Annette
Has yet to submit short story to a magazine or for a competition.
Had an inspirational pilgrimage to Lourdes in July. The Westminster Diocese has invited pilgrims to submit a 600-word essay on their experiences which if accepted will be published in an anthology. Proceeds from sales of anthology will support attendees at next year’s pilgrimage.
Annette has been struggling to find motivation to write during the summer and questioned whether she should pursue other creative outlets other than writing. After encouragement from the group Annette agreed to give it another month and hopes to submit a short story and make a start on the Lourdes essay.
Howard
Howard wonders if he is experiencing permanent writers block as he cannot seem to think of anything to write. There were several ideas to help get Howard started but also advice that he should try not to force it. Howard wondered if he should continue to pursue the writing life but agreed to give it another month. Howard suggested a writing prompt which may help all those struggling to write (see below).
Shelley
‘Beastly Magic’ is now at the printers. It is hoped that it will be printed in time for Christmas. Fifty copies to be printed in the first instance.
Shelley read out a short story to the group called ‘Heart of Stone’ and was thinking about submitting it to the ‘Peoples Friend’. The group agreed that the story was exceptionally well written and more suited to a literary journal or competition.
Shelley agreed to look at the literary women’s writing journal Mslexia who have a short story competition at the moment.
Guy
Guy has a short story he intends to submit to ‘Peoples Friend’. He is also planning on publishing an anthology of short stories (Caroline’s stories).
Guy read from a Dr Who story called ‘Galaxy’s End’ which was written when he was 19 years old and included a few recent literary tweaks.
Ann
Ann has written approximately two chapters of a short story around a character called Barney. Ann is struggling to find a suitable ending. Ann will bring the manuscript to the next meeting to do a reading.
James
James read a short piece about some train journeys that he experienced recently. It was well written and interesting. It was suggested that James could include descriptions of how he felt, what the weather was like, who did he meet or an interesting observation perhaps. These things could help the reader feel the atmosphere on the train and give them a clearer image of the writer’s experience.
Writing Prompt – ‘he raised the iron from the mantlepiece…’