News

NWS member Ann Featherstone will be appearing in Waterstones Nottingham and Derby this September with her new book, The Newgate Jig.

Opportunity

NWS Member Anne Holloway: I'm workng with a charity in Leicester who are setting up 2 web sites for children born HIV positive - the sites will be designed for use by 9-11 year olds and 11-19 yrs - they have funding for setting up the web sites but not enough to pay writers - I'm helping write copy for the older age group site - but they are looking for a writer or writers to devise/write some books designed to educate the children about their condition (some of them have not been told what their diagnosis is, why they have to take medication, visit hospital etc) if any members think they could help with this - there is NO FEE I'm afraid - I have no experience of writing for young children but have offered to put out a call to see if anyone out there would be willing to help.

Candlestick Press Appoint Co-director

CANDLESTICK Press, the independent publisher praised by Carol Ann Duffy for its fresh approach to delivering poetry, is gearing up for expansion following a surge in orders for its greeting pamphlets.

The Nottingham-based press has appointed Di Slaney, who has experience of running a marketing company, as co-director charged with overseeing the continued growth of the business.

Di, who is completing Nottingham Trent University's MA in Creative Writing, said joining Candlestick Press meant that she could use her business skills in the service of poetry.

The company was founded in 2008 by poetry editor Jenny Swann who felt that the art form had lost its wide appeal and wanted to find a way of bringing it back into mainstream life. She came up with the idea of sending friends and family poetry pamphlets instead of greeting cards which would be 'suitable for a read on the train' and 'might add depth and thoughtfulness to a busy day'.

The independent press now employs a distributor and has more than a dozen pamphlets - with titles such as Ten Poems about Bicycles and Ten Poems about Puddings - either in print or awaiting publication. The pamphlets come in an envelope and have a blank bookmark for greetings messages. The next collection, Ten Poems about Tea, includes a foreword by Sophie Dahl and poems that have been chosen by Picador poet Lorraine Mariner.

Candlestick Press employs freelance researchers to ensure the pamphlets include the best poems. The Poet Laureate said the enterprise was 'the most original way of delivering poetry since Poems on the Underground'.

For further information, including photos and interview opportunities please contact Jenny Swann:

NWS Member Offered Worldwide Publishing Deal from Piatkus

NWS member Joanna Danks has been offered a worldwide publishing deal from Piatkus for her book, "In The Blender". Her work was selected for an agent interview at the Writing Industries Conference 2010 with Oli Munson of Blake Friedmann Literary, TV and Film Agency, who is now her agent.

The book is creative non-fiction - a humorous guide to blending families, aimed at single mothers who are setting up home with single fathers.

NWS Presents Word of Mouth at Lowdham Book Festival 2010 on Saturday 26th June 2.30pm

Word of Mouth will be curated by Nicola Monaghan in The Methodist Chapel, Main Street, Lowdham and is part of a full day of free literature events and talks, including a book fair and childrens' entertainment area running from 10am -5pm.
The NWS readings include work by: Georgina Lock, Francis Thimann (read by Sylvia Robson), Richard Pilgrim, Liz Babbs, Aly Stoneman, Matthew Welton and Roberta Dewa.
Elsewhere during the day, NWS member Maria Allen will be reading from her debut novel, Before The Earthquake, John Lucas will be exploring Social History, Rob Hann will be presenting his book SAS Operation Galia and may even work in a mention of the childrens books too (The Grumbegroar and other stories), and Pewter Rose Press (Anne McDonnell) and Weathervane Press (Ian Collinson) will be (respectively) discussing the art of the short story and introducing several authors including our very own Megan Taylor. The entire two week event is organised - in collaboration with Jane Streeter from The Bookcase - by NWS's tenant Ross Bradshaw from Five Leaves Press, so NWS members are once again playing a big part in this fantastic local Literature event.

Comedy Sketch Writers Needed

NWS Member Marcus Clarke is looking for at least 3 decent jokes/Sketches - needed by end of July for his new ventriloquist act.
No money but............. I hope to perform the Act around developing it. I have performed Edinburgh Comedy Fest and have TV Contacts so its an opportunity for someone looking to break in and out or just to see some of their stuff performed. I might record and YouTube it too.
Presently the Act is me with a Cute Alien Puppet who Makes loveable and cute almost baby noises but who's dialogue when translated through an Alien interpreter, in harsh low voice is Bitter, Angry and Twisted but funny and incisive. He just doesn't like our Planet or us. The Alien also thinks I'm a Twat! (There is a long queue in agreement and I know anyway)
If anyone is interested then please e-mail me three jokes/sketches end of July.
I've attached a Photo, sorry but I have to look entertained in it!”

Rob Hann at Lowdham

For my sins I am speaking at the Lowdham book festival on the last day June 26th 4.00pm-4.45pm about my book SAS Operation Galia and may even work in a mention of the childrens books too (the Grumbegroar and other stories). I do hope some of you can come along and make it a good, well attended session. Heckling and banter is definately allowed. Tell your friends and bring them too. see link below. Regards, Rob

Next week sees the start of the Derbyshire Literature Festival fortnight.

We've got some great events taking place across the county including the chance to meet and hear some fantastic poets, and take part in workshops and other activities.

Join Derbyshire Poet Laureate, Ann Atkinson for a relaxing poetry walk around Dovedale on Thurs 3 June, 6.30-8pm. She'll be sharing some of her favourite poems inspired by the landscape, and you can bring and share one of your poems too. Meet in the main Dovedale car park.

Bernardine Evaristo will be appearing, along with the novelist Kachi A Ozumba, at Chesterfield Library on Fri 4 June, 2.15-4pm. Bernardine has written four books including Lara a moving .

Dorothea Smartt will be answering questions about her work and reading from her collection Ship Shape on Thurs 3 June, 2.30-3.30pm at Dronfield Library and 7-8.30pm at Strutts North Mill, Belper.

If you're interested in writing poetry Linda France will be running a free renga poetry workshop on Mon 7 June, 10am-5pm at Ashbourne Library. It doesn't matter if you haven't written poetry or renga before, you'll be made very welcome.

In the evening artist Alec Finlay will be launching his latest book white peak | dark peak, which includes many renga poems used to compose a word-map of the Peak District National Park

Not sure what to read next? then join poet and writer Cathy Grindrod and Book Doctor Priscilla Baily for a chat about books and reading at the Book Café on Tues 8 June, 10.30am-12noon at Aston-on-Trent Village Hall.

Join Derbyshire based poet Jane Weir at Chesterfield Library on Wed 9 June, 7.30-9pm. Jane has won several poetry prizes and has written extensively about Derbyshire. Her latest collection is based on the lives of women in the Italian Renaissance, Gazehound.

Sheffield poet and songwriter Sally Goldsmith, will be reading some of her own poems, and talking about her life as a poet at Codnor Methodist Church on Wed 9 June, 7.30-9pm…she may even sing a song or two. To book tickets for this event ring 01773 742 046.

Join us for a musical celebration of Derbyshire at the Mills and Chimneys concerts. Six Derbyshire based musicians David Gibb, Mike Smith, Sarah Matthews, Lucy Ward, Elly Lucas and Julian Butt - have been working together to write new songs celebrating the history and heritage of Derbyshire. The songs will be available on a special Mills and Chimneys: songs of Derbyshire CD, and are being performed at a series of acoustic concerts taking place on:

If you fancy something completely different have a go at the Great Shakespearean workout! A fun aerobics-style class moving to the beat of Shakespeare's iambic pentameter and inspired by Troilus and Cressida.

Cathy Grindrod and Ann Atkinson will be Celebrating Poetry at Shipley Country Park, Heanor on Sun 6 June, 1-5pm. There'll be lots of activities including storytelling and rhythm and rhyme sessions for all the family, and the chance to help us create a special poetry tree.

Families can alo spend a day the Potty Poet's way with Gez Walsh at Grassmoor Community Centre on Thurs 3 June, 10.30am-12noon.

You can pick up a Festival brochure or book tickets tickets for events at any Derbyshire Library or Call Derbyshire 08 456 058 058

You can also follow Matt Black, Twitter writer in residence or take part in our Twitter poetry competitions by visiting: www.twitter.com/litfesttwitfest

Performance Workshop: How to Perform your Writing

Learn to perform your writing and shine at readings! All writers have to perform or read their work at events, and all too often a strong piece of work suffers from a quiet voice, mumbling or nervousness. Pete Davis from Storytellers of Nottingham will help you sparkle with some top tips and useful techniques in this 2 hour workshop at Nottingham Writers' Studio.

http://sfs.org.uk/storyteller/pete-davis/
http://www.petedavisstories.co.uk/default.html

Fee: £1 to NWS Members, £5 to Non-members (priority given to members for this event). Event Free to NWS Members performing at the next Word of Mouth event in June at Lowdham. As the full list of readers for that event has not yet been released for WOM, please sign up anyway if you would like to improve your performance skills and I will contact you by June 7th to confirm your place. admin@nottinghamwritersstudio.co.uk

Blogging & Social Media with Susi O'Neill

Thursday 3rd June 7pm
All About Blogging! Susi O'Neill will be introducing social media basics - what it is, how it works, platforms, best practice, and a few examples from publishing. Not blogging yet? Find out what all the fuss is about! Already blogging? Discover how to get more hits on your blogsite and other interesting and useful tips. Attendees can sign up for a workshop later in July, explaining how to use your blog to promote your writing and enhance your visibility and profile. Talk to be followed by Monthly Social, please bring refreshments.
http://www.nottinghamwritersstudio.co.uk/diary/
http://www.web20surgery.com/experts/susi-oneill/

NOTTINGHAM POETRY SOCIETY
POETRY PERFORMANCE COMPETITION

To enter, put your name down on the door. Bring enough of your own poetry to read from the page or perform by heart to fill two x 3-minute slots. All competitors will read for 3 minutes in the first half. Competitors going through to round 2 will read a further 3-minutes worth of poems.
All performers and spectators welcome.
Entry fee: £2.00 (£1 to NPS members)

NOTTINGHAM WRITERS’ STUDIO WINS £27,000 TO SUPPORT LOCAL WRITERS

Budding young writers will benefit from the experience of established Nottingham professionals under one of the schemes run by Nottingham Writers’ Studio over the next 18 months.

