Welcome to Felixstowe Scribblers

Monday, November 23, 2009

THE ANTHOLOGY BOOK LAUNCH

It's almost here!

Our Felixstowe Scribblers Anthology Book Launch
takes place on
Saturday 28th November 2009at
The Castle Lodge Hotel
Chevalier Rd
Felixstowe
Suffolk
IP11 7JW
Doors will open at 7.00pm for a 7.30 pm launch.

The event is being held to launch our 2010 Felixstowe Scribblers Anthology
With over 120 pages packed with short stories and poetry from some 36 past and present Felixstowe Scribblers, it is priced at £5 and represents remarkable value for money in this present climate and will certainly make an ideal Christmas gift.
Profits from the anthology will go to the East Anglia’s Children’s Hospice.
Music will be provided by Kol Paterson. A licensed bar will be available.

Radio Suffolk

The Radio Suffolk intended five minute interview on Wednesday with Dave Feakes, Has been cancelled. This has been re-scheduled for Thursday 26th November when Dick Bradshaw will be interviewed instead.

Dave is now unable to participate because of illness.

The next Scribblers meeting will be on Tuesday 1st December at 7.30 pm in the Felixstowe Library.

Keep Scribbling!

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Newsheet

EMAIL ADDRESS
scribblers@btinternet.com


For all your research and information
visit your local Felixstowe Library
and the Suffolk Record Office.

FELIXSTOWE SCRIBBLERS NEWSHEET

Incorporating
the

REPORT FOR 17th NOVEMBER 2009



NEWS:

THE LOST SOCK

Our normal Tuesday meeting at Felixstowe Library was cancelled after we received the open invitation to watch the film version of Felixstowe TV’s series of ‘The Lost Sock’.

The film was shown at the St Andrews Church Hall where a comfortably sized crowd had an evening of free entertainment and amusement. For many present this was an evening of pure nostalgia with a mix of actors, writers and directors and producers of the film were present.

There were quite a number of black shirts being worn, all bearing The Lost Sock logo that was designed by one time Scribbler Debbie Sutton from her home in France.

Both Felixstowe TV and Felixstowe Films are interested in producing another film – with a more serious streak this time - so who knows if there will be yet another surge of script writing amongst the Scribblers?

THE ANTHOLOGY

Our book launch takes place on Saturday 28 November with the doors opening at 7.00 pm for a 7.30 start at the Castle Lodge Hotel. Rachel Sloane has accepted the invitation to attend whilst Radio Suffolk will be interviewing one of our own, Dave Feakes, on Wednesday 25th November at 1.25pm.

A bar will be available at the launch along with music provided by Kol Paterson. The object is to sell as many anthologies as possible with profits going to EACH. Thanks go to the Anthology committee, Barry, Jane and Les for their hard work and to the many people who have pre-ordered copies which will be available for collection on the night. Here’s hoping for a super turn-out!


A MESSAGE TO THE SCRIBBLERS FROM KATE

“I wanted to invite all scribblers to the drinks evening for my new exhibition of paintings at Aldeburgh – it would be so nice to see you there. Here are the details:

The Creative Self: Inner and Outer Landscapes of Suffolk

An exhibition of atmospheric and evocative oil paintings inspired by the beauty of the Suffolk landscape, by local artist Kate Ackerley, at The Aldeburgh Gallery 143 High St, Aldeburgh IP13 23D. Open every day from 10-5pm. Private view by invitation on Saturday 12th December 6-9pm. Mulled wine and mince pies on Sunday 13th December 2-4pm, all welcome.

See www.KateAckerley.com for more details or 01728 452772 and 0754 999 2649.

I hope to see you!
Good luck with writing and I hope to return to Scribbling in the New Year,
Best wishes
Kate”


OUR NEXT MEETING at The Room at the Top Felixstowe Library ....

Takes place on Tuesday 1st December at 7.30 pm

The 1,500 word open themed work will be provided by Shaun and Tony..

The 500 word homework assignment should be centred on a Christmas or New Year theme.

Until next time

Keep Scribbling!

