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WRITE: A Community Anthology

Each month in the Stove Cafe, author Karl Drinkwater hosts ‘WRITE’ – a creative writing workshop. Sessions are guided by thought-provoking prompts, offering dedicated time for free-flowing expression. Afterwards, participants have the opportunity to share their creations within the supportive group, receiving valuable tips to enhance their writing skills and boost confidence.

Over the last year, participants have shared their workings that have been borne from prompts from WRITE. Read a selection of works below.


The Gift

Taking a break 

from his bench

the clock restorer’s

mind turned within wheels.

Absorbed in measuring

minutes and hours

how had he permitted

years 

to escape?

Was pride in precision 

simply an illusion 

of keeping time?

A young boy

gazed longingly 

at clocks

in the dusty window

as another child 

may have eyed                      

jars of tempting toffees

reckoning 

how many sweets 

could be gained

for clinking coins.

Fresh eyes 

eager to uncover 

secret workings

spy 

as

cogs mesh

pivots revolve

flywheels spin

coils unwind.

On an impulse 

the clock restorer 

beckoned.

An estimation made 

pocket money 

exchanged 

for a slate-cased clock

in want of renovation.

On the next impulse

the clock restorer 

lifted down

a box of parts.

A gift 

a wondrous trove 

of mechanical magic

awaiting discovery.

Boyhood

many 

intricate tasks 

ago.

A rhythm set 

to guide his tracks

the boy

though older now

still unpacks the box

selecting 

pieces

by name and designation.

Understanding 

the drive to impart 

knowledge

skills

art.

Polished

restored to working order

the slate-cased clock

marks 

progress.

At its centre

escapement 

locks 

frees 

locks

frees

locks

frees

whilst 

its heart

beats

encouragement 

motivation

belief.

Remembering an encounter with the clock restorer of Easton in Gordano, 1966.

© Jeanette Abendstern for and with Brian Leaver 


Resolution

Resolution, wake up, make a change.

“We can’t do nothing” is the sad refrain.

Oh oops the Tories got voted in again

But I’ll never vote to put our grandkids in chains

Make a resolution get political, be more critical

Stop being arthritical, intellectually paralytical

Enough of being cynical

Sitting doing nothing is just parasitical.

Here’s what will happen if we just leave be

Money will spend into politics to make money

More money more as they build a dynasty

Neo-lords raised up off our kids not being free

But the billionaires,

Their worst nightmares

Are angry stares, our righteous glares

As we organise, challenge and protest

Step up to demand what’s best

Loss and damage

Free school meals

Working lives less stressed

Win back some rights

Without worrying about arrest

They’re murdering Palestine

Our industries are in decline

It’s not all fine

So now’s the right time

So come on make a January resolution

Build a revolution

It’s the solution

Solve pollution

Draft a constitution

The House of Lords needs dissolution

Corporate criminals need retribution

If you do one useful thing this year

Decide to get your bum in gear

Talk politics to everyone without any fear

Because a better world really is just near

And the You that makes it happen is sat right here.

© Simon Jones


The Mountain

Early gleaming of the sun kissing that beautiful peak of the mountain,

Radiating its light like silver stars in the sky,

Catching the eyes and touching the hearts of millions,

Spreading profound joy and leaving a wonderful memory in hearts.

Viewing these beautiful peaks takes away all pain and suffering,

Warming your heart and making your day bright.

Borrowing your willing ears, it allows you to listen to that tranquil music,

Secretly asking you to smell that calm air as if you were touching stars.

Sometimes it makes you speechless and takes your breath away,

Cosseting you with its natural beauty and bringing you more peace.

Nothing can erase such beautiful memories that stole your heart away,

They remind you that they are still alive snuggling up to that mountain.

You remain deep inside the heart of it, full of great gratitude and deep affection.

They bring back the beautiful memories of the mountain,

Ever smiling and living in its eternal beauty.

A beauty of nature, of peace, and of serenity.

