January 2nd, 2019
The first meeting of 2019 was small but well represented. Although only 8 of our regulars attended, Sirena Ezper, a first-time attendee sat in and participated in our discussions. It was refreshing to hear a new voice, as many new people do not join in, but sit back observing in silence.
We opened the meeting with a discussion on "the genre." How do you choose a genre? Do you pick one before you write, after you've written, or is that someone else's choice? How many genres, sub-genres, or even sub-sub-genres are there? Whoa! This could get out of hand. Well, as usual, we spun the subject until we were all a bit dizzy. Our group is made up of writers of many genres with varying levels of experience, most of us agree the initial goal of a writer is to write what they know for an audience of one, themselves. As our experience grows, branching out into new fields and subject matter is inevitable and some of us may achieve the classification of a commercial writer, wherein we can, and will, write on any subject with a degree of skill and confidence.
Having spent an hour beating the subject to death we started to get repetitive and ended the discussion with the goal of having enough time for all our readers to get constructive feedback.
Debbie MacAvoy brought a revised Chapter 8, read at a previous meeting, to share with us. She did, as suggested by the group, massage the piece with skill and masterful use of language. It's nice to hear a piece incorporate changes which bring it back stronger. Good work, Debbie.
Next up was Dennis Cathcart. His background story for the chapter he presented was worth hearing, almost as intriguing as the story itself. I hope it's included in his final work. However, he shared the adventure of climbing over a bridge railing and descending to the channel fenders many feet below on a Snook fishing expedition. The story elicited chills of fear in many of the listeners. Oh, the things we'll do for a chance of catching a fierce fighting fish are, to say the least... NOT ALWAYS TOO BRIGHT?
Yale Larson continues his investigation into murder and threats of assassination in Doug Sahlin's latest work. Coordinating his thoughts and experience with Detective Kennedy, Yale tries to set a trap for the sniper threatening the life of a millionaire developer in Sarasota. Will he capture the killer before he strikes again?
Amari's story continues in Jeffrey Kutcher's biography of a Cuban Chef's early years. Amari's mother works three jobs in Communist Cuba but still barely supports her family. In his early life, Amari learns to equate love and food as mother and grandmother work to give the children the only thing they can afford, love by way of the sparse meals their pennies can buy.
Southern Spain, 311 A.D. where Ernie Ovitz took us to a synod of Christian leaders whose goal was to set the course of the Spanish church in the future. Would they follow the council of the Roman church? The Spanish Bishop was favored by Emperor Constantine who requested, nay demanded, the Bishop's presence at his side in Gaul. Would this set off a revolution in the hierarchy of religious leaders?
Rod Digruttolo read a first draft of Chapter 41 in his newest Charlie Bascomb Adventure. A notorious drug dealer and crime boss cut a deal with Homeland Security to out suspected terrorist cells in Washington, D.C. He's brought out of hiding only to find out his protector is an old nemesis, retired Detective Popovich, aka Tenspot.
As a facilitator of the group for several years, I welcome feedback and critique of not only the work presented but the leadership we present. It is not my goal or the intent of any senior members of the group to impose our views, a method of writing, style, or content on the members. In discussions, we attempt to guide the length and keep the content within the subject or related subjects being explored. If any attendee has suggestions or critique, please share them with us. We want this group to work for you and bring writing help to those who may seek it.
Until next meeting, keep on writing!
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