The Write Stuff
Who are the West Hill Writers ? And what is “ Brighton & Beyond ”? Who even knew there was anything beyond Brighton anyway ? Paula Seager knows the answers
Just around the corner from the Seven Dials , down a narrow , hidden driveway , West Hill Hall plays host to one of the city ’ s most successful writing groups . The West Hill Writers have gathered these past few years to nurture voices and narratives and now they ’ ve gone public .
With much fanfare , they recently published “ Brighton & Beyond ”, a rich anthology of short stories featuring the city in all its complex glory , from 18 talented local authors . Relatable family and friendship dynamics mingle with dark folklore and fantasy . Queer perspectives and scathing social critiques rub shoulders with comedy , romance , historical fiction and magic realism . Animals play startling roles , and somehow , not one , but three distinctive takes on a circus emerge .
Anna Burtt , director of publishers West Hill Writers , said , “ I am really proud of “ Brighton
& Beyond ”. It ’ s a diverse collection of riveting reads and I ’ m sure there is something in there to be enjoyed by every avid reader , especially those who love Brighton .”
Authors include Ciar Byrne , Jane Crittenden , Kathleen Ford , Giacomo Gambone , hilary howard , Duncan Robert Illing , John Keenan , Pippa Lewis , Kate Marsh , Damian McCarthy , Becs Pearson , Paula Seager , J . E . Seuk , Fran Swaine , Mona Walsh , Maggie Winters , Sue Wood and J . E . C . Young . The very Brighton book cover , features an ice cream cone , and was designed by Patrick Knowles .
The WHW inspire each other through regular sessions with llocally-based Anna Burtt who is head of events at Jericho Writers , hosts the Brighton Book Club on Radio Reverb , and is the director of the York Festival Of Writing . They create short stories , flash fiction , creative nonfiction and
poems set in Brighton throughout the UK and around the globe , not to mention the past , present and speculative future .
The book launch for Brighton & Beyond was held in the Nightingale Room at the Grand Central Brighton , at the bottom of West Hill , and was a busy affair with books selling fast . Brighton & Beyond can be seen displayed on the shelves of books shops across the city .
They say everyone has a book in them , but here in West Hill , we ’ re proud to be home to a plethora of really accomplished writers and we wish them all success !
You can order the book direct at : https :// westhillwriters . carrd . co or from book shops across the UK
There are still places available on the next West Hill Writers course - see linktr . ee / BTNBOOKCLUB
Summertime by Amara Baldwin
Summertime ! It ’ s Summertime , it ’ s summertime , It ’ s time to have ice lollies with lime !
Ice cream , ice creams everywhere , Melting , dripping , we don ’ t care ! Something humid in the air , People tying back their hair ,
Into the sea , Come on friends , come play with me ! Jump off the paddle board , swimming free ! We are all as happy as can be !
After school , let ’ s go and play , After a hot , angry , tiresome day , “ Let ’ s go on the swings !” my friends say , So how do I reply ? OK !