Have spent a couple of very busy weeks putting the finishing touches to Word Magic - the first book produced by Addiscombe Young Writers. And I have to say it looks rather brilliant! I have even managed to produce a mock-copy to show you all at tomorrow's Christmas Tea. Now it is finished and printed off, the next step is to get it to the printing company and get the copies ordered. Once I have a date of completion, that will be the launch date, which will coincide with the Exhibition of Work. And we'll make an occasion of that, I can promise you.
I know it has all taken a bit longer than anticipated but we got there in the end and I think you will all be surprised and delighted at the result! All that remains to be said is a massive THANK YOU to all of you and your talented scribes for your support and encouragement and have a GREAT CHRISTMAS.
Will update in the New Year with the next sessions and some new ideas. Till then - adios!
Tuesday, 18 December 2012
Wednesday, 12 December 2012
Watch Out - The Young Writers Are About!!
Further to the wonderful news that Croydon Advertiser wishes to feature a weekly column of work by the Young Writers, I have yet another exciting announcement! The Advertiser is sending a photographer along on 19th to take some pictures of the youngsters receiving their certificates, which will be included in a feature about us. And yet more! The first column is currently scheduled to appear in 11th January edition. I will be sending the first four pieces of work to editor Glenn some time over the next week or so. I think the fairest way to do this - since there is no favouritism at AYW - is to work alphabetically, but it would be very helpful if you could reassure the children that everyone is going to get the chance to see their work in print over the next few months, in the local paper - and we will of course keep copies of them for future reference.
One other item is that I have received an email in response to last week's letter of appeal, from a local lady, who has suggested three possible local causes that could benefit from the sale of the childrens' book. One is The Railway Park Group who look after the open space behind the tramstop at Blackhorse Road. The next is the St Mildreds' Church Senior Citizens group at the church and the final suggestion is the Over 60s Club (formerly Croydon Derby & Joan Club) which is based in the sheltered housing complex between Sandilands and Lebanon Road tram stops, in Addiscombe Road. I would really welcome your feedback on this ASAP since I have almost finished compiling the book and intend to mention our good cause on the back cover. Please either email me on jphlong@live.co.uk, text me on 07909 518147 or place a comment here on the blog, to let me know who you think we should choose. Whichever group gets the most votes will be the winner.
See you on 19th. And Good Writing everyone.
One other item is that I have received an email in response to last week's letter of appeal, from a local lady, who has suggested three possible local causes that could benefit from the sale of the childrens' book. One is The Railway Park Group who look after the open space behind the tramstop at Blackhorse Road. The next is the St Mildreds' Church Senior Citizens group at the church and the final suggestion is the Over 60s Club (formerly Croydon Derby & Joan Club) which is based in the sheltered housing complex between Sandilands and Lebanon Road tram stops, in Addiscombe Road. I would really welcome your feedback on this ASAP since I have almost finished compiling the book and intend to mention our good cause on the back cover. Please either email me on jphlong@live.co.uk, text me on 07909 518147 or place a comment here on the blog, to let me know who you think we should choose. Whichever group gets the most votes will be the winner.
See you on 19th. And Good Writing everyone.
Wednesday, 5 December 2012
Session 12 Update
Hello again everyone and thank you for signing in. Quick update following today's session. Firstly, I have explained to the Young Writers that I am going to put a sample copy together of their book prior to sending it to the printers so that they can see what their work looks like. It is my intention to do this by the Christmas Tea on 19th. Secondly, I have also promised to get back on top of the certificates so that we can have a nice presentation ceremony at the Christmas Tea. I also explained to them that the booklet is unlikely to now be ready before Christmas due to my massive workload and everything else going on, and that we will now launch the book when we have the exhibition in the New Year. I hope they were not too disappointed. At least they seemed very excited by the idea of their work appearing in the Croydon Advertiser, anyway!
