HOTSPOT NEWSLETTER - Feb 2003 (Please excuse any cross postings) * GRANTS / SUBMISSSIONS / COURSES -Authors Foundation Grants -Anthology on Friendship -Sable/Arvon Residential Creative Writing Course -A residential seminar for exiled journalists *EVENTS -Exiled Writers - Kurdish Arts - 3 Feb -Prelude of love - fundraising Live Lit event - 8Feb -Rice n' Peas Social Club - every Thursday -Valentine's book launch - Strictly Casual:Fiction by Women on Love - 13 Feb -Farrago Love Poetry Slam - 15 Feb -Book launch - Raman Mundair - 20 feb -Readers Day -22 Feb ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Authors Foundation 2003 The Authors Foundation provides grants to writers to assist them while writing books. There will be two rounds of grants in 2003, awarded in the spring and autumn. The next closing date for applications is 30 April 2003. Eligibility - to apply the author must meet either of the two following conditions: * The author has been commissioned by a British publisher to write a full-length work of fiction, poetry or non-fiction and needs funding (in addition to the publisher's advance) for important research, travel, or other more general expenditure. * The author is without a contractual commitment by a publisher but has had at least one book published by a British publisher, and there is a strong likelihood that their next book will be published in Britain. Please note: * No author may apply to the Foundation twice within one 12 month period. * Editors, translators and screenwriters are not eligible. * Grants will not be awarded to cover publication costs. For further information, including how to apply please contact: Dorothy Sym Authors Foundation The Society of Authors 84 Drayton Gardens London SW10 9SB Tel: 020 7373 6642 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ PUB: anthology on friendship >SIMPLE PLEASURES OF FRIENDSHIP has extended their deadline. > >Looking for stories from 200-500 words for a book entitled >SIMPLE PLEASURES OF FRIENDSHIP, part of the SIMPLE PLEASURES >series. NO POETRY. If your story is chosen, you will receive >$25, a free copy of the book, and an author's credit. The >book will be published in Fall 2003. Email Susannah Seton at >[log in to unmask] Deadline Feb. 15, 2002. > >Guidelines >1. Please be sure to include your name and contact >information (email, phone, and address) at the top of the >story. If you want to use a pen name as your author's credit, >indicate that, but we must have your real name for >permissions. >2. Please proofread for typos, grammar, etc. and include >in the body of the email. No attachments! >3. By your submission, you are giving me the right to edit >and publish your work in SIMPLE PLEASURES OF FRIENDSHIP. All >other rights to the piece remain with you. >4. If your story is chosen, you will be contacted >by March 15, 2003. > >> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Worldwide call for submissions for an anthology of historically based erotica edited by author/anthologist Mitzi Szereto. History is dull. Dry. A real yawn. At least some people think so. As editor, I hope to change this misconception by offering up a collection of erotic stories based in history. Real life historical events, or a fictionalised version of history, or simply a historical setting you decide. What did Napoleon and Josephine really get up to? Was Cleopatra as hot as everyone says? What went on backstage with the Bard and his actors? Were the Roaring Twenties really roaring? Okay, you get the picture. Youve got thousands of years to work with, so get cracking! Specifications: 1. Stories can be of any length, but generally no longer than 8,000 words. 2. A high calibre of writing is expected. 3. Explicitness is fine; crudeness is not. 4. No underage or non-consensual encounters. 5. No hackneyed descriptions or dialogue. 6. Stories may be of any sexual orientation. 7. All stylisations are welcome. 8. Give your tale a twist! (To get an idea of what I am looking for, refer to my other anthologies.) 