Scribblers deliberations

Matt Barclay is a care worker who wishes to produce a film to help carers discover there is a 'life' outside their profession. He is looking for a ghost writer for the film script but there will be very little or no return at all. Anyone interested should contact scribblers@btinternet.com for contact details.

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I would like to draw your group's attention to an online writers' forum, Great Writing. The site has existed since 2005 and has just been rebuilt to improve its speed and user-friendliness.
You can explore it as a guest, without joining, but registration enables you to post and to review work. We would be very happy to see any of your members taking part.
Sue Millard http://www.suemillard.f9.co.uk/

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Dear Scribblers,
My name is Leslie Tate. I have an MA in Creative Writing, two published novels (cover and blurb of the latest attached), have run festival workshops and FE writing classes, appeared at Hackney Empire, Goldsmiths College and 40+ writing groups/U3As.

My partner, Sue Hampton, has 10 books published. She has visited 150 schools inspiring children/staff/parents with a love of children’s literature. Michael Morpugo praised three of her novels as: 1. ‘An enthralling account of the Roman occupation of Britain. A powerfully written debut in a novel that lingers long’ 2. ‘Teriffic’ 3. ‘Beautifully written’.

I'm appearing at the 14th Great Writing Conference June 18/19th, Imperial College, London University to present on 'What Goes into a Great Novel?' I wondered if your writing group would like me to bring along the presentation? It goes like this:

In How Do We Recognise Great Writing? Leslie Tate will describe how two authors present the characteristics of quality writing and the purposes of authorship. A number of reflective activities about writing will be showcased ─ Leslie’s for adults and his partner’s, Sue Hampton, for schoolchildren.

Firstly, Leslie will introduce Sue and himself through poster-size metaphors, then demonstrate, using printed cards and call-and-reply, Sue’s thirteen answers to “Why write?”.

Secondly, using his ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ U3A talk aid (which is pictorial and applies the dancing skills each judge is looking for to a quality book), Leslie will:
· contrast language-led/character-led fiction with plot-driven/issue-led/author-centred stories
· explain the importance of rewriting, as well as ‘blue-eye’, ‘red-eye’, in fully-realised writing
· talk about the 5 main elements that go into a great novel:
a) technique/innovation
b) soul/deep meaning
c) form/tradition
d) passion/expression
e) humour/self awareness.

Finally three readings will exemplify ‘substantiation’ in stories and how quality writing grows unpredictably from character and language and incorporates multiple genres.
Throughout the presentation Leslie will answer questions and incorporate ideas from the audience.

Websites: http://www.leslietate.com/ http://www.suehamptonauthor.co.uk/
If the group could buy a collective copy of my debut Aphrodite’s Children and my latest Frontliners (£8.99 each = £17.98 total) I'd be happy to take that as payment.
Best wishes
Leslie Tate

Scribblers should let Barry know if they are interested in Leslie's offer.

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