Novel written in 24 hours in Worthing

A group of 22 writers from West Sussex has written a collaborative novel in the space of 24 hours.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

On Saturday, October 2, the group met at Colonnade House, in Worthing.

The writers hail from all over Sussex, with a diverse range of ages and backgrounds.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The group managed to reach a consensus about the aims of the novel while on the premises.

A group of 22 writers from West Sussex has written a collaborative novel in the space of 24 hours. On Saturday, October 2, the group met at Colonnade House, in Worthing town centre.A group of 22 writers from West Sussex has written a collaborative novel in the space of 24 hours. On Saturday, October 2, the group met at Colonnade House, in Worthing town centre.
A group of 22 writers from West Sussex has written a collaborative novel in the space of 24 hours. On Saturday, October 2, the group met at Colonnade House, in Worthing town centre.

A handful of writers then remained on site to write their allocated 3,000 words, while others went home to write.

The theme of the novel is a mystery until its eventual release, but part of the collective’s inspiration came from a paving stone in the local area which is engraved with lines of poetry.

The next day, the writers reconvened for a ceremonial printing of the manuscript, led by Joe Bunn, the artist formerly known as the Bard of Worthing.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Joe said: “Delayed twice by a global pandemic, when the 24-hour novel was finally written it worked like magic. Lightning struck at around 12.30pm on the first day when the immortal words ‘pigeon memorial’ were uttered.

“Over 60,000 words were written, meaning it was a real success. That’s how long a novel is, after all.

“We all worked together like a truly magnificent team. And we will meet again. Of course.”

Estella Rua, one of the writers who took part, said: “I moved from London just over a year ago, and like many of the writers taking part, was thrilled to finally meet other creative people in the local area.

“Many of us were motivated by the opportunity to work together, rather than in isolation, to create an original piece of writing which reflects and gives back to the local community.”

Related topics: