June 15th, 2022

HOW DID COVID AFFECT YOUR WRITING?

We took a poll of our writers and asked if the effects of Covid were positive, negative, or neutral on the individual writers. We had fifteen writers in attendance, and each responded.

Eleven writers indicated the results were positive. Having time to write expanded as most of us stayed home and only went out into public places when necessary. Our group did use ZOOM meetings to keep in touch with each other. Most of us found it challenging to connect and much preferred in-person meetings, so we held meetings in the open air of our county park system, except for a few weather-related issues that went well. After a little over a year of Covid, we resumed our meetings at the fire-house. We have a “mask optional” rule; to date, only one member has come down with Covid. He caught that after a trip to Cuba a few weeks ago.

Three of us said the pandemic had a neutral effect on their writing, even though it did present some significant changes in their lives. As dedicated writers, they couldn’t say it affected their writing.

One writer admitted the pandemic did have a dramatic negative effect on their writing. A poet, this writer admits he has not produced new material for nearly two full years. But, not all the issues in his life are Covid related.

Every one of the writers in attendance stated, “Attending the meetings spurs them on to write. After each session, we respond to our muse with increased enthusiasm.”

I received several positive comments from group members about the subject of this discussion. I’ve not received a negative comment.

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Turning to the reading portion of our meeting, eight of our authors chose to share some of their work. Leading off, Ernie Ovitz read from Chapter Five of his work on the life and times of Emperor Constantine. After a battle where Constantine’s forces defeated a usurper’s army, and the aftermath resulted in the disposition of some influential persons, life returns to a semblance of normalcy. An undercurrent of deceit and distrust retreats to the dark recesses of society.

As Ed Ellis stepped to the podium, he gave us a handout, a description of his now completed non-fiction book, asking that we look it over. Several of us made notes and gave the sheets back to Ed to use if he so chose. Congratulation on the completion of a long and arduous project.

I Wasn’t Always A Hero is John Hearon’s novel about a man (Mick) possessing unique elements as yet unknown to him. After an attempt to kill him, Mick meets with a professor at the Peabody Museum in Boston as he wants to identify a strange weapon his attacker used in the failed attempt. It is an ancient weapon recently stolen from the Museum. We can hardly wait for the story to continue. We’re looking forward to the day of publication.

Those accustomed to hearing Don Westerfield read his work waited as Don handed out copies of his short story, Bad Time for Sergeants, 1957. A supper consisting of several large helpings of ham and beans, bolstered by a breakfast serving of the same, caused a bit of complication for the Crew Chief of an F-86 fighter jet. A standard yet demanding repair of the jet’s engine required three men to be in close quarters inside the engine’s air intake. The story begins as the Crew Chief has to explain the circumstances of some damage to a building on the base. Talking to the Maintenance Officer of six months his explanation continues, but his choice of words often works against him. To truly understand, you might have to read it for yourself. I’ll see what we can do about that.

Bruce Haedrich received another letter from Gaia entitled Cruise Ship Earth. You might remember Bruce’s initial offering Gaia. It’s available on Amazon and well worth reading. This letter is a follow-up, and we look forward to reading it. Gaia explains the role Homo sapiens have in the history and future of our Mother Earth. Are we, humans, the potential cause of our destruction? See what Gaia has to say about that. Stir that pot, Bruce. What will come out of the primordial ooze?

Have you ever wondered why people don’t wear hats so much anymore? Richard Cope has, and he penned a musing, A Word About Hats. Richard’s musing points out how it hasn’t been long since people wore hats regularly. When John F. Kennedy took the oath of office as President of the United States bareheaded, it began an era where hats began to slip from vogue. Will they return? Are hats doomed to extinction? What will become of the Chapeau?

As Peter Frickel takes the floor, we wonder what words of wisdom will he share tonight. Peter says, “I write about things important to me.” Things that stir curiosity in a writer’s soul make for exciting reading. Is it about a Lover? Come closer, very close. Where do the Stories come from, are they sent or do they move to us on their own? How about Feet; they go many places but always seem to return. And then there’s the Garden, a favorite of Peter’s, where he communes with Birds, Leaves, Rain, and so much more.

James Kelly has published his latest novel in his series, I am a Soldier, First and Always. These Sacred Lands is available on Amazon as a Kindle, Paperback, and Hardcover. The chapter James shared tonight tells of a young officer leading his patrol into the Black Hills as they pursue a band of Indians who may have killed a group of people at a trading post. They could face overwhelming odds.

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We’ve spent an exciting evening together as always. My motivation has received another kick-start, and I look forward to writing more than ever. I will be reading as well. Remember to be a better writer; you must also be a reader. So, until next time, KEEP ON WRITING and reading.