Woking Writers Circle

A welcoming writing community where we share words and grow together and where creativity, feedback and encouragement come together

Tag: creative-writing

  • MINUTES OF WOKING WRITERS’ CIRCLE MEETING AT RED LION, HORSELL ON 15TH OF JANUARY 2026

    NEWS:

    1. There has been no update yet on the NatWest bank account application. Simona has followed this up and expects to receive an update on the status next week.
    2. Keith shared that he has entered two poems into a competition: one written as a tribute to Dylan Thomas, and another centred-on definitions of creation.
    3. Heather and Dave announced that they will be launching their respective new books at the Paper Moon Bookshop in Guildford on the 12th of March. All members are warmly invited to attend.
    4. It was also noted that one of Dave’s poems has attracted interest for adaptation into a song, highlighting the breadth and versatility of creative talent within the group.
    5. The Reading Group will meet on the 17th of February, where members will be discussing Staying On.

    READINGS:

    NATHAN read a poem titled “Where You Are.” Keith observed the use of contradictory lines, noting that while they might seem opposing on the surface, they worked very effectively together. He felt the length of the poem was appropriate and suggested a few edits to the ending to move it away from realism and towards a more poetic and impactful close, which Nathan took on board. Dave enjoyed the poem, commenting that each line opened up a new vista to explore. Liz described the poem as beautiful and enthusiastically “pro-found” (pun intended), agreeing that the repetition added weight and resonance. Simona noted that while the poem is subtly held together by an overarching narrative, the individual stanzas leap between different images. She acknowledged, however, that this sense of fluidity may come down to personal preference.

    Nathan also shared a haiku, which he had titled “Set Course,” though he noted the title was not strictly necessary. Keith appreciated the inclusion of scientific jargon and found it particularly enjoyable. Simona questioned the choice of the word “forged,” suggesting it grounded the poem on a less cosmic scale than the rest of the imagery implied.

    DAVE read two poems titled “Dream Scapes I” and “Dream Scapes II.” Liz found the first poem profound and tragic, praising the language and highlighting phrases such as “forgotten god” and “language.” She also noted the effective use of words with layered meanings, particularly “arms.” Nathan felt the poem echoed the simplicity and universality of Imagine and enjoyed the sense of recurring dreams running through it. Simona praised the second poem for its skilfully implied meaning, and both she and Nathan remarked on its melancholic tone, with an underlying sense of tragedy. The group agreed that each reader took something different from the second poem, and this openness of interpretation was widely appreciated.

    KEITH read two poems he has entered into a competition, for which the group wished him good luck. The first, “Nothing Gentle About This Night,” was delivered with great force and had a strong impact on the room. Simona praised the poem’s defiance and power, while Liz queried the use of the word “taciturn.” Keith’s second poem, “Creation,” left a deeper impression, with Simona commenting that it made her acutely aware of herself as the reader. Keith also shared a third poem, “America Today,” which sparked discussion within the group. While opinions varied, there was agreement that the final two lines were particularly lyrical and that the metaphor was very effective.

    LIZ shared a poem inspired by a jam advent calendar, describing it as a “jam moment.” Drawing loosely on themes from The Road Not Taken, she explored the idea of obsession and the notion that all roads ultimately lead to jam. Simona felt that the third section of the poem truly captured the journey and was her favourite part, though she noted that it took some time to arrive there and that the connection between the opening section and the rest could be strengthened. She also praised the craftsmanship of the metaphors throughout. Dave felt the poem appeared to be pursuing two competing goals, which developed into separate themes, and suggested this may have resulted in the poem being longer than necessary. He proposed that the piece could be split, noting that the two strands seemed to compete for attention and that the bridge between them might need rethinking. Keith suggested that having printed copies might help the group better visualise the journey Liz was taking the reader on.

