Lots of bits and pieces haven’t been feeding through to the website these last few months so this post is a roundup of news since September of last year.

Congratulations to Rita Morrison for the publication of her book, A Threat of Home. Rita wanted to pass on thanks for all the feedback and encouragement she’s had from the Circle, which has helped with the telling of this remarkable story, one based upon the experiences of her own family and cast in the format of a novel. It portrays the lives of two young Germans whose early lives play out against the looming rise of Hitler and the Nazi Party. Further details from the publisher here.

Rita is holding a ‘meet the author’ event on Wed, 2nd Feb, 6pm to 7pm at Chapel Allerton Library where she will be reading from her book and discussing it with our own Emma Storr. Everyone welcome. No booking required.

John Biglands has had an ‘honorary mention’ for his novella The Traveller in the Writers of the Future international competition. He has also been longlisted for his short story Boo in the Cranked Anvil UK writing competition.

Roz Kendall has had a short story broadcast on the Chapel FM Love the Word program. You can listen to it on this link, starting at 32.20.

Pat Belford continues to hold the honours both as president of the Circle and our most prolifically published writer. She has had three stories accepted by The People’s Friend (which pays too, it should be added): A Present for Pippa – Fourteen year old Briony spent weeks carving a wooden bowl for her older sister in the craft room at school, a gift which led to romance; Winnie the Wanderer – Set in the 1920s, the local police constable comes to the rescue when a four-year-old goes missing; Surprise, Surprise! – A family story about a surprise party at which the recipient springs a surprise of her own.

Emma Storr has published with London Grip a review of The House with Two Letter-Boxes, a short story collection by Janet Swinney. It’s available to read here.