Borders writer Peter Munro is to run a workshop for writers and would-be writers on how to undertake effective research. He will share tips and demonstrate strategies for effective research.
The workshop is organised by Borders Writers’ Forum and is applicable for writing both fiction and non-fiction. It will take place on Saturday 23 March 2024 in Abbey Row Community Centre, Kelso from 10.30am to 1pm.
Peter Munro wrote a family and local history column in The Border Telegraph and Peeblesshire News for over 13 years and is a member of the Borders Writers’ Forum.
The workshop is free to members of the Borders Writers’ Forum, and non-members are asked to make a donation (suggested amount £5). Refreshments will be available to purchase. For further information, and to reserve a place, email bwfhayley@gmail.com
Members of the Borders Writers Forum recently donated proceeds from a book sale to contribute to an appeal to help buy Kelso boy George a stairlift and specialist bathroom – vital modifications without which he cannot return home from hospital. He also needs a new wheelchair which would allow him to gain back a small part of his much needed independence.
BWF writers raised over £500 for the Get George Moving appeal. There is still another £8000 to be raised to enable George to return home and have a full life.
George suffers from a number of chronic, incurable and life limiting conditions for which he has been receiving treatment since 2014 and his family really want to bring him home.
Members of the Borders Writers Forum read to a packed venue at the 2023 Borders Book Festival, which featured a feast of headline attractions from Booker prize winner Douglas Stuart to Judy Murray, Val McDermid to Helena Kennedy, and former Children’s Laureate Lauren Child to Rory Bremner, to name a few.
The audience in the Davidson Chalmers Stewart Storytelling Tent was most appreciative as local BWF writers Susan Lorna Allen, Steve Barker, Hayley Emberey, Jessie Growden, Elaine Henderson, Pamela Gordon Hoade, Rachel Kerr, Robert Leach, John McCann, and Peter Zentler-Munro read excerpts of poetry and prose from the latest BWF anthology, “Who am I and how did I get here?”
Where does inspiration come from? Well, to judge from the Open Mic evening at the Borders Writers Forum, it can come from almost anywhere. We were treated to readings of poetry, short stories, memoir, flash fiction and the prologue from a novel due for imminent publication.
Inspiration for these writings had come from nature – not only the beauty and peace of our local landscape but also a hungry ostrich; history, where delving into family history provided explosive revelations and also a new female perspective on the Battle of Hastings; the benefits and perils of technology where it is possible to track down lost items that bring back memories, but provide no hiding place for secret liaisons; and politics with a poem about a bold plan which brought us right up to date on the Conservative Party roller coaster. Last, but not least, we learned a new word – “Puggies” from family holidays in seaside arcades.
A great evening for all who take joy from working with words.
Credits: Photo by Elodie Emberey. Words by Jan Morris.
Please note, the programme may be subject to change if we have further ‘lockdowns’ or other unforeseen issues. Our literary sessions at Darnick start 7.15pm and are scheduled to finish at 9pm.
Many thanks to HES and Emma Aviet for inviting us to participate in a workshop exploring British women writers and what they’ve had to say about Melrose Abbey. Every writer present also had something to say. The surroundings, history, and camaraderie inspired our creative minds to produce an amazing selection of rich and varied prose and poetry on 23rd July 2022.
Approximately twelve local writers took part despite a few spits of rain.
The Borders Writers Forum (BWF) members are always looking at innovative opportunities to learn and experience new writing techniques, and to collaborate with organisations which are supportive of this. So, it was no surprise to discover that the majority of the 13 people who attended a Workshop on Historical Writing, held by Historic Environment Scotland (HES) at the ruins of Melrose Abbey, on Saturday 23 rd July, 2022 were in fact members of the BWF. Some were also members of the Kelso Writers Forum. During the event, there was an opportunity to walk the grounds and to stop and read out loud some relevant historical writing, poetry and prose, by Miss Anne Bannerman, Dorothy Wordsworth and Felcia Dorothea Hermans. This had been researched by the co-ordinator at HES, Miss Emma Aviet. Miss Aviet, is American and is here in Scotland for her PhD as well as a journey of discovery. She is a student of Edinburgh University and is currently doing a SGSAH-funded internship with Historic Environment Scotland. Each person had the opportunity to take in the information at their own pace, as we read out each of the historic pieces written by female contemporaries of Sir Walter Scott. It is believed that they were acquainted with Scott and it was interesting to speculate how these female writers, who were often encouraged to write under a male pseudonym in those days, could have been influenced by Scott or indeed may have had an influence on the writer himself. After around 45 minutes exploring the grounds of the Abbey, including a stop at the place where the heart of Robert the Bruce lay buried, and to lament on the historical importance of this King. We had a break for coffee before being asked to write in our own words what came via the inspiration of this tour. The workshop for writing was held indoors, but some chose to go outside to be further inspired by the tranquillity of the surroundings for further inspiration. Miss Aviet, recorded each person work as they were read out and it was clear that the superbly executed workshop was indeed an inspiration for all. Miss Aviet was happy with the outcome of the workshop, and thanked everyone for their efforts. She also sent an email sent afterwards saying “ I found it very inspiring to listen to the work you produced during our session together.” Inspiring writers are welcome to join the BWF who can be contacted by email on Borderswritersforum@gmail.com.
Historic Environment Scotland is a membership organisation, based in Edinburgh and is the lead public body established to investigate, care for and promote Scotland’s historic environment. Details can be found at Historicenvironment.scot
Sadly, the committee has had to make the decision to revert to Zoom for Anne Hamilton’s talk on Thursday 17th February 2022. It was felt it was better to be safe than sorry with the forecast gales and snow. Details of the Zoom link will be emailed to all members and registered attendees. Please email bwfsusan@gmail.com if you haven’t yet booked and would like to attend via Zoom. Full details of the event are on our website.
Apologies for the late notice but we were hoping to avoid having to make this decision.
Borders Writers' Forum 