SUBMISSION of entries for Competition 1 Poetry: open (up to 40 lines), Judge: John McCullough acclaimed poet and winner of the Hawthornden Prize
Jan 25
AGM and RESULTS of Catherine Cookson Competition 2020
Feb 8
WIP groups (by genre)
Feb 22
FULL MEETING and RESULTS of Competition 1 Poetry and details of Writing Exercise 1
Mar 8
Writing Exercise 1
Mar 22
Full Meeting and SUBMISSION of entries for Competition 2 Fiction: Historical (up to 2,000 words), judge: Emma Batten, local author of several works of historical fiction set on Romney Marsh
Apr 12
WIP groups (by genre)
Apr 26
FULL MEETING and RESULTS of Competition 2 Fiction – and details of Writing Exercise 2
May 10
Writing Exercise 2
May 24
FULL MEETING and SUBMISSION of entries for Competition 3 Non-fiction: Secrets of a City (up to 2,500 words), judge: Lauris Morgan-Griffiths.
Jun 7
WIP groups (by genre)
Jun 21
FULL MEETING and RESULTS of Competition 3 Non-fiction – and details of Writing Exercise 3
Jul 5
Writing Exercise 3
Jul 19
WIP
Aug 2
FULL MEETING and SUBMISSION of entries for Competition 4 Drama: a play for two characters set out of doors, judge to Be Christophe Philipps, actor and writer – and details of Writing Exercise 4
Aug 16
Writing Exercise 4
Sep 6
FULL MEETING and RESULTS of Competition 4 Drama
Sep 20
FULL MEETING and SUBMISSION of entries for Competition 5 “Wild Card”: a story using the phrase “Several of them,” she said, and one was under the table” somewhere within the text (up to 1,500 words) Judge to be announced
Oct 4
WIP
Oct 18
FULL MEETING: RESULTS of Competition 5 “Wild Card” – and details of Writing Exercise 5
Nov 1
SUBMISSION of entries for Catherine Cookson Cup: a short story of any genre (up to 3,000 words) Judge to be announced and Programme Planning meeting
Nov 15
Writing Exercise 5
Nov 29
FULL MEETING and FUN activity to be announced
Dec 13
END OF YEAR SOCIAL and CATHERINE COOKSON CUP RESULTS
21/07/21
NB: Programme subject to revision throughout the year. All Meetings are on Mondays and commence 7.30pm.
Courses for creative writers:Bexhill College run short courses locally
The University of Brighton run a ten-week course in Creative Writing
Canterbury Christ Church University run an MA in Creative Writing
The Writers' Place Brighton runs a variety of events and courses
New Writing South is our regional writing hub. It has an off-shoot in Rye
The Arvon Foundation run residential courses
College of Media and Publishing coursesNational Creative Writing organisations, magazines etc.
National Association of Writers' Groups (NAWG) run competitions, events etc.
Writers On-Line is the internet version of Writing Magazine. See also Writers' ForumMyslexia is a magazine for Women Writers
Booktrust is a national UK reading and writing charity
The Word Runs Through it is a new on-line writers' forum set up by Tony Gutteridge of the Grace Dieu Writing Circle
The Bookseller is a key trade publication - sign up for their free email Newsletter
Chapter Checkers offers a free feedback service with a weekly 1000-word story competition
Creative Writing Resource Guide, where you can 'find the tools, resources and opportunities to bring out your creative side as a writer.'
Writing Short Fiction, which has advice, resources and questionnaires for established and aspiring short story writers.
Writing Courses at the High Weald Reatreat Centre, in Beckley, Nr Rye (01797 253485, info@highwealdretreatcentre.com)
Friday 9th -Sunday 11th June
Poetry: The Curious Line with John McCullochThis weekend workshop focuses on how to break new ground in your poetry.Cost: £295 fully inclusive of tuition, accommodation and all meals.
Monday 19th - Sunday 25th June
Tutored Writing RetreatThis tutored retreat is an ideal opportunity to focus on developing your writing with an experienced tutor on hand to provide support whenever you need it. You will have your own quiet, comfortable room with a desk and as much time as you need to focus on your work. There are no group sessions.Cost: £195 for the first two nights, £75 per night thereafter.
Friday 14th - Sunday 16th July
The Art and Craft of the Short Story with Catherine SmithIn this course, we’ll look at how to turn a tentative idea into a working story and challenge ourselves to go deeper into our writing.Cost: £295 fully inclusive of tuition, accommodation and all meals.
Friday 4th - Sunday 6th August
No End In Sight: Pushing through Story with Susannah WatersIn this weekend workshop, Susannah will be helping writers to map their way through the dangerous middle towards the finish line.Cost: £295 fully inclusive of tuition, accommodation and all meals.