RE: Derry Playhouse Writers' Group

[pat mcclements]

Good evening all

 

We had a very enjoyable afternoon and welcomed Darcy into the group.  The talent was evident as we shared our homework and our ten minute writing exercise which was entitled ‘Sculpture’ – such a diverse lot we are.  Darcy then read a portion of the play she is writing and we sincerely hope she will entertain us with a follow up.

 

It has been decided to take a break during August and the Writing Group will resume at 1.00p.m. on Wednesday 1^st September.  I do hope you are able to join with us.

 

The Derry Playhouse Writers Group

Are going to have a break

So you are free to paddle at Buncrana

Or sail Fermanagh Lakes

 

Perhaps you’ll go on picnics

Or surf at Portstewart Strand

There’s lots for you to see and do

In good old Ireland

 

Whatever takes your fancy

During August when you’re free

Don’t forget your pen and paper

When you have that cup of tea

 

Jot down that flash of inspiration
It just might fly away

Learn to harness your creative mind

Each and every day

 

Then make yourself a promise

That on Wednesday afternoons at one

You will join your fellow writers

And have fellowship and fun

 

We’ll look forward to you coming

And it will give us the greatest pleasure

To hear what you have written

During this time of rest and leisure

 

So enjoy the month of August

Let your creative juices flow

Then come the first day of September

To the Playhouse you should go!

 

Enjoy the rest of the summer.

 

Pat

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[pat mcclements]

Good afternoon all

 

Well, that month went quick!

 

The Writers’ Group meet again on Wednesday 1^st September at 1.00p.m. in the Playhouse.  We will be housed in the Gallery until the 22^nd September after which we will be in the Dance Studio.

 

I would really encourage those of you who would be free to come and join us.  Hopefully some of us will have put pen to paper and we would love to hear your work.  If you know you can definitely be there could you let me know so that I can have an idea of how to arrange the seating.  (it also helps me to know how many teabags/spoonfuls of coffee to bring).

 

As you can see, art is not my forte and I didn’t even know how to get rid of these once I put them on.!!

 

Pat

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Philippa Robinson]

A quick reminder that the group is meeting at the Playhouse today. Please attend if you can, whether or not you bring anything to read aloud. It's best to arrive close to the starting time as there is more likely to be a Playhouse staff member at the door. If the main entrance is shut, just proceed up to the smaller door further up Artillery Street

best wishes

Philippa

[Philippa Robinson]

https://www.ulsterarchitecturalheritage.org.uk/event/heritage-arts-challenge-poetry-workshop/

Heritage Arts Challenge: Poetry Workshop with Padraig Regan  Free (donations welcome) 

September 9 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm via Zoom

Register at https://www.ulsterarchitecturalheritage.org.uk/basket/

(link via https://www.ulsterarchitecturalheritage.org.uk/event/heritage-arts-challenge-poetry-workshop/ )

Join UAH for a virtual poetry writing workshop led by Padraig Regan, as part of our Heritage Arts Challenge series. The Heritage Arts Challenge aims to inspire people to create a work of art inspired by a historic building or place in Northern Ireland. In this interactive workshop session, Padraig will be encouraging anyone with an interest in poetry to take inspiration from their local built heritage, and get writing!

Free and Open to All.

Padraig Regan is the author of two poetry pamphlets: Delicious (Lifeboat, 2016) and Who Seemed Alive & Altogether Real (Emma Press, 2017). In 2015, they were a recipient of an Eric Gregory Award, and in 2020 they were awarded the Ireland Chair of Poetry Bursary Prize. They hold a PhD from the Seamus Heaney Centre, Queen’s University Belfast. Their first book Some Integrity will be published by Carcanet in early 2022.

On Thu, Sep 2, 2021 at 10:14 AM pat mcclements <mcclem...@hotmail.com> wrote:

Good morning everyone

 

What a lovely afternoon we had yesterday in the Playhouse and it was so good to see new faces and old.  It is so encouraging when the numbers increase.  Our ten minute writing exercise was ‘Dander’, that lovely local expression, which created some very interesting work. 

 

The homework for next week is for you to write from an animal’s point of view.  You can be any animal you like and in any setting you like.  Perhaps you will be a little cat like mine who was lost last week for five days and nights after being closed in a neighbour’s garage.  That little cat would have some story to tell.  You can be an elephant, snake, sloth – the list is endless and the world through their eyes will make very interesting reading.

 

Looking forward to seeing you at 1.00p.m. next Wednesday and please feel free to bring along some of your work that you can share with the group after our 10 minute exercise and homework readings.

 

Pat

 

 

 

 

[pat mcclements]

Good morning all

 

Another good afternoon yesterday where our 10 minute exercise was entitled ‘Swearing’ – interesting!  D’arcy brought a few pages of the play she is writing and some members took on the various characters in the script.  Our homework had been to write as if you were an animal and we had frogs, cats, cobras, tigers to name but a few.  I love the diversity of this group.

 

The homework for next week is to write a very short piece in the first person and then write the same scenario in the third person.  This will be a challenge for me personally but it is good to sometimes move out of your comfort zone.

 

Looking forward to seeing you next Wednesday at 1.00p.m

 

Pat

 

 

[Philippa Robinson]

1) In case you can't read the poster, this is a workshop on writing poems inspired by flowers. It will take place 9 Oct from 2-4 p.m. British Summer Time zone and costs 10 euros. To book, please email siobh...@hotmail.com

2)  Attendance has been extremely low the past two weeks. Do people think that there is no meeting when Pat can't be there to chair it?  Today we did a ten minute writing exercise on "forgiveness".  Brian read more of his "slice of life" pages. He says he was at the Playhouse last week, but Anne and Brian missed each other. We ended this week's meeting by 2.15.

As no one has read a  piece inspired by the theme  "the reckoning",that remains the homework for next week. If you've written that and want another theme, Pat McClements has suggested  "No-One Came" and Anne McCrea has suggested "Climate Change". I suggest people will read their Reckoning pieces first, then we will listen to any submissions on the other two topics before moving on to whatever else participants have brought to share.

On Mon, Sep 27, 2021 at 9:36 AM pat mcclements <mcclem...@hotmail.com> wrote:

 

Good morning everyone

 

Just to let you know I will not be available to come to the group on Wednesday.  Anne advised that she was the only one to turn up last week and so I suggest the homework either be ‘The Reckoning’ which was for last week or ‘No-one Came’.

 

Have a good meeting.

 

Pat

[Philippa Robinson]

unfortunately I didn't know about the previous three sessions, but newcomers are welcome to the fourth session of the the Irish Writers Centre Climate Writing Group: Writing for a Change

Perhaps we hear some writing on the topic earlier tomorrow at the Playhouse, as Climate Change was one of the alternative suggestions for homework

~ Philippa

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/irish-writers-centre-climate-writing-group-writing-for-a-change-session-4-tickets-171120053687

There is no fee but you do need to register beforehand (probably at least a couple of hours before it starts?) at Eventbrite to get the Zoom link.

Writing for Change is a series of information and writing sessions for a disparate group of writers.

The overall theme is awareness of the planet and encouraging writers to promote positive climate solutions in their work.

Sessions will take place once a month for the duration of 2 hours and will be open to writers of every genre, not just those who write about climate change.

Lynn Buckle is a qualified adult education tutor whose fiction and poetry reflect on social themes. Her debut novel The Groundsmen was published by époque press in 2018, followed by several anthologies and literary articles. Lynn's second novel What Willow Says was published by epoque press in May. In it, she explores nature, landscape, and place from a disability perspective. Lynn is part of the world-wide Climate Writers movement, seeking to affect change through her fiction. She currently represents Ireland as a UNESCO City of Literature Virtual Writer in Residence 2021 at the UK’s National Centre for Writing.

Special Guests:

Khairani Barokka, born in Jakarta, is a writer, poet and artist in London. She’s a practice-based researcher, whose work centres disability justice as anti-colonial praxis. Among her honours, she was an NYU Tisch Departmental Fellow, and Indonesia’s first Writer-In-Residence at Vermont Studio Centre. She was Modern Poetry in Translation’s Inaugural Poet-in-Residence and is currently Research Fellow at University of the Arts London’s Decolonising Arts Institute, Associate Artist at the National Centre for Writing (Norwich, UK), and UK Associate Artist at Delfina Foundation. Her second poetry collection Ultimatum Orangutan was published this year by Nine Arches Press.

Denise Baden is a Professor of Sustainability at the University of Southampton. Denise runs the Green Stories Writing competitions that challenge writers to embed green solutions in their stories see www.greenstories.org.uk and, in addition to her academic publications, has recently published Habitat Man an eco-themed rom-com.

[Philippa Robinson]

https://festivalofsocialscience.com/events/flash-forward/

" An open mic night for writers interested in climate change. This event is open to all writers aged 16+"

"An online open mic night hosted by Han Clark, Fiction Editor at Lunate, a Manchester based literary journal. This open mic will showcase how writers are addressing climate change within their work. If you are interested in sharing your work at the event, please register your interest via Eventbrite."

The event will be held on Thurs. 9 Nov. 2021 from 19.00-21.00

If you have something you want to read you should probably book well in advance

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/writing-the-future-tickets-176238854157

=====

Did anyone on this mailing list participate in the 6 Oct Writing for a Change workshop? I's like to hear what it was like and whether any furhter workshops are planned.

Philippa

[Philippa Robinson]

and here are some more poetry and climate change events on-line next month!

Thursdays 11 and 18 November 16-18.30 GMT (clocks change at Hallowe'en this year)

Poetry and the Climate Crisis: Scotland and India

sign up (no charge) via https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/poetry-and-the-climate-crisis-scotland-and-india-tickets-172870178357

Part of the Being Human Festival 2021

How can poetry be of practical help in the climate crisis?

How can it set the tone for the contemporary debate?

How can it inform a collective response across continents?

Join a whole host of poets, readers, and interdisciplinary thinkers as we explore these urgent questions through the work of two great, international writers: Patrick Geddes and Rabindranath Tagore. Over two complementary sessions, dive into the historic relationship between Tagore, Geddes, and the leader of the 1920s Scottish Renaissance, Hugh MacDiarmid, and explore the relevance of their legacy in contemporary ecological poetry in both Scotland and India. Each session will feature a lively combination of short talks, readings, writing activities, and creative responses.

For the duration of the Being Human Festival, we also invite your contributions to a crowdsourced poem inspired by ecological prompts from Geddes and Tagore’s work. Follow @UofGArts for details!

We are delighted to be working with the Scottish Centre of Tagore Studies (ScoTs) and the Centre for Celtic and Scottish Studies at the University of Glasgow on these events.

Contributors include: Debarati Bandyopadhyay; Murdo Macdonald; Arunima Bhattacharya, Sourit Bhattacharya, Nigel Leask, Bashabi Fraser, Joyce Caplan, Nandini Sen, Gerda Stevenson, Jan Webb, Marc Sherland, Leela Soma, David Manderson, Alan Riach, Charles Bruce, Louisa Gairn, Peter Mackay, Monika Zsuba, Anindya Raychaudhuri, Alexandra Campbell, Gerrie Fellows, John Purser.

[Philippa Robinson]

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/its-a-grand-thing-to-get-leave-to-live-a-sense-of-place-tickets-188335565747

A creative writing workshop inspired by themes drawn from Nan Shepherd's celebrated book, 'The Living Mountain'

Mon, 25 October 2021 14:00 – 15:30 BST

About this event

In the run-up to the 26th United National Climate Change Conference, Glasgow, 31 October – 12 November 2021 (COP26), the National Library of Scotland and National Galleries of Scotland are inviting visitors to respond creatively to works from the national collections to visualise how Scotland has been and will continue to be impacted by the climate and ecological emergency, unless decisive action is taken.

Join curator of the National Library of Scotland’s current exhibition, ‘Petticoats and Pinnacles: Scotland’s Pioneering Mountain Women’, Paula Williams and artist Katharine Aarrestad for a conversation which will focus on Scottish writer, poet and hill-walker Nan Shepherd (1893-1981). Discussion will be inspired by the themes of her celebrated book, ‘The Living Mountain,’ and the Cairngorms, as well as today’s issues of climate change.

Please bring pen and paper for this participatory online workshop. It is a chance for you to voice your ideas, views and thoughts; we hope you’ll join in to share the discussions.

Find out more ways to get involved in Preserving Pasts, Imagining Futures and submitting your creative responses here https://www.nationalgalleries.org/art-and-artists/features/preserving-pasts-imagining-futures. Submissions will be displayed on the NGS website during COP26.

[Philippa Robinson]

I hope you can and will come to the Playhouse this Wednesday. The optional homework prompt is "Raise Your Glass". The last couple of weeks we've been meeting in the Actors Studio, which is nice as we have easy access to a kettle and sink, and the accoustics are better for us than in the larger rooms. It's best, however, to check at reception to find out what room the group is allocated this week.  [once again, I am likely to be late as I signed up for a NI library talk which overlaps with the DPWG meeting. But the DPWG meet is still scheduled for 1 pm start, as usual]

The Milton Keynes Literary Festival is offering an online programme https://www.mklitfest.org/ which includes

Seán Hewitt Poetry Workshop: Queer Nature,   Zoom-based event Wednesday 3 November, 7pm £20 [Only 30 places available]

In this workshop, we will follow suit, exploring nature’s infinite variety and flamboyance. We will look at how poets have sought out its queerness, its eroticism and its plurality; and we’ll also write poems that seek out the queerness of the natural world, celebrating it (and ourselves) along the way.

