September 17th, 2025

As autumn nears, we look forward to cooler weather. Cool weather in this area of Florida means evenings, well, actually nighttime lows, in the mid-seventies and daytime temps around 80° F to 85° F. But compared to temps feeling like 102° F and up, that’s cool. Oh, it was only 97° F today.

Wednesday evening, eleven of our irrepressible writers gathered to enjoy and share their work with each other. We began the evening with a discussion about how we handle criticism. Almost all of our writers agree, ‘accept the critique, and learn from it.’ Suppose a critique is given appropriately. In that case, its purpose is to help the author understand that not everyone will interpret the work as the writer intended. How do you handle criticism? Do you listen? Do you always agree with the critique? If not, do you listen anyway? Be honest with yourself: have you ever received a critique that didn’t contain a little truth?

 Listen and Learn is why we have these sessions.

 

First off tonight was Ernie Ovitz. With a working title like The Crucible, a reader might expect an intense story. Ernie doesn’t disappoint with this tale after reading the opening chapter. The group took the opportunity to express their ideas about the story. I’m sure Ernie appreciates their thoughts.

 

Have you, as a writer, ever wished they could simply go off into the solitude of a woodland retreat and write without interruption? Michael Schlesinger is penning a story just like that. It seems the protagonist in the story has been to the cabin in the woods before and befriended a local shopkeeper, Brad. Upon arrival at the little General Store, a man driving a large pickup truck is just leaving. “There’s nobody here,” the man says and drives away. But Mike has talked to his friend and knows better. Breaking into the store, he finds the shopkeeper badly beaten but still alive. Oh-ho! It reads like a true crime novel, or is it a memoir? Stay tuned, Compadre’s.

 

New to our group, Beth Socha, brought us a poem she’d written just last year (June 2024). The Last Blue Umbrella. Poets look at life through words written with a rhythm. Beth views a trip down the sands of a Gulf beach as many people view their lives. The sand of the beach buffs the callouses of her feet, much like our lives wear away the rough patches of living. A goal seems far away, but we strive to reach that last blue umbrella.

 

Another Poet, Scott Anderson, waltzes forth on his quest to compose Haiku. Tonight we hear five, each a riddle with an answer that lingers in the mind as a stark picture. Oh, how I enjoy the mysteries of writing.

 

Three poets in a row as Don Westerfield steps to the podium with a pair of rhymes. Shadows lurk in all of us. As we age, our failing eyes may not see them, but our heart does and tells us to pay attention. Set your shadows free, don’t wait too long.

Our world changes every day, and we accept most of these changes without argument. But Don sees Liars as what they are, sinners cheating themselves.

 

Who are the humanoids? Bruce Haedrich designed them in his latest story, Nadia, and they evolved, or should I say they were "evolutionized" into another species of human now called terrestrials. How does that work? Well, some say it’s G-R-E-A-T, but the people in charge aren’t too happy –and neither are the humanoids. As Bruce reads Chapters 28 and 29, we find Chris and Nadia in the Midwest facing a crisis. Chris has killed two Centurion humanoids. Well, can you kill a machine? Maybe he simply dismantled them using a weapon. Anyway, he and Nadia are in a safe place with people and terrestrials as their protectors. Is a war coming?

 

Ursula Wong is steadily building a sequel to her yet-to-be-published book, Strategic Deception. The name of her new book may be The Last Soviet. But the action and suspense continue with the same intensity as in SD. Has E-Parlay fallen into the wrong hands? Will it cause a worldwide crisis? Will the ‘Big Georgian’ have to avenge his only son? I suppose we will have to wait a little longer.

The Rink Romance is a poem chronicling the love story of a loving couple. The roller rink is more than a place to play. Here it becomes the life of a couple, till death do they part. Roberta Malaro tells the tale in six stanzas. And if you think of a Rest Home as a place old folks go to die, think again. A Rest Home Christmas shows us in verse how the old timers skate their way into a frolicking Christmas at The Skatery.

That about does it for this session. We hope everyone enjoyed the evening; I certainly did. Our next meeting is on October 1^st, here at the Nokomis Firehouse at 6:30 PM. But in the meantime, READ, Read, read some more, and then WRITE, Write, and KEEP ON WRITING

 

 

September 3rd, 2025

 

I’m back! I apologize for missing the last meeting in August. As many of you may know, I recently moved into a different home. What a frigging hassle! Well, anyway, I have a lot of little chores to do to make the new abode our home. I was engaged in a nasty little project on Wednesday past when something prompted me to           look at the clock. OOPS! The old analog clock had both hands pointed straight down at the six. The meeting was supposed to start, and here I was, drenched in sweat, dirty, and still at home, nearly thirty minutes away from the firehouse. Forgive me, please, but I said something like, “Gosh Darn it,” and I finished my project knowing it’s better to ask for forgiveness than show up in my condition.

You all survived without my presence; I’m sure some of you may have preferred it that way.

Due to my lack of preparedness, tonight’s agenda is set by our capable co-leader, Ernie Ovitz.

 

HOW TO USE AI EFFECTIVELY

The use of AI (Artificial Intelligence) is becoming more common. Unfortunately, many users feel it is appropriate to let AI do the work of writing rather than use it to verify facts and root out falsehoods. A podcast featuring Bryan Reynolds interviewing Brian Govatos, a trainer/manager with Microsoft, offering valuable insights on leveraging AI in research and business.

 

1.      Please send Ernie an email if you wish to participate in a program sponsored by Sarasota County Libraries on November 1^st, 2025, at the downtown Selby Library. This is a book fair where you will have an opportunity to meet with readers, sell your books, and advertise your products.

2.      Send both Rod and Ernie suggested topics for discussion at future meetings. I suggest you send it to both of us, as sometimes emails get lost for many reasons, but in my case, it may possibly be a case of an old man screwing up. I’d like to blame it on my grand-kids, but that’s not always the case.

Our next meeting is September 17^th at the Nokomis Fire House, beginning at 6:30 PM and going through approximately 9:00 PM. We will be discussing the topic:

HOW DO YOU HANDLE CRITICISM?

Think about it – You’re a writer, you’ve written a story you hope to publish. It’s Wednesday evening, and you’re standing before a group of fellow writers. You’ve just finished reading the first three pages of Chapter One. You wait, Oh Lord, what if they think it stinks, you think. Then the first of the published writers speaks… WHAT DO I DO NOW?

 

Of the ten writers in attendance, nine of them had work to share with us.

Leading off our readers this evening was Dennis Cathcart. Impressed by fellow author Scott Anderson, Dennis took a stab at writing Haiku, the traditional form of Japanese poetry. (A haiku is a traditional form of Japanese poetry that consists of 17 syllables arranged in three lines with a structure of 5-7-5. Haiku often focus on themes related to nature and specific seasons, capturing a moment in time or an emotion. In English, haiku may appear in three lines, and they have been influenced by various poetic movements, particularly the Imagists in the early 20th century.) Dennis's seven verses were commendable, and he says he’ll try again with an effort to do a better job next time. I don’t have enough courage to make such a fine attempt the first time.

 

 

It was only apprapos that Scott Anderson follow Dennis to the podium. Scott, continuing in his quest to write 400 Haiku in a year, brought us nine more, along with a communication from an editor at a well-known Haiku publication. Scott writes in a traditional Japanese style of Haiku. It is becoming more in vogue to westernize the Haiku, falling away from its original form and design. Scott is delving into the Western style as he remains steadfast in his quest.

 

Early in the evening, while discussing the proper use of AI, an article in a newspaper pointed out the advancements made in producing humanoid robots. A picture of a young Asian woman who was purportedly a humanoid robot appeared; was she or wasn’t she? The Sci-fi story, Nadia, written by Bruce Haedrich, seems to be coming true. Tonight, Bruce read chapters 27 and 28 for us. Christopher and Nadia are traveling east from New Mexico. In a diner in Kansas or maybe Missouri, they are confronted by two ‘Centurions,’ (Humanoids used by the Federal Government to enforce laws). Chris destroyed both robots and, in doing so, became a fugitive. However, as they were in the heartland of the United States, the citizenry applauded the act instead of turning them in; they guided them to a safe haven. We look forward to each chapter as Bruce presents his story. What will happen next?

 

Reading for the first time, Michael Schlesinger shared the first chapter of a story yet to be named. After 32 years of marriage, the husband has chosen to take a leave of absence from his wife and home to hole up in a cabin in the Colorado mountains. It is his goal to write a novel, or at least a story. He has not been able to accomplish the task within the confines of his home and family. The first scenes are tense and believable as Michael reads. Several listeners came to similar conclusions and advised Michael to turn his first chapter into several chapters, positioning them later in the novel, maybe even using flashbacks to introduce the subject matter and help build tension. Michael’s prose and writing skills show an ability waiting to be unleashed. Keep on writing, Michael.

 

Roberta Molaro took center stage with “a little poetry.” The poem, designed to stimulate children, creates the image of a leaf swept along in a roadside current of rushing rainwater. One can only imagine being a child once again and dreaming of sailing the ocean on a green boat as we move toward great adventures.

 

We welcome poems from Don Westerfield. As each meeting ends and I start writing this blog, the pages of Don’s poems bring me great joy. Flight of Fancy fills me with a feeling of wonder. Don’s words convey the feeling of flight in the waning evening as stars begin to fill the night sky, and we return to the ground. As Sonnet to Youth filled the air, one could feel the disappointment of untapped opportunity and unrequited love.

 

James Kelly is working on another book in the saga of the MacKenzie family. In this book, Advance the Line, World War I looms on the horizon as the young MacKenzie boys attend Norwalk Military College. Jim is rewriting much of his first chapters to reflect the emotions of his characters. His action scenes are vivid and accurate, but he feels he needs to work on the emotional aspect of his characters.

 

Rod Digruttolo stepped up with a newly minted vignette about fishing in the waters around Sarasota, Florida. The piece was a rough draft that had been started years earlier and left unfinished. While reading it tonight, several glaring errors came to light. He’ll fix it and present it at the next meeting with corrections.

 

Well, that’s about all for tonight. As noted earlier, our next meeting is September 17^th at the Nokomis Fire House, beginning at 6:30 PM and going through approximately 9:00 PM. You are invited to visit us and see what we are all about. Until then, READ, Read, and read some more, then WRITE, Write, and write some more.

August 6th, 2025

 

 Nine stalwart writers braved the heat and threatening rain to join us at the firehouse this evening. A quick general discussion about various things, including the use of AI in research, preceded our moving directly into the readings for the evening.

 

Leading off, Ernie Ovitz read the latest chapter of his current work, The Penitent Man. Ernie uses ChatGPT freely in his research, but does not allow it to change or usurp his writing style. Using the AI program as an idea for probability and possibility, he tells his story with a personal touch that reflects his ideals and imagination. This chapter has Lee Santino in the nation of Panama searching for a banker who might possibly clear his name for being involved in a financial crime with international espionage ramifications. We look forward to high-speed chases, gun battles, and danger around every corner.

 

Having traveled the world over looking for rare and exotic plants, Dennis Cathcart has fantastic experiences to share with us. Tonight, The Lime Incident took center stage. High on the western slopes of the Andes Mountains in Ecuador, Dennis and his buddy Wally explored in the rain as they searched for a rare plant purported to grow in the region. While below the peak of 21,000 feet, they worked in a rarefied altitude of 5,400 feet, two degrees south of the equator. Hot and humid year-round, the cooling rain was almost drier than the heat and humidity of a clear day.

After a day of plant collecting, they sought refuge for the night in a nearby village. Spotting a sign reading HOTEL PARIS, they inquired about rooms. Yes, rooms were available, but no water, no electricity, few cots, and even fewer doors. Still, there was no other option, and the place had a bar/restaurant next door. They sat down to a stiff drink (Cuba Libre) and a meal of fried chicken. The mayor joined them, and a small crowd formed as the trio exhausted the bar’s supply of limes and rum. To help out, the Gringos broke out their emergency supply of rum and a bag of limes. Late into the night, our intrepid heroes stumbled off to bed. Awakening with a serious hangover. Dennis says he must have felt worse in his life, after all he’s been snake-bit, had malaria, broken his neck, and even got run over once, but couldn’t really remember when. They made it to a different town, another hotel, and once again it was a dinner of fried chicken and Cuba Libres. Plant Collecting ain’t for sissies.

