Cleckheaton Writers Group minutes, Monday 16 October 2023

 With thanks to Kathy for taking them in my absence:

Cleckheaton Writers Group

Monday 16^th October 2023

Present: Kathy, Gemma, Reuben, Cassie, Michelle and Molly

Apologies: Karen, Alice and Barbara

 

Welcome / Attendance

No new members, familiar faces only!

 

Minutes of Last meeting

Taken as read.

 

WIP / Updates

Karen – Edited 8 chapters of Christmas Evie and sent Cassiel. Entered Burning For You (title and synopsis) into SelfPubCon 2023 The Art of The Title Competition plus applied and secured an interview for a new job.

Michelle – has been developing her story ‘Ryan’. Concentrating on character Ryan himself, has started the beginning which will be Ryan’s eulogy.   Spoiler alert!

Cassie – has written a short story about Vikings.  Meant to, but forgot to, bring for feedback.

Gemma has been researching and around the area of eugenics. Which is about racial perfection and planned breeding.

Kathy – has been working on Tobias, pulling it together and correcting all grammar given on feedback, in the hope it will ‘stick’ when doing re-writes and any future projects.

Molly – has been writing a peom for Black History month, and would like to finish it to enter for competition. Also attended a writing course (via Zoom), by Nadia Colburn (American poet).

Reuben – finished C3 of his current work. Has finally sorted C2 in head – but just needs to get the thing out.  Brought for feedback.

 

Competitions/Workshops/Events

·         NWN Protoype Award opens 12/9 (deadline 23 October)

·         Hachette Children’s Award opens 26 October (deadline 8 January)

·         CBS Gillian McAllister novel-writing (deadline 29 October)

·         CBC John Le Carre Scholarship (deadline 29 October)

·         Birmingham Literature Festival (Karen has brochure)

·         Prima magazine competition – 1k words

·         Poetry Foundation (deadline 31 October)

·         Black History Month – poetry competition (deadline 15 November)

 

 

Writing Plans

Michelle – to write Ryan’s eulogy in full – and bring for feedback next session.

Cassie – write a short story with the aim of developing a character of renown (direction as given in U3A).

Gemma  - continue researching.

Kathy – continue with Tobias to edit and develop.

Molly – type up her poems and enter for competition.

Reuben – get that C2 out…

 

Feedback

Reuben read out C3 – called Justine. Very well written, very evocative. The scene opened in a tube station and everyone commented they felt right there. Menacing undertones, it had a slow build up and the lead character, Justine, was observant.  Reuben used this character trait to be descriptive without breaking rhythm.

 

Date of Next Meeting

30 October 2023

 

Meeting closed.