A celebration to write about

A celebration to write about...

The Zion Centre was the venue last night (1st May 2008) for a celebration of a remarkable project to get ordinary people writing about real issues. The Write About... Group were launching their first book, Write About... Bullying, which has been published by Gatehouse Books.

Andy Armstrong and Liza Monaghan of the Write About... Group hosted the evening and invited contributors to the book to read their stories before a packed audience. It was an evening to celebrate the achievement of the writers and also the talented illustrators and photographers who have helped to make this project such a success. “It was a lovely evening, everyone was left with a warm, glowing feeling,” said one. Music from singer songwriter Mark Whittaker and emerging talent, Sian Sofia, helped to set the mood.

The evening was sponsored by Edge Hill University Faculty of Education and attended by Head of Department, Ray Dwerryhouse. Stockport College was represented by Jane Wedderburn. Peter Roberts, College Principal said of the book, “The College is proud to be associated with this body of work which has taken a great deal of hard work, commitment and dedication in compiling. Undoubtedly this book will leave its mark.”

Don't just think about it, write about it! 

The group chose to focus their first project on the major issue of bullying. Most people know someone who has experienced bullying. It is often a reason for failure in school and can affect people throughout their lives. It was hoped that writing about their experiences might help them to come to terms with them and become a source of encouragement and inspiration to others in similar situations. “It has been a cathartic experience,” said one writer.  A series of writing workshops, one-to-one writing support sessions and independent work has produced this varied and inspiring collection of writings, illustrations and photographs, drawn from experiences of bullying in school, in the workplace, in the community and at home.

Some other comments:

"I've found it very cathartic to be involved in Write About... Bullying. Now to see this fine book finally published is wonderful."

"A moving occasion. It was great to meet the writers."

"Thank you to the writers for sharing their stories and experiences."

"What a wonderful story. Well done to all those involved."

"Thanks to everyone involved. I didn't realise how good the end product would look."

"An enjoyable occasion."

"An excellent performance by all."

"Thought-provoking and emotional. A very enjoyable evening and a brilliant book."

A great event and though-provoking pieces from the writers and all those involved."

"Well done Write About. Brave stories and a good night. Well done everyone."

"A fantastic event for a worthy cause. A moving and emotional occasion."

"A wonderful evening. The stories and poems are very moving. The book is the culmination of lots of hard work. Well done."

"A stimulation set of performances."

"I felt among friends."

"It was a good night and I was very proud to be part of the night and Write About... Bullying."

"Congratulations to the writers and to everyone involved in this excellent project."