Another good turnout with 22 in attendance, 3 of whom are FWA
members. We had three new guests as Jack Wetherson, Ron Babcock, and
David Lackey joined us for the first time. George Mindling opened the
meeting with several FWA announcements and comments, and since no
speakers were scheduled, we began with our first reader, Rod
DiGruttolo. Rod doubled as first reader as well as being the Master
of Ceremonies of the meeting.
Rod opened by reading an excerpt from “The Red Stain,” a novel in
progress by new member Jung Sok Yo. A good discussion followed with
positive feedback for Jung's writing. Next was Ed Ellis's story “Digital Technology,” about digital technology used as a diagnostic device for a prostate
exam. Well written, it caught the audience off guard as intended. Be glad he
didn't ask the proctologist for a second opinion.
We heard more adventures of Gracie, the dwarf kangaroo from the 36th
dimension as Linda Shell read yet another chapter of her YA
adventure, followed by Nancy O'Grady's Portrait of a Friend,
renamed to Portrait of an Acquaintance, and after hearing the
story, we know why. Don Westerfield read Matilda, a short
story about a ruthless, young female corporate ladder-climber, and
waited until the last sentence to set the hook.
George Collias brought his wry humor to the forefront with a “letter”
written to the Czech Minister of Tourism regarding his recent trip to
the Czech Republic. Of course, he also read the “rebuttal”
letter as well, once again showing George's ability to make the
audience laugh. Last night was a tough crowd, but he pulled it off,
anyway. Great writing.
New-comer David lackey read two pieces, the first was a one page
dialog, taken from “Facebook,” followed by a well received short
piece called the The Drawing Session, again based on art.
Tasteful nudity always catches our ears. Returning guest, and we
hope new member, Ernie Ovitz read from his up coming historical
novel, The Seventh King. Opening in the year 302 in the Roman
frontier with Germania, the work is well written and well researched
with a nice mix of narrative and dialog. We look forward to more of
Ernie's writing.
We took a ten minute break and resumed with Ron Babcock's first
reading, “A Letter to George Washington.” With his
background in audio books, we now have two “FM” voices as Susan
Davis now has a male counterpart to smooth, effective reading. Jim
Kelly once again enthralled the group with his award winning poetry.
(He took second place in the recent Poetry Ensemble of Orlando
contest with his poem, Smoke and Ashes) and read his latest
poem, “Space,” printed at the end of this blog.
Congratulations to Jim on the award.
Andrew Parker read his piece, The Ugly Girl, and
once again kept the group's rapt attention with his politically
incorrect style that never fails to entertain and engage. Andrew
will have his material e-published by Pankhearst, an independent
writers collective. Good work, and great writing.
Newcomer Beth Rice read from her
novel-in-progress, “Paw Prints Are Forever,”
beginning with the introduction and first chapter. Good writing, and
during the feed back, brought up a question about use of trademark
names in a novel. The answer is generally, “no problem,” when
writing fiction, but when in doubt, ask your editor. There are
several references, such as
and
Non fiction work will probably
require the trademark symbol, but generally not fiction. Again, when
in doubt, ask your editor.
Kit Crescendo brought us up to
speed with her latest chapter of Three For All, -after
a quick poem about self-discovery- and
reminded us all about having a favorite subject celebration month.
You know, like National Ice Cream Month, or something along those
lines. This month is apparently in full swing.
Patricia La Barbera will teach another class at Selby Library on May
18 from 2 pm to 4 pm. She's written an amusing short story that
highlights what to avoid in genre writing and includes new
information. She'll cover the alternatives so authors can get past a
publisher's gatekeeper. Patricia encourages discussions and
questions. Show up to laugh and learn.
Space
A
sign on the lawn
reads
"Space for Sale."
It
does
not say to whom it belongs.
I cannot touch it,
push it aside, or tie it to a tree.
I do not know if I
am stepping on it, wading through it,
leaning against it
or altering its intentions.
Does
it contain sharp corners to snag one's coat
or
black holes that swallow errant footsteps?
Are
there lines or walls that separate intrusions?
Can
I take it and return the unused portion?
Is
it "one size fits all"?
Will it leak through
a tear in my pocket?
Space for sale.
I wonder if it's
mine.
James O. Kelly
Englewood, FL
See
everyone June 5
th
,
George
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