Gamlingay & District Writers’ Group

We had a change of venue for this meeting – the new tea shop in the middle of Gamlingay. I think everyone agreed that it’s a very charming building... and it was very nice having tea and cakes to hand!

1. Introductions
One of our earliest members was able to join us for the meeting, so welcome back, Kylie.

2. Review of Targets
Still no formal writing targets – but we seem to be getting on well enough without them for the time being.

The Chair had the target of chasing the Editor of ‘The Village’ for story criteria – this has been done, but he will be chased again as no answer has yet been received.

The Chair has also approached a member of Letchworth Writers’ Group who is embarking on a ‘joint venture’ in respect of getting his novel published. Details of the process can be found here: http://www.youwriteon.com.

3. Competition News
Kylie has a three-book deal, and has been busy doing interviews for Sky – well done, Kylie!

Jackie entered a short story into a competition, and although she didn’t win on this occasion, she received some useful feedback. It sounded as if her short story had enough content to fill a novel.

Sarah has submitted one of her novels to a publisher and is awaiting their verdict.

One of the Chair’s novels was runner up in a recent competition – she would have preferred the cash prize and introduction to a publisher received by the winner, but maybe she can go one better next time!

4. Other News
Sarah Harrison – everyone agreed that the talk given by Sarah was very useful. In order to give us something to inspire us in the gloomy winter months, it has been decided that the Chair should approach Teresa Benison to see if she would be willing to speak to us. Teresa is a very motivational speaker, and further details can be found here: http://www.benison-writer.com. The Chair has e-mailed her and awaits a reply.

The Chair has also acquired a copy of Sarah Harrison’s book ‘How to Write a Blockbuster’ for the group’s library, so we can all take it in turns to benefit from Sarah’s hints and tips.

Letchworth Writers’ Group – the possibility of doing a joint meeting has been discussed. A one-off meeting would maybe give the more southerly members a break from trailing up to Gamlingay. Maybe something for the future.

Grant – the parish council has agreed to give our group a one-off grant of £150 to reimburse the costs incurred by the Chair in organising the website & joining the National Association of Writers’ Groups.

5. Discussion of Work
It was a big ask – to produce a novel outline and first chapter – and it was brilliant that so many people rose to the challenge. There were novels at all stages of completion – some were at the outline stage, with a very impressive set of plot maps and character plans. Some were finished, some just started, and some more at the conceptual stage. Aren’t we all a talented bunch? Hopefully the group can provide the support and encouragement which is needed to push these works onward to completion.

A reminder – two members are still awaiting our feedback. One is Will, who submitted his autobiographical work but unfortunately couldn’t join us on the evening. The feedback was tremendously positive...but Will wasn’t there to hear it, so if we could all e-mail any comments, they would be appreciated.

The other is Emma, who brought along her writing, but we sadly ran out of time before we could discuss it. If we could spare some time to have a look at her work before we start on next month’s project, that would be fantastic.

6. Break
No break this month as there was a lot to talk about. It’s great that so many of us are really excited about our projects.

7. Aims for the coming month
Everyone is aiming to produce something for the next meeting on July 7th. The theme is, “Story from a Song. We’ve all got our favourite songs – can you make a story out of yours? Or is there a story behind your least favourite song?”

However, if anyone is working on something not connected with the theme, as ever, they are welcome to submit that instead. It would be helpful if we could circulate our work a week in advance of the meeting to allow for reading time.

We are also reminded by one member to put our names and page numbers on our work. However, if anyone forgets, it’s easy enough to save the offending story to your documents folder, and then play about with it to your heart’s content – add names, page numbers, change the spacing...the joys of technology!

8. Any Other Business?
Meeting venue – this has not yet been decided for definite for the July meeting. The Chair has enquired whether one member would be willing to host, and will e-mail as soon as she has received confirmation. Otherwise it will be held at the Chair’s house in Gamlingay...which is still standing for the time being...

However, we did discuss times and it was agreed to try a 7 o’clock start.

See you all next month! Happy writing!!

Tracey