9. And please, get your historical facts right! Previously published material will be considered, providing you have the rights or can get the rights. (Indicate where and when published, plus rights status.) Submission requirements: Stories must be submitted in typewritten hard copy ONLY, double-spaced (with a Windows-compatible file available on request). Manuscripts not chosen will be discarded, so do not send your only copy. Include with your submission a brief author bio and your e-mail address. Please do not submit stories by e-mail. I will not read them. For questions and information on where to send your submission, please contact: [log in to unmask] or [log in to unmask] Submission deadline: June 1, 2003. Contributors will be paid upon publication. {Mitzi Szereto is author of "Erotic Fairy Tales, A Romp Through the Classics," the novella "highway" and editor of the "Erotic Travel Tales" anthology series. She is also known as M. S. Valentine, author of several best-selling erotic novels.} ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ SABLE RESIDENTIAL CREATIVE WRITING COURSE We have 2 places left on this course. Do you want to develop your writing and see it published in Sable?* We are offering this wonderful opportunity, in partnership with the Arvon Foundation at Totleigh Barton in Devon, for poets, fiction writers and memoir writers of colour to do just this! Writers will participate in small group workshops, work one-on-one with tutors, have time to work on your own, and receive supportive critical feedback from peers and SABLE editors, Leone Ross, Dorothea Smartt and Kadija George, in a positive and safe space. Guest reader Helon Habila, author of Waiting for an Angel - winner of Caine Prize for African writing, 2001 (tbc) The course takes place from 7 April - 12 April 2003 at The Arvon Foundation, Totleigh Barton, Devon Fee:240 includes 5 nights accommodation, full board, and workshops. A small number of bursaries are available for low/unwaged persons to assist in reducing this cost. Please indicate if you wish to apply for a bursary when you book. (Arvon Foundation courses are usually 385, therefore, this Sable/Arvon course is being offered at a significant reduction). This is not a course for beginners or for those who have just started to write. For queries/booking form please email Kadija George : [log in to unmask] or call me on 07980 269 138 *The current issue of Sable is now available at Africa Book Centre, 38 King Street, Covent Garden, London WC2 or by direct mail SAKS Media, PO Box 33504, London E9 7YE. Price L5 Issue 3 will be available in March ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Working in the UK Media A residential seminar for exiled journalists Friday 28 - Sunday 30 March 2003 Burwalls, Leighwoods, Bristol BS8 3PD Organised by the PressWise RAM Project Draft Programme The seminar will take the form of panel discussions with plenty of time for questions and answers and opportunities for networking. PressWise cannot provide or guarantee full-time work, but we hope this event will generate ideas and suggest work opportunities. Friday 28 March Participants arrive early evening Welcome meal with guest speaker - (leading journalist) Saturday 29 March Session 1: The UK media scene - how it operates and how to get in Panel will include editors Session 2: Training and skills: qualifications vs experience - what are you expected to know and what re-skilling is available? Panel will include journalism trainers. LUNCH Session 3 Doing it yourself? Panel will include exiled journalists who will explain how they went about setting up their own media projects. Session 4: Support networks - the role of media unions Panel will include Jeremy Dear, General Secretary NUJ DINNER Social evening with Exiled Writers Ink Sunday 30 March: Session 1: The Exiled Journalists Directory - What is in it for you? Session 2: The PressWise RAM Project - keeping in touch LUNCH Participants leave early afternoon Attendance at the RAM Project Burwalls Residential Seminar is free to exiled journalists currently residing in the UK. Assistance with travel costs will be arranged once participation is confirmed. Bookings are on a 'first-come-first-served' basis. To reserve a place please complete and return the application form. APPLICATION FORM Please complete and return as soon as possible. Your application should include a 300-500 article about your experience of exile, and a summary of your media background. With your consent this material might be used in the creation of a Directory of Exiled Journalists, arrangements for which will be discussed at the seminar. For examples you may like to read (see www.ramproject.org.uk) . '. Mightier Than the Sword?' by Max Jimmy RAM Bulletin, October 2002 . 'Journalism as a State of Mind' by Zafir Behlic RAM Bulletin, December 2002 . 