The Studio’s programme includes offering bursaries to young writers which will included mentoring sessions with its members as part of its two-year programme, just confirmed with £27,000 funding by Arts Council England.

The Studio - unique in the UK in being run by writers for writers - was set up three years ago by Booker nominated Nottingham writer Jon McGregor, and has more than 70 members, including novelists, scriptwriters, poets, journalists and copywriters.

It runs networking, training and rents out office space in the the city’s Lace Market.

Studio chairman Richard Pilgrim said: “The Studio started with half a dozen writers in someone’s front room just three years ago, as the only organisation run by writers for writers in the country. Now we’re the model for other groups across the country. Writing can be a very solitary job and the Studio helps members keep in contact with other people doing the same thing.”

More information - including how to join - at www.nottinghamwritersstudio.co.uk. Follow NWS on Twitter @nwstudio, and become a Facebook fan at Nottingham Writers.

Changes to NWS Board

Following James Urquarts's successful appointment with Arts Council, England as Relationship Manager (Literature), he has unfortunately had to resign from the Board of NWS. Richard Pilgrim has replaced him as Chair, with Nicola Monaghan taking over the responsibility for Finance. I am sure that everyone (myself, the rest of the Board, and all the NWS membership) would like to thank James for his excellent leadership and valuable input over the previous three years, in particular during the transition from a committee-led organization to a limited company and for his work on our recent successful funding bid, and wish him well for the future.

NWS Coordinator On Leave

The NWS Coordinator is on leave from 17th April to 3rd May 2010. Please note that the studio will be open to members as usual, and emails will be responded to on her return.

NWS Prose/Fiction Writing Workshop - including adult and young adult novelists and non-fiction writers

The NWS Fiction Workshop (which will also operate as the NWS Fiction Sub-group) will be meeting monthly over summer and then fortnightly from September if enough people are interested.

• Workshop format: 1500 words, circulated in advance by email, 20 min feedback for each piece.

• I'd like to network with people at the social on May 6th to find interested people and book a starting date

For more information and to sign up, please contact: Nigel Smith (who will be leading the group): drnismith@hotmail.com

Short Fuse Presents: METROPOLIS, Tuesday 20th April at The Y

Headliner: Ruth Gershon Reading 'A Life In Clothes', first published for Granta's 'London' edition. Short fiction: ‘Of Railways and Machetes’, ‘The Day of the Marshmallow’ and ‘The City and It's Tower'.Also featuring a short talk by Dr. Corinne Fowler, featuring original artwork on 'Moving Manchester,' an exciting research project about regional postcolonial writing. She will be considering the ways in which the experience of migration can inform creative writing and discussing plans for a similar project based in Leicester.

Live Music by singer-songwriter duo Jeremy Galgut and Steve Benford. Bar, Live VJ + More

Call For Submissions! NWS Presents Word of Mouth at Lowdham Book Festival 2010

Nicola Monaghan will be presenting and curating the next NWS Word of Mouth at Lowdham Book Festival on Saturday 26th of June 2010 as part of their free daytime event. We would like to invite submissions from NWS members across all genres. Members will be invited to read their work at Word of Mouth and should also be available for the Performance Workshop on June 12th (10-1pm tbc) to help them polish their reading skills - this will be free to WOM Readers. We hope to have actors available to read at Lowdham, but will encourage writers to read their own work.

Submission Guidelines: Short pieces or extracts are welcome. Submissions should keep to a 2000 word limit on prose, with poems restricted to 50 lines. Plays (and all submissions) should be no longer than 10 mins when read and preferably max 2 handers (scripts). Please use Word 97-2003 where possible to avoid problems with opening files. All genres are welcome from poetry to prose and script, including interviews, memoir and non-fiction. NWS Members only.

Please email submissions to admin@nottinghamwritersstudio.co.uk by noon on Friday May 21st 2010.

Please note: Submissions that don't fit the criteria in terms of length will not be read.

WriteLion 5 podcast

is now live and includes interviews with Paul Reaney, Rod Maddocks and Megan Taylor.

IN CONVERSATION WITH ... LISA HOLDSWORTH

Lisa Holdsworth (successful television writer for hit BBC shows such as ‘Waterloo Road’, ‘New Tricks’, ‘Fat Friends’ and ITV's ‘Emmerdale’) offers an insight into television writing and how to take the process from script-to-screen. She will also be talking about her experiences in writing episodes for BBC’s flagship programme ‘Robin Hood’. To celebrate Nottinghamshire's Robin Hood month, and the cinema release of Ridley Scott's Robin Hood film, Lisa will be discussing how the BBC’s creative team adapted the local folklore legend for the screen, and the creative decisions that were made along the way. She will also discuss her own writing background; the television writing industry – both present and future - before inviting questions from the audience.

This is a free event, and a great opportunity to gain insight into writing for television, in particular writing for prime time family-viewing shows. For more information and booking call: 0115 920 2247

Call For Submissions! NWS at Southwell Poetry Festival 2010.

Wayne Burrows will be curating an NWS event at Southwell Poetry Festival on the evening of Tuesday 13th of July 2010.

Submissions are invited from NWS members and friends who will be invited to read their work at Southwell Poetry Festival.

Submission Guidelines: Poems must take no longer than 3-7 mins to read - no minimum. Extracts are also welcome. (Please use Word 97-2003 where possible to avoid problems with opening files).

Please email submissions to wayneburrows@ntlworld.com by 5pm on Friday June 4th 2010. (Open to NWS Members and guests.)

NWS Member Cathy Grindrod Selected for TWP Project

Cathy Grindrod is one of six East Midlands writers selected for Theatre Writing Partnership’s ‘Crossovers’ Project. The project runs from March-October 2010. They are participating an intensive programme culminating in working with directors and actors to each develop a new piece of work for stage, extracts of which will be performed on 29 and 30 October at Leicester Curve, during the Momentum Festival of New Theatre Writing.

NWS Funding Success from ACE

NWS has been awarded a further 12 months of funding from Arts Council England, until October 2011. This will help us to maintain the service we offer while also developing new projects. This is a great achievement in the current economic climate. Jacek Laskowski, our outgoing ACE Literature Officer, commended NWS as an organisation which has listened to advice and consistantly delivered. As a result, we will be consulting NWS members about ideas and projects with the view to developing an online conversation and also a session at the studio where we can all come together to discuss ideas for 2010-2011. Dates for this will be in the next Newsletter!

Former NWS Chair joins ACE

NWS Chair James Urquart was re-elected for a further term as a Board Member at the March 2010 AGM but has stepped down following his appointment as Relationship Manager (Literature) for Arts Council England, East Midlands. Congratulations on his new job! Members will be informed of actions regarding NWS Board as a result of this in due course.

NWS Events

Thursday 6th May 7:30:00 PM NWS Monthly Social and Talk
Poetry and Illustration: The Yeats Project
Jenny Swann (Candlestick Press) and Richard Johnson (ncn) will make a short presentation of the Yeats Design Project, a collaboration between Candlestick Press and New College Nottingham's design department, accompanied by an exhibition of the art work produced by ncn students during the project. The talk will include a read-through of some of Yeats' poems by Deirdre O'Byrne (to celebrate his liberation from copyright at the end of last year!) and a wider discussion of the idea of illustrating poetry, eg. whether it enhances (eg Arthur Rackham's version of Christina Rossetti's 'Goblin Market') or distracts in the way that a TV drama can impose imagery which the imagination of the reader has already supplied (and come up with something different!). You are invited to bring your favorite Yeats poem to share if you would like to read at the event. Talk to be followed by the usual monthly social event. Please bring wine/refreshments!

