Okehampton Writers Group

Discovered there was a writers' group in Okehampton on the first Tuesday of the month, so with time on my hands I went up there to check it out. Good points: it was in a pub The London Inn. Free coffee!!!! Nearly fell over. Had to turn it down as already enjoyed breakfast and coffee across the road in The White Hart. Still, one to remember next time. 

The group is run by a lady called Perdita who also runs Moor Imagination creative writing courses. She led the writer's group of five wannabees, two guys, three ladies. All with differing interests from world-building syfy and horror to poetry and short stories. The session today focussed on giving and receiving feedback which is something I struggle with. Perdita guided through various 'tools' ie: questions that might generate constructive feedback. It was fun.

There was a break on the hour before moving on to the final 45 mins. This included a 5 minute writing exercise using the prompt: 'No one is scared of little old ladies'. My cogs took a while to wake up to that one, but I did grind out something which was appreciated. You can check it out in The Reading Room #Reading Room. It was amazing how diverse the contributions were from everyone. 

After that we moved on to reading out any work we might like the others to hear. There was some good stuff - the other guy related a really imaginative piece. The young lady an unusual chapter from a vampire novel, and then middle-aged lady one read a short story; and middle-aged lady two read two incredible poems - one about Lourdes the other a spicy piece. I cracked on and read 'Mad Dog' which seemed to go down well. 

I hope to again, as it's only once a month. First attendance was free, any subsequent admission is £5 which is a little steep, but hey-ho, you might learn something.

#Moor Imagination – Creative Writing Courses set in the heart of Dartmoor