tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77939120405326817752011-07-08T16:51:29.751+01:00Wrekin Writers' chair shares her thoughts, ideas and info....Sue Horder-Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975125478571362640noreply@blogger.comBlogger711100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793912040532681775.post-3225238233610481072010-03-25T17:45:00.000Z2010-03-25T17:45:54.871Z

'Yes this is Wrekin Writers,' Bryan said as a new member walked into our workshop on Saturday morning. The explanation was needed because when Drew walked in he found twenty of us with drums between our knees banging out African rhythms. Okay so we're different but we had a lot of fun. Getting to grips with the djembe (the drum) Brenda had no trouble mastering the art. I pity the drum though

Sue Horder-Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975125478571362640noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793912040532681775.post-57127842612842960402010-03-25T16:08:00.000Z2010-03-25T16:08:37.836Z

For those of you who are eagerly awaiting the results of February's Chairman's Challenge, I'm afraid you're going to have to wait another month. It has been judged but won't be announced until the meeting in April this is because of the two hour workshop we had during the March meeting.

Sue Horder-Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975125478571362640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793912040532681775.post-75074519697520863562010-03-03T23:34:00.000Z2010-03-03T23:34:07.688Z

Gosh December seems an age away but with the ice and snow that has covered Shropshire for most of January and February it seems like only yesterday. However, it was some months ago and with me cancelling the meeting in January because of the weather, we didn't get to find out the results of our December's challenge until February's meeting. As usual Wrekin Writers' excelled themselves when

Sue Horder-Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975125478571362640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793912040532681775.post-76142921374486343982010-02-24T23:40:00.002Z2010-02-24T23:40:42.065Z

Welcome to Wrekin Writer’s AGM, hopefully, if we’re quick we can get the formal part of the meeting over quickly as in past years. But before we look forward to a new year, I’d like to reflect briefly on 2009. What a year that was. Simon kicked us all off to a good start with his romantic workshop in February. Falling in love with yourself as a writer and making time to spend with your writing

Sue Horder-Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975125478571362640noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793912040532681775.post-46776784395551609152010-02-20T19:33:00.000Z2010-02-20T19:33:44.618Z

Don't you just love it. The headlines on the front of the Shropshire Star tonight FIRE SERVICE STAFF FREEZE IN MOVE TO CUT BUDGET I have an image of poor firemen sitting in unheated stations waiting for a fire to warm them up. However, the first paragraph reads 'Shropshire fire chiefs have announced a recruitment freeze because of mounting pressure to make budget cuts.' Clarity is all

Sue Horder-Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975125478571362640noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793912040532681775.post-37700932942779959172010-01-21T16:14:00.000Z2010-01-21T16:14:17.333Z

Dean King has joined blog land with a blog called, I love this, Gnome on a Rock. Welcome Dean Check his blog out

Sue Horder-Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975125478571362640noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793912040532681775.post-24575397776334275122010-01-14T00:04:00.000Z2010-01-14T00:04:47.334Z

Stuck in the house. Looking for something to do? Want to write but motivation not forth coming? Oh tell me about it. Last night and today the powers that be decided to dump another six to eight inches on top of the snow we already had and have had since before Christmas. I'll tell you, not happy, not happy at all. Oh yes, the news and the weather forecast tell you different 'Shropshire had

Sue Horder-Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975125478571362640noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793912040532681775.post-68297599510534203192010-01-11T11:50:00.000Z2010-01-11T11:50:20.195Z

Imp to angel in one easy step My beautiful niece Emily.

Sue Horder-Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975125478571362640noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793912040532681775.post-7731995810941215322010-01-08T13:01:00.000Z2010-01-08T13:01:32.595Z

It's winter! And yes outside temperature on my car is reading -11c on Thursday evening at 10.22. What is went down to after that I have no idea - I went to bed.

Sue Horder-Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975125478571362640noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793912040532681775.post-53553085803936623102010-01-06T18:16:00.001Z2010-01-06T18:18:27.278Z

When I moved to Clunbury I discovered Ida Gandy. Ida was the village doctor's wife at the end of the 1930s and she writes about life in and around the village. When I read her book, the thrill I got when I read her description of the orchard in the village, the very same orchard that is at the bottom of my garden. It's a magical place because from my kitchen window I've seen a woodpecker

Sue Horder-Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975125478571362640noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793912040532681775.post-33943510538924627692010-01-05T13:03:00.001Z2010-01-05T19:13:08.410Z

If you haven't had your copy don't wait for the snow to go, get the skis out and head to the Newsagents quickly. Why? Well let's say Wrekin Writers are very well represented in the February edition. Simon Whaley has written an article  'Find the time to write,' and in the article he has used three successful writers within the group. Di Perry, Janet Johnstone and Julie Phillips speak about

Sue Horder-Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975125478571362640noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793912040532681775.post-49506537627042832182010-01-05T09:47:00.001Z2010-01-05T09:51:42.861Z

Today is Darren Bailey's birthday (Publicity officer) and Bryan Vaughan's birthday (Treasurer). I hope you both have a great day.

Sue Horder-Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975125478571362640noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793912040532681775.post-81395571036113146552010-01-04T16:22:00.000Z2010-01-04T16:22:48.631Z

I have met one of the most amazing women I think I shall ever meet in my life. Her name is Veronica Thackeray and she lives just down the road from me in Hopton Castle. I first met her in the summer when she employed my youngest, non gardening son to be one of gardeners. She asked if he could tell the difference between a flower and a weed. He replied 'can I ask?' Which was obviously the right

Sue Horder-Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975125478571362640noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793912040532681775.post-29049235219601172252009-12-30T14:34:00.000Z2009-12-30T14:34:12.110Z

For those of you who didn't have snow, here you can share mine. Yes the weatherman got it right at least for my little part of Shropshire.  It started yesterday afternoon and carried on until late at night. It's beautiful, even I have to admit that but I hate it. It's cold, wet and very slippy. Poor Mike, slipped on ice just before Christmas and ended up breaking a rib. He's getting over it now

Sue Horder-Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975125478571362640noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793912040532681775.post-52270766261723201712009-12-22T23:33:00.000Z2009-12-22T23:33:11.147Z

She tried matchmaking this time. Sounds crazy but it's true. I went to Asda in Donnington Wood Telford, parked in a disabled parking bay and almost immediately had a guy checking to see if I had a blue badge. I got out of the car, commented to the guy who'd parked next to me that it was really nice that someone was checking that the spaces weren't being abused. Then the parking official came up

Sue Horder-Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975125478571362640noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793912040532681775.post-11708699597741289222009-12-21T15:33:00.000Z2009-12-21T15:33:59.581Z

From Wrekin Writers and from my family to yours.

Sue Horder-Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975125478571362640noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793912040532681775.post-18091351840195621102009-12-16T16:25:00.000Z2009-12-16T16:25:19.964Z

did me a favour today. It knows how much I like the Clun Valley and how interested I am in its history and the characters who live here so it decided to conjure up a situation where I would meet one and have a chance to have a natter and find out more to add to my scrap book. How it did this was quite amazing. I went to the garage, threw the keys down in that bit in the middle and got out,

Sue Horder-Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975125478571362640noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793912040532681775.post-17847973584863041462009-12-15T16:46:00.000Z2009-12-15T16:46:01.584Z

Come on admit it, you've probably got more than a few sitting on your bookshelves that you've bought in the past, thought I'll read that and have never got round to doing so. Well, if you won't admit I will. So, the other day I picked one up. Lynne Hackles' book 'Writing from Life. How to turn your personal experiences into profitable prose.' And I began reading it. Ah, but not just reading it,

Sue Horder-Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975125478571362640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793912040532681775.post-44410207681190200852009-12-13T18:36:00.001Z2009-12-13T19:25:11.413Z

What do you do with nearly thirty people all in party mood? That was the problem I faced at ten oclock on Saturday morning. It wasn't quite St Trinians' Christmas Party but it wasn't far off. We started off quite formally once they'd cleared up the paper aeroplanes off the floor and untied the vice chair and then we had some fun. The question posed was how well do you know Wrekin Writers? Each

Sue Horder-Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975125478571362640noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793912040532681775.post-23539813732736760232009-12-13T17:48:00.001Z2009-12-13T17:52:21.072Z