© Sherima Pradhan


Rubble Kings

Like the torch of a slow burn
your best days are done,
you may well blaze skylines –
we’ll rebuild with the bones of
you murdering tyrants!
hack hard at your roots purge your truth
when you waken at twilight

No frills, no thrills,
no pills for your ills

Join in, gut your own out as
bleeding rats raze your house,
vomiting secrets your conscience deleted
turned cheeks get smacked, mirrors crack
your bubbles burst
forlorn king of rubble and dust

no shimmers or glimmers
no breakfast no dinners

Our ancestors weeping while war
keeps repeating. Lost souls fast asleep,
their bodies smart, crawl and creep.
Yearning for drugs cut with violence,
washed down with radio silence

no home fires burning
empty guts churning

The stench threat of warlords unbothered
in Westminster’s corridors
by children in Palestine wailing in horror
flames fanned with fear,
Tory papers, online warriors …

No pills for your ills

No pills

For

Your ills

© Davey Payne


The Princess

Once upon a clear crisp evening, while I gazed upon the stars, white gleaming,
A lone, cold tear raced t’ward my chin, broken spirit.
My heart beat thudded beneath my breast, as I tossed all thoughts of my moral quest,
I slithered to bed for desperate rest and whispered “sleep a minute.”
“Blasted storm within my brain,” I muttered, “sleep a minute” –
Yet the storm raged on, broken spirit.

Retreating, I rose and paced my chamber, mind still racing in weary labour.
These stone walls ensnared my soul, broken spirit.
Desperate for release, locks dancing with the night’s breeze,
Turning towards the dark abyss, sighing “Please! I know my limit,”
Turret window dominating the land, I yelled out “I know my limit!”
Silence. Broken spirit.

A moment later, a pitter patter, has someone heard my mournful chatter?
Is this it, are my prayers heard, restoring my broken spirit?
“Please god, my merciful master, I’ll repent to any pastor,
Free my soul from this disaster, with just one visit.”
I listened still and I listened sure, “just one visit,”
Nobody came – broken spirit.

The foreign noises, confused me still, as I peered out from my window sill,
Till the frayed ‘supper rope’ was cast before me, broken spirit.
I gathered the pot, rancid rotten veg – my lot.
Recoil on my face, excitement shot, rope returned to the captor, git!
How dare she imprison me in this perilous tower, my captor git!
To see out my life’s days, broken spirit.

Sitting still, engaged in siege, once a girl of bestowed prestige,
Till stolen from my family home, by a broken spirit.
Body against my chamber walls, sinking, I dreamed a peaceful thinking,
Of a prince, on a horse, armour clinking, rescued from the woeful pit,
Nonsense! He knows not that I’m here, in my woeful pit,
In my infertile sanctuary, with this, my broken spirit.

© Rosie Squires-Cowan


Castle of My Mind

Within my sanctuary, I am under siege,

Anxiety and stress – my only liege.

No guards on the gates, no lock on the door,

Most days I struggle to rise from the floor.

No battles raging across the plains,

Yet everyday crippling chest pains.

Outside boasts peacefully – calm and tranquil,

Inside, dark and flustered, consuming my pill,

Fire lit, body sheltered and warm,

Mind not protected from the torrid storm,

Food and water in plentiful supply,

No tears when I’m broken, cheeks are dry.

Family gathers to enjoy our suppers,

Failing to stay present, my mind scuppers,

No song or dance to raise the spirit,

Tortured by demons; Devil, Ifrit.

Begging the torment will be over soon,

Hoping screams fade to a lighter tune,

Peace will reign as it did before,

Pray, happiness return once more.

© Justin Squires-Cowan


Last Christmas – Excerpt

The 4×4 breathing technique isn’t working. She’s forced to rummage through her bag, grabbing at the various sheets of pills she always carries with her. Like a baby blanket. A safety net.

A cheeky valium or two just to take the edge off, she reasons.

Freya sashays her way to the train’s buffet carriage. Her eyes dance across the fridge doors and their shining contents, landing decisively upon the alcohol section. It is 11:11am. A frozen, snowy Monday. She averts the judging gaze of the woman behind the counter who makes a point of repeatedly looking at her watch, with cocked brows.

Message received, bitch.

A hard stare and smirk as she pays. Returning to her seat, she washes the pills down with a pre-mixed can or two. Or was it three? Either way, despite all that, by the time the train pulls in, she feels electric. Feels…silly.

***

She squeezes her way through the bustling crowds, out of the frosty hustle of King’s Cross Station and into The Black Phoenix, she is struck by the warmth, laughter and stale tobacco lacing the air. Years of spilt Chardonnay and ale, trodden deep into the paisley carpet. She somewhat trips in across the threshold, for the uncharacteristic fact she is wearing heels today. For him. She stamps and shakes the snow from herself. Her eyes, searchlights seeking.

