Erskine Writers

 Tuesday 24th March

Apologies were received from John H., Marilyn, Joan, Lorna, Joyce and Sandra R. Apologies are DUE to JackIE for my constant mis-spelling of her name and she confirmed with me over the week-end that the correct spelling of her name is JACKIE not as previously recorded.

The afternoon was given over to an appraisal of the Scottish Association of Writers Conference which was held at the weekend. Erskine was well represented by Rob, Jackie, Lorna, Hilary, John Mac, Morag, Joan, Vikkli and Sandra M. Sandra was honoured with Life Membership by the association which was recognised by the award of a framed certificate and a silver salver and our congratulations to her are fulsome. She also gave the closing address which all found very inspiring.

The response to the conference was extremely positive. John Mac gained a second prize for his self-published novel  ‘The Mario Mystery’ and Morag was commended for her article on Pitenweem Arts Festival - ‘The Hidden Treasure’. All entrants agreed that the adjudications were extremely fair and the resultant critiques constructive and encouraging. Examples of entries and their critiques were read out - Rob’s article ‘Daughter’, Morag’s ‘Hidden Treasure’, John’s technical crit on his novel  Jackie’s wonderful piece on ‘The Daphne Clock’ and Hilary’s first chapter of a speculative fiction novel. Ideas and suggestions from these were welcomed and taken on board.

A wide range of workshops were attended - historical fiction, humorous writing, poetry, speculative fiction , self-publication along with some one-to one sessions. Members also attended various events such as the judging of the Dragon’s Pen competition, the readings of various winning entries and the X Factor (a performance poetry challenge). All agreed that these had been very worthwhile and we are all enthusiastic to return in 2027 and apply the lessons learnt from this year to our next entries.

Next week we will be looking at the syllabus for 2026-27 by analysing what has gone before along with examples from other clubs and members are encouraged to champion what they enjoyed and highlight ideas which were less successful as well as contributing their own suggestions. 

Finally, members are reminded that entries for the last competition of the year are to be with Morag by midnight on 31st March