THE CHANGING FACE of a dream...

We're well and truly into the throes of 2009 and it's already proving to be quite a momentous month, not least because on a freezing cold January 20th the United States of America inaugurated its 44th President.

Americans preened, danced and cried whilst basking in the glory of deservedly being crowned the greatest nation on the earth. Various media outlets reported over a billion people worldwide tuning into the event, the rest of the world looking on somewhat perplexed, possibly shamed as they cast a glance into the fractured mirror of their own stagnant societies, where they would see merely a dream. Americans peered beyond the dream...

Tuesday 27th January saw the official launch of 'The Changing Face' Newham Borough Writing Competition to a standing room only crowd at Stratford Library. There was a lovely turnout from local writers, press and Newham Council staff and it was particularly pleasing to be able to welcome a contingent of schoolchildren from Keir Hardie Primary School, whom I must say were exemplary in their attitude to the event. I will be returning the favour by arranging a visit to the school.

The Competition Judges, all with a connection to Newham, poet Charlie Dark, playwright Georgia Fitch and poet, novelist and playwright Maureen Duffy each expressed their vision for writing in the borough and we were blessed with a wonderful poetry performance from eighteen year old Samuel Jima with his very moving and rhythmic poems. He is definitely one for the future with his relaxed, yet poignant style. Local author Sarah Hiorn read a characterful short story from a recent publication and poet, Vincent De Souza read from his new collection of hard-hitting experimental poetry Resurrecting Knives, which is due to be launched in March 2009.

The competition is open to everyone who lives, works or studies in Newham and it is designed to reach everybody. Posters and leaflets will be displayed in all Newham's libraries and front offices as well as in various community and resource centres.

There are cash prizes and book tokens as well as writing development and mentoring support from Spread the Word, London's leading writer development agency on offer to winners and commendable entrants with the chance of being published in an anthology.

I'm also very pleased to reiterate the competition's aims to reach as many people as possible by offering additional award categories such as for Schoolchildren, Under 21's, Over 60's and for those who speak English with a 2nd language.

Furthermore the winning three plays in the short play section will each receive public rehearsed readings performed by professional actors and directors at our partner organisation Theatre Royal Stratford East as well as qualifying for dramaturgical support in their writing from Spread the Word.

Don't be coy if you've never written before because Spread the Word will be hosting a series of FREE creative writing workshops across Newham's libraries starting with the Beckton Globe on Saturday 31st January. The workshop is being tutored by playwright and published novelist, Laura Bridgeman who boasts a Phd. in Critical Writing from the University of East Anglia. So pick up a leaflet from any library in Newham and book yourself a place.

For further information check out the Newham website on http://www.newham.gv.uk/ or email writingcompetition@newham.gov.uk

While the competition is running its easy to forget the other work taking place almost simultaneously, such as the 'Picture Paints a Thousand Words'. Working in partnership with Age Concern Newham, this project will work with residents aged over 60, collating their work into an exhibition this autumn. There is also the added possibility of publishing some of the work and I am really excited about the outcome.

Veering tangentially, I went to an event on 28th January hosted by Salt Publishing at Borders Bookshop in Oxford Street, called Ride the Word. Poets and novelists give readings of some of their work. On this particular night they had poetry readings from Vincent de Sousa (who'll be working with us on the writing competition as a tutor), Kathryn Simmons and Chris McCabe reading poetry which was at once electrifying, political and then winced with acerbic humour. We also had readings from their short fiction works by Chrissie Gittens and a cutting and colourful reading from Jay Merrill. I thouroughly recommend this as an evening and hopefully I'll be trying to attempt Ride the Word to come to Newham... watch this space.

Remember, keep your eyes on the prize and I look forward to receiving your entries...

Regards