 

Scott Anderson has embarked on a mission; he has committed to writing 400 Haiku poems over the next year. For our enjoyment, he shared seven of his latest with us this evening. Each of these brief beauties sets forth a scenario in our brains. How can so few words evoke such a vivid picture?

 

Staying with the poetry evokes a vision path. Don Westerfield set forth two poems and a short story for our enjoyment. Water gave us a chance to witness the cycle of life in a cold mountain stream. While Tracks allowed us to explore and imagine what once was as we followed a deserted and overgrown railroad. Then, we visited the Philippines in a short story, Clack, Clack, Clack. A pond for rearing Milkfish on his wife’s family property allowed him to witness a deception of epic proportions. While striking the pail three times in succession lured the body of fish to the edge of the pond to be fed, it also lured them there for capture as they became dinner for the family. When the clack, clack, clack was given, the unsuspecting fish rushed toward the sound, expecting a feast; instead, they became the feast.

 

The latest chapter in Bruce Hadrich’s Nadia brings us to where Chris and Nadia are on the road, supposedly returning to New York. Nadia is a new form of life dubbed terrestrials by the scientists who have created them. Their existence has been uncovered, and the Government has set forth a plan to eliminate them to appease the demands of the human population. To combat the plan, retraining schools have been developed, which will train the terrestrials to act and feel like humans so that they may hide in plain sight. Chris has fallen in love with Nadia, yet he still trusts and loves his girlfriend Nancy. He must enlist her aid in keeping Nadia from being discovered.

 

Danny Spurlock brings a new story to us. Nurse Ray shows us a time in the life of a dedicated nurse during the COVID pandemic. Our nurse recognizes a patient he once knew from the pre-COVID days as a regular patron of a local bar, the Apple Blossom. Gene Broadmore was a fan of The Snowdrifts, a CW band playing at the Blossom. As the COVID virus ravaged Gene, they bonded. When Gene was too sick to speak, he wrote down a list of songs he enjoyed. What happened to Gene and Ray? How did their relationship fare? Look for Danny’s story.

 

Advance the Line, is the title of James Kelly’s newest work in the Mackensie family saga. In this chapter, The Girl Left Behind, Johnathon thinks about what he should do about his girlfriend, Mary Elizabeth, Lizzie. Should he tell her how he loves her, maybe even marry the girl, or should he go off to war and ask he to wait for his return? The author looks at both sides as he explores Lizzie’s mind. Should she profess her love for Johnathon? Should she put pressure on him to marry? We await the publication of this newest book in the saga of an American family of heroes.

 

We ended the evening with a delightfully humorous piece by Dino Blanchi entitled Cons and Prose. New York City and its neighboring New Jersey area are a world unto themselves, both in thought and language. Reading the words of a story about the area cannot be complete without the inflection and boldness of the language. Fagetaboudit is a word. The lilt and inflection of other such nouns, verbs, and adjectives lose their feel when spoken by a layman, not a naturally born ‘Neworksey’ native.

I look forward to hearing Dino read his next chapter.

 

Well, that wraps up the fun from our latest meeting. I can hardly wait until August 20^th, our next meeting at the firehouse in Nokomis. Until we see you there again, remember to READ, Read, and read some more. Then WRITE, Write, and write some more, then come and share it with us.

July 16th, 2025

 Welcome back, to me as well. I was MIA from the last meeting. I don’t know what everyone else thinks about moving, but I think, ‘MOVING IS A BITCH!’ I don’t want to do it again. If I have a choice, I’ll live here until I croak.

We spent the first thirty minutes of the meeting catching up on what each of our attendees had engaged in so far this summer. Everybody has been busy writing, editing, and rewriting. It’s too hot outside to do much more than what is absolutely necessary. Even those things are abbreviated due to the heat. Remember, drink plenty of water, wear a hat, and stay in the shade as much as possible. Also, take frequent breaks in the A/C if possible.

