Leamington writers pool their stories into first book

The Miracle of High Street features the combined talents of students of the creative writing class at the Odd Fellows Hall, who, says their tutor Steve Calcutt, have had a particularly productive year.

A former creative writing and publishing teacher at Warwick University and literary agent, Mr Calcutt said: “The stories are refreshingly original and there’s plenty of humour. Plenty of the unexpected! Basically, it’s a thoroughly entertaining read. The quality of quite a bit of this writing is definitely of a very high standard.

“The group is very positive, works together really well and is welcoming of new members. We like to have a laugh as well as write.”

Not only did they write the material for the anthology, but members of the group also edited and proof-read the book and designed the cover.

And plans are already underway for their second publication, which they aim to have complete by next year.

Mr Calcutt, who has sold previous students’ works to publishers - including Georgie Hale’s first novel Tread Softly and two books by Judith Allnatt - says he has high hopes for the group.

“Writers working in local writing classes can achieve success with major publishing houses.

“But I do push my writers hard - feedback is vigorous and seemingly harsh at times, but honest, fair and always constructive. This is how writers really learn their craft.”

Other aspiring writers are welcome to enrol in the next set of classes, which take place at the Odd Fellows Hall in Clarence Street and begin on Tuesday September 13 and Wednesday September 14 from 7pm to 9pm. A 12-week course costs £70.

To sign up or find out more, email [email protected]