Monday, 14 March 2011

Scottish Association of Writers Annual Conference

Me in my finery!
I'm lucky in belonging to the SAW here in Scotland as we have a wonderful annual weekend conference each March. It's open to all members of Scottish writers' groups who are affiliated to the SAW, and members come from all over the country to enjoy a weekend of seminars, speakers, and results (and awards) of the many competitions. Then there's the chatting, eating and Saturday evening disco... and the chatting again. It's a great way of meeting old and new friends.
 
This year we were honoured, and fortunate, to have the lively and slightly outrageous Jane Wenham-Jones as our Friday evening speaker. What a delight! Jane also awarded the prizes on the Saturday evening. My own writing group did exceptionally well, with many members mentioned in the comps. I don't enter as many these days as I was adjudicating the Women's short story last year! But I did manage 3rd prize in the Book Review comp.     

Victoria and Jane
I was most delighted, however, when my lovely, talented daughter, Victoria (Vikki, whose own blog is http://throughthelookingglass-vikki.blogspot.com/ ), won the TC Farries Trophy for a children's novel. Hers is a young adult novel and she had to submit the first 7,000 words, so now she must get it finished and out there! I'll keep prodding her - sorry, I mean encouraging her, but she works full time so it's not so easy.

Victoria with crystal trophy
So we're all inspired to get on with our writing - if I could just get off all the blogs, forums and chats that I've been catching up with for most of today!

Rosemary


10 comments:

Unknown said...

Yeah, it was a great weekend as usual, rosemary. Sorry I didn't get a dance with you but I was at the poetry reading, darling.

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Hello Michael, old pal ('old' in the nicest way), you can save the dance for next year! Hope the poetry penthouse was well attended and the audience appreciative.

Vikki said...

Was a great weekend. I'm on 18,000 words now - no need to prod me, just need to disconnect me from the internet so I've got no distractions!
P.s Michael stop flirting with my Mum

Joanna said...

It looks like a wonderful evening, Rosemary. And you and your daughter both look fantastic. Congratulations to you both for your achievements and I hope your daughter can fit in lots more writing to get the novel finished.

Frances Garrood said...

Yes, congratulations to you both. What a gifted family!

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Glad to hear it, Vikki - that's good going. Hope the day job doesn't distract and tire you too much to write the remainder.
I like your comment to Michael! He's just being a 'luvvie' (you know what these poets are like!). And hey, if it's flirting, bring it on (just don't tell Dad!).

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Thank you very much, Joanna and Frances! Victoria has been writing since she was 7 and now has three great novels at various stages, so hopefully it won't be long until she can give up the day job (she wishes!).

Unknown said...

Rosemary, you got me.

Hywela Lyn said...

Congratulations Rosemary - and you're so right about the blogs and forums - time suckers, taking away wonderful friends!

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Hello Hywela - thanks for dropping in to my blog! I guess it's great to have so many ways of making writing friends these days. But I use any excuse for not writing!