Who Are the Renegade Writers? by Mo.

The Renegade Writers were first introduced to me before the launch of www.thisisull.com in August, only a matter of weeks ago. Since then they have delivered a treasure chest of written work including poetry, fiction, holiday reveiws, and articles that I have been delighted to publish on www.thisisUll.com.

Last week I finally met the group at one of their houses with my invite to an open interview to find out more about them. As the writers began to arrive, the atmosphere was jovial, the only thing they all seemed to have in common was the drink in hand, bountiful smiles, and none of them looked in any way ordinary! The Renegade writers total 14 members now, and meet once or twice weekly to practice 'live, improvised writing'. Well, that had me fascinated.

My image of a writer which until now has been that middle aged paunchy Captain Birdseye type, pipe in hand staring out at the sea over an old IBM typewriter, patting the dog, was fading fast. Any stereotypes of writers groups were immediately crushed by Jane, the host for the evening who commented "I was a member of the Hull Writers Circle in the Library, a little female dominated, with the flower show high on its agenda, swearing is an absolute no, no. But this is something radically different." Drink in hand, the group begin to settle and my pen gets twitchy. "So how did this all start?".

The founders duly answer. Nicholas and Lee, both in the bean counting business; begin to recount how this fascinating group of people collect together as the Renegade Writers.

Nicholas begins "Lee and I have been friends for ages, back to school days. Writing has always been a part of our lives, even as young children. The group is just over a year old, and we began attracting members through a practical joke poster asking "Are you a frustrated writer? - Do your friends look at your trousers?" (the latter query a private joke). A couple of calls did come in and came to nothing, just a football hooligan and a social deviant."

Daz interjects with "Who's still in the group?" which kicks off roars of laughter. Lee explains "The group is based on honesty, openness, a place where expression is not limited by shame, but encouraged, without boundaries." "Sex, drugs, rock and Roll, it's about expressing life's energy!" Nick continues. The Hull Literature Festival that takes place in November is the Renegade Writers stage to perform, although it's a regular occurrence through their home meet-ups, a chance to practise the art of "Writing Zen".

In comes Rich, with the obligatory six pack of Miller and wide smile. Now of all the Renegades, Rich has done so much for www.thisisUll.com it's astounding. From artwork, design through news, fiction and poetry, we would not be where we are today (wherever that is) without him. Following the poster came an impressive 24 page piece of works from the Renegade Writers submitted to the Festival Bookstall and a live performance at last years Literature Festival where over 100 people attended. Credibility in hand, new members started to flock in to this exciting venture. The group was up to 11. continued below

Who Are the Renegade Writers? continued by Mo.

During a typical evening the group convene to a member's house, although "We all work and have families to take care of, so priorities can affect turnout sometimes" adds Elsa. The session begins (well, after a couple of drinks and a laugh) with someone playing some music. Then there's silence, you can hear a pin drop, as the writers feverishly capture the thoughts and senses with the immediacy of a Zen painter. "It's practise that trains the mind to be alert and react, awake to the possibilities of life" the group explain.

A short while later individual writings are recounted to the group, and I am reminded of the successful BBC programme "Who's line is it anyway?". There is more to it than entertainment, though. "We all have our different reasons for writing and it is therapy to a certain degree. The group bonds our friendships through a shared strength of expression." says Michelle who used to live in Zimbabwe (humm must make a note of that, and chase her up for a story soon).

Time was flying by and the writers were collectively out on the town for the night at the Lamp, so with scribbles, and handshakes all round I departed, aglow with my new introductions to the Renegade Writers Group in Hull.

Articles - The Hole-in-the-Wall Gang By Patrick Henry
	The Hole-in-the-Wall is a pub found in Scarborough's Vernon Road, a steep hill linking the town centre almost to the sea-front and the Spa, and in the lower half of the street is almost the only building but for the quaint Rotunda museum. Otherwise only blank tall walls rise, holding up gardens and terrace-housing high beyond. Read more...

Articles - Tribal Tattoo . By Starpaw.

Last week the humdrum of everyday life was getting me down; I needed a pick-me-up, a rush - but where exactly do today's rebellious teena...20 somethings go to get their kicks? A piercing and tattoo shop? Surely not? It'd been a week since I'd been gearing myself up for this, the time it had taken to find a willing victim, I mean friend, to take with me to hold my hand, so to speak while I pay.. Read more...

Articles - Star Wars Enter the Folk Music Scene

	By Patrick Henry. The NorthYorkshire moors are a remote area full of historical incidents up to the present when the Fylingdales missile-defence station has just been pledged to the U.S. Star-Wars system. Roman forts, Viking raids, besieged castles from the Normans to the Stuarts, litter the fringes. The Cold War nuclear brink .. Read more...

Exclusive Featured Serial on www.thisisUll.com Articles Part Five -1973: Super tug to defend fishing fleet

By John Boldock
	After a couple of months out in Iceland I am getting a little homesick - worse as I am still a rookie at this game. We have been patrolling an area of South-East Iceland for a few days now, looking after a pack of around 30 trawlers. We have to keep them together as it is the only way to protect them. A boat on its own out here is fair game for the gunboats. Read more...

Under 18's Wide Awake at POZITION Night Club
	On Wednesday, 6th August 2003, I went with my friend Claire to the 'Awakening' night at Pozition in the centre of Hull. 'Awakening' is the name of the night when under 18's only are allowed. I was allowed to go in early to take some photos and have a look around. Read more...

Fiction - The Newland Chemistry Set
	by Rich Mills "But it's raining... (dum   dum   dub-ba..!   dum   dum) Raining in my heart..." A distant wave of dash-white-line hugging radio being transmitted from the 'WHO THE HELL HAS BEEN MESSING WITH MY TUNER???' morning-show drifted through the rows of tree lined avenues and terraces. Read more...