*****
Support those who support us! Have a look at Scott’s website at http://www.mrcobblerandmrlocks.co.uk
Don’t forget that Scott has special ‘Felixstowe Scribblers’ mugs on sale at £5 each. Not only does it have the Scribblers logo on the front, but your name can also be added on the rear.

*****

THE
KOL PATERSON BAND
Smooth & Groovy
JAZZ
For all occasions
from
Solo piano to 5-piece band
CD available on request
Tel: 01473 712624
Email: kol@ourservice2u.co.uk

*****

Castle Lodge Hotel
Chevalier Rd
Felixstowe
Suffolk
IP11 7JW
TEL: 01394 282149

******

Vibe TV

Wipst Premier Screenwriting Competition 2009
‘From page to screen’
Writers International Premier Screen Talent:
FINAL JUDGE IS REVEALED FOR Wipst COMPETITION

Writers International premier screenwriting competition, Wipst, are excited to reveal the final member of this years judging panel, as Professor Hazel Walford Davies.

Professor Walford Davies is a graduate in English from the University of Wales, Cardiff, and also has an M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Wales. She has held posts in both the English Department and the Drama Department at the University of Wales, Aberystwyth (subsequently as a Senior Lecturer), as well as at Manchester College, Oxford, and at the University of Glamorgan (as Professor). Since 1980 she has held visiting professorships in Literature and Theatre at various American universities. Hazel is a Board member and Fellow of Academi.

Vibe TV’s director, Sue Powell-Reed said, ‘Given her travelling commitments across the globe, we feel privileged that Professor Davies has agreed to join the judging panel. Her knowledge and experience will be invaluable to every entrant , and the lucky winner will benefit enormously from her critique.’

Wipst has been created to seek undiscovered raw talent in the film and television industry, giving hope to young professionals in the field. With just under two weeks to go until the closing date, it’s important that you send your entries in now. It is so difficult to break into the business, to get seen or heard, but with a short film/television programme to show, you can enter film festivals or send to directors and producers - the people that make things happen.

The closing date is November 30th 2009, and the overall winner will be announced on January 18, 2010. A pilot (10 minutes) will be commissioned to promote the screenplay which will be filmed in March/April 2010 at an appropriate location for the film/television screenplay.

Contact editor@vibetv.tv for more information, or visit our website at www.vibetv.tv/competition.aspx and click on the Wipst competition icon.

Friday, November 13, 2009

TUESDAY 17th NOVEMBER - OPPORTUNITY TO SEE "THE LOST SOCK"

A reminder that our next meeting at the Room at the Top will be held on Tuesday 1st December at 7.30 pm when the 1,500 word open themed work will be presented by Shaun and Tony. The 500 word homework assignment should be centred on a Christmas or New Year theme.

So why no meeting on Tuesday 17th November?

This has been cancelled as the Scribblers have been invited by Felixstowe TV for a special screening of ‘The Lost Sock’ on the very same evening. The film will shown at St. Andrews Church Hall in Felixstowe with a start time of 7.30pm. You have the opportunity to view the film that the Scribblers wrote as a first time labour of love! Entry is free though if you wish to take along a drink and possibly some nibbles too then that will be most acceptable. Spaces are limited reserve a place please drop an email to giles@felixstowetv.co.uk as soon as possible or, if you prefer, direct to scribblers@btinternet.com.

News of our book launch will follow next week.

Hope to see you at 'The Lost Sock'!

Keep Scribbling!

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

BOOK LAUNCH

Felixstowe Scribblers – Your local Writing Group

The Felixstowe Scribblers Book Launch
takes place on
Saturday 28th November 2009
at
The Castle Lodge Hotel
Chevalier Rd
Felixstowe
Suffolk
IP11 7JW
Doors will open at 7.00pm for a 7.30 pm launch.