Thursday 3rd June 7:30:00 PM: NWS Monthly Social and Talk
Blogging & Social Media
with Susi O'Neill
All About Blogging! Susi O'Neill will be introducing social media basics - what it is, how it works, platforms, best practice, and a few examples from publishing. Not blogging yet? Find out what all the fuss is about! Already blogging? Discover how to get more hits on your blogsite and other interesting and useful tips. Attendees can sign up for a workshop later in July, explaining how to use your blog to promote your writing and enhance your visibility and profile. Talk to be followed by Monthly Social, please bring refreshments.
http://www.nottinghamwritersstudio.co.uk/diary/
http://www.nottinghamwritersstudio.co.uk/members/

Congratulations to NWS member Joy Armstrong

Joy is one of of three people picked to have their film scripts performed at the Screenlit Festival at the Broadway later this month for the BAFTA/Rocliffe New Writing forum. Her short script 'Tracy Gets a Life' was written during her time on the Creative Writing MA at Nottingham Trent University. The event will be held on Tuesday the 27th of April at Broadway in Nottingham.

Hotdesking will now be free to NWS members

during 2010 in the main meeting area. There are 2 desks for ad-hoc use - one for your own laptop use and one with the members' computer already set up. Members can also use the large table and also the sofa area to work. Please book in advance if you need exclusive use of the area for meetings or want to reserve a desk for work. Any bookings will be shown on the Workspace Diary as well as on a spreadsheet in the office - so please check in advance. Printing and WIFI remain available free of charge.

EVENTS/ OPPORTUNITIES

Your Work - Children's Fiction
Hello my name is Jessica Abrahall, I am a student from NCN studying on a Digital Artwork and Design Support course.
I am about to start my final major project and I would love to do some illustration work for this project. My idea was to illustrate a children's book or story, after speaking to Richard Johnson he suggested that I contact you to see if you could put me in touch with some writers who may be willing to let me illustrate their work? Thanks, Jessica
jessicaabrahall@hotmail.co.uk

Art Talk Weds April 14th 7pm: Pauline Lucas will be giving a talk on Evelyn Gibbs and her murals at St Martins of Tours church, St Martins Avenue, Bilborough.

Nottingham Poetry Series

will celebrate its first birthday in style with a reading by Kerri French, Mark Goodwin, and Cathy Grindrod on Thursday April 22nd at 7:30 in the Angear Visitors Centre at the University of Nottingham (Lakeside). There will, of course, be cake, wine, and books to be bought and signed. We'll also have information on hand about our July conference, 'I Am An American Poet: This Is American Poetry' (tickets go on sale May 1 at noon), including a very special announcement about a linked event to be held in London.
I Am An American Poet: This Is American Poetry
http://www.nottinghampoetryseries.com/thisis/thisis.html

Submissions For Hatch(deadline for submissions is Monday 19 April 2010 at midday.)

On Tuesday 1 June 2010, Hatch is crossing over into St James’s Street, Nottingham for a night of performance and live art antics. Hatch is inviting submissions for its sixth event, especially calling for artists and performers working outside or at the edge of their discipline, or who maybe involved in collaboration with artists from other fields, to show their work across the whole of the street.
Hatch: Abroad was a fantastic success with over 300 people visiting the various performances strewn along Broad Street last October. With Hatch: Acrosswe will be darting into less performance-y chartered areas of town into the heart of the city. Venues will range from performance veteran The Malt Cross to more unusual contexts such as a sports bar, the local chippy, a tanning shop and a tattoo parlour.

We are looking for a range of performers, crossing any style, from any background, from recent graduates to established artists, to create work in response to the theme ‘across’. We are looking for work which is likely to succeed but not afraid to fail. Hatch: Across will become a night on the edge, a meeting at the intersection between disciplines, showcasing an exciting mix of fresh and mature work.
If you are interested in submitting a proposal please contact us at hatch@hatchnottingham.co.ukfor an application form and additional information. The deadline for submissions is Monday 19 April 2010 at midday.
Thank you for your time, we look forward to hearing from you.

Nottingham Poetry Series: Kerri French, Mark Goodwin, and Cathy Grindrod, Thursday April 22nd at 7:30

Nottingham Poetry Series will celebrate its first birthday in style with a reading by Kerri French, Mark Goodwin, and Cathy Grindrod on Thursday April 22nd at 7:30 in the Angear Visitors Centre at the University of Nottingham (Lakeside). There will, of course, be cake, wine, and books to be bought and signed. We'll also have information on hand about our July conference, 'I Am An American Poet: This Is American Poetry' (tickets go on sale May 1 at noon), including a very special announcement about a linked event to be held in London.
Nottingham Poetry Series
I Am An American Poet: This Is American Poetry
http://www.nottinghampoetryseries.com/thisis/thisis.html

Calling All Writers! Office Available to Rent at NWS

A new office is available for rent at Nottingham Writers' Studio. Great views over St Mary's Church and Lacemarket area. Rent (£150 per month) is inclusive of wifi* and electricity, plus access to printing, internet, kitchen, a pidgeon hole for mail, a resource library and all NWS facilities. The space is suitable for 1-3 people sharing.

NWS Member's Success with BAFTA Rocliffe at Screenlit Festival

NWS member Joy Armstrong is one of of three people picked to have their film scripts performed at the Screenlit Festival at the Broadway later this month for the BAFTA/Rocliffe New Writing forum. Her short script 'Tracy Gets a Life' was written during her time on the Creative Writing MA at Nottingham Trent University. The event will be held on Thursday the 29th of April (6pm) at Broadway in Nottingham.

Nws Bursary for Wic2010 Awarded to Kris Juncker

NWS have awarded a BURSARY to Kris Juncker to attend the Writing Industries Conference at Loughborough on Saturday March 6th 2010. The WIC Panel (led by Damien Walter from The Literature Network) were so impressed with her non-fiction entry that Kris has also been awarded a 1-2-1 with literary agent James Wills from Watson, Little Ltd agency. NWS would like to thank all NWS members who applied for the bursary. Kris has also been invited to come and give an informal report to other NWS members at the April Social on Thursday April 1st about her conference experience.

Graham Joyce to Give Keynote at WIC 2010

We are very happy to announce that Graham Joyce will be making the keynote speech at the Writing Industries Conference 2010. The theme of this year’s keynote will be ‘The End of the Print Age’, reflecting WIC 2010’s focus on the many changes taking place across the writing industries. We are also pleased to confirm details of three specialist workshops for delegates attending the conference, and an additional speaker joining our programme.

This is the twilight of the printed book. As surely as we moved from the Stone Age to the Bronze Age we find ourselves in a transition from the Print Age to the Digital Age. What does this mean for the writer who “merely” wants to write? The complexities of publishing have suddenly been multiplied in a way that challenges every writer who ever had an ambition to publish or make a single penny from the business of writing. But far from being a calamity, the onslaught of digital technologies has opened up new opportunities for the industrious writer who is able to diversify.

Graham Joyce is the author of seventeen novels and numerous short stories, which have won five British Fantasy Awards, the World Fantasy Award in 2003 and the prestigious O Henry prize in 2009. He grew up in a small mining village just outside Coventry in a working class family and wrote his first novel Dreamside on the Greek island of Lesbos, where he lived for three years after leaving his job to concentrate on writing. After selling Dreamside to Pan Books in 1991, Graham moved back to England to pursue a career as a full-time writer.

Graham’s writing has been classified as fantasy, horror, science fiction and mainstream literature. His stories frequently return to themes of grief, loss, growth and change, the corrupting effects of power, the importance of self-awareness, and the fundamental need for order, meaning, and coherence in the face of a chaotic universe. While the literary quality of his writing has prompted comparisons with magical realism, Graham himself places it in the tradition of the English ‘weird tales’ and writers including Arthur Machen and Algernon Blackwood.

Graham recently collected his memoirs as a goalkeeper in the non-fiction Simple Goalkeeping Made Easy which was nominated for the William Hill Sports Book of the Year 2009. He has also diversified into new media with the announcement last year that he would be writing the story for the latest in the phenomenally popular series of Doom video games. Graham teaches fiction and creative writing at Nottingham Trent University, and is well known for his insightful creative writing workshops and seminars.

Writing for video games
Writer and game designer Steve Ince, author of ‘Writing for Video Games’, leads a workshop about the fundamentals of writing for video games.

Working with an audience
Performance skills are ever more important to writers of all kinds. Performance poet and comedian Rob Gee leads this workshop on working with an audience. Suitable for writers of all levels.

About the Writers Guild
Bernie Corbett, General Seceretary of the Writer’s Guild, talks about the union’s work representing writers in TV, radio, theatre, books, poetry, film, online and video games.

Places on workshops are limited. Delegates can register for workshops on the day on a first come first served basis.

12.0px Helvetica;">Jacob Sam La Rose joins our panel on the spoken word arts. Jacob’s poetry has been described as “fresh, vivid and masterly” (Poetry Book Society). His publishing credits include City State (Penned in the Margins, 2009), Penguin’s Poems for Love (2009), and Identity Parade: New British and Irish Poets (Bloodaxe, 2010); his performance credits include festivals and venues such as the Queen Elizabeth Hall (London), the Arts House (Singapore), the Urb Festival (Finland), the Green Mill (Chicago) and the Aldeburgh Poetry Festival. Jacob is well known for his work with literature in education and programmes for emerging poets, and he serves as a poetry editor for flipped eye press.

