Cleckheaton Writers Group (CWG) met on Monday 1 June 2026 5.30-7pm at Cleckheaton Library with Barbara, Karen and new member Vlada in attendance, Paul, Molly and Reuben having passed on their apologies.
The members introduced themselves to Vlada and everyone discussed their writing history. Vlada has written short stories and script writing for school; she is in Year 12 at North Halifax Grammar. One of her assignments was to rewrite the script of The Moon Goddess and direct it, plus some poetry. For her Gold Arts Award she has 4 units and has chosen to develop short stories and writing as an art form. She is interested in Journalism and had to try out a club as part of her course, hence joining CWG because she enjoys reading and sport is not her thing.
The minutes from the last meeting were passed.
WIP updates: Karen entered two of the I Am in Print competitions (there are 12 fee paying categories in total) and the Bath Novel Award (£33 fee). She has been working on a MS appraisal for a client of her own business Creative Services Yorkshire (a psychological thriller novel scheduled for release in Autumn) and written a synopsis for her current WIP Touchdown. Barbara has rewritten chapter one of her WIP and started chapter two.
Creative Writing competitions, events and workshops: Larrikin House have a one day open submission day today (1 June) for children's writing, including picture books. Anna Chilvers has a sale on her MS appraisal work. Kate Nash has a first novel competition, enter by 5 June. Times Chicken House has its open submission coming up for a fee and there are upcoming workshops as part of Bradford Literature Festival. Karen has booked on a couple taking place at Shipley Library: How to Writer a Killer Thriller and Writing As a Brand with Lucy Brighton.
Writing Plans: Karen will finish the MS appraisal and enter the Kate Nash writing competition. She will enter some writing into the one day open submission day for Larrikin House (today) with her picture book and if there is time, she hopes to work on some writing. Barbara will prepare a cast list for her WIP and continue chapter two. Vlada will start the writing challenge.
Feedback Sessions: Karen shared the synopsis to her WIP which was well received. Members thought there was enough conflict and it was believable. Because of the dementia angle to the story, Barbara told members about a set of twins with early onset dementia whose mum appeared on Look North or Calendar News. They are running 30 marathons in 30 days as they have a rare form, which the boys have but their sister does not.
Barbara shared her first chapter. Vlada thought there were a lot of characters but they were different which helped her to follow along. There was a lot of dialogue so doesn't need descriptive, and she likes it. Karen noticed some minor editing points but loved the humour. She suggested adding a few dialogue tags and a more dramatic ending to the chapter.
It was agreed that Vlada will go first in the feedback sessions at the next meeting.
Writing Challenge: June theme - Summer of Sport.
The next meeting will take place on Monday 15 June at 5.30-7pm at Cleckheaton Library. New members always welcome.
Please feel free to contact Karen via this blog or her email karen.naylor.csy@outlook.com if you are interested in attending CWG or wish to know more about Creative Services Yorkshire.
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