Work is clashing with my social writing group.  They have put me on an evening course after work.  I could still attend as it finishes before the club starts but I am too tired.

Therefore, I have decided that as I shall not get to do the fortnightly assignments that now is a good time to work on Finalising Drift.  I've got my feedback from Maureen and WeBook members and plenty of evenings spare.  Just need to concerntrate on getting it done.

Re-writes isn't as much fun as just getting it down on paper.  It's like nit- picking my writing.  Still, it is another good learning experience as I am starting to see my common mistakes like 'additional' words that are not needed.

Back to Castle Lodge for a group session with Maureen.  Really looking forward to it and meeting the other writers.  Maureen worked on us regarding settings.

It was a little intimidating being with other writers.  Although they were a very friendly bunch, i got the distinct impression that they were more experienced than me.  Some of these writers had been published.

The session ended with an writing exercise.  I took part but for the first time ever I was too shy to read my piece out.  Everyone else read theres out and it was enlightening to hear why they had written what they had and to understand their inspiration and thoughts behind it. 

All in all, it was a very rewarding session and I learnt a lot.  Again, I would definitley consider going again if a future event was held by Maureen.

Picked up Simon to go to the social evening together.  It was nice to arrive with someone and not on my own. 

Once at the pub, we ordered our drinks and found the other Scribblers.  We all ordered our food.  It was nice to hang out with everyone and meet their other halves or family. 

But, being 'The Scribblers' we soon drifted back to the topic of writing...

The Bill Bunder Cup is a competition held regularly at my social writers cup.  It is in memory of a previous member of the group.  I never got to meet Bill but his widow's idea is brilliant and everyone tries their hardest to write something brillian.   

1st place Bubbles in the Air by Angela.
2nd place A Mark of Independence by Jane.
=3rd place Through the Eyes of a Child by Sandy.
=3rd place The Real Princess by Liliane.

I adapted a 'kissing' scene from Drift.  I didn't really have much time for writing at the moment and it gave me a chance to analyse the scene in the story in more depth.  Although, I really wanted to win... I knew I wouldn't this time.  The annoying this was afterwards when we all revealed whoese writing was whoese, almost eveyone said they almost voted for mine.  Never mine, there is always next time. 

The three that won were excellent.  I shan't say which I voted for but two of them are in the top three.  Perhaps I have an eye for talent. 

This is the first time that the piece I read hasn't come first place.  I take that as a compliment too, as I feel a well written piece is more easily appreciated and realised if it is read well.