Monday, 30 April 2012
Sunday 6 May 2012 - The 42nd Ipswich to Felixstowe Historic Vehicle Run
Our Next Meeting...
Just say to all who are intending to attend the meeting tomorrow (Tuesday 1st May) that I hope you all have been inspired to write something interesting about the date First of May.
See you there - at the Room at the Top. 7.30 start.
Barry
See you there - at the Room at the Top. 7.30 start.
Barry
Friday, 27 April 2012
National Reading Group Day
Here is an invitation from Steph Merrett, Library Manager at Felixstowe.
"30th June is National Reading Group Day and to celebrate I have great pleasure in inviting you to a talk at Felixstowe Library by author, Rosy Thornton. Rosy will tell us about her new book Ninepins, set in Norfolk, and the writing and publishing process. There will be an opportunity for questions and she will sign copies of her books.
"Rosy Thornton is a lecturer and Fellow of Law at Emmanuel College, Cambridge. She grew up in Suffolk and now lives in a village near Cambridge with her partner, two young daughters and two spaniels. Of her novels Rosy says, “I write contemporary fiction of a kind you might call romantic comedy with a hint of satire - or possibly social satire with a hint of romance. Or in fact just novels really.” www.rosythornton.com Her novels to date are: Hearts and Minds, More than Love Letters, Crossed Wires, The Tapestry of Love and Ninepins.
"The talk will take place in the Room at the Top in Felixstowe Library on Saturday 30th June 2012 between 2 and 4 pm. Tickets are free but spaces are limited so make sure you reserve your places as soon as possible. Please contact me by Saturday 2nd June at the latest."
Frequency of meetings...
Over the next eight weeks or so, the frequency of meetings has changed a little. In May, for example, we will have three meetings :
1st - 1,000 word Homework evening - homework assignment up to 1,000 words on "The 1st of May".
15th - The Bill Budner Trophy - 1,000 words in this anonymous competition.
29th - 1,000 word Homework evening.
The extra meeting is to deflect the Queen's Jubilee on 5th June.
This means our June meetings will now be held on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month:
12th - 1,000 word geographical assignment
26th - 1,000 word Homework evening.
Then a quick turn round for the first meeting in July :
3rd - Four word creative writing exercise
After that its back to normal with meetings on the first and third Tuesdays of each month.
1st - 1,000 word Homework evening - homework assignment up to 1,000 words on "The 1st of May".
15th - The Bill Budner Trophy - 1,000 words in this anonymous competition.
29th - 1,000 word Homework evening.
The extra meeting is to deflect the Queen's Jubilee on 5th June.
This means our June meetings will now be held on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month:
12th - 1,000 word geographical assignment
26th - 1,000 word Homework evening.
Then a quick turn round for the first meeting in July :
3rd - Four word creative writing exercise
After that its back to normal with meetings on the first and third Tuesdays of each month.
A recommended read...
The Scribe
NEWSLETTER… Info, Insights & Ideas
ePubco’s First Read-Aloud…3,489 Titles + Growing… Rapid Audio Books… Pinnacle Book Award Winners
ePubco.com Debuts Their New Read-Aloud ePub
ePubco.com announces that it will release its first Read-Aloud ePub this month to the Apple iBook Store. The Read-Aloud ePub has a fixed page layout that looks like a book and uses a clickable button to start reading the text on any given page.
The Read-Aloud ePub is designed to work on the Apple iPad and is perfect for Children’s picture books. It allows children to follow along while a realistic voice-over reads to them, making this the perfect learning tool to aid in reading development for young children. Additionally, children’s books formatted in this manner make for great ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) material abroad. As with any iPod/iPad player, you can easily add a pair of headphones for following along while in the doctor’s waiting room, airplane, road trip or other quiet places.
This first release is Sherrill Cannon’s Peter and the Whimper-Whineys. For more information on how you can get your book converted to a Read-Aloud ePub and have it uploaded to Apple’s iBook Store, contact Jeannie@ePubco.com.
*****
SBPRA is proud to announce it currently has 3,489 active book titles for sale.
Titles are available in hardback, soft cover and as multi-format eBooks, in genres from memoir to mystery, from authors aged ten to eighty-four and everything in between. We continue to grow, bigger and better every day!
*****
Did You Know… Rapid Audio Books is up and running, providing professional audio book production.
Our experienced team of voice artists will make your book a joy to listen to. Going beyond just production services, RAB helps authors by using one of the most advanced marketing, logistics and distribution networks in existence. We will not only produce your audio book, but distribute and market it. We are a one-stop integrated solution for your audio production and marketing needs. For more information visit http://rapidaudiobooks.com/
*****
SBPRA Authors Win 2012 NABE Pinnacle Book Awards
This year, Strategic Book Publishing and Rights Agency is proud to congratulate seven authors selected as Winter 2012 winners of the NABE Pinnacle Book Achievement Awards. The SBPRA authors include Nick K. Adams, Gary Caplan, Imelda Cumins-DeMelkon, Stephen Lamoreaux, Kirk Marty, Barbara Prignano and Kenneth Rogers, Jr.. The authors and their work will be featured in the next issue of Book Dealers World, as well as at upcoming book trade show exhibits.
Nick K. Adams won best book in the Juvenile Fiction category for The Uncivil War. This novel brings history to life for two fourth grade rivals who discover that they both had a great-great-great-grandfather present at the Civil War Battle of Chickamauga – but on opposite sides. As the class delves into the past, these two will learn not only about the Civil War, but how to end their own Uncivil War.
Imelda Cumins-DeMelkon was a winner in the Memoir category for The Modern Voice of an Irish Immigrant. What motivates a woman to leave her native land behind and settle in another country? Imelda Cummins-DeMelkon writes a fascinating account of her experiences growing up in Ireland as one of 12 children, and the struggles and challenges that led her to immigrate to the United States.
Stephen Lamoreaux won best book in the Children’s Environmental category for his charming The Little Wave – An Adventure in Earthly Care. This powerful story teaches young and old that abusing our planet does not come without consequences, but even the smallest changes can make a positive difference.
Kirk Marty was a winner for his Sports novel, The Longest Walk. This clever fantasy realizes every baseball fan’s dream: seeing the greatest players of all time play together. A boozy minor league hitting coach bargains to trade his life for that of a terminally ill seven-year-old. But first, the alcoholic coach must win the big game, managing a team of the greatest “dead” Hall of Famers against a powerful squad that’s playing for Death Personified. The Longest Walk is “Damn Yankees,” “Field of Dreams,” and “Rocky” combined!
Barbara Prignano’s Anthony and the Magic Bumblebee won in the Children’s Adventure category. In this delightful book, a little boy named Anthony discovers a bumblebee sprinkling magic dust. Just what is this magic dust? Anthony and the Magic Bumblebee provides a wonderful teaching opportunity to learn all about pollination.
Kenneth Rogers, Jr.’s book Sequence won in the Science Fiction category. This amazing novel deals with a couple trapped inside the Pandora Complex, a phenomena which causes thoughts to travel from one memory to the next next as they are downloaded into the Pandora system. The Sequence questions our reality, while taking the reader on a remarkable journey into the mind.
Gary Caplan, an author represented by SBPRA at Book Expos worldwide, won in the Fantasy category for his The Return of the Ancient Ones.
Strategic Book and Publishing Rights Agency congratulates all of its authors for a job well done. For more on the Pinnacle Achievement Awards, go to: http://tinyurl.com/8yh9xbs
Tuesday, 24 April 2012
Closing Date Approaching Soon: 30 April 2012
Don't miss this opportunity to win your share of £875 in prizes and a chance to have your work read by a literary agent.
Guest Judge: London-Based Literary Agent, Lucy Luck
Literary agent Lucy Luck started in publishing in 1997, and worked for over 8 years at Rogers, Coleridge and White Ltd. In 2006, she set up Lucy Luck Associates, an agency focusing on writers of quality fiction and non-fiction. During her time at RCW she was fortunate to work with many talented writers including Julie Myerson, Anne Enright, Bernard MacLaverty, Miles Kington, Stella Tillyard, Richard Overy, Lisa Jardine, and Donna Tartt.
More Info here
1st Prize – £500, 2nd Prize – £250, 3rd Prize – £125
All winners will be published in the 2012 print anthology and receive 1 free copy of the anthology
Shortlisted – publication in 2012 print anthology, 1 free copy
Honourable Mentions – offer to publish in the quarterly ejournal Spilling Ink Review
1,500 Word Max, No Theme, All Genres Welcome (see more guidelines...)
Entry fee (per entry): £5 or €8 or $10
Enter Online or Via Post Online entries must be received no later than 30 April, Midnight (your time). Postal entries must be postmarked by 30 April, we always allow a grace period for all postal entries to arrive for judging.
Here's one for all you children's storytellers
That's It ... I've Had Enough
Jon here. And I need to vent a little bit.....
You see, Laura and I have been running Children's Book Insider for 23 years now. And it's been nothing but a blessing. Well, almost.
There's one fly in the ointment, and it's this:
We keep encountering people who have the talent and the desire to write amazing children's books -- but quit before they've really given it a fair shot. When we poke or prod a little bit to find out why they walk away from their dream, we often hear some combination of:
* I'm too old (or too young, or too male, or too female, etc.)
* I don't have time
* I don't have the right college degree
* I'm afraid of people laughing at me if my work isn't any good
* I don't understand ebooks or new technology
* I'm confused about the process -- it's just overwhelming.
