What's Going On?
PLEASE NOTE
Due to the current Coronavirus restrictions we are unable to continue with meetings at this time. Normal service will resume as soon as . . . possible.
Due to the current Coronavirus restrictions we are unable to continue with meetings at this time. Normal service will resume as soon as . . . possible.
Pimms and Pudding at the Catholic Women’s League Posted Sept 21st 2017
By Danielle Chinnon
MEMBERS of the Catholic Women’s League, of St. Thomas of Canterbury Church, Grays, enjoyed a delightful evening of Pimms and delicious summer puddings whilst listening to a variety of readings by members of the Thurrock Writers Circle – a blend of poetry and prose, including extracts from the works in progress of Danielle Chinnon and Steve Grimshaw. and delicious summer puddings whilst listening to a variety of readings by members of the Thurrock Writers Circle – a blend of poetry and prose, including extracts from the works in progress of Danielle Chinnon and Steve Grimshaw.
Sue Adams-Cundick, CWL Treasurer, was enthusiastic saying: “We all had a great evening and many ladies found they could relate to themes and characters in the works.”
The sum of £90.00 was raised in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.
By Danielle Chinnon
MEMBERS of the Catholic Women’s League, of St. Thomas of Canterbury Church, Grays, enjoyed a delightful evening of Pimms and delicious summer puddings whilst listening to a variety of readings by members of the Thurrock Writers Circle – a blend of poetry and prose, including extracts from the works in progress of Danielle Chinnon and Steve Grimshaw. and delicious summer puddings whilst listening to a variety of readings by members of the Thurrock Writers Circle – a blend of poetry and prose, including extracts from the works in progress of Danielle Chinnon and Steve Grimshaw.
Sue Adams-Cundick, CWL Treasurer, was enthusiastic saying: “We all had a great evening and many ladies found they could relate to themes and characters in the works.”
The sum of £90.00 was raised in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.
Acting in Character Posted Aug 1st 2017
Our latest speaker certainly gave Thurrock Writers’ Circle members food for thought as to how we might improve portrayal of characters in our writing.
Joe Cooper, former actor turned library manager who trained at the University of Central Lancashire, gave a fascinating and insightful talk on characterisation when he kindly attended our July 19th meeting. He talked about the contrasting methods of actors Konstantin Stanislavski and Vsevolod Meyerhold as examples of how we could portray character on paper: by justifying a character’s actions by their inner motives, or, using their poses, gestures, movements to portray emotions and character. He also cited Terry Nation as ‘a magnificent storyteller’.
When asked how will we know that we’ve succeeded in creating a well-rounded character, Joe replied: “If it’s clear to you it will be clear to the audience”.
Our latest speaker certainly gave Thurrock Writers’ Circle members food for thought as to how we might improve portrayal of characters in our writing.
Joe Cooper, former actor turned library manager who trained at the University of Central Lancashire, gave a fascinating and insightful talk on characterisation when he kindly attended our July 19th meeting. He talked about the contrasting methods of actors Konstantin Stanislavski and Vsevolod Meyerhold as examples of how we could portray character on paper: by justifying a character’s actions by their inner motives, or, using their poses, gestures, movements to portray emotions and character. He also cited Terry Nation as ‘a magnificent storyteller’.
When asked how will we know that we’ve succeeded in creating a well-rounded character, Joe replied: “If it’s clear to you it will be clear to the audience”.
A visit from Danielle Chinnon Posted Jul 5th 2017
THURROCK Writers Circle were proud to welcome Danielle Chinnon to their meeting on June 21st. With her journey towards a writing career, she was able to give some helpful incites into improving your writing portfolio on your way to being published.
Since winning the first Thurrock Writer’s Festival short story competition with Thor’s rock, a comedic and quirky story combining Thurrock and Thor, she has increased her literary portfolio. We were captivated listening to how she had transformed her short story into a play and entered it into film competitions, written reports on musicians and people of talent in Thurrock for local papers, been asked to judge other short story competitions and had winning letters in papers and magazines.