Saturday 6th March 2010, Loughborough University
A Literature Network, Writing East Midlands
and Loughborough University project.
http://writingindustries.com
Twitter #wic2010

APPLY NOW: BURSARY FOR NWS MEMBERS to attend Writing Industries Conference 2010

NWS are offering a BURSARY opportunity for one NWS member to attend the Writing Industries Conference at Loughborough on Saturday March 6th 2010. The Bursary will cover the Ticket (£42) plus lunch and travel up to a £60 total. (ie £18 for travel and lunch). This will also include the opportunity to apply for a 1-2-1 with a literary agent.
Please reply with a (reasonably) brief expression of interest as to why you would benefit from attending the conference. If you would also like to apply for the 1-2-1 session to discuss your work with a literary agent then please submit your application and work with your entry for the bursary - this link leads to the guidelines, which are really straightforward http://writingindustries.com/1-2-1-guidelines/
We would like whoever wins the Bursary to come and give an informal report to other NWS members at the April Social as to their conference experience.
The Closing Date is Monday 8th February at 5pm. (For 1-2-1 and bursary submissions.)
The winner will be selected by Damien Walter from the Literature Network on Tuesday 9th February. Unfortunately, anyone who has already purchased a ticket is not eligible to apply. Applicants will be informed of the result by Thursday 11th February.

For links and information on the Writing Conference and Full Programme, please see below:

Writing Industries Conference 2010
Saturday 6th March 2010, Loughborough University
A Literature Network, Writing East Midlands
and Loughborough University project.
http://writingindustries.com
Twitter #wic2010
The Writing Industries Conference brings together writers from across the East Midlands and beyond with professionals from the writing industries to share knowledge, develop skills and make new contacts. The conference is open to anyone with an interest in writing, from unpublished writers who want to learn more to bestselling novelists.
The full programme for WIC 2010 is available online here:
http://writingindustries.com/programme/

Upcoming Readings in Nottingham

Tuesday 16th February 7.30pm-9.00pm
Andy Croft is joined by Bill Herbert in reading from Three Men on the Metro, their poetry collection (with Paul Summers) about riding round, and round and round, on the Moscow Metro. Armed only with a battered copy of Jerome K Jerome's Three Men on a Boat (a cult classic in Russia) they are innocents and idealists abroad, not quite tourists, not quite travellers and not quite understanding the language.
Flying Goose Cafe, Chilwell Road, Beeston, Nottingham

Advance notice: Lowdham Festival's Flicks in the Sticks is 5-7th March. Lowdham Book Festival on Tour event with Jon McGregor at Broadway Cinema in Nottingham 9 March, discussing his three novels, including his latest, Even the Dogs. March 20th - States of Independence - independent press fair at De Montfort University, Leicester.

A full listing of Five Leaves events nationally appears on our website, www.fiveleaves.co.uk

Author talks at the University of Nottingham

Organised by the Arts Graduate Centre Writer in Residence, Dr Arthur Piper, in partnership with the Arts Graduate Centre Managers. These events are open to NWS members and University of Nottingham Students only.

Getting Started With Novels - A Workshop with
Nicola Monaghan
Thursday 21 January, 12noon-2pm
Arts Graduate Seminar Room
To sign up for this event, please go to the AGC Research Portal. , or email agc@nottingham.ac.uk.Places are limited to 20. Refreshments provided.

Shoestring Evening at The Flying Goose Café in Beeston - Tuesday 19th January at 7:30pm.

The Nottingham Poetry Series – Next Event: January 28th at 7:30 p.m.

The Nottingham Poetry Series is pleased to welcome poets Charles Bennett, Cathy Grindrod, and Jonathan Morley to read on January 28th at 7:30 p.m. in the Angear Visitors' Centre on the University of Nottingham campus. Readings last approximately 40 minutes and are followed by cake and wine. Admission is FREE. For more information or to volunteer, please email hello at nottinghampoetryseries dot com, or see http://www.nottinghampoetryseries.com.

Mike Gerber and Five Leaves Publications launch:
Mike Gerber's Jazz Jews
Sunday 14th February 2.30pm-4.00/4.30pm

Drinks at 2.30pm
Short speeches at 3.00 followed by Clare Shaw singing a selection of jazz standards. School of Oriental and African Studies,10 Thornhaugh Street, London, WC1H 0XG, Russell Square tube
Supported by the Jewish Music Institute
RSVP to Mike Gerber or to info@fiveleaves.co.uk, 0115 9895465

Short Fuse Presents: RETOX with HOWARD MARKS
Tuesday 19th January at The Y Theatre, Leicester (2 mins from the train station next to YMCA)

A night of literary excess and intoxicating polemic, featuring:
CK Walsh's thought-provoking paper on 'Drugs and the Internet'...
Extracted from 'Fruitcake', Rob Gee's darkly comic tales from the psychiatric ward, featuring law and disorder and attendant chemical cocktails...
John Vagg's short story about spaced-out, clubby vampires
Helen Burke's flash fiction about a busted party
And topping the bill, we are delighted to present the notoriously Nice HOWARD MARKS
Howard will be imagining a future filled with rampant greenery - an efflorescence of flora, the coming of Triffid Day - wondering, What If Plants Ruled The World?
Then he will be toking questions from the floor, so if you've a burning question for this living legend, better book up quick as this one's selling like hot space-cakes!
8pm start, Tickets £5.50/£4
Book online here:
http://www.leicesterymca.co.uk/y-theatre-whats-on-details.php?listing=772
Box Office: 0116 255 7066

Northern Lights Spectacular - Leicester

A magical fusion of poetry, physics and film, revealing the spectacle of the Northern Lights. Marvel at the world's first 3-D film of the aurora borealis, hear ancient Arctic legends and let two auroral physicists unravel the secrets of the lights. Featuring Professor Stan Cowley & Dr Darren Wright, poet/performer Siobhan Logan and film-maker Brian McClave.
'This event rolled scientific and artistic interpretations of the Northern Lights – both equally beautiful – into one.' (Holly Cave, Dana Centre at London's Science Museum)
Tuesday 23rd February 2010
7.30 - 9pm in Shuttle Suite
National Space Centre
Exploration Drive, Leicester
Free entry but ticket only. Bookings from: Kiri Rhodes (Dept of Physics and Astronomy)
Email: kr124@le.ac.uk Tel.: 0116 252 3570 during office hours.
Book early to avoid disappointment.
Sponsored by: The Radio & Space Plasma Physics Group (Univ. of Leicester)

Theatre Writing Partnership are delighted to announce two opportunities for emerging and established writers.

Crossovers is a development scheme for writers who want to explore the stage. We're looking for interesting ideas from performance poets, journalists, actors, novelists, screenwriters and live artists: we'll select six artists to go through a bespoke development programme, working with directors, performers and dramaturgs to get work developed through the scheme on its feet. This opportunity is about trying something new, so if you've got a track record and want to crossover to stage, we want to hear from you.
Ears Wide Open is an experiment in theatre for the ear. TWP and Writing West Midlands are collaborating to offer two linked audio drama bursaries of £2000. We're looking for two writers - one in the East Midlands and one in the West Midlands - who will write for specific sites that somehow connect, or offer a parallel between, the East and West Midlands. The material will be produced in the Autumn and the possibilities for presentation are numerous and varied, and will be appropriate to the work.
http://twp2009.wordpress.com/projects/crossovers/
Deadlines: 12th February 2010 for Crossovers and26th February 2010 for Ears Wide Open

Two new projects for young people interested in creative writing

This January sees the beginning of two new creative writing projects for children and young people with a passion for writing and literature. Both are free and offer the chance for children to be inspired, be creative, build confidence and expand their knowledge beyond the classroom. These projects are both starting on Saturday 30th January and will run until July 2010.

Write On! Online
Write On! Online offers children the chance to share their creative writing, read the work of others their age and engage in constructive criticism, helping them to enjoy sharing their work. Each child will be given an individual password and once registered; they can then log in at any time and enjoy writing exercises with feedback and help from professional writers. There are no deadlines or assessments, just writing. The scheme is free, secure and moderated to ensure online safety.

Writing Squads
Writing Squads are groups for young people interested in creative writing… any kind of creative writing from poems to plays, stories and songs even texts and tweets! Professional writers will work with Squad members to help them develop their writing talents and find out more about the world of writing and literature. Taking place one Saturday a month from Saturday 30th January till the end of July 2010 the Writing Squads will meet in The Shakespeare Memorial Room at Birmingham’s Central Library.
There will be two Writing Squads- one for 8 to 12 year olds and another for 13 to 16 year olds. Places are limited so sign up now!
Deadline for applications: Monday 25th January 2010

To find our more about both of these projects and to sign up, call Write On! Manager, Jonathan Davidson on 0121 246 2770 or email jonathan@birminghambookfestival.org
Write On! Online and Writing Squads are part of the Birmingham Book Festival’s Write On! Adventures in Writing programme.

WIC 2010 offers 1-2-1 agent and editor meetings

Writing Industries Conference 2010
Saturday 6th March 2010, Loughborough University
A Literature Network, Writing East Midlands
and Loughborough University project.
http://writingindustries.com
Twitter #wic2010 Book tickets online here.