For us, hearing these things are, frankly, kind of heartbreaking. That's because they're all so easily addressed. The truth is this:
* No publisher would turn away a great story because of the age, gender, ethnicity, location or occupation of its author.
* People who are *far* more busy than you or me regularly get published.
* You don't need a college degree to write a children's book.
* Anyone who would laugh at your work is a jerk and a clown. Rule #1 - the opinions of jerks and clowns mean nothing.
* You can learn new technologies. They're really not that complex.
* Same goes for the submission and publishing process. It's easy stuff, actually.
We try to tell folks this, and we often manage to sway them and help keep their dream on track. But, we've found, far better than telling them is to show them. (Hey - "show, don't tell"! It really *is* good advice!) So, in case any of you are doubting your dream right about now, I present Debbie Dadey and Cyndie Sebourn.
Debbie was a first grade teacher and librarian who did more than just daydream about writing for kids. She took action. The result? Debbie Dadey has authored more than *150* children's books!Recently, she sat down with Laura for a discussion about her life as a writer. Watch it and you'll soon discover that Debbie is not some superwoman. She's a regular, down-to-earth person with a lovely disposition and
a well-rounded life. And she's proof positive that desire, a willingness to learn and persistence are what makes a great writer. And those are things that any of you can develop and practice. Debbie did it, and so can you.
Here's where to watch the video: http://bit.ly/dadey
Cyndie Sebourn, a member of the CBI Clubhouse Fightin' Bookworms, was struggling to find a foothold as a children's writer. When we launched our CBI 1-2-3 System back in January, Cyndie saw her opening immediately. Inspired by our interview with Karen Robertson, CBI's App Publishing Expert Guide, Cyndie decided that creating a children's app was her path to success. She contacted Karen, learned what she had to learn and now she's the proud author of "Smarty Britches: A Southern Boy Discovers Nouns", a wonderful new app.
Cyndie is the perfect example of a "regular person" who's charting her own course to success. She didn't know anything about creating an app a few short months ago, and now it's her career!
Is there any reason you couldn't do something similar with apps, ebooks, self-publishing or print on demand? Nope. Not a one. You just need some direction and some encouragement and, hey, that's what we're here for! :)
Read Cyndie's story here: http://cbiclubhouse.com/2012/02/fightin-bookworm-spotlight-cyndie-sebour/
So take heart, writer. You *absolutely can* do it. And, if you're truly committed, you *absolutely will* do it!
Jon Bard, Managing Editor, Children's Book Insider, the Newsletter for Children's Writers.
PS: If you're not already a CBI member, take a moment to join the Fightin' Bookworms and surround yourself with great information, acclaimed Expert Guides, private critique groups, and the most "can do" bunch of writers on the planet!
All the details -- and a special offer -- are at http://cbiclubhouse.com/non-members
Jon here. And I need to vent a little bit.....
You see, Laura and I have been running Children's Book Insider for 23 years now. And it's been nothing but a blessing. Well, almost.
There's one fly in the ointment, and it's this:
We keep encountering people who have the talent and the desire to write amazing children's books -- but quit before they've really given it a fair shot. When we poke or prod a little bit to find out why they walk away from their dream, we often hear some combination of:
* I'm too old (or too young, or too male, or too female, etc.)
* I don't have time
* I don't have the right college degree
* I'm afraid of people laughing at me if my work isn't any good
* I don't understand ebooks or new technology
* I'm confused about the process -- it's just overwhelming.
For us, hearing these things are, frankly, kind of heartbreaking. That's because they're all so easily addressed. The truth is this:
* No publisher would turn away a great story because of the age, gender, ethnicity, location or occupation of its author.
* People who are *far* more busy than you or me regularly get published.
* You don't need a college degree to write a children's book.
* Anyone who would laugh at your work is a jerk and a clown. Rule #1 - the opinions of jerks and clowns mean nothing.
* You can learn new technologies. They're really not that complex.
* Same goes for the submission and publishing process. It's easy stuff, actually.
We try to tell folks this, and we often manage to sway them and help keep their dream on track. But, we've found, far better than telling them is to show them. (Hey - "show, don't tell"! It really *is* good advice!) So, in case any of you are doubting your dream right about now, I present Debbie Dadey and Cyndie Sebourn.
Debbie was a first grade teacher and librarian who did more than just daydream about writing for kids. She took action. The result? Debbie Dadey has authored more than *150* children's books!Recently, she sat down with Laura for a discussion about her life as a writer. Watch it and you'll soon discover that Debbie is not some superwoman. She's a regular, down-to-earth person with a lovely disposition and
a well-rounded life. And she's proof positive that desire, a willingness to learn and persistence are what makes a great writer. And those are things that any of you can develop and practice. Debbie did it, and so can you.
Here's where to watch the video: http://bit.ly/dadey
Cyndie Sebourn, a member of the CBI Clubhouse Fightin' Bookworms, was struggling to find a foothold as a children's writer. When we launched our CBI 1-2-3 System back in January, Cyndie saw her opening immediately. Inspired by our interview with Karen Robertson, CBI's App Publishing Expert Guide, Cyndie decided that creating a children's app was her path to success. She contacted Karen, learned what she had to learn and now she's the proud author of "Smarty Britches: A Southern Boy Discovers Nouns", a wonderful new app.
Cyndie is the perfect example of a "regular person" who's charting her own course to success. She didn't know anything about creating an app a few short months ago, and now it's her career!
Is there any reason you couldn't do something similar with apps, ebooks, self-publishing or print on demand? Nope. Not a one. You just need some direction and some encouragement and, hey, that's what we're here for! :)
Read Cyndie's story here: http://cbiclubhouse.com/2012/02/fightin-bookworm-spotlight-cyndie-sebour/
So take heart, writer. You *absolutely can* do it. And, if you're truly committed, you *absolutely will* do it!
Jon Bard, Managing Editor, Children's Book Insider, the Newsletter for Children's Writers.
PS: If you're not already a CBI member, take a moment to join the Fightin' Bookworms and surround yourself with great information, acclaimed Expert Guides, private critique groups, and the most "can do" bunch of writers on the planet!
All the details -- and a special offer -- are at http://cbiclubhouse.com/non-members
Invitation to write
From Barry,
Here's hoping you all kept your pieces from the last meeting. Most of them will bear expansion.Please note, the handwritten version is not obligatory, but will help.
The message reads...
I am writing to invite you to enter a short story in our annual competition. This is for stories between 2000 and 5000 words long, with a broad theme of The Sea.
These can be in any genre and we would welcome a handwritten copy in addition to a typed copy. Handwriting is not obligatory but will be worth 10% of the scoring. The deadline for entry is 22nd July 2012 and we will be announcing the winners.
There are two cash prizes
· The Turnill Prize of £1000 will be awarded to the winning entry from authors aged 25 and under.
· The Grand Prize of £250 will be awarded to the winning entry for authors aged 26 and over.
· All shortlisted stories (ten in each category) will be published on an anthology.
Rules and Regulations
Rules and Regulations
· Entries must be entirely your own work and never previously published or broadcast, online or offline. We take plagiarism very seriously.
· Please submit each entry, typed in double-spaced on A4 paper with page numbers. Also, include a handwritten version of your story.
· Entries should be submitted anonymously, accompanied by an entry form with all your details (download from http://www.wellsfestival.com/)
Entry fees
Donations of £5 per adult entry. Free for under-26 y.o.
Cheques payable to HGWells Festival.
Please send your entry (or entries!) to
HGWells Festival
2 Pelham Gardens
Folkestone CT20 2LE
Any enquires please email rose.unsworth@gmail.com
Good luck!
Here's hoping you all kept your pieces from the last meeting. Most of them will bear expansion.Please note, the handwritten version is not obligatory, but will help.
The message reads...
I am writing to invite you to enter a short story in our annual competition. This is for stories between 2000 and 5000 words long, with a broad theme of The Sea.
These can be in any genre and we would welcome a handwritten copy in addition to a typed copy. Handwriting is not obligatory but will be worth 10% of the scoring. The deadline for entry is 22nd July 2012 and we will be announcing the winners.
There are two cash prizes
· The Turnill Prize of £1000 will be awarded to the winning entry from authors aged 25 and under.
· The Grand Prize of £250 will be awarded to the winning entry for authors aged 26 and over.
· All shortlisted stories (ten in each category) will be published on an anthology.
Rules and Regulations
Rules and Regulations
· Entries must be entirely your own work and never previously published or broadcast, online or offline. We take plagiarism very seriously.
· Please submit each entry, typed in double-spaced on A4 paper with page numbers. Also, include a handwritten version of your story.
· Entries should be submitted anonymously, accompanied by an entry form with all your details (download from http://www.wellsfestival.com/)
Entry fees
Donations of £5 per adult entry. Free for under-26 y.o.
Cheques payable to HGWells Festival.
Please send your entry (or entries!) to
HGWells Festival
2 Pelham Gardens
Folkestone CT20 2LE
Any enquires please email rose.unsworth@gmail.com
Good luck!
Friday, 20 April 2012
Prole 7
We have launched issue 7 of Prole today. Prole 7 is a bumper issue with an extra 14 pages of high quality writing.
Prole is not funded and rely on sales to survive and enable royalty payments to be made.
Prole News
We are open to submissions for future issues of Prole.
We are also launching our annual Prolitzer Prize competition. If you have any writing friends who might be interested, please spread the word.
Here are brief details. Full details can be found here: http://www.prolebooks.co.uk/page8.html
Prizes:
Winner - £130 and publication in Prole 9.