With so much motivation to write and succeed, she inspired many in the group to try different styles of writing and has encouraged many of us to try something different. The evening was finished with some excellent examples of her collection of 100 word stories which are soon to be turned into a book.
THURROCK Writers Circle were proud to welcome Danielle Chinnon to their meeting on June 21st. With her journey towards a writing career, she was able to give some helpful incites into improving your writing portfolio on your way to being published.
Since winning the first Thurrock Writer’s Festival short story competition with Thor’s rock, a comedic and quirky story combining Thurrock and Thor, she has increased her literary portfolio. We were captivated listening to how she had transformed her short story into a play and entered it into film competitions, written reports on musicians and people of talent in Thurrock for local papers, been asked to judge other short story competitions and had winning letters in papers and magazines.
With so much motivation to write and succeed, she inspired many in the group to try different styles of writing and has encouraged many of us to try something different. The evening was finished with some excellent examples of her collection of 100 word stories which are soon to be turned into a book.
Thurrock Writers' Circle Update - August 2016 Posted Aug 14th 2016
Thurrock Writers’ Circle members wish good luck to Cindy Barber whose new YA novel, 'Keeper of the Keystone', is soon to be published by Kindle on Amazon. Coinciding with the launch there will also be a competition in which readers are invited to create their own character, with the winning entry incorporated into her next book. Cindy is Head of Humanities at Ormiston Park Academy, but in her role as Publicity Officer she will also be publishing the school's academic report which should be available from 12th October this year.
TWC entries are being submitted for the 'Essex Belongs to Us' competition, as well as stories for other magazines.
The TWC is not a teaching class, we do read out our work and accept friendly criticism. Open to new members.
Next meeting will be on August 17th at 7-30pm-9-30pm at The Hugh Delargy Close Hall, Chadwell St Mary, Grays, Essex RM16 4DB.
Thurrock Writers’ Circle members wish good luck to Cindy Barber whose new YA novel, 'Keeper of the Keystone', is soon to be published by Kindle on Amazon. Coinciding with the launch there will also be a competition in which readers are invited to create their own character, with the winning entry incorporated into her next book. Cindy is Head of Humanities at Ormiston Park Academy, but in her role as Publicity Officer she will also be publishing the school's academic report which should be available from 12th October this year.
TWC entries are being submitted for the 'Essex Belongs to Us' competition, as well as stories for other magazines.
The TWC is not a teaching class, we do read out our work and accept friendly criticism. Open to new members.
Next meeting will be on August 17th at 7-30pm-9-30pm at The Hugh Delargy Close Hall, Chadwell St Mary, Grays, Essex RM16 4DB.
Thurrock Writers' Circle Update - July 2016 Posted July 10th 2016
Several members of the Thurrock Writer's Circle are entering the 'Essex Belongs to Us' competition. The Grays Library are holding a Creative Writing workshop on September 24th for this project Information from Grays Library.
Each month we read out our work and give friendly critique to one another. There is something exciting when you are given a title a for exercise and have to come up with the story or a poem from a few given words. Everyone thinks I can't do that and then the words just pop into their heads and what is more each person has a different idea. Therefore it's a surprise when its read out. Barbara Spencer had had a poem published in the St Mary's church magazine.
If you like to write, don't be shy come along to one of our meetings and see what we do, we are open for new idea's and new members.
Next Meeting : at The Hugh Delargy Close Complex Hall, Chadwell St Mary RM16 4DB
at 7-30pm-9-30pm on Wednesday 20th July 2016.
Several members of the Thurrock Writer's Circle are entering the 'Essex Belongs to Us' competition. The Grays Library are holding a Creative Writing workshop on September 24th for this project Information from Grays Library.
Each month we read out our work and give friendly critique to one another. There is something exciting when you are given a title a for exercise and have to come up with the story or a poem from a few given words. Everyone thinks I can't do that and then the words just pop into their heads and what is more each person has a different idea. Therefore it's a surprise when its read out. Barbara Spencer had had a poem published in the St Mary's church magazine.
