Ian Pike: Man of Character

Ian Pike

This week on the blog, CWC member, Paul K Joyce, talks gives us his reaction to a fantastic workshop we held at our February meeting and how it’s inspiring his writing. Our workshop leader was Ian Pike, is a full-time, freelance writer of scripts and published children’s books with over 25 years’ experience. One of his current projects is as a scriptwriter for Have I Got News For You.

How Did We Do in 2020?

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At the beginning of January last year, we published the objectives for Chudleigh Writers’ Circle as a whole and for some of the individual members. Today, we take a look at how we got on during what can only be described as an extraordinary year.

The Christmas Card

We hope you have enjoyed our month of festive stories written by members of CWC. Today Margaret Barnes brings us the result of a writing exercise from a while ago.

“At one of our December meeting we played consequences to provide each of us with a prompt. We were each given a Christmas card and had to write on the envelope the name of the recipient. The card was then passed to the next person who provided the address. Someone else wrote one message and the fourth person composed a second message. The card was then pased on again and the fifth writer had to write a story inspired by the card. I wrote this piece.

Writerly News Round-Up

This week we bring you a variety of news items from the writerly world: there are changes in the committee at Chudleigh Writers’ Circle; a spot at Bristol Festival of Literature for one of our members; a reminder that NaNoWriMo starts next weekend; the opening of a short story competition with some great cash prizes; and a chance for readers and writers to support the world of literature in the South West.

Breaking Away From Zoom part 2

Last week, we told you about a few members of Chudleigh Writers’ Circle who ventured out into the countryside for a physical, albeit socially-distanced, get-together after six months of Zoom meetings. And how the event led not only to a lot of chatter and laughter, but also some creative juices flowing. This week, we bring you this whimsical piece of prose by Jean Grimsey.

Breaking Away From Zoom part 1

This month, after six months of meeting via Zoom, a few members of Chudleigh Writers’ Circle ventured out into the countryside for a physical, albeit socially-distanced, get-together. And, as you would expect from a writers’ group, there was not only a lot of chatter and laughter, but also some creative juices flowing. This week, we bring you a poem written by Maureen Boon, who organised the event.

South West Together

Maureen Boon

This week, CWC member Maureen Boon brings us another example of how the writerly community is adjusting to the curious times we are living through.

“Through my membership of the National Association of Writers in Education, I received an invitation to a recent South West NAWE networking event. It was hosted by Paper Nations and attended via Crowdcast, a platform which I had not used before.

Using Zoom for a Virtual Meeting

Suzanne McConaghy

This week, CWC Treasurer, Suzanne McConaghy ask the question: Can you hold a successful meeting on Zoom?

“When staying at home became the new socialising, it didn’t take Chudleigh Writers’ Circle long to decide we had to embrace the technology if the group was going to continue. Various conversations resulted in the decision to try out Zoom and committee members had a short session to see how well it might work, before a full group meeting on April 6th. Then, everyone was encouraged to download the app. Many thanks to Kate and Peter for getting us all organised.

Exeter Literary Festival Part 2

Bea Hutchings

Back in November, a number of CWC members took part in the Exeter Literary Festival, as organisers, speakers or members of the audience. This week, Bea Hutchings writes about a fascinating crime-based session she attended. Plus, we bring you breaking news about this year’s festival.

Exeter Literary Festival Part 1

Steve Male

The second Exeter Literary Festival took place from 7th to 10th November in a variety of venues across the city. Over the next couple of weeks, we will bring you reports on some of the events. Today, Steve Male talks about an intriguingly-titled session featuring members of Chudleigh Writers’ Circle.