'Journalists Must Speak Out' by Nikola Medic RAM Bulletin, January 2002 If you cannot view these over the Internet please call us so we could send you printed copies. The completed application form and article should be emailed to: [log in to unmask] or posted to: The RAM Project, Easton Business Centre Felix Road, Bristol BS5 0HE First Name(s) Surname Address: Postcode: Tel: Mobile: Fax: E-Mail address: Country of origin Date of birth Current immigration status (Refugee, ELR, In Process, Resident): Current employment/ education status: Media skills/ qualifications (please give dates and location of courses) Media experience (job title, dates, publications/ broadcasting stations) Specialist knowledge: (Sport/Arts etc) Preferred medium (print/radio/TV/photo, etc) Union/association membership Please tick which forms of training would assist you Use of English Understanding UK media Keyboard skills Interviewing skills Shorthand Sub-editing Photography Picture editing Page design Use of the web Web publishing Working as a freelance Media law Government Radio production Radio journalism TV journalism TV production Job interview skills Other (please specify) My experience of exile (300-500 words) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Exiled Writers Ink! presents An evening of Kurdish arts: In support of a free press in Kurdistan 03/02/03, 7.30 p.m. The Poetry Place 22 Betterton Street (upstairs) nearest tube: Covent Garden station Kamal Mirawdali, Poet Rebwar, Artist Newroz, Singer chaired by Maureen Kendal, Poet ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Creative Arts hackney Presents PRELUDE OF LOVE A Rhythm & Rhyme Production Live Literature in association with ScribesUK S A T U R D A Y 8th F E B R U A R Y 2 0 0 3 40% of funds raised in aid Sicklenemia (children suffering with Sickle Cell Disease) Promising an evening of excellent entertainment; live music and Spoken Word. Venue Broadmead Church Hall Chigwell Road Woodford Green Essex E8 8PE (Nearest tube stations: Woodford Station or South Woodford Station Buses: W14, 123, 179 & 275) L5 Adults (L2.50 Children) Doors open at 6.00pm Show starts at 7.00pm Featuring: Melted Demerara, Casey Abaraonye, Wayeta B, TBell, Nii Ayikwe Parkes, Fiona Skyers, Niall OSullivan, Agnes Meadows, Phil Gannon, Patricia Foster, Asha Elfenbine of Ten Rooms & The Spot, Andre, Doreen, Natalie, Elz, Mick, Sable & Rosetta Stone What Love is this? Excelling in Splendour Rosetta Stone Unbreak my heart, say you Love me again Toni Braxtion If music is the food of Love, play on William Shakespeare How do I Love the? Let me count the ways Elizabeth Barrett-Browning Sponsored by Awards For All Supported by ScribesUK www.scribesuk.net For further information contact: Rosetta Stone: 07946 719 096 Ramona: 07947 189 757 Email: [log in to unmask] Email: [log in to unmask] Email: [log in to unmask] ScribesUK Your Poetry and Arts Information Portal www.scribesuk.net ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Rice and Peas Social Club (ARRIVE EARLY - We got there at 9.30pm the week it started and there was already a queue outside the door! - Kadija) Starting Thursday 23 January Calling all music lovers, board games, dominoes and chess lovers I'm starting a new night called 'Rice and Peas' at the Market Place Bar next Thursday. Music is on the 'memory lane' tip which will hopefully give me a chance to play all those records that have been gathering dust in the collection over the past 20 years. Which means nuff Reggae, Jazz, Hi life, Ju -Ju,Fela ,early Hip Hop and Soul music. In fact my mother is already asking me where her african records have disappeared too and I expect a fatal beating anytime soon. But seriously, this a night showcasing the music and culture that I grew up with and a chance to catch the sounds that shaped the lives we lead today. So all you old cats can reminisce and do the running man while the youngsters play spot the RnB sample. www. blacktronica.com or www.marketplace-london.com Now for all the chess, dominoes, Monopoly and board game crew, this is a chance for you to back up the chat with some real action. Please come down and showcase your skills because I've just raided Hamleys and I'm gathering games a plenty! Should be a nice chilled out way to unwind after the pressures of work, life, love and London in general. Let's keep the family vibe moving in 2003. peace out charlie dark The Rice and Peas Social Club Thursday 23 January 8pm -1am The Market Place 11 Market Place W1 Nearest Tube: Oxford Circus (behind top shop) More info www. blacktronica.com or www.marketplace-london.