If you like to write, don't be shy come along to one of our meetings and see what we do, we are open for new idea's and new members.
Next Meeting : at The Hugh Delargy Close Complex Hall, Chadwell St Mary RM16 4DB
at 7-30pm-9-30pm on Wednesday 20th July 2016.
Thurrock Writers' Circle Update - May 2016 Posted May 1st 2016
This month Chairman Joy Ridgewell welcomed visitor Paula Loraine to the Thurrock Writer's Circle Paula is an established writer and journalist has read her poetry at The Harrison, London Arts Week Festival. There was an advert for volunteers to read for the newspaper for the blind, and a members showed an interest in this project. Work in progress was read and discussed, a writing exercise was carried out with good results. Tina Thompson has agreed to take on the job of producing the News Letter.
The TWC meet every two weeks at The Hugh Delargy Complex Hall Chadwell St Mary RM16 4DB
Next meeting will be on Wednesday 11th May 7-30pm to 9-30pm
This month Chairman Joy Ridgewell welcomed visitor Paula Loraine to the Thurrock Writer's Circle Paula is an established writer and journalist has read her poetry at The Harrison, London Arts Week Festival. There was an advert for volunteers to read for the newspaper for the blind, and a members showed an interest in this project. Work in progress was read and discussed, a writing exercise was carried out with good results. Tina Thompson has agreed to take on the job of producing the News Letter.
The TWC meet every two weeks at The Hugh Delargy Complex Hall Chadwell St Mary RM16 4DB
Next meeting will be on Wednesday 11th May 7-30pm to 9-30pm
Thurrock Writers' Circle Update - April 2016 Posted April 15th 2016
Chairman Joy Ridgewell welcomed Author Patrick Forsyth to the Thurrock Writers Circle this month. Patrick who has now had his first novel entitled 'Long Overdue' published, writes articles and tips regularly in The Writers magazine and different aspects on travelling has had a very colourful life. With diving in tropical waters, taking a trip on the Orient Express to Thailand. He has visited Burma and the notorious Railway museum writing articles to news papers and magazines on his adventures. Often getting free upgrades on his plane and the hotel reservations when he offered to write an article
on them. An enjoyable, witty and entertaining speaker.
Visitor Vanessa Deighton was also welcomed to the group the TWC is open to new members. Congratulations also to Barbara Spencer on her 90th birthday this month.
Next meeting : Wednesday 30th March 2016 7-30 to 9-30pm at The Hugh Delargy Close Hall Rm16 4DB.
Chairman Joy Ridgewell welcomed Author Patrick Forsyth to the Thurrock Writers Circle this month. Patrick who has now had his first novel entitled 'Long Overdue' published, writes articles and tips regularly in The Writers magazine and different aspects on travelling has had a very colourful life. With diving in tropical waters, taking a trip on the Orient Express to Thailand. He has visited Burma and the notorious Railway museum writing articles to news papers and magazines on his adventures. Often getting free upgrades on his plane and the hotel reservations when he offered to write an article
on them. An enjoyable, witty and entertaining speaker.
Visitor Vanessa Deighton was also welcomed to the group the TWC is open to new members. Congratulations also to Barbara Spencer on her 90th birthday this month.
Next meeting : Wednesday 30th March 2016 7-30 to 9-30pm at The Hugh Delargy Close Hall Rm16 4DB.
No Sadness for Summer Posted September 9th 2015
With unnatural speed summer may have become a warm and distant memory, but that doesn't mean it's time to store our nuts and hibernate just yet.
The Thurrock Writers' Circle members will be attending the Davey Down Trusts' open day on Sunday 13th September between 1pm-5pm where our latest anthology will be on sale. On the following week also at Davey Down we will be holding our annual writing weekend. The Tutor is Stephanie Wilson, who has taught at the Bridge Rd Adult College.
On Monday 26th October we will be presenting our work and holding a workshop at the Thurrock Writers' Festival at the Thameside Library, Grays. Once again copies of the 2015 anthology will be on sale, so don't delay.