Places strictly limited, and available to book now at https://www.mklitfest.org/sean-hewitt-poetry-workshop

Emma Decent, Nature Writing Workshop ,Zoom-based event Thursday 11 November, 7pm
£20 [Only 15 places available]

In this workshop Emma takes you on an immersive experience of nature using poetry, film and the imagination to inspire new words. You will build - or re-build - a vivid connection with nature through the senses and your own memories and associations with landscape.

Drawing on this we will use accessible, inspiring writing exercises to get the pen flowing to write expressively, reflectively and creatively, whether poetry, prose or life story. This workshop will help deepen your connection with yourself and nature, and provide an experience of writing as a nurturing as well as a creative practice.

https://www.tickettailor.com/events/miltonkeynesliteraryfestival/591439

[Philippa Robinson]

The Writing for Change series continues Wed 10 Nov. 7-9 pm GMT

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/irish-writers-centre-climate-writing-group-writing-for-a-change-session-5-tickets-189655674227

Lead tutor is Lynn Buckle, as before.

This month's Special Guests:

Leanne Betasamosake Simpson is a Mississauga Nishnaabeg writer, musician, and academic at the Dechinta Centre for Research & Learning. A member of Alderville First Nation in Ontario, she is the author of seven books including Noopiming; The Cure For White Ladies (2020, University of Minnesota Press), As We Have Always Done, and This Accident of Being Lost. They have won four Book of the Year awards, plus a Subsequent Book award, was shortlisted for the Governor General’s Literary Award, and was a finalist in the Rogers Writers’ Trust Fiction Prize, Trillium book Awards, and CBC Canada Reads. Her latest album the Theory of Ice has just been released.

Brian Leddin is Chair of the Government Committee on Climate Change & Environment and has been Green Party TD for Limerick City since 2020. He is Green Party Spokesperson for Transport, Energy, and Climate Action and is a member of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food, and the Marine.

[Philippa Robinson]

Pub Poetry Causeway Coast

St0puoaSponns5so5rrued  · (facebook link)

Calling all poets and writers, join us at our second Open Mic Night (on Zoom). You are welcome to gather with us, to bring your crafted words and verse, your old poems and new.

If you’ve not read your work to anyone before, this is a great place to start or if you’re a seasoned performer, and would like more people to hear your work, there’s a place for everyone.

The theme is whatever theme you choose….

If you’re reading, your poem should be of medium length…we don’t need a copy beforehand, just let us know you’re interested by email (see below) and pop along on the night 5 mins before so we can say hello and add you to the list.

Put the fire on, grab a warm blanket, bring your fave autumnal beverage and snacks and we’ll get started

TO READ

If you’d like to read, send an email to in...@pubpoetry.co.uk

TO LISTEN

Just dial in on the zoom link at 8pm, sit back and enjoy.

WHERES THE ZOOM LINK?

Subscribe on our webpage www.pubpoetry.co.uk and it will be sent to you automatically (check your junk mail)

WHERE?

Your living room/kitchen/snug/car(by zoom)

WHO CAN JOIN?

Everyone !

Even if not sharing, come along and be a part of the audience as you draw, paint, drink wine, crochet….

WHY?

Because poetry helps us communicate what we want to say and talk about what moves us. It connects us beyond our everyday and beyond our difference and unites us in our quest to live fully, honouring the joy, the pain and the in-between.

[Philippa Robinson]

1) see attachment - I think there may be a little leeway for expressions of interest in submitting a piece to the Bloody Sunday memorial archive so if you wish to participate, please get in touch right away ci...@bloodysundaytrust.org . Deadline for final submission is 26 Nov.

2) Please if  you can, support the DPWG by attending the meeting this Wed. There is no new homework prompt; you could use one of the recent prompts such as "raise your glass" or "the river" or even one of the recent 10 minute impromptu writing exercise topics such as " two wee seconds" or "the red button". And as usual, you are welcome to bring and read anything else you have written, as long as it is not too long.

As you know, we have been very concerned about low attendences since the group started up again this year. Most weeks we would get 5 people, a few times we've a few people more and a few times there have only been 2-3 attendees. No one is able to attend every single week, and recently a couple of our more regular participants have had to stay away for health reasons. So we need to have a larger core of people coming to meetings. I plan to continue for the month of November, and then we can decide about taking a winter break. That could mean the end for group meetings ... though perhaps there will be more of a demand in springtime if people feel more confident about going out and about then.

I know a lot of former participants no longer have the time available. I don't know how many are not coming to meetings because the group doesn't meet their needs or because they are disatisfied in some way; no one has talked or written about that or suggested changes (apart from one person who requested evening meetings - not feasible at the Playhouse). I do know that the group has always welcomed and always needed new people to come along from time to time; so if you can tell some people about the group, please do.

Hoping to see you this Wed. at the Playhouse.

Best wishes

Philippa

[Philippa Robinson]

I'm afraid attendance was still very low today.  We did our ten minute writing exercise on the theme "neighbours".  The homework prompt suggested by one of the participants is an unusual one "the Zeitgeist of Brooke Park".

definition of zeitgeist from Merriam-Webster dictionary, online:

"the general beliefs, ideas, and spirit of a time and place "

Scholars have long maintained that each era has a unique spirit, a nature or climate that sets it apart from all other epochs. In German, such a spirit is known as "Zeitgeist," from the German words Zeit, meaning "time," and Geist, meaning "spirit" or "ghost." Some writers and artists assert that the true zeitgeist of an era cannot be known until it is over, and several have declared that only artists or philosophers can adequately explain it. We don’t know if that’s true, but we do know that "zeitgeist" has been a useful addition to the English language since at least 1835.

Examples of zeitgeist in a Sentence

"His songs perfectly captured the zeitgeist of 1960s America."

Recent Examples on the Web

The book is appropriate for Marvel fans, as well as those who just want to further understand its place in the zeitgeist. — Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2021

It’s a comedy, but one that hits a dark nerve in the cultural zeitgeist: Our obsession with murder content has long reached fever pitch, and celebrities are far from immune. — Anne Cohen, refinery29.com, 17 Sep. 2021

For more information and discussion see: https://www.dailywritingtips.com/using-zeitgeist-coherently/

If you are not very familiar with Brooke Park in Derry, don't worry - you can always make up a fictional Brooke Park. Given the derivation of the word, your zeitgeist might not even be the prevailing atmosphere of the place, but an actual ghost! As usual, it is up to you what you make of the phrase -- it's just a prompt to get you started.

Please do come to the meeting next Wednesday if you can. If you can't, but are planning ot return to the group in the near future, maybe  you could let me know because we have to make a decision on whether or not to continue meeting past the end of November. And please do get the word out to anyone you think may like to try the group out.

} Philippa

[Philippa Robinson]

At the end of this email, you will see information on a unique competition for "green" fiction, and also a call for poetry submissions

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ecopoetics-and-the-anthropocene-tickets-191174236287

Thurs. 11 Nov 3-4.30 pm GMT   Register before 1 p.m. , tickets are free - Zoom codes will be sent to you after registration

The increasing pace of global climate change, species loss and other aspects of the environmental crisis are driving an urgent search for new poetic forms adequate to the times we live in. Many traditional poetic tropes have lost their meaning as our world changes.

That human activity is the major factor in massive change in the biosphere is no longer in doubt. The term ‘Anthropocene’ has been used by some to highlight this qualitative shift in the trajectory of earth’s history.

Poets Peter Larkin and Dominic Hand will read from recent work and will talk about the way evolving understandings of the ecological crisis impact on their work. They will also discuss what some of the elements of a viable ecopoetics might include. The discussion will be moderated by Simon Collings, and members of the audience will have an opportunity to ask questions and contribute their views.

About the Speakers:

Peter Larkin contributed to The Ground Aslant: an Anthology of Radical Landscape Poetry, ed. Harriet Tarlo (2011). Among his more recent books are City Trappings (Housing Heath or Wood)  (2016) and Introgression Latewood (2017).  A symposium on his work was held at Warwick U (UK) in 2018, the proceedings to appear in the Journal of British & Irish Innovative Poetry. A new collection, Trees Before Abstinent Ground was published in late 2019 and Encroach to Resume earlier this year.

Dominic Hand’s first collection, Symbiont: 50 Sonnets, was published in 2020 and received an Eric Gregory Award from the Society of Authors in 2021. His poetry has also appeared in a variety of journals and anthologies, including Blackbox Manifold, Oxford Poetry, Reliquiae, The Best New British and Irish Poets, and The London Magazine. Hand is currently a DPhil student in English at Merton College, Oxford, where he researches ecology, technology and the nonhuman in contemporary innovative poetry.

Simon Collings is a writer and independent scholar based in Oxford. He contributed a paper ‘Short of nothing: expanding horizons of ‘scarcity’ in the poetry of Peter Larkin’ to the recent special issue of Journal of British & Irish Innovative Poetry focused on Larkin’s work. Collings most recent publications are a collection of microfictions Why are you here? (2020) and a poetry chapbook Sanchez Ventura (2021). He is a contributing editor at The Fortnightly Review.

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https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/blazing-worlds-climate-adaptation-and-the-imagination-tickets-205784435787

Blazing Worlds: Climate Adaptation and the Imagination    Fri, 12 November 2021 16:00 – 17:30 GMT

From Pompeii to apocalyptic Science Fiction, how can narratives of both the past and present help us think through climate change?

Our panellists will discuss the necessity of thinking both forwards and backwards in relation to envisaging climate change.

How can we refocus our previous approaches to myths, literature and art in relation to meeting the challenge of climate change and its representation in art and literature? Why do so many disaster narratives prime us to think of apocalypse as something exterior to us? Of individuated heroes and villans? Of who and how to get saved? And what implications does this have for a consideration of our responsibilities as readers and writers?

How can literatures of both the past and present help us to think through climate change with imagination and resilience?

In this event organised by Royal Holloway, Prof Dell Olsen (English Department) will be in conversation with Dr Liz Gloyn and Prof Adam Roberts.

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https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/is-it-about-a-bicycle-kerri-ni-dochartaigh-tickets-196610315747

Sun, November 14, 2021 8:00 PM – 9:30 PM GMT

Solas Nua presents:

Is it About a Bicycle?: Writers in Conversation @Dublin Book Festival [title derives from Flann O'Brien's The Third Policeman)

Writer Kerri ní Dochartaigh in conversation with artist Katie Holten.

In partnership with Dublin Book Festival and Global Irish Studies at Georgetown University.

Both of these writers were mentioned in the 10 Nov Irish Writers' Centre discussion of writing and climate change. Kerri ní Dochartaigh grew up in Derry during the "Troubles" and she has written both about that experience and about living closer to nature.

https://www.theguardian.com/books/2021/jan/19/thin-places-by-kerri-ni-dochartaigh-review-a-survivors-story

Katie Holten is from Ireland but now lives in New York. She is a visual artist, writer and environmental activist.  https://www.katieholten.com/

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https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/mother-nature-needs-your-help-3982-storytelling-festival-2021-tickets-174896198237

Wed, 17 November 2021  11:30 – 12:30 GMT

stories for children

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https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-ulster-book-club-tickets-176168162717   various dates,  one Wednesday each month through June 2022,   20:00 - 21:30 GMT

Environment features in most of the books selected, I think. The next three sessions (individual registration, free)

17 November, DOWN: Pádraig Ó Tuama facilitates a discussion of On Balance

8 December, DONEGAL: Jan Carson facilitates a discussion of Penny Baps

19 January, FERMANAGH: Helen McClements facilitates a discussion of Diary of a Young Naturalist

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https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/poetry-and-the-climate-crisis-scotland-and-india-tickets-172870178357

POETRY AND THE CLIMATE CRISIS - Scotland and India, Patrick Geddes and Rabindranath Tagore

Thursdays 11 and 18 Nov  16:00 - 18:30 GMT (you can register for one or both sessions)

" For the duration of the Being Human Festival, we also invite your contributions to a crowdsourced poem inspired by ecological prompts from Geddes and Tagore’s work. Follow @UofGArts for details!"

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The next session of the Irish Writer's Centre "Writing for Change" will be on Wed 8 Dec , I heard, but it is not yet posted on eventbrite or at

https://irishwriterscentre.ie/upcoming-events/

The usual time is 19.30-21.00

There will be an open mic element , short pieces/extracts as each writer only gets 5 minutes time. Writers can send (by e-mail to Lynn Buckle at the Irish Writers' Centre) in pieces to be screen-shared so that people can see as well as hear the piece.

Tonight's session was the fifth, but the first one that I attended. It was all speaker and group discussion, no writing.  There was much talk about the COP26 conference on climate change. The first part of the night was very focussed on environment and environmental action, with little mention of literature or writing. Later there was some discussion of novels which discuss environment in some way.  Some of these are stories set in the future in societies where people have had to adapt to climate change. Lynn Buckle said that in order to get ideas across to the un-converted, they have to be presented in the midst of other elements which attract readers; and books and stories don't always need to be announced as being in an "environmental" category.

That is very much the ethos of the GREEN STORIES WRITING COMPETITIONS

" Our mission is to create a cultural body of work that entertains and informs about green solutions, inspires green behaviour and raises awareness of the necessary transformations towards a sustainable economy. Currently, most green communications preach to the converted i.e. only those who already care choose to watch climate change documentaries or read books with a green theme. Thus a particular aim is to use fiction as a way to reach a wider audience, and support winning authors to translate their stories into published books."

https://www.greenstories.org.uk/upcoming-competitions/adult-novel-deadline-dec-2021/

https://www.greenstories.org.uk/upcoming-competitions/adult-short-stories-competition-feb-22/

Length: We ask for a short story of between 2000 and 5000 words plus a synopsis between 300 and 800 words (name and contact details optional – we can identify via submission page) that covers genre, plot, characters, and details of how it meets the green stories criteria.  

Eligibility: Open to all adults (18+) of any nationality, as long as it is in English and has not been published elsewhere.

All submissions must conform to the green stories criteria of showcasing positive visions of a more sustainable society or incorporating green solutions into the context of an otherwise mainstream story.  Submission details and link will be provided two months before the deadline [21 fEB 2022].

https://www.greenstories.org.uk/upcoming-competitions/short-stories-competition-for-under-18s-deadline-march-2022/

" Entries must either present a positive vision of what a sustainable society might look like or include green solutions/policies/characters in the context of an otherwise mainstream story. It does NOT have to have an explicitly green theme, as green solutions can be smuggled in quite subtly – for ideas see our resources page. Conversely, stories that have an explicitly green theme but simply point out problems without including solutions also will not meet the criteria – make sure to have a read of our full guidelines beforehand."

There are no fees for entering these competitions.  Entrants are asked to read an excerpt of the novel Habitat Man and answer a short quiz to show that you have read it.

You can download an extract from romantic fiction HABITAT MAN: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/gjn8f6arfj

----------------===============================================================================================================

SOLITUDE  https://magmapoetry.com/call-for-submission-magma-83-solitude/   UP TO FOUR POEMS MAY BE SUBMITTED PER AUTHOR

Magma 83: Solitude 
Deadline: 30th November 

“In perfect solitude, there’s fire”, writes Grace Schulman in her poem, ‘American Solitude’. But how can we understand the bounds and power of solitude, and what is this alchemical fire of which Schulman speaks? In fact – considering the last two-ish years of social distancing, lockdowns, and (for some) self-isolation, due to the COVID-19 pandemic – to what extent is our global society seeking solitude, and to what extent are we trying to escape it? What tension is birthed when solitude shifts from a seclusion chosen freely to a confinement on which our lives depend? For this issue of Magma, we are seeking poems which explore our ever-changing understanding and experiences of solitude, especially in light of the ongoing pandemic.

[Philippa Robinson]

WORDS FOR WINTER

Poet and teacher Siobhán McLoughlin of Buncrana will be running a workshop this weekend, Sunday 15.00-17.00. Please see attached flyer. The workshop is on Zoom, 10 Euro payment via Paypal, and suitable for beginner and experienced writers. Contact Siobhan McLaughlin <siobh...@hotmail.com>

                                                        ~~~

THE WRITE IN: TUES 16 NOV 12:00 PM - 12:45 PM EST (17.00-17.45 GMT) 21 NOV 5.30-615 EST (22.3011.15 GMT),  free registration at:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-write-in-fall-2021-tickets-169358849879

The Write In is a creative space for writers of all levels and backgrounds to explore writing prompts inspired by Black women artists. No writing experience is necessary, and writers of all levels and backgrounds are welcome.

Feel free to write a letter, short story, essay, song, or rant. After writing for each prompt, we'll have time to share. Sharing is optional, but we will use this time for supportive feedback.

Additionally, The Write In creative writing journal can be purchased at Politics & Prose.

About the Facilitator: LySaundra Campbell is a storyteller, writer, and curator based in New York City. She is the founder of Social Soundtrack, a brand dedicated to community, storytelling, and healing across the African Diaspora. She has worked in the nonprofit sector for more than a decade at the collegiate, local, state and national levels for gender and racial justice.

                                              ~~~~

November 16: Sylvia Liu- writing children's books and the publishing process  

Time 10 pm EST, so 3 a.m. GMT but I mention this workshop for interest, and because we have a handful of North Americans on the mailing list.

Join Slover Library in partnership with The Muse Writers Center the third Tuesday of each month for a Q&A with a published author! In this special writing group, meet a different author each month for a chance to learn more about what it’s like to be a professional writer. Each month will feature a different published author discussing a specific aspect of publishing. This is a wonderful opportunity to chat with a professional writer in a small group setting and ask all those questions, big and small, you’ve been curious about.

This group is geared toward writers with some experience who are looking to gain insight into the world of professional writing; however, all are welcome to join.

re Sylvia Liu, see http://www.enjoyingplanetearth.com/

                                               ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Song of ice and footprints - a nature-writing workshop

Sat, 18 Dec 2021 11:00 GMT    Free
Amanda Tuke - Goldcrest Projects
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/song-of-ice-and-footprints-a-nature-writing-workshop-tickets-209396288937
Led by the Great North Wood nature-writer-in-residence, Amanda Tuke*, with writer and photographer , Rebecca Gibson**, this online workshop is aimed at adults (or family groups) who want to try out for the first time, or further develop, their creative nature writing. During the workshop you'll have the opportunity to practise writing from your own experience, begin polishing your words and contribute to a collaborative creative writing project. This workshop is funded by the Arts Council National Lottery scheme and offered free to participants. Donations to the London Wildlife Trust are welcomed and can be made here. This workshop will be delivered online via Zoom with live captioning. For the writing activities, you can either type or use pen and paper.

Pre-workshop activity

Before the workshop, please spend 5-10 minutes in a garden, park, woodland or other green space sitting with your eyes shut and being aware of the air temperature on your skin, the sounds and smells. It may help to write notes after the activity to bring to the workshop. Even if the above activity is not accessible for you, please do still attend - you won't be singled out and activity work-arounds will be suggested.

                                              ~~~~

WRITE NOW! from Slover Library, Norfolk, Virginia
DEC 28 Tue, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM EST (22.00-24.00 GMT), free
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/write-now-adults-fall-2021-registration-167628436165

Do you wonder if you can write? Have you always wanted to write a story? Are you looking for a little inspiration? Do you need a little creative motivation? Well, we believe that everyone has a story and everyone can write it! You just need some inspiration and motivation! Come on down, join us and Write Now! A talented and qualified "Muse" teacher will lead you through an easy, fun, and Creative workshop full of writing prompts and creative sharing. Write made up stories! Write true stories! Write poems! Write Songs!

On Thu, Nov 11, 2021 at 9:41 AM murrtland robert <r_mur...@yahoo.com> wrote:

I think in the landscape profession , there is a term known as "the spirit of the place" perhaps best experienced when visiting an old graveyard like the one at Enagh Lough*"? or on Inch Island especially early spring as the first snowdrops emerge in the winter sunllight and shadows!

good luck 

keep her lit!

R Murtland 

*our Enagh and Beyond" book launch on 14/12/21 numerous difficulties with Covid, space, and restricted numbers. My grandson has written his second book he attended the group with me about 2017 when Marjie ruled Anyone interested in reading it critically?

[Philippa Robinson]

The homework prompt for the coming week is "wicked rhymes" - whether you make wicked rhymes or just write about them is your decision. As usual poetry or prose, fact or fiction are all welcome.

Today's meeting was quite short as only two of us had brought a piece about "The Zeitgeist of Brooke Park" to read and no-one brought any additional material. I did receive a piece in the email from Vin, who was unable to attend, but as I got it after 4 p.m. we couldn't discuss it this week. The ten-minute impromptu writing exercise was "Suddenly", the suggestion of a first-time participant in the group, Ann-Marie.

Please support the group and the Playhouse by attending next week's meeting if you can and/or helping to recruit new participants.

best wishes

Philippa

[Philippa Robinson]

I saw this message in a CAParts bulletin for 16 Nov, a bit late but maybe there is still room in these workshops

message from Alanna  at Seaside Books:

Join in a free 6-week long writer’s workshop held over Zoom starting on November 14th. Sessions will be held on Sundays at 7:30 pm GMT. This autumn edition of the Writer’s Workshop will be a welcoming space to explore and focus on craft.

We will meet once a week on Zoom for six weeks to share work, give and receive constructive feedback.

Being online means you can join us from anywhere. If you are an experienced writer or you are just starting out, we all have knowledge to share. All skill levels are welcome!

To allow for a constructive space, I want to limit the number of folks in the workshop. To register and reserve your spot, fill out this form, and I will be in touch with all the details. If you have any questions email ala...@seasidebooksni.com

More information: www.seasidebooksni.com/weeklywritersworkshop

Date: November 14 – December 19
Time: 7:00pm GMT

Time: 7:00pm GMT

[Philippa Robinson]

another item I have only just read from the 16 Nov CAP arts newsletter

https://www.capartscentre.com/2021/08/writing-workshop-series-how-to-write-a-door-and-walk-through-with-frances-whorrall-campbell-4-18-nov-and-2-dec/

Writing workshop series: ‘How to write a door and walk through’ with Frances Whorrall-Campbell – 4, 18 Nov and 2 Dec

Centre for Contemporary Art

The series approaches writing as a means of escape: a way of slipping away from the fixed ways of imagining the world and into previously un-thought possibility.

Through reading critical and creative texts, participating in writing exercises and engaging in discussion, we will learn alongside each other how to create new methodologies and techniques to expand our relation to language, form and genre.

The first session focuses on an exploration of text (letters and other typographical marks) as a material for expansive imagination. We will look at the use of equations and verbal/visual puns as a way to pry open language. Texts by Denise Ferreira da Silva, Michael Quattlebaum Jr. and Monique Wittig will be discussed.

The second session will focus on form: how do we construct a form that is fluid and changeable, how do we account for the reader’s (and writer’s) own position and agency within this constructed space? Here we will be led by David J. Getsy’s work applying transgender studies to sculpture, as well as the shapeshifting books of Jordy Rosenberg and Hannah Black.

The final session will explore the ‘leap’ of imagination. We will discuss dissociation, escape, and the limits of language and thought, asking how to move through and can/should we even try? Maxi Wallenhorst’s essay, “Like a Real Veil, Like a Bad Analogy: Dissociative Style and Trans Aesthetics”, Shola Von Rheinhold’s Lote, and Mattilda Bernstein Sycamore’s The Freezer Door will be our guides.

This workshop is designed for queer/trans writers and artists and aims to provide a creative community for the sharing of resources and strategies.

This is a ticketed event, at a cost of £25 for three two-hour online sessions. The workshops will take place on Zoom. An invite and information will be emailed in advance. Places are limited and booking is essential for this Public Programme event.

The proceeds of the sales of the pencil edition will be used to subsidise a funded place for a person from the local LGBTQIA+ community. If you feel that you would benefit from this opportunity and are based in or from Derry City and Strabane District please email in...@ccadld.org to register your interest.

Frances Whorrall-Campbell is a researcher, archivist, and creator of text-based performances based in England. Their practice is engaged in articulating the conditions that surround various forms of knowledge production (and reception) and imagining an alternative by turning these exclusionary structures inside out, dismantling and distributing them using the tools of their own manufacture.Towards this end, they are one of the curators of Conversations Across Place, a writers’ and artists’ workshop promoting queer and decolonial approaches to landscape, and a specialist with Banner Repeater on the Digital Archive of Artists’ Publishing.

Venue: Online via Zoom
Dates: Thursdays 4 & 18 November, and 2 December 2021
Time: 6pm–8pm
Cost: £25.00

Tickets: https://www.ccadld.org/shop/writing-workshop-series-how-to-write-a-door-and-walk-through-with-frances-whorrall-campbell

On Thu, Nov 18, 2021 at 1:45 PM Philippa Robinson <caillea...@gmail.com> wrote:

I saw this message in a CAParts bulletin for 16 Nov, a bit late but maybe there is still room in these workshops

message from Alanna  at Seaside Books:

Join in a free 6-week long writer’s workshop held over Zoom starting on November 14th. Sessions will be held on Sundays at 7:30 pm GMT. This autumn edition of the Writer’s Workshop will be a welcoming space to explore and focus on craft.

We will meet once a week on Zoom for six weeks to share work, give and receive constructive feedback.

Being online means you can join us from anywhere. If you are an experienced writer or you are just starting out, we all have knowledge to share. All skill levels are welcome!

To allow for a constructive space, I want to limit the number of folks in the workshop. To register and reserve your spot, fill out this form, and I will be in touch with all the details. If you have any questions email ala...@seasidebooksni.com

More information: www.seasidebooksni.com/weeklywritersworkshop

Date: November 14 – December 19
Time: 7:00pm GMT

On Mon, Nov 15, 2021 at 8:32 PM Philippa Robinson <caillea...@gmail.com> wrote:

WORDS FOR WINTER

Poet and teacher Siobhán McLoughlin of Buncrana will be running a workshop this weekend, Sunday 15.00-17.00. Please see attached flyer. The workshop is on Zoom, 10 Euro payment via Paypal, and suitable for beginner and experienced writers. Contact Siobhan McLaughlin <siobh...@hotmail.com>

                                                        ~~~

THE WRITE IN: TUES 16 NOV 12:00 PM - 12:45 PM EST (17.00-17.45 GMT) 21 NOV 5.30-615 EST (22.3011.15 GMT),  free registration at:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-write-in-fall-2021-tickets-169358849879

The Write In is a creative space for writers of all levels and backgrounds to explore writing prompts inspired by Black women artists. No writing experience is necessary, and writers of all levels and backgrounds are welcome.

Feel free to write a letter, short story, essay, song, or rant. After writing for each prompt, we'll have time to share. Sharing is optional, but we will use this time for supportive feedback.

Additionally, The Write In creative writing journal can be purchased at Politics & Prose.

About the Facilitator: LySaundra Campbell is a storyteller, writer, and curator based in New York City. She is the founder of Social Soundtrack, a brand dedicated to community, storytelling, and healing across the African Diaspora. She has worked in the nonprofit sector for more than a decade at the collegiate, local, state and national levels for gender and racial justice.

                                              ~~~~

Song of ice and footprints - a nature-writing workshop

Sat, 18 Dec 2021 11:00 GMT    Free
Amanda Tuke - Goldcrest Projects
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/song-of-ice-and-footprints-a-nature-writing-workshop-tickets-209396288937
Led by the Great North Wood nature-writer-in-residence, Amanda Tuke*, with writer and photographer , Rebecca Gibson**, this online workshop is aimed at adults (or family groups) who want to try out for the first time, or further develop, their creative nature writing. During the workshop you'll have the opportunity to practise writing from your own experience, begin polishing your words and contribute to a collaborative creative writing project. This workshop is funded by the Arts Council National Lottery scheme and offered free to participants. Donations to the London Wildlife Trust are welcomed and can be made here. This workshop will be delivered online via Zoom with live captioning. For the writing activities, you can either type or use pen and paper.

Pre-workshop activity

Before the workshop, please spend 5-10 minutes in a garden, park, woodland or other green space sitting with your eyes shut and being aware of the air temperature on your skin, the sounds and smells. It may help to write notes after the activity to bring to the workshop. Even if the above activity is not accessible for you, please do still attend - you won't be singled out and activity work-arounds will be suggested.

                                              ~~~~

WRITE NOW! from Slover Library, Norfolk, Virginia
DEC 28 Tue, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM EST (22.00-24.00 GMT), free
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/write-now-adults-fall-2021-registration-167628436165

Do you wonder if you can write? Have you always wanted to write a story? Are you looking for a little inspiration? Do you need a little creative motivation? Well, we believe that everyone has a story and everyone can write it! You just need some inspiration and motivation! Come on down, join us and Write Now! A talented and qualified "Muse" teacher will lead you through an easy, fun, and Creative workshop full of writing prompts and creative sharing. Write made up stories! Write true stories! Write poems! Write Songs!

} Philippa

[Philippa Robinson]

Áine McCarron of the Playhouse has forwarded the attached posters about a writing competition on the topic  "It won't always be like this. It's going to get better,"  a quotation from the late journalist Lyra McKee.  The competiton is organised by Holywell Diverse Communities Partnership, 8-14 Bishop St., Derry BT48 6  and is exclusively for residents of the Derry City and Strabane District Council area. Entries close 14 Feb. 2022. The word limit for the poetry competition is 800, for the short story 2000. The writer's name and contact details should not be on the actual story or essay but on a separate sheet.

"The theme will enable readers to focus on key issues in our lives - the ongoing pandemic, mental well-being, segregation, sectarianism, our Troubles - past, present and future, climate change, etc. "

~ Philippa

.

                                              ~~~~

} Philippa

[Philippa Robinson]

Hello again

I hope you are well and that if you live near enough you will join us at the Playhouse this Wednesday from 1-3 p.m.  If you have time to write a short piece before then, the prompt is "an evil story". 

No-one but me read out last week's homework "Wicked Rhyme", so you may want to try your pen at that. We did, however, have readings of three other pieces of writing, which were very welcome.  The prompt for the 10 minute impromptu writing exercise was "the clock."  As you may imagine, it elicited some complaints about the tyranny of keeping time.

best wishes

Philippa,

[Philippa Robinson]

We are meeting tomorrow afternoon and unless others are telling me they want to continue for a couple of weeks before the winter holidays, I will tell staff at the Playhouse that we won't be requiring the room for the rest of December. So if you don't agree with that, please let me know. And if you are able, please do join us tomorrow. I'll bring tea, coffee, milk and plain biscuits; you are welcome to bring along festive treats to share.

all the best

Philippa

If you scroll down, you'll see what I wrote at the start of the month about continuing meetings.

[Philippa Robinson]

The Playhouse Writers had our last meeting of the year today. So there is no homework set, and we hope you have a safe and cosy holiday. 

Central Library on Foyle Street has resumed normal operation and has a writing group on Wed mornings 10.30 -12 which I think will meet for a couple more weeks before having a holiday break. There is also a topical discussion group on Wednesdays from 3-4 p.m. which is well attended and may interest you. Tomorrow evening 6.30-7.30 p.m., there is a book launch of a book of interviews with well-known local people; "What Shaped Me" by Jude Collins and Pat McArt, "with guest of honour, journalist Hugh Jordan"

Yarnspinners story-telling can be accessed via Zoom

https://www.librariesni.org.uk/news/december-yarnspinners-open-storytelling-hosted-by-liz-weir/

There will be a creative writing exercise included in the 14 Dec. Diwali workshop - online- from Ards council  Good Relations programme

Please register your interest at goodre...@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk requesting the workshop/s you wish to attend. 

 

Date	Time	Session	What is required?
8th Dec	7.00pm – 8.30pm	Eid	Scissors, paper, markers, glue/tape
9th Dec	10.00am – 11.30am	Polish Christmas Celebrations	Scissors, paper and glue/tape
13th Dec	2.00pm – 3.30pm	Chinese New Year – Year of the Tiger	None – this is movement focused
14th Dec	7.00pm – 8.30pm	Diwali – Indian Festival of Light	Paper and pen
16th Dec	10.00am – 11.30am	Mexican Cinco de Mayo Festival	None – this is movement focused

 

I attended a Polish Easter workshop in this series, making paper decorations, and it was enjoyable. Speaking of which, there are interesting and fun paper cutting, collage and paint workshops inspired by the artist Matisse which you could do an internet search for.  There are some youtube videos on this topic and The London Drawing Group runs live Zoom workshops.

Thurs 2 Dec 6 p.m.How to write gender fluid characters -

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/how-to-write-gender-fluid-characters-tickets-166033702273

Wed 15 Dec ##the art of folk and fairy tales and creative writing  6.30-8.30 pm https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-art-of-folk-fairy-tales-creative-writing-and-drawing-online-tickets-190988831737

that's it for now. may send more eventbrite listings later in the week

Philippa

 

[Philippa Robinson]

"We know these are uncertain times but will you act with us, as though our hopes and plans WILL happen in 2022?"

https://thesonghouseireland.com/event/solas-writers-retreat-february/

An immersive weekend of poetry, landscape & stories in the heart of the Donegal Gaeltacht
with Annemarie Ní Churreáin  25th – 27th Feb 2022

The Song House is delighted to present a special weekend retreat for writers of poetry at all levels. Hosted by Donegal poet Annemarie Ní Churreáin, the programme will feature poetry workshops, readings and one-to-one feedback sessions.

[Philippa Robinson]

Ann Lister poetry workshop by Christine Sanders
14 Dec. 19:00 – 21:00 GMT
tickets £5.98 – £11.38- £22.15 (concessions and full price)

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/anne-lister-poetry-workshop-series-2-tickets-165218740701

Highly intelligent and with a constant thirst for knowledge, Anne loved to travel. She set off for Paris in 1824 to explore the city and improve her French. Alas, her French did not greatly improve, but she did improve her love life. Let's meet Mrs Maria Barlow. Oh la la …

If you’ve just discovered Anne Lister (Gentleman Jack), or have known of Ms Lister for years, be inspired to get creative and write. And let’s use the utterly captivating Anne Lister as our inspirational muse.

These workshops are all about celebrating you, and your writing. Whether you're just putting pen to paper or already published - come along, this workshop is for you.

In today’s workshop we are off to Paris! Anne lodged in Mme de Boyve’s pension, Paris. Also there was Mrs Maria Barlow, widow. And although often the centre of Anne's attention, Maria resisted Anne - until that is, they rented an apartment together.

In tonight’s Poetic Technique ‘goody bag’ we have... 'Surprises in poetry.' How do we create surprise in our poetry? Let's surprise our readers so they're captivated, engaged and on the edge of their seats!

Poetry by women writers, as well as extracts from the diaries of Anne Lister, will be used as our resource material. It will be of benefit if you can familiarise yourself with Anne Lister’s diaries and/or the BBC Gentleman Jack TV series.

Fun writing exercises, guided writing, and exploring the technique of ‘Surprises in poetry’, will support, develop, and really drive your writing forward.

These engaging and exciting workshops are all about celebrating you, your writing, and Anne Lister. Come along and join in!

• The poetry workshops will be held online via Zoom.

• 2 pre-Funded places per workshop. Please contact me in confidence.

• Resources sent prior workshop

As always, any questions at all, just ask.

I'm very much looking forward to meeting you and guiding you to create some awesome poetry.

Christine Sanders, Poet

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Have Fun with Poetry Mon 13 Dec, 7-9 pm GMT Free, registration required

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/have-fun-with-poetry-tickets-223723542137
"Have Fun With Poetry" is an interactive workshop celebrating the writer, thinker, poet in you.
About this event

The exercises are simple yet effective. For children of all ages and people of all experiences.

The artist will read one or two poems and then present a simple writing exercise designed to reach people of all ages and experiences. We will write several pieces based on exercises the artist will provide

The artist will use this opportunity to start a conversation, have fun, write, make new friends and enjoy an afternoon of imagination through writing

MATERIAL:

No materials are required other than pen and paper or device

ABOUT ARTIST:

Honey Novick is a singer/songwriter/voice teacher/ poet. Her song/poems have been translated into French, Japanese, Spanish, Greek, and Urdu. She won the 2021 Urban Hero Award in the Arts, 3 times awardee of the Dr. Reva Gerstein Legacy fund, and is the 2020 awardee of the CSARN (Canadian Senior Artists Resource Network) Mentor Award. She has 11 books and 8 CDs and has been published in numerous magazines and anthologies. Her latest chapbook "Bob Dylan, My Rabbi" was published by the Secret Handshake Chapbook series. She is also the editor of “POEMDEMIC”, a Friendly Spike Theatre Band project as well as scripting the spoken-word piece “I’m Mad – I Matter, Making A Difference”, a history of mad people’s theatre in Toronto.

-----------------------------------------
  Creative Writing Workshop with Harula Ladd
Mon 13 Dec 18:00 – 19:30 GMT  Tickets £3.50
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/creative-writing-workshop-with-harula-ladd-tickets-213577926327

Join Harula for this 90 min online session of inspiring prompts & creative writing that connects. You'll learn new techniques, have the chance to share what you write, and be given plenty to take away with you, including a poem for a loved one as a unique Christmas gift!

Harula Ladd is a poet & performer based in Devon. She's been published in several collections, journals & webzines. She's the sole librarian of the brilliant Postal Poetry Library, the curator of the weekly poem at Totnes Community Bookshop, & a warm, wonderful wordsmith whose work is deeply rooted in community

Suitable for anyone aged 14 +.

This workshop will take place via Zoom, and you'll be sent a Zoom link prior to the event starting.

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Wed 15 Dec ##the art of folk and fairy tales and creative writing  6.30-8.30 pm https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-art-of-folk-fairy-tales-creative-writing-and-drawing-online-tickets-190988831737

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https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/13-days-of-brw-a-meditating-freewriting-more-advent-ure-tickets-210658734947
A Meditating & Freewriting & More Adventure!
Fri, December 17, 2021 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM GMT  tickets by donation

Breathe/Read/Write combines short periods of meditation with timed free-writes off a prompt. Lisa Freedman facilitates the breathing, the writing, the sharing, and the responding. According to Lisa, “It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and reactive these days. Every time we guide our wandering minds back to the breath, we offer ourselves a fresh start. Every time we meditate and then pick up our pens to write in response to a poem, we are in a realm of unlimited possibilities. Free-writing (just letting the pen move, non-stop) gives us a way to express the vastness of our unfettered minds.”

These sessions are open to everyone. Bring a notebook and pen or pencil. Bring your curiosity and be ready to listen with your whole body. No meditation or writing experience required.

Scroll down the eventbrite page for links to registration for other dates including Sat and Sun 18 & 19 Dec at 3 pm and Sun 19 Dec 9 pm
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Food for Thought: A Poetry Cafe  Fri, December 17, 2021 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM GMT   free, register in advance
Offered by Redwing Keyssar, RN, Author, Director of Patient and Caregiver Education at The MERI Center for Education in Palliative Care, UCSF/Mt Zion
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/food-for-thought-a-poetry-cafe-tickets-192548095537  

YOU DO NOT NEED TO BE A WRITER!

In this one-hour “Poetry Café”, we will enter the realm of creativity through the art of “Poem-Making”

We will:

• Create a safe environment for each other-with a short guided meditation and music

• Listen to some poems read out loud and see how they make us feel

• Use some specific words or “prompts” to encourage our own “poem-making”

• Share our poetic explorations

In these challenging times, it is more important than ever to express our feelings and connect to our own creativity and community. Join us in using poetry writing as self-care and explore our feelings, fears, and hopes.

