May 2006
Ellen Phethean. Before the evening's readings Ellen led an inspirational workshop designed to help writers develop confidence in delivering their work to an audience. The theme of this session was Interpretation This included advice and discussion on how to make a story or poem make sense, and how to select and order work, also, what to say as introduction, and the most effective way to convey meaning.
At 8pm the evening's entertainment got underway with a fine young poet: Ella Thompson Ella travelled all the way up from Brighton especially for this Blue Room reading. This is what she says about herself and her work: 'I fell into writing – first prose and then poetry – completely by accident a couple of years ago. At first I considered it a fairly immature hobby; something I would I would grow out of the way I did teddy bears or daisy chains. Music was my first love, writing a pleasurable interference. But then I got The Bug. I started going to a creative writing group at my college (we sat as far away from each other as possible, arms over our papers) patiently coaxed into life by the lovely Catherine Smith. She published my poetry in The New Writer and persuaded me to enter the Foyle Poet's competition through which I won a place on an Arvon course. It was a week of complete luxury: Listening to the people who know. They will unfold you like a paper crane. Now go and write.'
Alison Mosquera Alison, our second poet of the evening, presented a variety of entertaining and interesting pieces. Here is a little bit about her writing career so far: 'After years as a wannabe-writer, Alison Mosquera finally started writing poetry in 2003. Her first published poem appeared in The Poetry Cure(Bloodaxe Books, April 2005), and she has since been published in The nterpreters House and placed in two poetry competitions, including winning 1st prize in the 2005 Trowell & District Writers' Trust try for children category and trophy for best poem in the competition overall. Alison lives in Newcastle upon Tyne.'
Janine Langley-Wood. Due to Deborah Buchan's indisposition, on this occasion Janine turned out to be our one and only prose reader. It is fair to say however,that she more than satisfied the audience's yen for a good short story. This is what Janine told us about herself and her writing:'I grew up in Leeds, lived in Newcastle for twelve years and completed my MA in creative writing at Northumbria University. I am a regular visitor back to the North East. I have taught creative writing for six years, mainly to college students, currently to inmates at HMP Leeds. I have had several short stories published in lit-mags and anthologies, including two short stories in Even the Ants Have Names, a Diamond Twig Press anthology. In 2003 I received a Northern Promise Award for my first novel in progress and was mentored by Sara Maitland. My one attempt at playwriting was shortlisted for the BBC's Falling About competition.'
Stevie Ronnie At very short notice, a young, local, up-and-coming talent Stevie Ronnie very kindly stepped in to replace Deborah Buchan who unfortunately was unable to make the event because of an injury. Stevie gave the third poetry reading of the night, but no one was complaining. It was a delight. Here is a short biog about him: 'Stevie Ronnie discovered how to turn his scribbles into poetry and the odd short story after returning to his native North East from Vienna in the year 2000. It was the excellent Joan Johnston's fault that he became addicted to words and that they began to keep him awake at night. He is currently studying part-time for an MA in creative writing at Newcastle University and has poems forthcoming in the magazines Iota and Alliterati.'
The evening was rounded off in style with music from the incomparable David Scott As well as singing a few of his own self-penned numbers, Dave gave a beautiful musical rendition of one of Julia Darling's poems. David worked with Julia in the past, and has collaborated on various Live Theatre productions over the years. He has also accompanied Kath Williams on many of her successful tours, and is considerably well known and respected for his guitar playing skills.
