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18th Birthday - 2023
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Winners Archive 2011-19
2020 VISION ANTHOLOGY
Published 2019 -
Published 2000 - 2018
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The Crossing p1
The Crossing p2
Don't Get Me Started
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Day Out Poems
Transformation
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Fairy Story Fairy Tale P1
Fairy Story Fairy Tale P2
FF - Deadline
Lost
The Storm
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WRITER'S BLOCK 2021
Bushey Art 1
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INTERVIEW WITH JASON DALGLIESH

Author Jason Dalgliesh is a parent at the school in Norfolk two of Andrea's grandsons attend. He self published his first book and it sold over 2m copies!


https://www.guildhawk.com/news/interview-with-author-j-m-dalgliesh 


For further info: https://jmdalgliesh.com/ 

  

Our thanks to Andrea for providing the links.

WATFORD WRITERS AT THE RANDOM CAFE

Watford Writers went on the road again, this time appearing at The Random Cafe's Great Big Green Day held on Saturday 17 June 2023.  A number of group members read poems, monologues and even performed a special "super hero" play in honour of Watford's very own Green Grandma, Jo Morgan.


There were contributions from David Elliott, Mike Lansdown, Chris McDermott, Jo Morgan, Andrea Neidle, Helen Nicell, Pat Simpson, Louise and Ian Welland.


The Random Cafe is a splendid green community project located in the heart of the Meridian estate, Watford. RANDOM CAFE: 24a Garsmouth Way, Watford WD25 9DR


CLICK HERE for Random Cafe website


CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS OF WATFORD WRITERS AT THE RANDOM CAFE


Thanks you to Jo and all the volunteers at the Random Cafe for a splendid day. 

KIDSLIT AT COLNBROOK - MAY 2023

The children of Colnbrook School were recently treated to a morning of storytelling when members of a local writers’ group visited. Taking inspiration from a book cover design illustrated by the pupils, members of the KidsLit group wrote original stories and poems, which were entered into a competition organised by the South Oxhey school. The children chose their favourite from the eleven entries—a charming story in rhyme titled The Elephant Who Went to the Moon by Susan de Silva.  


“I was delighted my story was chosen,’ Susan said. ‘It was wonderful to read to the children of Colnbrook. I look forward to seeing more of their illustrations.”


“We were grateful for the opportunity to work with and share our stories with the students of Colnbrook School,” another KidsLits Lit Author commented following the event. ‘We would love to collaborate with other local schools in the future.”   


Caroline Aplin, the Headteacher said, “Colnbrook have really enjoyed working collaboratively with the writers. The children initially designed a front cover and our Chair of Governors, Hilary McDermott, put us in touch with the writers, who took on board the title of the story and wrote some wonderful stories. The student voice chose a winner, and we were delighted that many of the authors were able to come into school and read to us. Collaboration with our local community is very important to us as a special school and we are grateful for the opportunity to be part of this.”


CLICK HERE TO VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS OF KIDS LIT AT COLNBROOK 


The KidsLit group evolved from Watford Writers in 2020, when it was realised there were many in the group interested in writing for children. They meet fortnightly on Thursdays on Zoom and have previously performed works at local events.  


If your school might be interested in working with the group please contact Chris McDermott, benhannick@aol.com 


Further information on KidsLit, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

GYBR EXHIBITION IS NOW ON AT WATFORD MUSEUM!

We are delighted to announce the Watford Area Arts Forum 2023 Arts & Literary Competition Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (GYBR) is now on at the Watford Museum in Benskins House, Lower High Street, Watford, until Saturday 30 September 2023. 


Results of the art and writing competitions will be announced at the Museum at 11am on Saturday 30 September 2023. 

Watford Writers’ visit to The Education Centre

22 May 2023

On May 22nd The Education Centre at Batchworth Lock played host to local writers’ group, Watford Writers. Since Covid, we now meet mainly on Zoom but continue to convene face-to-face once a month at a meeting hall in Watford. When this became temporarily unavailable the group were delighted to take up the offer of a session down by the lock!


About sixteen members made their way from as far afield as Watford and Ruislip and all managed to find both the centre itself and the free parking available nearby. Taking the theme of ‘water’ as a focus for the evening we read and discussed some previously written pieces and, responding to the Centre’s beautiful setting and watery environment, spent some time writing a few new ones. 

These can be seen by CLICKING HERE.


I hope you enjoy reading our efforts and I think we may well use the Centre again in the foreseeable future.


If developing creative writing could be of interest to you, we are a friendly group who are always happy to welcome new members.


Sincere thanks to Mike Lansdown.

WE ARE 18!

On 27 February 2023, in the presence of our guest of honour Cllr Aga Dychton, Deputy Mayor of Watford; and special guest speaker David Loose, we all came together at Watford Museum to celebrate our 18th birthday. 


The Deputy Mayor gave a rousing opening speech; followed by Ian Welland announcing the results of our latest poetry competition, Transformation. 


Our guest speaker David Loose presented his talk on Record Jack which tells the story of Watford cyclist Jack Harter and his achievements from 1890. David bought along two vintage bikes for the group to see and copies of his book. Record Jack can be purchased from Watford Museum. Click here for full details of David's talk.


Jan Rees recited a specially written piece for the evening; which was followed by the successful poetry entries from our latest competition. 


Our group started in February 2005 with over 50 people attending the first meeting at Cha-Cha Cafe in Cassiobury Park. Our ethos has always been to support and encourage writers of all genres and styles.


A splendid evening was complete with eats and drinks, and a specially made cake by member Louise Welland that had our group logo on and edged with iced books!


Many thanks to our special guests; and to Sarah Priestley and Lewis Butler at Watford Museum for kindly hosting our birthday party.


Please see our photo gallery


SOME OF OUR PODIUM WINNERS!

2023 is shaping up to be a very competitive year!

At our meeting on 6 February, we took the opportunity for a photograph of some of our winners and podium placed runners-up in 2023. 


(L to R):

Andrea Neidle; Louise Welland; Mike Lansdown; Geoff Brown; Jan Rees; Liz Shaw; David Elliott; and Helen Nicell.


Well done to all those above; plus Kay Hall, Lesley Kerr, and Sumi Watters who sadly couldn't make our meeting.  


More photos to follow.

MIKE'S DIALOGUE WORKSHOP

An excellent workshop on "Dialogue" was delivered to the group by Mike on 5 December. 


Packed with advice and guidance, the assembled writers enjoyed activities that explored the HOW and WHAT, with an additional activity that dealt with interpretation of well-known authors work and how dialogue has been treated and portrayed.


Mike has kindly provided his workshop notes, which can be accessed by clicking here.


Mike recommended the following books to support the writing of dialogue:


  • The Book You Need To Read To Write You Want To Write by Sarah Burton and Jem Poster


  • Creating Coinvincing Characters by Nicholas Corder


  • Show Don't Tell by Sandra Gerth


A great evening was had by all; and many thanks indeed to Mike.

WATFORD WRITERS AT THE WATFORD FRINGE!

SATURDAY 1 OCTOBER

Watford Writers were on the road again and delighted to have performed again at Watford Fringe. 


This year we introduced our baby - the spin off group KidsLit; as well as members from the main Watford Writers group. 


TO LISTEN TO US AT THE WATFORD FRINGE, PLEASE CLICK HERE


Many thanks to:

David Elliott

Judy Klimt

Helen Nicell

Jan Rees

Liz Shaw

Pat Simpson

Trevor Spinage

Sumi Watters

Louise Welland

Ian Welland


And thank you to all those who came out to support us. A wonderful occasion.


CHRIS'S PLAYS PICK UP 2 AWARDS IN DUBAI and BRENTWOOD

Congratulations to our Chris!

1 OCTOBER 2022:


Following a brilliant performance by Chris in his self-penned play Conversations at the Short and Sweet festival at Brentwood Theatre, Chris was awarded first place for Best Performer! Chris also achieved runner-up award for Best Script!