“Poetry is simply speaking the truth. Each of us has a truth as unique as our own fingerprints” ~ Dr. Rachel Naomi Remen, from Intro to Poetic Medicine by John Fox

Making poems can:

• Surprise us

• Allow expression of feelings in creative ways

• Guide our own healing journey
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https://www.eventbrite.com/e/song-of-ice-and-footprints-a-nature-writing-workshop-tickets-209396288937
Sat 18 December 2021 11:00 – 12:30 GMT

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Philippa

 

[Studio NI]

From: Philippa Robinson 

all these items are derived from the Community Arts Partnership (CAParts) newletter which I got in my email box today

We only had 2 people at the last meeting of the writers' group and 4 the previoius two weeks (not all the same people, 6 different people altogether).  I've had a cold this month (not omicron) and there is no-one else offering to help with chairing the writers' group. Although two of those people have already asked me about meeting this month,  I have not scheduled any more meetings at the Playhouse. Maybe it would be worthwhile having another go in March or thereabouts, but I won't be starting anything up single-handed. I would help anyone else who wants to get things going in future; this is not a good time with so many people having to take time off and "self-isolate".

Meanwhile, HAPPENING VERY SOON online (mostly):

=============================

https://greysnet.com/2022/01/creative-writing-2022/
Creative Writing 2022

Wednesday @ 6pm : 12 January – 30 March 2022

If you’ve ever dreamed about picking up a pen and writing a great novel or composing some poetic verse, or jotting down the story of your life, or creating a colourful short story to amuse your grand-children, then now is most definitely the time to do it!

Our Writer In Residence, the wonderful Karen Quinn, will be teaching you everything you need to know to help you get started, or if you’ve already begun your journey as a writer, to help you along the path with a plethora of hints, tips, techniques and ideas.

There’s no need to sign up in advance just use the link below to log on to the class at the start time listed above!

Here’s the ZOOM link you’ll need to log on to the class each week!

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83008583292?pwd=bFhJL1VQOUhuZy9EZU8zR3grQ1Rudz09

Meeting ID: 830 0858 3292 Passcode: 266038
==========================================================
Job vacancies = please contact the Playhouse or the Nerve Centre as appropriate

NEW! Community Project Co-Ordinator (Freelance) – Derry Playhouse – closing 3 Feb

The Playhouse
NEW! Climate Action Officer – Derry Playhouse – closing 3 Feb

The Playhouse
NEW! Education Officer – Derry Playhouse – closing 3 Feb

The Playhouse
NEW! Finance Manager – Derry Playhouse – closing 3 Feb

The Playhouse
NEW! Fundraising Development Officer – Derry Playhouse – closing 3 Feb
The Playhouse

Trail Guardian (Casual Staff), Our Place in Space - closing 7 Feb
The Nerve Centre
==========================================================
https://www.capartscentre.com/2022/01/waterways-storymaking-festival-creative-writing-workshops-13-and-25-jan/

Creative writing workshop Thurs 25 Jan. 7-9 pm
contact maireATthewaterwayscommunity.org re availability and booking.

The Waterways Festival is currently open for submissions in two creative writing categories: poems of 30 lines or less, and short stories of 500 words or less on the theme of "waterways". To submit a poem or story, fill in the registration form at www.thewaterwayscommunity.org
The organisation also has a facebook page which gives information about the festival. I haven't looked that upmyself.

https://www.capartscentre.com/2021/11/waterways-storymaking-festival-open-for-applications-closing-feb-2022/
"The fifth annual Waterways Storymaking Festival is getting underway, and the goal, as always, is to reach out to anyone with a story to tell. This year’s Festival will run until June 2022.

"Workshops with specialist facilitators are happening online and in community venues from November to January to support and develop skills and to spark inspiration. The organisation is launching an open call for submissions in three categories, poetry, short stories and photographs, with entries accepted from the beginning of December to the beginning of February. Entries will be shortlisted, and the chosen work will be professionally performed and broadcast at the Festival Awards Event next May."
----------------------------------------------------------------------==================
local writers Susan McKay and Susan Divin are presenting their work for discussion at the Four Corners Festival 30 Jan - 6 Feb
see https://4cornersfestival.com/ for details. Sue Divin's presentation will be in-person in Belfast while Susan McKay's will be a hybrid presentation, with online access.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
https://www.capartscentre.com/2022/01/class-23-automatic-writing-the-cut-up-technique-starts-23-jan/

This multi-session workshop, presented by transdisciplinary artist Elizabeth Short, explores the intersectional techniques of the cut-up alongside automatic writing and text generation; its uses, legacies, and potentialities to create work, explore existing text, and overcome writer’s block.

These sessions conducted over Zoom will largely be exercised based, whilst touching briefly on the historical movements that have used these praxis; from the Surrealists to the Beat writers and beyond.

The workshop aims to equip the participants with a brief introduction to the cut-up technique and automatic writing process; giving them tools that they can apply to their own creative writing practice.

Equipment requirements would be standard writing stationery that the individual would normally use, plus an opaque marker pen, sellotape, and scissors.

Venue: Online over Zoom
Date: January 23rd * For a Month of Sundays + Voluntary Sessions *
Time: 7-8pm
Cost: Free
register via https://www.seasidebooksni.com/class23

[Philippa Robinson]

Please, if you can, attend the Derry Playhouse Writers' Group meeting this Wednesday from 1-3 p.m. We hope once again to meet weekly, but we need active participation. No homework subject has been assigned for this week, but please do bring a short piece to read aloud if you can, And if you are able to make at least a few print-outs of your piece, that would be great, albeit not obligatory.

The Derry Playhouse Derry Playhouse Writers Group has not met since December 2021. Although a few people asked me about reconvening the group in the new year, I declined to do so as I was unable to chair meetings regularly and the group had not been attracting enough participants to come anywhere near paying the full rent to the Playhouse. Also there is a better buzz when the group has more participants. Fair play to Patrick Mc Nicholl for going on his own to arrange a room booking with the Playhouse and to resume meetings. I do plan to participate this week and I hope you will also support the resurected Derry Playhouse Writers Group. 

MORE BIG NEWS - Rosaline Callaghan, who is one of the administrators of the DPWG facebook page, has written and recently published a book, Donegal Amy , about hereditary amylosis, a rare degenerative condition associated with County Donegal. There are new treatments for this condition, and Rosaline has been in the forefront of the campaign to raise awareness of the condition and to get treatment funded by the health authorities in Ireland.

https://wildstoryteller.com/

 https://www.slideshare.net/RosalineCallaghan/my-story-about-hereditary-amyloidosis

@ Philippa

[Rosaline Callaghan]

Thank you Philippa and for mentioning my book.

As you mentioned, the paperback version is available via tge wildstoryteller.com website.

Fair play to Patrick for organising the resumed meetings.

All the best,

Rosaline 

--

Rosaline

[Philippa Robinson]

DPWG MEETING

The topic for last week's impromtu writing exercise was "stones and bones". There was no homework set and people hadn't brought along other material to read to the group. so the meeting finished shortly after 2 p.m. Next meeting is Wed. 15 June. The homework prompt is "Do you know what I learned...?" Homework is optional, but it can be fascinating to see how different people approach the same writing prompt.

I have to miss this week's meeting, but I do hope everyone who can attend will. Patrick MacNicholl will take the chair again.  Last week I brought light refreshments and paper cups with me (Patrick also brought milk and there was a bit of tea and coffee on the counter, though we used the supplies I brought instead). If you want to volunteer to bring refreshments on the 15th, please let us know. Otherwise I suggest you bring your own lunch or snack with you if you wish to. More importantly, bring yourself and a pen and paper. Bring a friend along if you can, or at least tell people about the writers group and encourage them to give it a try.

CULMORE LITERARY FESTIVAL at Culmore Community Hub, 32-34 Culmore Point Road, Derry

All talks 7.30-9.30 pm.  Please book your place by phoning Charlene at 028 7116 3713 or via https://culmorehub.org/upcoming-events/

speakers:

Wed 15  June Joe Mahon, broadcaster

Fri 17 June  George Murphy - story teller and singer

Sat 18 June  Anthony Tony - more songs and stories

Mon 29 June  Sam Burnside, Feargal Friel and Emily Cooper - poetry and chat

Wed 22 June  Claire Allan and Brian McGilloway - crime writers' evening

Tickets £5.00* *except Anthony Toner - £15.00
All events must be pre-booked

The festival also included events and activities for school age children/young people, but these have now concluded.

https://culmorehub.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/CCH-Literary-Festival-2022.pdf

BELFAST BOOK FESTIVAL, based at the Crescent Arts Centre, 10-19 June, has a much more extensive programme, so I refer you to the website. https://belfastbookfestival.com

The festival includes practical workshops for writers.

best wishes

Philippa

[Studio NI]

From: Philippa Robinson 

We are struggling to keep the Playhouse meetings going; we need more people to attend. Choice of homework for this week: "Do you know what I learned...?" or "Solstice". If I get time later, I will make and attach a flyer which, if you have access to a printer, you can print out and put up in suitable places such as libraries and community centres.

The group officially meets from 1-3 pm. but I have to warn late-comers that we do sometimes end earlier, even an hour earlier, depending on how many people have things to read aloud and how much time we spend chatting.

~ Philippa

)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

CULMORE LITERARY FESTIVAL at Culmore Community Hub, 32-34 Culmore Point Road, Derry

All talks 7.30-9.30 pm.  Please book your place by phoning Charlene at 028 7116 3713 or via https://culmorehub.org/upcoming-events/

Mon 20 June  Sam Burnside, Feargal Friel and Emily Cooper - poetry and chat

Wed 22 June  Claire Allan and Brian McGilloway - crime writers' evening

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Cardiff Libraries is running online creative writing sessions which sound interesting. They are usually held on the third Tues. of each month, from 11 a.m.- 12.30 pm, and are free. There is still time to register for tomorrow's session:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/write-about-everything-tickets-234742409867

"Join our friendly and relaxed monthly writing group focusing on a theme or genre each month, with our brilliant volunteer hosts from Cardiff Met University. There’ll be prompts (if you’d like some) and a relaxed, supportive atmosphere to work quietly in. 11.00am-12.30pm. Online via MS Teams.

Our sessions will now be 90 minutes long to allow time for sharing work within the group ...

21st June 2022, 11am, Writing from the Senses (Alana)

The five senses are powerful tools in writing that give stories texture and extra dimensions for readers to explore. In this workshop we will be exploring how smell, sound, sight, touch, and taste can be used to draw in and hold a reader.

19th July 2022, 11am, Point of view (Anna)

In this workshop we’ll be thinking about who is telling your story and the effect this has on the reader. Using prompts, we will write from the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd person perspective and consider techniques to get the most out of each option.

You only need to register for one session, as we’ll respond with a recurring link that will work for future events, whenever you wish to drop in to the sessions.

Questions? Email librar...@cardiff.gov.uk

Cardiff Hubs & Libraries in partnership with Cardiff Met University

On Sat, Jun 11, 2022 at 7:57 PM Philippa Robinson <caillea...@gmail.com> wrote:

DPWG MEETING

The topic for last week's impromtu writing exercise was "stones and bones". There was no homework set and people hadn't brought along other material to read to the group. so the meeting finished shortly after 2 p.m. Next meeting is Wed. 15 June. The homework prompt is "Do you know what I learned...?" Homework is optional, but it can be fascinating to see how different people approach the same writing prompt.

I have to miss this week's meeting, but I do hope everyone who can attend will. Patrick MacNicholl will take the chair again.  Last week I brought light refreshments and paper cups with me (Patrick also brought milk and there was a bit of tea and coffee on the counter, though we used the supplies I brought instead). If you want to volunteer to bring refreshments on the 15th, please let us know. Otherwise I suggest you bring your own lunch or snack with you if you wish to. More importantly, bring yourself and a pen and paper. Bring a friend along if you can, or at least tell people about the writers group and encourage them to give it a try.

On Sun, Jun 5, 2022 at 5:09 PM Philippa Robinson <caillea...@gmail.com> wrote:

Please, if you can, attend the Derry Playhouse Writers' Group meeting this Wednesday from 1-3 p.m. We hope once again to meet weekly, but we need active participation. No homework subject has been assigned for this week, but please do bring a short piece to read aloud if you can, And if you are able to make at least a few print-outs of your piece, that would be great, albeit not obligatory.

The Derry Playhouse Derry Playhouse Writers Group has not met since December 2021. Although a few people asked me about reconvening the group in the new year, I declined to do so as I was unable to chair meetings regularly and the group had not been attracting enough participants to come anywhere near paying the full rent to the Playhouse. Also there is a better buzz when the group has more participants. Fair play to Patrick Mc Nicholl for going on his own to arrange a room booking with the Playhouse and to resume meetings. I do plan to participate this week and I hope you will also support the resurected Derry Playhouse Writers Group. 

MORE BIG NEWS - Rosaline Callaghan, who is one of the administrators of the DPWG facebook page, has written and recently published a book, Donegal Amy , about hereditary amylosis, a rare degenerative condition associated with County Donegal. There are new treatments for this condition, and Rosaline has been in the forefront of the campaign to raise awareness of the condition and to get treatment funded by the health authorities in Ireland.

https://wildstoryteller.com/

 https://www.slideshare.net/RosalineCallaghan/my-story-about-hereditary-amyloidosis

@ Philippa

--

Studio NI: Promoting Arts and Culture in the North of Ireland since 2004. NIC101100 

[Studio NI]

From: Philippa Robinson 

Yes, we are going to continue meeting on Wed. afternoons in July. But we do need to boost numbers so please attend if you can, and please tell others about the group.

Today's impromptu exercise was "brevity". We all conquered the temptation to write a single sentence or less; I think everyone wrote more than a paragraph.

I was the only one present who had written about The Blue and I wasn't quite finished so I didn't read it out; so THE BLUE remains the homework prompt for next Wednesday.

Martin and Brian both read out poems they had written.

The Playhouse staff have still not displayed a flyer to let more people know about the writers' group.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

At the Playhouse, I picked up a leaflet about a play-writing festival in Birr, Co Offaly this weekend.  https://www.scriptsireland.com/  "Scripts" actually starts on Thursday. Events include performances both in theatre and outside, and some workshops. I don't expect anyone in this group will get to Birr in time for the free workshop at 10 a.m. Thurs 7 July on  Family Proofing Your Arts Practice:  A workshop on creative solutions to challenges facing parenting artists

but perhaps one of more people on the mailing list would travel for other events. The other workshops cost 15 to 20 Euro and should be booked in advance.

FRIDAY  8 July 4.30 - 6.30  pm  Unconscious Bias Workshop

Unconscious bias throws a wrench in the creative process. It is the main obstacle to a diverse and inclusive work. Playwrights need to see their own unconscious bias and take control of it. 

In this workshop, David Walsh will explore the way unconscious bias operates and help participants identify it and understand barriers to truly inclusive creativity

SUNDAY 10 July  9.30 a.m. -12 p.m.    Innovation & Inclusion

Breaking boundaries in new writing 

Fishamble’s Literary Manager and awarding winning playwright, Gavin Kostick will look at practical examples of how playwrights and productions are shifting casting decisions in Ireland.

The successful production of The Treaty by Colin Murphy will be used as a key example (participants will be provided with the script in advance of the workshop).

SUNDAY 12.30 - 3 pm   Playwriting workshop

Playwriting with Christian O'Reilly

This workshop will explore the nuts and bolts of playwriting, giving writers the tools they need to write a play and the opportunity to apply them through writing exercises.

 Christian's plays It Just Came Out, The Good Father, Is This About Sex?, Here We Are Again Still, Sanctuary and Chapatti have been produced by Druid, Rough Magic and Decadent.  He draws on his extensive experience for this practical hands-on workshop suited to emerging playwrights.

##################

Reminder of the online workshop Tues a.m. 19 July -  register at  https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/write-about-everything-tickets-234742409867

Point of View: In this workshop we’ll be thinking about who is telling your story and the effect this has on the reader. Using prompts, we will write from the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd person perspective and consider techniques to get the most out of each option.  [do you remember we had a homework assignment along those lines last year?]

On Thu, Jun 30, 2022 at 8:44 PM Philippa Robinson <caillea...@gmail.com> wrote:

The (optional) homework prompt for next Wednesday's meeting is "the Blue".

This week our impromptu writing exercise was on the subject of "fire".

A few people brought homework pieces (topic "flowers") and Brian read one of his wide-ranging slice of life essays which discussed among other things; mental health, writings of Hermann Hesse, and classical music.  We also learned that the phrase, "that takes the biscuit", is an allusion to the R.C. communion wafer.

A couple of new participants joined us. Sarah joined the DPWG for the first time, and Kerrie, a 2022 newcomer, returned to this week's meeting. They were very welcome and took a full part in the proceedings. I am feeling more positive now that we could continue meeting at the Playhouse for the rest of July.

~ Philippa

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Cardiff Libraries is running online creative writing sessions which sound interesting. They are usually held on the third Tues. of each month, from 11 a.m.- 12.30 pm, and are free. There is still time to register for tomorrow's session:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/write-about-everything-tickets-234742409867

"Join our friendly and relaxed monthly writing group focusing on a theme or genre each month, with our brilliant volunteer hosts from Cardiff Met University. There’ll be prompts (if you’d like some) and a relaxed, supportive atmosphere to work quietly in. 11.00am-12.30pm. Online via MS Teams.

Our sessions will now be 90 minutes long to allow time for sharing work within the group ...

21st June 2022, 11am, Writing from the Senses (Alana)

The five senses are powerful tools in writing that give stories texture and extra dimensions for readers to explore. In this workshop we will be exploring how smell, sound, sight, touch, and taste can be used to draw in and hold a reader. [Madeline, Sylvia and I attended. Madeline read out one of her responses to the exercises]

19th July 2022, 11am, Point of view (Anna)

In this workshop we’ll be thinking about who is telling your story and the effect this has on the reader. Using prompts, we will write from the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd person perspective and consider techniques to get the most out of each option.

You only need to register for one session, as we’ll respond with a recurring link that will work for future events, whenever you wish to drop in to the sessions.

Questions? Email librar...@cardiff.gov.uk

Cardiff Hubs & Libraries in partnership with Cardiff Met University

MORE BIG NEWS - Rosaline Callaghan, who is one of the administrators of the DPWG facebook page, has written and recently published a book, Donegal Amy , about hereditary amylosis, a rare degenerative condition associated with County Donegal. There are new treatments for this condition, and Rosaline has been in the forefront of the campaign to raise awareness of the condition and to get treatment funded by the health authorities in Ireland.

https://wildstoryteller.com/

 https://www.slideshare.net/RosalineCallaghan/my-story-about-hereditary-amyloidosis

--

Studio NI: Promoting Arts and Culture in the North of Ireland since 2004. NIC101100 

Virus-free. www.avg.com

[Philippa Robinson]

see https://artyshe.com/open-call-animal-theme-writing-poems-stories-flash-fiction-photography/

word count limit 1000 words, 200 words for poems

Must not have been previously published

closing date 2 pm 28 July   Entry fee 5 Euro per entry, max. 3 per person

Your reward, a copy of the publication

Entry form on the webpage

On Wed, Jul 6, 2022 at 11:09 PM Philippa Robinson <caillea...@gmail.com> wrote:

Yes, we are going to continue meeting on Wed. afternoons in July. But we do need to boost numbers so please attend if you can, and please tell others about the group.

Today's impromptu exercise was "brevity". We all conquered the temptation to write a single sentence or less; I think everyone wrote more than a paragraph.

I was the only one present who had written about The Blue and I wasn't quite finished so I didn't read it out; so THE BLUE remains the homework prompt for next Wednesday.

Martin and Brian both read out poems they had written.

The Playhouse staff have still not displayed a flyer to let more people know about the writers' group.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

HOPING TO SEE YOU AT THE PLAYHOUSE  WED 13 JULY

##################

Reminder of the online workshop Tues a.m. 19 July -  register at  https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/write-about-everything-tickets-234742409867

Point of View: In this workshop we’ll be thinking about who is telling your story and the effect this has on the reader. Using prompts, we will write from the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd person perspective and consider techniques to get the most out of each option.  [do you remember we had a homework assignment along those lines last year?]

On Thu, Jun 30, 2022 at 8:44 PM Philippa Robinson <caillea...@gmail.com> wrote:

The (optional) homework prompt for next Wednesday's meeting is "the Blue".

This week our impromptu writing exercise was on the subject of "fire".

A few people brought homework pieces (topic "flowers") and Brian read one of his wide-ranging slice of life essays which discussed among other things; mental health, writings of Hermann Hesse, and classical music.  We also learned that the phrase, "that takes the biscuit", is an allusion to the R.C. communion wafer.

A couple of new participants joined us. Sarah joined the DPWG for the first time, and Kerrie, a 2022 newcomer, returned to this week's meeting. They were very welcome and took a full part in the proceedings. I am feeling more positive now that we could continue meeting at the Playhouse for the rest of July.

~ Philippa

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Cardiff Libraries is running online creative writing sessions which sound interesting. They are usually held on the third Tues. of each month, from 11 a.m.- 12.30 pm, and are free. There is still time to register for tomorrow's session:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/write-about-everything-tickets-234742409867

"Join our friendly and relaxed monthly writing group focusing on a theme or genre each month, with our brilliant volunteer hosts from Cardiff Met University. There’ll be prompts (if you’d like some) and a relaxed, supportive atmosphere to work quietly in. 11.00am-12.30pm. Online via MS Teams.

Our sessions will now be 90 minutes long to allow time for sharing work within the group ...

21st June 2022, 11am, Writing from the Senses (Alana)

The five senses are powerful tools in writing that give stories texture and extra dimensions for readers to explore. In this workshop we will be exploring how smell, sound, sight, touch, and taste can be used to draw in and hold a reader. [Madeline, Sylvia and I attended. Madeline read out one of her responses to the exercises]

19th July 2022, 11am, Point of view (Anna)

In this workshop we’ll be thinking about who is telling your story and the effect this has on the reader. Using prompts, we will write from the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd person perspective and consider techniques to get the most out of each option.

You only need to register for one session, as we’ll respond with a recurring link that will work for future events, whenever you wish to drop in to the sessions.

Questions? Email librar...@cardiff.gov.uk

Cardiff Hubs & Libraries in partnership with Cardiff Met University

[Philippa Robinson]

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/write-shine-at-the-london-library-tickets-244751808247

An online early morning writing writing workshop with Write & Shine, inspired by Edna O'Brien

About this event

Start your day with a burst of creativity!

Join Write & Shine live from the London Library Reading Room for a 90-minute virtual writing workshop called ‘Memory’. This session takes the work and ideas of author Edna O’Brien as inspiration.

This is the last in a series of four workshops celebrating the spirit of adventure in the women of London Library, especially those who wrote evocatively of travel and place.

O’Brien joined the London Library in 1968. Originally from a small, isolated village in the west of Ireland, she moved to Dublin and then London where she wrote her novel The Country Girls (1960) during the first few weeks of her arrival. The book, she said, described her “experience of Ireland and [her] farewell to it.”

This July, we’ll celebrate the work of Edna O’Brien with a writing workshop on memory and its relationship to place. O’Brien lived most of her life outside Ireland, writing about her home country in sensuous detail, all from a distance. Together, we’ll use the power of recollection as a tool to create a strong sense of place in our writing.

This writing workshop is led by author Gemma Seltzer. It takes place in the early morning light, as we believe the first part of the day is the best time to think, dream and imagine. In Write & Shine workshops, you won’t be expected to share your writing, which offers great freedom and encourages all kinds of unexpected ideas to emerge.

Login at 7.30am for 7.45am start. You will be sent a Zoom link a few days before the workshop (if you do not receive it, please check your junk file or email eve...@londonlibrary.co.uk).

On Wed, Jul 13, 2022 at 6:47 PM Philippa Robinson <caillea...@gmail.com> wrote:

Apologies everyone.  The Playhouse was actually closed to the public today, as was Central Library.  I had said to the receptionist last Wed that we would be back this week, as she didn't tell me that the Playhouse would be closed. I also checked the Playhouse website last night, but couldn't find any information relating to holiday closures.

I arrived at the closed red door of the Playhouse just two minutes after 1 pm, so I'm sorry if you came before 1 pm and I missed you. I didn't see anyone outside the building as I walked up to it (I got a bus and walked up from Foyle St). There was actually some staff working inside and the woman I spoke to said she hadn't seen anyone on the security cameras before she saw me and Brian Herron, who arrived shortly after I did.

We put a notice on the door and retired to the café at the corner (Java?), where we stayed till 1.45 p.m. No one else arrived; maybe the rest of you were more clued in about holiday closures that we were!

We have assigned a new HOMEWORK prompt, as some of us will have already written about "the Blue" even though we haven't yet presented our pieces to others.  At one point Brian and I were talking about language and dialect, so I suggested "Dialectic/al Differences". The double meaning was intentional:

dialectic dʌɪəˈlɛktɪk

noun

the art of investigating or discussing the truth of opinions.

inquiry into metaphysical contradictions and their solutions.

the existence or action of opposing social forces, concepts, etc.

adjective

relating to dialectic or dialectics; dialectical.

Wikipedia

Dialectic or dialectics (Greek: διαλεκτική, dialektikḗ; related to dialogue; German: Dialektik), also known as the dialectical method, is a discourse between two or more people holding different points of view about a subject but wishing to establish the truth through reasoned argumentation.

Brian suggested an alternative homework "Unfinished Business". I thought that was a better idea than mine. Brian then said people could write about "Unfinished Business, Dialectical Differences". So you have plenty of scope!

I wondered if our space at the playhouse might be taken up by the environmental theatre project next week, but the staff member I spoke with (sorry I don't know her name) checked and said we are noted as having a meeting next Wed.

~ Philippa

 

[Philippa Robinson]

If you register at Meetup, you could join the Edgewater Creative Writing Meetup Group

" An informal, fun creative writing and discussion group. In each meeting, we will meet on Zoom, chat and receive a writing prompt (phrase, image etc) and spend time as each of us writes whatever comes to mind, then shares with group. A free wheeling, no judgement zone for seniors and children 60+"

The next event is

CREATIVE WRITING FOR REGULAR PEOPLE

"The goal is to get creative juices flowing, have some laughs and develop a habit of writing. If you’re a pro writer, this may not be your cup of tea. The prompt will inspire you. Write something long, short, true or full of lies. Then share what you wrote and discuss.
"Only rules: Don't be mean or obscene or we won't invite to our next party"

meeting online  Sunday, July 31, 2022 at 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM BST

That meeting is full up, with 21 people already registered, but if you join the group you will get notifications of meetings. It is US based.  I'm sure there are other writing groups on meet-up; I don't know how many meet on line ... hmm maybe DPWG should get listed for in-person meet-ups as we might draw in another participant or two  ....

