Hello everyone,

An interloper’s introduction!
It’s a pleasure to send out this mailing from Olaf. To me it’s part of getting back in the swing of things. Moving out of the pit of despondency that I seem to have been in or on the brink of for so many months.

I was reading a book review in one of the weekend Broadsheets the other week (as I’m sure many of you do too) and I came across a review of a book written by a cooperative. What a wonderful concept. It seems that they write bits and amalgamate bits and refine bits – and somehow it all blends into good writing.

Now I’m not suggesting that we do the same thing. That wasn’t why we came together and I’m not sure how people would respond if I floated it. But it made me realise that we haven’t done a group writing activity for a couple of seasons. So, beware! When I retake the helm in the autumn (which is one of my targets), then I shall hope that we can reintroduce that into the programme for season seven.

My thanks to those of you that sent in reading lists. I shan’t publish the response because it doesn’t say anything meaningful. All I can say is that we read a lot; Sebastian Faulks turned up twice – not with the same title; that we read a mixture of fiction and non-fiction; and the only two biographical books were at the opposite ends of the spectrum. George Eliot and Paul O’Grady! But I do appreciate the time and trouble some of you took to let me know what was being read by the group.

I, like Olaf, am looking forward to any further contributions to the paraphernalia list. As he said to me, this could be helpful – as well as revealing, about the amount of ‘stuff’ that we surround ourselves with in the hope that it will improve our writing. I should add, that my list of books includes certain novels where the style or content has appealed. Not that I try to copy it but I must admit that it does offer occasional inspiration when nothing seems to be going right.

And so as winter turns to spring or summer to autumn, the final challenges of our season appear before us. I’ve enjoyed the seven so far and thanks to those involved in creating them, managing them and for the amazing variety of entries that you’ve produced. I’m hoping that the last few are as stimulating as those we’ve done so far. (no pressure then on organisers!)

Best wishes all

David

Now here’s the PROPER mailing from Olaf…

General:
An interesting thing happened in our village a week or so ago. I was talking to John, our local publican, and he told me that a writer may be coming to live in the village. He knows that I contribute to the local newsletter, and write other things for the village. Anyway, he said she’d asked if there were any others in the village interested in writing, so he’d pass my name on, if I liked.

But who was this unknown writer? Apparently, her name is Siobhan Cunningham, someone I’d never heard of. It was thus a prompt for me to google her, and I read about her. I’m not sure that I want to meet her, now, as her interest in literature would not appear to coincide with mine. However, now I’ve told you this much, you don’t need to look at her tastes (though I’ll bet some of you will!).

If she does come to live in this village and I do meet her, I’ll tell you all. In the meantime, though, has anyone read any of her books?

Challenges:
The challenges are progressing, and I will give you an update on the points awarded in a day or two: I won’t be able to access the internet for a couple of days, that’s why I have to get someone else to send this circular.

Betty will be sending Challenge 8 around at about the same time as this.

Challenge 6:
I found this a tough entry: I didn't even buy a tabloid newspaper, I merely looked at one in a Morrison supermarket cafe. When I got home, I couldn't really remember the style. However, I very much enjoyed the comments.

Looking at the results, I noticed that Sally would have been the winner had we been using just the clear 'best' votes - in other words she got three top marks, while no-one else got more than one. But that's why I like this system (not to do Sally down!) but for a wider recognition from everyone.

So points awarded will be 3 to Chris, 2 each to Geoff, Sally and Celia, and 1 with a * to Clare. I also think Rosemary should have a *, especially because her marks included a 3.

That makes the leaderboard interesting after 6 challenges.

Geoff 15
Sally 14*
Zena 14
Christine 13***
Celia 13
Claire 12***
Chris 12**

and the rest of us waiting to make a late run.

Phrases to remember:
Sometimes we read articles in the press which contain a memorable phrase. Within the last few days, I read a most sensible article about the dignity of Cleo Lane on the night of husband’s death. The writer compared her controlled acceptance with that of some others who display tears when they lose out in a reality TV programme, or other such trivial occasion. He even singled out our own Prime Minister for unnecessarily displaying emotion on a recent TV appearance. In general, he deplored this type of exhibitionism, calling it moronic emotional incontinence. A bit strong, but I singled out the phrase and it stuck in my mind.

Have any of you come across phrases that make an impact in that way?

Books read:
Over the past 3 weeks, I’ve read two books, partly because the weather’s not been conducive to work in the garden. I enjoyed both of them, but in entirely different ways.

Playing for Pizza by John Grisham: Not an author I’d buy (I’ve read one Grisham before), but my son left two Grishams when he went back to Pakistan., and as this one concerned Italy (of which I am fond), so I chose it. Yes, a good, easy read: plot fairly ordinary, though with one or two good twists: setting well described, and dialogue good. Published 2007.

Fair Stood the Wind for France by H.E.Bates: I read this because my wife was reading it as a Book Club choice, and she recommended it, because it involved serving airmen. Plot very ordinary (typical WW2 scenario with plane landing in occupied territory, airmen befriended by young lady from a local family: overcomes obstacles to get to England). The description of the countryside is magnificent, the dialogue very good, and the pace just right: I shared the experiences of the airmen. First published 1944.

I’ve not read H.E.Bates for a long time. These two books showed the difference between a ‘good’ writer, and someone who writes successfully for mass consumption.

Writers Conference, Winchester, July 2-4, 2010:
I don’t know how many of you have been to any of the Writers Conferences in the past. I’ve been on four occasions, and once given a talk “Writing for Pleasure”. I’ve always believed that one can write for pleasure: seeking publication or reward should not be the only aim. One can paint for pleasure, one can take photos for pleasure: they’re taken for granted, but somehow, writing for pleasure tends to be dismissed as a hobby.

This year, I have heard from Barbara Large, who runs the Writers Conference, that she would be interested in a talk from me on ‘The Alpha Experience’. I’ve only heard that in the last few days, but she wants me to outline the possible content of such a talk. I will do that, because I think we have a wonderful group, and we all seem to enjoy it and I believe it has improved our writing considerably. Most importantly, it’s now not just an idea, it is a formula which really works.

I’ll keep you all informed about progress. Anyone planning to go to the Conference this year? (it’s very enjoyable, but pretty expensive – last year it was £320 for Friday afternoon until Sunday lunch including meals and accommodation, but £130 just for the Saturday package).

Courses, communications, etc.:
I’ve had a reminder about Real Deal Sitcom writing.

RealDeal Theatre is looking for six fifteen-minute sitcoms for Sitcom Saturday, a professionally-directed and acted script-in-hand rehearsed reading, open to the public, at Westminster Reference Library off Leicester Square, London. We allocate a director for each of the selected scripts and the directors then liaise with the writer(s) before a casting session, rehearsal and the performance on Saturday, June 12 2010.

The window for submissions will be during the month of March 2010. Entries should be emailed to scripts@realdealtheatre.org.uk  between Monday, March 1 and Wednesday, March 31 2010 only. No entries will be accepted outside these dates.

For rules and guidelines go to http://www.sitcomsaturday.org.uk

That’s all, folks for this time,

- Olaf