Archive for the 'Announcements' Category

The Crafty Writer goes Full Feed

You may or may not be aware of the ongoing debate about the merits of full versus partial RSS feeds. After favouring partial up to this point, The Crafty Writer has decided to change tack and switch to a full feed.

In case you don’t know, this enables you to read the content of a website through a feed reader application (similar to an email program) without having to visit the site directly, and is typically used by people who have a large number of sites they like to keep tabs on.

Our main reason for favouring partial initially was that we wanted to try and draw people into the site, as we feel it offers a richer experience. And don’t get us wrong - we still want that. But apparently there is not much difference in the rate in which people click through to a site from a partial feed versus that of a full feed. So in this case it appears we can all have our cake and eat it too!

What this means for you, the reader, is simply that you have more choice when it comes to how you read The Crafty Writer; come to the site if you like, or use the feed. Either way, you’re very welcome. Oh yes, and tell all your friends too!

If you have no idea what we’re going on about (Fiona doesn’t!), you may want to check out this explanation of RSS.

Rod the techie guy

Grave Tattoo on Crime Award Longlist

Book Club participants who enjoyed Val McDermid’s The Grave Tattoo will be interested to hear that it has been longlisted for the Theakston’s Old Peculiar Crime Novel of the Year Award (2008). Val was the winner of this award in 2006 for The Torment of Others. This year her fellow nominees include Alexander McCall Smith, Stef Penny and Christopher Brookmyre. You can vote for The Grave Tattoo over at Waterstones. Continue reading ‘Grave Tattoo on Crime Award Longlist’

Weekly Writing Sessions at Cumberland Arms

The Crafty Writer’s Kathleen Kenny will be hosting weekly writing sessions at the Cumberland Arms in Byker, Newcastle, UK, starting 7 February. Every Thursday, avid writers will gather to share ideas, advice and constructive criticism of their ongoing work. £6/£4 concessions. No experience necessary. All welcome. 7.30 - 9.30pm. The Cumberland Arms, Ouseburn, Byker. Tel: (0191) 265 6151

Update 22/02/2008
Unfortunately this won’t be happening for the next while, but we’ll let you know when the bar opens again. Cheers!

Melpomene’s First Run

‘Melpomene’

at Northern Stage, Newcastle

‘It’s 1896 and marathon runner Stamata Ravithi is given the nickname ‘Melpomene’ (Muse of Tragedy) when she tries to run in the first modern Olympic Games. One woman’s determination not to be put down by men has inspired generations of female athletes to compete at the highest level. This modern Greek tragedy explores the relationship between sport, art and human potential.’ Continue reading ‘Melpomene’s First Run’