Tales from the Circle - By Sylvia Kent

Following yet another successful gathering of the writing clan at Brentwood Writers’ Circle on Saturday, our committee is delighted with an increase in visitors and new members. Despite three difficult pandemic years, writing thoughts are on people’s minds these days and we are delighted with the news that several of our members are celebrating the publication of their new books. The link with the writing fraternity has never been more important than in today’s publishing climate.

Although several long-standing organisations in Essex have closed due to covid, others have managed to continue via Zoom and WhatsApp, and some writing/literary groups have actually evolved, mainly online via Amazon.

As a columnist for local and county press, as well as archivist/VP to the International Society of Women Writers & Journalists, it’s been aweinspiring to meet people with fascinating stories to tell. From budding authors to experienced journalists, the variety of topics continues - from children’s books, romance, crime, sci-fi, history and a panoply of other genres has been awe-inspiring.

Drama is now in the forefront, thanks to Janet Howson, a member of both BWC and SWWJ. Janet compliments the equation by also being a published playwright. Janet, whos is a retired teacher, has given her reflections on writing: “I taught Drama and English in various comprehensive schools in Essex for 35 years. It was then I began to write scripts for the pupils that ranged from pantomimes to serious dramas. I belonged to several amateur drama groups and performed in church halls, the Brentwood Theatre and the Queens Theatre, Hornchurch. All the experience of the above, plus my undying love of the theatre lead to me writing two novellas based on an amateur drama group.

“The first on Dramatic Episodes features the group rehearsing for Midsummer Nights Dream and the second, A Cue for Murder, continues the stories of each of the group’s members and their lives, rehearsing for a Murder Mystery Play. One of the episodes of Dramatic Episodes has been turned into a script and is the first play featured in The Script Challenge. All the above publications are available on Amazon and my latest published radio play Grave Conversations can be purchased on Silver Birchington Plays online.

“Hopefully, I will carry on writing about drama using my own experiences. My love of the subject will never cease.”

To learn more contact: www.brentwoodwriterscircle.com and www. sylviakent.blogspot.com.