----

On Sat, Jul 23, 2022 at 10:01 PM Philippa Robinson <caillea...@gmail.com> wrote:

The homework prompt for this coming Wednesday is

CAUGHT IN A SPIDER'S WEB

We started very late last Wed, partly because of the terribly heavy traffic due to the Tall Ships event and the closure of the quays to vehicles. Perhaps that also explains the very small attendance. I had an advance apology from Patrick, who was at an out-of-town event. But there are a handful of people who have emailed to say they planned to come along some Wed and we haven't seen yet. The thing is that the group is liable collapse again if we don't get more participation.

But anyway, as well as reading finished homework stories; we did our 10 minute writing exercise but were allowed nearly 15 minutes. The topic "Hat Trick". I would have written about rabbits, only Brian explained it meant three goals in football. So I wrote about the time I broke my wrist trying to get the ball away from a player on the opposing team.That team won 3-0.

Oxford Dictionary:

hat-trick

/ˈhattrɪk/

noun

noun: hat-trick; plural noun: hat-tricks

1. three successes of the same kind within a limited period, in particular (in soccer) the scoring of three goals in a game by one player or (in cricket) the taking of three wickets by the same bowler with successive balls.

   "he scored a hat-trick"

[Philippa Robinson]

 I see I neglected to include any weblink in the message below, posted 25 July.

https://www.meetup.com/  click on sign up  and you can also search for interests such as "creative writing"

https://www.meetup.com/edgewater-creative-writing-meetup-group/events/287225711/

a lot of the American groups, however, have meetings at very inconvenient times for us == and also a lot of meet-ups are in person rather than online/

On Mon, Jul 25, 2022 at 8:00 PM Philippa Robinson <caillea...@gmail.com> wrote:

If you register at Meetup, you could join the Edgewater Creative Writing Meetup Group

" An informal, fun creative writing and discussion group. In each meeting, we will meet on Zoom, chat and receive a writing prompt (phrase, image etc) and spend time as each of us writes whatever comes to mind, then shares with group. A free wheeling, no judgement zone for seniors and children 60+"

The next event is

CREATIVE WRITING FOR REGULAR PEOPLE

"The goal is to get creative juices flowing, have some laughs and develop a habit of writing. If you’re a pro writer, this may not be your cup of tea. The prompt will inspire you. Write something long, short, true or full of lies. Then share what you wrote and discuss.
"Only rules: Don't be mean or obscene or we won't invite to our next party"

meeting online  Sunday, July 31, 2022 at 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM BST

That meeting is full up, with 21 people already registered, but if you join the group you will get notifications of meetings. It is US based.  I'm sure there are other writing groups on meet-up; I don't know how many meet on line ... hmm maybe DPWG should get listed for in-person meet-ups as we might draw in another participant or two  ....

----

On Sat, Jul 23, 2022 at 10:01 PM Philippa Robinson <caillea...@gmail.com> wrote:

The homework prompt for this coming Wednesday is

CAUGHT IN A SPIDER'S WEB

We started very late last Wed, partly because of the terribly heavy traffic due to the Tall Ships event and the closure of the quays to vehicles. Perhaps that also explains the very small attendance. I had an advance apology from Patrick, who was at an out-of-town event. But there are a handful of people who have emailed to say they planned to come along some Wed and we haven't seen yet. The thing is that the group is liable to collapse again if we don't get more participation.

[Studio NI]

From: Philippa Robinson 

Today's impromptu writing exercise was "the lonely crowd". The optional homework prompt is "the back alley"

Please do come along next week if you possibly can.

@ Philippa

-----------------------------

https://www.capartscentre.com/2022/06/anthology-poetry-award-open-for-submissions-closing-31-oct/

Entries are now invited for the Anthology Poetry Award. Established to recognise and encourage excellence in the craft of poetry writing and to provide a platform for publication, it is open to original and previously unpublished poems in the English language. Entries are invited from poets of all nationalities, living anywhere in the world. Poems submitted must be on the theme of ‘Dreams’ and should not exceed 40 lines. There is no limit to entries per person.

It is not a requirement, but is advisable to refer to Anthology magazine or purchase a copy before submitting your work, so that you can see the type of material we publish. Subscriptions and single copies are available to purchase through our online shop.

The winner will receive a €500 cash prize and the chance to see their work published in a future issue of Anthology Magazine.
The winner will also receive a one year subscription to Anthology Magazine

Submission Deadline & Entry Fees:

• Early Bird: midnight on 31 July 2022 – €10 per poem
• Deadline: midnight on 31 October 2022 – €15 per poem

For full details: anthology-magazine.com/poetry-award/

Terms and Conditions

• To enter, submit an original, unpublished poem, written in English on the subject of ‘Dreams’ with a maximum of 40 lines.
• Entry fee: €10 per poem if entered by midnight on 31 July 2022, or €15 per poem if entered by midnight on 31 October 2022.
• There is no limit to the number of entries you can submit.
• There is no age limit.
• The closing date for receipt of entries is 31 October 2022 at midnight.
• Once selected, the winner will be contacted by email or telephone.
• Copyright remains with the author but Anthology reserves the right to be the first to publish or arrange a broadcast of selected works. The right to use the poems to further publicise this award is also retained.
• Submission of a written piece implies the author’s acceptance of the terms and conditions.
• Prize money will be paid on publication of the winning Poem in Anthology Magazine.

------------------------------

https://www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/opportunities/send-a-script/

Rather than accepting scripts year-round, we have distinct submission windows for scripts which are announced on the BBC Writersroom Opportunities page during the year. Each Open Call has a deadline, following which the scripts received are assessed intensively by our script readers and the BBC Writersroom team, and a shortlist drawn up. We then offer various opportunities for the shortlisted group of writers including our Drama Room and Voices development groups.

Our latest window for DRAMA and COMEDY DRAMA scripts is now closed. Everyone who sent a script should have heard the outcome (emails were sent on 7th June) and we are currently making selections for our Development Groups.

The next Open Call submission window is from Wednesday 9th November to Wednesday 7th December 2022 at noon.

[There is a lot more detailed information on the website, so do have a look there. Applications are only accepted by people resident in UK or Ireland]

 --

[Philippa Robinson]

The homework set for this week is a line from a poem by Brendan Kennelly, a poem which Maureen used as her homework prompt last week.

   Beginning again to the summoning of birds

There is no need to read the poem - in fact it may be better if you look up the poem after you have written your own piece, so that we have a broader interpretation of that line.

Last week's in-house impromptu writing exercise was a line from a song,

 "I would rather be anywhere else than here"

@ Philippa

Flowerfield Arts Centre in Portstewart are offering an online creative writing course "Wordsmiths"; it started last week but I think places are still available. I'm  not sure whether the second class is going to be postponed a week, as Flowerfield is muting its activity during the UK period of mourning for Queen Elizabeth, till 19 Sept.

Wednesdays, 7 September to 2 November, 19:15 - 21:15
Cost £64 full or £58 concession for 8 workshops

See class description at https://www.flowerfield.org/our-workshops

" You will be encouraged to explore different literary forms (poetry, memoir, flash fiction, micro fiction and short story writing), you’ll critique and edit your work via online discussions and tutor feedback, and you will be supported and guided each step of the way. You will also be able to contact Anne [McMasters] via email to receive personal editorial feedback on your work."

On Thursday evenings, Flowerfield is open from 7-8.30 pm to writers who wish to have a place and time to write and the company of fellow writers. Free, but places need to be booked. This is not a workshop:

" Writers are invited to gather for a short welcome, find a comfortable space in the arts centre and write quietly for an hour, after which time individuals can meet in the café area for a cuppa and a chat before heading home"

https://www.flowerfield.org/assets/documents/Flowerfield-Arts-Guide-2022.pdf page 29

Anne McMasters is also the tutor on  one-off in person workshops in Ballymoney and Ballycastle in Nov:

Celebrate Leid Week: 'Love Your Language Writing workshop |  Thurs 24 Nov 7-9pm | Free (Booking Essential

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/celebrating-leid-week-love-your-language-writing-workshop-ballycastle-tickets-391095104987

Celebrate Leid Week: 'Love Your Language Writing workshop | Sat 26 Nov | 2-4pm | Free (Booking Essential)

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/celebrating-leid-week-love-your-language-writing-workshop-in-ballymoney-tickets-391086278587

In a similar vein, on 15 Oct in Raphoe Co Donegal from 1 – 3 pm , Angela King leads a workshop Creative Writing in Ulster Scots

Part of the 2022 Frances Browne Literary Festival

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/creative-writing-in-ulster-scots-led-by-angeline-king-tickets-415500562367

On the same day, in the twin towns area of Donegal, the festival offers workshops in writing in English and in writing in Irish. There is a poetry competition in Stranorlar on Fri evening 14 Oct and a workshop in nature writing on Sunday 16 Oct in Carrigans. See https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/cc/2022-frances-browne-literary-festival-115705

-----

Anne McMasters presents an in-person creative writing course at Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre. The centre is also cancelling many activities this week because of the UK national period of mourning, so if you register for this course you would also have to check for revised dates. And you would need to check with the arts centre re late registration as you can no longer book via eventbrite.

tel. no 028 7776 0650

Creative Writing Course: The Habit of Writing Thursdays 8 to 29 September 7–9pm  Cost: £40 full or £36 concession

https://roevalleyarts.com/workshops-rv

guided walk at Swan Park, Buncrana plus Haiku writing (with Siobhán McLaughlin) , Sat. morning 24 Sept

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/stories-of-change-nature-wander-and-haiku-writing-workshop-tickets-399452612517

literary festivals in Ireland: https://dinglepublishing.com/literary-and-book-festivals-in-ireland-2022/

[Philippa Robinson]

Workshop: Through The Looking Glass: Retell The Alice Tale (A Guided Creative Writing Workshop) When: 25th September 2022. 3:00pm to 4:30pm BST (British Summer Time) Price: £5.98 Link to book tickets: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/through-the-looking-glass-retell-the-alice-tale-guided-creative-writing-tickets-397794613397?aff=erelpanelorg  October: Workshop: Let’s Write A Ghost Story! (Halloween Guided Creative Writing Workshop) When: 16th October 2022. 3:00pm to 4:30pm BST (British Summer Time) Price: £5.98 Link to book tickets: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/lets-write-a-ghost-story-halloween-guided-creative-writing-workshop-tickets-421375955827?aff=erelpanelorg  Workshop: Vampires: A Guided Creative Writing Workshop (Halloween Special) When: 23rd October 2022. 3:00pm to 4:30pm BST (British Summer Time) Price: £5.98 Link to book tickets: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/vampires-a-guided-creative-writing-workshop-halloween-special-tickets-420549062567?aff=erelpanelorg  Workshop: Superstitions: A Guided Creative Writing Workshop (Halloween Special) When: 30th October 2022. 3:00pm to 4:30pm GMT (UK Time) Price: £5.98 Link to book tickets: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/superstitions-a-guided-creative-writing-workshop-halloween-special-tickets-419769861957?aff=ebdsoporgprofile  Fairytale Retellings Exercise Book: Last year’s Thursday sessions’ exercises have been compiled into one book. If you’re interested, here is the link to the UK version (available in Kindle or Paperback format). It is also available in other countries.  https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fairytale-Sessions-Creative-Writing-Exercise-ebook/dp/B09MPWQ38S/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=saraswathi+sukumar&qid=1638444136&sr=8-1

The above is from Saraswathi Sukumar <fairytal...@gmail.com>

On Thu, Sep 15, 2022 at 8:51 PM Philippa Robinson <caillea...@gmail.com> wrote:

The prompt for next week is "Eye Contact"

This past Wednesday, we had a small group - as is unfortunately usual - but were still productive. The theme for the in-house impromptu writing exercise was "Corn Flakes", two people brought homework pieces prompted by a line by Brendan Kennelly, and another participant read a short essay.

hoping to make "eye contact" with more of you next Wednesday; 1 pm at Derry Playhouse, Artillery Street

_ Philippa

[Studio NI]

From: Philippa Robinson 

One person joined our meetup page, but it appears Geoffrey May lives in W Sussex, England

I would appreciate it it some people on this list would join Meetup and put their names down as members of DPWG, as it will make our profile more attractive

https://www.meetup.com/derry-playhouse-writers-group/events/pslvxsydcnbhb

I looked up "writing" to give you an idea of why it could be worth your while registering with "meet-up". See some notes below on online writing activities based in Ireland and Britain.

I am a member meetup walking groups (though I don't participate in it as they are County Antrim based), an online Gaelic language song sharing group, and a very active Dublin history group which has some online events as well as their in-person activities.

I see a couple of online writing groups based in Dublin which may be of interest to you.

"Shut Up & Write" meets via Zoom early on Tuesday mornings.

https://www.meetup.com/shutupandwritedublin/events/288619376/

also early on Tues. am there's a script-writing group

https://www.meetup.com/dublin-script-club/events/288619385/

It looks to me like the writers in this froup aren't meant to speak together; the zoom session is just a way to be sure you schedule time for your writing!

