New-style reading group opens in Taunton (From Somerset County Gazette)

New-style reading group opens in Taunton

8:57am Friday 30th July 2010

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A NEW type of reading group, sponsored by The Royal Literary Fund, is being set up in Taunton specifically for people who work some or all of the time at home.

Led by professional writer Julia Copus, Reading Matters will meet on Thursday evenings during school term times at The Friends' Meeting House in Bath Place in the centre of Taunton.

Julia said: “These groups are very different from traditional-style book groups.

“For one thing there's no extra reading or other 'homework' to be done outside of the sessions either before or afterwards.”

Each week the group will listen to and then discuss a new piece of writing chosen and introduced by Julia.

It could be a short story, a poem, or a piece of non-fiction perhaps even a speech.

No background knowledge of literature is needed; all that's required from participants is a willingness to talk and listen.

Another unique aspect of the scheme is that all the groups are led by professional, published authors, though group members often come from a whole range of backgrounds.

Julia added: “The group is about being introduced to some of the most exciting writing around, but it's also about coming together with like-minded people in a friendly and stimulating environment as a change from the seclusion of working by ourselves.”

Taunton has been selected as one of just nine locations in the UK where the special reading groups will run this year.

To find out more contact Julia at juliacopus@hotmail.com or on 07948-407454.

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