    Next Meeting 19th February 2026

    Volunteers for jobs to be assigned via email

    Chairperson: Sarah

    Minutes: Simona

    Milk and Biscuits: TBC

    Wine: TBC

  • MINUTES OF WOKING WRITERS’ CIRCLE MEETING AT ST MARY’S CHURCH HALL, HORSELL ON 19th JUNE 2025 

    PRESENT: Simona, Liz, Nathan, Harry, Sarah, Keith, Tricia, Natasha, Heather 

    APOLOGIES: Alan, Catherine, Hilary 

    Welcome and Introductions: 

    We were delighted to welcome Natasha to the meeting. Natasha had previously attended a WWC meeting, but had not met everyone, so introductions were made. Natasha writes mainly short stories and book reviews. 

    Competition News: 

    Heather circulated a summary of current competition opportunities (attached for those unable to attend) and will continue to do so on a monthly basis.  

    NEWS: 

    1. Nathan had won 3rd prize in the Poem Stellium Mental Health Awareness Week Poetry Competition with his poem, Bridge of Freedom and received an Honourable Mention in the Dark Poets Competition. 
    2. Harry was commended for his poem, Learnings from 25 years of ADHD in the Binstead Prize, South Downs Poetry Festival. 
    3. Liz provided an update on the Book Group’s activities. Isabel Allende’s book, Violeta, had been enjoyed by Tricia. The next book to be considered by the Book Group will be Fingersmith by Sarah Waters. 
    4. Liz reported that the Ambassadors Theatre had announced a new open mic event, the first of which takes place on Monday 30th June. Entry is free and the event takes place from 7.30pm to 10.30pm. 
    5. Write Out Loud’s monthly open mic poetry event will take place on Thursday 26th June at 7pm at the Fiery Bird, Woking. 

    READINGS: 

    Nathan read his prizewinning poem, Bridge of Freedom, which was greatly appreciated. In fact, Nathan’s audience couldn’t understand why he hadn’t been awarded 1st prize. It was interesting that this poem had a regular rhyming scheme which added to its power without in any way limiting its emotional range and depth. The poem finished strongly with a stand-alone final line. Nathan also read a trademark haiku – Tainted, which was enjoyed, while there was recognition of the discipline imposed on content by the strict haiku ‘rules’. Nathan said that he often writes a haiku to relieve writer’s block and was encouraged to write a short article on this subject for the WWC website. 

    Nathan had also written a poem inspired by thoughts shared with him by Simona on the subject of Home and what makes somewhere (or possibly someone) feel like home, in particular considering the totally different sensory experiences associated with town and country. Simona read this beautifully evocative and moving poem. 

    Keith read a prose piece, The Summer of 69, (Bryan Adams) which provided a vivid picture of his time in the Butchery department at Butlins, Bognor Regis (the ‘last resort’) before starting Art College. Everyone enjoyed Keith’s lighthearted but acutely-observed memoir and in particular the characters that populated it, brought to life so vividly by Keith’s spirited delivery. The New Victoria theatre better watch out! There were some lively and memorable anecdotes within the piece, including the baked beans episode which resulted in a child finding and inflating a Durex at breakfast time. 

    Heather’s poem, Dusky Pink Dress, was a rather muted affair by comparison, but was generally enjoyed for its dreamy nostalgic quality and imagery. 

    Tricia had used the Homework topic of Scent to inspire her poem. The poem began with exploring a cat’s world of scent and considered the different world inhabited by humans, where scents such as coffee would be a significant attraction for many. The poem cleverly and persuasively conveyed the navigation of different worlds by scent and was enjoyed by all. 

    Liz had also been inspired by the Homework theme and had written a beautiful and perceptive poem, Roses, about the roses in her front garden. It was noted that not once did she describe the colours of the roses, other than ‘the red bud’, leaving listeners to form their own picture. The scent of the flowers was conveyed sensitively and skilfully as passers-by and others paused, breathed and found a measure of peace. 

    Sarah contributed a beautifully written piece about a visit to Jane Austen’s house at Chawton and about the marriage proposal that Jane received and initially accepted, before turning down her suitor, Harris. Sweet peas (not called that then) with their implied fragrance featured prominently throughout Sarah’s piece, particularly in Harris’ proposal letter, where thoughts were aired about the wedding arrangements. All agreed that this was lovely, gentle writing, entirely appropriate to the subject matter.   

