Jersey writers to showcase talent at Festival of Words

Jersey writers to showcase talent at Festival of Words

The festival, which every year brings internationally acclaimed authors to Jersey venues, also provides opportunities for Jersey’s own creative writers to shine.

And among the local literary luminaries taking to the stage this year will be St Helier’s second longest-serving Constable, Simon Crowcroft.

An award-winning poet, playwright and writer of short stories, Mr Crowcroft will call on his back catalogue of work exploring political and religious themes when he gives a reading at the Jersey Opera House Studio.

Another published local writer, Paul Darroch, will be discussing his new collection of seafaring tales White Star, Blue Iceberg: Jersey Sea Stories at Jersey Arts Centre during the literary festival, which runs from 26-30 September.

Jersey Library will host several local author events including a talk on local mythology by Erren Michaels, and a presentation by writer Tony Le Moignan on his latest novel A Long Goodbye, an exploration of the impact and effects of early-onset Alzheimer’s.

One of the greatest of all lyricists was WS Gilbert, but his literary talents went beyond the classic operatic collaborations with Arthur Sullivan and also included plays, fiction and comic verse. His work will be celebrated in a special presentation by the Jersey Gilbert and Sullivan Society.

The festival also offers plenty of opportunity for up-and-coming Jersey writers, including the first Jersey Festival of Words Poetry Competition, for which entries are in. The prizes for the competition will be presented by poetry superstar Lemn Sissay, laureate of the London Olympics, before his own performance at the Jersey Opera House.

Aspiring writers can still enter the Jersey Evening Post Writing Competition, which runs in association with the festival, as well as the Jersey Song Project for aspiring lyricists keen to combine their song-writing ability with Jèrriais.

There will also be expert advice on offer with workshops on Writing a Novel with Richard Skinner – director of the fiction programme at the Faber Academy – and Memoir Writing with historian Duncan Barrett, author of the new collection of Occupation memories, Hitler’s British Isles.

The art of blogging will be explained by Jersey resident Emma Critchley, creator of the popular Island Living 365 site, while Laura Carter will talk about her experience as a romance novelist and she will share tips with budding writers.

‘We’re delighted to be offering fresh opportunities for Island writing,’ said festival vice-chairman Paul Bisson.

‘As well as inspiring future writers, it’s important to celebrate the Island’s tremendous literary talent. Jersey Festival of Words is delighted and honoured to be able to do this, both locally and on a national stage.’

For more information visit jerseyfestivalofwords.org.

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