeverse/
The Good Fiction Handbook
Lynne Patrick, freelance writer, tutor of creative writing, organiser of the prestigious Real Writers Short Story Awards and of the well known Real Writers appraisal service and managing director of Crème de la Crime publishers, is well qualified to produce a book on the craft of writing fiction. This compact handbook is small enough to tuck into your pocket when you fly off on holiday or to read on your way to work and yet it contains all you need to know to write fiction. Structuring a plot, creating place and characters, functions of dialogue, where to begin a story and just as important, where to end. It's all there. If you have ambitions to write short stories, or even novels, treat yourself. Available for £5:99 post-free (cheques payable to Real Writers) only from PO Box 170, Chesterfield Derbyshire S40 1FE.
Are you struggling to become a published writer?
Do you feel like you are wasting your time making endless submissions? Are you thinking of self-publishing but are confused by the mixed opinions and scattered information about self-publishing? “What do I have to do to get a book published?” is the definitive UK-based guide for authors It clearly sets out the publishing process, dispels myths and clarifies common confusions about self-publishing.
Author Jo Anthony. Pen Press. ISBN: 1-905203-58-6. £12.99. Out now.
Includes interviews with agents, publishing houses and successfully published authors. Packed with hints, tips and advice for authors: Information gives you competitive advantage, Make contacts, ask questions, glean information, listen and learn, Write because you have something to say, Self-publish because you can afford to! Resilience is important; knowing when to stop is critical.
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REGIONAL
Creative Writing Holiday in Devon
Come and be inspired in East Budleigh, an award-winning and historic thatched village (Sir Walter Raleigh was born there), a mile from Budleigh Salterton and East Devon's Jurassic Coast. Chris Leonard, author of numerous books and an experienced workshop leader, is running a creative writing holiday from Saturday 8 April to Wednesday 12 April 2006. Beginners and more experienced writers welcome. Cost: £185 (Supplement for single room: £50) to include writing workshops, bed and breakfast and all meals except dinner - which is available in the local (thatched!) pub. Non-writing partners on B&B basis: £125. It will also be possible to stay on before or afterwards to further explore this area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. www.chris-leonard-writing.co.uk or call Judy Yates on 01395 445984 for further details.
Telling Tales: Writing Historical Fiction Weekend
Friday 24 March to Sunday 26 March in Lincoln. This unique course will include not only writing workshops under the guidance of a specialist tutor but also talks about historical time, place and sources by a professional historian. The course begins on Friday evening at 7.00pm with a wine reception followed by an introductory lecture. Saturday is occupied by talks and writing workshops. Later in the evening, a tutor guided walk around historic Lincoln, and on Sunday morning we will review the previous days work and look to the future of your historical writing. Full details at
http://www.lindumheritage.co.uk/breaks.htm
Living The Bones
An opportunity to stir up your creativity using imaginative writing, with Janine Pinion & John Killick at Burton Manor, Burton, South Wirral, Cheshire, Friday 28 to 30 July. The weekend starts late afternoon on Friday and ends with lunch on Sunday. After a short, introductory session on Friday afternoon, we will spend the weekend on writing activities to get you going on your creative journey. There will be an opportunity on Saturday evening for anyone, including ourselves, to read a selection of their writing or chosen writers. The focus is on poetry, but you may engage in any written form you choose. Experience is not necessary. The weekend is also open to writers interested in developing their work. Full details at http://www.person-centred-art-therapy-north.com/Living%20The%20Bones.htm
It’s A Love Thing
celebrates the word at The Norfolk & Norwich Millennium Library, The Forum, Norwich and around the county in February 2006. Programme of events includes experienced author and tutor Sue Welfare leading a creative writing workshop using true stories, real lives and first hand accounts in ‘Exploring the Theme of Love During War Time: The Untold Story’. There’s also a session with Mills and Boon top authors Kate Hardy and Kate Walker where you can gain an insight into the world of Romance. Plus author and editor Julia Bell (novelist, lecturer on the MA Creative Writing course at Birkbeck, University of London and co-editor of The Creative Writing Coursebook) leads a short story workshop exploring the theme of love, plus tips on how to get short stories published and sending out your work. For further details lisa.donofrio@cae.norfolk.gov.uk
The Perfect Pitch
How to get your work into more publications more often. Intensive Workshop for both new and seasoned writers. Saturday 4 March, 10am 4.30pm, Conway Hall, Red Lion Square, London WCI (Holborn Tube). £49 members, £55 non members includes tea, coffee and biscuits; bring packed lunch or buy locally; women only. For more information contact Jill Eckersley on 020 7388 5622/ jill.eckersley@virgin.net, or Sally-Jayne Wright on 020 8675 3522/ sallyjcox@aol.com
Topics covered:
what to write ABOUT: generating ideas; fulfilling reader needs; whether to specialise; celebrity, travel and human interest features; finding case histories
who to write for: studying the market; best-paid features and easiest markets; contributors’ guidelines; publications you won’t find at W.H. Smith
approaching editors: successful pitches; how to follow up; reasons for rejection; dealing with rejection; recycling your ideas; any other business: from payment and rights, to getting down to work.
