Wow!
Our meeting began
with a report from Florida Writers Association. Several workshops are available
and well worth the nominal membership fees and event charges. We urge all
writers to consider joining the FWA.
Our discussion
began with a look at websites and design. Many of our members have websites and
maintain them, most on a less-than-daily basis; once a month is more common.
Several expressed financial reasons for not hiring a professional but others
say the simply want more control and feel they can "do it themselves"
while keeping it simple.
The discussion
morphed in blogging and continued its transformation as we moved on to reasons
for writing. Although all seemed to be interested in having their work read, it
was not always for commercial reasons. Most of us seem to write for pleasure
and to put forth ideas in whatever genre we've chosen. Few, if any, expressed a
desire to become rich and famous from our craft but all wished to share our
work with others.
This was an
interesting, if not enlightening, discussion and was well worth the time.
Russ Heitz, one of the founders of the group, joined us this
evening, it’s been a while and we always enjoy his visits. I hope we’re holding
up our end.
We took an early break around 7:30 and reconvened at 7:45
for readings. In Ian Schagen’s work presented for our consideration, we heard
of a Flying Mermaid. This remarkable creature was based on a statue at the foot
of the Pyrenees mountain range in Spain created to honor those men and women
who aided refugees fleeing the persecution of the Nazis during WWII.
In that vein, Darienne Oaks offered an edited version of a
previous chapter wherein a young Jewish boy is separated from his family while
fleeing the Nazis and finding refuge in a Romanian Village where he plays a
violin his father made for the village, including the commandant of the German
garrison and his wife.
Hearing two poems written by the son of Peter Frickel, one
of our regular contributors, was refreshing and proved the talent stays in the
family.
Joe Giorgianni brought us a piece called The Other Side, here a man who lost his
beloved wife is given a dog to help fill the void. As years pass they develop a
bond that lasts until he is once again able to join his true love. Touching, it
drew comments and suggestions from the audience aimed at making it even more
powerful.
Bill Elam gave us a
fresh chapter and viewpoint of an emotional experience. The officer charged
with delivering the news a man’s wife was the victim of a murder has a connection
with the victim but must do his duty. Powerful and well written, this piece
gives an outlook not normally seen in print or visual media.
Jim Kelly read two of his poems. Charley Horse had the group in stiches with its imagery and humor
while Time presented a though
provoking look at life. Jim’s work is always met with a desire to hear more.
The final chapter of Don Westerfield’s It’s Only Business gave us the conclusion to a fascinating look at
life surrounding the finest brothel in early 20th century San
Francisco.
It was a great meeting but not all members had a chance to
read. Next meeting is April 5th and we will hear first from those who did
not read this time. I’m looking forward to seeing all of you at that
meeting. I’m looking for subject(s) to research and discuss at that meeting.
Please email me your suggestions and I will do my best to get a discussion
ready. No matter how mundane it may seem, we always learn something with the
talent represented by our group.
Hang in there,
Keep on writing!
Rod
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