The Southend Writers and Artists Network was created on
16 September 2011 as a way to communicate with other authors and allow each
other an opportunity to promote our work as well as inform members about events,
competitions, festivals and blogs of fellow writers and artists. The name needed
to be easy to remember and so the name Southend went in to make SWAN, but it is
not purely a membership for Southend-based creative types, and our membership
covers the East of England and beyond with several overseas writers who have a
connection to the region.
The network has no rules as such, rather an
understanding among members it primary role is to promote the work of writers,
poets, illustrators, artists, photographers, etc. SWAN is especially keen to
invite freelancers, budding authors, amateurs and basically anyone who has a
passion for books. It is surprising then that the membership has gone beyond its
original purpose attracting professionals from theatre, education, architecture,
cartoonists, book sellers, journalists, therapists, gallery directors, social
media experts, radio presenters, translators, singers, students and charity
workers.
It has expanded at a steady rate but in recent months
has doubled in number to 215 thanks to a poster campaign that was shared on
members’ personal pages also. In the past three years our members have put out
over 500 updates, many of which are seen by over 150 people, mostly organic
reach. We have found images are best to drawing attention and artists have the
advantage there but many authors have eye-catching book covers also! It is hard
to keep up to date with every competition and event, so it is a great way to
find out what is going on. Authors are encouraged to request an mp3 clip of
their radio interview which can be posted on the network page, likewise video
footage of interviews is also welcome. Twitter (@estuarybooks) has also played a
role in attracting new members. SWAN also got behind a local campaign to save
Leigh library reposting blogs and update from campaigners. Newspaper and
magazine reviews of books and work also feature on the network page. A new trend
is for authors to create video advertisements, with one author turning his blurb
into a re-enactment of a scene from the book with semi-professional actors! New
members are joining every day and it is hoped our first networking event in
September (details on the network page as only members can attend) will
hopefully spur us on further.
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