    Harry read two very different poems, Burning of the Witch, and Iambic Escape. The first poem is an informal sonnet and follows the iambic pentameter structure, but was also a very powerful piece which certainly made one listener feel quite uneasy! The sentence, ‘I’ll chase your eyes’ was the stuff of nightmares for this sensitive soul! There was an interesting discussion about witchcraft and associated rituals. Harry’s second poem came as light relief – a tongue-in-cheek mockery of the poet’s yearning to perfect his use of the iambic pentameter and thus honour his poetic forebears. Very clever and very amusing. 

    Date of Next Meeting: Thursday 17th July at 7.30pm 

    Homework: A poem written in Iambic Pentameter.

    Chairperson: Harry 

    Minutes, Milk & Biscuits: Simona      

    Wine: Nathan 

  • MINUTES OF WOKING WRITERS’ CIRCLE MEETING, ST MARY’S CHURCH HALL, HORSELL ON 16th OF JANUARY 2025

    PRESENT: Tricia, Nathan, Simona, Catherine, Liz

    APOLOGIES: Natasha, Sarah, Alan, Heather

    NEWS:

    1. The meeting began with the announcement that Peter is no longer a member of the group. We wish him well in his new adventures and hope he will come visit us every now and then.
    2. Liz shared that the book group will be meeting on the 27th to discuss Suite Française by Irène Némirovsky. The meeting will include festive refreshments, and Liz encouraged anyone interested to reach out to her. She also mentioned that the previous book, My Brilliant Friend by Eleanor Ferrante (a story involving the Mafia), was very good.
    3. Liz also contacted the Lionsheart Bookshop, which remains keen on collaborating with the WWC to organise an event.

    READINGS:

    1. Simona – presented a draft with good pacing and a building sense of tension towards the end. Some concepts were found to be confusing as they hadn’t been previously introduced to the group, and members expressed interest in learning more about the world’s rules. Overall, it was a promising first draft.
    2. Tricia – shared a rough poem about a volcano, inspired by her recent cruise. Liz commented on the poem’s powerful and economical use of words. Nathan said it resonated with him and reminded him of a David Attenborough documentary. Simona noted themes of retribution and the anger of the Timanfaya volcano bubbling beneath the surface.
    3. Catherine – read a potential first chapter. Simona appreciated the foreshadowing in the interactions between the main characters. Nathan found it easy to follow with a nice rhythm, while Tricia said it made her think of a selection process and the motivation behind being chosen. Catherine agreed to make the motivation more explicit. Liz felt the piece could easily be imagined as a TV production.
    4. Liz shared her poem titled Being an Earthworm This Winter. Tricia praised it for evoking a strong sense of being an earthworm and liked how it portrayed the worm interacting with various environments and feeling out of place. Nathan enjoyed the repetition, which he felt emphasised key points and conveyed a sense of hope. Simona, however, observed that some repetitions added a detached despair, as the worm seemed too small to grasp the magnitude of its situation. Catherine noted that the poem tackled a specific theme effectively.
    5. Nathan – presented a piece titled Evil Angel. Liz commended his skill in evoking and sharing pain through striking imagery, describing phrases such as “catching and crushing” as both horrible and effective. Tricia admired Nathan’s beautiful way with words. Simona found the last line uncomfortable, which seemed to be an intentional effect. Nathan concluded by delighting the group with another poem he plans to submit to a competition.

    Homework – ‘No!’

    Chairperson – Tricia

    Wine – Nathan

    Milk & biscuits – Sarah

    Minutes – Simona

    The next meeting will be held on 20 February 2025.

  • MINUTES OF WOKING WRITERS’ CIRCLE MEETING, ST MARY’S CHURCH HALL, HORSELL ON 18th of OCTOBER 2024

    Present: Nathan, Simona, Sarah, Alan, Tricia, Keith, Olivia, Liz, Peter, Hayden 

    Apologies: Harry, Heather 

    Introductions for Hayden, a welcome visitor.  

    NEWS 

    1. Simona asked for the members that intent to be part of the group for the next 12 months to either pay their membership (£35) via bank transfer or in cash at the next meeting. Simona or Heather will circulate the details.  
    1. The reading group lats book was ‘Island of Missing trees’ by Elif Shafak. Everyone was invited to join them in reading their next book by Percival Everett – James. 
    1. Liz informed the group that the Lionsheart Bookshop is now under new management and that we should seize to opportunity to help them put together another event.  

