Here we are again in April already. A few of our writers have already departed for colder climes. Ian Schagen announced this would be his last meeting until November. We hope you enjoy your summer, Ian.
After an extended absence, you know Covid and a little thing called work, we were happy to see Jeff Kutcher again. He brought some copies of his newly published book 90 Miles to Freedom. In it, Jeff chronicles the escapades of his friend who lived under the rule of Fidel Castro in Cuba. He tells of his life in Cuba, culminating with his escape to the U.S.
Additionally, we have three newbies this week. I hope they enjoyed their first visit and will return. We welcome Charen DeKoven, who authors stories about the undead, specifically vampires.
Mary Hutchenson brings a different genre into play as she chronicles her adventures on a bicycle trip across the U.S. from St. Augustine, Florida, to San Diego, California. We look forward to hearing and reading about her journey.
Jim Aube (sorry if I misspelled your name, I’ll fix it next time) has been following us for a while on this blog and joining us in person tonight. Jim writes about True Crime. His current work follows a brutal murder in Canada. We look forward to helping him through a challenging task.
Bruce Haedrich asked an interesting question to begin the meeting.
How should this be written? It is dialog, there are three people in the room, and the speaker is interrupting a private conversation. Only one of the conversants is aware of the speaker’s presence as she sees him approach from behind her companion. The intruder (an antagonist in the story) speaks, “Trading secrets, are we?” he asks.
Is the attribution, “he asks,” needed, or does the question stand alone with just a question mark. Does there have to be more to the question? What would be an appropriate reaction to the question by the protagonist? How would you handle this? I’ve asked the group to consider it and bring some suggestions to the table next meeting. It should be a fun discussion.
Peter Frickel started our reading portion. As usual, Peter’s presentation was informative and instructive. Incorporating audible, kinetic action, even simulating music into prose or verse, brings words and a story to life. Giving life to inanimate objects with thought and feelings provides depth and lets the reader bond with the subject. Peter depicts sitting on a log with pen and paper in hand. He is not alone; his characters speak to him. Do yours? While walking on sand, the footprints will soon fade away, but the memories will stay. A breeze; is it silent, can it be felt, do the leaves whisper to the winds? An escapade with a girl in a lush vineyard, the grass has straightened, the earth has cooled, but the memories are fresh in our minds. Thank you, Peter.
The Bay of Naples in Italy, especially in the time of the Roman Empire, was a place of relaxation and retreat for the elite. Ernie Ovitz brought us a revised Chapter 5 of his ongoing story of the life and times of Emperor Constantine. Sedition is afoot. Two Senators meet in private to speculate on how and whom they should back in the power struggle for leadership of the Empire. Ernie’s rendition puts us in the room with treason and betrayal. I can’t wait for the published work.
Have you ever been to South Boston? John Hearon must have been; his descriptions and feel for the atmosphere put you there in his latest work, I Wasn’t Always A Hero. This chapter, entitled, What if I Die in My Dreams, makes you break a cold sweat as you follow the dream of a “not so worthy” citizen of Boston. John, the shorter chapters are fantastic.
It’s a true story by Bruce Haedrich. Skin Deep follows a young man’s attraction for a girl with all the attributes of great beauty except for her face. She and the young man are fast friends. One day, she and her family move away, leaving no trace of their whereabouts. Devastated, he mourns her leaving but moves on with his life. Until… what happens next? Great story, Bruce.
Ian Schagen’s Science Fiction offering tells us of The United Planets group. They feel Earth is too violent and corrupt to be allowed into the group without first being conquered. Their creed respects all life. Understanding that beings must be under a firm rule without cruelty, they come to Earth with a constitution for all. Attacked by a band of dissenters, the leader, Andromeda, must exert her power as a lesson. Where will this go? Unfortunately, we’ll have to wait until November or when the story is published to find out.
Don Westerfield usually gives a poem to ponder, but today he gave us a short story entitled John Doe, at least that was the name on the toe tag. War, heroism, and sacrifice play a part. Whiskey was the only way he could ease his pain. Who was he? How many like him are out there? Do we want to know his name?
When Charen Dekoven took the floor to read from a story entitled, The Cafeteria, the Land of Oz, we wondered what was coming. Oz is used to having things his way, no exceptions! On this day, things may not meet his expectations. Charen’s work is unique and exciting. She leads us into a dark story with excitement and mystery. Where will it go from here?
Bucketlist Biking is Mary Hutchenson’s account of her joining the .001% of the people who act on items included in their Bucketlist. In the Introduction, Mary tells of three people expressing a desire to ride cross-country by bicycle, the second bottle of wine resulting in plans developed and arrangements for a “STAGWAGON” to be piloted by a fourth. It looked like the trip was becoming a reality. From Atlantic to Pacific, they committed to the ride.
When Jim Aube read his Untitled story of a murder in Nova Scotia where, hardened by inclement weather and harsh living conditions, people develop rigid attitudes concerning each other. The young crack addict/sex worker dies after being beaten, stabbed, and left to die in the cold shadow of a two-story apartment building. Do the police care, or is this just another nameless person lost in the bureaucracy of today’s world? What happens next? I guess we’ll have to wait and see.
Well, that’s about all for this time. Think about the problem posed in this blog’s opening paragraphs and bring your ideas to the next meeting. Until then, remember…KEEP ON WRITING.
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