WIC 2010 – APPLY NOW FOR AGENT AND EDITOR 1-2-1 MEETINGS
The Writing Industries Conference 2010 is now open to applications for 1-2-1 meetings with agents and editors. Writers will have the chance to present their work in fiction, creative non-fiction and spoken word. A limited number of 1-2-1s are available and only ticket holders to WIC 2010 may apply.
1-2-1 meetings are available with:

WIC 2010 will bring together writers from across the East Midlands and professionals from the writing industries to share knowledge, develop skills and forge new contacts. 200 writers from the region will have the opportunity to hear from and meet with professionals from the writing industries in a variety of settings:

• Agents and editors in one-to-one sessions with selected writers, giving advice and support in their area of expertise.

• Panel discussions exploring specific areas of writing, from breaking into commercial publishing to working in the community.

• Writing industries fair featuring stalls from local publishers, funders and other organisations involved with the writing industries.

• And of course there will be plenty of opportunity to meet and talk with other writers over a coffee.

If you have any questions regarding WIC 2010 or would like further information please contact:

Alyson Stoneman
WIC2010 co-ordinator (part-time)
Email: wic2010eastmidlands@googlemail.com

Saturday 6th March 2010
Loughborough University
A Literature Network, Writing East Midlands
and Loughborough University project.
http://writingindustries.com/
Twitter #wic2010

The second Writing Industries Conference will be held on Saturday 6th March at Loughborough University. The conference will bring together writers from across the East Midlands with professionals from the writing industries to share knowledge, develop skills and forge new contacts. 200 writers from the region will have the opportunity to hear from and meet with professionals from the writing industries in a variety of settings:

▪ Agents and editors in one-to-one sessions with selected writers, giving advice and support in their area of expertise.
▪ Panel discussions exploring specific areas of writing, from breaking into commercial publishing to working in the community.
▪ Writing industries fair featuring stalls from local publishers, funders and other organisations involved with the writing industries.
▪ And of course there will be plenty of opportunity to meet and talk with other writers over a coffee.

The full programme including details of how to apply for agent one-to-ones will be announced soon.

EARLY BIRD TICKET OFFER The first Writing Industries Conference sold out soon after tickets went on sale. This year we are have increased the number of tickets available and are offering an early bird price of £34 (Full price £42) – availability limited.

If you have any questions regarding WIC 2010 or would like further information please contact:

Want to improve your dramatic writing? Away With Words is an inspiring
weekend workshop which explores the techniques of scriptwriting and
encourages you to Œfind your voice¹ as a writer.

Held in Nottingham, the two-day course enables new and emerging writers to
turn their ideas into script form. In a professional yet friendly
environment, playwright Amanda Whittington and director Esther Richardson
will lead sessions on creating strong characters, developing plot and
identifying the story only you can tell.

Suitable for beginners and experienced writers, Away with Words explores the
elements of writing drama through exercises, discussion and one-to-one
mentoring. It will also give valuable insight on making your way in the
writing business.

Our focus is on writing for the stage but the course will cover techniques
you can also use for radio and television drama,² says Esther, the former
Artistic Director of Theatre Writing Partnership, who has a well-established
track record in working with new writers. ³Practical exercises will also
inspire anyone interested in the creative writing process².

Rather than the traditional rural retreat, this writers workshop will be
held the boutique setting of Nottingham¹s Harts Hotel on February 28-29th,
2010 (10am - 4pm). The cost is £175, including a buffet lunch each day and
refreshments.

The Nottingham Poetry Series http://nottinghampoetryseries.com/)
announces open submissions for the third in its series of Juried
Readings; previous readers have included Michael McKimm and George
Szirtes. Submissions for the next reading (29 January 2010, with
Charles Bennett) will be accepted November 16-December 11, inclusive.

NWS Christmas Party and Weathervane Press Book Launch: Thurs 3rd December (doors open 7pm onwards) Author readings and introduction from Ian Collinson starts 7.30pm for half an hour – please aim to arrive by 7.15pm – followed by a Christmas social/party. Wine and nibbles are complimentary all night (until they run out) but you’re welcome to bring something along to add to the fun. Do come and enjoy the final NWS social gathering for 2010 and help celebrate all we’ve achieved in 2009!

No Entry to NWS Hotdesk Thursday 26th and Friday 27th November: I’m afraid the hotdesking area is closed for a meeting on Thursday 26th November all day and both the Hotdesking and Main Meeting Area are closed to members on Friday 27th November from 1pm-5pm. If you are desperate for a space to work please let me know and I’ll find you another area to work in.

NWS Members: We Need Your Input
We think it would be really useful to have a list of what NWS members have produced (published, performed, created, been awarded etc) in the last 12 months. I would really like to encoarage all members to inform me of their individual news/successes so that there can be a regular slot in the newsletters listing what you have done! This would greatly improve our chances of getting to know each other better beyond the social evenings and also may have a positive influence on the funding application that we're in the process of writing.
We'd also like members to tell us what work they have had that has been generated either by NWS or through networking with or advice from another NWS member - ie what micro-employment is NWS making by dint of bringing together a group of independent writers? For example: some members have given talks at the University of Nottingham set up by Board member Arthur Piper; Niki Monaghan and others have interviewed writers at 'NWS presents' that James Urquart set up at Broadway, which also generated some income for NWS. And of course there have been events with LeftLion Magazine where members have read and performed.
Please can you respond within the next fortnight - even if you think your contribution is negligible? In terms of general news about what you are doing, please continue to send this to me on an on-going basis. It should not be a long in-depth letter - just a list of events and activities with explanation and weblinks/contacts (where necessary) will be fine. admin@nottinghamwritersstudio.co.uk

Poetry Workshop through Nottingham Contemporary
Eireann Lorsung be teaching a poetry workshop through Nottingham Contemporary. It will run three Thursdays, December 3, 10, 17, in the evening. The cost is £25/£15
concessions, payable to the gallery on the first day. If you're
interested, let Eireann know as soon as possible and she’ll email the
programming people and reserve you a spot--there are only 8, so it
might go quickly. (see attachment)
Nottingham Poetry Series
http://www.nottinghampoetryseries.com

EM Media's Talent Network and Doc/Fest present The Engine Room Pitch
This two-day pitch documentary pitching and marketplace workshop, run in partnership with Wide Eye Pictures, offers complete preparation for getting your factual project funded internationally.
Documentary producers and filmmakers from the East Midlands and beyond are invited to take part in a documentary pitching and marketplace offering complete preparation for getting your factual project funded internationally, including at Doc/Fest’s Marketplace 2010, and other international markets.
This workshop is open to all levels of experience from New Entrants to established producers and directors, and applicants can be from any region of the UK, but we especially invite East Midlands filmmakers.
The Engine Room Pitch
Monday 8 and Tuesday 9 February
Broadway Cinema, Broad Street, Nottingham
Sally Hodgson
Communications Executive
EM Media
FilmGamesTVInteractivet: 0115 934 9090
f: 0115 950 0988
w: www.em-media.org.uk

Connecting the literature community
A Literature Network publication
http://literaturenetwork.org
November brings new publications from Weathervane Press, and new novels and a poetry collection from Sue Moorcroft and Cathy Grindrod respectively. Ross Bradshaw share his diary of a literary holiday, and we discuss what it is we really want from our bookshops. And Derbyshire County Council are looking for a Reading Champion. Are you the one to take up their gauntlet!?

Nottingham Comedy Festival (NCF) Writing Workshop
NCF are now putting on a full day workshop in Comedy Writing with Rob Gee. Rob is a performance poet, comic, workshop leader and reformed psychiatric nurse, he combines elements of theatre, comedy and literature in his live act. From diabolical chat up lines to the end of the world, he insists the human tragedy is a gleeful comedy. Fast, furious and very funny, Rob uses inventive wordplay, whiplash couplets and motored rhythm to tap into the world of chaos and adventure that lurks behind the veneer of everyday life.
This is a free event so it is recommended that you book early to avoid disappointment. Tickets are available at Nottingham Central Library.
Nottingham Comedy Festival
30th October - 7th November 2009
07540386364 / 07989454817
www.nottscomedyfestival.co.uk

Chance to promote your work!! Ian Collinson (NWS Member) has kindly organised a literature showcase at Kiosk Kiosk (see below for details.) Where do we come in??...well...

Tuesday 8th December:
AM - Nottingham Writers Studio - Support and networking for published and aspiring
local writers.
www.nottinghamwritersstudio.co.uk 49 Stoney Street, The Lace Market Nottingham.
- Meet coordinator Aly Stoneman. Published members of the Studio will be visiting during the
morning.