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Valentine's book launch - Strictly Casual:Fiction by Women on Love To mark the publication of Strictly Casual (pub. Serpent's Tail), Silver Moon will be hosting a Valentine's launch event. Amy Prior will be introducing readings from contributors, Kadija Sesay, Bonnie Greer, Bridget O'Connor and Laura Hird. Thursday 13 Feb. 6.30-8pm, Foyles, Charing X Road, nrst tubes - TCR; Leicester Sq A ticket only event. Refreshments available. Tickets available from Foyles @L2 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Farrago Love SLAM! & Love Words Top Ten Please vote for your favourite poems, songs & other love words now! By e-mail or text. Saturday, 15th February at 8pm. Poetry Place, 22, Betterton St, WC2 Open to ANY poet SLAM! Poems with a loving theme score double! Every poet wins a prize! Features tba. Emcee: John Paul ONeill. L6/L4 Text or email your favourite love words to 07905078376/ [log in to unmask] Congratulations to this years Farrago Zoo Award winners: 1)Best Overall Performance/ Reading: Zena Edwards Best SLAM! Performance: Raj B Best Performance by a London Poet: Jadid Khan Best Farrago Debut Performance: Matt Black Best Performance by an International Performer: Ainsley Burrows Best Musical Performance: Indigo Best Performance by a performer working in English and another language: Alfredo Cordal Special Award: Joelle Taylor. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- You are invited to the book launch of Lovers, Liars, Conjurers and Thieves The debut poetry collection by Raman Mundair How would you deal with the thief of your heart? Lovers, Liars, Conjurers and Thieves dissects the real in all its complex, tragic and surreal forms. The language lures you, siren-like away from the page, enticing you into Mundair's essential world of all things sensual. You can smell love lost, hear the brutal slice of flesh. Her innovative intertwining of the English, Urdu and Hindi languages constructs a powerful, hopeful vision of a multicultural society. About Raman Mundair Raman is a familiar face on the international poetry and performance circuits. Although this is her first poetry collection, her writing has appeared in many anthologies, including The Fire People and Bittersweet. Her writing is featured in UK and US universities' teaching curriculums and she has performed to packed crowds at the Royal Festival Hall, Amnesty International and the Museum of Modern Art (Finland). She is a former Lecturer at Loughborough University and is currently Writer-In-Residence in the Shetland Isles. This event is a partnership between the Barbican Centre and renaissance one. The evening also features guest writers Dorothea Smartt and Patience Agbabi Book Launch Thursday 20 February 2003 Barbican Library Barbican Centre, Silk Street, London EC2 Doors 7pm Launch 7.30pm - 9.30pm Admission free RSVP ONLY AS SEATING IS LIMITED Please reply to renaissance one by emailing [log in to unmask], on or before 18 February 2003, including your full name, contact details and number of places required. Seats are limited and available on a first-come-first-served basis. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ South London Readers Day Lambeth Libraries in partnership with newBOOKSmag, Spread the Word, Croydon Libraries, Sutton Libraries and Upper Norwood Library, would like to invite you to the first South London Readers Day. Venue: Nettlefold Hall, Norwood High Street, SE27 Date: Saturday 22 February 2003 Time: 9.30am-4pm Ticket price: L7 Are you a passionate reader? If so then this is your ideal day..Find out why authors write, where they get their inspriation from and who their favourite authors are. If you are a budding author come along and hear from both sides of the publishing world. There's a tantalizing selection of seminars for you to choose from, for a close encounter with either an author or publisher. Authors include, Helon Habila, winner of the Caine Prize for Fiction 2001. Maggie Gee author of the The White Family, shortlisted for the Orange Prize 2002. Alex Wheatle latest novel Seven Sisters, Courttia Newland, author of Snakeskin, and Wendy Perriam a novelist of over 20 years experience. For more information please contact The Reader Development Team, Streatham Library, 63 Streatham High Road, London, SW16 1PL. Tel: 020 7926 6768 END