Thanks to those who sent in writing on the topic ‘The Challenge’. I realise that, with Christmas and all, I gave very little time for people to write. I am therefore giving you longer to create writing for the next task, Manufacturer’s Regret. Please have a go – this is not for established poets but for you to have a shot at writing creatively. I am very happy to receive drafts and to give feedback before you submit. The first two of the entries for The Challenge appear on the right. More next month.
The next writing task – Manufacturer’s Regret
This may be based on fact but should also include imaginative creative writing. We have probably all had experiences when you have written to the makers of a product which has not performed in the ways you expected – and they advertised. Could be a kitchen accessory which under-performs (“The first time I used your mixer it spread the soup around the newly-decorated walls of my kitchen and a tomato caught mother-in-law smack in her back …”) or a new, expensive car which conks out on the way back from the showroom (“You call it a ‘luxury model’ – I call it a disaster.”).
What you write is an extract from the manufacturer’s response to your letter. Their letter may quote from the one you sent them. Please observe a 145 word limit and don’t include addresses or names in the letter, unless they are within the word limit.
Please email your writing to me by MARCH 12 at j.w.somers@exeter.ac.uk or post to Pear Tree Cottage, Lower Tale, Payhembury, Honiton, EX143HL.
Email me or ring 34 611368 if you need to chat.
Example: John Somers
We are sorry to hear that our GetUThere Satnav which your wife bought you for Christmas has caused problems. If you followed the instructions, you should not have arrived at Dawlish in Australia when you were aiming for South Devon. I can only think you did not set your destination correctly (instructions, page 5) and wonder why you were not suspicious when you took your vehicle onto a flight from Heathrow. As for the refund of your £5,020 costs, we are enclosing a voucher for £5 which you can use towards buying a friend a GetUThere Satnav. I also enclose our catalogue which shows other excellent navigation aids – all with very clear instructions for use. I also wonder whether you would be willing to take part in our Spring publicity drive? I can fetch you from your house. (Tuff Luck, Sales Manager)
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THE CHALLENGE: THE DEATH SLIDE.
I stood at the bottom of the towering death slide praying to be safe! A tingle ran down my spine as I anxiously peered up at people sliding down to hell. I knew they weren’t really but I couldn’t be sure. I had to face my fear!
The voice in my head loudly chanted “Come on. You can do it.” I knew the voice was right but I was still quivering all over with fear! Carefully I started to climb up the creaky, wooden stairs clinging onto the knobbly banister for dear life.
Thinking about this challenge gave me a splitting headache. Come on I thought shaking myself. Big mistake. I let go and looked down! I silently screamed and then collapsed against the banister! Once again I looked down to the blurry earth below and I knew if I fell it would be the end… Queues of people started filling up the stairs behind me! I couldn’t go back down!
Mum and Dad’s warm faces gave me the courage to keep on going. At last I made it to the top of the 100 feet drop I had to be fearless. Three more people gone and it’s my go! I knew if I did I would land safely at the bottom but I wasn’t convinced after last week’s accident. It was my go! I shifted slowly to the edge not daring to look down. But I had to.
Suddenly I couldn’t get the floor into focus, all it was ……… was a blur of grey and fear and what is more, the blazing, scorching bright sun was in my wincing eyes. I made a lunge…
Madeleine Smith (Aged 9)
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