Thames Valley
Writer's Circle Homework
Regularly throughout the year, members are set "optional
homework", which is exactly what it says. Members may choose to take part or not. The subject and the impetus will vary - it may be a set of words, a photograph, a topic or other prescribed method. It is hoped that this will encourage members to use their writing skills to fashion a story, poem or article about the homework chosen and thereby improve their writing techniques. There are competitions for the homework, which members may
choose to enter (see Competitions).
Competition entries are judged either by an expert, or by members
votes. Many entries have gone on to be successful in other competitions (see Successes). |
|
|
Optional homework for Tuesday, 28th September 2010: Knickers! A
competition to compose a short story (maximum of 1200 words) or a poem
(maximum of 40 lines) inspired by this scene – to be read on Tuesday 28th
September. Elizabeth says she would like to know
why there is such ecstasy over such an unflattering garment! (The picture is part of a series of azulejos in the refectory
of the Jeronimos Monastery in Lisbon.) |
|
|
Optional homework for Tuesday, 20th July 2010: A competition to compose a short story (maximum of 1200 words)
or a poem (maximum of 40 lines) containing the following eight words: sea, banknotes, car, glass,
eyes, light, star, stone First prize went to Les 2 with “When
Letters Danced” The scores were tied for second and third – but to avoid a
penalty shoot-out, Joyce, who had more 1st votes, was
awarded second place with “Honey Trap”,
and Neil was third with “Caught” |
|
|
Optional homework for Tuesday, 15th June 2010: Time’s Up Here’s a theme to think about – something that might give us
an idea. Suppose we try to write about time? Time past, present
time or what’s going to happen in the time ahead. Time of day, time to get up, time to put the cat out.
Time to put the clocks forward. Time to put your feet up. Time
for the next lot of pain killers or simply “doing” time in one of H.M.
prisons. We can even do it in time to music. Write a bit about time – a poem, a story, or just thoughts –
maybe a conversation - see how many times we can use the word in a short
piece of writing. No rush, we can take our time. It doesn’t have to be long – just what we feel comfortable
with. In time, we may go beyond a haiku and end up with a time and
motion study… |
|
|
The optional homework for Tuesday,
16th February 2010:
|
Who
are the people in the sledge? To
be read on Tuesday, 16th February. …and the winner was… Les Cooper with “The naughty wife of Reading” |
|
The optional Summer Homework for 8th
September 2009: Make
up a story [up to 1200 words] or poem [up to 40 lines] and include the
following eight words: Horoscope
dictionary Roses
gate Cheese
guitar Umbrella
shoes …and the winners were: Joyce, Neil and Nick T who all received equal votes! Click here to read Joyce’s story. |
|
|
The
optional homework for 2nd December 2008 : Below are the only two postcards left
in the shop. Choose one of them and write a
message about your visit to this place to three different people – e.g.
Auntie Gwen or your great mate, Sam… Two or three sentences for each message. |
|
|
|
|
|
and the winners were….. first: Neil… second: Mary… third (equal): Barbara and Les. |
|
|
© Thames Valley Writers' Circle |
|