TWC meetings are held at the Hugh Delargy Close Hall, Chadwell St Mary, Grays, Essex RM16 4DB every two weeks on Wednesday evenings between 7-30 pm-9-30pm. The next meeting will be on 16th September.
With unnatural speed summer may have become a warm and distant memory, but that doesn't mean it's time to store our nuts and hibernate just yet.
The Thurrock Writers' Circle members will be attending the Davey Down Trusts' open day on Sunday 13th September between 1pm-5pm where our latest anthology will be on sale. On the following week also at Davey Down we will be holding our annual writing weekend. The Tutor is Stephanie Wilson, who has taught at the Bridge Rd Adult College.
On Monday 26th October we will be presenting our work and holding a workshop at the Thurrock Writers' Festival at the Thameside Library, Grays. Once again copies of the 2015 anthology will be on sale, so don't delay.
TWC meetings are held at the Hugh Delargy Close Hall, Chadwell St Mary, Grays, Essex RM16 4DB every two weeks on Wednesday evenings between 7-30 pm-9-30pm. The next meeting will be on 16th September.
Catch us in July Posted June 1st 2015
Thurrock Writers' Circle will be attending the METAL festival being held at Grays Beach on July 18th 2015. We'll be there selling copies of our latest anthology and generally spreading the 'creative writing word'. We look forward to meeting anyone who wants to come down and have a chat and at the same time enjoy all the other great activities at the festival.
Thurrock Writers' Circle will be attending the METAL festival being held at Grays Beach on July 18th 2015. We'll be there selling copies of our latest anthology and generally spreading the 'creative writing word'. We look forward to meeting anyone who wants to come down and have a chat and at the same time enjoy all the other great activities at the festival.
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The organisers of the festival are still actively searching for participants:
· Perform - They'll happily talk to anybody: artist, performer, singer, dancer, band, about performing live at the festival - email [email protected]. · Marketplace - For any local community groups, organisations, artists, crafty-types that would like to promote themselves and sell their wares. Application form can be found here. Deadline for applications is Sunday 31 May. · Volunteer - Opportunities to volunteer at the festival with roles in Event Operations, Production and Media are available. The application from can be found here. · Busking - A small intimate venue, ideally suited to spoken word artists, and acoustic sets. This is being co-curated with Thurrock Arts Collective. You can also turn up on the day and have a go! |
Stranger Than Fiction Posted June 1st 2015
This world never ceases to amaze. As writers we live our lives in isolation... or so we think... then one day, just around the corner, we stumble across an equally tortured soul we could never have imagined was there (although embarrassingly imagining things is what we're supposed to do!). The Thurrock Writers' Circle has experienced just such a stumble, when we were contacted recently by successful local author Colin F. Barnes. Colin approached the group offering to gift us some of the secrets to his success in the form of the creative writing guides and texts that had helped hone his own skills. His extreme generosity was accepted and the texts are even now being studied by our members in the hope that we can emulate Colin's success. With luck the future success of our members will be traced back to this moment.
To learn more about Colin F. Barnes you are encouraged to visit his website here. As for the Thurrock Writers' Circle, we hope that one day Colin will agree to attend a meeting as a guest speaker and directly impart the distilled wisdom he has gained in his writing career.
This world never ceases to amaze. As writers we live our lives in isolation... or so we think... then one day, just around the corner, we stumble across an equally tortured soul we could never have imagined was there (although embarrassingly imagining things is what we're supposed to do!). The Thurrock Writers' Circle has experienced just such a stumble, when we were contacted recently by successful local author Colin F. Barnes. Colin approached the group offering to gift us some of the secrets to his success in the form of the creative writing guides and texts that had helped hone his own skills. His extreme generosity was accepted and the texts are even now being studied by our members in the hope that we can emulate Colin's success. With luck the future success of our members will be traced back to this moment.
To learn more about Colin F. Barnes you are encouraged to visit his website here. As for the Thurrock Writers' Circle, we hope that one day Colin will agree to attend a meeting as a guest speaker and directly impart the distilled wisdom he has gained in his writing career.