For the session itself, I asked them to challenge their own imaginations by writing a Christmas wish list for a superhero or film/book/tv character. They took to this task with a huge surge of enthusiasm and some of their suggestions were hilarious - a portable washing machine for James Bond (so he can was all the blood off his clothes apparently), some new clothes for The Incredible Hulk, some hair-styling scissors for Rapunzel and an electric shaver for Santa (so his beard doesn't get caught up on chimneys or full of soot). This was a simple enough little task but the depth of their imagination was totally awe-inspiring and just goes to show how hungry they are to write write write and utilise their own creativity and ideas. It was also very rewarding to see them working together and tossing ideas about.
Since the next session is actually our Christmas Tea (thank you Amanda), I did not set an assignment; however those of whom that wish to write are more than welcome to do so. I left the theme open so it will be interesting to see what (or if, bearing in mind how close we are to Christmas now) they can come up with.
During the Christmas Break, I will also be reviewing the whole set-up of the group and trying to think of ways we can take this forward without it becoming repetitive or mundane, including how I can continue with the Certificate trail - and hopefully add some new dimensions to the sessions. This, I am convinced, is going to be my biggest challenge yet, but I promise I will do my utmost to deliver and keep it fresh. The Young Writers deserve that after all their hard work.
I look forward to seeing everyone at the Christmas Tea on 19th then. And please don't hesitate to get in touch with any questions , comments or suggestions. Good writing!
For the session itself, I asked them to challenge their own imaginations by writing a Christmas wish list for a superhero or film/book/tv character. They took to this task with a huge surge of enthusiasm and some of their suggestions were hilarious - a portable washing machine for James Bond (so he can was all the blood off his clothes apparently), some new clothes for The Incredible Hulk, some hair-styling scissors for Rapunzel and an electric shaver for Santa (so his beard doesn't get caught up on chimneys or full of soot). This was a simple enough little task but the depth of their imagination was totally awe-inspiring and just goes to show how hungry they are to write write write and utilise their own creativity and ideas. It was also very rewarding to see them working together and tossing ideas about.
Since the next session is actually our Christmas Tea (thank you Amanda), I did not set an assignment; however those of whom that wish to write are more than welcome to do so. I left the theme open so it will be interesting to see what (or if, bearing in mind how close we are to Christmas now) they can come up with.
During the Christmas Break, I will also be reviewing the whole set-up of the group and trying to think of ways we can take this forward without it becoming repetitive or mundane, including how I can continue with the Certificate trail - and hopefully add some new dimensions to the sessions. This, I am convinced, is going to be my biggest challenge yet, but I promise I will do my utmost to deliver and keep it fresh. The Young Writers deserve that after all their hard work.
I look forward to seeing everyone at the Christmas Tea on 19th then. And please don't hesitate to get in touch with any questions , comments or suggestions. Good writing!
Sunday, 25 November 2012
EXCITING NEWS
I have had a very exciting email from the Senior Editor at Croydon Advertiser. He contacted me personally and proposed a brand new weekly column in the Advertiser to showcase the work of your talented scribblers! Not only is this a fantabulous opportunity for the Young Writers to regularly see their work in print, it is a great way to strengthen the group's reputation.
He and I will be discussing ways to take this forward over the next few days and, once we have crossed all the t's and dotted all the i's, I'll come back to you with an update. In the meantime I just want to say a big Well Done to everybody. I'll keep you posted.
He and I will be discussing ways to take this forward over the next few days and, once we have crossed all the t's and dotted all the i's, I'll come back to you with an update. In the meantime I just want to say a big Well Done to everybody. I'll keep you posted.
Wednesday, 21 November 2012
Session 11 Update
Thank you to everyone who showed up to today's session- and a big welcome to our two visitors who came along to watch and get a taste of things. Although the young writers seemed somewhat quieter than usual, it was still heartening to see them scribbling away, exchanging ideas and actually coming up with some very original takes on the theme of Christmas. The assignment set was for them to either write a brand new Christmas piece, or to redraft what they came up with today. It can be a story, poem, new words to an old carol - or even a panto scene - it is entirely up to them as long as they stick to the theme. I very much look forward to seeing their work.
