Alan Barnett

Although primarily a photographer, which was always my first love, having worked for stoke speedway and Port Vale in the 80s as their programme photographer, it was while i was doing a City and Guilds course that I had chance to produce a book of photojournalism entitled 'The Silent Stage' which was a book of photo's that I had taken during the demise of the Royal Theatre in Hanley in 2000. I started to enjoy writing the words to accompany the photographs although i had not written since leaving school.

I had certainly caught the bug and in 2006 joined Paul Williamson to form 'City Voices'. I began to write mostly comic rhyme and poetry and I have gone on to write a series of 14 short stories which feature, along with a collection of poems and rhyme, in my new book 'Sundays, Oatcakes and Perry Como', which is out now. I feel that being a part of a writing group gives you the confidence to show your work to the outside world rather than to put it away in a draw never to see the light of day!

My advice, join a writing group (or form one!), share your feelings and put them down on paper. There is always someone who wants to read what you have done, and who knows, you may have inspired others!

Write on! Alan.

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