Session 13 Feedback

Hello again everyone - told you I would be back before too long!  Big thank yous to everyone that turned up at Session 13.  I am so glad we held it last week because this week might have been a problem with all this snow!  It has not stopped snowing for twelve hours now and we already have drifts in our garden well over eight inches deep!  And I can see through my study window that it still continues to fall relentlessly. 

We had a brilliant session last week.  The exercise for the session was for the Young Writers to write me a letter telling me what they like, what they don't like and what they would like to see at Addiscombe Young Writers.  And I got some wonderful and candid replies, some of which utterly surprised me.  Many asked for books.  Lots of books.  This came as the biggest surprise since they must have to work with books at school and I have said all along that I don't want them to end up feeling that the sessions are just another lesson.  But at the same time it makes perfect sense because of course writers produce books - and most writers are also ferocious readers.  Another couple said they would prefer it if, on Writing days, only the young writers and their parents be allowed in during the session.  Amanda did actually say a few weeks back that she had been thinking of doing this so I will be talking with her soon to see if it is something we can actually do - without it having a negative affect on her business.  One youngster asked if we can start doing the Young Writers shout again - which of course we actually toned down somewhat when a couple of others found it a bit too intimidating.  Not sure how to tackle this one so please come back to me with your feedback.  It is their group so perhaps we should put it to the vote? 

There were a couple of other suggestions - one young man asked if we could go camping!  I explained to him that camping might not be possible but said some relevant trips out would be possible and he nodded very enthusiastically.  This I will have to get advice on as I am not sure where I would stand legally - but I am more than happy to look into it.  Maybe a trip to Harry Potter world at Pinewood Studios or a chance to meet some actors back stage at a local theatre?  Again I will look into all the ramifications and come back to you all.

Many of them also asked if they could read out their work and open it to discussion - and also if I would read more to them because hearing stories and poems might 'give ideas' which will help them with their own writing.  Reading aloud is something I should very much like to incorporate into the group but the accoustics don't really lend themselves too well to this(as my hoarse throat will testify)  - so maybe opening the sessions up to just the Young Writers and their families would actually work better?  I may try at Session 14 to sit them all on the floor in the play area and read aloud because the confined space might reduce outside noise.  All in all it was definitely a most worthwhile exercise and I am so pleased I asked for their feedback.  Now I shall just have to see where it all takes us!

The assignment set was for a story entitled "What I Will Do When I'm A Famous Author".  I set this because I want them to actually think like writers - since that is what they are - and I don't mind how imaginitive it is because part of being a writer is using one's imagination.  This assignment should be completed by Session 14 which is on 6th February.

Now a quick update on a few other things.  Firstly - the book.  The printer received the copy I emailed to him but, such is my system, the layout appeared completely wrong.  I am sending him our printed version (by recorded delivery)so that he can adjust it accordingly - or I may just go and see him on Wednesday since I am off that day (depending on the weather of course) and take it to him.  Once we have ironed out the wrinkles, he has said he will produce a copy which I will go through and proof-read.  Once that step is out of the way he can go ahead and print - and I will be letting you all know how much it has cost and inviting contributions - so that I can pay the invoice once I am happy with the finished product.  Secondly - the exhibition.  Amanda and I had a chat about this last week and we have tentatively pencilled in 11 - 15 March.  We are hoping to get the Croydon Mayor (as well as the Advertiser) along and I will bust a gut if I have to and try to find at least one other relevant guest.  And finally - the Advertiser column.  I haven't had a date from Glenn for the first one yet but I will keep chasing him - after all, it was his idea in the first place.  And as soon as I hear anything, I will let you know.

Finally I think the writers would truly benfit from a website of their own.  I have zero knowledge of this and would appreciate any help anyone can offer.  It would be a consistant way for them to see their work in print.  I know a lot of you read this blog (my aim is to hit 1000 visitors this year) which is great because it makes my job of keeping you all informed so much easier.  But very few of you seem tempted to write a comment and - if the group is to continue evolving - your comments are going to become an integeral part of things so please, don't be shy.  It isn't for me - it is for your talented children - and I would so appreciate your feedback.  All the best - and good writing.