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Latest Messages
Last Monday's meeting
Posted: 16 May 2012 by Mary Ellen
Nine members kicked off the new Hog's Back year with a couple of bottles of wine (thank you, Rosemary) Monday night, and more readings than we had time for.
We heard first from Tim, whose children's novel about Mimo trying to rescue his sister from the dreamworld, continues to pick up pace. Mimo had fallen in with a bunch of rebels, and we saw them girding up for battle—that promises some serious action in the next bit.
Armando then read us a chapter of his novel of personal relationships, and we all agreed that it's hard enough to write in your first language—in his case, Portuguese—and that he does an almost superhuman job of writing in English, especially given the subtle nuances of his characters' conversations.
Jo brought a flashback chapter, which had her protagonist as a 14-year-old schoolgirl caught in the web of a predatory teacher who manages to send mixed signals, such that while he's seducing her, he's making it seem that she's seducing him. A delicate balance!
Ellen visited again, this time with the opening of a fantasy novel that jumped us right into the thick of action, and ended with suspense. We had a good discussion about the tone of writing – such as how much imagery the story has time for if the protagonist is in fear for her life. This protagonist magically understands the birds; it'll be interesting to find out, in the next chapters, what else she can do.
We ended with a chapter of Richard's adventure novel and toasted him because he's finished the first draft! It's wonderful to see the book that we've followed for months rounding off towards the ending. Many congratulations – may we all be inspired to finish our writing projects, too.
(Alan's manuscript had to be held over to the next meeting.)
As I write this, it's the first ever National Flash Fiction day. More info at http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/may/14/how-to-write-flash-fiction – is one place to find more info; you would have got that message faster if you were following us on Twitter (where we're hogsbackwriters).
Follow us on Twitter, join us on Facebook, keep writing, and join us for the next meeting, 28 May.
Ariadne's Thread Magazine
Posted: 2 May 2012 by Armando Halpern
Ariadne's Thread, a literary magazine that I'm editing had its first issue published in April.
Ariadne's thread is a literary print magazine providing 64 pages of carefully selected poetry, short fiction and articles/essays. We seek in what we publish the moment of inner silence caused by words laid out with care and passion; the imperceptible change brought upon us through meaningful expression and the fulfilment of experiencing someone else’s words for what we mean.
Please visit the magazine's website to buy/subscribe or submit:
http://www.ariadnethread.net
Armando Halpern
Online learning opportunity from University of Edinburgh
Posted: 25 Apr 2012 by Madeleine Price
Please find attached details of a new part-time online creative writing postgraduate programme from the University of Edinburgh. I would be grateful if you would pass on this information to members of your writing group.
Dilys Rose, senior lecturer
MSc in Creative Writing by Online Learning
2nd floor, room 2.3,
12 Buccleuch Place
Edinburgh
UK
for information on the new MSc in Creative Writing by online learning, please use the following link:
www.ed.ac.uk/english-literature/creative-writing/online-learning
drose@staffmail.ed.ac.uk
0044 (0)131 650 4274
The University of Edinburgh is a charitable body, registered in Scotland, with registration number SC005336
Lightship International Literary Prizes
Posted: 16 Apr 2012 by Madeleine Price
My name is Simon Kerr. I am an Irish author and the director of the Lightship International Literary Prizes. Our aim is to discover the best new writers in English from around the world, to develop their talents, and to publish their work. We are looking for new, exciting voices.
We currently run four literary 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
'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
For more information about Lightship or to enter the competitions please go to: www.lightshippublishing.co.uk
April 2012 meetings
Posted: 5 Apr 2012 by Madeleine Price
The regular Monday meeting, 9th April, has been cancelled as it falls on Easter Monday.
The next meeting, on 23rd April, will be the AGM. Full members only, please.
Uschi Lacey
Posted: 26 Mar 2012 by Madeleine Price
Marcella (Uschi) Lacey
Long-time members of Hog’s Back Writers will be very sorry to learn of the death of Uschi Lacey earlier this month.
Uschi was Treasurer of our group for several years, as well as Secretary and during her time in each post she made many good friends. Her illness was severe and swift, and her funeral was a private, family event.
She will be sadly missed by her many friends and her family.
I'm the Guest Blogger this week...
Posted: 23 Mar 2012 by Mary Ellen
I'm the Guest Blogger this week (March 19-25) at Vie Hebdomadaires (http://viehebdomadaires.wordpress.com), for anyone who might like to click over there and have a look!