1998
In April 1998, Alan Edgar published his novel, ‘Trust,’ a sexy, gritty tale of derring-do in a National Health Service Ambulance Trust. Harry Bankhead finally completed his military memoirs and ‘Salute to the Steadfast (A History of the 151/156 Parachute Battalion) was published. Ella Harris won the short story competition in May, with the theme of ‘An Unknown Quantity.’ David Gemmell, a best selling writer of fantasy stories, provided a fact-filled evening, revealing not only the secrets of his writing success, but the agonies of his early years, when editor after editor advised him to give up writing. Tamara Lee gave an enthralling account of her life, and her travels in Australia, where she promoted her novels, ‘Reap the Whirlwind’ and ‘Queen’s Flight.’
Another novel,’Jacarinda Vines,’ (a work in progress), ‘contained vivid characterisation and description to set a striking introduction to early Victorian life as a servant.’
Peter Lindsey, Editor of the Eastbourne Herald, revealed to his fascinated listeners about the controversial style which he’d introduced that had pushed up ratings and stirred fierce debate about the newspaper.
Stella Freshney was presented with the Anderida Accolade. The infusion of new members to Anderida Writers had kept the Novel, Shorties and Afternoon Groups bubbling with energy and new writing.
At the end of the year, Chairman Robert Crouch commented: “That was the year, that was.”