The Chairman's Challenge for November was suggested by Darren and he had the job of judging them. The subject was 'Take a cliche and make it interesting and different.' 1st - Mary Braddock Fred had always lavished attention on his half-acre lawn.  It resembled a billiard table, fifteen years of mowing, rolling and fertilising had created a project described by many as “the

Sue Horder-Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975125478571362640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793912040532681775.post-28471725678426905462009-12-08T17:23:00.000Z2009-12-08T17:23:12.819Z

And what better place to do it than in our favourite bookshop with coffee and cake. Many many thanks to Anna Dreda of Wenlock Books for the refreshments and the use of her wonderful table. Julie and I met up to write and to chat primarily about Nanowrimo and what we each got out of it. I think the biggest thrill was that we both completed our fifty thousand words although at the beginning of

Sue Horder-Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975125478571362640noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793912040532681775.post-67154512388078853592009-11-27T18:28:00.000Z2009-11-27T18:28:10.041Z

I've done it. At 15.50 this afternoon I typed my 50,000 words. Oh and Di, I was wearing jeans and a tee shirt sadly, unlike Julie, I didn't dress for the occasion. To everyone who is doing Nanorwrimo best of luck. Let us know how you get on. Now off for a well deserved glass of wine.

Sue Horder-Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975125478571362640noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793912040532681775.post-87539717259532996512009-11-25T17:34:00.000Z2009-11-25T17:34:59.116Z

The Chairman's Challenge for September for those who were brave enough to accept it was 'If you could invent a new Olympic sport what would it be? Simon had the pleasure of judging this. 1st - Dean King Dear Olympic Spirit I fear we have lost sight of The Olympic Ideal, and I appeal to the memory of Penny Brookes and de Coubertin for guidance. We live in a world without peace, mutual

Sue Horder-Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975125478571362640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793912040532681775.post-59890818829246617542009-11-24T17:44:00.001Z2009-11-24T17:47:09.951Z

Drum roll please Julie Phillips who last night at 19.45 dressed for the occasion in her Tesco Scotty dog black, white and red tartan pyjamas complete the staggering total of 50,226 words in twenty three days. Well done Julie enjoy your success and be proud of your achievement.

Sue Horder-Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975125478571362640noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793912040532681775.post-10841348387739471962009-11-20T16:40:00.001Z2009-11-20T16:40:14.489Z

I was devastated when I heard the news and yet all I did was watch the pictures on the television. My heart goes out to the family of Bill Barker, the brave policeman who lost his life in the floods and to the people who have lost their homes, I weep for them. I know exactly what they're going through and what they'll go through in the days and weeks to come. When we lost our home in the floods

Sue Horder-Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975125478571362640noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793912040532681775.post-16618531746462192132009-11-18T18:21:00.000Z2009-11-18T18:21:41.219Z

Okay so I know I'm going about it but 50,000 words in thirty days is quite something. Would you do it? Do you think we're mad? Who's running a book on whether or not we complete our ridiculous task? On second thoughts no I don't want to know. But what's it like to be involved in such a challenge? You can find out at www.nanowrimo.org  or you can go to Julie's blog at http://

Sue Horder-Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975125478571362640noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793912040532681775.post-51518010172588771422009-11-16T17:13:00.002Z2009-11-16T17:20:26.848Z

Half way through Nanowrimo and between us Julie and I have just about completed sixty thousand words. She's done a few more than me, but hey we're going great guns.I was thinking though what has this taught me? Perhaps the most important thing is that I can keep my bum on the seat long enough to write and that time I've made to write I'm really enjoying. It's also taught me that when you're up

Sue Horder-Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975125478571362640noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793912040532681775.post-84792064983406910402009-11-08T13:04:00.003Z2009-11-08T13:12:49.141Z

For The FallenWith proud thanksgiving, a mother for her children,England mourns for her dead across the sea.Flesh of her flesh they were, spirit of her spirit,Fallen in the cause of the free.Solemn the drums thrill; Death august and royalSings sorrow up into immortal spheres,There is music in the midst of desolationAnd a glory that shines upon our tears.They went with songs to the battle, they

