February 7th, 2024

 

Sorry, I’m a few days late in posting, actually a week late. No excuse, just busy. It was good to see Linda Bond again; it’s too bad she has to return to the cooler climates of Canada this week. Keep on writing, Linda, and be sure to stay in touch. Ursula Wong returned for the second meeting; we’re glad she had something to share this time. She’s a superior writer. JoAnn McGrath was here again, and Bill Elam as well. It’s nice to hear from our Sun Seeker writers this time of year. You are always welcome. Joining us for the first time was Arvind Rajan. We hope you continue to grace us with your presence.

 We opened with a brief discussion period as we recapped some of the material from our last meeting. A few members reported trying some discussed methods of fleshing out our characters. As writers, we are never too old or too experienced to learn. With eight attendees with writing to share, we moved on to the reading portion of the meeting.

 

Opening the evening’s reading was our newest attendee, Arvind Rajan. Bringing us a unique piece entitled My Lost Sister ­– a generation eulogy. While contemplating a nearly used-up soap bar in the shower, Rajan was inspired to write this piece. A memory of his favorite old person, his grandmother, who was called ‘Aunt’ in his native tongue. A kind and caring person, she shared much of her wisdom with the author. His memories of her still guide him in life. The analogy of the soap and the story it brought about shows us how the simplest things can inspire a writer.

 

Bruce Haedrich is not predictable. We are never sure what he will bring us; he didn’t fail us this time. The Hook is a piece of opening lines to stories and books that grab readers’ attention. This gives us thirty-five examples of openings, ranging from books as popular as The Bible to lines from writings from this very group. Those openings grab your attention and make us want to read more. Pay close attention to the opening words of your writing. It may be the reason a reader will buy your work.

 

Linda Bond brought us a concept she participated in during the past year. A team of six women writers embarked on a journey when they began to write six non-fiction short stories about themselves. It was an in-house operation as they met monthly in different locations to read, edit, and improve their stories. Calling themselves ‘The Circle of Six,’ they hammered out the thirty-six stories over a year, polished them to a final sheen, and published them as a book. Linda read the preface to the stories. It promises to be an interesting read.

 

What happens in Russia after Putin dies? Ursula Wong brings us a novel that might be an insight into what will take place in the future. Packed with action, Ursula read the first chapter, and we were left hanging as to what will happen. Ursula’s Amber War Series is a historical action-adventure series of stories after WWII in Slavic states, especially Lithuania. Take a look at her work. You may become a fan.

 

In the vein of Andy Rooney, a renowned curmudgeon, Richard Cope read his Pantheon of Great Inventions. Aside from the obvious contenders, such as Fire, Wheel, and Clothing, Richard champions his nominee, Mayonaise. Well, at least he’s made a choice. I stood on the sidelines and didn’t campaign for a single nominee. Bravo Richard.

 

Two poems by Don Westerfield bring us to introspection. Whispers tell us of those silent voices we so often ignore yet ponder their meanings. The whispers are more robust as we grow older, even as we ignore them more. Are you The Dreamer? Don is, and he tells us so in this poem. Do the dreams you dream often come true?

 

When a teenager, did you long to see and hear things your elders forbade? Don’t worry, I won’t tell, nor will Ernie Ovitz, as he writes of Contantine’s son, Crispus, and a young woman of the court even in the years 309-310 AD. The pair sneak out of the palace and attend a performance of a bawdy show during a feast held on May 1^st. Although thoroughly shocked, they return to the palace through a hidden gate only to be met by Constantine’s close friend and trusted General, who may or may not tell on the mischievous pair.

 

So enchanted by his reading, I forgot to take notes as Bill Elam read a piece he’d written in college some years ago. It was not a required essay or used to enhance his grade. It was a pondering by the author as to what will become of him, his life, and those around him. Was it a premonition? Was it a dream? It is a great piece of writing.

 

Well, I’ve run out of thoughts for the moment. Not really, but I don’t think you want to hear any more of my musings as they don’t make sense, even to me. So, Read, read, and read some more, then write and keep on writing.