Writers’ group ‘unlocks’ its own poetry anthology

Frome Writers’ Collective has passed another milestone – it has published its first book, ‘Unlocked’, an anthology of poems written by its members.

At its launch at Black Swan Arts, FWC members and their guests were able to listen to nine of those poets introduce and then read their work,  on Thursday 1st February.

The event was opened by Frome’s Mayor, cllr Sheila Gore, who confessed to having had to overcome a fear of writing to compose her regular column in the local press. Anthology backer and FWC trustee, Andy Hardy, said he was delighted at the enthusiasm shown by FWC members, who had submitted many more poems than it had been possible to include in the book. He said  that a prose anthology, which had been planned at the same time, had had to be put on the back burner.

“We decided to get the poetry anthology out straight away and the result is in front of you,” he said, before going on to congratulate cover designer, Sally Barnett.

Chair of FWC, Mary Macarthur said that ‘Unlocked’ clearly illustrated the number of fantastic creative people in Frome ready to unlock their talents.

Formed in 2014 to support and encourage local writers, both published and new to the literary world, Frome Writers’ Collective has already signed up its 100th member and organises the annual Frome Small Publishers’ Fair and the highly popular Writers in Residence competition, both now firmly established in the Frome Festival programme. Additionally, the FWC has helped three (soon to be four) members get their books published through its unique and innovative Silver Crow book brand.

Poets and other writers of all genres meet at the FWC’s regular socials at the Three Swans on the first Monday of each month. Successful authors are often invited along to describe the background to their work and detail the steps they took before their books finally hit the bookshelves.

‘Unlocked’, which contains a total of 26 poems written by established and first-timer poets is available from Hunting Raven Books in Cheap Street, Frome. It costs £5. Copies are also available at Postscript in Stony Street. For more information, visit fromewriterscollective .co.uk