2 x runners up - £30 each and possible publication in Prole 9.
Judge: Mark Piggott: http://www.markpiggott.com/
Time scale:
Closes to entries October 1st
Winners announced in Prole 9 and on website December 1st
Entry:
£4 for first piece, £3 for subsequent pieces.
Fiction or creative nonfiction up to 2000 words.
Entries to prosecompetition@proleboos.co.uk
Poetry Pamphlets
Over the last six months we have branched out and published two poetry pamphlets. Two more are on the way. These can be viewed here: http://www.prolebooks.co.uk/page10.html
Website: http://www.prolebooks.co.uk/
Prole is not funded and rely on sales to survive and enable royalty payments to be made.
Prole News
We are open to submissions for future issues of Prole.
We are also launching our annual Prolitzer Prize competition. If you have any writing friends who might be interested, please spread the word.
Here are brief details. Full details can be found here: http://www.prolebooks.co.uk/page8.html
Prizes:
Winner - £130 and publication in Prole 9.
2 x runners up - £30 each and possible publication in Prole 9.
Judge: Mark Piggott: http://www.markpiggott.com/
Time scale:
Closes to entries October 1st
Winners announced in Prole 9 and on website December 1st
Entry:
£4 for first piece, £3 for subsequent pieces.
Fiction or creative nonfiction up to 2000 words.
Entries to prosecompetition@proleboos.co.uk
Poetry Pamphlets
Over the last six months we have branched out and published two poetry pamphlets. Two more are on the way. These can be viewed here: http://www.prolebooks.co.uk/page10.html
Website: http://www.prolebooks.co.uk/
Wednesday, 18 April 2012
Meeting report.
The meeting last night was a sparse affair due to the absence of many of our regulars.
Apologies came from Carolyn (storing energy for the flight across the world) Beryl, our treasurer who is suffering from a bad back (get well soon), Dick was entertaining the ladies of the WI with ghostly tales of the Landguard Fort and Sally is on holiday.
Those present were Dave, Susan, Cathy, Liliane, Sandy, Lyndsay, Martin and yours truly.
The writing exercise was born from a picture brought in by Dave of a (we presumed) 30's old lifeboat cutter filled to the brim with men (only) and an assortment of suitcases and incongruously an old pram perched on top. (see picture on previous post - Ed)
The stories that arose from this were varied and entertaining.
Sandy told of a group of refugees trying to get from Ireland to Scotland.
Martin had a different slant with his tale in todays language about the memories of a lifeboatman who was one of the crew.
Lyndsay told us about a call for help to the Lifeboat crew that got close to a young girl on the rocks who turned into a mermaid.
My contribution depicted the lifeboat as one of a few taking inhabitants from an island threatened by a wrecked ammunition ship.
Dave amused us with a tale of a boat attempting to land at Felixstowe but denied by an 'Elf and Safety' jobsworth.
Susan gave us a short but touching poem about survivors of disaster at sea.
Liliane told an amusing tale of how there used to be a Ferry based on the small ferry at Bawdsey.
Cathy's tale was from the perspective of a woman watching from another lifeboat, all survivors of an emigration shipwreck.
As we had only twenty minutes to write, the stories were necessarily short but as usual they all were thoughtful and considered pieces with all the elements of a longer piece. All had a beginning and an end and Susan forming a beautiful poem from an interesting picture.
Nice to hear from our Ruth who says:
'Just sending my good wishes to all the Scribblers. I always read about the meetings & enjoy feeling like I'm still involved.
I'm still busy with book clubs and other groups who invite me along, as well as rehearsing for The Canterbury Tales which Rushmere Players will be performing at the John Mills Theatre in Ipswich 9th-12 May, and then at the Felixstowe Drama Festival on June 7th.
I've also been away for 2 weeks filming 4 in Bed. The programme should be aired in about 6 weeks.
Hoping to make a meeting once the play is out of the way but in the meantime sending you all best wishes, Ruth.'
Thanks to all who attended.The next meeting will be on the 1st of May and the original subject is 'The 1st of May'.
Thinking caps on.
RegardsBarry.
Apologies came from Carolyn (storing energy for the flight across the world) Beryl, our treasurer who is suffering from a bad back (get well soon), Dick was entertaining the ladies of the WI with ghostly tales of the Landguard Fort and Sally is on holiday.
Those present were Dave, Susan, Cathy, Liliane, Sandy, Lyndsay, Martin and yours truly.
The writing exercise was born from a picture brought in by Dave of a (we presumed) 30's old lifeboat cutter filled to the brim with men (only) and an assortment of suitcases and incongruously an old pram perched on top. (see picture on previous post - Ed)
The stories that arose from this were varied and entertaining.
Sandy told of a group of refugees trying to get from Ireland to Scotland.
Martin had a different slant with his tale in todays language about the memories of a lifeboatman who was one of the crew.
Lyndsay told us about a call for help to the Lifeboat crew that got close to a young girl on the rocks who turned into a mermaid.
My contribution depicted the lifeboat as one of a few taking inhabitants from an island threatened by a wrecked ammunition ship.
Dave amused us with a tale of a boat attempting to land at Felixstowe but denied by an 'Elf and Safety' jobsworth.
Susan gave us a short but touching poem about survivors of disaster at sea.
Liliane told an amusing tale of how there used to be a Ferry based on the small ferry at Bawdsey.
Cathy's tale was from the perspective of a woman watching from another lifeboat, all survivors of an emigration shipwreck.
As we had only twenty minutes to write, the stories were necessarily short but as usual they all were thoughtful and considered pieces with all the elements of a longer piece. All had a beginning and an end and Susan forming a beautiful poem from an interesting picture.
Nice to hear from our Ruth who says:
'Just sending my good wishes to all the Scribblers. I always read about the meetings & enjoy feeling like I'm still involved.
I'm still busy with book clubs and other groups who invite me along, as well as rehearsing for The Canterbury Tales which Rushmere Players will be performing at the John Mills Theatre in Ipswich 9th-12 May, and then at the Felixstowe Drama Festival on June 7th.
I've also been away for 2 weeks filming 4 in Bed. The programme should be aired in about 6 weeks.
Hoping to make a meeting once the play is out of the way but in the meantime sending you all best wishes, Ruth.'
Thanks to all who attended.The next meeting will be on the 1st of May and the original subject is 'The 1st of May'.
Thinking caps on.
RegardsBarry.
Tuesday, 17 April 2012
Tonight's meeting
The subject of tonight's creative writing exercise which brought a really varied selection of work to the table. Interesting theme producing a photo to work from - something only tried once before when Belinda provided the photo then returned home to Oz...
Those were the days!!!
Monday, 16 April 2012
Our Next Gathering
Just to remind you there is no homework for tomorrow (Tuesday 17th).
Just bring writing equipment and be prepared to write for twenty minutes or so on a photograph or picture, supplied by Dave.
Two little notes, we hear that former treasurer Peter is recovering from a recent heart attack and so wish him well, and also that the mother of our Cairns based friend, Chris has died in Felixstowe.
You might also like to read Chris's hilarious notes that caused so much laughter at Scribblers last time. 'Hospital Stay' is included in our Short Story section at the top of this weblog.
Barry
Just bring writing equipment and be prepared to write for twenty minutes or so on a photograph or picture, supplied by Dave.
Two little notes, we hear that former treasurer Peter is recovering from a recent heart attack and so wish him well, and also that the mother of our Cairns based friend, Chris has died in Felixstowe.
You might also like to read Chris's hilarious notes that caused so much laughter at Scribblers last time. 'Hospital Stay' is included in our Short Story section at the top of this weblog.
Barry
Lightship International Literary Prizes
Simon Kerr is an Irish author and the director of the Lightship International Literary Prizes. Their aim is to discover the best new writers in English from around the world, to develop their talents, and to publish their work. They are looking for new, exciting voices.
We currently run four competitions, all with a deadline of 30th June 2012:
First Chapter Prize judged by M.J. Hyland (author), David Miller (agent), and Alessandro Gallenzi (publisher)
Short Story Prize (£1000) judged by Andrew Crumey
Poetry Prize (£1000) judged by Sean O’Brien
Flash Fiction Prize (£500) judged by Vanessa Gebbie
Visit their website for details:
www.lightshippublishing.co.uk
Two quotes in support of the venture:
'Lightship is an exciting venture, which will inspire and reward; it's a very welcome addition to the literary calendar.' Sir Andrew Motion
'Lightship's excellent judges should attract excellent work, and to win a prize here will really mean something.' Christopher Reid
We currently run four competitions, all with a deadline of 30th June 2012:
First Chapter Prize judged by M.J. Hyland (author), David Miller (agent), and Alessandro Gallenzi (publisher)
Short Story Prize (£1000) judged by Andrew Crumey
Poetry Prize (£1000) judged by Sean O’Brien
Flash Fiction Prize (£500) judged by Vanessa Gebbie
Visit their website for details:
www.lightshippublishing.co.uk
Two quotes in support of the venture:
'Lightship is an exciting venture, which will inspire and reward; it's a very welcome addition to the literary calendar.' Sir Andrew Motion
'Lightship's excellent judges should attract excellent work, and to win a prize here will really mean something.' Christopher Reid
Felixstowe Volunteer Coast Patrol Rescue Service
Martyn Prior has just let us know about a brand new website for Felixstowe Volunteer Coast Patrol Rescue Service. Well worth a look at http://www.guardianrescue.co.uk/ It is a volunteer service and would always welcome your support.
