Another evening listening to writing that covered a wide variety of styles. From a new chapter of a book in progress to several beautiful poems, the evening was fast and, as always, diverse.
Unfortunately, we started the meeting with the sad news of the passing of Dahris Clair, dear friend of Susan Haley. Dahris was a friend to many others in the Sarasota Writers Group, and the Florida Writers association as well. Dahris established the FWA writers group in New Port Richie, coordinated mini-conferences and local writing contests, and published the monthly e-zine The Infinite Writer. Dahris will be greatly missed.
Susan Haley also announced she will take things a little easier in the future and will take a different, less demanding role with the Sarasota Writers Group. Susan formed the group six years ago, but will turn the official FWA “link” to George Mindling who will be listed in the FWA information sheet as the contact for the Sarasota Chapter. Susan thanked Ed Ellis, who, among other things, has been the Internet contact for the group; Rod DiGruttolo, who faithfully and with great aplomb, runs each of the meetings; and Peter Frickel, and Russ Heitz, who have all been responsible for the success of the group. Susan will attend the meetings, of course, but she will no longer need to carry a briefcase that weighs as much as she does! George made a quick announcement, thanking Susan for her past efforts forming and maintaining the group, and that the only thing that changes is the name in the FWA data sheet.
Rod thanked the group for their contributions to the St. Judes' Bikathon that allowed his Grandchildren to donate $70 on everyone's behalf. And with that, we were under way.
Susan Davis presented an idea to the group about a project that may lead to road trips and an different approach to writing. New names for “New Age” or “Alternative lifestyles” will be welcome as she defines the Baby Boomers who may want to "clean up around us,” with inspirational messages, individual passions and personal empowerment. The old names just aren't right, nor accurate. Any suggestions?
We welcomed Susan McNeil to the group. Susan, a poet, was a guest of Cecile Bell Kennedy. Also returning was member Steve Cholby.
Rod opened with an Australian start. That's were the order is reversed and those who were last, go first, and we started with Joanne Phillips reading another chapter of her “Memoirs of a Sea Hag.” Last time we were hanging on for dear life in a tropical storm, this time we were curious about getting an octopus out of a snorkel! Joanne, of course, finished the main course with a racy poem that was all about technique! As always, the discussion that followed was interesting to say the least.
Don Westerfield read a short poem dedicated to the surprised Joanne, and then read “The Old Man.” a piece set in Appalachia that once again caught everyone off guard. Great stuff. Steve Cholby read two pieces to mark his return: “The Good Doctor” and an interesting narrative called “Philanthropy of the Mind.” Great to have Steve back, we look forward to more of his writing.
By then it was 8:00pm and time for a quick ten minute break.
We started the second half with Bill Elam's romantic prose demonstrating how our decisions affect those around us. Bill's writing will be part of a broader story. We would love to hear it in its entirety.
This was Bill's last meeting of the season and we will have to wait until fall to hear more.
Lee Taylor Frank read her rewrite of “The Colombian Experience,“ now 1914 words from the original 3200! The works is crisper and entertaining. We all held our breathe through the gunmen stopping the bus and the ensuing drama. Again, lively discussion followed, all good. The work is really turning out nicely.
George read his one page narrative “The Duel,” an exercise in describing an interaction between two unknown people over a canape, and we finished the night with Ed Ellis.
Ed read a poem written for his grandson's wedding entitled “Hearts and flowers.” A touching gift. No wonder Ed has been asked by Lemon Bay High School to address the senior class!
See everyone on Wednesday, 18th!
George
Unfortunately, we started the meeting with the sad news of the passing of Dahris Clair, dear friend of Susan Haley. Dahris was a friend to many others in the Sarasota Writers Group, and the Florida Writers association as well. Dahris established the FWA writers group in New Port Richie, coordinated mini-conferences and local writing contests, and published the monthly e-zine The Infinite Writer. Dahris will be greatly missed.
Susan Haley also announced she will take things a little easier in the future and will take a different, less demanding role with the Sarasota Writers Group. Susan formed the group six years ago, but will turn the official FWA “link” to George Mindling who will be listed in the FWA information sheet as the contact for the Sarasota Chapter. Susan thanked Ed Ellis, who, among other things, has been the Internet contact for the group; Rod DiGruttolo, who faithfully and with great aplomb, runs each of the meetings; and Peter Frickel, and Russ Heitz, who have all been responsible for the success of the group. Susan will attend the meetings, of course, but she will no longer need to carry a briefcase that weighs as much as she does! George made a quick announcement, thanking Susan for her past efforts forming and maintaining the group, and that the only thing that changes is the name in the FWA data sheet.
Rod thanked the group for their contributions to the St. Judes' Bikathon that allowed his Grandchildren to donate $70 on everyone's behalf. And with that, we were under way.
Susan Davis presented an idea to the group about a project that may lead to road trips and an different approach to writing. New names for “New Age” or “Alternative lifestyles” will be welcome as she defines the Baby Boomers who may want to "clean up around us,” with inspirational messages, individual passions and personal empowerment. The old names just aren't right, nor accurate. Any suggestions?
We welcomed Susan McNeil to the group. Susan, a poet, was a guest of Cecile Bell Kennedy. Also returning was member Steve Cholby.
Rod opened with an Australian start. That's were the order is reversed and those who were last, go first, and we started with Joanne Phillips reading another chapter of her “Memoirs of a Sea Hag.” Last time we were hanging on for dear life in a tropical storm, this time we were curious about getting an octopus out of a snorkel! Joanne, of course, finished the main course with a racy poem that was all about technique! As always, the discussion that followed was interesting to say the least.
Don Westerfield read a short poem dedicated to the surprised Joanne, and then read “The Old Man.” a piece set in Appalachia that once again caught everyone off guard. Great stuff. Steve Cholby read two pieces to mark his return: “The Good Doctor” and an interesting narrative called “Philanthropy of the Mind.” Great to have Steve back, we look forward to more of his writing.
By then it was 8:00pm and time for a quick ten minute break.
We started the second half with Bill Elam's romantic prose demonstrating how our decisions affect those around us. Bill's writing will be part of a broader story. We would love to hear it in its entirety.
This was Bill's last meeting of the season and we will have to wait until fall to hear more.
Lee Taylor Frank read her rewrite of “The Colombian Experience,“ now 1914 words from the original 3200! The works is crisper and entertaining. We all held our breathe through the gunmen stopping the bus and the ensuing drama. Again, lively discussion followed, all good. The work is really turning out nicely.
George read his one page narrative “The Duel,” an exercise in describing an interaction between two unknown people over a canape, and we finished the night with Ed Ellis.
Ed read a poem written for his grandson's wedding entitled “Hearts and flowers.” A touching gift. No wonder Ed has been asked by Lemon Bay High School to address the senior class!
See everyone on Wednesday, 18th!
George
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