By Isle of Wight Observer
On Monday the Isle of Wight Writers’ Jamboree held its inaugural event at the Island Sailing Club, in Cowes, creating a much-needed space for the Island’s literary community to connect, share, and celebrate their work. Organised by Paul Armfield, of Medina Bookshop, in collaboration with Creative Island and the IW Creative Network, the event attracted more than 100 local writers.
Paul opened the evening by expressing his gratitude to the dynamic community of writers who turned up in full force. “Local authors are really important to us,” he said, explaining that 9 out of the bookshop’s ten bestsellers last year were penned by authors with connections to the Isle of Wight – although sadly he couldn’t display everybody’s work in the shop’s front window.
The evening wasn’t just about mingling over fish (or tempura vegetables) and chips. Attendees were treated to short presentations by representatives from organisations including Naked Figleaf Press, Brevity and the IW Literary Festival.
Details of two competitions launched on the evening, the IW Book Awards and the IW Biosphere Writing Competition, will be shared in the coming weeks.
Despite the solitary nature of writing, everyone was reminded that creative work flourishes in the company of others. It is hoped that the jamboree will become an annual event.