Wednesday, 11 April 2012
THE OVATION AWARDS
A celebration of new writing for theatre
After the success of our 2010 event in Whitby & 2011 event in Halifax we are now preparing the 2012 event. This year to be held in Glossop, Derbyshire.
This event is designed to bring new writing talent for theatre to the forefront. There is a lot of exciting new talent around which struggles to find a forum in which to be presented. These awards hope to provide a platform for writers to showcase their work and a great opportunity to receive feedback from industry professionals and theatre goers.
The event invites writers to submit a 7-minute stage play, the deadline for entries is Friday 3rd August 2012. 10 finalists will be chosen by a selection panel and all finalists will be notified on Monday 27th August 2012. The finalists will be invited to stage their 7-minute play at The Ovation Awards on Saturday 20th October 2012.
This will take place at the Partington Theatre in Glossop, Derbyshire. 3 awards will be presented on the night - BEST WRITING, BEST ACTOR, BEST PRODUCTION.
Two will be selected by a judging panel, one by the audience.
Each entry has a submission fee of £3.00 per entry - there is no limit to the number of entries each entrant can submit.
Entries to be submitted by post only to: Planet Rabbit Productions, PO Box 811, Greetland, HX1 9QE
Please make submission cheques payable to: Planet Rabbit Productions
Please include an email address with your entry to receive an acknowledgement receipt. Chosen finalists will be notified by email.
Tickets, to be in the audience at this event, will be on sale in due course.
For more details please see: www.ovationtheatreawards.webs.com
We are also on Facebook and Twitter listed under The Ovation Awards
Enquiries can be sent to: ovationtheatre@hotmail.co.uk
The Ovation Team
After the success of our 2010 event in Whitby & 2011 event in Halifax we are now preparing the 2012 event. This year to be held in Glossop, Derbyshire.
This event is designed to bring new writing talent for theatre to the forefront. There is a lot of exciting new talent around which struggles to find a forum in which to be presented. These awards hope to provide a platform for writers to showcase their work and a great opportunity to receive feedback from industry professionals and theatre goers.
The event invites writers to submit a 7-minute stage play, the deadline for entries is Friday 3rd August 2012. 10 finalists will be chosen by a selection panel and all finalists will be notified on Monday 27th August 2012. The finalists will be invited to stage their 7-minute play at The Ovation Awards on Saturday 20th October 2012.
This will take place at the Partington Theatre in Glossop, Derbyshire. 3 awards will be presented on the night - BEST WRITING, BEST ACTOR, BEST PRODUCTION.
Two will be selected by a judging panel, one by the audience.
Each entry has a submission fee of £3.00 per entry - there is no limit to the number of entries each entrant can submit.
Entries to be submitted by post only to: Planet Rabbit Productions, PO Box 811, Greetland, HX1 9QE
Please make submission cheques payable to: Planet Rabbit Productions
Please include an email address with your entry to receive an acknowledgement receipt. Chosen finalists will be notified by email.
Tickets, to be in the audience at this event, will be on sale in due course.
For more details please see: www.ovationtheatreawards.webs.com
We are also on Facebook and Twitter listed under The Ovation Awards
Enquiries can be sent to: ovationtheatre@hotmail.co.uk
The Ovation Team
2012 Unbound Press
2012 Unbound Press Short Story Award
Guest Judge: Lucy Luck
www.unboundpress.com/competitions
Closing Date: 30 April 2012
Literary agent Lucy Luck started in publishing in 1997, and worked for over 8 years at Rogers, Coleridge and White Ltd. In 2006, she set up Lucy Luck Associates, an agency focusing on writers of quality fiction and non-fiction. During her time at RCW she was fortunate to work with many talented writers including Julie Myerson, Anne Enright, Bernard MacLaverty, Miles Kington, Stella Tillyard, Richard Overy, Lisa Jardine, and Donna Tartt. More Info...
1st Prize – £500, 2nd Prize – £250, 3rd Prize – £125
All winners will be published in the 2012 print anthologyand receive 1 free copy of the anthology
Shortlisted – publication in 2012 print anthology, 1 free copy
Honourable Mentions – offer to publish in the quarterly ejournal Spilling Ink Review
1,500 Word Max, No Theme, All Genres Welcome (see more guidelines...)
Entry fee (per entry): £5 or €8 or $10Enter Online or Via Post
2012 Unbound Press Flash Fiction Award
Guest Judge: Zoë Strachan
www.unboundpress.com/competitions
Closing Date: 30 June 2012
Zoë Strachan is the author of Negative Space (won a Betty Trask Award and was shortlisted for the Saltire First Book of the Year Award) and Spin Cycle (both published by Picador). Her most recent novel, Ever Fallen in Love, is published by Sandstone Press and has been shortlisted for the Green Carnation Prize and longlisted for London Book Award Zoë also writes short stories, essays, journalism and drama. Her work has been broadcast on BBC Radio 4 and Radio 3. More info...
1st Prize – £500, 2nd Prize – £250, 3rd Prize – £125
All winners will be published in the 2012 print anthologyand receive 1 free copy of the anthology
Shortlisted – publication in 2012 print anthology, 1 free copy
Honourable Mentions – offer to publish in the quarterly ejournal Spilling Ink Review
500 Word Max, No Theme, All Genres Welcome (see more guidelines...)
Entry fee:1 entry £5 / 3 entries £10, 1 entry €8 / 3 entries €16, 1 entry $10 / 3 entries $20Enter Online or Via Post
2012 Unbound Press Nonfiction Award
Guest Judge: Iain Bamforth
www.unboundpress.com/competitions
Closing Date: 31 August 2012
Iain Bamforth grew up in Glasgow, where he attended medical school and indelibly acquired what Robert Louis Stevenson called “the strong Scots accent of mind.” In a varied career as doctor and writer, he has worked as a general practitioner, hospital doctor (in the American Hospital of Paris as well as in the Australian outback), editor and translator, and since 2005 as a public health consultant in western Papua, the southern Philippines and other remote parts of south-east Asia. His publications include four collections of poems, a history of modern medicine as told through literature, and a collection of essays on European intellectual history. More info...
1st Prize – £500, 2nd Prize – £250, 3rd Prize – £125
All winners will be published in the 2012 print anthologyand receive 1 free copy of the anthology
Shortlisted – publication in 2012 print anthology, 1 free copy
Honourable Mentions – offer to publish in the quarterly ejournal Spilling Ink Review
2,200 Word Max, No Theme, All Genres Welcome (see more guidelines...)
Entry fee (per entry): £5 or €8 or $10Enter Online or Via Post
2012 Unbound Press Poetry Award
Guest Judge: Michael Schmidt
www.unboundpress.com/competitions
Closing Date: 31 October 2012
Michael Schmidt OBE FRSL was born in Mexico and studied at the universities of Harvard and Oxford before settling in England. Michael is Professor of Poetry at the University of Glasgow, where he is also convenor of the Creative Writing M Litt Programme. He is a founder and the Editorial and Managing Director of Carcanet Press and founder and general Editor of PN Review More info...
1st Prize – £500, 2nd Prize – £250, 3rd Prize – £125
All winners will be published in the 2012 print anthologyand receive 1 free copy of the anthology
Shortlisted – publication in 2012 print anthology, 1 free copy
Honourable Mentions – offer to publish in the quarterly ejournal Spilling Ink Review
40-line Max, No Theme, All Genres Welcome (see more guidelines...)
Entry fee:1 entry £5 / 3 entries £10, 1 entry €8 / 3 entries €16, 1 entry $10 / 3 entries $20Enter Online or Via Post
2012 Unbound Press Best Novel Award
www.unboundpress.com/competitions
Closing Date: 30 November 2012
1st Prize – £1000, 2nd Prize – £500, 3rd Prize – £250
10,000 Word Guide, No Theme, All Genres Welcome (see more guidelines...)
Entry fee (per entry): £25 or €30 or $40
Enter Online or Via Post
We ask that you submit the first 10,000 words of your novel for consideration. This is just a guideline. If you find that you need to go over or under this guideline to reach a natural stopping point, like a chapter ending or a section break, that’s acceptable. Shortlisted entrants will be notified no later than January 31, 2013 at which time you will be asked to supply the balance of your novel. Our goal is to announce the winners no later than March, 2013. Please note: all entries will be considered for publication but publication is not part of the cash prize.
Guest Judge: Lucy Luck
www.unboundpress.com/competitions
Closing Date: 30 April 2012
Literary agent Lucy Luck started in publishing in 1997, and worked for over 8 years at Rogers, Coleridge and White Ltd. In 2006, she set up Lucy Luck Associates, an agency focusing on writers of quality fiction and non-fiction. During her time at RCW she was fortunate to work with many talented writers including Julie Myerson, Anne Enright, Bernard MacLaverty, Miles Kington, Stella Tillyard, Richard Overy, Lisa Jardine, and Donna Tartt. More Info...
1st Prize – £500, 2nd Prize – £250, 3rd Prize – £125
All winners will be published in the 2012 print anthologyand receive 1 free copy of the anthology
Shortlisted – publication in 2012 print anthology, 1 free copy
Honourable Mentions – offer to publish in the quarterly ejournal Spilling Ink Review
1,500 Word Max, No Theme, All Genres Welcome (see more guidelines...)
