Cleckheaton Writers Group met on Monday 29 June at Cleckheaton Library from 5.30-7pm with Barbara, Karen, Reuben, Vlada and new members Dave and Anna were in attendance, Michelle, Molly and Paul having passed on their apologies.
The meeting started with introductions and Dave explained he has written a full length first draft sci-fi /war story, historical fiction, fantasy and short comedy he puts online, comic scripts - indie comic both published. Anna has written short stories and tried to do a longer one. She has been writing since a child and has a body of work with various themes including ghost stories.
WIP updates: Karen has sent work to an agent, two competitions, edited her WIP synopsis and attended 2 workshops on author branding and how to write a killer thriller. She has also completed her work on her own business client Lucy Brighton's psychological thriller (the third in a trilogy to be released in Autumn, Finding Grace - check this out on Amazon) and has gratefully received her signed copy of her previous clients fantasy novel (please check out J. B. Tallis's novel Age of Affiliation on Amazon) both of which have lovely dedications to her inside. If you wish to know more about Karen's own business, Creative Services Yorkshire, where she helps with novel appraisals, editing etc., please contact Karen directly.
Reuben has written 3/4's of his PhD and has one chapter and one section of introduction and then the supervisor changes and analytical data.
Vlada has finished her Gold Arts Award and is awaiting her grades, so has stuck to academic writing.
Barbara has written chapter 3 of her cosy crime.
CW competitions/workshops/events: Bradford Literature Festival is on now until 12 July and Bradford Festival is on 17-19 July, Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Festival is also coming up and there are still places on Anna Chilvers writing retreats and workshops (contact Karen for details).
Writing plans: Karen will be working on her current WIP and hopes to enter more competitions and submit.
Vlada hopes to write a piece on the July theme.
Barbara will be writing more chapters of her cosy crime and maybe a piece on the July theme.
Dave hopes to write a piece on the new July theme.
Anna will type up what's she's got.
Reuben will be working on his PhD and therefore may miss a few upcoming meetings.
Writing challenge theme: July - Sandcastle.
Feedback sessions: Vlada shared her as yet untitled short story. She wrote this from a prompt on a character page. Members liked the twist and the enigma of the old man who guided the main character to the place - or was it her mum guiding her? It was suggested to change the metaphor of the cold on her hands reminding her of the fire;, suggested perhaps her breath in the cold could remind her of the smoke instead. Thank you for being brave enough to share for the first time Vlada, we all loved your story and look forward to hearing more from you.
Barbara shared her feedback appraisal of Christmas Evie which members loved the humour of, especially the 'left the room with Elvis' part. Thank you Barbara for such a lovely appraisal of Karen's debut novel. Contact Karen if you fancy finding out more about her rom com Christmas Evie.
Anna shared her short story The Exam Room which members felt was very evocative of students who don't care when they sit their exams, and of the exam experience, especially the characterisation in the story. Thank you Anna for sharing on your first meeting. We look forward to hearing more of your stories in the future.
Next meeting: Monday 13 July 2026 5.30-7pm at Cleckheaton Library where we may welcome a new member Linda. New members always welcome.
No comments:
Post a Comment