Two weeks ago and they're still talking about it.

Twenty nine have booked and that’s not including anyone who turns up on the day. That’s what Simon said in this email a few days before Wrekin Writers’ annual workshop, which is held in conjunction with the Wellington Literary Festival.

As Chair, panic gripped me. How on earth were we going to cater for that number? But as the old saying goes, ‘the show must go on’ and after only one minor mishap, I flooded the kitchen, the show did indeed go on.

We had an amazing day under the leadership of our guest speaker, writer, author, journalist, novelist and all round nice guy Nick Fletcher.

Doors opened at nine as people began arriving from not only from all over Shropshire but we had visitors from Staffordshire and Leicestershire too. After many introductions and much hand shaking everyone settled down to begin the morning session which was on article writing.

Over the years Nick has had in excessive of thirty thousand articles published, so he what he doesn’t know about writing articles isn’t worth knowing. His message though was simple, have an alert mind and keep your eyes open at all times. Read, read and read more and then write about what you know. We were given an insight into the kind of material that various publications like to print and how to get ideas for various markets. Nick then went on to tell us how to present our ideas and our work but said never be afraid to approach an editor with an idea, however he did stress the importance of being professional in our approach.

All too soon it was time for lunch but not before attendees were given the chance for a lively question and answer session, something everyone enjoyed.

For our afternoon session Nick spoke about the short story market and he defined exactly what a short story is and is not. It is not an encapsulation of a novel but it is one situation that needs a resolution and that resolution is found at the end of the story.

Another series of questions and answers followed but sadly all too soon it was time to thank Nick for the wonderful day we’d all had and to pack up and go home.

So my initial panic was unfounded and everyone at the workshop as well as thoroughly enjoying themselves left with copious notes which I have not doubt they’ll find very useful.

My thanks to Nick for his leadership and also to Wrekin Writers Julie Phillips and Nicola Vincent who kept us going with tea, coffee and biscuits and to Simon for not only taking the bookings but for getting there early and laying room out.

Thanks guys without you it wouldn’t have been such a success.

For further information on Nick Fletcher check out his website on www.nickfletcher.co.uk he really is an excellent speaker.