Sue Horder-Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975125478571362640noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793912040532681775.post-53657536191636076902009-11-04T09:31:00.002Z2009-11-04T10:00:57.560Z

Seventy eight years young and our much loved Wrekin Writer Phyllis Blakemore's first book is being launched today. Gentlemen of the River: The Last Coraclemen of the Severn Gorge is available on Amazon.co.uk at a very reasonable £7.99.Phyllis has spent her entire life in and around the Severn Gorge and over the years has known many of the characters who have lived, worked and survived in the

Sue Horder-Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975125478571362640noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793912040532681775.post-18464722209130329572009-11-03T17:53:00.002Z2009-11-03T17:57:29.012Z

Well it's day 3 and Julie and I are still hanging in there. If you want to know how it's going for both of us check out our blogs and share the journey with us.God we're mad.Julie's blog is at http://jlpwritersquest.blogspot.com/and my nano blog is at http://mywritinglifeandotheranimals.blogspot.com/

Sue Horder-Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975125478571362640noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793912040532681775.post-56236912945046395782009-11-01T15:45:00.002Z2009-11-01T16:11:38.773Z

The challenge for August was 'Home is Telford.' This proved to be quite interesting because although most of our members live in Telford not everyone likes Telford.As a modern town which was created in the sixties and seventies Telford has over the years come in for much stick from many people. Wrekin Writers proved to be no exception.I judged this one and as I've said before, it's wasn't an

Sue Horder-Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975125478571362640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793912040532681775.post-26139635178222768372009-11-01T10:50:00.005Z2009-11-01T11:04:45.971Z

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,

Sue Horder-Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975125478571362640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793912040532681775.post-36814505685449186042009-10-31T15:47:00.003Z2009-10-31T16:03:28.847Z

Write a novel of 50,000 words or more in thirty days. That's a minimum of (hang on let me get the calculator) 1,666 words a day for the next thirty days. Doesn't sound quite so bad if you put it like that but in the next thirty days I've got to.... no I'm not even going to think about that, I'm going to switch my laptop on sit in the corner of my sofa facing the window looking out over Clunbury

Sue Horder-Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975125478571362640noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793912040532681775.post-89816039064076030602009-10-19T15:49:00.002+01:002009-10-19T16:14:50.530+01:00

First the Shropshire magazines and now Link, the journal of the National Association of Writers' Group. In this month's issue Wrekin Writers' members feature several times. Our own Julie Phillips not only has a letter in it (page 2) but she also has an article (page 12) about the Writers' Bash that several of our members went to in July. Interesting point, about eight of us went but only Julie

Sue Horder-Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975125478571362640noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793912040532681775.post-23920503126163667102009-10-12T11:57:00.004+01:002009-10-12T12:37:16.348+01:00

Julie Phillips had her article about the Horsehay Amateur Dramatic group published in Friday night's Shropshire Star.Julie says on her blog 'I am estatic but still trying to get my head round the fact that I have got into the Shropshire Star and it isn't a letter! Or a story about my drunken behaviour after complaints from my neighbours (I am, of course, joking about the drunk bit - though I have

Sue Horder-Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975125478571362640noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793912040532681775.post-75790364878743093222009-10-12T11:49:00.002+01:002009-10-12T11:57:33.245+01:00

Following my attempt on Saturday to underseal my son's car with concrete, no 2 son is now kicking himself. Why? Because 'Nuts' magazine offers £100 for pictures of bad parking in their 'Bad Parking Corner' and although he had his phone on him, he didn't take a picture.So contrary to popular opinion, there is at least one man who does read 'Nuts' magazine.

