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Comment by Catherine Edwards on May 28, 2009 at 3:25

Hi Brad. Not to worry you can't make it - great to get your feedback. The urban-centric focus is something we've been guilty of in the past. Being based in Birmingham, it's very handy just to pick up the phone to the venues down the road and trot along for an afternoon workshop. We get the partners and the participants to sign up. But our remit covers the whole of the West Midlands, and this project is an attempt to redress the balance and reach out to writers who may not necessarily be aware of the services/ support that we offer.

Plus, it's good to get out in the fresh air sometimes...

Comment by Brad Birch on May 27, 2009 at 10:24

Ah, this sounds absolutely bloody great. Sometimes if you're in the more provincial areas this kind of thing doesn't really reach out to you. I've found that being in a more rural area, anyway. When I talk to my city-dwelling friends it's almost as if relevent political comment couldn't possibly come from the hills (it's hard to sometimes convince townies we've moved on from Giraldus Cambrensis). But I've found being outside the metropolitian bubble can help, like possibly having a different perspective by not having the consumerist arm trying to snatch your purse (or wallet), perhaps? I'm not saying urbanites don't, I'm just saying that from outside looking in it may sometimes seem a little different... However, I'm not actually able to make that weekend, rendering me completely useless, but it's certainly pricked my ears and I've joined the mailing list.