The Wonderful Woolfson & Tay bookshop
They say writing is an isolating business but how do you tell if you’ve fallen into that category yourself? My own litmus test is to see how excited I get when the postman comes to the door, not because he looks like Brad Pitt (which he doesn’t), but because it’s a sign that the outside world is still there, and existing very nicely, thank you very much. Not to mention that the postie could be bringing me a letter confirming I’m a runner-up in a national writing competition. Or, more likely, that the expected rejection missive has finally arrived from an almost forgotten literary agent after the usual six month wait.
So what could be better to counter a writer’s solitary craft than a get together with a whole variety of fellow scribes? This is where one of Spread the Word’s Writers’ Rendezvous’ evenings fits the bill. For a small entry fee, and the promise of alcohol and nibbles (of the crisp variety rather than in the vampiric sense), the individual writer can share and discuss latest projects, test out their dwindling social skills and learn more about their craft along the way.
Even better was the latest Rendezvous evening on the 31st of May, held at Woolfson & Tay, a divine bookshop, café and writers’ venue on Bermondsey Square in south London. Where many bookshops have folded – thanks to most of us buying our books from online companies, and choosing to read from iphones, Kindles and over someone’s shoulder on the bus – Woolfson & Tay have made the idea of books, as objects, seem wonderfully exciting again. They also do a superb, green tea milk shake!
As if the venue couldn’t be bettered, it actually was further enlivened by the inspiring conversation held between poet, playwright, professor and all-round, perfect guest speaker, Blake Morrison and Eva Lewin, Spread the Word’s own Writer Development Manager. In front of a packed room, they debated the pleasures and problematics of a writer’s life and Blake answered questions from the audience in a way that made me want to get up and make for home.
Not, in case you’re wondering, because any part of the evening was second rate. On the contrary, I felt so inspired that I couldn’t wait to get back and start on my writing. Oh well, it seems there’s no way of avoiding the solitary life for very long. Perhaps I’ll see you at the next Writer’ Rendezvous? If so, please be sure to come over and say hello!
Barra Bromley
Dear Barra- Thanks for your encouraging words. We are so glad the evening was a success and look forward to welcoming Spread the Word back again soon for another enlivening, enlightening evening. Shivaun Woolfson