Fantastic achievement. Many congratulations to Chris



23 MARCH 2022:


For the last week, Chris McDermott has been in Dubai. Chris went to Dubai as he had a play, which he had written, on at the Short and Sweet short play festival there. Chris believes this festival has now overtaken the Short and Sweet play festival in Sydney, Australia, as the largest short play festival in the world. 


There were over 100 plays involved and the festival lasted for nearly two months. Chris was over in Dubai in February for the first round, but had to miss the semi-finals due to work and other commitments. 


Chris says, 'I was really very pleasantly surprised to find that my play Drip! Drip! It Won't Turn Off had made it through to the Gala Final of 12 plays, which took place this Sunday, just gone. 


'I was absolutely shocked (in a good way!) when the results were announced on Sunday evening, following the performances. The actress in our play, Sarah Potter, was judged to be the best actress in the festival and my play was judged to be the best script in the festival.


'I have no doubt that the various writing experiences I have had as part of Watford Writers have helped me develop as a writer myself, so many thanks to all involved.'


Many congratulations to Chris on his achievement. Well deserved!  

ANDREA SCOOPS FIRST PLACE IN OUR WRITER'S BLOCK COMPETITION

It's a well deserved congratulations to Andrea Neidle who scooped first place in our annual Writer's Block competition. The theme was "Crime Fiction" and Andrea won with her entry My Killer Blog. (Right: Andrea receives the Writers Block Trophy from Helen Nicell)


Judging all the entries, crime fiction writer A J Park (Karl Vadaszffy) said of Andrea's entry:

‘This story played with the form of a usual short story and used an original technique of telling the story through the use of a blog. A clever format I thought. It put me in mind of ‘The Appeal’ by Janice Hallett, a crime thriller told by E-mails. I loved the twist, completely caught me off guard, with an audible laugh from me at the end. ‘


At our meeting of 28 February 2022, Karl very kindly provided constructive feedback on all 15 entries and concluded by ranking the following top 3:


  • 1st Place: Andrea Neidle - My Killer Blog
  • 2nd Place: Rob Summers - Within
  • Joint 3rd Place: Geoff Brown - Passengers from Hell; and, Liz Shaw - The Living Daylights.


Congratulations to Rob, Geoff and Liz who took second and third place respectively. Also, well done to all those who entered. 


Our sincere thanks to A J Park (Karl Vadaszffy) for his time. Very much appreciated.


Please Click Here to read a selection of the entries.

A cracking new book from our Geoff!

PRESS RELEASE - January 2022

Cruel Deflections is the stunning new novel from Geoff Brown; published on 24 January 2022 by TSL Books:


  • ISBN for the paperback is 978-1-914245-57-2 
  • ISBN ebook is 978-1-914245-59-6.


Available from TSL Books


It’s the mid nineteen-seventies when Luca Vento, an idealistic young lawyer uncovers endemic corruption in Puglia in the heel of Italy. He flees his homeland before the Camorra can silence him, settling in Edinburgh and becoming a successful restaurateur.

 

Nearly four decades later Luca and his daughters are embroiled in a huge international police operation to nail the head of the same mafia clan and his collaborator, a prominent UK businessman. A female executive headhunter plays a dangerous role as the story unfolds. A shocking revelation sets the scene for a startling finale.

 

The novel chronicles a cycle of betrayal, revenge, retribution and redemption and how chance events can hijack lives and spin them away from what seemed to be their set course.


“A complex and intriguing novel. I was carried along by the compelling storyline and a real desire to know how it would all end.” Michael J Lansdown author of Adam’s Lock and The Land Beyond the Seas.


“An exciting read with lots of setting detail and insights into Mafia operations…what a tour de force.” Brian Bold author of Quota, Roadworks and The Extra Miles.


“Great pacy opening and sense of local colour, place, food and atmosphere…really compelling and unusual storyline.” Judy Mcinerney author of The Pumilio child.


“The writing is very readable and the ‘voice’ is clear and confident…” Rory Scarfe, Publisher, The Blair Partnership.


“I really enjoyed Cruel Deflections…characters, location and plot are all convincing. I recently read a Montalbano and this book more than stands comparison.” Nick Brookman, Book Club leader.