Is he here? Breeeeathe.

Her heart is racing. Her cheeks burn a horny shade of fuchsia.

I can always blame it on the cold.

She’s never been subtle. Shit at poker. She’d named her face ‘Judas’ in the mirror one messy night, years ago in some stranger’s bathroom. She takes in the festive glow of the twinkling lights draped around the bar and windows. George Michael’s ‘Last Christmas’ croons through the speakers, weaving its way between loud cackles and hushed chats. A smile slithers across her lips.

So this is why they call it the silly season. Ha.

She bites her lower lip. Silly is an understatement.

The heat pumping throughout the cosy pub feels especially luxurious, considering the whipping cold outside and the crippling recession which has stifled the country with its cost of living. Old friends with grand bellies sit around small wooden tables, chuckling with nostalgic glee. The knitted sleeves of xmas jumpers wipe froth from whiskered chins.

A ruddy faced barfly calls out:

‘Oi oi, Captain, another, eh? Good lad,’ as he proudly slams his empty pint glass down. A leathered wink and a discreet stumble. Glasses clank loudly as they collide, amber contents splashing and spilling out.

© S.J. Wildling

Read the full short story here.


Through The Stars Dumfries

You can see Dumfries from the Moon. On trips to the observatory decks I would point the large lens telescope towards the Southern part of Scotland and have a better look at what we left over. Others who were crammed here in the living centres would use the time they bought to look at the parts of history they wished they had visited. My Grandfather and I would often study the old images of the town stored via projections from the company data packs. Grandfather would always show me the pictures he had saved of the place our family came from. We couldn’t take them too far away from the Grid though, stray from the network and the company would delete them regardless of payment. The charge for reactivating any memory was too much for most, myself included. Most of the images stored in the Grid were constructed from various accounts and memories of those who had left us. The ones Grandfather and I had were real though, at least to me.

The first thing I always noticed about them was the sky. Sometimes it was a bright, radiant blue but mostly it seemed to settle on a dull grey. The main thing was that it was there. No glass above your head, no sealed domes to control the atmosphere, just an expansive sky you can look up to at any time. The people would walk places without the constant connection to the Grid to monitor everywhere they were going.

On the last visit to the observatory deck I asked my Grandfather about going back to Dumfries.

“Very dangerous” he replied.

© Cameron Phillips

Read the full short story here.


Hosted by multi-genre author and editor Karl Drinkwater, WRITE! is designed to allow you to play with words and construct short or longer pieces of work, whichever you desire, and it is open to all abilities!

If you would like to attend the next WRITE! session, click here.

To learn more about Karl his website, click here.

WRITE at The Stove Cafe

November 6 @ 7:00 pm 9:00 pm

Write poster, with a colourful horizontal stipe through the middle of a beige background

Welcome to our October WRITE meet-up, a monthly creative writing workshop with author Karl Drinkwater.

WRITE! is all about letting your imagination guide your hand. In each session we’ll chat about a writing-related topic, then provide prompts and a theme. Then attendees are given the opportunity to write based on the inspiration. It might be a character sketch, or a piece of description or dialogue. The key thing is that it will be your words. They’d never have been born if you’d stayed at home that night.

The short piece you write could be practice or a creative outlet. However, it could become the seed of a short story or part of a longer work. We end each friendly and informal session. With the opportunity for some people to read out what they wrote, as a celebration of the new words.

Sessions are expertly guided by thought-provoking prompts, offering dedicated time for free-flowing expression. Afterward, participants have the opportunity to share their creations within supportive groups. They can receive valuable tips to enhance their writing skills and boost confidence. Whether you’re rediscovering the joy of the creative process or seeking inspiration for your existing project, Write fosters a collaborative and experimental environment. Fuel your next big project with the friendly encouragement and creative energy that defines Write.

This month’s theme:

Our colour section will be focussing on “orange“. The genre chosen is “horror“. Have a look at a horror book or two if you get the chance. No need to read it all – just the opening and a few random places to get an idea of the style. You can look up the plot elsewhere to see what happens. It’s fine to bring examples from one of the books or stories, a sentence or paragraph that stands out as particularly horror-some!