This session of short writing exercises on Thurs 20 Oct at 6.30 pm sounds more like what we do at the Playhouse, but is online. If you register for and participate in it, I'd appreciate it if you could get back to me with any ideas for writing practice which you picked up at the session.

https://www.meetup.com/manchesterwritersnetwork/events/288944042/

== the same group also hosts less organised "write-in" events

11 Oct 6 pm

https://www.meetup.com/manchesterwritersnetwork/events/288944004/6

25 Oct 6 pm

https://www.meetup.com/manchesterwritersnetwork/events/288944022/

Shut Up and Write! Harrogate hosts write ins via Skype on Tuesdays 7 pm

Shut Up and Write! Bristol  Fridays 10am-12 noon via Zoom

Shut Up and Write! Glasgow has online sessions via Zoom Weds at 7 pm and Sat. mornings and also has in person meetups in Glasgow

Shut Up and Write! West Cork online Wednesdays 7.30-9.30 pm

I gather the basic format is socialize and chat for up to half an hour, then set aside an hour for everyone to write, then have more chat.

Writers Talking About Writing

Monday, October 24, 2022 at 6:30 PM to Monday, October 24, 2022 at 7:30 PM BST

Every 2 weeks on Monday until December 31, 2022

This is a group meeting for writers of all levels of experience to come together and talk about writing.
We can talk about our successes and challenges.
We can talk about our work in progress, or new ideas.
We can talk theory, craft, experience and more.

We may have specific topics such as setting and world-building, plot, dialogue, character development, or others. Or we may just respond to questions in the group.

York Writers' Group critiqueing, fortnightly on Thursday evenings

This meeting will take place on Zoom. If this is your first Zoom meeting with us, please email writersgroupyorkATgmail.com (RSVP to see this email address) before the meeting so we can share the Zoom access code and the pieces of writing that we will be discussing.

Meeting fees are currently suspended as we do not require any additional funding at the moment. We will let members know when fees will be charged again.

What to expect:

Willing participants will have a chance to read out a piece of writing that they have been working on, in order to receive constructive feedback from the group. This is completely voluntary, and you are welcome to just listen/critique if you do not want to read that night. Writers will have 20 minutes to read their piece and receive feedback. We recommend reading for 5-10 minutes max so there is time for feedback; as a guide, we suggest you aim for 1000-1200 words of prose, one longish poem or two short poems. We expect to get through approx. 6 pieces an evening.

You can find more information about how we work and what to expect in our FAQs here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1uO9wUykVzmasyBdWYTQfZPWRUL9p7XOE8yo56nK9se4/edit?usp=drivesdk

On Tue, Oct 4, 2022 at 11:32 PM Philippa Robinson <caillea...@gmail.com> wrote:

https://www.meetup.com/derry-playhouse-writers-group/events/pslvxsydcnbhb

I paid for six months listing on meetup. We'll see whether it helps to bring in any new participants. Some Belfast groups use Meetup, but I don't see any in Derry (or Londonderry). I hope some of you will join Meetup (that's free) and put yourself down as a member of the group so we have a better profile!

Also I hope someone would make a flyer (printed or handmade) and ask the Waterside Theatre to display it a.s.a.p, as there is a literary festival at the theatre all this week.

thanks

Philippa

On Thu, Sep 29, 2022 at 3:44 PM Philippa Robinson <caillea...@gmail.com> wrote:

This week's in house writing exercise was "locked on a train" and the homework prompt for next week is "sad boys". Both phrases were inspired by the personal stories those of us who were at the Playhouse told each other at the meet up. If you weren't there, you don't know what you're missing.

----

Waterside Theatre has organised a Spread the Word Literary Festival for 1-8 October

https://www.watersidetheatreni.com/spread-the-word-literary-festival

programme: https://www.watersidetheatreni.com/uploads/file/6330277b432e7.pdf

[Philippa Robinson]

discussion  via Zoom of writing and environmental issues

next session 26 Oct 2022

see https://irishwriterscentre.ie/whats-on/irish-writers-centre-climate-writing-group-writing-for-a-change-session-five-2022/  and register via eventbirte

On Wed, Oct 5, 2022 at 11:33 PM Philippa Robinson <caillea...@gmail.com> wrote:

The turnout today was disappointing numerically, just three of us. We were productive enough, however, as all of us did the writing exercise on "a foot in the door" and we all brought short homework pieces with us. If we had run a tight ship we could have been away at 2 pm, but instead we nursed out teas and coffees and chatted - mostly about writing and performance (using costumes and other props when reading or reciting in public).

Brian wasn't in attendance today, but we used topics he recently suggested for both the impromptu writing exercise and the homework prompt for next week "AN UNKNOWING GLANCE". I myself was inspired by an idea of Brian's to centre my homework piece about SAD Boys on acronyms such as "Seasonal Affective Disorder". And I delivered the piece with placards from a sketch book, inspired by Heather who brought her sketchbook with her last week. These are examples  of the benefits we can get from sharing our ideas with other writers. It could be an idea for some us to put more effort into dramatic delivery of our writing at future meetings, especially as some people in the group have a particular interest in performance art.

~ Philippa

[Philippa Robinson]

the homework prompt for next Wednesday is "a/the multi-coloured bird"

the impromptu writing exercise last week was "patch up". which everyone interpreted differently

==========================

Irish Ghost Story Writing Workshop (Adults 18+)

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/irish-ghost-story-writing-workshop-adults-18-tickets-428724124397

Mon, 31 October 2022, 14:00 – 15:30 GMT   Cost: £15

A discussion of Irish writer Ethna Carbery's 'The Wee Grey Woman' followed by a writing workshop.

By Jen Herron is a writer, teacher and journalist from Northern Ireland.

On Mon, Oct 10, 2022 at 4:02 PM Philippa Robinson <caillea...@gmail.com> wrote:

discussion  via Zoom of writing and environmental issues

next session 26 Oct 2022

see https://irishwriterscentre.ie/whats-on/irish-writers-centre-climate-writing-group-writing-for-a-change-session-five-2022/  and register via eventbirte

On Tue, Oct 4, 2022 at 11:32 PM Philippa Robinson <caillea...@gmail.com> wrote:

https://www.meetup.com/derry-playhouse-writers-group/events/pslvxsydcnbhb

I paid for six months listing on meetup. We'll see whether it helps to bring in any new participants. Some Belfast groups use Meetup, but I don't see any in Derry (or Londonderry). I hope some of you will join Meetup (that's free) and put yourself down as a member of the group so we have a better profile!

thanks

Philippa

[Philippa Robinson]

the homework prompt for next Wednesday is "I wandered lonely"

(no reference to Wordsworth neccessary)

Today we did impromptu writing on the theme "murderous thoughts", two people presented their homework about the "multi-coloured bird", and another attendee read a poem he wrote.

2> In my email today I got a programme for the Letterkenny Literary Festival  - see attached flyer. It starts tomorrow ! Thurs 20 Oct and continues through Sun 23 Oct.

I also got a programme for Positively Aging Month, with is Oct, so 3/4 of the listings are out of date (except that some listings are of repeating events such as the weekly tea, newspaper and chats session, and other weekly gatherings at local libraries. You can access the programme via https://www.derrystrabane.com/positiveageingmonth

The event most relevant to the writing grup is toomorrow, Thurs 20 Oct, on Zoom:
11:15 am -12:30pm "I am a Tale to Tell’ Creative wordplay and sketching - (Online via Zoom) Arts Care will deliver a free Creative Art Zoom workshop with artist Clare McComish. Contact Clare on 028 9031 1122 or email cl...@artscare.co.uk to book.  (hopefully you can still book a place Thurs a.m.)

I also got the CAP (Community Arts Partnership) newsletter

It included a listing for a short course (3 sessions) organised by the CCA on Artillery St, Derry but delivered via Zoom

https://www.capartscentre.com/2022/10/why-not-call-this-a-life-writing-workshops-with-lucie-mclaughlin-9-16-and-23-nov/

Why Not Call This a Life!’ Auto-something: writing life: sites and affects is a three-part workshop by CCA Research Associate 2022 Lucie McLaughlin.

These workshops take ideas of writing from life and hybrid autobiographical forms (auto-fiction, autoethnography, autotheory) as a frame for activity to generate new writing, conversation and research. Hosted online via Zoom on Wednesdays 9, 16 & 23 November 2022, 6pm–8pm.

Through collective reading and writing in response to prompts we will explore how writing relates to observation of sound, image and object in order to construct and perform the world around it. Discussing the ethics and difficulties of ‘writing from life’ or ‘autobiographically’ via its social, cultural and political significance, we will develop new critical inquiries around the art and writing of others and our own practices.

This is a ticketed event, at a cost of £25 for three two-hour online sessions. The workshops will take place on Zoom. An invite and texts will be emailed in advance. Places are limited and booking is essential. More information and a link to book can be found here: https://www.ccadld.org/public-programme/why-not-call-this-a-life-auto-something-writing-life-sites-and-affects

Venue: Online via Zoom
Date: Wednesdays 9, 16 & 23 November 2022
Time: 6pm–8pm
Cost: £25

And another course which is in person, but is in Portadown. I don't know if anyone on the DPWG mailing list is currently near Portadown, but the course sounds interesting:

https://www.capartscentre.com/2022/10/six-week-creative-writing-class-with-nandi-jola-starts-9-nov/

Come along and explore the art of creative writing in this six week workshop with Nandi Jola. Week one will be an introduction to the technique of creative writing, we will explore the different creative writing techniques and how they can be applied to the participants work. In week two will focus on the art of poetry and participants will complete writing exercises to produce their own poetry.

In week 3, participants will learn how to construct a short story, by using writers such as Lucy Caldwell’s work for inspiration. In week 4, we will explore writing from memory and we will produce a memoir through a timeline. In week 5, we will explore writing for play, stage and screen. This will focus on aera’s such as character building and dialogue. In the final week 6, the participants will showcase their work and develop their presentation skills.

Each week participants will be sent a resource pack and homework to assist them along the way. The workshops are for all stages of writing , even if you are a beginner with no writing experience, come along to develop your skills! These classes will commence on Wednesday 9th November until 14th December from 7-9pm.

Book your place below.

www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/six-week-creative-writing-workshop-with-nandi-jola-tickets-429623394137

Venue: Millennium Court, 2 William street, Portadown, BT62 3NX
Dates: 09/11/22 – 14/12/22
Time: 7-9PM
Cost: £10

[Studio NI]

From: Philippa Robinson 

the homework prompt for next Wednesday is "I wandered lonely"

(no reference to Wordsworth neccessary)

Today we did impromptu writing on the theme "murderous thoughts", two people presented their homework about the "multi-coloured bird", and another attendee read a poem he wrote.

2> In my email today I got a programme for the Letterkenny Literary Festival  - see attached flyer. It starts tomorrow ! Thurs 20 Oct and continues through Sun 23 Oct.

https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/607423068512926473

 

On Mon, Oct 10, 2022 at 4:02 PM Philippa Robinson wrote:

discussion  via Zoom of writing and environmental issues

next session 26 Oct 2022

see https://irishwriterscentre.ie/whats-on/irish-writers-centre-climate-writing-group-writing-for-a-change-session-five-2022/  and register via eventbirte

On Tue, Oct 4, 2022 at 11:32 PM Philippa Robinson wrote:

https://www.meetup.com/derry-playhouse-writers-group/events/pslvxsydcnbhb

I paid for six months listing on meetup. We'll see whether it helps to bring in any new participants. Some Belfast groups use Meetup, but I don't see any in Derry (or Londonderry). I hope some of you will join Meetup (that's free) and put yourself down as a member of the group so we have a better profile!

thanks

Philippa

[Philippa Robinson]

The writing prompt is "I wandered lonely". I've written my response to this prompt, but I have something else on this week on Wed (I can get to the meeting late if it goes on past 2 pm, which it may not with a small group).

If you are a member of any branch of U3A, you can join monthly online interest group meetings. You will need to enrol in "Interest Groups Online". Some of the groups are for writers: https://u3asites.org.uk/trustu3a/groups

At the bottom of the list,you'll see

Write compelling nonfiction	Write fiction? Develop skills	Writing creative fiction 2
Writing for Pleasure

The CAP (Community Arts Partnership) newsletter includes  a listing for a short course (3 sessions) organised by the CCA on Artillery St, Derry but delivered via Zoom

[Philippa Robinson]

1) I called into Central Library on Foyle St. after today's writers' group meeting. I saw a notice about a poetry open mic at the library tomorrow (today if you read this email on Thursday) 3 Nov. at 7 pm.

2) The homework prompt for next week is "I'm at the end of my tether." Please also bring along any jokes you made up for this week. Today Heather and I presented some two-liners (riddles, question and answer), which went quickly. Patrick and Brian sent apologies ahead of the meeting, so I'm thinking we can do more of the comic act next week. Todays in-house 10 minute writing was on the topic of "fairy lights".

~ Philippa

On Thu, Oct 27, 2022 at 3:08 PM Philippa Robinson <caillea...@gmail.com> wrote:

The homework for next week's meeting is to make up and write down a joke or jokes. An unusual assignment, one for the comedians and clowns among us! And as usual you are also welcome to read or recite (or sing) any short pieces or exerpts of your own writing.

The writing prompt at the Playhouse this week was "The Howling Wind", quite an appropriate title for the Hallowe'en season. I thought yesterday a pleasant day, albeit breezy, but I'm told the writers present at the Playhouse wrote to the accompaniament of wind howling on the roof above them.