Brunch with Danielle Posted February 25th 2015
On Friday, February 20th, Thurrock Writers' Circle member, Danielle Chinnon, brought great credit to the group when she appeared as a guest on the Phoenix FM 'Eat My Brunch' radio programme hosted by Michelle Ward. Danielle spoke on the monthly 'Book Club' slot alongside the regular 'Club' host, well-known Essex author Sylvia Kent. As well as telling how, after a long break, she managed to get back into writing, Danielle also read out, live on air, two of her flash fiction stories, both of which were enthusiastically received (And one of which can be found on Danielle's page on this website). If you want to hear a portion of the show and Danielle's stories yourself then follow the link to access the podcast: February Book Club.
Let us hope that we can expect more such appearances in the future.
On Friday, February 20th, Thurrock Writers' Circle member, Danielle Chinnon, brought great credit to the group when she appeared as a guest on the Phoenix FM 'Eat My Brunch' radio programme hosted by Michelle Ward. Danielle spoke on the monthly 'Book Club' slot alongside the regular 'Club' host, well-known Essex author Sylvia Kent. As well as telling how, after a long break, she managed to get back into writing, Danielle also read out, live on air, two of her flash fiction stories, both of which were enthusiastically received (And one of which can be found on Danielle's page on this website). If you want to hear a portion of the show and Danielle's stories yourself then follow the link to access the podcast: February Book Club.
Let us hope that we can expect more such appearances in the future.
Detective Sparrow Author - Claire Merrington Posted July 10th 2016
Images of Claire Merrington at a January 2015 visit to the group. (Photos by kind permission of Danielle Chinnon)
Images of Claire Merrington at a January 2015 visit to the group. (Photos by kind permission of Danielle Chinnon)
Guest Speaker - Claire Merrington Posted January 2nd 2015
On January 21st the Thurrock Writers' Circle will be playing host to local author Claire Merrington, who will be talking about her 'Detective Jane Sparrow' series of crime novels.
On January 21st the Thurrock Writers' Circle will be playing host to local author Claire Merrington, who will be talking about her 'Detective Jane Sparrow' series of crime novels.
Guest Speaker - Sharon McGovern Posted October 22nd 2014
On October 29th the Thurrock Writers' Circle will be playing host to the author of 'Afraid', Sharon McGovern.
On October 29th the Thurrock Writers' Circle will be playing host to the author of 'Afraid', Sharon McGovern.
Not Unexpected Guests Posted July 30th 2014
Schedule for meetings August – October
August 6th and 20th
Sept 3rd and 17th
Oct 1st,15th and 29th
Visits always give pleasure — if not the arrival, the departure. ~Portuguese Proverb.
The August 6th meeting will see the group host representatives from the Chadwell Forum and also the Mayor of Thurrock, so members are urged to make special efforts to attend and also prepare their best new material to present to the group.
On September 10th any TWC members who are able are requested to attend the Chadwell Forum meeting (Herringham School from 7.30pm) where we will have a chance to sell the remaining copies of our 2014 Anthology.
Schedule for meetings August – October
August 6th and 20th
Sept 3rd and 17th
Oct 1st,15th and 29th
Visits always give pleasure — if not the arrival, the departure. ~Portuguese Proverb.
The August 6th meeting will see the group host representatives from the Chadwell Forum and also the Mayor of Thurrock, so members are urged to make special efforts to attend and also prepare their best new material to present to the group.
On September 10th any TWC members who are able are requested to attend the Chadwell Forum meeting (Herringham School from 7.30pm) where we will have a chance to sell the remaining copies of our 2014 Anthology.
Julie in July Posted July 11th 2014
The Thurrock Writers' Circle will be pleased to host guest speaker Julie Earle on July 23rd at 7.30pm. Julie is a successful local author currently promoting her debut children's novel 'The Magical Gate'. Members will learn about Julie's own personal experiences writing and publishing and no doubt pick up many useful tips. After the presentation there will also be an opportunity to purchase copies of her book and if the author is not too annoyed with the group may even sign them.