Sue Horder-Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975125478571362640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793912040532681775.post-39079828597058395762009-10-11T00:52:00.005+01:002009-10-11T01:07:16.533+01:00

Well not in my house anyway. The plan for today was to do the laundry, a necessity really because there was a guy hanging around with a Union Jack threatening to claim the lad’s laundry basket for England. Then I was going to tackle the ironing. Not a job I relish but something that needed to be done. As I said that was the plan.No 2 son (I number them it’s easier) came home from work and asked

Sue Horder-Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975125478571362640noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793912040532681775.post-85464727936137011622009-10-08T17:31:00.005+01:002009-10-08T17:47:04.357+01:00

Can they write women's fiction?Yes they can and just to prove it, check out this month's Fiction Feast. Turn to page 46 read and enjoy Wrekin Writer Simon Whaley's story 'Chief suspect Mickey Mouse.' Well done Simon. I know it's taken Simon a long time to get a story in this magazine but determination, hard work and knowing his market has all paid off. A lesson for us all.For more information on

Sue Horder-Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975125478571362640noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793912040532681775.post-49834612474726003842009-10-02T14:37:00.006+01:002009-10-02T14:58:36.655+01:00

Have you received your copy of the writing mags yet? If so have a look and see what members of Wrekin Writers have been up to.Writing Magazine has a letter in by Julie Phillips about her experienceswith a local free mag.Writers' News has a letter in written by Fiona Smith.But we don't stop with the writing mags. The National Trust Magazine has a letter in by Simon Whaley and Angeline Wheeler has

Sue Horder-Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975125478571362640noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793912040532681775.post-49144303205147736302009-10-02T14:13:00.004+01:002009-10-02T14:36:59.916+01:00

Do you remember where you were and what you were doing on the evening of 25th June 2007. I do. I remember it vividly. My family were fleeing our home as the River Corve in Ludlow gushed into our house. This picture was taken seconds after we got out and before the realisation that we were homeless had even dawned on us.The following morning after a night spent crying, I went back to the house to

Sue Horder-Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975125478571362640noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793912040532681775.post-53240065721281489962009-09-25T15:29:00.002+01:002009-09-25T15:48:21.867+01:00

Fortunately Saturday morning was bright and sunny rather than dark, rainy and foggy because the subject matter of our workshop would certainly have put many members off.Horror writing, it's certainly not a genre that I have ventured into, well not intentionally anyway. But under Mary V Williams' expert guidance it really doesn't sound that scary at all, but is it?Where do you start? Like any

Sue Horder-Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975125478571362640noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793912040532681775.post-87665343424916307672009-09-25T14:52:00.002+01:002009-09-25T15:11:48.819+01:00

The challenge that was accepted by the group for July was 'Who or What motivates and inspires you to write and why?' I had the pleasure of judging this and believe me it wasn't easy. As chair, it was interesting because month after month these members turn up and share their work but we have never really discussed what actually motivates them to sit down and do some writing. Many of their stories

Sue Horder-Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975125478571362640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793912040532681775.post-1905335593607841072009-09-25T14:42:00.004+01:002009-09-26T16:34:41.404+01:00

The Chairman's Challenge for June was write a hundred words on 'tedious' Our Vice - Chair Barbara Groom had the task of judging it. One I know she didn't find easy although she thoroughly enjoyed it.1st - Barbara MaitraI’m undeniably discriminated against. I’m an orphaned tubby, short arsed donkey sequestered on a starvation patch. I count the blades of grass, how tedious! The 2 stallions call

Sue Horder-Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975125478571362640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793912040532681775.post-79547938516817433632009-07-02T09:46:00.004+01:002009-09-23T16:38:46.069+01:00

Last month's chairman's challenge was 'I knew it was a mistake the moment it was over.' Beverley, bless her, agreed to judge this one a task I know she didn't find easy. However, a decision had to be made and the results are1st - Simon WhaleyI knew it was a mistake the moment IT was OVER. IT was only four foot three whereas OVER was nine foot two. IT had always wanted one over on OVER and OVER

Sue Horder-Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975125478571362640noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793912040532681775.post-14318923967898506012009-06-29T17:48:00.003+01:002009-06-29T18:00:23.942+01:00

Yes just one simple slip of the finger can totally change the meaning of what you're writing. Take tonight's Shropshire Star for example. There is an article plus photograph of Miss Edith Elizabeth Bufton who is shown celebrating her 100th birthday with her nephew. However, in reporting this joyous occasion Hannah Costigan of the Shropshire Star obviously got carried away with the whole event.

