Dear Members,

It has indeed been a very long time since we last met in person and had the luxury of one another’s company in the familiar setting of the Hughes Room. You have been missed!

It was in fact 20 February 2020 when we had our last event, Are You Stuck? How ironic it is then that shortly after this, we were all stuck in the mire of a world pandemic. Aiyaaaa! as we say in Hong Kong!

We trust all is well for you and your families, whether you have remained in Hong Kong or returned home.

The committee has done its best to ensure we are offering you networking opportunities as well as nurturing your literary journey. Kay Ross continues to post articles and online events on our Facebook page, six days each week. We now have more members submitting to both Showcase and Woman at Work under the Members’ tab on our website. In addition, we have had five podcasts to date with a new Podcasts section in the same website location.

Do have a read and a listen to these if you wish to feel inspired, for we have many talented members with much to share.

Please ‘Like’ our Facebook page when it pops up, too. Few members are currently doing this, and it will help us if you respond.

If you wish to submit a piece for Showcase, Woman at Work or participate in a podcast, just contact us.

IMPRINT 20
Now to Imprint 20 and our annual launch event. We were hopeful of having one this year but, regretfully, it looks unlikely that Covid-19 will allow any festivity. We will go ahead to publish the anthology, we hope by the end of June. As always, the anthology promises to be a wonderful collection of your writing and artwork, and we thank all who have contributed very much indeed.

ADVERTISING ON IMPRINT 20
For those of you wishing to advertise (within the Members’ Directory), the cost is HK$1,300 for full page and HK$700 for half page. Please email us with your request by 17 May 2021 (deadline of artwork submission is 31 May 2021).

BIOGRAPHIES AND CONTACT UPDATE
The distribution of Imprint 20 will likely be similar to last year, with mailouts. It’s imperative that you check your contact details and biographies as this information will be printed in the directory. Please also update your mailing address as soon as possible. The deadline for all updates is 31 May 2021.

FREE COPIES OF IMPRINT 19
We have 80 copies of Imprint 19 in storage, kept back for hoped-for events and a launch. If anyone would like to receive a free copy or copies, please email us. You can either collect your order directly on one designated day from Happy Valley, or have it posted (with the mailing/packaging charge at your cost). This offer is on a first come, first served basis so be quick! Within reason, there is no limit on how many copies you may have.

On a final note, let’s raise our glasses to this year seeing the publication of the 20th issue of Imprint! The idea of a members’ anthology was first mooted at a lively brainstorming session at HKU 21 years ago. The 1st issue got off to a wobbly start and certainly no one at that time would have foretold its subsequent popularity. It has helped launch more than a few careers.

Very best wishes from all of us on the committee,

Suzanne