This week our guest post comes from an organisation right at the heart of the festival – our local library! Felixstowe Library was the setting for some of the most stimulating and inspiring events at last year’s festival, and this year we are looking forward to another exciting programme of talks and workshops for all ages. Here to tell you more are the library staff and one of their regular associates, Dave Feakes, of local writing group Felixstowe Scribblers.
All of us at Felixstowe Library are eagerly awaiting this year’s Book Festival. We had such fun last year and there was such a buzz generated by people rushing between events and catching their breath at the top of our stairs (not an essential requirement – there is also a lift!), full of anticipation for the next two hours of writer’s heaven. The atmosphere was electric. Whether you were just beginning to write, looking for a setting or seeking inspiration to complete that unfinished novel, there was something for everyone. We also looked at the equally tricky practicalities of pursuing a writing career: how to formulate a PR strategy? How to go about getting an agent? We even had tips for marketing and selling your own ebooks!
Dave Feakes writes:
Felixstowe Scribblers were proud to sponsor one of last year’s sell-out Festival workshops at Felixstowe Library – the ‘Writers’ & Artists’ Yearbook guide to submitting your manuscript’. It was an absorbing experience with a great deal of help and information offered by our speaker, Cressida Downing, who had wisdom from over twenty years’ experience in bookselling and publishing.
It was quite humbling being amongst so many ‘professionals’ and our group commends the Library’s involvement in such a wonderful weekend. If last year was good, then it looks as if 2014 will be even better! Once again the Scribblers will be involved – this time we’ll be showing the film ‘The Lost Sock’, which was conceived in Felixstowe, written by the Scribblers and performed by local am-dram actors at various locations around the town.
I don’t know exactly how long it is since the Library formed the Scribblers – we think it was around 40 years ago. We have always found the staff to be helpful and accommodating. Over time the ‘Room at The Top’ has become our comfortable base and, with such an inspiring creative setting, we have never considered looking elsewhere. We certainly hope our association will continue.
So what’s in store for wordsmiths at the Festival this year? Cressida Downing is back with more advice on submitting your manuscript; Stephen May will be here helping you to ‘Get going and Keep going’ with your writing; and much, much more.
There is so much talent in Felixstowe and it’s time to stretch those creative muscles! Expect from the Library friendly faces, words of encouragement and vital café refreshments; who knows, there may even be sunshine!