OUR NEXT MEETING
A quick reminder that we have an extra week to endure before our next meeting. Scheduled for Tuesday 5th August the meeting takes place at 7.30pm in the Café Libra in Felixstowe Library
The homework assignment was set as 500 words on 'EMPLOYMENT' and opens up a whole host of possibilities. Of course, if you find the subject too strenuous then please feel free to provide a similar number of words on any subject of your choice. This is, of course, always an option at all our meetings. Jane and Peter have volunteered for the 1,500 word pieces at the meeting due to be chaired by Dave.
It is hoped that the winner of the recent IpArt Short Story competition, Angela Petch, will be able to attend and read out her winning entry.
We recently had a story sent in by our friend Chris from way down under in Cairns who sent in a 1,500 word story and, perhaps when we have enough time, we will be able to read it out and give him some feedback. You can guarantee a real good tale from Chris!
Do you remember young Megan who came along to the Scribblers one evening with her first book? Well she has written a second book, Arthur and World War Two and may possibly have a third one on sale from her stall at the Cricket Hill Residential Home on Saturday 26th July when her books will be available at £1 each. If you are able to go along and support the event then please do. I'm sure Megan will appreciate a book sale or two.
Some time ago, in 2001, the Scribblers ran a writeathon involving members of the group taking it in turns to add a few words to a story. It was a really good 'exercise' but mainly fun doing it. Having just retrieved the finalised version from an old computer, it has been reproduced below for your amusement and interest. It is always possible that we could set another one of these going so if you are intersted, please let us know.
A new writing competition has been launched by Creme De La Creme and details are shown at the end of this email.
Hope to see you all on Tuesday 5th August!
Until then,
Keep Scribbling!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE WRITEATHON
An idea conceived for amusement to allow members far and wide to participate in building
the story via our email contact list. We thought it was fun, do you?
"POOR OLD JOE"
Edward
His troubles were behind him. His troubles were just beginning. Joe had been in trouble all his life. Joe had been in big trouble for the last five years. He had done every day of those five years and had done them the hard way. He had lost all his remission by his appallingly bad behaviour, his arrogance, violence and his out and out indiscipline. Now he was out of the Scrubbs and the future lay ahead. But the past lay behind Joe and it was not likely to vanish.
Dave
Another five years like that Joe did not want. He’d planned his future in the finest detail in that time. Recover the spoils that got him sent down, safely stashed in his secret lock-up under the railway arches. Except he found that his lock-up had been cleaned out. He saw red. Was there no honour among thieves these days? Joe had to get tooled up. Someone was responsible and someone was going to have to pay.
Caz
Joe decided that he would go down to the Dog and Duck, one of the drinking places where he had done business before! Immediately he recognise a couple of old tarts who would know if anyone did, who had stolen his hard earned stash! Fortunately he was right and for the price of a couple of large brandies he had the name of the person he was going to hunt down, however long that might take.
Sheila
But first of all he had to find a place to stay. He had left his wife seven years ago. He had little money but he had the address of an hostel where he was supposed to stay. The next morning he looked at the other "guests". He knew one of them, Bert, and decided to ask for his help. Not a gun, perhaps a knife and a baseball bat. Bert offered help, but then went straight to the warden.
Martin
Joe might have been many things but he wasn’t stupid! He had learned to keep his ear to the ground. Which in this case was fortunate because at least he knew that Bert was a double-crossing little slug. So, how to rectify his misfortune? Now that he had to run faster than a chicken on coca-cola. By that evening he was back in the dark side streets trying to decide which cardboard box would be comfy enough for a "wrap-round". So he could stop and decide how he was going to fix Bert, get his money back and avoid going back to that charming holiday camp!
Morag
First of all he needed a disguise. Thanks to Bert and the hostel warden he knew that the police would be looking for him, knowing that he had unfinished business on his mind. He picked up a half-brick and clenched it in his fist. They would be looking for a small dark-haired man called Joe. He smiled as he looked at the red dress on the mannequin in the clothes shop window. They would not be looking for a "Josephine"
Debbie
As "Josephine" entered the saloon bar of the Dog and Duck he recalled how easy it was to snatch the red mini-dress, long blond wig, handbag and red stiletto shoes from the mannequin. The half-brick had shattered the shop window noisily, but he had got away with everything he needed. He’d purchased some makeup and cheap stockings from a late night chemist, changed in a public lavatory, then snuck out without being seen. So far his plan was coming together, the tarts would know where his quarry would be. Tonight, he thought, Big Ron would be in for one hell of a surprise.
