Have attended two very enjoyable events this month (June 2008) The Southern Writers' Conference at Earnley (see picture) where we heard some excellent speakers, had the choice of some good discussion groups - I went to the short story one run by Della Galton and to the Dialogue for Drama one run by Jean McConnell. The main speakers were great, especially Jack Higgins, Jan Etherington, George Baker and Jane Wenham-Jones. Met lots of friends, old and new (no not in age but in time known) the food as always was wonderful and varied (need to go on a diet for a fortnight after Earnley weekend!) Here is a picture of three of us relaxing in the bar after a talk one evening. Susie, Eve and myself. A truly lovely weekend. Now it's back to writing so I have something to put in the bookroom next year!

The SWWJ Summer Luncheon at Haywards Heath, organised by Jenny Lisney was another lovely event. Good food, a meeting of friends, plus a few writers I had not met before and an extremely interesting talk by Wendy Hughes, a prolific writer and a very hard worker. We all came away with a couple of useful tip sheets. All together a pleasant lunchtime and afternoon among like minded people. For any writers' reading this the initials stand for Society of Women Writers' and Journalists (it was actually started by a man) If you are not already a member and you are a writer look us up on the SWWJ website. I have a link to it on my website which as many of you know is http://www.joanmoules.co.uk/ Here is the picture of our lunchtime speaker, Wendy Hughes.

A reminder to anyone who is interested that the Selsey Writers' Circle are having another Meet The Authors afternoon at St. Georges Church Hall Selsey on Tuesday August 19th. We'd love to see you there. Around twenty authors will be there with books on display to talk to the reading public. It is free, you simply come in between 2 and 4pm, wander round and look and chat, a good chance to buy Christmas and birthday gifts of books and have them signed by the author, or you can simply come and look and chat. Tea, coffee, cakes, biscuits etc will be available plus a raffle and during the afternoon a spot of entertainment from another interesting writer. If you do come please come to my table and say hello, won't you. There are a few pics on my website of last year's MTA if you want to see what it's like. All for this month but do please put some comments on this blog, or email me, it is always good to hear from you. Happy writing and best wishes, from Joan.