Entry fee (per entry): £5 or €8 or $10Enter Online or Via Post
2012 Unbound Press Flash Fiction Award
Guest Judge: Zoë Strachan
www.unboundpress.com/competitions
Closing Date: 30 June 2012
Zoë Strachan is the author of Negative Space (won a Betty Trask Award and was shortlisted for the Saltire First Book of the Year Award) and Spin Cycle (both published by Picador). Her most recent novel, Ever Fallen in Love, is published by Sandstone Press and has been shortlisted for the Green Carnation Prize and longlisted for London Book Award Zoë also writes short stories, essays, journalism and drama. Her work has been broadcast on BBC Radio 4 and Radio 3. More info...
1st Prize – £500, 2nd Prize – £250, 3rd Prize – £125
All winners will be published in the 2012 print anthologyand receive 1 free copy of the anthology
Shortlisted – publication in 2012 print anthology, 1 free copy
Honourable Mentions – offer to publish in the quarterly ejournal Spilling Ink Review
500 Word Max, No Theme, All Genres Welcome (see more guidelines...)
Entry fee:1 entry £5 / 3 entries £10, 1 entry €8 / 3 entries €16, 1 entry $10 / 3 entries $20Enter Online or Via Post
2012 Unbound Press Nonfiction Award
Guest Judge: Iain Bamforth
www.unboundpress.com/competitions
Closing Date: 31 August 2012
Iain Bamforth grew up in Glasgow, where he attended medical school and indelibly acquired what Robert Louis Stevenson called “the strong Scots accent of mind.” In a varied career as doctor and writer, he has worked as a general practitioner, hospital doctor (in the American Hospital of Paris as well as in the Australian outback), editor and translator, and since 2005 as a public health consultant in western Papua, the southern Philippines and other remote parts of south-east Asia. His publications include four collections of poems, a history of modern medicine as told through literature, and a collection of essays on European intellectual history. More info...
1st Prize – £500, 2nd Prize – £250, 3rd Prize – £125
All winners will be published in the 2012 print anthologyand receive 1 free copy of the anthology
Shortlisted – publication in 2012 print anthology, 1 free copy
Honourable Mentions – offer to publish in the quarterly ejournal Spilling Ink Review
2,200 Word Max, No Theme, All Genres Welcome (see more guidelines...)
Entry fee (per entry): £5 or €8 or $10Enter Online or Via Post
2012 Unbound Press Poetry Award
Guest Judge: Michael Schmidt
www.unboundpress.com/competitions
Closing Date: 31 October 2012
Michael Schmidt OBE FRSL was born in Mexico and studied at the universities of Harvard and Oxford before settling in England. Michael is Professor of Poetry at the University of Glasgow, where he is also convenor of the Creative Writing M Litt Programme. He is a founder and the Editorial and Managing Director of Carcanet Press and founder and general Editor of PN Review More info...
1st Prize – £500, 2nd Prize – £250, 3rd Prize – £125
All winners will be published in the 2012 print anthologyand receive 1 free copy of the anthology
Shortlisted – publication in 2012 print anthology, 1 free copy
Honourable Mentions – offer to publish in the quarterly ejournal Spilling Ink Review
40-line Max, No Theme, All Genres Welcome (see more guidelines...)
Entry fee:1 entry £5 / 3 entries £10, 1 entry €8 / 3 entries €16, 1 entry $10 / 3 entries $20Enter Online or Via Post
2012 Unbound Press Best Novel Award
www.unboundpress.com/competitions
Closing Date: 30 November 2012
1st Prize – £1000, 2nd Prize – £500, 3rd Prize – £250
10,000 Word Guide, No Theme, All Genres Welcome (see more guidelines...)
Entry fee (per entry): £25 or €30 or $40
Enter Online or Via Post
We ask that you submit the first 10,000 words of your novel for consideration. This is just a guideline. If you find that you need to go over or under this guideline to reach a natural stopping point, like a chapter ending or a section break, that’s acceptable. Shortlisted entrants will be notified no later than January 31, 2013 at which time you will be asked to supply the balance of your novel. Our goal is to announce the winners no later than March, 2013. Please note: all entries will be considered for publication but publication is not part of the cash prize.
Wednesday, 4 April 2012
A message from Les
I was very moved to receive so many lovely messages from my friends at Scribblers expressing sympathy and comfort following the tragic death of my lovely wife Joan; they were a great comfort at a time when I most needed it.
I decided from the outset that I would not inflict my sorrow on my friends but hang on to my sense of humour. Joan always said it was my best feature, I didn't have many others, so don't expect gloomy faces from me. I don't think I would know how to make one anyway.
Thank you for all your cards and kind words, some of them from the most unexpected sources, you have my sincere gratitude.
Keep dribbling,
Les.
I decided from the outset that I would not inflict my sorrow on my friends but hang on to my sense of humour. Joan always said it was my best feature, I didn't have many others, so don't expect gloomy faces from me. I don't think I would know how to make one anyway.
Thank you for all your cards and kind words, some of them from the most unexpected sources, you have my sincere gratitude.
Keep dribbling,
Les.
Report for the 3rd April.
The homework set from last time was Monster or Monsters.
We had a few apologies, Carolyn, Caz, Sandy Cathy and Sally.
Members present Dave, Tony, Dick, Les (welcome back) Liliane, Susan, (welcome) Ray, Martin, Lyndsay and bringing up the rear yours truly.
Les had found it hard to concentrate on new work this last few weeks so he read a piece imported from Oz. More of that later.
First to read and rush off was Tony. He was late for a rehearsal of the Rushmere Players version of The Canterbury Tales. His story was another part of his novel which is out on spec to a publisher, the chapter contains mentions of a woman called Sally Vate and her friend Bugg Roff. To try to recall all involved would give me a migraine so suffice to say it was a clever collection of words containing a mention of numerous Rolling stones songs. You really had to be there.
Next in line was Dave who gave us the story based on fact of a loco numbered D6996, one that took with it enough bad luck for ten cracked mirrors.
Mine was next. A play on the word mine again my story was recounting experiences when I lived in Australia in the sixties. Very blokey so I will not dwell on the tale of large machines working in West Australia.
Lyndsay was the first to have us chuckling with a truly inspired account of a story originating from a children's tale of a green headed but kindly monster that lived under the stairs. This was crafted into dialogue of correspondence between the council officer and the monster after he received an eviction notice.
Martin's tale was his usually clever play on words about people arriving in the USA and viewing the monster at the gates of the harbour, The statue of Liberty.
Ray brought us at last a tale he began weeks ago but dropped and ran over, on the way to the history meeting last time. His subject had been the Roman era so his story was about the death of a monster named Caligula and the resulting deadly rampage of the Praetorian Guard when his murder was discovered.
We welcome Susan who was a bit trepidatious about her first reading but by the time the round robin reached her she was more at ease. She tells us her interest has been mainly poetry but having listened to us read she believes, I think, that it will not be too hard to branch out. She gave us a very short but very sweet poem, and the main one filled with happy memories of holidaying in France, in Mastinou and the friends she has there.
Next came Liliane. What can I say about Liliane, her stories always amuse and her wit and humour gave us many a belly laugh as she recounted a story of some of the family, holidaying in Scotland with Grandfather trying to tell a story about 'Macbet' as he called him. This drew many laughs as her clever dialogue gave us a true to life account of the old man trying to tell a story with countless interruptions.
Les was back, full of his usual humour after his sad loss and the story he read was one imported from Australia and a Scribbler watcher named Chris Shaw, one who used to attend but now resides in Cairns. He sent me this story and it was just the thing for Les to read. Les's reading and the extremely funny content had us weeping with laughter at the tale of Chris's hospital stay and his subsequent calamitous night of trying to pee into a hospital bottle. Another case of you had to be there. Thank's to Les and thank you Chris.
Last but by no means least we came to Dick and his tale of a short case of hearing loss where unbeknown to the population their resident ogres were gentle things who loved nothing more than to knit. The Town Council meeting instructed a knight of the community to go yonder and obey the command from the Ogres of 'leave us a bone.' They deliberated on what sort of bone then decided it would have to be a substantial one so a dragon's bone was the one he had to go and find. After much slaying and hacking one such bone was obtained but on his presenting said bone to the Ogres he was informed loudly, loud enough for the whole town to hear 'ARE YOU MAD, WE SAID LEAVE US ALONE!!!'
Another fine meeting.
Thanks to all in attendance.
The next will be on the 17th when Dave will bring a photograph and we will all have quick study then write for twenty minutes, a short tale woven around the picture.
So no homework for next time just bring along some paper and pen or pencil.
Thanks again to all and see you at the next meeting.
Barry.
We had a few apologies, Carolyn, Caz, Sandy Cathy and Sally.
Members present Dave, Tony, Dick, Les (welcome back) Liliane, Susan, (welcome) Ray, Martin, Lyndsay and bringing up the rear yours truly.
Les had found it hard to concentrate on new work this last few weeks so he read a piece imported from Oz. More of that later.
First to read and rush off was Tony. He was late for a rehearsal of the Rushmere Players version of The Canterbury Tales. His story was another part of his novel which is out on spec to a publisher, the chapter contains mentions of a woman called Sally Vate and her friend Bugg Roff. To try to recall all involved would give me a migraine so suffice to say it was a clever collection of words containing a mention of numerous Rolling stones songs. You really had to be there.
Next in line was Dave who gave us the story based on fact of a loco numbered D6996, one that took with it enough bad luck for ten cracked mirrors.
Mine was next. A play on the word mine again my story was recounting experiences when I lived in Australia in the sixties. Very blokey so I will not dwell on the tale of large machines working in West Australia.
Lyndsay was the first to have us chuckling with a truly inspired account of a story originating from a children's tale of a green headed but kindly monster that lived under the stairs. This was crafted into dialogue of correspondence between the council officer and the monster after he received an eviction notice.
