Writing festival is a borough first (From Thurrock Gazette)

Writing festival is a borough first

7:40am Monday 4th March 2013 in News

LIBRARIES are hosting a celebration of the borough’s authors at a festival.

The first Thurrock Writers’ Festival will celebrate and encourage creative writing among local people.

All published local authors are invited to the Saturday Showcase on May 18 – between 10am and 4pm – where they can display and sell their books.

Free writers’ workshops will also be held and Thurrock Writers’ Circle will be holding a short story workshop where acclaimed saga writer Jean Fullerton will share her own writing tips and experiences.

Aspiring authors can also take the opportunity to enter a free short story and poetry competition to win Waterstones book tokens. Entries will be judged by members of the Thurrock Writers’ Circle and library staff.

Application forms, terms and conditions are available from all Thurrock libraries and the competition closes on April 19.

Oliver Gerrish, councillor responsible for education and libraries, said: “We are looking forward to Thurrock’s first Writers’ Festival and would like as many people as possible to come along and take part.

“Whether you are a seasoned writer, or looking to pen your first short story, there will be something for everyone at the showcase event.

“The writing competition will give people the chance to let their talent shine.”

To reserve a free place at the showcase event, which is at Grays Library, call Rachel Gallehawk, senior librarian, on 01375 413977.