The Secret Writers Showcase
The Secret Writers Showcase celebrates local writers at all stages of their writing life.
The shows began back in September and are hosted by local poet Louise Fazackerley - www.louisethepoet.co.uk
If YOU are a Secret Writer and would like to share your work - whether it's poetry, script, short story, diary extracts - The Old Courts want to hear from you! Get in touch via Facebook comments, inbox or drop them an email at holding@theoldcourts.com
November’s show streamed live on Facebook last night and is now available on YouTube
Links: YouTube / Facebook
This month’s show includes cake in a tin, a bit of Benidorm sun, something for those who never did their homework, and a Remembrance Sunday special. Featuring Ken Scally, Josie Byrne, Sue Lewis and Ray Douglas.
Other upcoming events - The Old Courts
Started: 9th Nov 2020 at 10:21
October’s Showcase - YouTube
In this month’s episode enjoy Wakes Weeks, the Suffragettes, bad bus journeys, a real horror show of a virus, and a blood moon! Our guest writers, imagining their way out of lockdown, are: Sheila Hinds, Brian Ratcliffe, Tony Topping, Maria Byrne, and Steven Kenny.
September’s Showcase - YouTube
This first episode features memories of Wigan Casino, dancing the Spring Equinox, speed dating and the humble sultana with fantastic writing from members of Pemberton Pens, Sunshine Writers and Write Out Loud.
Replied: 9th Nov 2020 at 10:28
That's a very interesting project Jo anne.
If I get the opportunity I might contribute; perhaps some of my poetry.
Replied: 9th Nov 2020 at 16:26
My Daughter's novel released in May 2020
Privy Papers
Chooky Rooch, Britain's oldest Film Star.
Volume One
Chooky Rooch
Replied: 10th Nov 2020 at 13:55
Last edited by raymyjamie: 10th Nov 2020 at 13:56:36
I wish her well with her publication.
Replied: 13th Nov 2020 at 14:28
December’s Showcase is coming - Sunday 13th Dec, 8pm till 9pm FB Link
“This month’s showcase features work from four fantastic secret writers:
Terry Burtonwood, George Melling, Marie Beattie & Katy Bateman. We’ll see you there!”
Th’Owd Chap George Melling - Facebook / @georgethowdchap
Replied: 9th Dec 2020 at 08:36
December’s Showcase - Facebook
YouTube Link
Replied: 13th Dec 2020 at 23:40
Jo anne:
I am still waiting to hear about the proposed Poetry Anthology from the Old Courts that was originally planned for the autumn. My poem, The Vixen And The Virus Moon, had been chosen to be included in it.
Replied: 18th Dec 2020 at 05:39
Sorry Jarvo, I’ve only just seen your message.
Could your poem be in The Language of Lockdown book that was launched mid-December?
This features over 150 pieces of writing and imagery by the people of Wigan and beyond.
Amazon / Smile Amazon
Replied: 4th Jan 2021 at 11:53
For anyone who missed this:
* All Write Up North Short Story Anthology 2020 is now available online - LINK *
It includes all the stories & winning art work entered into a competition early in 2020.
The theme was ‘All Things up North’ & winners were announced at Wigan Library in February.
Congratulations to:
Ian McLoughlin - 1st place short story ‘The Woman Behind the Bar’
Natasha Tingle - runner-up short story ‘#Homeless but Still Human’
Elaine Phipps - front cover art competition winner
Graham Roberts - front cover art runner up
Anthology PDF
Replied: 4th Jan 2021 at 11:58
It’s the 10th National Flash Fiction Day on Sat 26th June
Submissions are open for this year’s Anthology + Microfiction Comp till 15th Feb!
Anthology (max 500 wds) Magic theme + 1 sub free
Microfiction (100 wds) No theme + small fee / Free Entry Scheme
Link: www.nationalflashfictionday.co.uk
Replied: 4th Jan 2021 at 13:17
Thanks, Jo anne.
Still no email to confirm this.
Replied: 5th Jan 2021 at 18:26
Is it worth emailing them (again), Jarvo? I haven’t seen a copy yet.
It’s the next Secret Writers Showcase tomorrow, Sun 10th Jan, 8pm - 9pm
The writers to appear are still a secret!
Further upcoming dates: Sun 14th Feb - Sun 14th Mar - Sun 11th Apr - The Old Courts
Replied: 9th Jan 2021 at 13:39
A short video showcasing a few contributions to The Language of Lockdown - YouTube
Replied: 10th Jan 2021 at 22:25
Jo anne: My poem is included in the book.
Thank you.
Replied: 14th Jan 2021 at 08:35
Congratulations, Jarvo!
Replied: 15th Jan 2021 at 16:48
Thank you, Jo anne.
Replied: 16th Jan 2021 at 07:29
@WiganMuseum (19th Jan):
Don't forget, submissions for the Past Forward Essay Competition close on 1st February, get your writing in now to be in with a chance to win £100!
More details: here
Replied: 19th Jan 2021 at 11:31
The January Secret Writers Showcase is now on Sun 31st Jan, 8pm - 9pm
Replied: 19th Jan 2021 at 15:30
January’s Secret Writers Showcase - Info
YouTube Link
Replied: 1st Feb 2021 at 08:15
Last edited by jo anne: 1st Feb 2021 at 08:17:46
“Send us your poetry, spoken word, short stories … “ to ourwigan@mancspirirt.com
Links: mancspirit.com/ / Facebook / @MancSpirit
Replied: 3rd Feb 2021 at 17:13
February’s Secret Writers Showcase is a Casino Improv Special - sharing poetry and stories from writers more normally known for making stuff up on the spot at The Old Courts. Enjoy Tim Burtonesque love poetry, how the noise of snow can get REALLY REALLY annoying and a bit of Greek myth flung in.
Alexi Papadopoulos, Becky Webb, Jacob Butler, Peter Kennedy, Ian Hayles
YouTube Link
Replied: 14th Feb 2021 at 20:56
The Brick’s Poetry Competition
For local school children
Link: www.thebrick.org.uk
Replied: 15th Feb 2021 at 11:04
The Old Courts - Facebook (4th Mar):
It’s World Book Day!
Interested in publishing your own book? Learn more about the process in our Meet-the-Makers interview with Catherine West-McGrath.
www.theoldcourts.com
Replied: 4th Mar 2021 at 12:08
The final digital Secret Writers Showcase took place last night, and featured work from 12 community writers:
YouTube Link
Replied: 15th Mar 2021 at 11:49
Ink Inc Young Writers Showcase
(31 Mar 2021)
‘Bright young writers and actors in the North West present a live anthology of short fiction and poetry.
The work has been produced via Louise Fazackerley's Ink Inc. Young Writers workshops.’
YouTube Link
Replied: 3rd Apr 2021 at 11:22
On Saturday 26th June National Flash Fiction Day will celebrate its 10th Anniversary
Here’s what’s happening: www.nationalflashfictionday.co.uk
Replied: 25th Jun 2021 at 10:38