Chalk Circle Writing Group

Since October 2017, a handful of Sussexbased writers meet once a month to critique each other’s stories and run workshops with guest tutors, writes Samantha de Alwis.

Chalk Circle members have much in common. Former creative writing students – mostly with the University of Sussex and New Writing South – they have a love of reading, an irresistible drive to write and an ambition to share their work with a wider audience. Some now have published novels and had listings in national short story competitions whilst others are working towards publication. A wide range of interests are represented: historical and literary fiction, psychological drama, magic realism, young adult fiction and comic memoir.

In 2018, Chalk Circle became a small-scale publisher of illustrated short fiction with the launch of an illustrated flash fiction anthology, STRATA – Slices through the human landscape.

Locked down by coronavirus, in May 2020, the Circle launched its first competition, securing the judging skills of award-winning author, Vanessa Gebbie. After sifting through over 300 entries the competition was won by Tom Watling’s Always Something to Do

on a Saturday with two further prizes and commendations for other authors.

Chalk Circle launched STRATA 2 – Shadows on the Path, a second anthology of short stories, on 16 October with artwork by internationally acclaimed Illustrator of the Year, John Vernon Lord, renowned for his work on iconic album covers, children’s books and dystopian fairy tales.

Website: www.chalkcircle.org.uk