Well the Big Day is almost here! How exciting is that (I'm sorry - Christmas is the one thing I have never outgrown and I still feel exactly the same about it now as I did when I was little - and luckily I married a man whose inner child also has extra sparkle at this time of year!)?
Huge thanks to everyone for letting me know if your Young Writer (or Writers) can make our little Christmas Party on Saturday. I will be doing one short exercise with the Young Writers - but nothing too taxing - before the snacks and then the sessions start again on Saturday 16th January when - I hope - the next edition of AYW - ok will be ready for distribution. I won't be setting another assignment until the first session in January. The Young Writers have worked hard all year and I think they deserve a break. But my plan is to come back with all sorts of new ideas and new experiences for 2016 - and one of the things I am looking at, as long as I can get the funding, is a new anthology of their work. If any of you mums, dads or grandparents know of a printer or printing company who would be prepared to give us a discount, please let me know. The first Young Writers book cost almost £250 to produce, almost half of which I put up. I don't begrudge a penny of it but I am never going to recoup that now, so any help with the new one would be very very gratefully received.
All that remains for me to say is a big BIG thank you to the library staff for their continued support, to Ciaran for his enlightening chat the other week, to the Young Writers for their amazing enthusiasm and, of course, to all the grown-ups who hold the group is such high esteem. You are the real nuts and bolts of Addiscombe Young Writers and saying thanks doesn't seem to really convey how very grateful I am to everyone.
Have a brilliant Christmas and a happy, healthy, successful and peaceful New Year.
Big Hugs.
Wednesday 16 December 2015
Monday 7 December 2015
Ciaran's Visit!
It was absolutely brilliant to welcome local writer Ciaran Murtagh to last Saturday's Young Writer session at Ashburton Library. He was friendly, informal, informative and the Young Writers clung to his every word! Some had brought questions, most settled with a notebook so they could write down any ideas he shared and he had them eating out of his hand within seconds. He kicked off with a little bit of history about his career, then showed a number of his books to everyone. Then he read a snippet from one of his latest books, showed how easily random words picked from a dictionary can form the basis to any story, then took questions, all of which he answered at exactly their level! I will be putting a pointer sheet together highlighting his advice for all the members. Huge thanks to Ciaran and to the library staff for hosting the event.
We now have just one more session (I know - it only seems like yesterday we were coming back after the summer break) between now and Christmas and the library has given us express permission to host a tea party on Saturday 19th December. Please please let me know, if you haven't already, if your budding author can come along. I have a limited number of Christmas presents to dish out (yes I had a quiet word with Father Christmas about this and he said he'd do anything to further encourage these young wordsmiths - even if it meant them getting one present ahead of the Big Day), so it is really important I have a rough idea how many to expect that day. Please text or phone me (07909 518147) to confirm or leave a comment right here on the Blog.
No assignment was set on Saturday but the session before I asked for a couple of haiku (5-7-5) so it would be good if they could hand them in on 19th if possible. And finally a quick word about Notebooks. I issue one of these to every new member and it is for the Young Writers to use to get ideas down, write their assignments in if they so choose and to just play with words. They are not a formal school book because I am not a teacher. They are the sort of note books I used to go out and buy myself at their age and they are for them to use as they wish. I hope that clarifies the situation and huge apologies if I haven't explained this better before.
Looking forward to seeing you all on the 19th!
We now have just one more session (I know - it only seems like yesterday we were coming back after the summer break) between now and Christmas and the library has given us express permission to host a tea party on Saturday 19th December. Please please let me know, if you haven't already, if your budding author can come along. I have a limited number of Christmas presents to dish out (yes I had a quiet word with Father Christmas about this and he said he'd do anything to further encourage these young wordsmiths - even if it meant them getting one present ahead of the Big Day), so it is really important I have a rough idea how many to expect that day. Please text or phone me (07909 518147) to confirm or leave a comment right here on the Blog.
No assignment was set on Saturday but the session before I asked for a couple of haiku (5-7-5) so it would be good if they could hand them in on 19th if possible. And finally a quick word about Notebooks. I issue one of these to every new member and it is for the Young Writers to use to get ideas down, write their assignments in if they so choose and to just play with words. They are not a formal school book because I am not a teacher. They are the sort of note books I used to go out and buy myself at their age and they are for them to use as they wish. I hope that clarifies the situation and huge apologies if I haven't explained this better before.
Looking forward to seeing you all on the 19th!
Monday 30 November 2015
Don't Forget Ciaran's Visit ...
Local Writer Ciaran Murtagh is coming along to meet the Young Writers this Saturday, 5th December. I know it is unusual to have week-on-week sessions but as I said before, this was the only way I could schedule in two December sessions and Ciaran so pray excuse. After this week, it will be two weeks before the next on 19th December and we will be having a little party that day - with drinks and crisps and fruit so it would really help me out if you could confirm your Young Writer will be present on that day so I can make sure I have enough for everyone. Could you all be angels and either comment on here, email or call my mobile? At least then I can get some preparation in place!
Last week we were looking at haiku again. This remarkable little poetry form is always a huge favourite and I get so much pleasure out of it when the Young Writers actually grasp the whole syllable concept of 5-7-5 - especially when tackling it for the first time like most of those present last Saturday! I knew it made sense when new member Shaan proudly told his mum his name has just one syllable when at the beginning of the session he hadn't even known what a syllable was let alone a haiku. It made sense to him to call the format of 5-7-5 the code. Since that clearly helped him to understand who was I to argue? I congratulated him on his clever idea and called it a code for the rest of the session!
Don't forget their assignment last Saturday was to create two haiku of their own and I gave them all worksheets to refer to but if they do get stuck, don't hesitate to help them; this isn't like homework; it is just to help them progress through the Certificate Trail. And they are all doing incredibly well, I promise you!
Looking forward to seeing you all on Saturday - don't forget to PLEASE let me know who will be there on 19th December.
Good writing everyone!
Last week we were looking at haiku again. This remarkable little poetry form is always a huge favourite and I get so much pleasure out of it when the Young Writers actually grasp the whole syllable concept of 5-7-5 - especially when tackling it for the first time like most of those present last Saturday! I knew it made sense when new member Shaan proudly told his mum his name has just one syllable when at the beginning of the session he hadn't even known what a syllable was let alone a haiku. It made sense to him to call the format of 5-7-5 the code. Since that clearly helped him to understand who was I to argue? I congratulated him on his clever idea and called it a code for the rest of the session!
Don't forget their assignment last Saturday was to create two haiku of their own and I gave them all worksheets to refer to but if they do get stuck, don't hesitate to help them; this isn't like homework; it is just to help them progress through the Certificate Trail. And they are all doing incredibly well, I promise you!
Looking forward to seeing you all on Saturday - don't forget to PLEASE let me know who will be there on 19th December.
Good writing everyone!
Tuesday 17 November 2015
Amaaaazing!!!!
It was astonishing last Saturday when twelve children attended the AYW session at Ashburton Library! It was a bit of a squeeze, but we managed round three tables and the library staff later said maybe they should allocate us four from now on! The thing is of course that I don't know from one session to the next how many young writers will turn up! Sometimes I only have six or seven - in which case four tables taken out of library use would be a bit of a waste. Anyway, I think it is one of those things that has to be played by ear. If I start getting twelve children regularly, session on session, then I might take up the library's offer.
On the subject of poetry, we are looking at Acrostic poems at the moment. I passed round copies of a worksheet featuring the words FIREWORKS and BUNNY all set down the left hand side of the page and - as usual - the Young Writers delivered. Their different perceptions of a single theme never cease to surprise me and it is so rewarding to see so many unique pieces of work coming from one or two trigger words! The assignment set was to invent their own poem using the word BATHROOM so it'll be great to see what they come up with by next session!
After some collaboration with Sarah and Timothy, the new leaflet was finally handed round for the members to take along to their schools. One lad optimistically asked for a copy for everyone in his class so if any further copies are needed, please drop me a line and let me know and I will print off another batch.
The next session is on 28th of November and then - unusually - there is also a session one week later on 5th December with the final session of the year being held on 19th December. The dates immediately after Christmas are:
16th January
30th January
13th February
27th February
12th March and
19th March (to accommodate Easter)
But all dates will appear in the next edition of our new newsletter AYW ok which is out in January.
And speaking of Christmas - as one simply must at this time of year - presents this year will be designed to help with their writing aspirations - enough said; I don't want to spoil the surprise!
Think that's about it for now. Congratulations to those who were presented with certificates last week by the way! Good Writing all!
On the subject of poetry, we are looking at Acrostic poems at the moment. I passed round copies of a worksheet featuring the words FIREWORKS and BUNNY all set down the left hand side of the page and - as usual - the Young Writers delivered. Their different perceptions of a single theme never cease to surprise me and it is so rewarding to see so many unique pieces of work coming from one or two trigger words! The assignment set was to invent their own poem using the word BATHROOM so it'll be great to see what they come up with by next session!
After some collaboration with Sarah and Timothy, the new leaflet was finally handed round for the members to take along to their schools. One lad optimistically asked for a copy for everyone in his class so if any further copies are needed, please drop me a line and let me know and I will print off another batch.
The next session is on 28th of November and then - unusually - there is also a session one week later on 5th December with the final session of the year being held on 19th December. The dates immediately after Christmas are:
16th January
30th January
13th February
27th February
12th March and
19th March (to accommodate Easter)
But all dates will appear in the next edition of our new newsletter AYW ok which is out in January.
And speaking of Christmas - as one simply must at this time of year - presents this year will be designed to help with their writing aspirations - enough said; I don't want to spoil the surprise!
Think that's about it for now. Congratulations to those who were presented with certificates last week by the way! Good Writing all!
Wednesday 11 November 2015
Excellent ...!
Had a very good session with the Young Writers on 31st October. Three possible new members! And a brilliant atmosphere! A couple of days after that session, hubby & I went to Scarborough for a midweek break. Lovely! Very lucky with the weather. Felt surprisingly refreshed when we got back - specially since I came home with a brand new book idea fresh in my head!
Returned to the Day Job on Monday and spent two lunch breaks walking up and down the High Street looking for someone who sells multi-packs of exercise books (I am down to my last one out of the batch from The Works so huge thanks to them for keeping the group in notebooks for best part of a year!). Could not find anyone at first but then found Wilkos do pack of three for a pound. I bought three packs plus some new colouring pencils and graphite pencils for writing and went home feeling very pleased. Then guess what? Found Morrisons now stock packs of three so bought some more this morning. Should keep the Young Writers going for a couple of months at least! Fifteen notebooks, two lots of colouring pencils and one pack of writing pencils came to just under a tenner so felt extremely pleased!
PLEASE let me know ASAP if your child's school is planning a Christmas Fayre or Bazaar anytime soon. I have fifty copies of My Writer to sell! Or maybe your local church?
Don't forget - we have our next session this Saturday (14th), same time, same place. Look forward to seeing everyone there. Oh yes - the assignment for the Hallowe'en session was to write a poem about Hallowe'en - any kind of poem!
Good Writing everyone!
Returned to the Day Job on Monday and spent two lunch breaks walking up and down the High Street looking for someone who sells multi-packs of exercise books (I am down to my last one out of the batch from The Works so huge thanks to them for keeping the group in notebooks for best part of a year!). Could not find anyone at first but then found Wilkos do pack of three for a pound. I bought three packs plus some new colouring pencils and graphite pencils for writing and went home feeling very pleased. Then guess what? Found Morrisons now stock packs of three so bought some more this morning. Should keep the Young Writers going for a couple of months at least! Fifteen notebooks, two lots of colouring pencils and one pack of writing pencils came to just under a tenner so felt extremely pleased!
PLEASE let me know ASAP if your child's school is planning a Christmas Fayre or Bazaar anytime soon. I have fifty copies of My Writer to sell! Or maybe your local church?
Don't forget - we have our next session this Saturday (14th), same time, same place. Look forward to seeing everyone there. Oh yes - the assignment for the Hallowe'en session was to write a poem about Hallowe'en - any kind of poem!
Good Writing everyone!
Thursday 29 October 2015
Coming Up ...
Looking forward to seeing everyone this Saturday. Had a busy evening yesterday updating the certificate trail, printing off certificates (including the Special Awards for the three members who completed their summer project book), catching up on the admin, writing critiques - excellent! Bring it on! I love being so busy. Especially with the Young Writers who are my pride and joy!
Don't forget it is Hallowe'en this Saturday so it would be good if the members could bring in their Hallowe'en stories - they could even come in fancy dress if they want to!
See you saturday!
Don't forget it is Hallowe'en this Saturday so it would be good if the members could bring in their Hallowe'en stories - they could even come in fancy dress if they want to!
See you saturday!
Saturday 17 October 2015
Today's Session
Brilliant session again today. Huge welcome to new member Dhilan. Carrying on with the story theme, today's brief was much more straightforward - to write a story called The Hallowe'en Mystery.
I made some suggestions but then let them get on with it as I chatted to Dhilan's mum and told her a bit about the group. Did you realise we are almost four years old already? Young Writers come and go but the spirit of the group remains as passionate as ever.
Over the next couple of weeks I shall be reading and commenting on the summer project books I have had handed in. Their young authors will receive a Special Award Certificate next session. And I was happy to confirm that Ciaran Murtagh - our Guest Speaker - will be visiting us on 5th December And huge thanks to Sarah and Timothy for their input regarding the leaflet to be handed round at schools - and also to everyone else for saying they'd like to help distribute them.
We will be looking at poetry again from next session so I will put on my thinking cap and see if we can come up with a new twist on an old idea! Well - I have to keep their interest somehow!
Finally to draw attention to our appeal - please consider making a small donation to our cause. I am almost out of complimentary notebooks plus I'd like to buy some small prizes and look at either another book of their work or an exhibition. That is the last time I shall mention it for the time being. But thank you for reading anyway.
Love as always. Jilly
I made some suggestions but then let them get on with it as I chatted to Dhilan's mum and told her a bit about the group. Did you realise we are almost four years old already? Young Writers come and go but the spirit of the group remains as passionate as ever.
Over the next couple of weeks I shall be reading and commenting on the summer project books I have had handed in. Their young authors will receive a Special Award Certificate next session. And I was happy to confirm that Ciaran Murtagh - our Guest Speaker - will be visiting us on 5th December And huge thanks to Sarah and Timothy for their input regarding the leaflet to be handed round at schools - and also to everyone else for saying they'd like to help distribute them.
We will be looking at poetry again from next session so I will put on my thinking cap and see if we can come up with a new twist on an old idea! Well - I have to keep their interest somehow!
Finally to draw attention to our appeal - please consider making a small donation to our cause. I am almost out of complimentary notebooks plus I'd like to buy some small prizes and look at either another book of their work or an exhibition. That is the last time I shall mention it for the time being. But thank you for reading anyway.
Love as always. Jilly
Wednesday 14 October 2015
While I Think Of It ...
Dates for January to April 2016 are as follows:
JANUARY
16th
30th
FEBRUARY
13th
27th
MARCH
12th
19th
APRIL
2nd
16th
30th
These are, as usual, subject to change but I will endeavor to always give plenty of notice if such a situation arises.
See you Saturday.
Tuesday 13 October 2015
Onwards and Upwards ...
Great session with the Young Writers on 3rd October. For several it was their first session since before the summer holidays so it was very exciting to see that they have lost none of their enthusiasm! Sticking with story writing, this time I gave them a closing line And with a grin, she disappeared around the corner, never to be seen again. This left the brief wide open and had them scratching their heads. A couple wanted to know if they could slightly alter it - which, of course, is perfectly okay as long as the gist of it remained. The real puzzle came when I set the assignment though - because I said the assignment was to take that very same line and adapt it so that it could open a story. One said "But how can it?" So I replied "That's the challenge!" It will be interesting to see how they tackled it.
During the session I had quite a long chat with our eldest member Bethany who, at eleven and just into high school, clearly needs new challenges and responsibilities. I have also spoken to Bethany's mum and I have both their approval to slightly change her role within the group whilst tailoring her assignments to more suit her age. I will let the other members know at this Saturday's session that Bethany is now going to be helping me to help them and that will be beneficial to all of us. Anyway we can see how it goes.
I'd like to thank the mum who came to me last week, having read the previous post, and said she is happy to contribute something towards future competitions and the next book and I will be getting back to her. This appeal is still very much open and anything you can put in will truly help; it does not have to be a huge amount, so please think about this and either come and talk to me or call my mobile (07909518147) or email me on jillyhendersonlong@gmail.com Or comment on this blog.
All being well will see you all this weekend. Good Writing!
During the session I had quite a long chat with our eldest member Bethany who, at eleven and just into high school, clearly needs new challenges and responsibilities. I have also spoken to Bethany's mum and I have both their approval to slightly change her role within the group whilst tailoring her assignments to more suit her age. I will let the other members know at this Saturday's session that Bethany is now going to be helping me to help them and that will be beneficial to all of us. Anyway we can see how it goes.
I'd like to thank the mum who came to me last week, having read the previous post, and said she is happy to contribute something towards future competitions and the next book and I will be getting back to her. This appeal is still very much open and anything you can put in will truly help; it does not have to be a huge amount, so please think about this and either come and talk to me or call my mobile (07909518147) or email me on jillyhendersonlong@gmail.com Or comment on this blog.
All being well will see you all this weekend. Good Writing!
Thursday 1 October 2015
So Much Going On ...
I am sorry not to have updated this blog after the last session but time just sort of ran away and left me struggling to keep up! We will be looking at story writing for the next couple of sessions so, at the last session, I set the Young Writers an exercise - to write a story featuring all five of the following 's' words - snake, sand, spooky, spell and sing. The idea of setting certain prompts is to encourage the children to delve into their own imaginations and come up with something exclusive to them. I have found before that something like this brings forth dozens of different and unique pieces of work - no two are ever the same. It is surprising just how versatile trigger-words can be.
Don't forget that I will need the Young Writers to bring in their completed summer project books this Saturday in order for them to qualify for the Special Award Certificate. Any that follow in later sessions will still count towards their next Certificate in the Certificate Trail so all is not lost.
Now Mums and Dads, Grans, Grandads and grown-ups in general I am going to appeal for your help. As you know I run these sessions for free and I provide all the materials that the Young Writers need to keep their writing in full flow. This is going to continue I hasten to add. But I am sure I mentioned that I am looking to arrange at least one competition per quarter from now on and the reason for this is simple. Working to a deadline - or closing date - does tend to keep a writer on track whatever their age. But on top of that working towards a goal with the promise of a reward does add a certain edge and this is where I hope you can help.
I have had many requests from the Young Writers to produce another book of their work. I very very much want to do this for them because they deserve it. But I never did recoup the full cost of the first book so I am daring to ask if you would like to make a contribution? I would like to raise enough money to buy some proper prizes for the children and to produce the next Word Magic book to help me take this group forward. If you are able to help, I would be very grateful. But if you can't please don't worry because I will try and work out another way round it. This idea only occurred to me today and I am anxious to avoid anything that will jeopardize this group. Perhaps you could let me know what you think and how you feel about this?
Looking forward to seeing everyone on Saturday!
Don't forget that I will need the Young Writers to bring in their completed summer project books this Saturday in order for them to qualify for the Special Award Certificate. Any that follow in later sessions will still count towards their next Certificate in the Certificate Trail so all is not lost.
Now Mums and Dads, Grans, Grandads and grown-ups in general I am going to appeal for your help. As you know I run these sessions for free and I provide all the materials that the Young Writers need to keep their writing in full flow. This is going to continue I hasten to add. But I am sure I mentioned that I am looking to arrange at least one competition per quarter from now on and the reason for this is simple. Working to a deadline - or closing date - does tend to keep a writer on track whatever their age. But on top of that working towards a goal with the promise of a reward does add a certain edge and this is where I hope you can help.
I have had many requests from the Young Writers to produce another book of their work. I very very much want to do this for them because they deserve it. But I never did recoup the full cost of the first book so I am daring to ask if you would like to make a contribution? I would like to raise enough money to buy some proper prizes for the children and to produce the next Word Magic book to help me take this group forward. If you are able to help, I would be very grateful. But if you can't please don't worry because I will try and work out another way round it. This idea only occurred to me today and I am anxious to avoid anything that will jeopardize this group. Perhaps you could let me know what you think and how you feel about this?
Looking forward to seeing everyone on Saturday!
Thursday 17 September 2015
Coming Up ...
Looking forward to seeing everyone at Saturday's session - same time, same place. Please encourage the Young Writers to return their completed books if possible as every single one handed in will earn its young author a Special Award Certificate. Closing date for this is now 3rd of October. Any coming in after that will still count towards their next certificate but will miss out on the Special Award - which would be a great pity after all the hard work put into it. Learning to work to a deadline is good for any aspiring writer and helps one to focus - and I have already extended this once, so it would be lovely to get them all in so I can carefully read and critique every one.
Also - let me know if you did not get a copy of the newsletter AYW - ok and please bear me in mind if there are any school fayres, bazaars or fetes coming up. And finally I do still have a number of first edition copies of my book My Writer. This would make a lovely Christmas present and only costs £4.99. I'll even sign it if you like! Just let me know and I'll fetch it along for you.
See you Saturday.
Also - let me know if you did not get a copy of the newsletter AYW - ok and please bear me in mind if there are any school fayres, bazaars or fetes coming up. And finally I do still have a number of first edition copies of my book My Writer. This would make a lovely Christmas present and only costs £4.99. I'll even sign it if you like! Just let me know and I'll fetch it along for you.
See you Saturday.
Tuesday 8 September 2015
WOW! That's All I Can Say!
Last Saturday's first session of the new school year was absolutely amazing! I could never have imagined, in my wildest dreams, that ten Young Writers would come along including three Newbies! And what an absolute pleasure it was to see everyone! Even missing Maddie turned up - and oh but has she had some adventures since I last saw her!
To kick things off gently, we just talked about what we did during the summer and wrote little reports and one or two actually brought their books along to work on which was a joy! We had a couple of little talks. I asked the Young Writers if there was anything they particularly wanted to try. The suggestions ranged from song-writing to writing and performing a play - with a smattering of "new kinds of poetry" and "new stories" thrown in for good measure. One interesting idea was to come up with a leaflet that could be taken to school and given out to friends, so I am thinking about that one.
I announced that I was planning to hold some competitions during the coming school year and arrange a couple more trips out and guest speakers in. I think the biggest surprise for everyone was when I gave out copies of the autumn newsletter - to tell the truth I was a bit surprised myself because, after months of thinking about it and planning how I could do it - I actually collated and printed off the entire thing within three days! Its title is AYW - ok (your writing - your work) which just fell into place. If you didn't get a copy and would like one, I will be bringing in some more to the next session on 19th September. My plan at the moment is to produce another around Christmas, then one around Easter and the summer one around July. That's the plan anyway!
And talking about Christmas - let me know if you'd like to buy a signed copy of my latest book My Writer. It would make a good present and - even better - it might even encourage and inspire another youngster somewhere to try their hand at Creative Writing! Or even inspire a grown-up!
And once again I am appealing for news of any Autumn or Christmas fayres or bazaars coming up at your child's school. Please be sure to let me know and I will do my best to book a table and hold a book-signing.
So that about wraps it up for now. Thanks again for your ongoing support and here's to another year of Good Writing!
To kick things off gently, we just talked about what we did during the summer and wrote little reports and one or two actually brought their books along to work on which was a joy! We had a couple of little talks. I asked the Young Writers if there was anything they particularly wanted to try. The suggestions ranged from song-writing to writing and performing a play - with a smattering of "new kinds of poetry" and "new stories" thrown in for good measure. One interesting idea was to come up with a leaflet that could be taken to school and given out to friends, so I am thinking about that one.
I announced that I was planning to hold some competitions during the coming school year and arrange a couple more trips out and guest speakers in. I think the biggest surprise for everyone was when I gave out copies of the autumn newsletter - to tell the truth I was a bit surprised myself because, after months of thinking about it and planning how I could do it - I actually collated and printed off the entire thing within three days! Its title is AYW - ok (your writing - your work) which just fell into place. If you didn't get a copy and would like one, I will be bringing in some more to the next session on 19th September. My plan at the moment is to produce another around Christmas, then one around Easter and the summer one around July. That's the plan anyway!
And talking about Christmas - let me know if you'd like to buy a signed copy of my latest book My Writer. It would make a good present and - even better - it might even encourage and inspire another youngster somewhere to try their hand at Creative Writing! Or even inspire a grown-up!
And once again I am appealing for news of any Autumn or Christmas fayres or bazaars coming up at your child's school. Please be sure to let me know and I will do my best to book a table and hold a book-signing.
So that about wraps it up for now. Thanks again for your ongoing support and here's to another year of Good Writing!
Wednesday 26 August 2015
Almost Ready To Go Again ...
Had the most amazing time in Jersey with Steve, Weather pretty good most of the time. Wrote a few poems whilst over there. Nice to know I have still got it. But this isn't about this writer, it is about your writers. I hope they have had an long restful summer but still found time to do some writing!
The Young Writer sessions start again on Saturday 5th September and I can hardly wait to see everyone. Yet despite the fact it is around four weeks since the previous session, I have found the summer has just flown by at a rapid rate of knots! I haven't even started planning the next sessions yet although I have had plenty of ideas! Over the next few days I am determined to sit down and get things organised. A new blog post seemed like a good way to get started so here I am!
Couple of things I do need to tell you before we kick off. The first is that the session I have planned for 12th December is going to be moved and will now be on 5th December, with the final session of 2015 now taking place on 19th December. I know it's a little close to Christmas so you may have other commitments but if I don't do it this way, the group will go sessionless (is there such a word?) for several weeks and we can't have that, can we!
The other thing is something I do not quite like to admit but it is this. Where is Maddy? I have no idea who had her last and would appreciate some help to track her down. I feel dreadful that I have lost track of her and I know whoever has her is taking good care of her. But we have had several new members join recently and I know of at least one more likely to join up when we next get together and I was rather hoping to let one of the newbies have her. If you have Maddy - or know who does - could you let me know ASAP? I'd be ever so grateful!
So to conclude, the next sessions will run thus:
5th September
19th September
3rd October
17th October
31st October
14th November
28th November
5th December
19th December
And I will let you have the dates for after Christmas in a couple of weeks.
Looking forward to seeing you all on 5th then. Enjoy the rest of the holidays.
Love Jilly
The Young Writer sessions start again on Saturday 5th September and I can hardly wait to see everyone. Yet despite the fact it is around four weeks since the previous session, I have found the summer has just flown by at a rapid rate of knots! I haven't even started planning the next sessions yet although I have had plenty of ideas! Over the next few days I am determined to sit down and get things organised. A new blog post seemed like a good way to get started so here I am!
Couple of things I do need to tell you before we kick off. The first is that the session I have planned for 12th December is going to be moved and will now be on 5th December, with the final session of 2015 now taking place on 19th December. I know it's a little close to Christmas so you may have other commitments but if I don't do it this way, the group will go sessionless (is there such a word?) for several weeks and we can't have that, can we!
The other thing is something I do not quite like to admit but it is this. Where is Maddy? I have no idea who had her last and would appreciate some help to track her down. I feel dreadful that I have lost track of her and I know whoever has her is taking good care of her. But we have had several new members join recently and I know of at least one more likely to join up when we next get together and I was rather hoping to let one of the newbies have her. If you have Maddy - or know who does - could you let me know ASAP? I'd be ever so grateful!
So to conclude, the next sessions will run thus:
5th September
19th September
3rd October
17th October
31st October
14th November
28th November
5th December
19th December
And I will let you have the dates for after Christmas in a couple of weeks.
Looking forward to seeing you all on 5th then. Enjoy the rest of the holidays.
Love Jilly
Thursday 23 July 2015
Almost Summer Holidays ...
Don't forget we have one more session left this side of the summer and that is this Saturday (25th July), same place, same time. We will be reviewing some of the topics covered and, of course, there will be lots of encouragement for the Young Writers to complete their books. When everyone is back in September, I will ask them all to bring in their finished books for a photo call!
I won't be setting any assignments for the summer - I think they have enough to do - but I will be suggesting the children keep a holiday diary, just to keep their creative juices in full flow.
I will do another update following Saturday's session - but in a couple of weeks I am off to Jersey with husband Steve so blogs etc will just have to wait till I am back!
If your youngsters can't make this Saturday's session because of holiday commitments, don't worry. We will all be back on 5th September.
I won't be setting any assignments for the summer - I think they have enough to do - but I will be suggesting the children keep a holiday diary, just to keep their creative juices in full flow.
I will do another update following Saturday's session - but in a couple of weeks I am off to Jersey with husband Steve so blogs etc will just have to wait till I am back!
If your youngsters can't make this Saturday's session because of holiday commitments, don't worry. We will all be back on 5th September.
Thursday 9 July 2015
AMAZING!!!
Had eight Young Writers at last week's session. Huge welcomes to new members Timothy and Sthilta (I hope I have spelt that right!). Lovely to see you.
Had the youngsters working on their books and it was a sight to behold, I tell you. Eight little figures, hunched over tables littered with pens, paper, notebooks - all completely focused on their creations - even the new ones. In fact they were so engrossed that I almost felt like I was intruding if I sat too long with one or asked any questions! They just wanted to write write write - exactly like I did at their age (and even do these days - husband Steve says he knows when he's lost me for a while when I get a certain look in my eye - which is usually when I have had a new idea or am mulling over an old one).
I can't tell you how much I admire these talented wordsmiths! And purely because they hang on to every word I say and have put so much of themselves into these books, I have told them that everyone who completes their book by September will get a special award certificate. Believe me they have earned that!
So we have just one more session left before the summer break and that is on 25th July. I will be bringing in some treats that day, I hope you don't mind. But I have told them they can still write if they want to.
So see you all on 25th then!
Good writing, everyone!
Had the youngsters working on their books and it was a sight to behold, I tell you. Eight little figures, hunched over tables littered with pens, paper, notebooks - all completely focused on their creations - even the new ones. In fact they were so engrossed that I almost felt like I was intruding if I sat too long with one or asked any questions! They just wanted to write write write - exactly like I did at their age (and even do these days - husband Steve says he knows when he's lost me for a while when I get a certain look in my eye - which is usually when I have had a new idea or am mulling over an old one).
I can't tell you how much I admire these talented wordsmiths! And purely because they hang on to every word I say and have put so much of themselves into these books, I have told them that everyone who completes their book by September will get a special award certificate. Believe me they have earned that!
So we have just one more session left before the summer break and that is on 25th July. I will be bringing in some treats that day, I hope you don't mind. But I have told them they can still write if they want to.
So see you all on 25th then!
Good writing, everyone!
Friday 3 July 2015
See You Tomorrow
Sorry haven't been back in a few days - lots of family stuff going on. Just a quick reminder that we have our penultimate session at Ashburton Library tomorrow - 4th July. Please encourage the Young Writers to bring in the books they made last session and also their notebooks and the Information Sheets I gave out (I will have spare copies on me just in case). Tomorrow will be geared towards perfecting their work so that they can start to write the final draft into their special handmade books.
It should be very exciting because at the end of all this work each Young Writer will have a book to show people, to keep for future reference and to share. It is a huge achievement and they should be very proud of themselves.
So see you tomorrow between 9.30 & 10.30.
It should be very exciting because at the end of all this work each Young Writer will have a book to show people, to keep for future reference and to share. It is a huge achievement and they should be very proud of themselves.
So see you tomorrow between 9.30 & 10.30.
Monday 22 June 2015
The Books Are Taking Shape!
The Young Writers really got into the spirit of things last Saturday as they began to make their books. It was so rewarding for me to see the glow of pride on their faces as they watched their hard work come to fruition. This is why I do this. If they are feeling as if they have made such a massive achievement by producing a book themselves, can you imagine how they would feel if they grow up and actually publish one!
Big AYW welcome to our new young lady member (whose name momentarily escapes me as I do not have any of my paperwork with me - terribly sorry). It was great to see her getting really into it all even though it was her first day and I am sure she will love being a member because she is so enthusiastic. I will add her name next post and look forward to seeing her again.
Please please do not forget to let me know if there are any school fetes, bazaars or fayres coming up so I can arrange some signings of My Writer whilst supporting our local educational establishments. I have sold roughly half my stockpile which is brilliant - but because it is about a young girl who loves to write, I am keen to get the word out to even more people so any suggestions appreciated.
Next session is on 4th July but I'll come back to you before that. Have a good day everyone and thanks again.
Big AYW welcome to our new young lady member (whose name momentarily escapes me as I do not have any of my paperwork with me - terribly sorry). It was great to see her getting really into it all even though it was her first day and I am sure she will love being a member because she is so enthusiastic. I will add her name next post and look forward to seeing her again.
Please please do not forget to let me know if there are any school fetes, bazaars or fayres coming up so I can arrange some signings of My Writer whilst supporting our local educational establishments. I have sold roughly half my stockpile which is brilliant - but because it is about a young girl who loves to write, I am keen to get the word out to even more people so any suggestions appreciated.
Next session is on 4th July but I'll come back to you before that. Have a good day everyone and thanks again.
Thursday 18 June 2015
We Are Writers!
Have been putting some dummy books together to give the Young Writers some ideas for their own masterpieces. I will bring them along to this Saturday's session and they can choose which one they want to use as a model. I will also bring along any other paraphernalia that might help together with one final pointer sheet to help them on their way. Isn't it exciting? I can remember producing my very first book without any adult help at all other than asking for some paper and for my mum to staple it together. Then I drew the cover illustration, added the title, opened it to the contents page and then wrote my story. Finally - to be doubly sure it would not fall apart (even though it did after working its way round the entire family and most of my classmates at school as well), I put a length of sellotape down the spine. I wish I still had that book. I have one of its sequels which was written in an exercise book so it does not show the same kind of flair. It is the only one to survive those halcyon days though so I will fetch it along and let the Young Writers see it.
Pleased to announce that two weeks on my knee has almost recovered from its mishap. I actually did a lot more damage than I thought because bruising also began to show all the way down the shin and on the inside of my ankle - which also swelled up. All things considered it is something of a miracle that I didn't end up down the A & E! But after careful TLC, lots of massage and Volterol gel, it has finally started to settle down. There is still some bruising but it is fading fast. Water under the bridge now ...
Had a lovely evening at the 70th anniversary party for Croydon Writers last night held in a function room at Fairfield Halls. When I was introduced to the Mayor, she said "Oh - I know this lady ..." - turns out that last year she enquired about Addiscombe Young Writers for her daughter -who in the end was unable to join due to music lessons being held at the same time. I did get lots of feedback about Addiscombe Young Writers though and it was all positive. So well done to all our budding authors!
See you Saturday.
Pleased to announce that two weeks on my knee has almost recovered from its mishap. I actually did a lot more damage than I thought because bruising also began to show all the way down the shin and on the inside of my ankle - which also swelled up. All things considered it is something of a miracle that I didn't end up down the A & E! But after careful TLC, lots of massage and Volterol gel, it has finally started to settle down. There is still some bruising but it is fading fast. Water under the bridge now ...
Had a lovely evening at the 70th anniversary party for Croydon Writers last night held in a function room at Fairfield Halls. When I was introduced to the Mayor, she said "Oh - I know this lady ..." - turns out that last year she enquired about Addiscombe Young Writers for her daughter -who in the end was unable to join due to music lessons being held at the same time. I did get lots of feedback about Addiscombe Young Writers though and it was all positive. So well done to all our budding authors!
See you Saturday.
Sunday 7 June 2015
PURPLE KNEE
Had a good session yesterday. The children have come up with some great ideas for their books with some tantalizing titles - "Pony Sisters", "Pressure" and "Marcey The Dog" to name a few. Animal and adventure stories seemed to be the favourites with fantasy fiction not far behind. At the next session (20th June), the actual books will be physically created.
It was interesting to see how the Young Writers vary in their approaches to the whole Book idea. Amber was preparing a story board without even knowing it until I explained how every film, TV programme and advert ever made all start off as story boards! But all of them were so utterly engrossed in what they were doing that not one of them commented when I took my spectacular tumble behind the tables! One minute I was standing, the next I was sprawled on the floor! It must have looked incredibly funny and I still don't know how I managed it. My only conclusion is that my brain was two steps ahead of my feet! Anyway, apart from a very bruised right knee I am fine and huge thanks to Daniel's mum for hurrying to my aid!
It gave me a huge amount of pleasure to welcome a new member - Haas - and to hand out so many certificates - Daniel being the first I think, to get his blue and red ones at the same time! It just shows how much they are taking on board and how very enthusiastic they all are. It is almost magical how we work so well together and I am very very proud of their progress.
So see you all again on 20th. Isn't it weird that there is only three more sessions till the summer break! Where is 2015 flying to in such a hurry?
It was interesting to see how the Young Writers vary in their approaches to the whole Book idea. Amber was preparing a story board without even knowing it until I explained how every film, TV programme and advert ever made all start off as story boards! But all of them were so utterly engrossed in what they were doing that not one of them commented when I took my spectacular tumble behind the tables! One minute I was standing, the next I was sprawled on the floor! It must have looked incredibly funny and I still don't know how I managed it. My only conclusion is that my brain was two steps ahead of my feet! Anyway, apart from a very bruised right knee I am fine and huge thanks to Daniel's mum for hurrying to my aid!
It gave me a huge amount of pleasure to welcome a new member - Haas - and to hand out so many certificates - Daniel being the first I think, to get his blue and red ones at the same time! It just shows how much they are taking on board and how very enthusiastic they all are. It is almost magical how we work so well together and I am very very proud of their progress.
So see you all again on 20th. Isn't it weird that there is only three more sessions till the summer break! Where is 2015 flying to in such a hurry?
Tuesday 2 June 2015
I'm Back!
Hi everyone. Just to let you all know I am back from Scotland - had a lovely time up there but not a lot of rest because we were out everyday! Still, the backdrop is stunning - glittering lochs, snow-tipped mountains, wildlife a-plenty. Every time I go up to the Highlands I feel as if I have come home!
Don't forget we have the first session of June this Saturday at 9.30. We are back in the library for this and the children will be planning out their books. Don't forget the choice is theirs - they can do some poems, short stories or one long story - whatever they like. They can even do a play or comic if they want to. Or some non-fiction. The idea is that they will each have a book at the end of it that they can call their very own.
So see you Saturday then; can't wait. I miss you all when I don't see you.
Oh and one last thing - please can you let me know if there are any forthcoming school or church fayres, bazaars or fetes, so I can arrange some signings - and also if you would like a copy of "My Writer", just let me know..
Don't forget we have the first session of June this Saturday at 9.30. We are back in the library for this and the children will be planning out their books. Don't forget the choice is theirs - they can do some poems, short stories or one long story - whatever they like. They can even do a play or comic if they want to. Or some non-fiction. The idea is that they will each have a book at the end of it that they can call their very own.
So see you Saturday then; can't wait. I miss you all when I don't see you.
Oh and one last thing - please can you let me know if there are any forthcoming school or church fayres, bazaars or fetes, so I can arrange some signings - and also if you would like a copy of "My Writer", just let me know..
Tuesday 19 May 2015
Excellent ...!
Unbelievably successful is the only way I can describe last Saturday's Picnic In The Park Young Writer session at Ashburton Park! Ten children came along (supported by around half a dozen parents) and the weather was very kind to us. Just like last time, the first thing I did was send the children off to play on the swings and things and ten minutes later I called them all back and handed out the worksheets. I asked the youngsters to write a list of colours they'd seen and also what sounds they had heard and had them writing down their experiences for the next fifteen minutes before sending them all off again for a runabout.
During their play, I noticed how the grown-ups had intermingled which was lovely and quite a few of them wanted to talk to me about the group itself, so it was all very sociable. After another ten minutes or so, I called the Young Writers back and asked each in turn how the session had helped them and what they'd enjoyed. Their eyes were sparkling, their faces flushed from the fresh air and the general consensus was that the session had helped them to notice thing more and had also helped with their descriptive skills. So all in all - very satisfactory for everyone concerned. I shall have to see if we can do it again.
No assignment set this time. At the next session, on 7th June, we will move on and start to put together our book. We will decide exactly what kind of book it will be - whether it will be one long story, several short stories or poetry and whether or not they want to also illustrate it. It is going to be very exciting.
So the next session is on 6th June, at the library this time so any assignments they have accrued should be brought along that day and I will hand back those I have read and commented on.
Thanks for making the last session so successful everyone; I am so pleased everyone enjoyed it.
Good writing!
During their play, I noticed how the grown-ups had intermingled which was lovely and quite a few of them wanted to talk to me about the group itself, so it was all very sociable. After another ten minutes or so, I called the Young Writers back and asked each in turn how the session had helped them and what they'd enjoyed. Their eyes were sparkling, their faces flushed from the fresh air and the general consensus was that the session had helped them to notice thing more and had also helped with their descriptive skills. So all in all - very satisfactory for everyone concerned. I shall have to see if we can do it again.
No assignment set this time. At the next session, on 7th June, we will move on and start to put together our book. We will decide exactly what kind of book it will be - whether it will be one long story, several short stories or poetry and whether or not they want to also illustrate it. It is going to be very exciting.
So the next session is on 6th June, at the library this time so any assignments they have accrued should be brought along that day and I will hand back those I have read and commented on.
Thanks for making the last session so successful everyone; I am so pleased everyone enjoyed it.
Good writing!
Friday 15 May 2015
Picnic In The Park Day!!!
Hoping the weather stays good for tomorrow's very special session at Ashburton Park in Lower Addiscombe Road. We will meet at the library as usual and, as long as it is not raining (wasn't Thursday dreadful! Cold and Wet! Yuck!) head over to the park at 9.40, so important you get to the library as near to 9.30 as possible. If you are running late, and the weather is okay, meet us over near the swings where there are some picnic tables. Don't forget - drinks, snacks, notebooks and pens! I will bring worksheets over but nothing else so any outstanding Certificates or Marked Assignments I have got will have to wait until the next session on 6th June.
It should be good fun and an interesting experience so looking forward to a good turn-out. See you tomorrow!
