The first meeting of 2020 was well attended, 13 lucky writers including 2 first-time attendees were in attendance. Welcome to Santiago Gallegos and Joann Buell. I hope you enjoyed our meeting and plan to return.
Unfortunately, our co-host and good friend Ernie Ovitz was under the weather and chose not to share his misfortune with us. Get well soon, we miss you.
Rod presented a list of 28 unusual words, more likely known to our older writers than youngsters, they ranged from Bamboozled and Discombobulated to Whatchamacallit and Whippersnapper. If you would like the list, email me at rodshs62@hotmail.com. Be sure to include Writer's Group in the subject line.
A month ago, more like 6 weeks actually, a challenge was issued to the group by Peter Frickel, write a story in 35 words or less using the phrase, Stay Low, Don’t Fight. Eleven writers present took up the gauntlet and several presented multiple entries; all were interesting. From the trenches of WWI to reasoning a will to live in this modern world the mini-stories each struck chords of excitement in the listeners. Great job, so much fun the group asked for more. Scott Anderson suggested, and we accepted the challenge for the next meeting to write a 35-word mini-story about a Firehouse. Good luck. Since we meet in a firehouse, this should be interesting.
We progressed into the reading portion of the meeting after a short discussion concerning a few minor points each of us face when writing. Some good general knowledge.
Bruce Haedrich led us off with a piece of flash fiction entitled The Phone Call. A dialed cell phone with the daughter's correct number input was answered by a familiar voice, not his daughter. The voice belonged to his departed brother who’d passed away some time earlier. The conversation which ensued was both disturbing and enlightening. Less than three minutes were consumed as the brothers talked. A well-educated scientist, his brother explained how the call may have occurred and what might have happened. Bruce was even more befuddled and when the signal weakened and static obliterated his brother’s voice, he was loath to hang up, but hang up he must with questions unanswered and bewilderment compounded. Was this real or a dream?
When Tish McAuley took the stage, she read a part of her memoir in progress. After moving to Siesta Key, she watched her family fall even deeper into a dysfunctional chasm. Her older brothers began drinking and heavy drug use, emulating their mother. When a local pharmacy was burglarized, her brothers were suspects. The little sister, Tish was often discounted as a pest, but when she led the police to the stolen drugs her brothers knew they must watch out for her. From then on, she was included with a vow of secrecy. They gave her the first beer when she was still a child. Alcohol became her portal of escape from the world into which she was thrust. How did she know things? From where did the knowledge come? Was she crazy? Or, does she have a way of seeing beyond here vision?
Letters, not the things which form words, but tomes filled with information we send to friends and relatives. Peter Frickel loves letters, handwritten and personal. He’s even filling a book with letters from and to friends and acquaintances. Letters are our thoughts, our feelings, nurtured as we would our children, and shared with those whom we love. All writers must have an affinity for letters, past and present.
Bill Elam has returned from his Kentucky home to spend some months with us in the warmth of Florida. A refinement to the opening chapters of his work, I think the working title may be Ripples, follows the consequences of an old couple which might or might not live in Florida. Bill’s story is a bit unique, powerful, and engaging. His characters have no names, often the plot is abstract and allows the reader much leeway in interpreting the story. The old couple lives unremarkable lives except in the eyes and hearts of those whom they befriend. When published, this will be a fantastic read.
Scott Anderson came through with another provocative poem as he presented his, Winds of my Native Land. Homesick for those who shaped his young world and the environment of his past, Scott’s well-crafted words sent a chill up the spines of his listeners. Well done, Scott.
One of our new attendees, Santiago Gallegos, read a piece he’d written for friends who’ve recently purchased their first home in Florida. Prose with a lyrical twist honored the Sunshine Girls. Well written and on point, the piece shows a romantic soul directing the words of this author.
Ending the readings, Susan Haley read a poem written a few years back which still carries resonance with Susan today. Resiliency depicts Susan’s will to survive and bounce back from adversity. How would we survive if not resilient?
It was a great evening and, even though we are off schedule this month, well attended. For those of you who couldn’t make it this time, we hope to see you on January 22nd at the Nokomis Firehouse. Until then, KEEP ON WRITING.
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