I had a chat with Amanda today and we have agreed that, in order for the exhibition to achieve the maximum success, it would be better to plan it for some time in the new year, rather than just dashing it off and hoping for the best. This not only gives me more time to concentrate on getting the booklet finished, but also to deal with the entries of a story competition I have been commissioned to judge. And it means we will be able to make quite an event of it, with a bit of pomp and circumstance. Your kids deserve it after all the hard work they have put in since we started up earlier this year. As far as the booklet itself is concerned - I have almost finished arranging it. It has a title - "Word-Magic" - and the only other thing I need to find is a local charitable cause that would benefit from sales. Watch this space.
The next session will be on 5th December and I will be awarding all the due certificates on that day, plus there will be a Christmas Tea on 19th, so lots to look forward to.
Finally, it is with relief that I can confirm that we will be able to continue meeting after New Year and, with this in mind, I am now looking at ways of revising the Certificate trail and coming up with the next project after our exhibition. As usual please feel free to call me, text me, email me or make a comment on this blog as I am always keen to hear from you all.
Good Writing everyone!
I had a chat with Amanda today and we have agreed that, in order for the exhibition to achieve the maximum success, it would be better to plan it for some time in the new year, rather than just dashing it off and hoping for the best. This not only gives me more time to concentrate on getting the booklet finished, but also to deal with the entries of a story competition I have been commissioned to judge. And it means we will be able to make quite an event of it, with a bit of pomp and circumstance. Your kids deserve it after all the hard work they have put in since we started up earlier this year. As far as the booklet itself is concerned - I have almost finished arranging it. It has a title - "Word-Magic" - and the only other thing I need to find is a local charitable cause that would benefit from sales. Watch this space.
The next session will be on 5th December and I will be awarding all the due certificates on that day, plus there will be a Christmas Tea on 19th, so lots to look forward to.
Finally, it is with relief that I can confirm that we will be able to continue meeting after New Year and, with this in mind, I am now looking at ways of revising the Certificate trail and coming up with the next project after our exhibition. As usual please feel free to call me, text me, email me or make a comment on this blog as I am always keen to hear from you all.
Good Writing everyone!
Monday, 5 November 2012
Happy Halloween - Session 10 Update
Once again I apologise for keeping you all waiting. When I left last week's session, I really did plan to get to the laptop within a day or two, but, as usual, life got in the way and it has taken me almost a week. I really am sorry - but thank you whole-heartedly for trying again because this time - heigh-ho - here I actually am!
We had a great session last week. I think the young writers were already really fired up because of halloween and the iminent trick-or-treating session scheduled to begin straight after, but even that excitement did not stop them getting stuck in. And - how pleased am I - another two new members! That makes around six Newbies in the space of three sessions. Thank you very much for fetching them in, dad; I hope we'll see you all again next time.
I have to say, mums and dads, your talented scribes have not made it easy for me to pick the contents for the booklet and exhibition! I have got so much material to choose from that it is going to prove nigh on impossible for me to feature all of it. What I have been doing the last couple of evenings, is reading, re-reading and then re-reading again so that only the very best stuff actually appears in the book - and whatever is left over will definitely appear at the exhibition. The draft copy is slowly coming together and I will do a bit more shortly. Once I know what is actually going in and where, I will then start to Laptop it. I want to get the completed book over to the printer within three weeks max so I have got my work cut out.
The next session is on Wednesday 21st November by which time I should be able to provide another update on the book's progress.
I hope everyone had a great Halloween.
Good writing, everyone.
We had a great session last week. I think the young writers were already really fired up because of halloween and the iminent trick-or-treating session scheduled to begin straight after, but even that excitement did not stop them getting stuck in. And - how pleased am I - another two new members! That makes around six Newbies in the space of three sessions. Thank you very much for fetching them in, dad; I hope we'll see you all again next time.
