Hi everyone, my name is Leslie Hamilton and I live at Blackburn, Lancashire in the United Kingdom.
I have been interested in writing for many years. I was Secretary then chair of Chorley Writing Circle for three years before moving to the Blackburn area.
There is a new Circle starting in the library but it is during the day which doesn't help if you are working.
I find that Circles tend to spend quite a bit of time having members reading their work aloud. Is this a good thing? I am a writer first and a listener second.
I am happy for people to read my work at their own time but not at a meeting which is usually just a couple of hours long.
I think an alternative Writing Circle is needed where fellow writers can forward their short stories, poems, even parts of their novels for other writers to comment on.
Constructive crititism is the best way of knowing if what you are writing is good. My wife always reads my chapters when I have finalised them, but although she picks out the odd mistake, she tends not to say too much - doesn't want to hurt the feelings of hte other half!
But that is exactly what we require. Somebody to read our work and give us their opinion. Writing is a lonely business but us writers are used to it.
I have written two novels - Crosswords and Sarah's Grave - and a novelette - The Law. I am three quarters of the way through my next novel about the slave trade and forbidden love set in the 1780's.
I have written many short stories and some poems. I have completed a two year Open Writing Course at college a few years ago. I write a daily diary.
Although I can turn my hand to most types of writing, the novel is my first love. Still to be published though.
Let me know if you writers out there think that an alternative Writing Circle set either as a blog or a web page is really needed.
All comments, good or bad, are welcome.
Les