Sue Horder-Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975125478571362640noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793912040532681775.post-25170883961323499082009-06-09T19:34:00.003+01:002009-06-09T19:55:12.525+01:00

Following a meeting this afternoon at Attingham Park the Book Fair in May has been a wonderful success. So much so, plans are now underway to repeat it again next year, which I think is wonderful news. So watch this space. Next year, things will be bigger, better and probably instead of two days we'll do three so that means longer too.My thanks go to Dorothy Nicolle, Simon Whaley, Mike White and

Sue Horder-Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975125478571362640noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793912040532681775.post-64466529217794286942009-06-08T01:54:00.003+01:002009-06-08T02:01:54.148+01:00

Three years ago today my lovely Mum was 'Promoted to Glory' and although I was privileged to be with her when she died there is not a day goes by that I don't miss her dreadfully. Writing about someone you love and you've lost is incredibly difficult and I'm not even going to try. Instead I want to share a poem with you that over the past three years I have found to be of immense comfort. Death

Sue Horder-Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975125478571362640noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793912040532681775.post-71026302037594295182009-06-07T22:01:00.003+01:002009-06-07T22:24:10.030+01:00

Congratulations to Jenny Keirnan on the birth of her son Robin Stephen Keirnan on 29th May. Knowing Jenny we certainly have a new Wrekin Writer. Loads of love sweetheart and I know I'm speaking from the group, we wish you and your son every happiness.xx

Sue Horder-Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975125478571362640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793912040532681775.post-17707078816558073122009-06-07T14:54:00.007+01:002009-06-07T15:33:53.720+01:00

What a week! Monday afternoon I went to a writers’ workshop run by Jeff Phelps. I thoroughly enjoyed my afternoon although I suspect it didn’t quite go according to plan. One of the participants asked how can an editor edit fiction? I suppose in the ideal world no one has the right to edit your creativity but we don’t live in an ideal world and the bottom line is, if you want your work published,

Sue Horder-Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975125478571362640noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793912040532681775.post-52864251790401728812009-05-20T17:54:00.002+01:002009-05-20T18:12:38.202+01:00

Last month's chairman's challenge was to write something based on our experiences at Attingham Park. Foolishly I agreed to judge it and God was it difficult. The trouble with Wrekin Writers is that they're all gifted and talented writers who use their abilities to their full potential when writing a challenge. I struggled over this one, there were so many excellent and diverse entries to choose

Sue Horder-Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975125478571362640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793912040532681775.post-53542622107899554182009-05-04T18:49:00.008+01:002009-05-05T12:02:17.301+01:00

Wow it rained, the wind blew and then it rained some more. Thegreat British weather, unpredictable, varied and damn inconsiderate. But, itdidn't deter us. Wrekin Writers and our local Shropshire authors donned raincoats, fleeces, jumpers and big smiles for our second day at Attingham Park.Foolhardy maybe, undeterred never.Looking after the Wrekin Writers' stall today we had Jenny andher bump,

Sue Horder-Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975125478571362640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793912040532681775.post-73557587155291494482009-05-03T18:05:00.007+01:002009-05-03T23:07:17.691+01:00

Wow what an amazing day! The sun shone, the crowds came and all authors sold books. Wrekin Writers also sold three copies of the 2008 anthology (thanks Julie's relatives, much appreciated). We handed out leaflets about the group, that in itself could prove to be interesting and Darren, our fantastic publicity officer, created a crossword about Attingham and sold a lot of copies at 50p each. 

Sue Horder-Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975125478571362640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793912040532681775.post-22893266843135469422009-04-27T13:02:00.002+01:002009-04-27T13:05:54.972+01:00

If I lived in a town or a city and when opening my front door I heard gunshots, I’d run for cover and immediately phone the police. But where I live I regularly open my front door and hear gunshots and think nothing of it. Those guns aren’t threatening me, but causing serious concern for the bunnies in the fields.It’s important when you’re writing to decide which viewpoint you are writing from

Sue Horder-Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975125478571362640noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793912040532681775.post-16117310624118977252009-04-21T09:25:00.003+01:002009-04-21T09:57:04.135+01:00

Last month's Chairman's Challenge was 'battlefields'. Our treasurer Bryan had the unenviable task of judging it. When he sent me the results his comment was 'It was really hard actually, I was staring at the last 6 for ages, and eventually just had to go with my gut feel.' So, in the nicest possible way, well done Wrekin Writers for giving Bryan such a hard time. 1st - Di Perry The atmosphere