The Thurrock Writers' Circle will be pleased to host guest speaker Julie Earle on July 23rd at 7.30pm. Julie is a successful local author currently promoting her debut children's novel 'The Magical Gate'. Members will learn about Julie's own personal experiences writing and publishing and no doubt pick up many useful tips. After the presentation there will also be an opportunity to purchase copies of her book and if the author is not too annoyed with the group may even sign them.
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Julie Earle has had a very busy year promoting her debut novel, 'The Magical Gate', published by Melrose books, about Amy, a nine year old girl who lives in the forest with her parents. One day, as Amy plays on her bicycle, she notices something sparkling; as she draws nearer, she finds a gate. She knows it has to be special as it has appeared out of nowhere. As she goes through, so she enters into a different world. This world is far more beautiful than hers, and it is called Fairyland.
There she meets a beautiful little fairy who takes Amy deeper into Fairyland where she learns that it is in great danger from the evil goblin, Shadow. She has to stop Shadow and his evil trolls who are taking the fairies into the human world. Amy also learns that it is only the pure heart of a child that can destroy Shadow. Amy is appointed a pixie called Thorn; together they travel through the heart of the forest and into the human world to rescue the other fairies and their beloved Queen Diamond. On their journey they meet the Fairy King, Gemstone the Mighty, who gives them gifts. Finally, they meet a little mouse called Brownie and together they learn that Shadow has recreated a monster, which had been banished many years ago by their Queen. The final battle with Shadow is upon them. With their Queen in great danger, Thorn is tricked into giving his powerful sword to Shadow, who now has the power to destroy Fairyland. Will Amy and her friends ever be able to stop him? |
Long Story Short Posted June 15th 2014
Thanks to the great contributions made by the many authors involved, and Rachel Gallehawk and her staff at the library, the second Thurrock Writers' Festival was a resounding success. All of the presentations and workshops were extremely well attended, particularly Julie Earle's workshops for children, and all were thoroughly well received. It proved to be a good opportunity to learn from those who have the experience to teach and the generosity to share. Two of our own fell into this category as Cindy Barber led a short, but extremely productive workshop on characterisation, and Danielle Chinnon gave an inspiring presentation about her experiences since winning the 2013 Thurrock Writers' Festival Short Story competition: the lesson being that fortune favours the brave... and the industrious.
Thanks to the great contributions made by the many authors involved, and Rachel Gallehawk and her staff at the library, the second Thurrock Writers' Festival was a resounding success. All of the presentations and workshops were extremely well attended, particularly Julie Earle's workshops for children, and all were thoroughly well received. It proved to be a good opportunity to learn from those who have the experience to teach and the generosity to share. Two of our own fell into this category as Cindy Barber led a short, but extremely productive workshop on characterisation, and Danielle Chinnon gave an inspiring presentation about her experiences since winning the 2013 Thurrock Writers' Festival Short Story competition: the lesson being that fortune favours the brave... and the industrious.
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The Thurrock Writers' Circle was particularly proud, as the winner of the 2014 Thurrock Writers' Festival Adult Short Story competition was none other than our own Cindy Barber. Two other winners in the teen (13-17) and junior (8-12) age groups were also announced and all the winning stories read out.
The Thurrock Writers' Festival 2014 Posted May 5th 2014
The second Thurrock Writers' Festival looms ever nearer and will take place at the Grays Library on Saturday June 14th between 10.00-4.00pm. The Thurrock Writers' Circle will be well represented as not only will we be there selling copies of our latest anthology, but also Cindy Barber will be presenting a workshop on Short Story writing. Full details below:
The second Thurrock Writers' Festival looms ever nearer and will take place at the Grays Library on Saturday June 14th between 10.00-4.00pm. The Thurrock Writers' Circle will be well represented as not only will we be there selling copies of our latest anthology, but also Cindy Barber will be presenting a workshop on Short Story writing. Full details below:
- Tickets for adult workshops £2.50 each
- Tickets for children’s workshops £1 each
In the Multizone:
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In the Thameside Gallery
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