The London School of Journalism is leaving Second Life in Mid-March

I received the announcement late on Sunday evening, shortly before I logged out for the evening. It was somewhat of a surprise when I read the group notice from Jilly Kidd, but not totally. I think we all have seen or heard of institutions packing up and leaving their experimentation with being virtual behind. The London School of Journalism (LSJ), has had a presence in Second Life for just over two years now. When it was established, Jilly Kidd had invited me to take part in the environment, where I hosted information about Lane's List and my in progress novel at the space station high above the SIM.  Ms. Kidd had been the estate manager and also ran the group.

Her group notice simply stated; "We're sorry to say the LSJ is leaving Second Life in mid-March. Do pop over to enjoy this lovely island in the final weeks and to enjoy what the LSJ has been doing here. We're grateful for the space the LSJ has provided for writers and for writing events. You can find their website, landmarks and other info on the notecard. The LSJ teaches writing in a variety of forms as well as journalism and has a great free contest on the website every month, so stay in touch."

While no specific date of departure was given, the notice concluded with, "Events will continue on Cookie Island." 

Author Convention and Exhibition 2010

The following came to me by way of Jilly Kidd, of the Written Word Group:

 

Go to our social network for writers to discuss the convention in the Author Convention and Exhibition Group on Written Word Ning

 

The first Author Convention and Exhibition will be taking part in the early months of 2010 on the London School of Journalism Island. In the run up to the Convention we're inviting authors and publishers who would like to take part to have a free display area in the Orb Space Station above the island.

 

As well as having a display opportunity in the Space Station, authors and publishers will be able to collaborate on how they would like the Convention to be organised. Everybody will be able to help organise and work together for a calendar of events. Perhaps authors in the same genre will get their heads together for panels etc. Readings, talks, book signings and sales will all be part of the Convention. Highlights of the Convention will be filmed and broadcast, including whole events. There will be no cost involved in taking part in the Convention.

 

If you would like to take part, contact me and I'll invite you to the London School of Journalism group so you can set out your display in the Orb Space Station. There will be an easy TP or TurboLift from ground level to the Space Station, and also the Convention can use all of the venues at ground level - an Amphitheatre, the Southbank Theatre, tutorial/discussion cabins, outdoor campfire seating, an ice rink which will be a London Park, offices and a beach area which will also have an outdoor stage over the water.

 

This is sure to be a wonderful and well promoted event and will get a lot of interest. I'll be writing about it myself for RL press and publishers in Publishing Talk. So let's get our heads together to plan a really good first one, and it will then run every year.

 

To take a look at the venues come to the Orb Space Station:

 

And take a look at the island:

 

For more information contact Jilly Kidd in Second Life.

 

Talk With a Fake British Accent Day at Writers' Circle

A group notice from Jilly at the Writers' Circle:

Today's Writers' Circle celebrates the anniversary of the Boston Tea Party, and if you don't fancy that it's also Talk With a Fake British Accent Day. The British among us will choose a different British accent as we each have our own countries. British accent - what is that anyway?? You can also bring writing on any other theme and in any form to read out - fiction, nonfiction, poetry, whatever. Or sit back and just enjoy. Free Boston Tea Party Sweaters and a nice warm British cuppa tea for you all.

Autumn Writers Competition Winners Announced

Here's an update from Autumn Writers' Exhibition which finished yesterday.

Competition winners were:

Best Poem: Hypatia Pickens

Best Prose: Renee Silversmith

Best Display: Huckleberry Hax

Best Grand Ball Costume: Corwyn Allen.

 
 

Congratulations to the winners! The promise was that details would be available on the Written Word website soon.

Fireworks & Music @ Autumn Writers' Exhibition

The notice from the Written Word group came from Jilly Kidd:

It's the final day of the Autumn Writers' Exhibition with fireworks by the wonderful Judi Newall at 1.30pm SLT followed by the Grand AWE Ball with live music by pianoman Djai Skjellerup. Come dressed as a favourite character from a book or an author for a chance of the L$5K prize. We'll also be announcing the prizes for the writing contests (apart from journalism) and the best display. Let's end this AWE in style!