Review of the Year 2022
The Cafe Writers have continued to grow during 2022 with several new members becoming active in the group. Some people have come along once and then never returned, and I continue to reflect on what they are seeking and we are not offering. One theory was that we should be offering more sessions on writing skills and we have tried to do that – Bella’s session on novel planning was very helpful, and we will be looking at Getting Published in the new year.
Our presence at various festivals has increased substantially during 2022, mainly thanks to Phil, Dot and Fran and many others who have put in quite a few hours selling books at literary, art and craft events. A new one this year was the Percival Guildhouse Christmas Fair which seemed to go well. We have also had a stand at the monthly Saturday Singing Festivals at St Andrew’s Church with Dot doing readings at all of these events. There are also plans in the pipeline for a Rugby Literary Festival in 2023 and Phil will be keeping us informed on progress with this exciting idea. Thank you to everyone who has been involved.
We have continued monthly on-line meetings during 2022 to ensure we can keep in touch with members who are not able to make our fortnightly meetings. This is a relaxed hour of chat with no set agenda, but an opportunity to talk about our works in progress or to share books we are enjoying. These will continue in the new year.
We have not managed to publish a new book during 2022, but we have refined our plans and there are currently two more anthologies on the way. Our Poetry Anthology should appear within the first couple of months of the year. It is now being proof-read, has a title and sections, and work will soon begin on a cover. We decided to split our Story Anthology into four parts and the first, covering Summer, is also at the proof-reading stage. That means we should soon have two new titles to sell.
Once again, may I thank you all for your contributions. The standard of poetry and story-writing is very impressive and I really enjoy reading everything you send in.
Some of our members are part of the Thirteen Bells Book Club which meets fortnightly at the Kanko Lounge. Since moving to face-to-face meetings, this club has really taken off and is a friendly and, frequently, noisy hour of fun conversation about our chosen book and plenty of related topics. You are most welcome to join us on Thursday mornings. Just let me know and I will add you to the mailing list.
So, may I wish you a very happy New Year and thank you for your friendship throughout 2022. Writing and reading books is such a wonderful thing to share together, and in such a supportive atmosphere. Roll on 2023!
John Howes
Rugby Cafe Writers 