Martin's tale was his usually clever play on words about people arriving in the USA and viewing the monster at the gates of the harbour, The statue of Liberty.
Ray brought us at last a tale he began weeks ago but dropped and ran over, on the way to the history meeting last time. His subject had been the Roman era so his story was about the death of a monster named Caligula and the resulting deadly rampage of the Praetorian Guard when his murder was discovered.
We welcome Susan who was a bit trepidatious about her first reading but by the time the round robin reached her she was more at ease. She tells us her interest has been mainly poetry but having listened to us read she believes, I think, that it will not be too hard to branch out. She gave us a very short but very sweet poem, and the main one filled with happy memories of holidaying in France, in Mastinou and the friends she has there.
Next came Liliane. What can I say about Liliane, her stories always amuse and her wit and humour gave us many a belly laugh as she recounted a story of some of the family, holidaying in Scotland with Grandfather trying to tell a story about 'Macbet' as he called him. This drew many laughs as her clever dialogue gave us a true to life account of the old man trying to tell a story with countless interruptions.
Les was back, full of his usual humour after his sad loss and the story he read was one imported from Australia and a Scribbler watcher named Chris Shaw, one who used to attend but now resides in Cairns. He sent me this story and it was just the thing for Les to read. Les's reading and the extremely funny content had us weeping with laughter at the tale of Chris's hospital stay and his subsequent calamitous night of trying to pee into a hospital bottle. Another case of you had to be there. Thank's to Les and thank you Chris.
Last but by no means least we came to Dick and his tale of a short case of hearing loss where unbeknown to the population their resident ogres were gentle things who loved nothing more than to knit. The Town Council meeting instructed a knight of the community to go yonder and obey the command from the Ogres of 'leave us a bone.' They deliberated on what sort of bone then decided it would have to be a substantial one so a dragon's bone was the one he had to go and find. After much slaying and hacking one such bone was obtained but on his presenting said bone to the Ogres he was informed loudly, loud enough for the whole town to hear 'ARE YOU MAD, WE SAID LEAVE US ALONE!!!'
Another fine meeting.
Thanks to all in attendance.
The next will be on the 17th when Dave will bring a photograph and we will all have quick study then write for twenty minutes, a short tale woven around the picture.
So no homework for next time just bring along some paper and pen or pencil.
Thanks again to all and see you at the next meeting.
Barry.
A Winner
Very pleased to say that the children's book, A Monkey, a Mouse and a CPAP Machine written by Marion Whiting & Ben Whiting (under their pen-names), and illustrated by Kristina-Rose Sears, has won The Wishing Shelf Independent Book Award for Pre-School Picture books.
Well done!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/A-Monkey-a-Mouse-and-a-CPAP-Machine/300401586637407
Well done!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/A-Monkey-a-Mouse-and-a-CPAP-Machine/300401586637407
Another great evening of entertainment...
Sometimes there is a real gem of creative genius in our writing group - that's not to say that our homework themes are anything less than brilliant themselves - but the meeting this evening was blessed with the work of Chris Shaw in our Cairns outpost Down Under. As the crow flies the distance between Cairns and Felixstowe is 15,048 kilometers (9,350 miles) with a nine hour time difference.
An email brought his work to the notice of the Scribblers in a flash - or a shaky old finger hovering over the send button.
The work, entitled 'Hospital Stay' had to be heard to be believed. A real side splitting epistle which was read by our dear friend Les Smith.
Just a shame the attendance was lower than we would have liked but those present, who helped to create their 'Monster' works and provide an evening of compelling entertainment, included
much hilarity over Liliane's tale of grandfather before the brilliance from our friend Chris with a report of his stay in hospital... words cannot describe it! Suffice to say this would make a terrific TV sketch... Food for thought maybe...
Our next meeting will be another challenge of a pictorial kind when Dave will provide a photograph as a basis for a short creative writing session.
Keep Scribbling!
An email brought his work to the notice of the Scribblers in a flash - or a shaky old finger hovering over the send button.
The work, entitled 'Hospital Stay' had to be heard to be believed. A real side splitting epistle which was read by our dear friend Les Smith.
Just a shame the attendance was lower than we would have liked but those present, who helped to create their 'Monster' works and provide an evening of compelling entertainment, included
much hilarity over Liliane's tale of grandfather before the brilliance from our friend Chris with a report of his stay in hospital... words cannot describe it! Suffice to say this would make a terrific TV sketch... Food for thought maybe...
Our next meeting will be another challenge of a pictorial kind when Dave will provide a photograph as a basis for a short creative writing session.
Keep Scribbling!
Tuesday, 3 April 2012
Historical themed competition
I was just checking my calendar of upcoming competitions and there is a free one next Friday for historical themed article or stories and its free to enter:
http://www.vintagescript.co.uk/contact-us
I know I didn't make it to the historical meeting but I wasn't sure if anyone else wrote something really good that they might want to use. I know some members have a passion for history and may be able to write a article or period piece (or probably already have something suitable written).
Deadline is next Friday, 13 April 2012.
Good luck to anyone that enters.
Ally
http://www.vintagescript.co.uk/contact-us
I know I didn't make it to the historical meeting but I wasn't sure if anyone else wrote something really good that they might want to use. I know some members have a passion for history and may be able to write a article or period piece (or probably already have something suitable written).
Deadline is next Friday, 13 April 2012.
Good luck to anyone that enters.
Ally
Monday, 2 April 2012
firstwriter.com
Short story contest – deadline delayed
The deadline for firstwriter.com's Eighth International Short Story Contest has been delayed by one month to May 1, 2012, to allow for last minute entries.
The competition is seeking short stories up to 3,000 words, and is open to stories on any subject and in any style: literary fiction; genre; romance; horror; science fiction; experimental – all are acceptable and will be treated equally – the only criteria on which they will be judged is the quality of the story and of the writing.
The winner of the competition will receive a cash prize of £200, or the equivalent in your currency (that's around $400). Not only that, but there will also be ten special commendations awarded. All eleven winners will be published in firstwriter.magazine and receive firstwriter.com vouchers worth $36 / £24 / EUR36. These vouchers are enough to cover the cost of creating an annual subscription to firstwriter.com, allowing access to our daily updated databases of over 130 writing competitions, over 850 literary agencies, over 1,300 book publishers, and over 1,500 magazines – as well as the option to receive daily alerts by email of new and updated listings which match your interests.
Another advantage of the firstwriter.com competition is that submissions are made online – saving you the hassle of printing and posting. To enter your story online in seconds go to http://www.firstwriter.com/competitions/short_story_contest/
And there's so much more. Please visit the website firstwriter.com
The deadline for firstwriter.com's Eighth International Short Story Contest has been delayed by one month to May 1, 2012, to allow for last minute entries.
The competition is seeking short stories up to 3,000 words, and is open to stories on any subject and in any style: literary fiction; genre; romance; horror; science fiction; experimental – all are acceptable and will be treated equally – the only criteria on which they will be judged is the quality of the story and of the writing.
The winner of the competition will receive a cash prize of £200, or the equivalent in your currency (that's around $400). Not only that, but there will also be ten special commendations awarded. All eleven winners will be published in firstwriter.magazine and receive firstwriter.com vouchers worth $36 / £24 / EUR36. These vouchers are enough to cover the cost of creating an annual subscription to firstwriter.com, allowing access to our daily updated databases of over 130 writing competitions, over 850 literary agencies, over 1,300 book publishers, and over 1,500 magazines – as well as the option to receive daily alerts by email of new and updated listings which match your interests.
Another advantage of the firstwriter.com competition is that submissions are made online – saving you the hassle of printing and posting. To enter your story online in seconds go to http://www.firstwriter.com/competitions/short_story_contest/
And there's so much more. Please visit the website firstwriter.com
INTERNATIONAL UNPUBLISHED FICTION AUTHORS PRINT READY COMPETITION
This competition starts April 2012.
The closing date for this competition is the 30th April 2012 23:59 BST.
APRIL 2012 - HORROR and the SUPERNATURAL
This is a genuine, no fee competition that stretches over 12 months.Each month a different genre; each month a winner. Winners are offered a contract, paid royalties, and receive full promotion and marketing strategies.
This is not a competition with prizes.
There is no entry fee.
Only Print Ready novels of genuine merit will be chosen. Your book could be a winner. Full details of rules, genres and how to submit,on our website,
http://www.creativeprintpublishing.com/publishing/competitions.php
Entry form here: http://www.creativeprintpublishing.com/publishing/competitions/competition-entry.php
The closing date for this competition is the 30th April 2012 23:59 BST.
APRIL 2012 - HORROR and the SUPERNATURAL
This is a genuine, no fee competition that stretches over 12 months.Each month a different genre; each month a winner. Winners are offered a contract, paid royalties, and receive full promotion and marketing strategies.
This is not a competition with prizes.
There is no entry fee.
Only Print Ready novels of genuine merit will be chosen. Your book could be a winner. Full details of rules, genres and how to submit,on our website,
http://www.creativeprintpublishing.com/publishing/competitions.php
Entry form here: http://www.creativeprintpublishing.com/publishing/competitions/competition-entry.php
NEW April issue of WritingRaw.com online
WritingRaw is a monthly literary magazine dedicated to new and emerging writers. Our goal is simple - to serve the literary community with the opportunity to have their work online and out in the world. In this world of disappearing literary magazines, WritingRaw is providing the blank pages for writers to fill. To view someone's writing, click on the link and a pdf version of the piece will open in your browser.
