By Tony Flood
Writing can be a lonely business and it’s easy to become insular, yet at the same time, writers can benefit massively from social interaction that helps to fire their imagination. Joining a writers’ group offers many benefits, from the afore-mentioned social interaction to getting support from others who’ve already trodden the path you’re on. If you’re struggling with any aspect of writing, from how to develop a story or character or where to find an editor or how to market your books, membership of a local writers’ group could help you locate answers and find recommendations.
One great aspect is that these groups often run competitions to encourage their writers to create & submit works – and we all know anything that motivates us to write is to be commended. Winning writing competitions can, ultimately, offer recognition and rewards as well as encouragement.
Tony Flood is Chairman of one such group – the Anderida Writers – in Eastbourne, East Sussex, and he shared with us the results of a recent competition run by the group. He’s also very kindly extended an invitation to attend the group’s Christmas lunch. Read on…
The winners of the Gearing Trophy Short Story and Poetry competition were announced and read out at the Anderida Writers’ November meeting on Tuesday.
The competition was sponsored by Anderida Vice Chairman Nigel Gearing, who donated £225 in cash prizes, and judged the entries together with the group’s patron Tamara McKinley.
Francis Wait won the Short Story section with his aptly named ‘The Computer’. He received a cash prize of £100 and the Gearing Trophy.
Second prize of £50 went to Mary Moloney with ‘A Night Out’, and third prize of a bottle of champagne, donated by Tamara, was received by Denis Stidder (Dreams of Glory).
Richard Rewell (The Major’s Last Letter) and Francis Wait (Poetic Justice) were Highly Commended, and each received a box of chocolates, donated by Tamara.
Philippa Drake won the Poetry section and received £75 plus a cup donated by Nigel. Runner-up Deane Smith (The Shadow Behind the Smile) was presented with a bottle of champagne, again donated by Tamara, and third-placed Michael Fleming (Writers Reign) received Clare Flynn’s book The Pearl of Penang as third prize.
Tamara, whose books, written under the name Ellie Dean, are Sunday Times best sellers, gave a helpful critique of those entries that didn’t win prizes. Tamara said she was impressed by the very high standard of both short stories and poems.
Pictures show the winners and sponsor Nigel Gearing with Anderida chairman Tony Flood and patron Tamara McKinley.
Bargain Price for Christmas Lunch
Anderida Writers members and guests are invited to the group’s Christmas Lunch at a specially reduced price.
Members and guests can bring a partner or friend and benefit from Anderida paying £10 towards each lunch, which means the lunch will cost only £25 per head (instead of £35) in the Orangery Suite of the restaurant at the Hydro Hotel, Eastbourne, on Tuesday, December 9th at 12.45 pm for 1 pm.
Full details are provided on the Anderida Facebook page. Those wishing to come should send their menu choices and a cheque for £25 per person, made payable to Anderida Writers. This should be sent ASAP to the treasurer Francis Wait at Flat 30, Lakeside Court, 35 Dallington Road, Hampden Park, Eastbourne, BN22 9EJ, while places are still available.
Anyone wishing to join Anderida Writers can email Tony Flood at tflood04@yahoo.co.uk.
So why not get yourself along to the Christmas lunch, if it’s within your area. If not, see what writers’ groups exist where you are and enjoy the company of other writers and would-be writers.
Author Bio:
Author Tony Flood, who lives in Eastbourne, spent most of his working life as a journalist, initially on local and regional papers and then on nationals. He was also Controller of Information at Sky Television and enjoyed a spell with ‘The People.’
In his celebrity book My Life With The Stars – Sizzling Secrets Spilled, Tony recalls: “My work as a showbiz and leisure writer, critic and editor saw me take on a variety of challenges – learning to dance with Strictly Come Dancing star Erin Boag, becoming a stand-up comedian and playing football with the late George Best and Bobby Moore in charity matches.”
My Life With The Stars provides revelations and amusing anecdotes about showbiz and sports personalities including Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, Muhammad Ali, George Best, Kylie Minogue, Eric Morecambe, Tom Jones and Des O’Connor. Tony also writes in other genres and his crime thrillers have been endorsed by best-selling author Peter James. They are Triple Tease, Stitch Up – Killer or Victim? and Fall Guy – who really killed his wife?, and all feature compassionate copper DCI Harvey Livermore. In addition, there’s a fantasy adventure for youngsters called Secret Potion and a book Tony has co-written with wife Heather, aptly titled Laughs and Tears Galore – short stories and poems with twists!
Tony, the chairman of Anderida Writers, also writes theatre reviews for Unknown Kent and Sussex online magazine, the Eastbourne Herald and BourneFree Live, as well as playing veterans football for Sovereign Harbour Veterans. He is the oldest – and slowest – player in the team.
Contact Author:
Email: Tony Flood at tflood04@yahoo.co.uk.
