News Story
Ruth Goldstraw, a member of The Theatre's Creative Writing group has had her first novel published! Here she talks about how our Take Part group inspired and aided her through the process.
"They say writing is a lonely occupation. I’ve written all my life and never felt that. Surrounded by your imaginary friends and sharing their adventures is great fun. However, sending your work to publishers and agents, and receiving rejection after rejection, fills you with self-doubt.
That’s why joining the Creative Writing Course at The Theatre, Chipping Norton, was one of the best decisions I ever made. Whether it be poetry or prose, fact or fiction, the group is for everyone who loves writing. It doesn’t matter if you’re writing to be published or just for pleasure, you’re welcome. And it’s such a joy being with other writers, sharing ideas, critiquing each other’s work and having the guidance of a professional tutor.
It was one of our tutors who suggested that I join the Romantic Novelists Association. I attended their conference in 2023 and, following meetings with agents and publishers, HarperCollins offered to publish my book The Witchfinder’s Assistant.
If I’ve made it sound easy, it wasn’t, my publishing journey was full of setbacks. However, I no longer deal with these alone, since the group at The Theatre are so encouraging. They’ve become true friends, and I can never thank them enough for the support they’ve given me."
The Witchfinder’s Assistant is a murder mystery set against the backdrop of the English Civil War. https://harpercollins.co.uk/products/the-witchfinders-assistant-ruth-goldstraw?variant=41229236469838 and is available from our local independent book shop, Jaffe & Neale, and all the other usual outlets.
