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Short Story Competition 2013

Exeter Writers announces its 2013 Exeter Writers Short Story Competition . In this fifth year of the competition, prizes have been increased to £500, £250 and £100 with an extra Devon Prize of £100. Entries are invited from all writers; the closing date is 31 March 2013. See our Competition Page for full details and a downloadable entry form.

Richard Lee

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Exeter Writers are lucky enough to have amongst their members Richard Lee, founder of the Historical Novel Society. Here he is receiving his ceremonial sword at the society's 2012 conference in London. Richard founded the Society in 1997 after trying to join it, only to find it didn’t exist. It is now an international body based in the US and UK. It's not surprising that at times we wonder if Richard exists. The society aims to review all US and UK mainstream published titles, and as many other English language books as possible. It also runs competitions to discover new authors, conferences bringing authors and readers together, and it maintains Internet groups and lists. Its site is www.historicalnovelsociety.org .

This Holey Life: book launch report

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Launch of This Holey Life by Sophie Duffy It's only a year since many of Exeter Writers raised a glass to Sophie at the Torbay Bookshop - see more images - for the launch of her award winning novel The Generation Game . Last week we were more than happy to do the same again for her second novel: This Holey Life , also published by Legend Press. The story stars Vicky, struggling to come to terms with loss and her new role as a curate's wife. Her life is further turned upside down when her annoying big brother comes to stay bringing with him his son and his son's cello. Moving and funny by turn, Sophie's novel zips along. It is no surprise to see such illustrious endorsements on the cover. Congratulations, Sophie. We're all looking forward to the next one now! See www.sophieduffy.com for more background.

Vie Hebdomadaires

Vie Hebdomadaires is a collaborative weblog run by Varun Kothamachu at Exeter University, devoted to a year of week-in-the-life slots from guest writers worldwide. A number of its posts have been from bloggers on the Exeter arts and writing circuit. One of our members, Clare Girvan , contributed from June 25th to July 1st: introduction / Ratatouille / Clare versus the literary world / Neighbours, everybody needs good neighbours / Writing competitions / Mamma Mia! / Vissi d’arte / The last post ).

Winners: short story competition 2011/12

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Exeter Writers Short Story Competition 2012 – The Results The stories have been read and the judging is completed. We thank all of you who entered and commiserate with those who were not placed. There were four prizes this year – the usual first, second and third prizes, plus the Devon Prize. The winning stories can be read here (click the links) and we congratulate you all. First prize Driftwood by Jo Barker Scott Second prize Down came a blackbird by Tracy Fells Third prize The bites by Giovanna Iozzi Devon prize Long legged balloons by Andrew Lavender Runners-up : (not in order of preference) Five things by Mary Bonner A head for heights by Ms S Golden The memory of tall grass by Sarah Hegarty Swollen by Giovanna Iozzi Tyndrum gold rush  by Ann Lilley

1st Prize (2011/12) - Driftwood by Jo Barker Scott

Driftwood by Jo Barker Scott ‘British. Hey, British. Here.’       People don’t want to get involved: who knows where it might end? And if they can avoid your gaze, it’s easier to ignore your troubles. But if you make someone see you, force her to look you in the eye, well, you open the door on her naked conscience, and then you can jab and poke at the twitching, reluctant thing until it yields.

2nd Prize (2011/12) - Down Came a Blackbird by Tracy Fells

Down Came a Blackbird by Tracy Fells Stumbling over the empty boot I almost tipped forward into the bundle of clothes. The clothes were still occupied. Ted Malt was right - an animal had crawled into the ditch to die. The sweet, stomach-wrenching stench of death rose up from the leaf litter. Screwing up my eyes I took in a quick gulp of air and pinched my nose tight.

3rd Prize (2011/12) - The Bites by Giovanna Iozzi

The Bites by Giovanna Iozzi He rotates my body round in the morning light.       ‘Eighty,’ he says. ‘Eighty.’       ‘Jesus.’       I peer down. Some of the wheals are still blotches of pink, others have hatched tiny pus-filled eggs on my skin.       ‘You're having a really bad reaction,’ Simon says.

Devon Prize (2011/12) - Long Legged Balloons by Andrew Lavender

Long Legged Balloons by Andrew Lavender “Have a nice day at work,” Kevin said. His wife smiled and kissed him. It was the fifty fifth day he’d seen Felicity off with that comment since the redundancy.       “You ought to go out, get some fresh air. There’s a Surrealism exhibition at the gallery and we need bread,” she said, and closed the door.

CVS Show: Phonic FM, May 3rd

Apologies for the post at short notice: one of our members, Clare Girvan, will be taking part in the CVS Show, Phonic FM (Thursday May 3rd) during which members of the Words writing group, which meets every other Saturday at Wat Tyler House, will be reading stories. I don't know the schedule within the programme, but it's on from 2pm-4pm. Listen to FM 106.8 if you're in the Exeter reception area, or go to the streaming link at top right here on the Phonic FM page.

Short Story Competition: judging

Entry for the Exeter Writers Short Story Competition 2012 is now closed, and submissions are currently being judged. Thanks to all who entered; we will announce the winners and post their stories on the site as soon as possible.

More Tales from Thistledown Farm

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Our member David Evans sent us news of the release of the second book in his Farmer John series of children's stories: More Tales from Thistledown Farm: Farmer John's Bloomers . Illustrated by Jake Tebbit, the book contains seventeen humorous farm stories for five to eight year olds and upward. From the flyer: In this collection David Evans takes his reader on another jaunt to Thistledown Farm where the irrepressible Farmer John is cracking on with the daily chores of farming life. John is as likeably down to earth and inept as ever. He always has a new ploy up his sleeve and readers will chuckle as his best laid plans go oft agley- but always come right in the end. These stories have a sheer good natured warmth with moments of slapstick humour and delightful silliness. A fun easy going literary spree for readers of all ages. Those who already know Farmer John will welcome a revisit to Thistledown Farm and new readers will no doubt find much to enjoy. If you enjoy