It should be good fun and an interesting experience so looking forward to a good turn-out. See you tomorrow!
Monday 4 May 2015
We Are Writers ...
Somewhat reduced group yesterday but good to have the six turn up that did. Introduced those present to the new project - yep - we are each going to write a book. This is something else we have not attempted before and it will be done in several stages. Saturday's session saw me handing out two worksheets to kick-start it. One explained the six stages which will get the Young Writers there, and the other was a questionnaire asking them what they like to read, what they enjoy writing, who their favourite authors are, who they'd like to be if they could be a writer for one day etc etc etc, so we have made a start. Assignment set was for a Book review of their favourite book to be written.
Next session is our Picnic In The Park Day on 16th May. We will be meeting at the library as usual so we can judge the weather. Obviously if it is cold or wet, we will postpone it but, all being well we will head over to Ashburton Park no later than 9.40. Please note I will need mums, dads or grandparents to stick around for this one as I will need some help, plus it would be for Health & Safety reasons. Bring along drinks and snacks, notebooks and pens. Not only will this be a great opportunty for the Young Writers to work in a totally different environment, it will give the grown-ups the opportunity to speak to me or ask any questions, make comments and suggestions - and it will give me the chance to get to know you all a bit. So it is a win/win/win situation!
Another reminder to please let me know if there are any spring/summer/autumn/Christmas fairs coming up so I can book a table and sell some more copies of My Writer.
Sorry it is a bit short tonight but will try to get back in a day or two.
Next session is our Picnic In The Park Day on 16th May. We will be meeting at the library as usual so we can judge the weather. Obviously if it is cold or wet, we will postpone it but, all being well we will head over to Ashburton Park no later than 9.40. Please note I will need mums, dads or grandparents to stick around for this one as I will need some help, plus it would be for Health & Safety reasons. Bring along drinks and snacks, notebooks and pens. Not only will this be a great opportunty for the Young Writers to work in a totally different environment, it will give the grown-ups the opportunity to speak to me or ask any questions, make comments and suggestions - and it will give me the chance to get to know you all a bit. So it is a win/win/win situation!
Another reminder to please let me know if there are any spring/summer/autumn/Christmas fairs coming up so I can book a table and sell some more copies of My Writer.
Sorry it is a bit short tonight but will try to get back in a day or two.
Monday 27 April 2015
Keep Up the Great Work ...
Great session Saturday! We continued to look at play-writing and ways to get ideas. I haven't had the chance yet to read any of the assignments but what I have seen of their efforts has impressed me no end.
Play-writing is not very easy if you are new to it and in all honesty I have seen several of the younger members struggle with this one. The good thing is that they are confident enough to tell me if they don't get something and that makes me feel very reassured, as the last thing I want to do is alienate them or scare them off by making demands on their creativity which are out of their league. All credit to them though for giving it their best shot. That shows enthusiasm and determination which would put a lot of grown-up people to shame so well done them! I have seen just how hard they have worked and in fact, they have learned an important lesson because sometimes, we writers do get asked to write things that are out of our comfort zone! So there you go.
I am going to introduce a new project this week which will, I hope, take us almost up to the summer holidays (it sounds like a long time but it is only actually around half a dozen sessions) and I think it is something they will particularly enjoy. I will put a Plan Of Action together by Saturday's session when all will be revealed.
And yes, I did say Saturday's session. I know it is unusual for the sessions to be held week on week but, because of other commitments I had to juggle the May dates to ensure the members get their two sessions in. After this the next one will be on 16th May. You should all have received your updates by now but if you haven't let me know.
Thanks due to Namoshi's parents for buying a copy of My Writer last week. Don't forget to let me know if you would like a signed copy for your Writer and I will fetch it along to one of the next sessions; also PLEASE do let me know if your children's schools are holding fetes or fairs or table top sales over the coming months as I would be very happy to pay for a table so I can sell more copies. And let your friends and relatives know about it. Not only is it a romping good read, my hope is that it will inspire young writers (and those not so young) everywhere.
Thanks again for your continued support.
Good writing!
Thursday 23 April 2015
See You Saturday ...
Hope by now you have had all your dates for forthcoming sessions right up to Christmas. I will be bringing extra copies along to Saturday's session so if you haven't had yours, or you can't find it, let me know and I'll give you another one. Don't forget to also let me know if you'd like to purchase a signed copy of my book My Writer. I have had one request already.
Just wanted to also remind everyone we have a session this Saturday, 25th April, same time, same place so please do come along
Will be winding down on play-writing over the next session or two. I thought we'd try something else different which I'll tell you more about in due course.
See you Saturday the - looking forward to it!
Just wanted to also remind everyone we have a session this Saturday, 25th April, same time, same place so please do come along
Will be winding down on play-writing over the next session or two. I thought we'd try something else different which I'll tell you more about in due course.
See you Saturday the - looking forward to it!
Saturday 11 April 2015
Half An Hour At the Ideas Factory
Thank you to those who came along to today's session. Falling in the wake of the Easter holidays, numbers were somewhat depleted. But two of those who did turn up were new members Ibrahim and Daniel, Big welcome to them and thank you for joining in your first session with such gusto! And thanks to the two Mums who brought you along who'd seen my entry on Netmums!
Today we looked at play-writing. We worked as a group. Moving round the table, I asked each member a question like Where would the play be set? What were the names of the characters? What time of day? Working round asking questions like this and then getting each member to imagine what they would say if the situation were real, they actually came up with a rather brilliant scenario! The story is that three children are playing in the school playground one sunny afternoon when a tremor topples a tree which catches one of the children as it falls. Our three children were Daniel, Isaac and Evie. Poor Isaac is the one who gets caught in the tree's branches and has a suspected broken leg. Evie runs to fetch a teacher and Daniel stays and tries to calm the distressed Isaac. When the teacher arrives, she calls an ambulance, Isaac is rescued and whisked off to hospital and the teacher calls his dad to let him know what has happened and the dad says he'll head straight to the hospital.
As I was relayed their ideas back to them in summary, their faces literally glowed with inspiration. This was their play, their characters, their story. It was all their work - all I did was facilitate it. They looked absolutely chuffed at the end of the session and so they should. I sent them home with the assignment to write the opening scene of the play in time for the session on April 25th!
Huge huge well done to everyone and I would love to see Daniel and Ibrahim return! And I can hardly wait to read any assignments brought back.
Today we looked at play-writing. We worked as a group. Moving round the table, I asked each member a question like Where would the play be set? What were the names of the characters? What time of day? Working round asking questions like this and then getting each member to imagine what they would say if the situation were real, they actually came up with a rather brilliant scenario! The story is that three children are playing in the school playground one sunny afternoon when a tremor topples a tree which catches one of the children as it falls. Our three children were Daniel, Isaac and Evie. Poor Isaac is the one who gets caught in the tree's branches and has a suspected broken leg. Evie runs to fetch a teacher and Daniel stays and tries to calm the distressed Isaac. When the teacher arrives, she calls an ambulance, Isaac is rescued and whisked off to hospital and the teacher calls his dad to let him know what has happened and the dad says he'll head straight to the hospital.
As I was relayed their ideas back to them in summary, their faces literally glowed with inspiration. This was their play, their characters, their story. It was all their work - all I did was facilitate it. They looked absolutely chuffed at the end of the session and so they should. I sent them home with the assignment to write the opening scene of the play in time for the session on April 25th!
Huge huge well done to everyone and I would love to see Daniel and Ibrahim return! And I can hardly wait to read any assignments brought back.
Friday 10 April 2015
See You Tomorrow
Don't forget we have a session for the Young Writers tomorrow at Ashburton Library between 9.30 ans 10.30. Don't forget to bring along any completed assignments. See you soon.
Wednesday 1 April 2015
NEW DATES FOR SESSIONS
Hi everyone. So pleased to tell you that the book is still selling steadily and I have a signing lined up in July so watch this space for further details. Still looking at other opportunities and I will of course let you know when they come along. Perhaps your child's school is holding a Spring or Summer Fair? If you could let me know the date, I will see if I can book a table. Don't forget that if you did not buy a copy at the Book Launch, but would still like to purchase one, I am quite happy to bring them along with me whenever there is a Young Writers session - just let me know. The books are £4.99 each..
Below please find the dates for Sessions from September to December this year. These are subject to change and if that becomes necessary, I will ensure you get as much notice as possible. The dates are:
Below please find the dates for Sessions from September to December this year. These are subject to change and if that becomes necessary, I will ensure you get as much notice as possible. The dates are:
Saturday 5th September
Saturday 19th September
Saturday 3rd October
Saturday 17th October
Saturday 31st October
Saturday 14th November
Saturday 28th November
Saturday 12th December
The dates for January to April 2016 should be available before Christmas.
