This morning between 7:30am and 9am, Ian Govan (writing as Ian Alexander) passed away.
A sudden death, seemingly from a massive and quick heart attack, has taken Ian from us.
He was a top friend, my best friend, and avid supporter of all new and upcoming writing talent. WordPlay was his brainchild, and I am proud to have been asked by him to begin the venture and help lead it to where it is today.
He loved writing in all genres, but particularly social commentary. He found many friends at WordPlay, and was continually amazed by the talent that the group unearthed.
He will be sadly missed.
The last article that he wrote will be appearing in next week's CBN, on sale 7th September 2012. It is an article that observes the nuances of the English language (that he loved), with his typical wit dotted throughout.
The novel that he has written jointly with Joy Lennick will be published later this year.
Our condolences go to his family and friends, of whom he had many.
Wednesday, 29 August 2012
Sunday, 22 July 2012
Short Story Competition
Wow, no blogs for a while, and then two in a couple of days...WordPlay is just like waiting for a bus!
There's a great short story competition that you might like to take note of. Cash prizes, and three categories: short, shorter, and shortest!
Anyway, here's a link to those nice people at Words with Jam:
http://www.wordswithjam.co.uk/#/short-story-competition-2012/4540010935
There's a great short story competition that you might like to take note of. Cash prizes, and three categories: short, shorter, and shortest!
Anyway, here's a link to those nice people at Words with Jam:
http://www.wordswithjam.co.uk/#/short-story-competition-2012/4540010935
Friday, 20 July 2012
Congratulations!
WordPlay wants to say a very big well done to member Janette Davies who has had a short story published in the TV Choice Magazine (edition dated around 18th July).
Janette said that her decision to submit a story was a spur of the moment thing, and she did so because of the confidence that WordPlay has given her with her writing.
She also said that we wouldn't believe it - well, we do. That's the thing: we know that all our members have a tremendous talent.
So a big congratulations to Janette from all of WordPlay. We're sure this is only the start.
Why not purchase a copy of TV Choice to read "Lana Turner" by Janette Davies?
Janette said that her decision to submit a story was a spur of the moment thing, and she did so because of the confidence that WordPlay has given her with her writing.
She also said that we wouldn't believe it - well, we do. That's the thing: we know that all our members have a tremendous talent.
So a big congratulations to Janette from all of WordPlay. We're sure this is only the start.
Why not purchase a copy of TV Choice to read "Lana Turner" by Janette Davies?
Tuesday, 22 May 2012
ROLL FOR INSPIRATION
Hey guys and gals,
If you are stuck for a little inspiration for stories, why not try the following. I think you'll be amazed at how many story lines you could come up with:
Tuesday, 8 May 2012
Next Week's Forum
Hi All,
Next week's Forum, as ever on the second Monday of the month, 14th May at 10:30am at the Emerald Isle, La Florida, looks set to be interesting.
We're going to button down the new Quarterly Book, and give deadlines etc for story submission, and then bring all up to date on other news in the market. Hopefully there will be good news for at least one of our members! Don't forget to bring along your news etc.
And, for those that have been involved, have a look at the image attached and let me know what you think. It's only draft at the moment, so we can change it around (eg, I know there's some name changes needed!).
Next week's Forum, as ever on the second Monday of the month, 14th May at 10:30am at the Emerald Isle, La Florida, looks set to be interesting.
We're going to button down the new Quarterly Book, and give deadlines etc for story submission, and then bring all up to date on other news in the market. Hopefully there will be good news for at least one of our members! Don't forget to bring along your news etc.
And, for those that have been involved, have a look at the image attached and let me know what you think. It's only draft at the moment, so we can change it around (eg, I know there's some name changes needed!).
Monday, 19 March 2012
NEW COMPETITION DETAILS
At this month's forum meeting, the membership present discussed the Ezine and how we could best promote writing for its sections. It was unanimously decided that giving writing for it a competitive edge could add an extra dimension and increased relevance to content.
Each month, we will be running a competition for writing in two different Ezine categories. The winning entries will be selected by the Ezine category host and either Michael or Ian. That entry will be starred in the Ezine, and the winning entrant in each category receive free forum entry for the month in which he/ she won.
This month's categories are:
ARTS and ENTERTAINMENT
Write a review of a film or book, or a play. How about a music cd, or a performance that you recently went to? Or you might decide to describe a trip to an art gallery, or a museum. Think outside of the box, and put some personality in your piece. 300 or 400 words should be more than ample.
SPOOF
Write a spoof letter to the editor. You decide the subject, just make it a little light hearted, maybe even tongue in cheek. Or could you write a letter that describes an "actual" happening? Remember the Panorama Spaghetti April Fools? The choice is yours
Send entries to wordplaycompetitions@mail.com as a word document attachment by April 1st!
Each month, we will be running a competition for writing in two different Ezine categories. The winning entries will be selected by the Ezine category host and either Michael or Ian. That entry will be starred in the Ezine, and the winning entrant in each category receive free forum entry for the month in which he/ she won.
This month's categories are:
ARTS and ENTERTAINMENT
Write a review of a film or book, or a play. How about a music cd, or a performance that you recently went to? Or you might decide to describe a trip to an art gallery, or a museum. Think outside of the box, and put some personality in your piece. 300 or 400 words should be more than ample.
SPOOF
Write a spoof letter to the editor. You decide the subject, just make it a little light hearted, maybe even tongue in cheek. Or could you write a letter that describes an "actual" happening? Remember the Panorama Spaghetti April Fools? The choice is yours
Send entries to wordplaycompetitions@mail.com as a word document attachment by April 1st!
Monday, 5 March 2012
Upcoming Forum and Ezine
Hi everyone,
Ezine
with the Ezine deadline approaching, just a reminder that we are looking for submissions in all categories. Of particular interest this month is the opinion and comment category:
Next Week's Forum
Lots to bring you up to date with, including:
Don't forget the Your Shout section: anything you want to discuss, bring your topic along!
Anyway, that's it from us for now, see you all soon,
Michael and Ian
Ezine
with the Ezine deadline approaching, just a reminder that we are looking for submissions in all categories. Of particular interest this month is the opinion and comment category:
- What do you think about he state of football, especially the goings-on at Rangers?
- How about the Middle East, with Iran and Syria trying to outdo each other as bully boys?
- Is the elongated presidential battle in the US already getting you down?
- Any TOWIE fans out there want to own up?
- And surely Jeremy Kyle has upset you these last few weeks?
Next Week's Forum
Lots to bring you up to date with, including:
- Electronic book lending
- Update's on members' publication plans
- 2 more anthologies in the pipeline
Don't forget the Your Shout section: anything you want to discuss, bring your topic along!
Anyway, that's it from us for now, see you all soon,
Michael and Ian
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