After a little bit of a false start last week, I am pleased to have been able to read yesterday evening at Fountains Abbey's regular October event, 'Fountains by Floodlight'. The event takes place each Saturday during October, and also includes the final two Fridays as well. Tickets are selling fast! In addition to spectacular … Continue reading ‘Fountains by Floodlight’ – an update
Following on from the recent issue of a second edition of At Maunston Quay, I have decided that the time is right to work through some of my earlier fiction to offer updated editions. I am staring with Secrets & Wisdom, and have already begun the editing process. Whilst this is in-train, I feel it … Continue reading Time for a programme of rework…
I am excited to announce that I will be reading at Fountains Abbey's regular October event, 'Fountains by Floodlight'. The event takes place each Saturday during October, and also includes the final two Fridays as well. Tickets are selling fast! In addition to spectacular lighting, special tours and music, there will be a number of … Continue reading ‘Fountains by Floodlight’
Driving home the other day, unbeknownst to me the front passenger-side suspension spring broke on my car. I only realised the extent of the damage once I'd got home, when I saw the virtual zero clearance between tyre and wheel arch. Without doubt something nasty could have happened during those last few miles home... The … Continue reading Does our writing need a regular service?
It seems appropriate to briefly reflect on my first experience of Swanwick Summer School, a week spent with like-minded and friendly folk immersed in all things writing. There's no point beating about the bush, the highlight of the week for me was reading my prize-winning short story Park'n'Ride at the prize winners' event - and … Continue reading Swanwick Summer School, 2022
My Swanwick Summer School short story competition first prize has been picked up by a local news outlet and they have written a piece on me. You can read it here. Note: although the article says most of the US attendees to my monthly virtual poetry events come from California, for the anthologies contributors come … Continue reading No such thing as bad press?
I am delighted to announce that I have won First Prize in the Short Story category for the 2022 Swanwick Writers' Summer school. This is a prestigious prize, and I am absolutely thrilled! Swanwick Writers’ Summer School has been captivating audiences for over 70 years. Believed to be the longest running residential writers’ school in … Continue reading Finally – A FIRST PRIZE!
Many years ago when I was studying at University, during holidays I used to work in a bookmakers. It was a wonderful experience for a young man learning about people and life. 'Welshman' is a short story based on those experiences, and whilst it is not a retelling of a specific event nor portraying real … Continue reading ‘Welshman’ – new podcast episode
Last week I had the great privilege of mentoring at another Writers' Retreat. In addition to a couple of workshop sessions, at the core of my mentoring are 1-2-1 sessions with each of the attendees during which we discuss their current and future projects. Sometimes they arrived burdened with uncertainty over what to do next, … Continue reading Another great mentoring experience!
"you have to make an effort when putting pen to paper; it's more meaningful; you leave something of yourself in the marks you make"Caroline, in my forthcoming story "Smoking in the Park"
Ian Gouge - Writer 