I have to say, mums and dads, your talented scribes have not made it easy for me to pick the contents for the booklet and exhibition! I have got so much material to choose from that it is going to prove nigh on impossible for me to feature all of it. What I have been doing the last couple of evenings, is reading, re-reading and then re-reading again so that only the very best stuff actually appears in the book - and whatever is left over will definitely appear at the exhibition. The draft copy is slowly coming together and I will do a bit more shortly. Once I know what is actually going in and where, I will then start to Laptop it. I want to get the completed book over to the printer within three weeks max so I have got my work cut out.
The next session is on Wednesday 21st November by which time I should be able to provide another update on the book's progress.
I hope everyone had a great Halloween.
Good writing, everyone.
Wednesday, 10 October 2012
Session 9 - Update
Brilliant session today. It was great to see our newbies again because it showed me that they actually got something out of Session 8 - and that is what it's all about!
Today most of the young writers handed in their profiles and most of the consent forms have come back as well so thank you to everyone. The theme today - in preparation for our Halloween session - was to create a magic spell and write it down. Some of those I saw were hilarious - with a marked interest in 'bottoms' and 'poos' I noted - and the youngsters themselves seemed to really let their imaginations run wild. The assignment set was to then take their magic spell and either re-draft it or incorporate it into a short story. And in keeping with the Halloween theme, I thought it would add a bit of fun if the children could also wear witch or wizard hats to Session 10 - which will be on Halloween day, 31st October, 4 till 5 as usual.
31st October is also the very last date that I can accept their contributions for the booklet so I asked the young writers to make sure they bring any intended work in on that day. After that date, further assignments will continue to count towards their next certificate so there will be no reason for them to stop writing. The booklet is only a part of the scheme. The real deal is to develop their interest in writing. Even if none of them actually grow up to be writers, I like to think that these sessions will at least contribute to their future and continue to build their confidence.
Finally, please let me reassure you all that any spelling or grammar issues that appear in the young writers' assignments is not a problem and will not have a detrimental effect on their chances of appearing in the booklet. I am happy to spell words out if the children ask - but I don't want to risk stepping on the toes of their school teachers. I will correct any errors when I collate the book for the printer; my main aim now, as it has always been, is just to encourage their creative output and try to keep that momentum going. I hope that sets your minds at ease.
Thanks again for all your support and - as ever - if you have any questions or comments, don't hesitate to get in touch. My email address is jphlong@live.co.uk and my mobile number is 07909 518147.
Good writing, everyone.
Today most of the young writers handed in their profiles and most of the consent forms have come back as well so thank you to everyone. The theme today - in preparation for our Halloween session - was to create a magic spell and write it down. Some of those I saw were hilarious - with a marked interest in 'bottoms' and 'poos' I noted - and the youngsters themselves seemed to really let their imaginations run wild. The assignment set was to then take their magic spell and either re-draft it or incorporate it into a short story. And in keeping with the Halloween theme, I thought it would add a bit of fun if the children could also wear witch or wizard hats to Session 10 - which will be on Halloween day, 31st October, 4 till 5 as usual.
31st October is also the very last date that I can accept their contributions for the booklet so I asked the young writers to make sure they bring any intended work in on that day. After that date, further assignments will continue to count towards their next certificate so there will be no reason for them to stop writing. The booklet is only a part of the scheme. The real deal is to develop their interest in writing. Even if none of them actually grow up to be writers, I like to think that these sessions will at least contribute to their future and continue to build their confidence.
Finally, please let me reassure you all that any spelling or grammar issues that appear in the young writers' assignments is not a problem and will not have a detrimental effect on their chances of appearing in the booklet. I am happy to spell words out if the children ask - but I don't want to risk stepping on the toes of their school teachers. I will correct any errors when I collate the book for the printer; my main aim now, as it has always been, is just to encourage their creative output and try to keep that momentum going. I hope that sets your minds at ease.
Thanks again for all your support and - as ever - if you have any questions or comments, don't hesitate to get in touch. My email address is jphlong@live.co.uk and my mobile number is 07909 518147.
Good writing, everyone.
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