It was a beautiful evening for a meeting. We met at the firehouse, where the hot temperatures of summer gave way to the cool evenings of our Florida fall. Thirteen of us were there. A brief discussion about how to handle numbers in our writing opened the meeting. We moved on to the reading portion of the meeting as we had ten members wishing to present samples of our work tonight.
The Chicago Manual of Style (the writer’s bible) says numbers in a document are written in text (a, b, c, etc.) to spell out numbers under 100. Over 100, use numerals (1, 2, 3, etc.). As with any rule, it can be broken if needed. As I’ve stated, at least fifteen thousand two hundred and eleven times, all rules can be broken when writing. It doesn’t hurt anybody (at least not physically).
Arriving early and signing in upon arrival has its advantages. That is how I call upon the readers. First here is first to read, unless there’s a hold-over from the previous meeting. Tish was first to sign in, but she was not prepared to read this week. Cindi Buchannan was next on the list. A poet, Cindi writes from her heart. She presented three examples of her work this evening. I don’t think they were titled, but the emotion was enough to give them titles. 1. In leaving, a man walks away, ignoring the woman. She thinks, Is that all I’m worth to him? 2. A rainy day, depressing but beautiful in its own way. 3. A break-up in July, the weather replaces the heat of love’s passion. – Keep writing, Cindi. Your work shows your heart.
We never know what to expect when Ed Ellis reads, but tonight was an even bigger surprise. He claims to have told her, “We are going to be together for eternity, so I don’t want to do anything in this life to piss you off.” Guts Ed, guts!
Ernie Ovitz is a family man, and he relates a speech he once gave at a Toastmaster’s s meeting. He read from his newest book submitted for publication by Amazon, Reflections. Always the ambassador of peace, he understands, If Mama Ain’t Happy, Ain’t Nobody Happy, good luck, Ernie.
Admitting his latest project is the most challenging piece of writing he’s ever undertaken, Bruce Haedrich starts writing his memoir. From an early age, a pilot bemoans the old days when pilots were in control of the aircraft. He calls today’s so-called pilots “Airmen.” Bruce asks the group, “How technical can I be?” Of twelve answers, there were eleven opinions. Sort that out, Bruce.
Life Unbuffered was the title of Dennis Cathcart’s newsletter article. While employed, others made everyday decisions and handled complex issues. Life was buffered. Once he became self-employed, the buffer between him and the natural world was gone. Yes, he could do the things he liked without asking permission, but the parts he didn’t like fell to him. It was always a balancing act between the two. Ain’t retirement fun, Dennis?
A traveler, poet, and writer of novels, Peter Frickel, presented a dialog piece between a mother and daughter, with a final insertion of a visiting boyfriend in conversation with the daughter. Humor and simplicity abound in Bikini. Words flow naturally, filled with sarcasm and innuendo as the characters speak to each other. Two other short pieces were also insightful. The Changing Garden describes the tribulation of his garden in a dry spring. A few words of wisdom carry a life-changing message.
Poets are always welcome, and Don Westerfield is among the best we hear. Your Voyage follows a life filled with hope, sorrow, happiness, and strife. The message is clear and spot-on. The American Fighting Man left several in the audience with moist eyes as Don read of the conflicts and how soldiers died for our right to be free from Valley Forge to Afghanistan. Thank you for your service, Don.
An ode to a grandmother was Susan Haley’s offering as she read Cleland. Spending many hours in her Grandmother’s care, Susan recalls the tenderness and loving guidance given her. A grandmother’s love cannot be discounted. Thank you, Susan.
Peace of π (Pi) is the title of a mystery novel Ed Demarco is working on. A man dies mysteriously on a flight to Atlanta. In chapter 2, his daughter and her abusive drug-addicted husband prepare for her father’s funeral. Oh, how the reader might want to throttle the miserable husband. Without saying so, Ed has made the man seem despicable. Good job!
Our final reading was a pair of poems by Richard Cope. Walking to Jerusalem took us into the mind of a traveler through life. The Buttermilk Colt tells of a desperate man and his horse as they turn from the law.
It was 8:45 PM when we closed the meeting. I hope all had an enjoyable evening. I was handed two pieces of work to look over. I hope to have them finished by the next meeting. Please be patient. Until December 1st, KEEP ON WRITING!
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