Circle | Bedford Writers

Please read our Chairman's report.
February 2022

The writing topic for our February meeting was to continue the story after the original author, film maker, comic book artist or composer placed the full stop at the end of their work. There were some really good pieces that took us to places with characters we have so often just left to their own devices.

Writing to the month’s topic is not compulsory. What I enjoyed most about the pieces presented whether to theme or not, was the quality of what was written. We have some amazing writers amongst us who must all be celebrated and congratulated in what they do as writers. Too often we writers are happy to nod politely and mumble a thank you when congratulated on what we have written. Authors whose work is used to create successful film scripts are usually the last to receive any plaudits. I know in the eyes of many we are only Bedford Writers’ Circle but let us not put ourselves down. We create great work. We create stories that are fit for telling and re-telling. We produce stories of all genres and themes. So next time someone asks us what we do or what our hobby may be, we should look them in the eyes and say “I am an author and I write great stuff.” Who knows perhaps one day Tom Cruise will be strutting the red carpet having received millions of pounds for appearing in a story first penned by one of us. The difference this time? Well, we will have spoken proudly about our hobby and skill.

It was lovely to see another new member attend our meeting this month and great to see so many braving the cold nights to attend. Long may this continue. Along with the stories written for the evening we were all treated to the next instalment of the round robin. You can read that story so far here on our website.

Andrew Stock, Chairman.

Who Are We?

We are a group of Bedfordshire writers, with diverse skills and abilities. We are brought together by an interest in writing, and the hope of improving our writing with each others’ help.

We run friendly and informal meetings and appreciate the opportunity to read our work for comment and criticism by other members and to share ideas for inspiration from some pretty

skilful writers. We regularly write a 'Round Robin' story where each member of the group writes a chapter. These are available to read on the Round Robin Stories page.

We encourage reading. This helps us to hear how our work sounds, which in turn is a great tool for editing. Generally speaking we limit each other to about 10 minutes reading time each so that we have time for constructive critiscm and feedback, and we all get a chance to read.

Visitors pay £3.00 per in person meeting.

Membership costs just £10 per year.

Members pay £2 per meeting to cover hire costs, etc.

We also enjoy social occasions such as a Christmas dinner, occasional outings, barbeques and other group events when possible.

The group holds regular meetings on the first Thursday of every month in the Biffa room at St Mark's Church, 7 Calder Rise, Bedford MK41 7UY

If you are interested in participating with the group, please contact our chair on: andrew.stock2018@outlook.com

In our meetings we read out our work and receive feedback from other members. We alternate between having specific themes to write about and no theme evenings to provide an opportunity to read work of your choosing.

Our next meeting is on Thursday 4th August at 7.30 pm.

The theme this month is 'A true story'. Please feel free to bring a short piece of your own work to read it can be on the theme or about something else.

Notice: Please bear with us as we construct a new website.
The new website is at https://e-voice.org.uk/bedford-writers/