The November meeting of the Writers’ Circle focused on ‘names’. Sue Grogan and Jill Boyes started with a quiz in which the real names of famous people were given and the stage, or professional names were ‘shouted out’ in response. Next, in twos, members and visitors were asked to list the factors to be considered when naming characters in a book or story. Some brilliant ideas were expressed.

No let up, and we moved on to another exercise (once again in twos) where the duos were asked to write a short scenario using a name they’d drawn from a hat (figuratively speaking). A quick cuppa and back to it when everyone read out their mini-stories. These were varied and insightful and one even rhymed. So much to cover and so little time. Sue and Jill highlighted certain pitfalls to be aware of and some of us, unashamedly, shared our experiences. Finally, the appropriateness of some well-known names from literature, TV and film were examined.

Sue reminded those present of the AGM on Tuesday 19^th November in Newby Library at seven o’clock.

The last meeting of the year will be on Tuesday 10^th of December when much eating and chatter will take place. Bring something tasty. Guests welcome, as ever.

Report submitted by Jill Boyes.

Our September meeting was a lively affair, and was hosted by our guest speaker, local writer and creative writing tutor, George Cromack. The theme was ‘Writing for Radio’. George supplied the prompts and working in small groups the result was lots of imaginative work with unexpected twists and turns. A big thank you to George for his time and effort.

A lively meeting was held on Tuesday, 13th August 24, hosted by our guest speaker, Scarborough’s local poet, Felix Hodcroft. The theme was ‘The importance of sound within poetry.’ Felix was able to inspire us – some really good lines were shared within the group.

Next meeting Tuesday 10th September at Newby and Scalby Library 7pm for 7.15 start. Guest speak George Cromack – theme ‘Writing for Radio.’ Guest £4, plus £1 for refreshments.

Report submitted by Sue Grogan

At the Circle meeting on 9th July 2024, Maggie Fawcett and Dorinda Cass talked about the wide-ranging markets available to writers wanting to submit their articles, reviews and short stories for publication.

Members and guests spoke about their journeys to publication. One member shared her knowledge of writing for agencies, something new to most of the group.

In the second half of the session, members read short pieces of their writing that reflected their own interests, varying in topic from a humorous complaint about the non-production of a favourite biscuit to a family story from World War One.

The next meeting will be on Tuesday 13th August 24, at Newby Library, Scalby Road, 7.15 start. The session will be led by poet and tutor Felix Hodcroft. Non-members are very welcome (Over 18s). Cost £4.00 (plus £1 to the library for refreshments).

Report submitted by Dorinda Cass

The evening was hosted by last year’s winner, Stewart Ashton, as the authors of the submitted stories read out their work for the group. There was a wide variety of stories on the set theme – A stranger calls. The stories varied from the stranger being a man with the body of a pig, to a long lost daughter (who murders her mother), to a cold caller who gets his just deserts! But the winner was a wonderfully written story submitted by Jill Boyes, about a woman dreaming up a fantasy about the child she was forced to give up at birth, only to have the caller at her door not quite live up to her dream! Congratulations to Jill who will now judge next year’s competition.

The next meeting of the SWC will be held at 7:00pm, on Tuesday 9^th July, at the Newby and Scalby library.   

On the 14th May SWC member Sam Sherwood presented some technical ways that writers can create fear in their stories, especially when writing for the horror genre. Group members shared anecdotes about their scariest memories, and practiced creating short “seditiously wrong” phrases & isolated locations that might work well for a creepy tale. Members were also invited to submit their own scary stories for publication on an upcoming YouTube channel.

The next meeting will be on the 11th June, 7pm for a 7:15 start. The session will be the reading of entries to the ‘Nikki Barker Shield’ competition and the presentation of the trophy. Non members are very welcome (over 18’s only). Cost of session £4 and £1 to the library for tea/coffee at the break if wanted.

Report submitted by Sam Sherwood.

The theme of the Writers Circle meeting held on the 9th April was ‘Self Publishing and Social Media’. Hosted by Liah Thorley and Sue Grogan, the evening began with a short quiz. We then discussed the process of Self Publishing and the value of Social Media within the field of writing.

Next meeting 14th May at Newby and Scalby library, subject  ‘Creepy Stories’. £4 for non members.

Report submitted by Sue Grogan

In the session, we’re going to talk about things that scare us. Things that you personally have seen, or heard, or read, or dreamt, that have really given you the willies! Then we’ll split into smaller groups for workshopping, so please bring either a short story (or an idea if you don’t have time) that we can work on during the session. Stories could be anywhere between 350 and 1000 words. Old stories that you’ve already drafted will be fine too! They don’t necessarily need to fit the horror genre, they could be stories that are otherwise mysterious, suspenseful, ethereal in some way!

SWC Members only

‘A Stranger Calls’

Write a fictional piece of 1000 words (or within 100 words of that limit) using the above prompt.

Normal competition rules apply and can be found on the SWC website.

Competition closes at 23:59 hrs 14^th May 2024