Work up a sweat at the computer or desk. Writing can be hard work, but it’s more fun than mowing the lawn in 100-plus degree heat. Well, it is for me anyway. But it’s your choice.

 

We moved on to the reading portion of our meeting. As usual, a first-come, first-served method sets the reading schedule, and tonight Ernie Ovitz led us off reading Chapter 12 of his latest work, The Penitent Man. Financial intrigue, marital stress, organized crime, and international subterfuge fill the pages of this story. It’s enjoyable to read and packed with information about global finance.

 

Our senior member, Don ‘Westy’ Westerfield, always has something important to say with his poetry or prose. This week we enjoyed hearing two poems. Tomorrow, shows us Don’s way of looking at what is to come. The opening lines,  

In Gods cupboard

still lie all my tomorrows

how many I cannot say

 

As we listen to his poetry, I watch the audience, all are rapt, some shed a tear. Then, as we turn the page to his second offering, Alaska Sings, we hear the lyrical sound of the Wind wafting through the valleys, over the mountains, and joining the Hawks and Eagles as they sing their songs of warning. Muddy rivers race down the slopes, rushing to enter the sea. We feel the chill of winter and the warmth of a cold sun as we feel the pain of those who take her treasures, even as she wails. As his voice goes silent, we still hear her songs.

 

We are blessed to enjoy poetry and prose from our writers. Scott Anderson stepped forward with a project of writing 400 Haiku poems this year. Tonight, he read seven of them for our enjoyment. Only three lines, the small Japanese poems conjure images in our minds with few words. And each of us sees them differently.

 

Bruce Haedrich delves into the world of automation and AI with a, well, it’s Sci-Fi for now, but may well be reality before too long. In Bruce’s story, Nadia, robotic humanoids are designed to look, act, and even feel like humans. Nadia is one of the early models. She, or should I say ‘It’, is decommissioned and turned back to the manufacturer for upgrading.
We all know Bruce has a vivid imagination, so what takes place next is not surprising. A company buys all the old humanoids to turn them into farm workers. With the newer models taking over almost all the jobs in the world, an economic crisis looms. Oh, by the way, some of the old models were used to create a new species of human referred to as TERRESTRIALENSIS. When Nadia asks. “Who is this God, all of you talk about?”…

 

Danny Spurlock tells of his thoughts after reading the memoirs of a man growing up in New York City. Did you know that JFK’s assassination exposed an issue with the telephone service in the United States? Danny’s father got a job with the telephone company because of the need for more infrastructure. In those days, ‘women need not apply.’ They lived in a rural area, and Danny couldn’t fathom living in a city. I mean, where would you get a septic tank large enough to handle all that sewerage?

 

Dino Blanchi writes of his early adult years in New York. Remember when SPF was unknown to youngsters? We used baby oil so we tanned faster; we were human shish kababs. There might have been a few instances where memory-altering liquids were involved. Oh, I’m sure we’ve all had an experience with something like that.

 

Are you divorced, or at least know someone who is? Lex Concord brought us a “tongue-in-cheek analysis of the dating landscape for divorced men.” How do women perceive a newly divorced man dipping his toe into the dating pool? There are a lot of things a woman might do, say, and ask of a man before she takes him seriously. Lex has looked at this with a humorous eye, and we look forward to more work in the future. Thank you, Lex.

 

James Kelly also explores relationships in his books, chronicling the MacKenzie family and their military service to the United States. Now the fourth generation of MacKenzies is in harm’s way. Johnathon is fighting in France during WWI. As a tank commander, he is leading troops against an entrenched force of Wilhelm II, King of Prussia. When his tank stalls, he fights on, using the cannon and guns aboard his machine, until the maintenance crew can get it underway once again. He is noticed by his commanding officer. They are at war, where will the young officer end up?

 

This was a great night, and we heard a lot of excellent writing. Of course, almost all readers received some suggestions; I’m sure we’ll hear about their changes, or whatever, at a future meeting. Until we meet again on August 6^th at the Nokomis Firehouse, we would like to see you there. So remember, READ, Read, read some more, and then KEEP ON WRITING!