Doreen
Saturday night and the Dog and Duck was packed. Big Ron was easily spotted for, when sitting on the stool reserved for him at one end of the bar he all but filled his corner. From his vantagepoint he could see who was coming in and who was being thrown out. Word was that Joe Jackson was on the prowl and looking for trouble. If there was one thing Ron did not need it was the ‘rozzers’ prancing round his pub. Everyone knew this was once Joe’s favourite haunt. He noticed the girl the minute she entered the Bar, as did almost everyone else. Ron liked blondes, especially those wearing skimpy dresses and high heels. "Josephine" moved forward slowly, silently cursing his stilettos, never dreaming for a moment how useful they would become. Big Ron slid off his stool to stand behind her.
Using one of the oldest lines in the book he said "Hello love, haven’t we met somewhere before?"
Debra
"Hmmm….." he said, "I’m sure I would remember if we had." Joe was careful to remember to keep his voice at a sensible pitch; not too deep; not too high; nothing, in fact to draw attention to his deception. Big Ron seemed impressed and ordered a drink for 'Josephine' without consulting him as to what he wanted.
"A Campari and lemonade, for the classy lady, he beamed as he led ‘Josephine’ to a nearby table with a hand in the small of her back. Joe prayed the hand wouldn’t stray any lower.
Vincent
‘Josephine’ sat down next to Big Ron. ‘She' felt his big hand on ‘her’ leg, sliding slowly upwards, fingers exploring the contours on the way to her mini dress. Accidentally ‘Josephine’s’ Campari spilt all over Big Ron who cursed, then laughed before crying out in agony as one stiletto sank painfully through his shoe and into his foot.
"Nobody takes liberties with me ! Understand ?"
"Bitch !" he yelled and the Dog and Duck fell silent. "Just who are you ?"
Joe had to think quick, leaned forward and whispered in Big Ron’s ear…..
Nic
"I’m an old friend, Ron, love. Ron, laugh, or there’s a penknife waiting to lodge itself in your rib-cage." He laughed and the bar lost interest in the couple in the corner. Ron was in real pain. Joe was feeling the back of Ron’s neck with a sharp, long nail and whispered : "You were right, baby, we have met before but it has been far too long."
"It wasn’t me, Joe, you’ve got the wrong end of the stick. I wouldn’t mess with you, Joe, you know that. I heard yus looking for a double-crossing bastard, but it ain't me. Honest. This if fff..painful.”
"Don’t sweat, Ron. You’re not so attractive when you sweat. You’ve done well for yourself, Ron,love."
"I didn’t take the money. I didn’t take it. I swear to God. But I’ll give you some money if you need it. Yus just had to ask. Just call me a doctor, my foot is agony. Please, God."
"You have until pub closing hours tomorrow to give me back what’s mine or. Well, I guess you get the idea."
"Please, God. It hurts."
"I’m not a merciful God, Ron," Joe said as he twisted the heel further into the foot before bringing the stiletto out and running from the pub as Ron squealed with pain.
Trevor
"You’ll have to give him his share, Ronnie, my boy." Dolly sat down beside him, her blond wig slipping just enough to cover her left eye. "He’s had it, don’t worry about him, love." I left a little calling card in the drop box. The silly sod has now got anthrax and we, my little dreamboat, have got the money. Now come here and give us a kiss. And Dolly …."
"Yes, Ron."
"Do buy yourself another wig."
Edward (again)
Twenty-four hours later Joe returned to the Dog and Duck as promised with the intention of collecting his debt from Big Ron. The bar was empty apart from a couple of fellows playing the fruit machine whom he vaguely thought he might have seen somewhere before. Big Ron was in his usual place in the corner.
Not being in a drinking frame of mind, Joe went straight up to Big Ron: "OK where is it?"
Ron hesitated and Joe immediately added: "Gimme wots mine before you get wots coming to you."