The event is being held to launch our 2010 Felixstowe Scribblers Anthology
With over 120 pages packed with short stories and poetry from some 36 past and present Felixstowe Scribblers, it is priced at £5 and represents remarkable value for money in this present climate and will certainly make an ideal Christmas gift.
Profits from the anthology will go to the East Anglia’s Children’s Hospice.
Music will be provided by Kol Paterson. A licensed bar will be available.
Dave Feakes
Secretary,
scribblers@btinternet.com

Friday, November 06, 2009

OPPORTUNITY TO VIEW "THE LOST SOCK"

Our next meeting, scheduled for Tuesday 17th November has been cancelled – the reason being that Felixstowe TV are presenting a showing of ‘The Lost Sock’ on the same evening and have invited Felixstowe Scribblers to attend. The film will shown at St. Andrews Church Hall in Felixstowe with a start time of 7.30pm.
This provides an opportunity to view the film and witness the results of the Scribblers labour of love! More to the point, entry is free!

Spaces are limited and with twelve of our group already booked to go along it is essential for other members to reserve their places. Please email giles@felixstowetv.co.uk as soon as possible or, if you prefer, to scribblers@btinternet.com.

REPORT OF OUR LAST MEETING

FELIXSTOWE SCRIBBLERS NEWSHEET

Incorporating
the

REPORT OF THE MEETING HELD 3rd NOVEMBER 2009

APOLOGIES: Morag, Angela P, Ruth, Debbie, Barry and Trish.

ATTENDING: Shaun, Ros, Liliane, Jane, Sandy, Cathy, Amanda, Tony, Dick, Stephen, Peter and Dave (chair)

MATTERS ARISING and NEWS:

We hear that our friend Geraldine Rose has registered for the National Novel Writing Month that is taking place now, in November. Geraldine won this competition about four years ago. Essentially you have to write a novel of 175 pages amounting to 50,000 words or more between 1st November and midnight on 30th November. It is quantity that counts in this instance rather than quality! No other Scribbler has entered as far as we are aware. Good luck Geraldine!

The Murder Mystery script, “The Crabby Arms Affair”, has duly been handed over to Rushmere Players who had their first read-through last night (Monday) and it seemed to be well accepted with only one contentious issue being deleted! The Colneis PTA will advertise the event play for ‘Adults Only’. The performance has been pencilled in for Saturday February 6th which unfortunately clashed with Springfield Follies pantomime and means that one of its writers, Tony, will miss out. There seemed no alternative to overcome the dilemma.

Our next meeting, scheduled for Tuesday 17th November has been cancelled – the reason being that Felixstowe TV are presenting a showing of ‘The Lost Sock’ on the same evening and have invited Felixstowe Scribblers to attend. The film will shown at St. Andrews Church Hall in Felixstowe with a start time of 7.30pm.
This provides an opportunity to view the film and witness the results of the Scribblers labour of love! More to the point, entry is free!

Spaces are limited and with twelve of our group already booked to go along it is essential to reserve a place if you would also like to see it. Please drop an email to giles@felixstowetv.co.uk as soon as possible or, if you prefer, to scribblers@btinternet.com.


Our book launch will take place as originally stated, on Saturday 28 November with a 7.00 pm for 7.30 start at the Castle Lodge Hotel. A bar will be available with along with music provided by Kol Paterson. The object is to sell as many anthologies as possible with profits going to EACH. Thanks go to the many people who have pre-ordered their copies which will be available for collection on the night. Here’s hoping for a good turn-out!

THE PLATFORM

The 1,500 word open themed assignments:

Sandy: Resolution
Dick: The Traveller

The 500 word assignment “Foreign Country” or “Fantasy” or both.

Shaun: Eating Custard
Stephen: Florida
Ros: Hauntingly Foreign but Beautiful
Liliane: Don’t Invade My World
Jane: The Real Fantasy
Cathy: Foreign Country
Amanda: A Little After 5am In The North Sea
Tony: Snakes on the Plain
Peter: Gulana Fawkes
Dave: Reality, a Past Fantasy

OUR NEXT “MEETING” ...

Will be at St. Andrews Church Hall on Tuesday 17th for the film “The Lost Sock”.



OUR NEXT MEETING at Felixstowe Library ....

Takes place on Tuesday 1st December at 7.30 pm in the Room at the Top, Felixstowe Library.

The 1,500 word work on the 1st December will be read by Shaun and Tony.

The 500 word homework assignment should be centred on a Christmas or New Year theme.

Until next time

Keep Scribbling!