Finally I'd like to tentatively suggest - as long as the weather is with us - that the sessions booked for Saturday 16th May, take place at Ashburton Park near the swings. There are some picnic tables there and we held a session there once before which went down very well. Be nice to bring along some snacks and drinks and also any younger siblings. The Session in The Park gives the Young Writers the opportunity to experience things from a new perspective - new sights, different sounds, textures and smells. I will confirm this date with plenty of notice nearer the time.
Hoping you are all keeping well. Have a lovely Easter and see you all on 11th April.
Tuesday 24 March 2015
Thank You ....
Huge thanks to all the Young Writers who turned up on Saturday. It has been a while since I had fourteen there and the atmosphere was absolutely electric! We continued on the theme of script picture stories for comics - looking at the different genres open to us. Some of their ideas are truly awesome! Their imagination knows no bounds and that is exactly why I love to encourage children to write!
The assignment was to either buy (or get a grown up to buy) a comic to read through, choose one of the stories and then show how they would lay that out that if they were writing it - ie how they would describe the picture, what words the characters are saying and how they would progress the story, bearing in mind everything we have covered the last two sessions. So big Well Done to everyone; you are an inspiration.
The book launch afterwards was a great success! Many thanks to the members who bought copies. I have plenty left in stock so if anyone else wants one, let me know next session and I will bring them in. I will sign them if you want me to. Massive thanks is due to the library staff for allowing me to hold the launch there. Here's to many more!
The next session is on 11th April so hope to see you there. And have a lovely Easter everyone.
The assignment was to either buy (or get a grown up to buy) a comic to read through, choose one of the stories and then show how they would lay that out that if they were writing it - ie how they would describe the picture, what words the characters are saying and how they would progress the story, bearing in mind everything we have covered the last two sessions. So big Well Done to everyone; you are an inspiration.
The book launch afterwards was a great success! Many thanks to the members who bought copies. I have plenty left in stock so if anyone else wants one, let me know next session and I will bring them in. I will sign them if you want me to. Massive thanks is due to the library staff for allowing me to hold the launch there. Here's to many more!
The next session is on 11th April so hope to see you there. And have a lovely Easter everyone.
Friday 20 March 2015
BIG Day Tomorrow ...
Just a quick reminder about tomorrow's session - looking forward to seeing everyone. And please pop along afterwards for the Book Launch which runs from 11 to 12! All very exciting!
Wednesday 11 March 2015
Comic Genius ...
Yet another highly successful session last weekend. Introduced the members to writing Comic Strips. It went down very well - particularly with those who had not given it a go before! The assignment set was to write a new comic strip story and I just know they will deliver! Just to recap the basic Comic Strip story starts off with an idea, a couple of characters and a script - and I could almost see the lightbulb ideas switching on in their heads and that is truly inspirational when the average member is age around seven years! Unbelievable! So with twelve members present the session just flew by. And it was great to see them working in pairs because I didn't suggest that - they just did it instinctively. Huge Well Done to everyone for giving it a go!
Everything is almost ready for the Book launch on 21st March and I do hope you will come along. I will be giving away bookmarks and there'll be sweets to pick at so hopefully it will be a successful event. Should be quite a few there and, to show my appreciation for allowing me to hold the launch in the actual library, I will be donating a couple of copies of the book. It is the least I can do really!
You should have all received your update sheets with dates for sessions up to July but if you haven't then the dates are also featured in the last blog post. If you have any comments, suggestions or ideas, please let me know. I'd so appreciate any feedback!
See you on 21st!
Everything is almost ready for the Book launch on 21st March and I do hope you will come along. I will be giving away bookmarks and there'll be sweets to pick at so hopefully it will be a successful event. Should be quite a few there and, to show my appreciation for allowing me to hold the launch in the actual library, I will be donating a couple of copies of the book. It is the least I can do really!
You should have all received your update sheets with dates for sessions up to July but if you haven't then the dates are also featured in the last blog post. If you have any comments, suggestions or ideas, please let me know. I'd so appreciate any feedback!
See you on 21st!
Monday 2 March 2015
Saturday's Session
Have been sooo busy trying to organise the launch of my new book that everything else has taken a bit of a back seat. With the next session only days away I felt I should give some feedback about the session we had on 21st February and I apologise for the fact it has taken me so long.
The session was really well attended. Thirteen children turned up which was brilliant and we managed to wind down the poetry for the time being to make room for the new project which we start this Saturday, which I am sure the Young Writers will tackle head on because they tackle everything head on. I have been mightily impressed with the standard of their poetry of late and have taken to copying out the ones I am most interested in for use in the proposed quarterly newsletter.
Was sorry to hear we are losing Phoebe. She has been a staunch member and supporter since the group began three years ago and her input has always been invaluable. She will be sorely missed - particularly by me - but I wish her well for the future. And who knows? Maybe our paths will cross again some day. Perhaps when she is a famous writer.
The session was really well attended. Thirteen children turned up which was brilliant and we managed to wind down the poetry for the time being to make room for the new project which we start this Saturday, which I am sure the Young Writers will tackle head on because they tackle everything head on. I have been mightily impressed with the standard of their poetry of late and have taken to copying out the ones I am most interested in for use in the proposed quarterly newsletter.
Was sorry to hear we are losing Phoebe. She has been a staunch member and supporter since the group began three years ago and her input has always been invaluable. She will be sorely missed - particularly by me - but I wish her well for the future. And who knows? Maybe our paths will cross again some day. Perhaps when she is a famous writer.
So here are the dates for the next sessions, a copy of which I will be giving out this Saturday:
May 1st
May 16th
June 7th
June 20th
July 4th
July 25th
When we come back in September (which will be on the 5th), I will give you the autumn and winter dates to take us into (incredible as it sounds) 2016.
And finally I want to mention the subject matter for March - fanfare please - we will be doing Comic Strip stories. Yup! You read that right. And this is something we have NOT done before. I will be preparing some sheets to get them all going so we will see what they can magic up this time!
And I know I will see you all before the Book Launch but please come along on 21st March straight after the session.
Till then - Good Writing To You All!!!
PS - This Sunday marks the first year anniversary of the re-launch of Addiscombe Young Writers. Thank you all so much!!!
Wednesday 11 February 2015
Poetry In Motion
Had eleven children turn up to last Saturday's AYW session including new member Bethany. It was good to see so many there and the session went extremely well as per usual. Still looking at poetry and on this day we tackled Acrostic Poems and Free Verse. We will conclude the poetry theme at the next session and I have a new theme up my sleeve (something we have never ever tried before) which has been requested several times by the members - that will begin in March. More about that next time. Assignment set last Saturday was to write a Free Verse about any subject they like - and the nice thing about Free Verse is that it can be done in shapes, or in the more traditional series of stanzas, they can also either rhyme or not, depending on the writer's mood. It is one of my favourite poetry forms because anything goes - quite literally.
An important date for your diaries is the launch of my new book My Writer which will be at the library, straight after the the AYW session on Saturday 21st March 11.00 - 12.00. You will be receiving an invitation and it would be lovely to see you there - and bring along any family or friends - the more the merrier.
Better go now as quite tired. I will be back before the next session (21st February) with the the dates of the sessions up to the end of July.
Good Writing to you all!!
An important date for your diaries is the launch of my new book My Writer which will be at the library, straight after the the AYW session on Saturday 21st March 11.00 - 12.00. You will be receiving an invitation and it would be lovely to see you there - and bring along any family or friends - the more the merrier.
Better go now as quite tired. I will be back before the next session (21st February) with the the dates of the sessions up to the end of July.
Good Writing to you all!!
Friday 6 February 2015
See You Saturday!
Looking forward to tomorrow's session at Ashburton Library. I will have a number of certificates to award which gives me almost the same huge thrill the Young Writers clearly have receiving them! And it will be very interesting to see what they have come up with re the nonsense rhymes as well!
I am now completely over my cold. I had a little operation in hospital (for something else entirely) on Tuesday just gone so have been off work all week. I am feeling stronger and better by the day and have had a great morning today preparing for tomorrow's session and sending out a Press Release about my new book. I am just waiting to hear from the library about the proposed book launch and will of course let you all know when it will be.
So see you all tomorrow! Keep On Writing!
