WORTHY WORDS WORKSHOPS

Even the torrential rain on Wednesday11th July couldn't deter a hardy bunch of writers attending the last Worthy Words Workshop meeting of the term.  These meetings are held at Worthing Library on the second Wednesday of the month 2-4pm. Many thanks to all who braved the weather, and an extra special thanks must go to Julie who left her sick bed to attend, and to Sue who started off with good intentions but was driven back by the rain, feet squelching in trainers, and clutching an inside out umbrella! Where is our great British summer? What a dedicated bunch we are! 
   The theme for the meeting was how to turn any visit or journey into a travel article or a setting for a short story or a novel, and judging my the lively discussions it gave most a few ideas to work on. Each member received a handout on the subject, which included: Nonfiction: Understanding the readership of the magazine you are aiming at, the content, the various markets and how to specialise within the travel trade on subjects such as food and drink, garden and gardening, arts and crafts, folklore and the quirky and the unusual. Fiction: Have a genuine feel for the place you are going to use as a setting, take lots of photographs and look at the local history of the place if you are historical writers.Wendy advised everyone to do some research before the visit, and to make sure you included in your suitcase the following: 
   Research information
   List of things they need to find out.
   Camera, spare batteries and a spare memory card.
   Notebook or holiday journal – write in it every day, not only where you have been and what you have seen, but the feel of the place, the people, and anything that strikes you are interesting – similar to what you would do when you sit and people watch.
  A supply of pens, pencils and a spare notebook or two and finally...If you take a laptop write up any notes each evening in point form.  Also download any photographs from your camera so you have plenty of space. A list of all the current writing competitions, together with a 'Summer Challenge' were handed out to ensure that everyone was kept active until the next meeting in September.  Anyone in the Worthing and surrounding area that is interested in any aspect of writing, do contact Wendy  for more a friendly chat and more information.  Worthy Words Workshops resumes on Wednesday 12th September.  Looking forward to seeing you all.

Worthy Words Workshops

Worthy Words Workshops are well and truly 'up and running.'  The prose writing group which started in October 2011 held its second meeting of 2012 at Worthing library on Wednesday 8 February.  It may have been a icy cold day in Worthing, but there was plenty of warmth around the table as members shared their writing news with enthusiasm, before launching into a session on writing and placing seasonal and anniversary articles.  Homework was set for those who wanted ideas before competition news was shared and manuscripts were read out.  One member has embarked on a new novel and the group are looking forward to learning how this will develop. Several short stories were also read out and constructive criticism offered.  Meetings are held once a month on the second Wednesday of each month between 2-4pm.  New members are most welcome, and anyone interested in learning more should contact Wendy at wendy@stickler.org.uk for a friendly chat. 

Wendy has been asked to give an illustrated talk on Shipwrecks of Sussex on 29th February at Chichester Yacht Club, and is embarking on a new book for The History Press entitled Worthing a Pocket Miscellany.