Former teen magazine features editor Jill Eckersley has been self-employed for more than twenty years. Chair of Women Writers Network, she has contributed articles and stories to a variety of publications. She has written two romantic novels, five novels for teenagers and five self-help non-fiction books. Sally-Jayne Wright worked in an advertising agency as a copywriter before going freelance in 1991. A former Chair of WWN and author of two non-fiction books, she has sold everything from celebrity interviews to travel but now specialises in food writing.
Further information from Lindsay Baldwin lindsaymary.baldwin@virgin.net
Ormskirk Writers & Literary Society Annual Writing Day
Making Crime Pay. Guest speakers: Lynne Patrick, MD of the independent publishing house Creme de la Crime and published writer of short fiction and articles, and Ron Ellis, author of the Johnny Ace crime series and founder of Nirvana Book publishing agency. The Writing day will take place on Saturday 19 May, in Ormskirk Community Centre, and costs £30 for the day, inclusive of refreshments and a 3 course lunch in a nearby restaurant. Application form from Carol Fenlon at 01695 728320 or by emailing on carol@fenlonh.freeserve.co.uk
Deddington Writers Group
is organising its Second Writing Competition: short story or poem, a theme of your choice; separate categories for young people. Entrants must be Oxfordshire residents. Entry fee £3 (free for 16 and under). Closing date 25 April, send SAE for full details and entry form to DWG Competition, 7 The Daedings, Deddington, Oxon. OX15 0RT, or contact hughm@fish.co.uk or download from www.deddington.org.uk
The South and Mid Wales Association of Writers has been disbanded which means Carousel and the Mathew Pritchard Award for short stories are no more.
Literotica: Erotic Writing with Mitzi Szereto
Join author and anthologist Mitzi Szereto for a special residential weekenderotic writing workshop on the beautiful Isle of Wight. The courses, held in March and June 2006,will be conducted atThe Old Grange, “a new generation of country clubs.” Nestled in the heart of Shanklin’s old village, The Grange is a short walk from the beach, with walking, cycling, horseback riding, and clay pigeon shooting within easy reach.
Friday17 March to Sunday 19 March 2006. £175
Friday23 June to Sunday25 June 2006. £195
Cost includes course, accommodation, and full board.
The course will consist of lectures, group discussions, writing exercises, collaborative efforts, and workshopping of material. A comprehensive overview of the marketplace for those considering publication will be provided. Designed for those interested in writing erotica for ! either personal or professional exploration. Open to all levels of writers.
info@thegrangebythesea.com
Cambridge Series Poetry Readings
8pm, New Music Room, First Court, St John's College. £3/2 donations hoped for. Wine will be served. All are welcome. See www.cambridgepoetry.org for further details or email contact@cambridgepoetry.org to be sent them. Entrance to the college the forecourt entrance, past the porters lodge, turn left and move into Second court, turn left and move into First court.
Thursday 23 February Lucy Sheerman, Jeremy Hardingham, Bill Griffiths
Tuesday 7 March Peter Robinson, Dell Olsen
(Line-ups may suffer some changes and other additions)
Poetry Reading
Saturday 18 February. Fiona Sampson, Lotte Kramer, Judith Kazantis, Ruth O'Callaghan. Trinity United Reformed Church, Buck Street, London NW1 8NJ (on Kentish Town Road, near Camden Town Tube). Doors Open 6:30 for 7:pm. £4/£3 (conc.) Wine. All Proceeeds to Cold Weather Shelter
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That’s it for now, hope there were some items of interest for you in this edition of TNW News. Let us know of any events that you come across in your region - the more notice the better. Find out more about what we’re up to at www.thenewwriter.com
“Far too many relied on the classic formula of a beginning, a muddle, and an end.” Philip Larkin, in 1978, referring to modern novels.
The New Writer
PO Box 60, Cranbrook, Kent TN17 2ZR
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mailto:editor@thenewwriter.com
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The New Writer is not responsible for the absolute accuracy of the information in this newsletter. We have replicated it as received from a variety of different sources and recommend you verify the details before proceeding.
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