On Saturday February 5th I’ll be running a poetry workshop with Drayton Writers from 9.45 to midday.  The venue is the Scout Hut on Shrewsbury Road, Market Drayton. 

Members of the Writers’ Group are free, others £10.  Places are limited so book early through me, or email p_williams@talktalk.net

I’ve offered to read and critique work beforehand if anyone would like to send me  not more than two pieces of their poetry.  The group have asked me to give them some thoughts about inspiration and where ideas come from, plus run a short ‘hands on’ poetry writing exercise.  Finally I’ll finish up by talking about what’s getting published and winning competitions at the moment.

I’m really looking forward to it and to meeting the Drayton group, though a sneaking part of me feels like one of those pundits who confidently sells football pools numbers or promises to turn you into a best selling author.  If it’s that easy, why aren’t they at home doing it themselves?  Who was the writer who asked his creative writing class ‘So who wants to write a brilliant novel?’   Most of them put their hands up.  ‘What are you doing here, then?’  he asked.  ‘You should be at home writing!’  I promise not to ask that question at any of my workshops.