writers-circles.com

THE CASE OF THE MISSING NEWSLETTER

Work commitments prevented the production of any newsletter last month for which I am deeply sorry and I hope you didn't think I had forgotten you all.

JOHN JENKINS - MARCH
SELF PUBLISHING

John, who is Editor of Writers International, gave Wimborne Writers a very comprehensive and interesting talk. It certainly gave writers food for thought and some hot tips for those contemplating 'self-publishing'.

We highly recommend the magazine 'Writers International' for those wanting to keep in touch with the literary world. £18 per 6 monthly editions.

The speaker cost the group £30 and was paid for by members' subscriptions. However, future paid speakers will require additional member contributions.

POETIC PRESS RELEASE

Vicky has written a poetic press release - look out in the papers for it. The aim is to increase our membership.

FEBRUARY

The 'Sad Story' from February

One of the most memorable stories read out was Trisha's. It was the tale of the sad demise of her rabbit in particularly tragic circumstances - this is in the library of articles - please seek it out and bring a hanky.

RESULTS - APRIL MEETING

We had an amazing rich variety of ghost stories read out on Wednesday all of them completely different but worthy of any spooky Anthology. I suggest we put them altogether and have a small booklet photocopied and handed out to all members so everyone can see the great talent we have in the group. I can't type them up but if you want to email me your story I can put this together for the next meeting. Email address: tcooper@eastdorsetdc.gov.uk

NEXT MONTH'S SPEAKER - 7.30 pm Wednesday 16 May

Frederic Penn will be giving an introduction and talk about his time at the 'top'. 7.30 pm - feel free to ask questions - a must for anyone interested in journalism.

They meet on the third Wednesday of the month at 7.30 pm at Colehill Memorial Hall, Middlehill Road, Colehill (next to the Library and First School).

Next meeting:
7.30 pm - Wednesday 16th May 2001
An introduction from

FREDERIC PENN

Editor for 63 years -
Assistant News Editor at the Daily Mirror for 11 years and freelance journalist.

APRIL/MAY WRITING TASK FOR THE NEXT MEETING

For all groups

'A FOREIGN COUNTRY' (Whether you have been there or not)
Max 1,500 words
No buddies were assigned for this - so authors can read out their stories/poems in small groups next time if they would like to share with other members.

SUGGESTIONS FROM THE GROUP

Peter will be creating a scrapbook for all to exhibit work to other club members.

A CHRISTMAS ANTHOLOGY TO CELEBRATE THE CLUB'S FIRST YEAR

Geoff Phillips has put forward the idea of each member submitting their best piece from the year and for Wimborne Writers to publish a photocopied booklet 'Wimborne Writers' Anthology for the end of the year - something that we coudl also sell to help finance future speakers and social occasions. A booklet will also be a physical demonstration of what we do when potential new members inquire about the club.

NEWS FOR NEWSLETTER

- Have you been published?
- Have you any suggestions for themes of writing?
- Would you like to show off your favourite piece of writing?
- Have you got any experiences you would like to share with the group?
- Have you any funny stories?
- Have you any other unusual hobbies you would like to share?
- Do you want to submit a 'pen portrait' of yourself or another member?
- Would you like to write a press release for the papers about our activities?
- Do you want to put an advert in the newsletter?
- Have you entered a competition?
- Have you won a competition?
- Would you like to write the next newsletter? (I full be fully committed at work as I approach my busy summer season, and cannot promise to be able to produce one.)

IF YOU CAN SAY YES TO ANY OF THESE PLEASE COME FORWARD

Let's make it a personal 'Wimborne Writers' newsletter - you are the news and I can communicate it to everyone else.

COMMUNICATION

I will be circulating a list of email addresses and phone numbers to all those members who have reuqested a list and those who have agreed for their details to be distributed. If you would like to receive or be included on this list please ask me for the relevant form. Tracy

KENYA

Dave Evans has recently taken a group of first school children to Kenya and would like to share his experience of this with the group through a talk and slides. I think as a foreign country item this would be most appropriate for the next meeting for a 20 minute slot during the group work session.

WORKSHOP OR GROUP LEADERS

Are you willing to head a 'workshop' on a theme that you may have a particular strength you could share with a small group of interested members?

THE STEERING COMMITTEE

There will be a furhter meeting of the steering group of which Ken and Geoff have kindly volunteered to come to. We look forward to another fresh input of ideas for the club.

A BIG THANK YOU TO ...

Our thanks to all those tho have been helping to make the club run successfully

- Thank you to Paul who has kept a tight reign on the finances including booking and paying monthly for the hall.
- Thank you to Trudi who stepped in to organiser refreshments this month as our regular team were unable to attend.
- Thank you to Anne for collecting the key and opening and locking up the hall.

Our condolences to Mike Wise for the particularly traumatic time he has had this month and hope he will be able to be back with us again soon.

FOR ALL THOSE WHO WERE UNABLE TO ATTEND LAST MONTH'S MEETING WE HOPE TO SEE YOU ON 16 MAY.

Compiled by Tracy Whitham and Paul Lipscombe

NEWSLETTER ANTHOLOGY

Please find attached a few poems and stories submitted this month for the newsletter ...

'Tranquility' by Peter Strudwick
Untitled by Geoffrey Phillips
'May Day' by Len Scott
'The Pie' by Keith Jobes
'First Thoughts on Waking' by Paul Lipscombe

Read our February 2001 newsletter

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