WriteNight Meeting 23rd February 2015

Last night's WriteNight, was hosted at 15 Queen Street by the fabulous Emma Kittle. 

Emma brought along a really interesting exercise which focused on the conventions of traditional fairy tales. It was inspired by the 'Londonist' competition Emma posted in the Facebook group on February 16th, which asks for writers to submit a 'new fairytale for modern London'.

Initially, we put together a mind map of our knowledge of the fairy tale genre. Amongst the ideas listed were the following:

• hero/heroine
• wicked stepmother
• old crone/witch
• transformation
• true love's first kiss
• romance
• implausible deaths
• magic
• moral lesson

After this, we read the Brothers Grimm's tale 'The 12 Brothers' which proved very entertaining, as we were forced to suspend all logic and all our knowledge of the 'rules' of writing as we read it. We examined the fairy tale conventions which were present in the story.

Finally, we spent time writing our own 'new fairytales for modern London'. It was a very challenging exercise, as it fell outside of all our comfort zones but this made it all the more enjoyable.

Thank you to Emma for a thoroughly entertaining and interesting session. If you missed it, feel free to have a go at the exercise and enter the competition, following the link above.

The next WriteNight meeting will take place at 15 Queen Street Colchester on Monday 9th March 2015 from 7:30-9:30pm. We hope to see you there!

by Annie Bell

WriteNight meeting 13th October 2014 by Doug Smith

This time I wasn’t going to be late, I really wasn’t. It’s no good arriving after the activity has already started and not feeling part of it. You never properly catch up.

The others weren’t late either, arriving together bang on time with a smile and a wave. The five of us stood outside the closed, dark café and frowned at the door. “Doesn’t look like anyone’s there,” said Danni.

“I did speak to her today,” said Jo. “She definitely said it was still on.”

I peered up at the first floor windows. There were no lights. Last time, the room had been bustling and the kitchen had been in the middle of a bake. It had been very hot, and a bit cramped.

“Let’s give it fifteen minutes,” said Jo, “and then go somewhere else.” She glanced around it us with slightly narrowed eyes. “I also need to discuss the night. Don’t worry, not whether to continue it, but where we do it.”

“Yeah.” We all murmured agreement, some louder than others.

“This place was nice,” I thought aloud, “but there wasn’t much space. And it was almost as much about the cakes as the writing.”

Jo tore a piece of A4 out of her pad and started writing on it. “In case any newbies come along,” she said and tucked it inside the letterbox. “Writenighters – we have gone to the Castle pub.” There was a smiley face on it.

The Castle was quiet, quieter than I’d ever seen it, but still they had some RnB coming out of the speakers. I was the last in, and followed the others through to the back room, which was deserted, bright and quiet, apart from us, clustered around a long table. My brain must have not believed Jo when she said, as I sat down beside her, “There’s a huge lasagne coming in a minute,” so I was surprised when a big plate of food actually arrived. It smelled amazing. I thought she must have really been looking forward to the cakes in the café.

Ed passed out sheets for the exercise. It was useful stuff – spending more time considering the circumstances and motivations of your characters, and making conscious use of the three-act structure to a story. I need to spend more time on this kind of thing. It can feel like a chore, but once you do it, it can feel like a veil has been lifted, and more ideas spring from it.

As is traditional, some subterfuge ensued. Colin pondered what it would mean to use ‘death’ in answer to all the questions. Danni wondered if all this wasn’t just over-thinking. We debated briefly whether it always had to be three acts, or if a story could have no catalyst or motivation. I think it could, but then it wouldn’t be much of a story.

We sat and wrote, or typed, or thought for a while, and then chatted some more. The next NaNoWriMo came up. Ed had his characters and plot outline already well worked out, which he passed around. Jo had her pink folder ready, full of research, for an extended version of her anthology story. Colin sounded well-prepared too. I revealed I had the idea, but hadn’t mapped out how it would go yet. I bet I leave it til Oct 31^st like last year. Danni wasn’t preparing much at all. She’s a free-form story-stream kind of girl.

I can’t remember who brought it up, but we mentioned the previous project a few of us had been working on – an excuse to think more about editing. I was glad of this, as it had felt unresolved, but Jo reminded us that the competition was open until Nov 1^st, so we still had time to send if off. Colin brought out a print-out of his, which a couple of us read, and Danni hacked into it with her red pen.

Maybe I shouldn’t have done, but I looked at what Colin had been working on this evening and saw notes of the most interesting points that had come up. Reversing the three-act plot stood out, so that it was quite conclusive at the start and ended shortly after a crisis point, but what really caught my eye was something Danni had said earlier about it’s creepy when men make eye contact, but it’s also creepy when men won’t. Seems like we can’t win.

We carried on typing, thinking and writing again and let time slip by. We forgot about finishing at 9.30. There seemed no hurry. Eventually, I had to go, but only got as far as the door.

“We didn’t discuss the venue thing yet,” said Colin.

