I’ve been away for a few days to sunny Dorset – and yes, it was sunny.  Showers were forecast but we seemed to dodge them.  We did a splendid walk from Thorncombe Beacon taking in Golden Cap and Seatown.  Sitting outside the Anchor Inn with a plate of fresh whitebait and a glass of chilled wine is as good as it gets (if you can ignore the aching legs and sore feet). I’m already planning the next great escape…

Diana Nadin's Holiday

But, back to work and Rob Innis – erstwhile editor of Writers Bureau student magazine, Chapter and Verse – has asked me to mention that his writing group is organising an anthology of Expat stories in support of National Short Story Week.  So, if you are a current or past Expat here is more information about how to take part.

Next on my radar is The Manchester Poetry Prize 2010.  You’ve still time to enter as the closing date is 6^th August.  There is a prize of £10,000 for the best portfolio of poetry (three to five poems, not exceeding 120 lines in total) with an entry fee of £15.  Obviously I’m in full agreement with improving the profile of every kind of writing – or I wouldn’t be in this job – but can Manchester Metropolitan University really justify such a huge prize when students are being threatened with higher fees or a ‘graduate tax’ and we’re facing austerity measure all round?

OK, rant over.  Next week my guest blogger will be Writers Bureau tutor and novelist (link to www.writersbureau.com/courses/novel-short-story/) Elizabeth Ashworth who’ll share her tips on where she gets ideas from.

Sunshine in Dorset