Wednesday, May 2, 2012

We welcomed Peter and Barbara Frickel back after an extended absence, and we also welcomed guest George Worl to our first meeting in May. After the usual pre-meeting “catch-up” session, we began with Rod DiGruttolo once again holding the proverbial gavel.

Rod took a collection we donate semi-annually to the Nokomis Volunteer Fire Department as a thank you for the use of their facilities for our meeting room. We ask everyone who would like to contribute to donate $5.00, and this evening we collected $65 as several members were more than generous with their donations. The Fire Chief will address the group at our next meeting, May 16^th, and we will present him with the donation at that time.

Rod discussed getting published, from short stories and articles to novels, great information for everyone! Again, editing came up as the primary requirement for publication. The dangers of self-editing were discussed as well.

Susan Haley was honored for winning The “Fox and Quill” poetry award. Susan's poems are at: http://foxandquill.com/vol_7_issue_5_page_3.htm. Congratulations, Susan, really beautiful poems.

Speaking of Poetry, