Brian Lux - author

Brian’s Page

                                                               2010

Had a very pleasant day at a local Primary School in Llandudno. I worked with Years 7 & 8, and as a result, had over 36 stories. A tough time for me to judge the winner, so in the end, I gave four book tokens, two for each Year. It was my pleasure to present the prizes at an Assembly, one morning. The lad on the left, is obviously very popular, as a roar came from the children when I announced his name

I was delighted to learn that my entry for the Munchbunch competition was the Wales Regional Winner, 2010. My prize was visiting London to receive a handsome cheque, presented by the pop star, Jamilia. Her two children read all eight final stories, and decided the winner: not me! We all had                                                            

 our photos taken with Jamelia, and Munchbunch the cow. I shall enter the 2011 competition, so keep your fingers crossed for me, please.

 

                                                                          2011

I had a great day at St Georges Primary School, Llandudno, October 2011, and worked with children from 7-8years.I had designed a series of excercises designed to make them think about objects and how to use them to write a story. The result was some impressive results, considering the children were given little time to think about a plot. I was so impressed that I later presented book token prizes to the best three stories.                                                                                                                                    

                                                                        2012

It is always encouraging to see a work in progress impress others. The Winchester Conference on June 22-24th 2012, gave me the chance to enter the first pages of ’Nightmare at Mordach,’ in the 8-11 years section of the Children’s competition, even though I could not attend. Today (25th) I heard that although not first or second (only two prizes) my entry was ’Highly Commended.’ I shall be interested to read the judge’s report, but now it’s fingers tapping the computer keys until sparks fly!

So near and yet so far seems to be the order of the day as I was shortlisted in three short story competitions. It is frustrating for a writer but one must take the positives, ie the judge(s) are impressed with your writing. For me, though gratifying, the real aim is to have another children’s book published.

   I have been invited to participate in the annual ’Family Fun Day,’ at Venue Cymru (theatre to none welsh speakers) in Llandudno. This take place in September, and as it is two weeks before the spectacular Starlight Express hits town, we are planning an exciting event with four tickets to the show as prizes. It will involve children from 5-11 years writing a short piece about a dream. Local newspapers are supporting, and I am hopeful of local radio. Watch this space!

The year has ended on a pleasing note, as I entered two competitions, and both were shortlisted. I had to wait a week (what a long time seven days can be) to see if I progressed further, so was delighted to get Second Prize in the Erewash Writers Christmas Chillers competition (110 entries). Writing is such a lonely , frustrating business, so we need the occasional positive result. I did win, three times on the trot, Llandudno Writers competition. This is  in-house, so only get about ten entries, but we do use an external judge. It’s fun, and the entry is £1 (winner take all).

 

                                                                               2013

Sat/ Sunday, Jan 12/13th,  I was at the annual childrens’ ’Take Part’ at the theatre in LLandudno. My idea was to encourage children to write a short piece about a dream, real or invented. Ages were 6-12 years. I was amazed at the response, with 36 entries, which will now be judged for book token prizes. Considering there was competition from a mini circus, two bands, face painting,                                        

                                      

clowns, jewellery making, AND Connie Fisher, I was very pleased to get so many children to actually sit down and WRITE!

Heard that my entry in the December competition at Writers Village, won the third prize of £100. Whilst very pleased (and the cheque handy) it was satisfying to learn there were over 300 entries. Maybe this will be a good writing year for me, as we all need encouraging news.

It was a first for Llandudno Writers (I am the treasurer). We were offered free tickets for the  Jan 29th performance of ’High Society.’ I had to get out a round robin email quickly, but several members took advantage of the offer. I hope this will be repeated.

On March 5th, I was sitting at a table with a sign saying ’Creative Writing,’ and hoping to attract the

  attention 0f the 300 + retired folk                                           

  browsing the other activities on offer. This was the first meeting of the Llandudno branch of U3A, a brilliant organisation (worldwide) to encourage retired folk to keep their mental and physical attributes working. Very soon I had signed up the maximum of 30 people for a writing group. Now we need to find a venue and agree day and times.

At last a dental book, with a contribution from me, has been published. I was flattered to be asked to contribute a chapter, based on my experience in practice, considering I have been retired for some years. However, if that experience can help newly qualified dentists NOT to make my mistakes, then it was  worth it.      

                                                          

 

   I find it important to try out a new story on your intended readers, so was very pleased when I had a positive response from local schools.

                                                           

So far, during April, I have read it it to two schools, aimed at the 3-5years age group, and was pleased that they enjoyed the tale, and laughed in all the right places! Another three schools to visit.