*****
Support those who support us! Have a look at Scott’s website at http://www.mrcobblerandmrlocks.co.uk
Don’t forget that Scott has special ‘Felixstowe Scribblers’ mugs on sale at £5 each. Not only does it have the Scribblers logo on the front, but your name can also be added on the rear.

*****

THE
KOL PATERSON BAND
Smooth & Groovy
JAZZ
For all occasions
from
Solo piano to 5-piece band
CD available on request
Tel: 01473 712624
Email: kol@ourservice2u.co.uk

*****

Castle Lodge Hotel
Chevalier Rd
Felixstowe
Suffolk
IP11 7JW
TEL: 01394 282149

******

Welcome to WritingRaw.com: Writing Raw is a FREE literary ezine dedicated to new and emerging writers of the following categories: FICTION, POETRY and ASSORTED writings. Our goal at Writing Raw is simple - to serve the literary community with the opportunity to have their work online and out in the world. In this world of disappearing literary magazines, Writing Raw is providing the blank pages for writers to fill.

NEW: www.WritingRaw.com is proud to announce November’s 7-Question Interview with the following authors:

• Michelle Cooper: Award-winning author for teenagers
• Robert Dunbar: Cult Horror author
• Lev Grossman: Senior writer and book critic for TIME
• J. A. Jance: New York Times bestselling author
• Karen Kingsbury: America's #1 inspirational novelist
• Bentley Little: New York Times bestselling author
• Sarah Langan: New York Times bestselling author
• Graham Masterton: Bestselling horror novelist
• Jack McDevitt: Award winning author of SciFi
• Alyson Noël: Bestselling teen novelist
• Lavie Tidhar: Award winning author of SciFi/Horror
• Charles Todd: Award nominated Mystery author
• David Wellington: Contemporary American horror author

Also,

• Profiled 7 Question Author Interview: Karen Kingsbury

• Profiled 7 Question Publisher Interview: David L. Young, Nousemoise Publishing

• Profiled Public Relations Interview: Paula Margulies, Paula Margulies Communications
and, 7 Question Author Interview: Paula Margulies, author of Coyote Heart

• Profiled WritingRaw Author: Jason M. Green

• Profiled WritingRaw Poet: Twist and Turns of Life, by Marvin Alexander

• Online Novel Highlight: The Blessing Game, by Ronald L. Gillum


Assorted: Awakening the Inner Sense: Some Methods and Meditation Objects by Floco Tausin

Fiction:
Artist's Touch by Avily Jerome
Bipolar by Debra Ann Elliott
Casting Seeds by Cyn Armes
Ghost Town by Daniel W. Davis
Green Eyed Monster by Claire Godden-Rowland
In Her Eyes by Raphael Henaut
Nothing That Needed Eyes by Bob Sanchez
Range Fed Chicken by Bruce Payne
Shei Bi Wo Zhen by Raphael Henaut
The Green Door by Derek G Rogers
The Hint of the Century by David Lindsay

Serials:
Really Bad Shakespeare: Episode 2
The Dream Group: 1 by Steven E. Liebowitz, Ed.D.

Poetry:
5 Poems by James Dye by James Dye
7 Poems by Marilyn Worship by Marilyn Worship
Clean! by Dekanogi Ulogilv
Filling Miley's Water Bowl by Danny P. Barbare
Hooked on Trash by Carole D Zebaze
I Do Not by Dekanogi Ulogilv
I Hate You Like This by Susan McIntosh
Joanna Grant: A Small Collection by Joanna Grant
Love by Imagination by David Burton
Meeting as Friends by Frank Joussen
Poems by Dr. Ram Sharma by Dr. Ram Sharma
The Tastee Freeze by Katherine M. Searle
The Twelve Kisses of Saturn: a collection of poetry by Wrulf VonGlashaus-Steinberger
The Wounded Warrior by Dekanogi Ulogilv
Under the Influence by Carole D Zebaze


Exclusively, on Writing Raw: really BAD Shakespeare, a bi-monthly penny dreadful… really BAD Shakespeare is a new adventure in storytelling. Based on the concept of the penny dreadfuls from the nineteenth century, really BAD Shakespeare is a black comedy based on the "end of days" in the fictional town of Potter's Field, Illinois. Published bi-monthly and containing less than 1,500 words per episode, this experiment in creative writing will allow writers to expand their storytelling skills while pushing the plot further.