We are still looking for:
· 500 words or less essays about your struggle to write or published in the traditional sense (put Struggle in the subject line of the email). These essays can be read on the Tips/News page.
· Books to Promote between stories, poems and articles (we are closing the Bookstore and placing these book promotions on every page everyone can see them) Send us a jpeg of the cover, a brief synopsis, and ordering information with the actual link (put Promotion in the subject line of the email)
· And we are always needing Fiction, Poetry, Articles and Essays – all genres, all lengths
Send any of these to Weeb at weeb@writingraw.com
SPREAD THE WORD to all your writer, and reader, friends: Don't let us die! Let the world know about WritingRaw and all the good and positive things we do for up-and-coming writers.
In the April issue:
FICTION:
· A Penny Lost is a Penny Found by N. Joy Lutton: Shawna's dreams comes true after finding her own Prince Charming and taking a trip to Disney World. But should she have made a wish upon a different star?
· Bloom in Baghdad by A. M. ben Yitzhak: "Baghdad, Iraq. The Wake-Up Day. The Final Day in the Suck. The Day of All Good Things. The Freedom Bird awaits. A violation of trust. A break with protocol. What are the thoughts that pass through a war fighter's mind in the ultimate heart beat of his life, between the explosion of the VBIED and the final release of death? BLOOM IN BAGHDAD probes the nexus of belief and doubt, of war and religion, of deo and patria." Mahalo.
· Diorama by Kate Campbell: Grief and memory frame Ray's twisted heart as he goes deeper into his mother's life and death. Scene by scene, he embraces her, submerges into the painful theater of her life and becomes complete in the disturbing darkness he has concealed, transmogrification complete. It's true: We are becoming our mothers.
· Finding Amy by LaShawn White: Do you ever really know who you are or where you come from? Aisha Thompson thought that she knew where she belonged in this world and in a matter of seconds her life is turned upside down and she can't be really sure of who she is and who she can really trust. Finding Amy is about Aisha's true journey into discovering where her roots truly lie and that the people you love and trust the most aren't always as they seem.
· Homecoming by Anne Short: Will's wife of 60 years begins to mistake him for her former finance, Carl, the man who died by Will's side in The Bataan Death March. Now he is haunted by memories of his death, guilt of betrayal and his wife's inability to recognize him.
· Human Horses and Bangla by Anand Dubey: When we sit comfortably, secured and fulfilled in our potpourri scented luxury apartments with matte, satin or eggshell finishing on Brazilian Rosewood panels, rubbing our asses on Italian black leather sofas, switching through 500 channels on our Beo-vision plasma T.V sets with HD and 3D technology and drinking fine Montrachet wine while gliding our tongue through cheese swirls; somebody strives hard for bread, to fight hunger and fetch one time meal and put themselves on sale not to get life but to delay death yet not losing the essence and spirit of life and sharing.
· It Didn't Matter by Dan Sloan: An afternoon walk that ended with the summation of a life.
· Mario Polzetti by Rod Hamon: Mario Polzetti is the boss of one of New York's Crime Syndicates; a man who allows nothing to stand in his way. His thoroughness in covering his crimes is constant frustration to the police and in particular Detective Leroy Dabrowski who is determined to out smart him.
· No Good Deed by Joan Mazza: A retired psychotherapist offers to talk to a child about her nightmares unprepared for what they reveal about her neighbors.
· Out of Thin Air by Kathryn Netzel: "Out of Thin Air" examines a complex relationship between brother and sister. Narrated in the second person, this story forces the reader to internalize the uncomfortable realities of growing up with a self-destructive sibling, while also forcing the narrator to come to terms with her own reality.
· St. Marc's Man by Kyle Iverson: An old man with nothing left returns to the country of his birth, where a younger man struggles to forgive himself for his past. Both were changed irreparably during the Troubles fighting for the losing side. When their cause was lost, were they lost with it?
· Texas Clout by Logan Seidl: Past prosecutor, Guy Slade, now finds himself defending those that he used to fight so hard to put away. His new case tests the justice system and questions what really is right, showing that nothing is simply black and white.
· Truth or Dare by Kelly Seale: The four of them were snowed in for the evening, which was ok by Alex. Three beautiful women, and one man. Every guy's dream, right? Alex Had no idea of the rollercoaster ride he was in for on a late November evening, snowed in with his beautiful wife Andrea and her two best girlfriends. When a game of Truth or Dare is suggested, Alex, reluctant at first, joins in the seductive game with a dark secret that could effect his relationship with Andrea, as well as her two best friends. At the very least, It would leave all of them with a night they would not soon forget. I invite you to join them for an exciting, sensuous game of Truth or Dare...
POETRY:
· An Interchanging Poetry View of War by Mac McGovern
· Beholder's Eyes by Ushiku Crisafulli
· Caravaggio by Michael Corrigan
· Desire by Luigi Luccarelli
· Hope by Callum Williams
· Killer Streak by John Grey
· Next Stop! by Juliette Beswick Pokletar
· Savor the Night by Sarah Terzo
· Wake Up by Alex Cougill
· Well Suited by Chris Birrane
· Your Nocturnal Radiance by Scott Lutz
RIB HAS A NEW COLUMN: The Time Capsule
Forget magazine pronouncements of the sexiest or most interesting. Award shows come but once a year. Rating systems and polls do not include me. And who decides must lists?? Here is the place to get the feel... think zeitgeist... culture. Rib knows what we should be excited about and what should drop off the radar. Just call it instinct or let me know I am wrong and perhaps we could have it out. What has us thinking this month? Here is the flavor of the moment, a page in time for...
ASSORTED:
· Bed Bugs & Beyond: A Play in One Act by Mark Blickley: Bed Bugs and Beyond is a vulgar play with lofty intent. NYC is currently facing a bed bug scourge and these frightening creatures are even more horrific when one extensively researches their violent and perverse misogynist sex lives which are a wonderful metaphor for the political attacks currently being waged against women and gays in 2012.
· I am Jacks Close Eye by Anand Dubey: We run on false claps following the "Yuppie Manual"; times when brands wage wars to hack into our inviting brains. The topics of bar discussions is the latest t-shirt or sofa unit and the driving force i.e. advertisements controlled and circulated by few powerful want us to feel uncool, blabbering and stupid.
· Ode: To The Last Great Giant by Jake Sullivan: There is a lot to say about the poet, hard workingman, hard drinking intellectual named Henry Charles Bukowski (1920 - 1994) however; those snob-nosed literary critics will point to the contrary. To the critics, those traditional stalagmites of old lore, good ole Hank, as called amongst those closest to him, is nothing more than a thorn in the side of the university English departments and traditional writing system this country was so founded.
· Shylock in the Twenty-First Century by Christopher Nagle: Dealing with Jews and Jewishness is every bit as dangerous a subject now, as when Shakespeare wrote 'The Merchant of Venice' in the late 1590s. All the prejudices are toxic and navigating them is always tricky, as it was for Shakespeare, only these days, more people hate a nuclear armed Shylock, and more vehemently, than ever before. More, we are now hostages to his fate in ways Shakespeare could not have imagined.
· The Musings of an Idiot by Anominus: People who write anything with any degree of seriousness usually put their hearts and a lot of hard work into it. We send it off and we hope for the best. My stuff didn't get published, so I asked myself, "Was it me?" Well, maybe...
· Void by Ronald Fischman: "Is." The stative suggests something that lasts beyond time and season, beyond you and me, even beyond observer and observed. The Void "is" an unknowable depression under a real boulder in a real glacial stream. Share the magic of father, friends, and children at this crevasse of magic.
· Winds of Change by Mr. Ben: Winds of Change parades a matrix of stories, depicting experiences of people in different countries of the world and conveying their situations as good, bad and ugly(at the discretion of the reader). The ageless material contains stories that touch the hearts of (concerned) individuals and explores various 'welldones' and ills of the society. Good, funny and sad endings underscore the profundity of the literary material.
· Windswept Tales from the Coast by Christopher Nagle: Journeys are not just a matter of passing landscapes, but interactions with the landscapes of the mind. Travel is a mental and emotional prompt, and a reminder that all experience can be a stimulating juncture of perception, memory and reflection. When one speaks of a 'wealth of experience', this is not just a vacant figure of speech, but a call to value add our lives. There is so much more to cycling than the trip!
7 QUESTION INTERVIEWS:
· Wolfram Fleischhauer: Wolfram Fleischhauer has published 8 novels, all of which have been translated into several languages. Current release: Fatal Tango
· Jonnie Jacobs: Jonnie Jacobs is the author of thirteen novels. She is an active member of Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, and has served on the Edgar awards committee. Current release: Paradise Falls
· Marissa Meyer: Marissa Meyer lives in Tacoma, Washington, and her debut novel is: Cinder: Book One in the Lunar Chronicles
· Larry D. Sweazy: Larry D. Sweazy is the author of the Josiah Wolfe, Texas Ranger (Berkley) series. His current release is a standalone thriller: The Devil's Bones
RIB RAW
BOOK REVIEWS
Give us a look, am sure you will like what you read. If you have an interest in being part of WritingRaw.com, please visit the site and do a little exploring. Am sure we have a niche for just about everyone and anything. Thank you.
SPREAD THE WORD: Don’t let us die! Forward this or send a message to all of your writer friends that we are out there.
Let the world know about www.WritingRaw.com and all the good and positive things we do for up-and-coming writers.
