New Year, New You, New Us.
It’s New Year again. Time to regret the few too many chocolates consumed, the too loud clang of bottles entering the recycled bin, and any goals never achieved in the year now gone. It’s a great time to consider what we might like to look back on in delight in another year’s time.
Last year for me this was when I finally decided I was going to grasp my dream of being a writer and weave it into my daily life a thread at a time until it could not be unpicked. Joining Hay Writers’ Circle was one of those terrifying and immensely uplifting steps. I have met an amazing group of diverse, intelligent, kind and empathic people who have been part of that journey. I have shared my work, received great critical feedback, been supported in my goals and, most importantly, been made to feel part of this wonderful group. Writing is no longer an elusive, pitifully private hope. It is a daily, clamouring part of the fabric of my life. I no longer ask myself if I shall write, but what am I writing next?
Much can change in a year and, following a dynamic AGM in September, Hay Writers are delighted to announce the hosting of their first open workshop. This has been in response to Members requests for more inspiration and challenge, and follows on from a powerful Mslexia workshop the group shared last July with poet Fiona Sampson. We have had many enquiries from writers wishing to join the group but who are unable to attend Tuesday twice monthly meetings and intend this as a way for new writers to engage with and get to know our group.
Our first poetry workshop is on Saturday 17th February and will be led by poet Dr Rhiannon Hooson, focusing on Landscape and Memory (click here for details on our website). Another workshop on non-fiction writing is in development for July. So, if you are looking to engage with other writers, or further your own projects and ambitions, perhaps our workshops might be a great starting point for you. We include in the fee the opportunity to enter your work in our competitions which are judged by external, highly acclaimed writers. Iain Rowan recently judged our Fiction competition, giving carefully considered feedback to each entry.
Another new development is the piloting of our Work in Progress sub group. Aiming to give a specific platform to the longer projects that some members are pursuing this group is currently exploring the dynamics of focused retreat days and shared critique. If you think this could be the impetus you need to kick start your writing project, or push it to the end, please contact us for further developments. All workshops and the Work in Progress group will meet on Saturdays, specifically to offer a new face of the group to writers who cannot attend our standard Tuesday meetings.
Our group is always open to enquiry from new writers and we aim to meet every one for a personal conversation before joining, so, go on, don’t be daunted, get in touch. Take that first step in believing in the New Year, and in all its fresh potentials, and put that writing dream first.
Marianne Rosen
Secretary
THE HAY WRITERS 