Word Magic is Magical

Have spent a couple of very busy weeks putting the finishing touches to Word Magic - the first book produced by Addiscombe Young Writers.  And I have to say it looks rather brilliant!  I have even managed to produce a mock-copy to show you all at tomorrow's Christmas Tea.  Now it is finished and printed off, the next step is to get it to the printing company and get the copies ordered.  Once I have a date of completion, that will be the launch date, which will coincide with the Exhibition of Work.  And we'll make an occasion of that, I can promise you.

I know it has all taken a bit longer than anticipated but we got there in the end and I think you will all be surprised and delighted at the result!  All that remains to be said is a massive THANK YOU to all of you and your talented scribes for your support and encouragement and have a GREAT CHRISTMAS.

Will update in the New Year with the next sessions and some new ideas.  Till then - adios!

Watch Out - The Young Writers Are About!!

Further to the wonderful news that Croydon Advertiser wishes to feature a weekly column of work by the Young Writers, I have yet another exciting announcement!  The Advertiser is sending a photographer along on 19th to take some pictures of the youngsters receiving their certificates, which will be included in a feature about us.  And yet more!  The first column is currently scheduled to appear in 11th January edition.  I will be sending the first four pieces of work to editor Glenn some time over the next week or so.  I think the fairest way to do this - since there is no favouritism at AYW - is to work alphabetically, but it would be very helpful if you could reassure the children that everyone is going to get the chance to see their work in print over the next few months, in the local paper - and we will of course keep copies of them for future reference.

One other item is that I have received an email in response to last week's letter of appeal, from a local lady, who has suggested three possible local causes that could benefit from the sale of the childrens' book.  One is The Railway Park Group who look after the open space behind the tramstop at Blackhorse Road.  The next is the St Mildreds' Church Senior Citizens group at the church and the final suggestion is the Over 60s Club (formerly Croydon Derby & Joan Club) which is based in the sheltered housing complex between Sandilands and Lebanon Road tram stops, in Addiscombe Road.  I would really welcome your feedback on this ASAP since I have almost finished compiling the book and intend to mention our good cause on the back cover.  Please either email me on jphlong@live.co.uk, text me on 07909 518147 or place a comment here on the blog, to let me know who you think we should choose.  Whichever group gets the most votes will be the winner.

See you on 19th.  And Good Writing everyone.

Session 12 Update

Hello again everyone and thank you for signing in.  Quick update following today's session.  Firstly, I have explained to the Young Writers that I am going to put a sample copy together of their book prior to sending it to the printers so that they can see what their work looks like.  It is my intention to do this by the Christmas Tea on 19th.  Secondly, I have also promised to get back on top of the certificates so that we can have a nice presentation ceremony at the Christmas Tea.  I also explained to them that the booklet is unlikely to now be ready before Christmas due to my massive workload and everything else going on, and that we will now launch the book when we have the exhibition in the New Year.  I hope they were not too disappointed.  At least they seemed very excited by the idea of their work appearing in the Croydon Advertiser, anyway!

For the session itself, I asked them to challenge their own imaginations by writing a Christmas wish list for a superhero or film/book/tv character.  They took to this task with a huge surge of enthusiasm and some of their suggestions were hilarious - a portable washing machine for James Bond (so he can was all the blood off his clothes apparently), some new clothes for The Incredible Hulk, some hair-styling scissors for Rapunzel and an electric shaver for Santa (so his beard doesn't get caught up on chimneys or full of soot).  This was a simple enough little task but the depth of their imagination was totally awe-inspiring and just goes to show how hungry they are to write write write and utilise their own creativity and ideas.  It was also very rewarding to see them working together and tossing ideas about.

Since the next session is actually our Christmas Tea (thank you Amanda), I did not set an assignment; however those of whom that wish to write are more than welcome to do so.  I left the theme open so it will be interesting to see what (or if, bearing in mind how close we are to Christmas now) they can come up with.

During the Christmas Break, I will also be reviewing the whole set-up of the group and trying to think of ways we can take this forward without it becoming repetitive or mundane, including how I can continue with the Certificate trail - and hopefully add some new dimensions to the sessions.  This, I am convinced, is going to be my biggest challenge yet, but I promise I will do my utmost to deliver and keep it fresh.  The Young Writers deserve that after all their hard work.

I look forward to seeing everyone at the Christmas Tea on 19th then.  And please don't hesitate to get in touch with any questions , comments or suggestions.  Good writing!