Tag Archives: writing
**STOP PRESS** 2026 HWC Poetry Competition now OPEN and Judge Announced
Submissions are now invited for the annual Hay Writers’ Circle Poetry Competition, and we are thrilled to announce the judge for 2026 is the wonderful Lesley Saunders. The theme this year is entirely open and we hope to receive a wide variety of poems and poetry styles for this competition. The first prize winner will receive £100 prize money, with cash prizes for 2nd and 3rd placed poems… Continue reading
All The World’s A Stage – “Pyramus and Thisby”, adapted for children by HWC Alumni, Alan Oberman
Hay Writers’ Circle Alumni, Alan Oberman, has enjoyed much success with his fine children’s Shakespearean adaptation, Prince Hal and his friend Falstaff. Aimed at Key Stage 3 pupils, this illustrated book is a superb gateway to Shakespeare for younger readers, and the publication comes with 2 CD’s of narration and music. “A real treat”, wrote Sir Richard Eyre.
The book can be purchased direct from Alan – please email : alan.oberman@gmail.com
Continue reading
2026 – A Year of Writing and Reading Ahead
It’s 2026! Suddenly we are a dozen days into January, and perhaps still considering a multitude of New Year Writing Resolutions. What shall I write next? What old piece of writing shall I revisit and edit? What writing project will be finished this year?
Of course, if you are writing you must also be reading. In the UK there is a huge drive towards 2026 being the Year Of Reading. Government Departments, Schools, Libraries, Literary Agencies, Trusts and Foundations, as well as Literary Festivals are all doing their part to positively promote the written word, whether in printed or digital formats… Continue reading
Lynn Trowbridge, 102 and still Remarkable. Hay Festival Winter Weekend coming soon and Enter our Fiction Competition 2025
The Remarkable Lynn Trowbridge
by Shane Anderson
Taking on the leadership of any community group, particularly such a well-respected and dynamic one as Hay Writers’ Circle (HWC), is not a task to be taken on lightly. It requires focus, commitment and no small amount of energy. Fortunately for happy foot soldiers like myself, there are those impressive souls who not only enjoy such a challenge but relish it… Continue reading
2025 Fiction Competition Now OPEN, Poetry Workshop Report, The One That Didn’t Get Away, and Hay Festival Winter Weekend coming soon!
Submissions are now invited for our annual Fiction Competition, The Frances Copping Memorial Prize 2025, named in fond remembrance of our Lifetime President who sadly passed away in 2020.
The competition is open to everyone, members of Hay Writers’ Circle and non-members too. Pieces of 500-1500 words on any fiction theme are accepted. Closing date for entries is Tuesday 6th January 2026. Prizes are awarded for first, second and third place… Continue reading
HWC AGM: Committee Voted In & Members Leaving Us, Plus Richard Booth Prize 2025 – 3rd Place Winner.
HWC AGM 2025
How quickly our writing year is up and running again! Our Annual General Meeting enjoyed not only many positive reports from it’s Committee, but also a number of exciting plans and adaptations for the coming year ahead. All thanks to everyone who brainstormed ideas during our summer blue-sky-meeting.
We are delighted that the following Committee Members have been re-appointed. Continue reading
Richard Booth Prize 2025 – Winners Announced.
We are delighted to begin this week with the results of our annual non-fiction competition.
This popular competition again received a good number of entries from both inside and outside Hay Writers’ Circle and we very much welcome external interest in all our writing competitions.
Our memorial prize, named in tribute to Richard Booth, the self-proclaimed “King of Hay”, who among many literary interests, was a keen supporter of the Hay Writers’ Circle. He sadly passed away in 2019, still in love with books, writers and his beautiful kingdom of Hay-on-Wye… Continue reading
Join Us For An Afternoon Poetry Workshop with Gareth Writer-Davies
We are delighted to announce details of a one-off Poetry Workshop with Gareth Writer-Davies.
Date – Tuesday 21st October 13.30pm-16.00pm
Venue – Cusop Village Hall – HR3 5RW (free on-site parking, facilities etc)
Cost – £20.00 non members, £10.00 members
Booking – Tickets via Eventbrite – CLICK HERE
Or email thehaywriters@gmail.com Continue reading
Summer Heat, Competition Closed and A Short Story.
“We’re Having a Heatwave” (part 4)
As the fourth heatwave of the summer looks to arrive tomorrow, and every flavour of ice cream has already been selected, tasted, and speedily devoured. We’ve also mulled the latest hosepipe restrictions, watched our runner beans shrivel in the sunshine plus, all the strawberries have gone and there are literally wasps everywhere! There are, of course, some of us who are looking hopefully for a cooling autumnal breeze on the horizon. Perhaps next week? Next month? Who can tell? Continue reading
Blue Sky Thinking, Annual Summer Lunch and 11 days Left to Enter our Non Fiction Competition.
Blue Sky Meeting
“There is nothing permanent except change”, Heraclitus.
Every few years we create the opportunity for a group get-together wholly focusing on developing and evaluating the direction of our group. We call it our “Blue Sky” event. We discuss in subgroups topics ranging from meeting agendas and locations, data protection and communication, social media and writing projects, local community events and competitions…..plus everything else that a writer’s circle does in between… Continue reading
THE HAY WRITERS 