Read episode 2 today – only on www.WritingRaw.com


We also support other sites that help writers: With writing being such a solitary business, www.WritingRaw.com believes in reaching out to other sites, writing groups, forums, and organizations. Contact us on how you can put a FREE banner, announcement or link on our site!

Thank you for your time and support.

Weeb
WritingRaw.com


Join WritingRaw.com on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/weeb.heinrich?ref=profile


******

Wipst
Premier Screenwriting Competition 2009
‘From page to screen’
Writers International Premier Screen Talent:

TWO JUDGE’S ANNOUNCED FOR Wipst COMPETITION

Writers International premier screenwriting competition, Wipst, have announced two more eminent members to the judging panel. Wipst has welcomed Simon Harris, a talented writer and director, along with Allan Cook, who spent over 30 years as a senior producer for the BBC.

Vibe TV’s director, Sue Powell-Reed said, “I’m delighted to have both Simon and Allan on board. They bring extensive experience to the competition, they’ve been there and done it so to speak, and certainly know what to look for. This competition is a wonderful opportunity for raw writing talent, and the winner will benefit enormously from the opportunity of meeting and talking to these professionals already working in the industry.”

Simon’s current projects include a thirty minute television film called The Good Soldier commissioned for the ITV network, writing a new stage play and directing a variety of new theatre productions for 2009. He has more famously and recently written episodes for the BBC’s production of Crash, a hospital drama set in Cardiff. It’s been proven a raging success amongst many. As a graduate of University College of London, Simon then trained as a professional actor at RADA. His CV is overwhelmed with prestigious theatrical roles, having been the Artistic Director of the national company for new writing in Wales and founding the multi-award-winning Sgript Cymru. Simon offered his talent to the prestigious Clore Leadership Programme, considered as quite an achievement as only a small number of directors have done so.

After University, Allan Cook trained with the Arts Council of Great Britain at the Citizens' Theatre in Glasgow under Michael Blakemore. A tour of Rep theatres and a stint in the west end led him to become Administrator to the Billingham Forum Theatre. From there he became Company and Touring Manager to the Lincoln Theatre Royal and then the Welsh National Theatre Company. When the WNTC gave up touring to go into the Casson studio he moved into television "for a year or two". The year or two became thirty years and he was a senior producer at the BBC in both Childrens and Drama Departments. Since leaving the BBC he has worked on Crossroads, for Peak Viewing Tranatlantic. He has also kept his hand in theatre productions and recently directed "Dandelion" for On the Edge, as well as a national tour of Michael Frayn's "Copenhagen."

Wipst has been created to seek out undiscovered raw talent in the film and television industry, giving hope to young professionals in the field. With just under four weeks to go until the closing date, it’s important that you send your entries in now. It is so difficult to break into the business, to get seen or heard, but with a short movie/television programme to show, you can enter film festivals or send it to directors and producers and all the people that make things happen.

The closing date is November 30th 2009, and the overall winner will be announced on January 18, 2010. A pilot (10 minutes) will be commissioned to promote the screenplay which will be filmed in March/April 2010 at an appropriate location for the film/television screenplay.

Contact editor@vibetv.tv for more information, or visit our website at www.vibetv.tv/competition.aspx and click on the Wipst competition icon.

*****

Friday, October 30, 2009

OUR NEXT MEETING....

....is on Tuesday 3rd November at the Room at The Top, Felixstowe Library. Start time 7.30pm

The winner of the 2009 Luke Bitmead Writer’s Bursary is announced


Author Ruth Dugdall from Suffolk has been announced as the winner of the 2009 Luke Bitmead Writer’s Bursary, in a ceremony in Central London last night. Ruth received a cheque for £2,500 as well as a publishing contract with Legend Press for her novel The Woman Before Me. The novel will be published Summer 2010.