About the Author:

Geoff Brown was born in Lancaster. After graduating with an MA in Modern History from Sidney Sussex College Cambridge, he had a business management career before spending thirteen years as a partner in Heidrick and Struggles a leading global headhunting firm. Geoff is widely travelled with a particular love of Italy which he has visited dozens of times. He is a member of Watford Writers. Geoff lives with his Danish wife in Hertfordshire.


PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS

Mike celebrates his second book in the Trilogy

Press Release - 1 December 2021

This month sees the eagerly awaited publication of The Land Beyond the Seas by Watford based writer, Michael J Lansdown.


The book, the second in a planned trilogy, brings our fifteen-year-old hero William Parker, face to face with thieves, murderers and enemies of the state in a sweeping tale that travels the globe from Georgian England to Britain’s fledgling Australian colony. Following in the footsteps of Adam’s Lock published in 2017, Mike delivers a heart rendering and soul-searching story of the harshness and realities of survival in the age of Redcoats.


Mike, a member of Watford Writers, is a PGCE tutor and MA in education supervisor with the University of Buckingham’s education department, a position he has held since retiring from his second Headship in 2015. Prior to completing 18 years as a Headteacher, Mike worked in London teaching in both the primary and secondary sectors. Before this, Mike taught English as a foreign language (EFL) to adults in London and in Sweden; however, he started his career teaching geography, geology and physical education to secondary pupils.


Mike says,

“Having left William languishing in a boat, newly arrived from London, facing an uncertain future as a fifteen-year-old convict, I felt I had to go back and help him in his bid for survival! In the Land Beyond the Seas, I tell his story as he goes from callow youth to young man, negotiating the rules and expectations of the Colony, most unwritten, where the greatest dangers come not from the authorities but from your fellow prisoners. William’s story is one of stoic resistance, of knowing which battles are worth fighting, and, above all, of holding onto those things that you hold dear and believe in. I hope I leave him in a better place and that all his trials and tribulations have been worth it – but that is for the reader to decide.”


The Land Beyond the Seas is published by TSL Books 


HOW TO USE "READ ALOUD"

Many thanks to Mike for providing this useful guide to using "read aloud" on your laptop or desktop computer. Very helpful tool for writers.

Please find below the guide in Word formats and pdf for easy downloading.

How to use Read Aloud (docx)

Download

How to use Read Aloud (doc)

Download

How to use Read Aloud (pdf)

Download

THE EXTRA MILES - NOW AVAILABLE!

Ten years after I published ROAD WORKS, a nostalgic travel memoir told through the prism of family car journeys over forty years, I’ve co-written a sequel, THE EXTRA MILES – on roads still to travel.


Not so many cars this time, and just ten years of travels, but lots of wry humour from my co-writer and travelling companion, Anne-Marie. For all of us, every journey is a personal experience and we relate ours together with over hundred coloured pictures.


We hope you’ll enjoy riding with us across England, Ireland, Scotland, France and New Zealand perhaps recalling some of your own visits and maybe discovering new places you want to explore. 


THE EXTRA MILES by Brian Bold with Anne-Marie Groves is currently available as a paperback from www.lulu.com and hopefully soon from Amazon too.

WATFORD CELEBRATED IN VERSE

Watford Writers very own Jan Rees celebrates our wonderful town with her specially written prose. To see this excellent presentation and hear Jan's superb recital performance:

Please Click Here

We celebrate the publication of Susan's book

A THANKLESS CHILD

THE LIFE AND TIMES OF GEORGIANA JANE HENDERSON (1771 - 1850)


This book provides a flavour of a period of history known as the Enlightenment through the eyes of a young girl born in 1771. Georgiana Jane Henderson (nee Keate) was known to actors, actresses, artists, naval men, emigres and even a South Sea islander and visited England's spa towns. She had her portrait painted by Angelica Kauffman RA and John Russell RA. 


Meet The Author

Susan Bennett MA is an Honorary Faculty Fellow at Brighton University; and Honorary Secretary of and Editor for The William Shipley Group for RSA History. Susan is also a dedicated member of Watford Writers .

Click Here to order the book
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Email: Ian Welland: ianwelland@hotmail.co.uk 



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