No sooner had he spoken than he found the fruit machine players grabbing him from behind. "OK Joe", said the one whom Joe recognised suddenly and all too late as DC Fotheringham, his old acquaintance from five years back.
"Uttering threats, ABH, extortion with menaces, assault. What do you reckon you will get this time ?"
"I ain’t done the ‘arf 'o’ that" said Joe.
"Try telling that to the beak" said Fotheringham."
"Oh shit." said Joe.
© 2001 The Felixstowe Scribblers.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
News of a new writing competition
CALLING SHORT STORY WRITERS WITH
CRIMINAL TENDENCIES!
Entries are invited for a short story competition which offers a unique opportunity to a previously unpublished writer.
CRIMINAL TENDENCIES 2009, organised by leading independent crime fiction publishers Crème de la Crime, offers a previously unpublished writer the opportunity to see his or her work on sale in bookshops throughout the UK, in a high-profile anthology alongside household names from the crime writing world, including Reginald Hill, creator of the bestselling Dalziel and Pascoe series, and bestselling authors Peter James and Sophie Hannah.
The winner will be selected by Mark Billingham, award-winning author of the top-selling Tom Thorne series of gripping crime novels.
The anthology, also titled CRIMINAL TENDENCIES, will be published in spring 2009. For every copy sold, £1 will go to the Genesis Appeal, the only charity in the UK entirely dedicated to the prevention of breast cancer. Based at Europe’s first purpose-built breast cancer prevention centre, the Genesis Appeal funds vital research into prevention and early diagnosis; their aim is to create a future without breast cancer. Currently one woman in ten in the UK will develop this terrible disease; the Genesis Appeal aims to make 1 in 10, none in 10.
For further information about the Genesis Appeal, please visit www.genesisuk.org.
Full details of and conditions of entry for Criminal Tendencies 2009 are available from
Crème de la Crime
P O Box 523
Chesterfield
S40 9AT.
Please enclose a stamped addressed return envelope with your request.
Or visit www.cremedelacrime.com for details of the competition and Crème de la Crime’s line-up of gripping full-length crime fiction.
Criminal Tendencies 2009 invites entries up to 3000 words long in the crime genre, by post to the above address or on-line at www.cremedelacrime.com. The closing date for Criminal Tendencies 2009 is 31st Oct 2008. An entry fee of £5.00 per story, which includes a £1 donation to Genesis, should accompany each entry. Please attach a cover sheet with the title, length and entrant’s full contact details: address, daytime phone number and e-mail address.
Entrants should be previously unpublished in the crime genre.
CRIMINAL TENDENCIES 2009
CONDITIONS OF ENTRY
1. Entries must be prose fiction, the original, unpublished work of the author, and in the crime genre.
2. Entries should be in English, typed, double spaced on one side of the paper only, and should not exceed 3000 words.
3. Closing date 31st October 2008.
4. The author’s name should not appear on the manuscript; please attach a cover sheet with the name of the story, number of words and full contact details: name, address, daytime phone number, e-mail address.
5. Manuscripts should be unbound and secured with a staple or paper clip; please do not submit entries in sleeves or folders.
6. Entrants may submit as many stories as they wish, at an entry fee of £5 per story. Entry fees should be paid by sterling cheque on a UK bank, payable to Crème de la Crime Ltd; UK postal order; cash: £5 sterling, €10 or US$10 per entry; Visa or Mastercard. Please note that credit or debit card payments will be processed by our associate company, Real Writers; this is what will appear on your statement.
£1 of each entry fee will be donated to Genesis, the UK’s only breast cancer prevention charity.
7. Entries may be submitted on-line. Please read the conditions of entry on the website: www.cremedelacrime.com
8. For acknowledgement enclose a stamped addressed POSTCARD.
9. Manuscripts CANNOT BE RETURNED.
10. The judges’ decisions are final.
Entries which fail to conform to any of these requirements may be disqualified. Entry fees are non-returnable.
Prizewinners will be notified before Jan 31st 2009. Names of winners will appear on our website www.cremedelacrime.com no later than this date.
Copyright remains with the authors; but entrants must be prepared to grant permission for publication of their entries in Criminal Tendencies, the anthology of short crime fiction associated with the competition.
