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!
Category: Writing
The luxury of being forced to write…
Twice a week now - on Monday afternoons and Thursday mornings - I take up a seat in the reference section of Ripon library and settle down to write for ninety minutes. It is, in a way, my job. Thus far I have been untroubled by library patrons or fellow-writers heading for where I sit … Continue reading The luxury of being forced to write…
‘Welshman’ – new podcast episode
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
“The Kingdoms”
If you've read my previous reviews - all the way back into 2018! - you'll know that I loved Natasha Pulley's "The Watchmaker of Filigree Street" and "The Bedlam Stacks". Sadly I can't say the same of "The Kingdoms". The beginning of the book is something of a confused muddle. I know the main character … Continue reading “The Kingdoms”
Another great mentoring experience!
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!
Writer-in-Residence at Ripon Library
Delighted to be starting as Writer-in-Residence at Ripon Library next week! Draft Library flyer
“Lean Fall Stand”
Jon McGregor is nothing if not inventive and challenging - and "Lean Fall Stand" is both of those things. Spoiler alert! The primary action of the novel (covered in the 'Lean' part of the story) concerns an ill-fated expedition in Antarctica. The rest of the novel - 'Fall' and 'Stand' - narrates the post-expedition experiences … Continue reading “Lean Fall Stand”
Writing longhand…
"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"
Working in ‘the office’…
I like to add some variety to my working routine. Often - as this morning - I make my way first thing to the café in one of our local supermarkets. Usually first or second to be served (black Americano and an almond croissant), I plant myself at the far corner table and open my … Continue reading Working in ‘the office’…
Looking forward to mentoring again…
On Thursday next week I embark on another three-day gig as on-site mentor for a writers' retreat. The commitment involves running a couple of workshops, some evening sessions - ice-breakers, readings etc. - and individual 1-2-1s with the participants. Based on my experiences thus far, I am probably looking forward to the 1-2-1s most of … Continue reading Looking forward to mentoring again…
Ian Gouge - Writer 