I am now completely over my cold. I had a little operation in hospital (for something else entirely) on Tuesday just gone so have been off work all week. I am feeling stronger and better by the day and have had a great morning today preparing for tomorrow's session and sending out a Press Release about my new book. I am just waiting to hear from the library about the proposed book launch and will of course let you all know when it will be.
So see you all tomorrow! Keep On Writing!
Thursday 29 January 2015
Last Saturday's Session ...
I AM so sorry it has taken me a couple of days to get back to you following last Saturday's session. I have been nursing another cold and have only just started to get over it so sitting at a laptop held no appeal whatsoever! I just wanted to sleep! Don't know what is going on with all these colds. This is my third since mid December! Ridiculous. Anyway here I am at last so hello everyone and a big hello to new member Bethany.
We continued the poetry vein at this session. For those brave enough to try haiku a couple of weeks before, I put another worksheet together and for those not quite ready, we looked at Nonsense Rhymes. I provided copies of one I had published in an anthology last year and brought the book in so everyone could see it if they wanted to. It seemed to inspire quite a few to give it a go. I think the fact there are no real hard and fast rules to nonsense rhymes is what really grabbed their attention. Anything goes really - you can have pretend characters mixing with people you know in real life and put everyone - and anything - in crazy situations straight from the imagination! Lots of rhyming words, some repetition - all these things help build nonsense poems. Even those members beavering away at haiku ended up joining in and it was plain to see they just did not want the session to end.
Sophia came up with a good idea (she quite often does) whereby she suggested you write a list of rhyming words at the end of each line - and then build the rest of the poem around that. So something like:
We continued the poetry vein at this session. For those brave enough to try haiku a couple of weeks before, I put another worksheet together and for those not quite ready, we looked at Nonsense Rhymes. I provided copies of one I had published in an anthology last year and brought the book in so everyone could see it if they wanted to. It seemed to inspire quite a few to give it a go. I think the fact there are no real hard and fast rules to nonsense rhymes is what really grabbed their attention. Anything goes really - you can have pretend characters mixing with people you know in real life and put everyone - and anything - in crazy situations straight from the imagination! Lots of rhyming words, some repetition - all these things help build nonsense poems. Even those members beavering away at haiku ended up joining in and it was plain to see they just did not want the session to end.
Sophia came up with a good idea (she quite often does) whereby she suggested you write a list of rhyming words at the end of each line - and then build the rest of the poem around that. So something like:
light
bite
jelly
smelly
could potentially lead to a verse like this:
in the light
elephants bite
mouldy cheese jelly
that's ever so smelly
(and I promise, I have not rehearsed that!). It certainly worked for her and she soon had others trying it out so all credit to her for inspiring her peers!
The assignment set was to write a nonsense poem or rhyme about ourselves - particularly our names and I have a hunch that I will get quite a few responses so I very much look forward to reading anything they hand in.
Finally I have spoken to the library staff about the launch of my new book and they have said they will be delighted for it to take place there, so I will get back to everyone once the date has been firmed up. All very exciting!
The next session is on February 7th so see you all there.
Thursday 22 January 2015
See You Saturday ...
Don't forget - we have an AYW session this Saturday, same time, same place. Looking forward to seeing everyone there. Don't let your Young Writers forget to bring back any completed assignments because they all go towards their next Certificate. And let me know if you have made enquiries about my new book. As I mentioned, it will be available in paperback from February and I will be buying a stock of them in so I can do some signings and arrange a launch. If you are interested in buying a paperback edition from me, let me know.
See you all on Saturday then!
See you all on Saturday then!
Wednesday 14 January 2015
Announcement!!
Hello everyone. Pray excuse this brief appendix to my previous post but I wanted to let everyone know that my new book My Writer is now available in e-format from Kindle and Amazon and the paperback format will be available from the end of January. The book is for 6 - 9 year olds and tells the story of Vicky Price aged 10, whose dream is to be a published writer like her favourite author Dickie Doyle. Over the course of a few weeks, her life is turned upside down by a series of events and she writes all about her adventures in her journal ... but will she get to meet her idol...?
If you go onto Amazon and input the title followed by my name (My Writer by Jilly Henderson-Long) it will bring up the details.
I am planning a book launch in March and some signings and I will of course let everyone know about them nearer the time.
If you have any questions, please let me know.
See you on the 24th.
If you go onto Amazon and input the title followed by my name (My Writer by Jilly Henderson-Long) it will bring up the details.
I am planning a book launch in March and some signings and I will of course let everyone know about them nearer the time.
If you have any questions, please let me know.
See you on the 24th.
Monday 12 January 2015
Feedback From Session (10/01/15)
Had eight Young Writers at Saturday's first session of 2015. I am taking them in the Poetry direction at least for the next few sessions as they worked diligently on stories in the run-up to the Christmas break. I had planned to introduce the Young Writers to Haiku but because I know syllables are not the easiest thing in the world to get to grips with if it is your first time, I also came up with an introduction to writing Nursery Rhymes which I offered to the younger members who have not yet met syllables. This being the case I gave the children the option and three went for Nursery Rhymes whilst the rest went for Haiku.
As ever they applied themselves a hundred per cent but even the Nursery Rhymes proved too much for one member who probably had not had the chance to get back into Young Writer mode so soon after Christmas. I never want these youngsters to lose their most important strengths with Creative Writing and that is their love and enjoyment of it. I frequently try to impress on them that the sessions are not an extension of school and that it is quite okay sometimes to either not want to join in or to find something is proving rather more difficult than usual. Even grown-up writers with decades of experience suffer from Writer's Block sometimes - and I speak from experience! If you take the fun out of Writing it ceases to be a pleasure and becomes a dreadful chore - something I am anxious for them to avoid. Fortunately the member in question soon recovered her composure so my hope is that she comes back refreshed and raring to go next time.
The first copy of the newsletter should be available by the end of March as I am looking at producing them quarterly. Still none too sure how this will work out but I will draw on my experience with Word Magic and get the best out of it. I have told the Young Writers that not everyone will get into every newsletter, but that everyone will get in at some point, so they will all have some coverage. I only have limited resources right now and producing it quarterly will probably be the best way to start. We still have not got a title for this so I will review those submitted already and get one picked in time for the first issue.
I have also explained to the members that I am going to be looking at other possible venues where they can experience a different environment in which to get the most of their five senses - perhaps a picnic in a park or a trip to a different library. Once I have some clearer ideas on this I will let you all know. They won't be until the warmer weather arrives, anyway, so I have a couple of months in which to work a few things out.
Assignments set were to produce at least one new Haiku or Nursery Rhyme by the next session.
Looking forward to seeing everyone at the next session on the 24th. If you have any comments or suggestions please get in touch. Till then - Good Writing everyone
As ever they applied themselves a hundred per cent but even the Nursery Rhymes proved too much for one member who probably had not had the chance to get back into Young Writer mode so soon after Christmas. I never want these youngsters to lose their most important strengths with Creative Writing and that is their love and enjoyment of it. I frequently try to impress on them that the sessions are not an extension of school and that it is quite okay sometimes to either not want to join in or to find something is proving rather more difficult than usual. Even grown-up writers with decades of experience suffer from Writer's Block sometimes - and I speak from experience! If you take the fun out of Writing it ceases to be a pleasure and becomes a dreadful chore - something I am anxious for them to avoid. Fortunately the member in question soon recovered her composure so my hope is that she comes back refreshed and raring to go next time.
The first copy of the newsletter should be available by the end of March as I am looking at producing them quarterly. Still none too sure how this will work out but I will draw on my experience with Word Magic and get the best out of it. I have told the Young Writers that not everyone will get into every newsletter, but that everyone will get in at some point, so they will all have some coverage. I only have limited resources right now and producing it quarterly will probably be the best way to start. We still have not got a title for this so I will review those submitted already and get one picked in time for the first issue.
I have also explained to the members that I am going to be looking at other possible venues where they can experience a different environment in which to get the most of their five senses - perhaps a picnic in a park or a trip to a different library. Once I have some clearer ideas on this I will let you all know. They won't be until the warmer weather arrives, anyway, so I have a couple of months in which to work a few things out.
Assignments set were to produce at least one new Haiku or Nursery Rhyme by the next session.
Looking forward to seeing everyone at the next session on the 24th. If you have any comments or suggestions please get in touch. Till then - Good Writing everyone
Wednesday 7 January 2015
All The Best For 2015 ...
Hello mums, dads and Young Writers. Happy New Year to everyone and all the very best for 2015. This is just a quick reminder that we have our first session of the New Year this Saturday, 10th January, same time, same place. Have got lots to catch up on tonight so will keep this short, but I promise I will do a nice newsy post next time!
See you Saturday!
See you Saturday!
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