April 20, 2022

Sarasota Writers Group Meeting

April 20, 2022

The group was pleased to receive three new members at this meeting bring our attendance up to fourteen. Diana Crowell, Leslie Capozzi, and Joseph Rodriguez joined us for the first time.

After introductions a discussion period followed. Ernie Ovitz filled in for Rod DiGruttolo leading the group, and kicked off the discussion by reading from a list of suggestions for story openers. John Hearon responded by saying it all depends … and the discussion took off from there. The topic strayed, but it was a productive exchange and one seemingly enjoyed by all.

Jim Kelly led off the reading portion of the meeting with a chapter from his western period novel of life on the plains during the Great Sioux War.

Dennis Cathcart took the opportunity to share a comparison of publishing costs for his amazing memoire, Koulev, the first volume recollections of his life as a naturalist and adventurer collecting snakes and reptiles from around the world. Dennis went all in with color printing and the example books he brought were outstanding. He gave us a rundown comparing KDP Vs. IngramSpark with author’s cost, the printers minimum prices, and author’s return (or cost) if the printer were to sell the book at their minimum price. Yes, with IngramSpark it works out that if the price is set too low, the author can be billed for the deficit. KDP (Amazon) determines a minimum price below which they will not sell it. However, the author’s return might only be a few pennies. Thanks for sharing Dennis!

Bruce Haedrich continued with his short story of love lost and found between Stephanie and Michael written in the film noir style.

Peter Frickel read two short pieces “Grab Me and Birth.” Peter had fun sharing that one offered a secret thought and the other was an experience we all share.

John Hearon read a chapter from his novel “I Wasn’t Always a Hero.” The protagonist is being followed, and an old sea shanty buzzes in his head.

Richard Cope’s fine tuned sense of humor had the group chuckling and laughing with his tale of the Dandelion Affair. A baseball trading card promotion goes awry, peaceful relations between nations fall apart, and the U.S. and Canada are on the brink of war.

Diana Crowell read her poem “Beach Reverie.” Well done, and we look forward to hearing more.

Rick Bailey shared two pieces; the first titled “Me” was an exercise in the second person with each thought beginning with “You ….” He followed with “Nothing Like This Ever Happened,” an encounter on a commuter train.

As time allowed, Ernie Ovitz finished out the evening with a reading from his third book in his series on the life and times of the Roman Emperor Constantine. At the council of Nicaea, a dramatic moment arrives when Bishop Nicolas of Myra steps forward to address the council rebuking the heretic Arius.

Next meeting Wednesday, May 4th, same time, same place. We hope to see you there.