Ash Dickinson - Poetry at the Brewhouse

Poetry at The Brewhouse kicks off on 7 February 2013. The featured poet for February is the internationally known performance poet, Ash Dickinson.

They say he's a 'master of stand-up poetry'. Don't know what stand-up poetry is? It's where the poet stands up without a crib or prompt and entertains the audience. This man is entertaining. Hilariously serious one minute; deadly funny the next. You really don't want to miss him!

Open floor session for which there are only three slots left. If you want to book one, let John know as soon as possible as it's strictly first come, first served.

John Stuart

Chairman - Fire River Poets

Freefall Writing Competition

Freefall Writing Competition....In her forthcoming book, Writing Without a Parachute: The Art of Freefall, Barbara Turner-Vesselago sets out the method by which she has helped hundreds of people worldwide to develop a new relationship with writing through deepening what she calls the aspect of 'surrender' in the writing process.

1. Pick a prompt from this list, if you wish: 
a) A sound heard in childhood 
b) Don't go near the water 
c) Nothing has ever tasted so sweet 
d) "Talk to me like the rain, and let me listen" 
e) Hearing my name in the night 

Or you can simply start from ‘what comes up’
Contact if you would like full entry details...
Freefall Writing website

Introducing Merac and Howard

I'd like to bring your attention to a new blog from the world of MR W.... Introducing 'Merac and Howard', perhaps the most odd characters you will ever come across. Their dull, macabre lives will be published on the blog 'Merac & Howard' in instalments so sign up now so you don't miss out on the latest grimy fingerprint of their sad little world, smeared onto your cotton bedsheets....

Little House Short Story competition

Little House Short Story Competition 

For stories up to 2,000 words.

First prize £100 and a full critique

Five runners up also receive a critique of their submission.

Deadline: December 31st 2012

Entry fee: £5.00  

2013 Bristol Short Story Prize

The Bristol Short Story Prize 2013 is now open. Stories can be entered online or by post and the closing date for entries is midnight (BST) on 30th April 2013. Please read the 2013 BSSP rules before entering. The judging panel will be chaired by editor and literary consultant, Ali Reynolds, a former editor at Random House.

Any script writers out there? This one's for you....
BBC Writers Room submissions

Autumn Reading Challenge

Last year I set myself the challenge of reading all the shortlisted books from the Man Booker Prize Shortlist. I managed to read them all, largely because I had a holiday during that time and can always read more when I'm not side-tracked by daily business. Even though some weren't the kind of books I'd normally choose to read,  I have to say I discovered some fascinating writers and storytellers and would like to read more of their work.
Now this year I find an email announcing the 2012 Man Booker Prize Shortlist so I'm setting myself the same challenge. The full list can be found on The Man Booker Prize website if you'd like to do the same. I think I'll ease myself in with 'Swimming Home' by Deborah Levy.
Happy Reading!