Please send entries to
CRÈME DE LA CRIME
CHESTERFIELD
P O BOX 523
S40 9AT
UK
The homework assignment was set as 500 words on 'EMPLOYMENT' and opens up a whole host of possibilities. Of course, if you find the subject too strenuous then please feel free to provide a similar number of words on any subject of your choice. This is, of course, always an option at all our meetings. Jane and Peter have volunteered for the 1,500 word pieces at the meeting due to be chaired by Dave.
It is hoped that the winner of the recent IpArt Short Story competition, Angela Petch, will be able to attend and read out her winning entry.
We recently had a story sent in by our friend Chris from way down under in Cairns who sent in a 1,500 word story and, perhaps when we have enough time, we will be able to read it out and give him some feedback. You can guarantee a real good tale from Chris!
Do you remember young Megan who came along to the Scribblers one evening with her first book? Well she has written a second book, Arthur and World War Two and may possibly have a third one on sale from her stall at the Cricket Hill Residential Home on Saturday 26th July when her books will be available at £1 each. If you are able to go along and support the event then please do. I'm sure Megan will appreciate a book sale or two.
Some time ago, in 2001, the Scribblers ran a writeathon involving members of the group taking it in turns to add a few words to a story. It was a really good 'exercise' but mainly fun doing it. Having just retrieved the finalised version from an old computer, it has been reproduced below for your amusement and interest. It is always possible that we could set another one of these going so if you are intersted, please let us know.
A new writing competition has been launched by Creme De La Creme and details are shown at the end of this email.
Hope to see you all on Tuesday 5th August!
Until then,
Keep Scribbling!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE WRITEATHON
An idea conceived for amusement to allow members far and wide to participate in building
the story via our email contact list. We thought it was fun, do you?
"POOR OLD JOE"
Edward
His troubles were behind him. His troubles were just beginning. Joe had been in trouble all his life. Joe had been in big trouble for the last five years. He had done every day of those five years and had done them the hard way. He had lost all his remission by his appallingly bad behaviour, his arrogance, violence and his out and out indiscipline. Now he was out of the Scrubbs and the future lay ahead. But the past lay behind Joe and it was not likely to vanish.
Dave
Another five years like that Joe did not want. He’d planned his future in the finest detail in that time. Recover the spoils that got him sent down, safely stashed in his secret lock-up under the railway arches. Except he found that his lock-up had been cleaned out. He saw red. Was there no honour among thieves these days? Joe had to get tooled up. Someone was responsible and someone was going to have to pay.
Caz
Joe decided that he would go down to the Dog and Duck, one of the drinking places where he had done business before! Immediately he recognise a couple of old tarts who would know if anyone did, who had stolen his hard earned stash! Fortunately he was right and for the price of a couple of large brandies he had the name of the person he was going to hunt down, however long that might take.
Sheila
But first of all he had to find a place to stay. He had left his wife seven years ago. He had little money but he had the address of an hostel where he was supposed to stay. The next morning he looked at the other "guests". He knew one of them, Bert, and decided to ask for his help. Not a gun, perhaps a knife and a baseball bat. Bert offered help, but then went straight to the warden.
Martin
Joe might have been many things but he wasn’t stupid! He had learned to keep his ear to the ground. Which in this case was fortunate because at least he knew that Bert was a double-crossing little slug. So, how to rectify his misfortune? Now that he had to run faster than a chicken on coca-cola. By that evening he was back in the dark side streets trying to decide which cardboard box would be comfy enough for a "wrap-round". So he could stop and decide how he was going to fix Bert, get his money back and avoid going back to that charming holiday camp!
Morag
First of all he needed a disguise. Thanks to Bert and the hostel warden he knew that the police would be looking for him, knowing that he had unfinished business on his mind. He picked up a half-brick and clenched it in his fist. They would be looking for a small dark-haired man called Joe. He smiled as he looked at the red dress on the mannequin in the clothes shop window. They would not be looking for a "Josephine"
Debbie
As "Josephine" entered the saloon bar of the Dog and Duck he recalled how easy it was to snatch the red mini-dress, long blond wig, handbag and red stiletto shoes from the mannequin. The half-brick had shattered the shop window noisily, but he had got away with everything he needed. He’d purchased some makeup and cheap stockings from a late night chemist, changed in a public lavatory, then snuck out without being seen. So far his plan was coming together, the tarts would know where his quarry would be. Tonight, he thought, Big Ron would be in for one hell of a surprise.