This is a great opportunity to promote yourself and your work! So would you like to bring in some books/pamphletts/leaflets to sell/display on the Kiosk that morning or pop along to share the shivering misery (I mean warm glow) with a thermos of coffee (hazelnut latte please) and porta potty for me?! As you can see there are lots of other literature people and publishers to support so try to stop by if you're in town over the 3 days (8-10 Dec). Any books you would like to promote you can leave with me at the Christmas party on 3rd of December, in the office on my desk or in reception downstairs with a note of sale price. You will be responsible to collect any no-sales and your payment for any books sold in December. I'm limiting it to 3 books each just because I'll have to carry them! But any leaflets for events etc can go up! Hope you'll all get involved! x aly

PRESS RELEASE
KiosKiosk Nottingham December 8-10th 2009
KiosKiosk is a fast brain food stall invented by top fashion designer Wayne
Hemmingway. It’s located on the Pelham Street-Thurland Street junction in
Nottingham City centre, just up the road from Market Square.
Several Nottingham publishers and Nottingham Writers’ Studio have joined
forces to bring together a selection of their recent publications, which will be
on sale December 8-10th. Each publisher will be in attendance at the times
listed below and their books will be on sale for the entire three day event.
Tuesday 8th December:
AM - Nottingham Writers Studio - Support and networking for published and aspiring
local writers.
www.nottinghamwritersstudio.co.uk 49 Stoney Street, The Lace Market Nottingham.
- Meet coordinator Aly Stoneman. Published members of the Studio will be visiting during the
morning.
PM - Weathervane Press - Nottingham based regional fiction publisher.
www.weathervanepress.co.uk
Meet the publisher Ian Collinson from 1pm.
- Recently published local authors Marty Ross (Aztec Love Song) and Steven Wilcoxson
(Make Less Strangers) will be available from 2pm to discuss their work and sign copies of
their books.
Wednesday 9th December.
AM - Candlestick Press - Publisher of the unique and hugely popular 'Instead of Card'
poetry pamphlets.
www.candlestickpress.co.uk
-Meet the publisher Jenny Swann and stock up on Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy's selection
'The Twelve Poems of Christmas.'
PM - Left Lion Literary Confessional. Absolve yourself with Left Lion.
www.leftlion.co.uk
Thursday 10th December
AM - Staple Magazine - Literature and Arts magazine produced in Nottingham, now
receiving national acclaim.
www.staplemagazine.bigcartel.com
Meet the Editor Wayne Burrows.
-The current 'Art Issue' and back numbers of the magazine will be on sale.
PM - Pewter Rose Press-Nottingham based fiction publisher specialising in short stories.
www.pewter-rose-press.com
Meet the publisher Anne McDonnell from 1pm
Authors - Frances Thimann (Cello and other stories) and Roberta Dewa (Holding Stones) will
be available during the afternoon to discuss their work and sign copies of their books.
Publish NG is a group of independent Nottingham publishers
c/o Parker and Collinson Ltd, 42 Church St, Lenton, Nottingham NG7 2FH
Telephone 0115 9420140

Wednesday 4th November 2009

Develop your comedy writing skills with acclaimed comic and performance poet Rob Gee. Part of the Nottingham Comedy Festival. About Rob Gee: Performance poet, comic, workshop leader and reformed psychiatric nurse, Rob combines elements of theatre, comedy and literature in his live act. From diabolical chat up lines to the end of the world, he insists the human tragedy is a gleeful comedy. Fast, furious and very funny, Rob uses inventive wordplay, whiplash couplets and motored rhythm to tap into the world of chaos and adventure that lurks behind the veneer of everyday life.
Ticket price: £5 or £4 concessions. Tickets available from Nottingham Central Library ground floor reception or call 0115 9152824. Places are limited so book early to avoid disappointment.

Puppetry Success for NWS member

Marcus Clarke of Hands Up Puppets who specialises in Teaching TV Puppetry or Puppetry for the Screen in Notts has had two TV Series that he performs Puppet characters in nominated for this years Kids BAFTA's 2009. Read the full story....

Celebrate Black History Season with Nottingham City Council Libraries…

Discover traditional African and Caribbean tales with Clive Dennis Cole and create your own imaginative stories.

Discover your Stories

è Advice and information on how to trace your African and Caribbean family history

è Join in with art & craft activities with Nottingham Museum and an opportunity to reminisce with local people about African and Caribbean history.

è Please bring any materials and photographs for us to scan on the day so that we can preserve and capture your stories.

Readers Day November 21^st

Join us for the 6^th Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Libraries Readers Day. An all day event for book lovers

Join us for speakers Helen Dunmore and Hardeep Singh Kohli, plus sessions with Jenny Hartley, Judith Allnat, Jon McGregor, Deirdre O’Byrne, Tom Warner, Ross Bradshaw, Bea Udah, Sheelagh Gallagher, Catherine Arnold, and Ann Hardwick.

If you would like further information on this event, please contact me for a booking form by telephoning 0115 9152813 or emailing jane.brierley@nottinghamcity.gov.uk.

The day costs £15 or £12 if booked before October 31^st. Concessionary rate for over 60’s, students and unwaged is £12 or £10 if booked before 31^st October.

Writing Science Fiction and Fantasy

An evening of chat and advice for aspiring writers within this genre and for people interested in science fiction and fantasy writing.

Mark Charan Newton is the author of “Nights of Villjamur”. He has also worked in the publishing and bookselling industry.

This is a free event. Please ask for a ticket at the Central Library Helpdesk. For further details contact Jane: tel 0115 9152813 or email jane.brierley@nottinghamcity.gov.uk

Flying Goose Readings

All events are at The Flying Goose Cafe, 33 Chilwell Road, Beeston and run from 7.30 - 9.30 on the third Tuesday of each month
Tickets cost £3 on the door, which includes a glass of wine

Tuesday 17 November
Derrick Buttress (poet, new collection Destinations) and Cathy Grindrod (poet, new collection The Sky, Head On)
Tuesday 15 December
Christmas event - readings from the floor, mystery guest. That sort of thing
Tuesday 19 January
Eirann Lorsung (poet, collection called Music for Landing Planes) and Dan Tunstall (young adult fiction, Big and Clever(
Tuesday 16 February
Andy Croft and WN Herbert reading from Three Men on the Metro poetry collection
Tuesday 16 March
Deryn Rees-Jones (poet, edited Bloodaxe Modern Women Poets) and John Levett (poet, latest collection A Slight Delay)

More detailed programmes are available from info@fiveleaves.co.uk

LeftLion Magazine have shared a few audio links this month:

Tender For Applications

Map extension 2009-2010

During the last eighteen years, the Pépinières Européennes pour jeunes artistes have been fostering and supporting promotion and mobility of young artists amongst the European artistic scene.

In the frame of the map extension 2009-2010 programme, Pépinières launch a new call for applications for Script Writer’s Residency.

In a joint-venture the Binger Filmlab and the Amsterdam Writer's Residency offer a special programme for literary writers in autumn 2010. Foreign writers can apply for a residency period of five months starting in September through to January 2011. The conditions are that you're a published writer under 36 in 2010 and that you have the ambition to follow the Script Development Programme at the Dutch institute Binger Filmlab. This programme, at the crossroads of Literature and Film, offers the opportunity to work on one of your own (un)published texts and adapt it into a film script. Internationally acclaimed mentors and advisors coach the participants along the way. Some basic knowledge of scenario writing is required. Writers who already have experience with the film industry and whose work is translated into Dutch are given priority. All candidates must be under contract with a publishing house in their country of origin and speak and write a sufficient level of English. A precise description of the adaptation plan you have in mind is an essential part of every application.

The Amsterdam Writer's Residency has worked with the Binger Filmlab before when in 2007 Witi Ihimaera, a Maori author from New-Zealand, adapted his novel The Matriarch (1986), about the Maori struggle against the loss of their sovereignty, into a film script. Ihimaera found living space in the Spui apartment. www.binger.nl and www.writerinresidence.nl

Fully completed files can be submitted at Trans Artists, National Co-ordinator for the Netherlands. E-mail address: m.tuerlings@transartists.nl

n: justify; mso-pagination: none; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"> 10pt; font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';" lang="EN-GB">Deadline for application: 1^st of December 2009 (midnight Brussels time)

Calling writers, directors and writer/directors! EM Media launches DV Shorts scheme

As part of its overall film development strategy EM Media is looking to gather a talented group of emerging and established writers, writer/directors and directors with the vision required to make short films that can surprise, challenge, delight and mesmerise international audiences. Applications are welcome from individuals from a range of creative backgrounds, with a range of personal and professional experience. Applicants must be based in the East Midlands region. The deadline for applications is noon on Monday 2 November. See EM Media’s website for further information. http://www.em-media.org.uk.

Coming Up! Word Of Mouth!

Nicola Monaghan is curating the next Word of Mouth, to take place on November 11th. We’re planning to have mulled wine and an autumn/winter feel to the evening. We have lots of exciting opportunities for the NWS members whose work has been selected, including the opportunity to have work performed by Royal Company actors, free training by a professional actor at the Royal Centre for those who would like to read their own work and the possibility of your work being featured in local media including radio and podcasts. WOM will also be featured as a podcast on our shiny new NWS Website (due to be launched in October!) with links from our Facebook site, so your work will have a global reach! For new members and those who haven’t attended yet, Word of Mouth is an evening of spoken word run by Nottingham Writers’ Studio upstairs at The Royal Centre in Nottingham (next to The Royal Concert Hall.) There is a tram stop right next to the building (the Theatre Royal stop) so you can always park at the Forest park and ride if you’re from out of town. The evening includes a 15 minute interval and is very friendly. We usually have between six to eight writers reading – work can range from poetry to script, short stories, extracts from forth-coming novels or even journals or academic essays and reviews. New writing is preferred. The curator will also read – on this occasion Nicola will read from her novel-in-progress Blind, Following - something of a coup as it is not yet published. The event is open to the public and we are keen to attract a larger audience so even if you're not reading, do come along and enjoy the performances and social evening – you never know who you might meet!