Open to: everyone! It doesn’t matter whether you’ve never written anything before, or if you’re an established author looking for a brief shot of espresso creativity. It’s not a course, so you can attend any or all sessions, as you wish.

So come along. We’ll provide the inspiration and a supportive group of new friends. All you need to do is bring your pen*, engage your heid, and write!

(* Of course it’s fine to bring a laptop or gadget instead of a pen and paper. Words are words, whatever the medium!)

The Stove Cafe will be serving drinks and nibbles from 6.30pm – 7pm

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: As WRITE! is a very popular event, you must pre-book via Eventbrite to secure a place at this workshop.

Free
100 High Street
Dumfries, Dumfries & Galloway DG1 2BJ United Kingdom
01387 252435
View Venue Website

Access Information: Level Access in rear of building through adjacent close to left-hand side of the Cafe (facing the front of the building). To ensure your experience with us is as best as it can be, please do let us know if you have any specific access requirements and we’d be happy to help. Please email Sal on: [email protected] or phone 01387 252435 and speak with one of our team. We are able to provide walk-throughs of the building before you attend our events as well as assign seating before your arrival.

WRITE at The Stove Cafe

October 2 @ 7:00 pm 9:00 pm

Write poster, with a colourful horizontal stipe through the middle of a beige background

Welcome to our October WRITE meet-up, a monthly creative writing workshop with author Karl Drinkwater.

WRITE! is all about letting your imagination guide your hand. In each session we’ll chat about a writing-related topic, then provide prompts and a theme. Then attendees are given the opportunity to write based on the inspiration. It might be a character sketch, or a piece of description or dialogue. The key thing is that it will be your words. They’d never have been born if you’d stayed at home that night.

The short piece you write could be practice or a creative outlet. However, it could become the seed of a short story or part of a longer work. We end each friendly and informal session. With the opportunity for some people to read out what they wrote, as a celebration of the new words.

Sessions are expertly guided by thought-provoking prompts, offering dedicated time for free-flowing expression. Afterward, participants have the opportunity to share their creations within supportive groups. They can receive valuable tips to enhance their writing skills and boost confidence. Whether you’re rediscovering the joy of the creative process or seeking inspiration for your existing project, Write fosters a collaborative and experimental environment. Fuel your next big project with the friendly encouragement and creative energy that defines Write.

This month’s theme:

One of the topics in the next session is comic or humorous fiction. Have a look at a funny book or two if you get the chance. No need to read it all – just the opening and a few random places to get an idea of the style. You can look up the plot elsewhere to see what happens if you like. It’s fine to bring examples from one of the books or stories, even if it’s just a sentence or paragraph that stands out as particularly good or funny!

Open to: everyone! It doesn’t matter whether you’ve never written anything before, or if you’re an established author looking for a brief shot of espresso creativity. It’s not a course, so you can attend any or all sessions, as you wish.

So come along. We’ll provide the inspiration and a supportive group of new friends. All you need to do is bring your pen*, engage your heid, and write!

(* Of course it’s fine to bring a laptop or gadget instead of a pen and paper. Words are words, whatever the medium!)

The Stove Cafe will be serving drinks and nibbles from 6.30pm – 7pm

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: As WRITE! is a very popular event, you must pre-book via Eventbrite to secure a place at this workshop.

Free
100 High Street
Dumfries, Dumfries & Galloway DG1 2BJ United Kingdom
01387 252435
View Venue Website

Access Information: Level Access in rear of building through adjacent close to left-hand side of the Cafe (facing the front of the building). To ensure your experience with us is as best as it can be, please do let us know if you have any specific access requirements and we’d be happy to help. Please email Kevin or Sal on: [email protected] or phone 01387 252435 and speak with one of our team. We are able to provide walk-throughs of the building before you attend our events as well as assign seating before your arrival.

Categories
News Opportunities

Creative Writing Opportunities

High Street Multiverse:

Six Opportunities for Emerging Writers Based in Dumfries & Galloway

Welcome to Dumfries High Street.

In this place, whole worlds of stories and sorrows, memories and hopes as vivid and colourful as your own, exist within each passer-by.

A multiverse, an ever-growing web of realities sprawl and spin from the smallest encounter. New futures are written and re-written all at once, each stemming from the consequences of actions so subtle, they are barely felt. But the ripple of each of our choices resonates beyond now… and alters the realities we all share.