Doreen
Saturday night and the Dog and Duck was packed. Big Ron was easily spotted for, when sitting on the stool reserved for him at one end of the bar he all but filled his corner. From his vantagepoint he could see who was coming in and who was being thrown out. Word was that Joe Jackson was on the prowl and looking for trouble. If there was one thing Ron did not need it was the ‘rozzers’ prancing round his pub. Everyone knew this was once Joe’s favourite haunt. He noticed the girl the minute she entered the Bar, as did almost everyone else. Ron liked blondes, especially those wearing skimpy dresses and high heels. "Josephine" moved forward slowly, silently cursing his stilettos, never dreaming for a moment how useful they would become. Big Ron slid off his stool to stand behind her.
Using one of the oldest lines in the book he said "Hello love, haven’t we met somewhere before?"
Debra
"Hmmm….." he said, "I’m sure I would remember if we had." Joe was careful to remember to keep his voice at a sensible pitch; not too deep; not too high; nothing, in fact to draw attention to his deception. Big Ron seemed impressed and ordered a drink for 'Josephine' without consulting him as to what he wanted.
"A Campari and lemonade, for the classy lady, he beamed as he led ‘Josephine’ to a nearby table with a hand in the small of her back. Joe prayed the hand wouldn’t stray any lower.
Vincent
‘Josephine’ sat down next to Big Ron. ‘She' felt his big hand on ‘her’ leg, sliding slowly upwards, fingers exploring the contours on the way to her mini dress. Accidentally ‘Josephine’s’ Campari spilt all over Big Ron who cursed, then laughed before crying out in agony as one stiletto sank painfully through his shoe and into his foot.
"Nobody takes liberties with me ! Understand ?"
"Bitch !" he yelled and the Dog and Duck fell silent. "Just who are you ?"
Joe had to think quick, leaned forward and whispered in Big Ron’s ear…..
Nic
"I’m an old friend, Ron, love. Ron, laugh, or there’s a penknife waiting to lodge itself in your rib-cage." He laughed and the bar lost interest in the couple in the corner. Ron was in real pain. Joe was feeling the back of Ron’s neck with a sharp, long nail and whispered : "You were right, baby, we have met before but it has been far too long."
"It wasn’t me, Joe, you’ve got the wrong end of the stick. I wouldn’t mess with you, Joe, you know that. I heard yus looking for a double-crossing bastard, but it ain't me. Honest. This if fff..painful.”
"Don’t sweat, Ron. You’re not so attractive when you sweat. You’ve done well for yourself, Ron,love."
"I didn’t take the money. I didn’t take it. I swear to God. But I’ll give you some money if you need it. Yus just had to ask. Just call me a doctor, my foot is agony. Please, God."
"You have until pub closing hours tomorrow to give me back what’s mine or. Well, I guess you get the idea."
"Please, God. It hurts."
"I’m not a merciful God, Ron," Joe said as he twisted the heel further into the foot before bringing the stiletto out and running from the pub as Ron squealed with pain.
Trevor
"You’ll have to give him his share, Ronnie, my boy." Dolly sat down beside him, her blond wig slipping just enough to cover her left eye. "He’s had it, don’t worry about him, love." I left a little calling card in the drop box. The silly sod has now got anthrax and we, my little dreamboat, have got the money. Now come here and give us a kiss. And Dolly …."
"Yes, Ron."
"Do buy yourself another wig."
Edward (again)
Twenty-four hours later Joe returned to the Dog and Duck as promised with the intention of collecting his debt from Big Ron. The bar was empty apart from a couple of fellows playing the fruit machine whom he vaguely thought he might have seen somewhere before. Big Ron was in his usual place in the corner.
Not being in a drinking frame of mind, Joe went straight up to Big Ron: "OK where is it?"
Ron hesitated and Joe immediately added: "Gimme wots mine before you get wots coming to you."
No sooner had he spoken than he found the fruit machine players grabbing him from behind. "OK Joe", said the one whom Joe recognised suddenly and all too late as DC Fotheringham, his old acquaintance from five years back.