July Word of Mouth

Looking back at July I realise I haven’t mentioned the last Word of Mouth event at the Royal Centre in Nottingham. For those unfamiliar with the event, it is a showcase for NWS members to perform new work to other members and the public. The July event was curated by Michael Eaton and he did a great job, choosing some really fantastic and varied work from our members. I’ll let the write-up from LeftLion Magazine do the talking – please follow the link below. The next Word of Mouth will be on Wednesday 11th November from 7pm and will be curated by Nicola Monaghan. http://www.leftlion.co.uk/articles.cfm?id=2610

Self-Publishing and Online Media Talk

July Social - we had a fantastic evening with independent publisher Ian Collinson (Weathervane Press) and Graphic Designer/Novelist/New College Nottingham Course Leader Richard Johnson discussing Self Publishing and alternative routes into publishing, including online opportunities. I have now managed to upload this enormous file onto DivShare so if you click on the link below it will take you through to the podcast which is around 1.5 hours long. With Div share you need to wait for the play icon to pop up on the screen and then click on that for the podcast to start.

NWS Tent at Lowdham Book Festival

NWS Tent at Lowdham Book Festival this year for the very first time, on Saturday 27th June, adding to a fabulous line-up which marked the 10th year of the festival at Lowdham. All of our events were free and the day also included a large book fair, at which our small independent publishers had stalls. Megan Taylor (How We Were Lost) kicked off the day in the NWS Marquee with “There’s No Place Like Home”, a practical creative writing workshop. She encouraged participants to transform childhood memories of real places into fiction and perhaps find the beginnings a whole new story.
This was followed by If in doubt – bring in a man with a gun” with Nick Wood taking a not entirely serious look at playwriting with actors from the Royal Company providing examples of the best and the worst ways to solve the problems of exposition, character, tension and all those tricky bits and pieces that help to make a play work.
Lowdham favourite, Derrick Buttress, read from his new poetry collection, Destinations, introduced by John Lucas, from Shoestring Press and keeping with the poetic element, “Love, Bicycles and Puddings” – and Candlestick Press was a beguiling talk by Jenny Swann introducing Candlestick Press and her belief that poetry needs its own little slot in people’s everyday life. Her work in publishing and marketing popular and accessible poetry pamphlets full of wit, wisdom, love and bicycles, bring a mixture of well known and new work to a large audience and certainly entertained us at Lowdham. Nicola Monaghan surprisedand delighted another ‘Full House’ with a reading from a new short story featured in a writing anthology produced by students on the course she runs in Birmingham.
My First Book with Nigel Smith supplied a fitting end to the day with short stories, poems and biographical pieces defending the humble book!

All in all a fantastic day and thanks to Sarah Carleton for volunteering on the door and to all the readers named above and attendees for helping to make the NWS Marquee a really popular event. There are a few photos on the link below and the official site has plenty of info and pictures: http://www.lowdhambookfestival.co.uk/.

June Monthly Social and Poetry Readings

June's monthly NWS Social provided Ian Collinson and myself with the opportunity to practice our podcasting skills, the product of which can be tested on the link below. In honour of the BBC’s Poetry Season, members brought their favorite poems to share, mostly by other authors, although a few brave souls also read their own work, which was very well received. Readers included Ian Collinson, (winner of Nottingham Poetry Society’s Open Poetry Slam 2008 and editor of Weathervane Press), Wayne Burrows (editor of Staple Magazine), David Belbin (Course Leader of NTU’s MA in Creative Writing), new member Rowland Nelkin (who amazed everyone with his ability to recite Jacobean poetry from memory) and our guests James Walker (LeftLion Magazine’s Literature Editor) and Eireann Lorsung, (a PHD student from Nottingham University), who recently started the excellent Poetry Series at the Lakeside venue on Beeston Campus. It was great to hear a fantastic range of poetry – from John Donne to Charles Bukowski – being performed in a fun and informal setting. If you’d like to hear the session for yourself then please click on the link below (which will take you to DivShare) then select the play symbol on the pop-up bar.

Clayfields House Film wins Koestler Writers award

Puppet Live Action Film, Directed and Produced by NWS member Marcus Clarke of Hands Up Productions Limited and entitled, ‘Clayfields House Film' has won a Koestler Award. The film was made by Marcus with only the help of the young people and staff of Clayfields House Secure Children's Home in Nottinghamshire

Lowdham Book Festival – Photos on Facebook!

August 26, 2009

The 10th Annual Lowdham book festival was a fantastic event this year and we now have some photos from the event which you can link to from Facebook:

http://www.new.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=701542&l=f1dffa6e9b&id=1197021327

Nottingham Writers’ Studio on Facebook!

August 26, 2009

If you aren’t friends already – join us for updates on events, photo’s etc!

http://www.new.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1197021327&ref=name

1 fab event and 2 podcasts!

August 13, 2009

Word of Mouth in July was a great platform for some really interesting writing, so thanks to Michael Eaton who kindly curated the event and to everyone who took part.
Full review of the event in LeftLion Magazine Online: http://www.leftlion.co.uk/articles.cfm?id=2610

Back in July we had a fantastic evening with independent publisher Ian Collinson (Weathervane Press) and Graphic Designer/Novelist/New College Nottingham Course Leader Richard Johnson discussing Self Publishing and alternative routes into publishing, including online opportunities. I have finally managed to upload this file onto DivShare so if you click on the link below or copy it into your browser it will take you through to the podcast which is around 1.5 hours long. With Div share you need to wait for the play icon to pop up on the screen and then click on that for the podcast to start. It can also be accessed from the NWS website – Blog page.

NWSjuly09.mp3:

http://www.divshare.com/download/8180278-bd6

Long term supporter of NWS, LeftLion Magazine, have just produced their first podcast called WriteLion. This is a spoken word related podcast that intends to promote all facets of the written word. The first podcast includes screenwriter Jamie Rhodes, poetry from up-and-coming members of the LeftLion creative writing forum and Rosie Gardner, Michelle ‘mother’ Hubbard and Louise Ashley reading their winning entries to the Nottingham Poetry Society competition. If you want to be interviewed, promote your work or have information you wish to share please contact James Walker at books@leftlion.co.uk
You can hear the podcast at http://www.leftlion.co.uk/audio.cfm/id/37

Opportunities for Poets

August 13, 2009

OPPORTUNITIES/ SUBMISSIONS
SUBMISSIONS FOR NOTTINGHAM POETRY SERIES
Submissions are invited for Nottingham Poetry Series, which holds three juried readings a year, each featuring one invited reader and two chosen from a pool of submitted work. We invite submissions from poets for our October reading with George Szirtes (http://www.georgeszirtes.co.uk/). Please feel free to forward this information.
When to submit:
Submissions for the reading on October 22nd, 2009 (with George Szirtes) are open August 10-September 4, inclusive.
Response times:
Authors of successful submissions will be notified during the week following the last day of the submission period. We regret that due to the volume of submissions we are unable to notify unsuccessful applicants.
How to submit:
Submit via email only to submissions@nottinghampoetryseries.com
Submissions may include up to eight poems as a single Microsoft Word document. Put your name, email address, postal address, and telephone number, as well as the titles of all submitted poems, on a cover sheet. Do not include your name on any of the poems. A covering letter, including any relevant publications, is optional.
What we’re looking for:
The Nottingham Poetry Series aims to offer the public well-crafted, exciting, challenging poetry that is effective on and off the page, read by poets whose presence is commanding, open, and generous.
You can, as always, find out more about the Poetry Series, the readings, and ways to get involved at http://www.nottinghampoetryseries.com. The submissions information page is http://nottinghampoetryseries.com/submissions.html .
NOTTINGHAM POETRY SERIES are also organising LINES FOR THE CITY, a Nottingham-based poetry reading initiative presented by the Nottingham Poetry Series and Nottingham City Libraries, which will run from August through October. Like the Big Read in U.S. cities (where each city chooses a book which is then made available for general reading through the libraries, which facilitate reading discussion groups and other events), Lines for the City is intended to promote the reading and discussion of poetry in Nottingham. Lines for the City has designated Melissa Kwasny’s book Reading Novalis in Montana as the first book in the program, and has worked with the publisher (Milkweed Editions, US; http://www.milkweed.org) to provide a reading guide. At the end of August, three discussion groups will meet at libraries around the city, giving readers a chance to share and discuss their experience with each other. http://www.nottinghampoetryseries.com or see NWS Website for more info.
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INDIGO DREAMS PUBLISHING COMPETITION – POETRY
Hi, we have recently relocated to Leics and were wondering if the following competition may be of interest to your group. We also publish 3 magazines, details at www.indigodreamspress.co.uk. Many thanks, Ronnie Goodyer
Indigo Dreams Winter Poetry Collection Competition 2009
Three winners will have collection published by Indigo Dreams Publishing and receive 50 copies of 44 pages stapled booklet with opportunity to upgrade to perfect bound (spine) with min 52 pages for balance amount.
Submission: Selection of 10-15 poems to 36 lines max.
Entry Fee: £18 per block of poems
Closing Date: Friday 20th November 2009
Email submissions – see website www.indigodreamspublishing.co.uk
Cheque payable to ‘IDP’ and entries to Indigo Dreams Winter Collection, 132 Hinckley Road, Stoney Stanton, Leics LE9 4LN or PayPal from website. Please email any queries to dawnidp@btinternet.com Full details/email/overseas entries visit www.indigodreamspublishing.co.uk
See all opportunities for publishing poetry and prose in our magazines: Reach Poetry, The Dawntreader, and Sarasvati using our websites www.indigodreamspress.co.uk or www.reachpoetry.com. More publishing opportunities, competitions for publication and IDP books for sale at www.indigodreamspublishing.co.uk Email for further details or a sample copy.
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FREE POETRY COMPETITIONS FROM UNITED PRESS
There’s a £100 first prize in the United Press open competition, Fact and Fantasy. You can enter by post or email and make sure you put “Fact and Fantasy” at the top of your entry. Your poem can be on any subject you like but must be no more than 160 words or 20 lines, and you can’t use “Fact and Fantasy” as the title. Send your entries now because this competition closes in September. There’s also a £1000 prize to the winner of our annual Local Poem competition. You must put “Local Poem” at the top of your entry and the theme must be someone or something local. You can submit online, or post (see website for details).
http://www.unitedpress.co.uk/