Jo immediately put down her pink highlighter and opened her pad at a fresh sheet. With true efficiency, she made a list of all the potential venues we could use to meet, with various pros and cons, and also thoughts on possible days of the week. I won’t spoil it for you – I am sure Jo will reveal all in a different post – and so for now, I wish everyone happy, obsessive and productive writing. Look forward to seeing everyone again in a couple of weeks.

The next WriteNight meeting is on Monday 27th October, 7.30pm at Ruby's Tea Party, Crouch Street, Colchester. Please do come and join us. 

WriteNight Meeting 11th August 2014 - by Colin Murugiah

I was asked to describe the evening of the 11th, the Monday of one particular August in the year 2014 ... the WriteNight meeting, at 15 Queen Street Colchester.

I expect the response to this, from this blog's editor, who coincidentally pressed/invited me to scribe this, to be a resounding 'NO!'

Alas, it has been a few days and memory fogs as words blur, but the gist of the evening revolved around an activity based upon a writing competition. The theme? 'Going Home'.

My initial response? 'Death'. As it turns out, the only other who shared this gut reaction was Jo (who also happens be be my post's editor). How strange! But then, writing nice normal things tends to be lacking in conflict ... sometimes. In any event, Jo, who led the activity had us brainstorm in two duos and a trio about what 'home' might mean to different people in different contexts.

To my knowledge, vampires and other gothic horror narratives were not used this time, despite the fact that this seems to be a running joke from certain members of the group ... The camaraderie at WriteNight is always welcoming and helps break the isolation that so many of us seem to experience in our chosen craft. Home, as it seemed to turn out for some of us, can lie within the worlds we shape with words, but that is a tangent.

From the brainstorm, we filled out, individually, a character sheet, in two halves - basic details. Then we switched randomly, drawing out other sheets; for this half, we filled in potential obstacles.

From this, we attempted the 3,000 word maximum story, though I doubt any of us finished in the 45 minute slot we had.

As usual, the exercise was stimulating in an 'out of context' for my own writing focus and sharing with fellow writers is always fun but that's enough shameless self promotion.

I'm sure Jo will be kind enough to include details of her character sheet. (It should be noted that the mannequin man was ... decorated by at least three of us ...)

Happy Writing!

-C.

Right Now - by Ed Ngai

"What the fuck do you think you're doing?!"

"I... I don't know what came over me, look I wasn't going to do anything, I swear."

"Bullshit!"

"Nothing happened, she's gone, just calm down."

"You seriously telling me to calm down after what just happened!"

"Look I'm sorry, let's just forget about this and go home okay?"

"Go to hell!"

2 HOURS EARLIER...

As Ryan and James were getting ready to leave the house for Cobie's fancy dress party, the two housemates walked out of their respective rooms to reveal what costume they had both chosen to wear. James chose to dress up as a 70's disco dancer similar to John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever, whilst Ryan opted for the Joker from Batman. Ryan looked at James for a second with a puzzled stare, his head tilted to either side and finally he burst out in laughter.

"Dude, you look like my dad when he was having a mid-life crisis!"

James shook his head "All I can say is you are one creepy clown and you are never gonna get laid tonight!"

"Well that makes the two of us, doesn't it?."

Ryan walked towards the door and slowly opened it and let James through. As James passed him he asked, "So I hear Jess is going to this party. You excited?"

James turned to look at Ryan and smirked, "That's none of your business."

Ryan gave a grin that was made creepier than usual, from all the make up and said, "Why? Are you scared of a me stealing the love of your life?"

James blushed, "You're a dick, you know that right!"

The two friends headed out of their house and began walking down the street towards the party.

1 HOUR EARLIER...

Ryan was separated from James, he spotted a girl who looked like Jess wearing a Supergirl outfit. Ryan sneaked behind her.

"Boo!" 

"Shit! Ryan is that you? Don't creep up on me like that! You scared the life out of me!" 

As Ryan recovered from his drunken laughter, he composed himself and shouted over the loud music, "Guess what? Your admirer has been trying to look for you all night."

Jess looked at Ryan and gave him a big smile, "Oh yeah? So how come he sent you?"

Ryan grinned and replied, "Because... he's shy. He doesn't want to profess his love for you in front of all these people, not that you'll hear anything under this AWFUL music anyway."

Jess smiled again, "Well he better make it fast, I'm not sticking around forever."

Ryan laughed, "Wow, seems like you have been desperately waiting for him."

"Yes I have Joker, it's the only reason why I came to this stupid party in the first place."

"Well Supergirl, me being the Joker, all evil and what not, I'm gonna make you wait a little bit longer. Go to the the upstairs bedroom in say half an hour and I'll make sure he is nice and ready for you."

Jess gave Ryan another big smile and whispered in Ryan's ears, "I can't wait."

30 MINUTES EARLIER...

Jess arrived at the door of the upstairs bedroom. She was slightly anxious about entering the room but she took a final drink from her vodka and coke and knocked on the door. The music was too loud to hear a response so she just walked in. 