Two additional prizes were awarded on the night to 2nd and 3rd place writers Iain Laurie for his novel Smilers and Bea Davenport for her novel Kill & Tell. The winners were chosen from a shortlist of 10 authors by a judging panel including best-selling authors Sam Mills and Zoë Jenny, Luke’s mother and sister and representatives from Legend Press.

The bursary is funded by the Luke Bitmead Memorial Fund, founded by Luke’s family in association with Legend Press in 2006, shortly after Luke’s tragic death at the age of just 34. Luke’s book White Summer was the first novel to be published by Legend Press and Luke was one of the UK’s most talented up-and-coming writers. Legend Press are delighted to be working with Luke's family to ensure that Luke’s name and memory lives on. The bursary was set up to encourage and support the work of struggling talented writers, whose work is yet to be published. The winner of the 2008 bursary Andrew Blackman published his novel On the Holloway Road with Legend Press in February 2009. This year’s bursary received double the number of submissions as last year.

Tom Chalmers, Managing Director of Legend Press, commented: ”We are delighted to announce Ruth as the winner of this year’s Bursary. The judging panel were gripped with Ruth’s writing and we can’t wait to start working with her on this superb novel. Life is often incredibly tough for aspiring writers, and this bursary offers the perfect opportunity to support and develop talented authors. We are delighted to work with Luke’s family on this award, and from working with Luke, I know he would be delighted at the opportunity the bursary creates.”

Author and judge Sam Mills commented: 'I am amazed that Ruth's book - the winner of a Debut Dagger in 2005 - hasn't been picked up by publishers up until this point. But their loss is our gain! 'The Woman Before Me' is a stylish, intelligent psychological thriller that kept me turning pages from the word go. I have no doubt she will soon be entering the bestseller lists.'

Luke’s mother, Elaine Hanson commented: “The Luke Bitmead Memorial Fund has been set up for two reasons, firstly to give support to unpublished fledgling writers, particularly those who have striven to work through the disempowering feelings of anxiety and depression. Secondly to eradicate the stigma that prevents mental health problems being discussed openly enabling support and understanding. It is so uplifting to hear that The Royal College Of Psychiatrists last week launched its own cards specifically designed to be sent to people with mental health problems. With the rock solid support of Legend Press it feels as if we are helping to encourage creativity and inspire openness and compassion which must help generate a healthier environment for us all.”

BBC MY STORY

They say everyone has a book inside them. This autumn the BBC is on the hunt for real life stories that could become best selling books…

Following on from the success of the recent poetry season, the BBC is launching a major new campaign designed to encourage the nation to discover the joy of books.
As part of the campaign five people will win a major book deal with one of the country’s leading publishers plus a cash advance of £20,000.

The campaign is called MY STORY and it’s open to anyone…

Basically we’re looking to find true stories about ordinary people’s real lives. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from, all that matters is that the story is true and based on your life or your family’s life. It can’t be fiction or fictionalised. It must be based on true events that have happened to you.
15 stories will feature in a major new five part TV series called MY STORY that will go out on primetime BBC One next year. And five of the stories from the series will be published as books.

A small literary panel will select the winning stories and the books will all be published by Harper Collins and will all be available to buy in bookshops across the country immediately after each of the five TV programmes has been broadcast.

All you have to do to take part is to go to the MY STORY website BBC.CO.UK/MYSTORY and put in a summary of your story in no more than 1500 words. That's it.

So if you've had a remarkable life or something extraordinary has happened to you or your family then get writing and you could win a publishing deal with a cash advance of £20,000.

My Story

I'm writing to you about a major new BBC campaign called My Story, which aims to find remarkable true stories from ordinary members of the public. Five of these stories will be published as books by Harper Collins, with entrants winning a £20,000cash advance. The website for the programme is bbc.co.uk/mystory .

I thought this campaign might be of interest to your writing group members. It would be great if you could pass the message along to your members, or let me know how best to do so. Or it may be that you yourself have or know of someone who has an extraordinary real life tale to tell! Writing ability is not paramount, as ghost writers will be available to assist with writing.

Hayley Norton, Princess Productions, phone 02079851711 hayley.norton@princesstv.com

http://www.princesstv.com/ for more info about our programmes.
http://www.shinegroup.tv/ for information about the Shine Group of companies.

