There’s nothing like a bit lof baking to make me feel ready for entertaining, especially when I have harvested the ingredients (well, the blackberries at least) myself. And yes, I know that I can’t offer coffee and muffins for real when Mr. Pinnock comes to call tomorrow, but this is, you know, a bit of visual preparation for said event, and a way of putting out the welcome mat for anyone else who drops by, so you’ll have to humour me in this metaphor or whatever it might be (conceit?)
Here’s the plan:
- 10.00 am kettle on and table set,
- 10.30 arrival of guest just in time for coffee, after which both of us hope to be around most of the day should anyone want to chat.
- 7.00 pm late-comers are also welcome. We both have evening engagements but hope to pop back from time to time to see who’s around.
That just leaves you. Shall I save you a muffin?
Ali Bacon / Books and Other Things 
Not at all certain that I have got the right place to ask a question – I’d like to know more about the way Jon’s writers’ circle functions (and I wonder if anyone there knew the wonderful Frank Ferneyhough – my very first writing teacher way back in 1976, thanks to whom I got my first article published and a piece recorded for Women’s Hour). How many members? Are membership numbers restricted? How often do members get MSS critiqued? Is there a cost for membership? Is there a cost for workshops? In short, what gives the circle its dynamic? And what does he value most about his Writers’ Circle. Soryy, that’s a bit more than one question.
LikeLike
Hi Nicola – good to see you and thanks for responding to my nagging! I hope Jon might be back in a while to give some answers. Have you looked at the Verulam site? http://www.verulamwriterscircle.org.uk/ I’m wondering if you are having thoughts about BWW!
AliB
LikeLike
Gulp. Lots of questions and a very small keyboard (I’m on a train!) But here goes … There are still a few who remember Frank F – that’s a name from the past! I think we’ve got around 40 members at present. No restrictions at the moment. I think I’ve answered the critique question on the interview post. If not let me know and I’ll have another go. Cost is (I think) £35 a year. Dynamic is in the mix of people and the mix of activities and also the fact that we all take our writing seriously whilst retaining a sense of fun as well.
LikeLike
Quick follow-up, having been to our AGM yesterday …
Correction, membership is £36 per year.
Other important things that give the circle its dynamic: mix of sexes (roughly 50-50, which I suspect is quite unusual), mix of ages (17 to 70ish), strong web presence (I didn’t mention our online forum, “virtual manuscript evening” and blog at http://www.ifshakespeare.co.uk) and boundless ambition.
LikeLike
Thanks for the update, Jon
Have a good weekend!
AliB
LikeLike