Sue Horder-Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975125478571362640noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793912040532681775.post-3443724715345640432009-04-20T09:15:00.005+01:002009-04-21T10:00:37.085+01:00

Take a peak in Simon’s bedroom. No you don’t need to leg it over to his place, all you need to do is get this month’s copy of Writer’ Forum. Featured in this month’s ‘my writing space’ is our very own Simon Whaley and yes you’ve guessed it, his writing space is in his bedroom. An expose it is but don’t worry your blushes have been spared. The photograph shows Simon sitting at an incredibly tidy

Sue Horder-Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975125478571362640noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793912040532681775.post-89054212426471591112009-03-29T11:24:00.004+01:002009-03-29T11:36:22.062+01:00

I judged last month's chairman's challenge and believe me it wasn't easy. As usual the group had interpreted the subject 'out of the comfort zone' in so many ways and the standard was incredibly hight.However there had to be a 1st, 2nd and 3rd and they are as follows1st Beverley Woodhead with 'Little Jimmy shares a problem'The Cartwright family had made a lifestyle-choice move from one

Sue Horder-Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975125478571362640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793912040532681775.post-15784679614557965702009-03-29T00:53:00.000Z2009-03-29T00:54:39.099Z

Tonight I was jeered by a group of kids hanging around in Craven Arms, they called me a ‘spastic’ and made comments about the way I walk. Their comments really upset me. I haven’t been called that in years not since the taunts of the kids when I was at school. In those days it was deemed as not a nice thing to say but they did it anyway. Nowadays things are different, I have the right to make a

Sue Horder-Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975125478571362640noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793912040532681775.post-20358860790647683322009-03-23T21:56:00.009Z2009-03-23T22:38:11.120Z

And what a day out it was. The weather was perfect, the setting idyllic and thanks to the 08.53 train from Shrewsbury the chair was late. However, that didn’t spoil anything. Instead of our usual venue we had the pleasure of meeting in the tea rooms at Attingham Park. Fired up by tea, coffee, biscuits, a full house and three new members we began our meeting. After our usual ‘creeping death’

Sue Horder-Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975125478571362640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793912040532681775.post-3657434847993536412009-03-05T11:45:00.004Z2009-03-05T11:52:08.980Z

You have a deadline to work to. Okay you might think that the 13th July is months away, which it is and that you don’t need to worry about it yet but you’ll be surprised how quickly it will come around. So start writing now, you don’t want a mad panic on the 12th July.Entering the competition will focus your mind and give you something to work towards.The satisfaction of producing a finished and

Sue Horder-Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975125478571362640noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793912040532681775.post-85969737270424345662009-02-24T08:22:00.015Z2009-02-25T08:43:18.540Z

The Chairman's Challenge for January was Recycling and it was judged by Mike White. As usual the given subject matter was interpreted in many and varied ways. 1st - Julie PhillipsPut your rubbish in the binexcept for paper, card and tin.Bin men won't collect my plastic,wrapping paper or elastic.This goes here and that goes where?No room for error, if you dareput a bottle in the bin,you'll burn in

Sue Horder-Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975125478571362640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793912040532681775.post-37351694433595320762009-02-23T09:02:00.001Z2009-02-23T09:13:10.767Z

That was the theme of our workshop last Saturday. The object of such desire was our writing. Treat it as if your having an affair, Simon Whaley suggested. Purposely make time for your writing, quality time and treasure every minute you spend together.Simon encouraged us to give our writing a name, then we had to visualise that name as a person and to write a love letter to them, telling them how

Sue Horder-Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975125478571362640noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793912040532681775.post-46223033989952785222009-02-20T10:22:00.003Z2009-02-20T10:35:39.664Z

Yesterday a dear friend of mine went through absolute hell. Why? Her book was up before the board at Hodder so they could give make the final decision as to whether it was published or not. Sadly they decided against publication. As you can imagine, she was gutted.But this was no ordinary rejection. In early 2007 she wrote a factual book in three months. This was the first writing she’d ever

