October 18th, 2023

“The Idea of a Story Idea,” where do writers get their story ideas? To begin our discussion, filling in for Rod, Ernie read from Ron Carlson Writes a Story, by author Ron Carlson and his chapter so titled. Scott Anderson responded from a poet’s point of view, and the conversation took off from there. A lively discussion followed as each member shared their sources of inspiration, motivation, and methodologies. Forty-five minutes later, we were still going. Our discussion group had seven members, and readings followed. Anne Moore and Scott Anderson joined in the discussion and critiqued our readers. Our readers were Peter McNally, Richard Cope, Bruce Haedrich, Jim Kelly, and Ernie Ovitz.

 

 

Turning to our readings:

 

Peter McNally led with a continuation of his autobiographical work, “Rewired.” Peter had suffered a stroke and seizures, resulting in a debilitating memory loss and a broken back. Trapped at home, he describes a strained marriage and a wife unable to cope with his condition. His vivid portrait left the group sitting on the edge of their seats – high compliments to Peter for a well-written piece and for his great progress physically and with his writing skills.

 

Richard Cope offered a short story and an intriguing alternate history. His premise, what if John Wilkes Booth, Lincoln’s assassin, had escaped to England – an England sympathetic to the Southern cause and a nation without an extradition treaty with the United States? However, all things were not rosy for Booth. His presence proves an embarrassment. The prime minister and the home secretary discussed the situation but deferred to the wishes of the Queen. Indeed, Booth was in for a surprise.

 

Bruce Haedrich read excerpts from his science fiction piece to bring the group up to speed on his progress. Bruce is making good progress and all sounds exciting through Chapter Seven. Well done Bruce

 

Jim Kelly read from Tremain of his Mackenzie Family saga. “A New Direction,” Tremain has proven an accomplished frontier scout for the Army in the Oklahoma Territory. After two years of service, times are changing with the subjugation of the native tribes, leaving the territory to settlers and outlaws to test them. Tremain is ready for a change and plans to return to Missouri to see family. Along the way, he meets a US Marshal, and the two men talk. Both like what they see, and a job offer follows. Tremain asks for time to think about it. His answer will follow in the next chapter.

 

Ernie Ovitz concluded the reading session with a reading from Book Three, Imperium, The Thirteenth Apostle, a novel on the life of the Roman Emperor Constantine: chapter 59, Nicomedia, January 7^th, AD 325. Bishop Ossius returned from his mission to Alexandria and Antioch carrying news that trouble remained in the church. Three bishops had been found teaching in support of the wayward Egyptian presbyter Arius, contrary to the Catholic faith. The men were unrepentant, and the synod at Antioch pronounced anathemas to their false doctrines, suspended the men from church office, and called a new synod to be held at Ancyra to decide the men’s fate. Constantine’s reply – “No, this will not do.” Bishop Ossius was stunned, “I don’t understand, my lord.” The emperor insisted, “I have led His armies to victory. He has proclaimed the unity of His people to me. No, this will not do.” He said I will have a council of the whole church. It shall be at Nicaea, the City of Victory, “God shall receive his victory at Nicaea.” Thus, plans for the first great council of the church were made to be held in June of that year.

 

We hope to see all our members at the next meeting – Wednesday, November 1^st. New members and visitors are welcome. We are an open group. Until then, keep on writing.