Floreatbooks

We love to help authors flourish

floreatbooks is a self-publishing company that passionately believes in writers and helping them get their books into print. We are contacting writing groups around the UK to let them know about our services and hopefully providing them with useful information and advice on the publishing industry. As writers ourselves, we know how difficult it can be to get a book published these days and we find it helps to be armed with knowledge of the publishing process (whether traditional or self-publishing) when writing a book.

We would be very grateful if you could spare a couple of minutes to check out our website (www.floreatbooks.com). On our website, you can look at Our Services, read our Blog and, if you fancy it, sign up for our free guide on "How to Get Published".

Any feedback from you, or other writers in your group, would be very much appreciated. In the future we hope to provide helpful updates, know-how and news on the self-publishing process and industry. If this doesn't sound like something you or your group would be interested in, follow the quick instructions below and we won't bother you again. We hope you won't though!

What makes us different?

We believe in two things: (1) great customer service and (2) producing beautiful books. We provide a very personal service to our authors and want to deliver a product and level of service that is comparable to that which a writer with a traditional publisher might receive. We are also one of the few self-publishers to offer real marketing services. Marketing any book (whether traditional or self-published) is crucial to its success and we provide a comprehensive list of marketing services to help authors achieve their publishing goals.

Questions?


If you have any questions or just want to find out more please do feel free to get in touch. Our number is 0207 078 3910 or you can email us at publish@floreatbooks.com.

OUR NEXT MEETING

Our next meeting takes place on Tuesday 3rd November at 7.30 pm in the Room at the Top, Felixstowe Library when we return to our usual format. As you know the

500 word homework assignment is on either “FOREIGN COUNTRY” or “FANTASY”, but, if you're feeling brave, on both! The two open themed 1,500 word work will be read by Sandy and Dick.

We have some tremendous news, first and foremost we learnt today that our Ruth has been announced as the winner of the 2009 Luke Bitmead Writer’s Bursary, in a ceremony in Central London last night. Ruth received a cheque for £2,500 as well as a publishing contract with Legend Press for her novel The Woman Before Me. The novel will be published Summer 2010. It is hoped that more information will be posted on the weblog later. So, Ruth, from all of us, congratulations!

There are two other pieces of news that will be of interest. Our Murder Mystery, 'The Crabby Arms Arms Affair', gets its first read through by Rushmere Players on Monday evening and also we have all been invited along to a special free screening of 'The Lost Sock' in Felixstowe in mid November. Details at Tuesday's meeting.

Until then,

Keep Scribbling!

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Meeting Report and news

REPORT OF THE MEETING HELD 20th OCTOBER 2009

APOLOGIES: Tony, Barry, Les, Ally and Stephen.

ATTENDING: Rani, Liliane, Ruth, Angela P, Jane, Jack, Rosie, Sandy, Cathy, Amanda, Debbie, Shaun, Peter, Dave, Simon, Trish, Angela L, Dick (chair)

WELCOME to Cathy, Sandy’s sister-in-law.

MATTERS ARISING and NEWS:

It was nice to see a really good turn out for this evening’s special torchlight meeting.

Dick informs us that the deadline has passed for poems in the Orwell Connection.

Good news from the writers of the Murder Mystery – the script has now been finalised and we await confirmation of the date that Rushmere Players will do their first read-through and also the date of the play at Colneis School.

Good news too that the anthology has been delivered but will not be released until the book launch on 28th November at the Castle Lodge Hotel. However, Peter our Treasurer, would appreciate advance orders with payments please. Cheques should be made payable to Felixstowe Scribblers or handed to him at the next meeting. The anthology is over twice the size of our first attempt with 125 pages and contributions from 36 Scribblers past and present including one story from Rachel Sloane. Costing £5 it, represents excellent value for money in the present climate and will certainly make a valuable Christmas present. The hard work for this excellent work is down to Barry, Jane and Les so many thanks and congratulations to them all. Profits will be donated to East Anglia’s Children’s Hospice.