So step inside… what story will you find?

High Street Multiverse is a digital, public art project supported by Dumfries & Galloway Unlimited. Working with 6 emerging writers from the region, this unique initiative will support writers to craft six individual audio stories to be placed within the town centre of Dumfries, through a specially designed series of QR light sculptures, the artworks will immerse listeners into new imaginative worlds, traversing time and space.

Writers will work together with the support of the Stove’s creative team through a regular series of workshops led by professional writers alongside a handful of creative sessions to shape each individual story. Emerging writers will receive one to one creative and professional guidance with a small team of professionals in the field, gaining tailored support and advice to take your writing to the next level.

Writers will receive a fee of £200 for their contribution to the project alongside professional support and guidance along with the opportunity to collaborate with others and be part of an exciting multi-arts project in the heart of Dumfries.

You don’t have to have been published and you can be of any age and experience-level to apply. We’re looking for writers who are excited to be part of this collaborative project and are willing to help create a new experience for Dumfries town centre.

Want to take your story to the street?

Who can apply?
You don’t need to have been published, you could even just be dabbling. You might be a fantasy writer, novelist, poet, or all the above. We’re looking for potential. We’re looking for writers who are excited by the prospect of working collaboratively and are willing to be part of a journey in finding their voice through the support and mentorship of the Stove and our team of professional writers.

The only thing we ask is that you are living in or can demonstrate a significant connection to Dumfries & Galloway. No upper age limit.

How to Apply
To apply please send a cover letter and supporting material to [email protected] answering:

What excites you about the project?

How would you describe yourself as a writer?

How could this project support your development?

Alongside up to three writing examples, exceeding no more than three pages per example.

Submissions closing date is the 30th of August.

Creative sessions and workshops will take place throughout September and October with works being recorded in November and December. Installation and public unveiling will be in January 2022.

Time commitment:
Coordination of workshops and creative sessions will be arranged in consultation with the successful writers. We expect writers to attend roughly 5 workshops/creative sessions, as well as one-to-one sessions with the professional writers’ team.
All applicants will be contacted with regards to the outcome within the week of the of the 6th of September.

For more information about the project please email [email protected].

This Boon of Pure Water: Writing Workshops with JoAnne McKay

July 25, 2021 @ 2:00 pm 4:00 pm

Dumfries Fountain Project
This Boon of Pure Water: Two Creative Writing Workshops with JoAnne McKay

Join writer JoAnne McKay for two creative writing workshops exploring the celebrations and controversies of providing clean water to the town of Dumfries. What role did the devastating cholera epidemics of 1832 and 1848 play? You’ll develop your own writing to share as part of the Dumfries Fountain Project, which is seeking to restore the landmark High Street fountain to its former working glory. Relaxed, informative and fun, the workshops will take place on two Sunday afternoons in July.

1. The Cholera – Sunday 18th July, 2-4pm

As in 1832, the cholera seems to be more malignant in Dumfries than in any other part of Scotland. Perhaps the peculiar sanitary state of the town may account for this. The river Nith runs through it on one side, and on the other, but at a greater distance, is the large swamp of Lochar Moss; whilst, worse than either, there is no water brought into the town except by carts.

Bells Weekly Messenger, 16th December 1848

Join writer JoAnne McKay on a walking tour of Dumfries exploring the history of the devastating cholera “visitations” in 1832 and 1848, which increased calls for clean, piped water to the town.  Gather impressions and inspiration for your own writing during this relaxed, circular walk which will begin and end at the High Street fountain. Wear stout shoes, dress for the weather and bring something to take notes with.

2. A Magnificent Jet – Sunday 25th July, 2-4pm

The Provost then turned the screw of the pipe which supplies the fountain with water, and forthwith a magnificent jet was thrown up into the air, which continued playing all day afterwards.

Dumfries and Galloway Standard and Advertiser, October 22nd 1851

Using contemporary reports, this indoor writing workshop with writer JoAnne McKay will help you develop new writing on the origin story of the Dumfries Fountain: the politics and processes of bringing piped water to the town – and then keeping the clean water flowing.

100 High Street
Dumfries, Dumfries & Galloway DG1 2BJ United Kingdom
01387 252435
View Venue Website
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