Weeb
WritingRaw.com
Join us on Facebook
Join us on Twitter
We are still looking for:
· 500 words or less essays about your struggle to write or published in the traditional sense (put Struggle in the subject line of the email). These essays can be read on the Tips/News page.
· Books to Promote between stories, poems and articles (we are closing the Bookstore and placing these book promotions on every page everyone can see them) Send us a jpeg of the cover, a brief synopsis, and ordering information with the actual link (put Promotion in the subject line of the email)
· And we are always needing Fiction, Poetry, Articles and Essays – all genres, all lengths
Send any of these to Weeb at weeb@writingraw.com
SPREAD THE WORD to all your writer, and reader, friends: Don't let us die! Let the world know about WritingRaw and all the good and positive things we do for up-and-coming writers.
In the April issue:
FICTION:
· A Penny Lost is a Penny Found by N. Joy Lutton: Shawna's dreams comes true after finding her own Prince Charming and taking a trip to Disney World. But should she have made a wish upon a different star?
· Bloom in Baghdad by A. M. ben Yitzhak: "Baghdad, Iraq. The Wake-Up Day. The Final Day in the Suck. The Day of All Good Things. The Freedom Bird awaits. A violation of trust. A break with protocol. What are the thoughts that pass through a war fighter's mind in the ultimate heart beat of his life, between the explosion of the VBIED and the final release of death? BLOOM IN BAGHDAD probes the nexus of belief and doubt, of war and religion, of deo and patria." Mahalo.
· Diorama by Kate Campbell: Grief and memory frame Ray's twisted heart as he goes deeper into his mother's life and death. Scene by scene, he embraces her, submerges into the painful theater of her life and becomes complete in the disturbing darkness he has concealed, transmogrification complete. It's true: We are becoming our mothers.
· Finding Amy by LaShawn White: Do you ever really know who you are or where you come from? Aisha Thompson thought that she knew where she belonged in this world and in a matter of seconds her life is turned upside down and she can't be really sure of who she is and who she can really trust. Finding Amy is about Aisha's true journey into discovering where her roots truly lie and that the people you love and trust the most aren't always as they seem.
· Homecoming by Anne Short: Will's wife of 60 years begins to mistake him for her former finance, Carl, the man who died by Will's side in The Bataan Death March. Now he is haunted by memories of his death, guilt of betrayal and his wife's inability to recognize him.
· Human Horses and Bangla by Anand Dubey: When we sit comfortably, secured and fulfilled in our potpourri scented luxury apartments with matte, satin or eggshell finishing on Brazilian Rosewood panels, rubbing our asses on Italian black leather sofas, switching through 500 channels on our Beo-vision plasma T.V sets with HD and 3D technology and drinking fine Montrachet wine while gliding our tongue through cheese swirls; somebody strives hard for bread, to fight hunger and fetch one time meal and put themselves on sale not to get life but to delay death yet not losing the essence and spirit of life and sharing.
· It Didn't Matter by Dan Sloan: An afternoon walk that ended with the summation of a life.
· Mario Polzetti by Rod Hamon: Mario Polzetti is the boss of one of New York's Crime Syndicates; a man who allows nothing to stand in his way. His thoroughness in covering his crimes is constant frustration to the police and in particular Detective Leroy Dabrowski who is determined to out smart him.
· No Good Deed by Joan Mazza: A retired psychotherapist offers to talk to a child about her nightmares unprepared for what they reveal about her neighbors.
· Out of Thin Air by Kathryn Netzel: "Out of Thin Air" examines a complex relationship between brother and sister. Narrated in the second person, this story forces the reader to internalize the uncomfortable realities of growing up with a self-destructive sibling, while also forcing the narrator to come to terms with her own reality.
· St. Marc's Man by Kyle Iverson: An old man with nothing left returns to the country of his birth, where a younger man struggles to forgive himself for his past. Both were changed irreparably during the Troubles fighting for the losing side. When their cause was lost, were they lost with it?
· Texas Clout by Logan Seidl: Past prosecutor, Guy Slade, now finds himself defending those that he used to fight so hard to put away. His new case tests the justice system and questions what really is right, showing that nothing is simply black and white.
· Truth or Dare by Kelly Seale: The four of them were snowed in for the evening, which was ok by Alex. Three beautiful women, and one man. Every guy's dream, right? Alex Had no idea of the rollercoaster ride he was in for on a late November evening, snowed in with his beautiful wife Andrea and her two best girlfriends. When a game of Truth or Dare is suggested, Alex, reluctant at first, joins in the seductive game with a dark secret that could effect his relationship with Andrea, as well as her two best friends. At the very least, It would leave all of them with a night they would not soon forget. I invite you to join them for an exciting, sensuous game of Truth or Dare...
POETRY:
· An Interchanging Poetry View of War by Mac McGovern
· Beholder's Eyes by Ushiku Crisafulli
· Caravaggio by Michael Corrigan
· Desire by Luigi Luccarelli
· Hope by Callum Williams
· Killer Streak by John Grey
· Next Stop! by Juliette Beswick Pokletar
· Savor the Night by Sarah Terzo
· Wake Up by Alex Cougill
· Well Suited by Chris Birrane
· Your Nocturnal Radiance by Scott Lutz
RIB HAS A NEW COLUMN: The Time Capsule
Forget magazine pronouncements of the sexiest or most interesting. Award shows come but once a year. Rating systems and polls do not include me. And who decides must lists?? Here is the place to get the feel... think zeitgeist... culture. Rib knows what we should be excited about and what should drop off the radar. Just call it instinct or let me know I am wrong and perhaps we could have it out. What has us thinking this month? Here is the flavor of the moment, a page in time for...
ASSORTED:
· Bed Bugs & Beyond: A Play in One Act by Mark Blickley: Bed Bugs and Beyond is a vulgar play with lofty intent. NYC is currently facing a bed bug scourge and these frightening creatures are even more horrific when one extensively researches their violent and perverse misogynist sex lives which are a wonderful metaphor for the political attacks currently being waged against women and gays in 2012.
· I am Jacks Close Eye by Anand Dubey: We run on false claps following the "Yuppie Manual"; times when brands wage wars to hack into our inviting brains. The topics of bar discussions is the latest t-shirt or sofa unit and the driving force i.e. advertisements controlled and circulated by few powerful want us to feel uncool, blabbering and stupid.
· Ode: To The Last Great Giant by Jake Sullivan: There is a lot to say about the poet, hard workingman, hard drinking intellectual named Henry Charles Bukowski (1920 - 1994) however; those snob-nosed literary critics will point to the contrary. To the critics, those traditional stalagmites of old lore, good ole Hank, as called amongst those closest to him, is nothing more than a thorn in the side of the university English departments and traditional writing system this country was so founded.
· Shylock in the Twenty-First Century by Christopher Nagle: Dealing with Jews and Jewishness is every bit as dangerous a subject now, as when Shakespeare wrote 'The Merchant of Venice' in the late 1590s. All the prejudices are toxic and navigating them is always tricky, as it was for Shakespeare, only these days, more people hate a nuclear armed Shylock, and more vehemently, than ever before. More, we are now hostages to his fate in ways Shakespeare could not have imagined.
· The Musings of an Idiot by Anominus: People who write anything with any degree of seriousness usually put their hearts and a lot of hard work into it. We send it off and we hope for the best. My stuff didn't get published, so I asked myself, "Was it me?" Well, maybe...
· Void by Ronald Fischman: "Is." The stative suggests something that lasts beyond time and season, beyond you and me, even beyond observer and observed. The Void "is" an unknowable depression under a real boulder in a real glacial stream. Share the magic of father, friends, and children at this crevasse of magic.
· Winds of Change by Mr. Ben: Winds of Change parades a matrix of stories, depicting experiences of people in different countries of the world and conveying their situations as good, bad and ugly(at the discretion of the reader). The ageless material contains stories that touch the hearts of (concerned) individuals and explores various 'welldones' and ills of the society. Good, funny and sad endings underscore the profundity of the literary material.
· Windswept Tales from the Coast by Christopher Nagle: Journeys are not just a matter of passing landscapes, but interactions with the landscapes of the mind. Travel is a mental and emotional prompt, and a reminder that all experience can be a stimulating juncture of perception, memory and reflection. When one speaks of a 'wealth of experience', this is not just a vacant figure of speech, but a call to value add our lives. There is so much more to cycling than the trip!
7 QUESTION INTERVIEWS:
· Wolfram Fleischhauer: Wolfram Fleischhauer has published 8 novels, all of which have been translated into several languages. Current release: Fatal Tango
· Jonnie Jacobs: Jonnie Jacobs is the author of thirteen novels. She is an active member of Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, and has served on the Edgar awards committee. Current release: Paradise Falls
· Marissa Meyer: Marissa Meyer lives in Tacoma, Washington, and her debut novel is: Cinder: Book One in the Lunar Chronicles
· Larry D. Sweazy: Larry D. Sweazy is the author of the Josiah Wolfe, Texas Ranger (Berkley) series. His current release is a standalone thriller: The Devil's Bones
RIB RAW
BOOK REVIEWS
Give us a look, am sure you will like what you read. If you have an interest in being part of WritingRaw.com, please visit the site and do a little exploring. Am sure we have a niche for just about everyone and anything. Thank you.
SPREAD THE WORD: Don’t let us die! Forward this or send a message to all of your writer friends that we are out there.
Let the world know about www.WritingRaw.com and all the good and positive things we do for up-and-coming writers.
Weeb
WritingRaw.com
Join us on Facebook
Join us on Twitter
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