Sue Horder-Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975125478571362640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793912040532681775.post-58839828700863177112009-02-20T09:46:00.001Z2009-02-20T09:49:01.133Z

Those of us of a certain age used to have amongst our toys a certain black (as in the colour) toy dressed in red striped trousers, with a red jacket and a wonderful smile. Yes, I’m talking about a Golly. (Sorry I’m not allowed to give him his proper title) Remember the Marmalade and the badges we used to collect and pin to the lapels of our coats? Okay I know I’m showing my age but it wasn’t that

Sue Horder-Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975125478571362640noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793912040532681775.post-26124018980063368502009-02-16T09:44:00.003Z2009-02-16T09:58:43.160Z

especially those who need a bit of encouragement. Julie Phillips Motivational Mutterings is a fantastic, well written and witty piece that encourages writers to 'put their bum on the seat and get writing.' Read it and then get writing.

Sue Horder-Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975125478571362640noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793912040532681775.post-47795634507143214622009-02-13T13:38:00.006Z2009-02-13T13:44:33.058Z

New magazine out for writers and readers. Offers free to enter monthly competitions too - enjoy. Check the letters' page and find out a little more about our own Simon Whaley

Sue Horder-Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975125478571362640noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793912040532681775.post-7956694115277956202009-02-12T13:32:00.001Z2009-02-12T13:35:23.378Z

Mark Twain said ‘the reports of my death are greatly exaggerated’ when he heard that the New York Journal had published his obituary. The same happened to best selling Wellington born author Hesba Stretton. Twice, the Wellington Journal mistakenly reported her death. The first time in 1909 and the second time in 1911. They eventually got it right when she died in October 1911.The same thing

Sue Horder-Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975125478571362640noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793912040532681775.post-13927132808095909932009-02-12T09:17:00.003Z2009-02-12T10:01:19.253Z

Imagine returning home, parking your car and a fire engine pulls up outside your house. As the vehicle stops a fireman leaps from the cab and starts running up your garden path. Well those of you who know me, won't be surprised to find out that this happened to me on Tuesday night.I got out the car and asked (politely of course) what the hell was going on.'We've had a report of a chimney fire

Sue Horder-Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975125478571362640noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793912040532681775.post-27046081173931870502009-01-28T17:17:00.003Z2009-01-28T17:19:45.206Z

My car has had a funny rattle for a while now (you can tell I’m mechanically minded can’t you?) so I took it to the garage. I told the mechanics that it was the exhaust and fully expected to have to pay out a fortune for it to be replaced. I drove it into the bay, switched the engine off and handed them the keys. ‘How long?’ I asked, thinking I could go shopping.‘Just a minute Sue that’s not the

Sue Horder-Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975125478571362640noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793912040532681775.post-75365891191417011702009-01-28T14:47:00.004Z2009-01-28T15:42:26.292Z

As writers we are always being told to write about what we know. Well that's exactly what Wrekin Writer Fiona Stevenson has been doing. Fiona who has 'an interesting life' has drawn from her experiences and posted several articles on the website Article Alley. Check out Fiona's author's page and read her articles. You never know there maybe something there for you. Although this site doesn't pay

Sue Horder-Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975125478571362640noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793912040532681775.post-42734678315480312452009-01-18T13:56:00.006Z2009-01-19T23:30:33.163Z

Every month the chairman sets a challenge. The idea being that the group members write a short piece in about one hundred words (ten percent margin allowed) on a given topic. These are then collected and judged and the winner receives a fiver. Okay so you're not going to get rich but it's a useful exercise and a lot of fun.December's Challenge was 'Holly, Ivy and Mistletoe' It was judged by Di

Sue Horder-Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975125478571362640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793912040532681775.post-57245237002191139462009-01-18T09:32:00.003Z2009-01-19T23:30:14.925Z

Ten years ago when I handed the chairmanship of Wrekin Writers over to Simon Whaley little did I think I would be back in the 'hot seat.' However, times, situations and circumstances change and thanks to the support of the group I find myself back as its chair. I came to the decision to stand after many months of long, hard thinking and discussions with both friends and family. I realise that the

Sue Horder-Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975125478571362640noreply@blogger.com0