    READINGS 

    Hayden shared the first chapter of his book, written in March 2019 in Oxford. Keith inquired about the intended audience, while Peter noted that although there were some strong elements, certain parts might need to be removed for conciseness. The writing was praised for its expressiveness, but it was suggested that it could be sharpened and distilled to better convey the core messages. Simona pointed out continuity issues with timing, suggesting that more descriptive content could enhance the narrative. Tricia commended Hayden for his beautiful reading style and writing quality. 

    Keith then presented three poems. The first poem was written for a competition whose topic focused on justifying abortion, titled “To Be or Not to Be?“. The second poem, while unnamed leaned on audience mind manipulation and stage presence to deliver its message. His third poem, “Gunpowder Plot” received positive feedback. Simona wished him good luck with the first poem, expressing that it had a strong impact. Tricia appreciated the tone of “Gunpowder Plot” noting that it effectively conveys that not everyone celebrates in the same way, particularly highlighting the verse about the head on a spike. Liz also enjoyed the poem and suggested a revision in the last verse, praising Keith’s excellent performance. 

    Nathan’s piece, ‘On The Edge’, was originally intended as a poem, but Nathan felt that prose was more appropriate to convey the message. Tricia expressed her admiration for the evocative language, particularly phrases like “breath of hopelessness,” and noted that the repetition enhanced its poetic quality. Keith asked about the subjects in Nathan’s prose, and Sarah appreciated his experimentation with different formats, suggesting tweaks to align it more closely with poetry. Liz praised the physicality of Nathan’s writing and its strong verbs, while Sara felt that it was definitely a poem to be selected for his future book. 

    Tricia shared her homework piece, which was written in a tanka format and then converted into a haiku, titled “Absent Friends“. Olivia interpreted it in the context of British rule, while Tricia emphasized the importance of the reader being the one to give understanding to the message behind the poem. 

    Olivia’ untitled piece drew inspiration from a sentence she had heard, transforming it into her take on how she wished a breakup should have gone. Simona noted on the tone of one of the paragraphs and how the sentiment in it is somewhat contradictory to the rest of the piece but though that the switch between present tense and future tense was done seamlessly. Liz enjoyed Olivia’s performance and suggested some edits that would enhance the finality of one of her paragraphs. Hayden praised the vivid imagery, while Alan appreciated the themes of regret and inevitability presented in her work. Sarah noted that Olivia has a very unique, feeling voice, and made Sarah experience the feelings herself. 

    Peter’s poem remarked on the comparison between life and poetry. Simona said that the poem as an apt metaphor for life, with Alan noting the effective contradiction between the first and last lines. Liz expressed interest in the originality of the language used throughout the poem. 

    Liz introduced a Korean form of haiku known as “sijo” to the group, which she composed in three minutes as part of a workshop she had recently attended, earning appreciation from the group. Liz also wrote a villanelle which featured the phrase “So much remains unsaid, undone.” Simona commented on the power of repetition in her villanelle, and Tricia acknowledged how strongly it conveyed the futility of war. Liz noted that she used the metaphor of war to depict the futility of communication and solution within a long term relationship when one of two partners has dementia.

    Alan’s piece was written with the homework in mind, ‘Absent friends’, to the delight of the group. The piece had Alan’s fast pacing characteristic and contained a significant amount of information in a very short form.  

    Sarah presented her audio project, inspired by Poetry Day, which she plans to upload to YouTube. This project features a calming four-minute guided breathing exercise, a poem and a song. Peter noted that the pieces not produced by Sarah, including works by Emily Dickinson and Shakespeare, could potentially distract the audience. Olivia agreed that while all three pieces are strong individually, they might not work well together. Finally, Alan expressed enjoyment in singing the sonnet, finding it appealing to his understanding. 

    Next meeting 21st of November 

    Homework: Fame 

    Chair: Tricia 

    Minutes, Milk and biscuits: Simona 

    Wine: Keith