The 27th Winchester Writers' Conference was a roaring success. Children's Laureate 2005-07 Jacqueline Wilson OBE was the plenary speaker and captivated the attention of the auditorium with her lively address. Jacky Daydream, Jacqueline's latest book is the biography of Jacqueline's first 10 years of her life. It is amusing and poignant giving us an insight to what makes Jacqueline tick. A brilliant read.
The conference offered seminars and workshops for many different genre of writing. There was something for everyone. Although the rain poured down the enthusiastic writers donned their waterproofs or clutched umbrellas to dash from one building to the next. The buzz was high – the only time the buzz lessened (only slightly) was during moments when the writers were eating.
One-to-One appointments were available (for those that had booked) to speak with agents, publishers or published authors like Jeannie Johnson, and Sally Spedding. Agents included Lorella Belli, Simon Trewin, Teresa Chris and James Wills to mention but a few. Little Tiger and Hodder Children's book publishers were among many interested in finding new talented writers. Many writers coming away thrilled that either an agent or publisher had asked to see more of their work. These opportunities come along rarely – Winchester is one place that dreams can begin to come true.
Writing competitions are a integral part of the conference. Writers are given the chance to enter all competitions under a pseudonym. There are fifteen competitions in all ranging from children's writing to writing can be murder. Haiku, poetry, life writing and article writing and many more – something for everyone to try.
It is big, exciting and full of passion. If you get the opportunity then do go along. You will find a big welcome from a family of writers that are keen for you to succeed as much as they want to achieve themselves.
Of course there is an awards ceremony and dinner. Here the writers sit back and enjoy a glass of wine and a chat as they relax a little before the last push on the Sunday morning to complete the workshop of there choice.
The conference offered seminars and workshops for many different genre of writing. There was something for everyone. Although the rain poured down the enthusiastic writers donned their waterproofs or clutched umbrellas to dash from one building to the next. The buzz was high – the only time the buzz lessened (only slightly) was during moments when the writers were eating.
One-to-One appointments were available (for those that had booked) to speak with agents, publishers or published authors like Jeannie Johnson, and Sally Spedding. Agents included Lorella Belli, Simon Trewin, Teresa Chris and James Wills to mention but a few. Little Tiger and Hodder Children's book publishers were among many interested in finding new talented writers. Many writers coming away thrilled that either an agent or publisher had asked to see more of their work. These opportunities come along rarely – Winchester is one place that dreams can begin to come true.
Writing competitions are a integral part of the conference. Writers are given the chance to enter all competitions under a pseudonym. There are fifteen competitions in all ranging from children's writing to writing can be murder. Haiku, poetry, life writing and article writing and many more – something for everyone to try.
It is big, exciting and full of passion. If you get the opportunity then do go along. You will find a big welcome from a family of writers that are keen for you to succeed as much as they want to achieve themselves.
Of course there is an awards ceremony and dinner. Here the writers sit back and enjoy a glass of wine and a chat as they relax a little before the last push on the Sunday morning to complete the workshop of there choice.
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