They could chat with local authors, share writing tips, buy books, or attend the free creative writing workshops.
Jean Fullerton ran a creative writing hints workshop which was full of inspiration and practical tips on how to write and get published and the Thurrock Writers Circle ran a successful short-story workshop stimulating the imaginations of those who came along.
As part of the festival a poetry and short-story competition was held and the winners were announced on the day – each won a Waterstones (Lakeside) gift voucher donated by the store.
The theme for both competitions was Thurrock and the winning entries were short story: 1 Danielle Chinnon, Thors Rock; 2 Karen Collibee, Wish you were here; and 3 Wendy Mach, I wish it had never happened. Poetry: 1 Steve Davis, Grays Nostalgia; 2 Trevor Rawson, Our Thurrock often ignored; and 3 Joy Ridgewell, My home town.
Cllr Gupta said: “On behalf of the council’s library service I would like to thank Waterstones at Lakeside, Thurrock Writers Circle and all the local authors who supported this event.
“It’s been a great success and I’m told the council will be organising another festival next year.”
