Wednesday Afternoon January 20th, 2021
The group gathered again at Bay Heights Park in
Englewood for our second outdoor meeting. Returning were Dennis Cathcart, Peter
Frickel, Ann Moore, Scott Anderson, Jim Kelly (of Venice,) and Ernie Ovitz. Sue
Haley and Bruce Haedrich joined us this time and brought our number up to
eight. Rod DiGruttolo sent his regrets due to a schedule conflict.
It was a sunny day. Even at seventy degrees, the
breeze off the water felt chilly, so we decided to set our chairs up under a
big shade tree around a picnic table. Getting down to a round-table
discussion on our writing projects, a lot of useful information was shared. We
all agree; there is no substitute for the inspiration we get from an in-person
get-together.
All present agreed until COVID19 is behind us
and we can, hopefully, gather again at the fire station the group will hold the
first meeting of the month, the first Wednesday of the month at the usual time,
on Zoom, and the second meeting, the third Wednesday of the month at 1:30 pm,
at the park in Englewood.
We went into overtime as our discussion carried
us to 3:00 pm, and we all agreed to stay on for the readings. After a break, we
continued and wrapped it up at 4:00 pm.
Dennis Cathcart led off our discussion by
sharing that he is now working on a second project writing about his adventures
in Peru. He has placed his first manuscript with a professional editor and
reported that he is well pleased with the progress. Dennis read from his
manuscript about his experience in 1971 on the Bahamian island of Inagua.
Manny, an old hermit, didn’t talk much and had little in the way of
possessions, but he was one of the happiest and most at-peace men he ever met.
Dennis said that he has found that COVID has given him the time and freedom to
pursue his work without distraction.
Peter Frickel seconded the sentiment.
COVID has created a very productive time for him. He talked about taking his
yellow pad, sitting down, and thinking deeply about his work and projects.
Peter is currently working on a book of poetry, a collection of short stories,
and a compilation of letters. For his reading, Peter read several short pieces.
His first began: “Tomorrow I will travel to Paris by train.” In Paris, he was
joined by a companion of the fairer sex. We could expect no less from Peter. A
lively discussion followed. As always, thank you, Peter, for setting a high
standard for the group.
Bruce Haedrich has four projects going,
including a book of illustrated children’s poems in conjunction with his
daughter. She is a professional illustrator. He shared two poems
featuring his characters Jessie and Chris: Ants and Butterflies.
Bruce is also working on his Dan Marin detective series, minus his main
character Dan Marin. Marin has left the scene and sold his boat to his partner
(girlfriend) Marlene, who will continue the detective adventure. Bruce writes
in the first person. So he says it will be a challenge to write from her
point-of-view.
Sue Haley,
our group’s founder, has had a challenging year health-wise and was glad to be
with us. We were delighted she could be too. One of the events that captured
her attention this past year was the western wildfires. She shared a poem written
to offer appreciation to our firefighters. Her work brought to mind the Nokomis
firefighters, who have our continuing gratitude. Even though we can’t meet in
their training room at this time, we hope we can return when this pandemic
eases. Thank you, Susan.
Ernie Ovitz
continues his work on his historical novel series on the Roman Emperor Constantine’s
life. He is in the editing and rewriting stage, drafts two, three, and etc.
Over the project’s life, research has brought new insights and appreciation for
the period. He shared some details concerning the logistics and manpower
requirements for the Roman Army. At the Battle of Hadrianoplein 324, A.D.,
almost three-hundred thousand men met in battle. The conditions for feeding and
supply those men were staggering. Herein added challenges for the writer to
portray the event’s scope while keeping the story exciting and action moving
came to the fore.
Bruce Haedrich
spoke up and seconded the importance of logistics in military campaigns from
his experience serving in the Air Force’s quartermaster corps.
Ann Moore
shared the news for those that were not at the last meeting of her new project,
one that has been her dream for many years. Her goal: to write about the lives
of seventy women from around the world in their seventieth year. She has plans
to travel and hopes to meet, share, and look for those universal things they
have in common. She has the support of a group that has encouraged her to
proceed and promised help with the project. She has continued to gain support
and encouragement for her effort.
Scott Anderson
shared more news of the pending publication of his butterfly research in
Sarasota County. The leading professional journal has agreed to publish his
work as an 85-page book distributed to all its subscribers. He said the editing
process is rigorous, and he has been asked to provide a cover photo. He showed
the group the one he selected, a pair of White Peacock butterflies, mating. The
back-lighting created a fantastic image, almost like a stain-glass window.
Scott read his photo blurb, which was near poetic. Something we expected from
our poet, Scott. He also shares that he has been asked to provide cover photos
for two other publications. Well done.
Jim Kelly
shared that he plans to continue his civil war/western expansion saga that
began with his historical novel on General Hancock’s life. He traveled west
over the summer and visited the sites where his current work is set. Jim read a
scene from his present writings. Shadow Hawk and Lone Elk, two Sioux warriors,
discuss the onward expansion of white men into native lands. We discussed the challenge
of right-sizing a novel after finding that he needed to break his story of
General Hancock’s life into two books. He is shooting for a book in the 80,000-word range.
It was a most enjoyable and
fulfilling experience to meet with the group again. We will search for an
open-air spot closer to the firehouse for a future meeting as well. Take care
to stay healthy, and we hope you can join us for the Zoom meeting on February 3rd.
