Monday 14 April 2008

Housman's Bookshop

This week I joined a new writers' circle, which meets in the bowels of Housman's Bookshop in Central London. The place is unheated and unbelievably cold even in this rather mild winter. As we huddled around a single bar electric fire I was, I admit, re-connected to the pre-centrally heated days of my childhood. Yet, there is something very focussing about sitting in semi darkness, coat pulled around your shoulders, munching custard creams and reading a chapter from your novel. When I listed to the others' stories, focussing a hundred percent because after all, what else can you do in semi darkness, I found myself utterly captivated by the different worlds they led me into. Call me old fashioned, but I wondered whether we've lost something precious, sitting here in the 21st century, enjoying luxuries our ancestors would have associated with the idle rich. Maybe I've turned into my mother after all.

3 comments:

  1. I've just joined a writers group. Actually it's one that's just starting.Last week it was held in plush offices in a new Arts/Theatre complex. Last night, an internet session, held in a brand new college. I'm hoping we keep meeting in places like this.At my previous group I had to hope my car didn't get trashed during the meeting.

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  2. That sounds like an adventure, Jennie. I think I'd enjoy a group like that if i had a thick blanket and hot chocolate.
    Talk about working on your visualization skills. :)
    All of my groups are online. I don't think any of my critique partners live in the same state as me. It would be funner, I believe to be in a situation like yours.
    -Take care, my friend,
    Laura H.

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  3. Hi Jennie;

    I trust no one in the group is writing a WWII novel? It might take me back to the 'blitz days!

    Best Regards,

    Wally R

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