A fantastic meeting of the CWG was held tonight, where we are sure our laughter could probably be heard, even though we were in the meeting room of a library.
A, N, P, D and myself were in attendance, L and J having passed on their apologies.
P shared some excerpts from writing magazines including ones on structure, a fiction workshop, crime writing the future of fantasy, setting the scene and writing technology. D informed the group that AT, a local author we have met at workshops/writing festivals, has joined the Cornerstones literary agency.
Work in Progress: N informed the group that he has finished the OU course (the writing assignment was a character-driven sci-fi piece that he is thinking of turning into a proper story which can be found on his blog and has received reviews) and has sent his story WE to the Cape Open submission. P made it to week 6 of the course, I have yet to complete the final week and D & A only made it to the 1st week. D has been working on her new YA novel and editing TSC following feedback from her course leader and critique group and she has sent it out to two more agents.
Feedback Session: A shared his story PT with the group for feedback and N, P and myself said how much we had enjoyed it and how entertaining it was. A writes with excellent humour and this tale was no different. The narrative style and world-building worked well, as did the POV being from the perspective of the anti-hero, but some of the adjectives will need to be taken out in the editing process.
Festivals/Workshops/Competitions: I told the members about the Shine competition to write a 1500-word piece of original fiction on the theme of SHINE, which should be sent to competitions@readingagency.org.uk (see www.readingagency.org.uk/joannarees for creative writing tips to get you started). D has volunteered to run her creative non-fiction course for the members for free for the next two meetings (1 hour on the 21st and then the next hour at a future meeting).
A recommended reading Good Omens by Pratchett/Gaiman and the BBC Writers Room templates for scriptsmart gold and scriptsmart prose and informed the group that the site has 4 slots a year where writers can submit using a PDF format.
The next meeting of the CWG will take place on 21 July 2014 6-8pm at Cleckheaton Library.
Hi - I am quite local to Cleckheaton - Halifax - and wondered if this group is open to all, or is there a membership? I would like to join in if possible. Thanks, Sally
ReplyDeleteHello there Sally AKA Moon Antlers, the Cleckheaton Writers Group is open to all and there is not a paid membership (we are currently a group of 8 with three men and the rest women). Our next meeting is on Monday 21 July 6-8pm at Cleckheaton Library where you are welcome to attend; we will also be joined by another new member Aysha. The only rule of the group is that if you share work within the group that may be of a sensitive nature, that a heads-up is given and that all feedback be given in a professional manner, i.e. if a member does not like a piece, then there should be reasons to back this up and suggestions on how to improve it. Meetings are fortnightly thereafter.
ReplyDeleteI look forward to meeting you on Monday where we have a scheduled workshop on creative non-fiction writing.