"Uttering threats, ABH, extortion with menaces, assault. What do you reckon you will get this time ?"
"I ain’t done the ‘arf 'o’ that" said Joe.
"Try telling that to the beak" said Fotheringham."
"Oh shit." said Joe.
© 2001 The Felixstowe Scribblers.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
News of a new writing competition
CALLING SHORT STORY WRITERS WITH
CRIMINAL TENDENCIES!
Entries are invited for a short story competition which offers a unique opportunity to a previously unpublished writer.
CRIMINAL TENDENCIES 2009, organised by leading independent crime fiction publishers Crème de la Crime, offers a previously unpublished writer the opportunity to see his or her work on sale in bookshops throughout the UK, in a high-profile anthology alongside household names from the crime writing world, including Reginald Hill, creator of the bestselling Dalziel and Pascoe series, and bestselling authors Peter James and Sophie Hannah.
The winner will be selected by Mark Billingham, award-winning author of the top-selling Tom Thorne series of gripping crime novels.
The anthology, also titled CRIMINAL TENDENCIES, will be published in spring 2009. For every copy sold, £1 will go to the Genesis Appeal, the only charity in the UK entirely dedicated to the prevention of breast cancer. Based at Europe’s first purpose-built breast cancer prevention centre, the Genesis Appeal funds vital research into prevention and early diagnosis; their aim is to create a future without breast cancer. Currently one woman in ten in the UK will develop this terrible disease; the Genesis Appeal aims to make 1 in 10, none in 10.
For further information about the Genesis Appeal, please visit www.genesisuk.org.
Full details of and conditions of entry for Criminal Tendencies 2009 are available from
Crème de la Crime
P O Box 523
Chesterfield
S40 9AT.
Please enclose a stamped addressed return envelope with your request.
Or visit www.cremedelacrime.com for details of the competition and Crème de la Crime’s line-up of gripping full-length crime fiction.
Criminal Tendencies 2009 invites entries up to 3000 words long in the crime genre, by post to the above address or on-line at www.cremedelacrime.com. The closing date for Criminal Tendencies 2009 is 31st Oct 2008. An entry fee of £5.00 per story, which includes a £1 donation to Genesis, should accompany each entry. Please attach a cover sheet with the title, length and entrant’s full contact details: address, daytime phone number and e-mail address.
Entrants should be previously unpublished in the crime genre.
CRIMINAL TENDENCIES 2009
CONDITIONS OF ENTRY
1. Entries must be prose fiction, the original, unpublished work of the author, and in the crime genre.
2. Entries should be in English, typed, double spaced on one side of the paper only, and should not exceed 3000 words.
3. Closing date 31st October 2008.
4. The author’s name should not appear on the manuscript; please attach a cover sheet with the name of the story, number of words and full contact details: name, address, daytime phone number, e-mail address.
5. Manuscripts should be unbound and secured with a staple or paper clip; please do not submit entries in sleeves or folders.
6. Entrants may submit as many stories as they wish, at an entry fee of £5 per story. Entry fees should be paid by sterling cheque on a UK bank, payable to Crème de la Crime Ltd; UK postal order; cash: £5 sterling, €10 or US$10 per entry; Visa or Mastercard. Please note that credit or debit card payments will be processed by our associate company, Real Writers; this is what will appear on your statement.
£1 of each entry fee will be donated to Genesis, the UK’s only breast cancer prevention charity.
7. Entries may be submitted on-line. Please read the conditions of entry on the website: www.cremedelacrime.com
8. For acknowledgement enclose a stamped addressed POSTCARD.
9. Manuscripts CANNOT BE RETURNED.
10. The judges’ decisions are final.
Entries which fail to conform to any of these requirements may be disqualified. Entry fees are non-returnable.
Prizewinners will be notified before Jan 31st 2009. Names of winners will appear on our website www.cremedelacrime.com no later than this date.
Copyright remains with the authors; but entrants must be prepared to grant permission for publication of their entries in Criminal Tendencies, the anthology of short crime fiction associated with the competition.
Please send entries to
CRÈME DE LA CRIME
CHESTERFIELD
P O BOX 523
S40 9AT
UK
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