By Press Release
Freshwater Library proved the perfect venue for a book launch ‘The Write Place Collection of Stories Volume I’ on Friday evening.
The Write Place writing group, based at Freshwater Library, was formed in January 2022 by writer Cheryl May.
The authors include professional and amateur writers of poetry, play scripts, memoirs, journals, academic writing and journalism.
This project was financed by the contributors in the collection, the Friends of Freshwater Library and the proceeds of a car boot sale. The 34 short stories are varied and, whilst some may be more personal to the reader than others, each story has its own appeal.
Cheryl said: “It’s a wonderful achievement and testament to the creative talent of our group. Along the way, we have forged new friendships as well as improving our writing skills and technique. What we all have in common is our love of the written word and desire to write.”
Musician, Ross Glanfield, performed a song he wrote for the occasion, aptly named The Write Place. With literary references and a jolly sing-a-long chorus, it proved a delightful start to the evening.
A few bars of the saxophone piece, Harlem Nocturne set the mood for Peter May’s Chandleresque ‘Tales From The Library III’, inspired by his surroundings during one of the writing sessions.
The book’s editor, Jean G-Owen, read of the dangers in the Egyptian underworld in her dark tale, ‘The Fatman’. Musician, Barney Barnes, rendition of Norwegian Wood was a suitable prelude to Chris Barnes ‘Log Store’, set in Norway.
Cheryl May’s comedic reading of her story ‘Off Colour’ elicited plenty of laughter. Other readings included, ‘The Pull Of Life’ by Ricky Lock, ‘Locked In Darkness’ by Davina Smith and ‘Notes From A Narrowboat’ by Ann Steward.
The book is on sale locally and will be available online soon.