Received a letter from John a lovely gentleman who stays whenever he can at the Castle Lodge Hotel. John, who is in his nineties, has attended Scribblers on a couple of occasions, each time participating in the events of the evening. John has written a lot poetry although his family never acknowledged nor appreciated his talent. Invited along to a Scribblers meeting back in 2007, he jumped at the
chance, remarkable really as he is in his nineties and can be regarded as our eldest member. In his letter John wished to thank us for the warm welcome he has always received and for encouraging him with his creative writing. He ends his letter, “My sincere thanks and best wishes to you all in life and in your literary efforts, Sincerely, John.”

Very soon we will arrange a committee meeting to discuss the Scribblers including a suggestion from our friend Ken Matthews in Cyprus – more details later.

IN THE DARK FOR TONIGHT’S HALLOWEEN TORCHLIGHT MEETING

THE PLATFORM

The 1,500 word open themed assignments:

Rani The Judgement Feast
Dave Mary’s Cottage

The 750 word ‘spooky’ assignment

Simon What the Real Monsters Do at Halloween
Trish Shitty Death
Angela L The Lake
Amanda The Long Drive Home
Sandy Walking Home
Rosie Alice is Dead
Jane They’re Coming
Jack Africa
Angela P Strange Happenings
Ruth Excerpt from ‘Sacrificial Man’
Liliane A Lingering Presence
Dick The Sad Lady of Landguard Fort
Peter Voice From ..... ?
Shaun A Catholic Holiday
Debbie The Chair

A rather atmospheric meeting with some real masterpieces including two stories that both ended with rapturous applause – well done to Simon for his hilarious Monsters story and also to Rosie for her poetic work on Alice. And of course everyone else also deserved accolades for their excellent work. Well done!

THANKS to Liliane for collecting the key and also providing biscuits, thanks too to Debbie and Angela L who also provided cakes and biscuits.

OUR NEXT MEETING ....

Takes place in TWO weeks time on Tuesday 3rd November at 7.30 pm in the Room at the Top, Felixstowe Library.

The 1,500 word work will be read by Dick and Sandy

The 500 word homework assignment can be on either “FOREIGN COUNTRY” or “FANTASY”, or both!

Until next time

Keep Scribbling!

*****

Support those who support us! Have a look at Scott’s website at http://www.mrcobblerandmrlocks.co.uk

Don’t forget that Scott has special ‘Felixstowe Scribblers’ mugs on sale at £5 each. Not only does it have the Scribblers logo on the front, but your name can also be added on the rear.

*****

Friday, October 16, 2009

VIBE TV

Wipst

Premier Screenwriting Competition 2009

‘From page to screen’

Writers International Premier Screen Talent:

Just over 6 weeks to go! Its not long! We hope you are all tweaking and editing your screenplays & scripts!

Get in early! Send your entry in NOW for consideration to Wipst!

Do you want to work alongside a professional director to see your writing come to life on the screen? We’re looking for fantastic, raw writing talent and the winner will see a 10 minute pilot created from their full length script which you can send to film festivals, potential backers, producers and TV companies. They may commission your work after seeing a snippet on film.

Don’t worry about the rights to the script, once it has been filmed everything remains your intellectual property right.

The Pilot is purely your PRIZE for winning the best screenplay/script at WIPST!

Keep a look out in the coming weeks for more information to be revealed about judges and more!

Closing date is 30th November 2009 and the winner will be announced on 18th January 2010

The pilot will be filmed in March 2010.

So if you’re interested and want more information and an entry form, visit www.vibetv.tv/competition.aspx

******

Our Torchlight Halloween Meeting

Our next meeting will be the special “TORCHLIGHT HALLOWEEN MEETING” on Tuesday 20th October at 7.30 pm in the Room at the Top, Felixstowe Library.

Members are asked to bring a torch along for the evening. We are hoping for some spooky, ghostly, scary paranormal or Halloween stories. Long pieces will be by Rani and Dave whilst everyone else is invited to write up to 750 words for the homework assignment.

We have received an email from a former Scribbler Ken (Matthews) who is now living Cyprus. Currently his writing has taken a back seat but he passes his best wishes on to all Scribblers.

Condolences to Morag who has sadly lost her mother.

Hope to see you all on Tuesday so until then

Keep Scribbling!

Felixstowe Scribblers Weblog Feed