Friday, 20 February 2009

Launching


by kb

We've been preparing for three years. When the undergraduate Creative Writing degree was set up and we offered places for the first time, we knew there would be a launch. It's time for the Demon Crew, as De Montfort's creative writers are known, to go out into the world.

In their final year, students study self-publishing and work with desk-top and web-design software. They have to submit a publication in the format of their choice. They've been worried about this. I've been worried too. The publications have to be good enough to launch at Cultural Exchanges.

This week, the first pamphlets and posters arrived. I was stunned. They looked so professional - far better than many pamphlets of poetry I have bought. The students have a strong sense of visual style. I wanted to read everything at once but was scared of damaging the pristine copies, fresh from the press.

Next week, the students will work more on the vocal skills they need to read, present and perform their work. There will be little tasters at the launch. We're still fixing the programme but I think there will be two different blocks of readings and performances at 10.30 and 11.30. There will also be a chance to wander round, meet the students and see their work.

We're not promising any big names of today. Instead we're offering visitors a chance to talent-spot the writers of tomorrow.

If you're in Leicester on the morning of Thursday, 5th March, why not come along? The launch is in the Clephan Building between 10 and 12. It's free. You could even add a comment if you're planning to attend ...

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