She entered the room to find James looking through a pile of CD's. The room was a lot quieter than outside, although you could still hear muffled music from outside and the floor was vibrating from the heavy bass downstairs.

James saw Jess walk in and his face was immediately filled with happiness and joy. Jess' face on the other hand was completely different. She had a confused look for a second and then confusion evolved into shock, as she finally understood what was going on. There was an awkward tension in the room. Both stared at each other, not quite sure what to say, but Jess decided to speak first, "Erm.. You're Ryan's housemate James right?"

"Yes," James replied.

"You're my... admirer?"

James blushed and shyly replied, "Erm.. I guess so"

"Wow, this is a bit awkward and kinda embarrassing, but I thought Ryan was... my admirer."

James was confused by her remark and replied, "But I thought he told you it was me."

"Well... No he only mentioned I had an admirer and since I have had the biggest crush on him since forever, I thought it was him trying to say he liked me... I'm sorry, I should go."

"No, no, please stay. I know you don't know me very well but I really really like you and I have done ever since I first laid eyes one you."

"Look, you seem like a nice guy but, I'm sorry, it's just... I like Ryan and I... I can't explain. I'm just gonna go"

James began to get frustrated, "I don't understand, Why do you like Ryan? Why do all the girls like him? He's an asshole. He's in a different relationship every other week. I'm the one who loves you not him. Why can't you just give me a chance?!" 

Jess was starting to get intimidated, "I'm sorry.." she muttered, she could feel the tension building up now and she attempted to leave the room, but James rushed towards the door and slammed it shut. Jess backed away from him but every step she took backwards, he closed the gap with a step towards her.

15 MINUTES EARLIER...

Ryan was talking to some blonde girl by the kitchen downstairs. All of a sudden the music stopped. He looked over to the living room. Two police officers were standing by the stereo.

"Alright, party's over. This is what you get for being so damn loud!"

The police officers began to shepherd the people outside. 

Ryan looked back towards the blonde girl, only to find her throwing up by the sink. He swiftly exited the room. 

He decided to go find his housemate to tell him that the party was over. He went upstairs to the bedroom and knocked on the door. No reply.

He had a devious grin on his face as he placed his ear on the door to hear what was going on and at that moment, "HELP!"

He rushed in to find that James was on top of Jess with both his hands holding her wrists against the floor.

Ryan pulled James off of Jess and punched him in the face.

Jess, with tears streaming down her cheeks started scrambling to get up and ran out of the room, as if her life depended on it.

NOW...

Ryan pushed James onto the ground.

"What the fuck do you think you're doing?!"

"I... I don't know what came over me, look I wasn't going to do anything, I swear."

"Bullshit!"

"Nothing happened, she's gone, just calm down."

"You seriously telling me to calm down after what just happened!"

"Look I'm sorry, let's just forget about this and go home okay?"

"Go to hell!"

Ryan left James on the floor as he started to chase after Jess. He exited the house to find that the police officers and almost everybody else had gone. He spotted Jess walking swiftly away at the end of the street. He ran and caught up to her.

"Jess, wait up." She ignored him and began to walk faster. He then put his hand on her shoulder and she flinched, but then looked up and realised it was Ryan. She hugged him and started crying out loud. 

Ryan held her tightly and said "I'm sorry."

Exercise - 11th August 2014 - by Annie Bell

Here's the exercise we did at last night's WriteNight meeting, gearing towards Scribble Magazine's competition on the theme of  'Going Home'.

 

Idea Generation …

The theme of our chosen competition is 'Going Home'.

1. Mind map as many interpretations as you can of the theme.

Character Study …

2. Fill in these details about your protagonist, based on the ideas generated in the last task.

Character's name:

5 things you would find in your character's pocket or bag, which would give a clue to who they are.

• 
  
• 
  
• 
  
• 
  
• 
  

In 10 words or less, describe their physical attributes.

What do those attributes suggest about their social status?

3. Now swap with a partner – the partner should answer the following questions:

Suggest ideas linking this character with the theme of 'Going Home'

Is the character happy to be 'Going Home'?

Where could they be coming from/going to?

Why are they making the change?

What obstacles might they encounter?

 4. Now write a story based on the ideas generated, with this character as your protagonist.

About WriteNight - by Annie Bell

In November 2011, a group of writers met for National Novel Writing Month write-ins. Among them was Emma Kittle. Recognising the need for a writing group in Colchester, she set up and started our little group, which began meeting on the second and fourth Mondays of the month at 15 Queen Street - a centre for creativity in Colchester. 

In the first meeting, our  named group was, courtesy of Colin Murugiah and thus, WriteNight was born.

It hardly seems possible that we're now in our third year. Over the time we have been meeting, we have formed a strong and friendly group, which aims to encourage writers to get together and write in the company of like minded people. We've achieved quite a lot too, writing, editing and self publishing an anthology of stories written by members

WriteNighters with our first anniversary cake

This blog will showcase some of the writing produced by members of the group. Please do read and comment on them.

If you want to know more, have a look at our Facebook group or follow us on Twitter.