NWS Members doing great things!

August 13, 2009

NWS member Cathy Grindrod has a new website – www.cathygrindrod.co.uk
describing the projects she’s been involved in and the services she offers, which includes workshops, and managing residencies and participatory literature projects, but also services for writers both individually and in groups. Cathy has also won second prize in the East Midlands New Perspectives/Theatre Writing Partnership Dream Up Monologue Writing Competition. The winning monologues are to be performed in a showcase in the near future.
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KEVIN FEGAN IN THE STUDIO THEATRE AT THE PLAYHOUSE THURSDAY 17 SEPTEMBER 6PM
Kevin Fegan will be performing his dramatic poem of migrant workers Let Your Left Hand Sing. One morning on his way to work Kevin decided he would knock on all his neighbours doors, not just to say hello but to find out what their stories where. By the time he’d reached the end of the street he’d met pretty much half the populations of the world and they where just like him. Let Your Left Hand Sing recounts these stories as well as Kevin’s own. Kevin has written over 40 plays for the stage, 7 plays for BBC Radio 4 plus a Woman’s Hour Serial and a Classic Serial, a few short films plus a spell as a Storyline Writer for Coronation St and 8 volumes of poetry.
Tickets: £6 from The Playhouse Box Office 0115 941 9419
For more information on Kevin please go to www.kevinfegan.co.uk. For more information on forthcoming shows at Nottingham Playhouse please visit www.nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk
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Buy Poetry and Support Your Independent Presses!

June 26, 2009

If you follow any poetry related news (beyond Ruth Padel and Derek Walcott) Chris and Jen (Salt Directors) have been struggling to keep Salt moving since June last year when the economic downturn began to affect their press. Their three year funding ends this year, and they cannot apply through Grants for the Arts for further funding for Salt’s operations. Spring sales were down nearly 80% on the previous year, and despite April’s much improved trading, the past twelve months has left them with a budget deficit of over £55,000. It’s proving to be a very big hole and they’re having to take some drastic measures to save their business.
They’re asking you to buy just one book, right now. They don’t mind from where, you can buy it from them or from Amazon, your local shop or megastore, online or offline. If you buy just one book now, you’ll help to save Salt. Timing is absolutely everything here. They need cash now to stay afloat. If you love literature, help keep it alive. All it takes is just one book sale. Go to their online store and help keep them going.
It’s often said that there are many more writers of poetry than there are readers of poetry. Salt is responsible for publishing a few Metaroar/FYI favourites, including Anthony Joseph, whose new collection (http://bit.ly/X1JOE) launches officially on the 3rd of June (http://bit.ly/JbNKo). Support your independent presses!by James Walker, Literature Editor at LeftLion Magazine

Friday July 10th -Sat 18th – Southwell Poetry Festival

June 18, 2009

NWS members Kevin Fegan, Jenny Swann, Ross Bradshaw and Cathy Grinrod feature among a great line-up which includes Jean ‘Binta’ Breeze and Britain’s Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy. Copies of the Southwell Library Poetry Festival programme are available from Southwell Library and appear on www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/southwellpoetryfestival.pdf or from southwell.library@nottscc.gov.uk.

News

Ann Featherstone at Waterstones

Opportunity

Candlestick Press Appoint Co-director

NWS Member Offered Worldwide Publishing Deal from Piatkus

NWS Presents Word of Mouth at Lowdham Book Festival 2010 on Saturday 26th June 2.30pm

Comedy Sketch Writers Needed

Rob Hann at Lowdham

Next week sees the start of the Derbyshire Literature Festival fortnight.

Performance Workshop: How to Perform your Writing

Blogging & Social Media with Susi O'Neill

NOTTINGHAM POETRY SOCIETYPOETRY PERFORMANCE COMPETITION

NOTTINGHAM WRITERS’ STUDIO WINS £27,000 TO SUPPORT LOCAL WRITERS

Changes to NWS Board

NWS Coordinator On Leave

NWS Prose/Fiction Writing Workshop - including adult and young adult novelists and non-fiction writers

Short Fuse Presents: METROPOLIS, Tuesday 20th April at The Y

Call For Submissions! NWS Presents Word of Mouth at Lowdham Book Festival 2010

WriteLion 5 podcast

IN CONVERSATION WITH ... LISA HOLDSWORTH

Call For Submissions! NWS at Southwell Poetry Festival 2010.

NWS Member Cathy Grindrod Selected for TWP Project

NWS Funding Success from ACE

Former NWS Chair joins ACE

NWS Events

Congratulations to NWS member Joy Armstrong

Hotdesking will now be free to NWS members

EVENTS/ OPPORTUNITIES

Nottingham Poetry Series

Submissions For Hatch(deadline for submissions is Monday 19 April 2010 at midday.)

Nottingham Poetry Series: Kerri French, Mark Goodwin, and Cathy Grindrod, Thursday April 22nd at 7:30

Calling All Writers! Office Available to Rent at NWS

NWS Member's Success with BAFTA Rocliffe at Screenlit Festival

Nws Bursary for Wic2010 Awarded to Kris Juncker

Graham Joyce to Give Keynote at WIC 2010

APPLY NOW: BURSARY FOR NWS MEMBERS to attend Writing Industries Conference 2010

Upcoming Readings in Nottingham

Author talks at the University of Nottingham

Shoestring Evening at The Flying Goose Café in Beeston - Tuesday 19th January at 7:30pm.

The Nottingham Poetry Series – Next Event: January 28th at 7:30 p.m.

Mike Gerber and Five Leaves Publications launch:Mike Gerber's Jazz JewsSunday 14th February 2.30pm-4.00/4.30pm

Short Fuse Presents: RETOX with HOWARD MARKSTuesday 19th January at The Y Theatre, Leicester (2 mins from the train station next to YMCA)

Northern Lights Spectacular - Leicester

Theatre Writing Partnership are delighted to announce two opportunities for emerging and established writers.

Two new projects for young people interested in creative writing

WIC 2010 offers 1-2-1 agent and editor meetings

Chance to promote your work!! Ian Collinson (NWS Member) has kindly organised a literature showcase at Kiosk Kiosk (see below for details.) Where do we come in??...well...

Wednesday 4th November 2009

Puppetry Success for NWS member

Celebrate Black History Season with Nottingham City Council Libraries…

Discover your Stories

Readers Day November 21st

Writing Science Fiction and Fantasy

Flying Goose Readings

LeftLion Magazine have shared a few audio links this month:

Tender For Applications

Map extension 2009-2010

Calling writers, directors and writer/directors! EM Media launches DV Shorts scheme

Coming Up! Word Of Mouth!

July Word of Mouth

Self-Publishing and Online Media Talk

NWS Tent at Lowdham Book Festival

June Monthly Social and Poetry Readings

Clayfields House Film wins Koestler Writers award

Lowdham Book Festival – Photos on Facebook!

Nottingham Writers’ Studio on Facebook!

1 fab event and 2 podcasts!

Opportunities for Poets

NWS Members doing great things!

Buy Poetry and Support Your Independent Presses!

Friday July 10th -Sat 18th – Southwell Poetry Festival

NOTTINGHAM POETRY SOCIETY
POETRY PERFORMANCE COMPETITION

Mike Gerber and Five Leaves Publications launch:
Mike Gerber's Jazz Jews
Sunday 14th February 2.30pm-4.00/4.30pm

Short Fuse Presents: RETOX with HOWARD MARKS
Tuesday 19th January at The Y Theatre, Leicester (2 mins from the train station next to YMCA)

Readers Day November 21^st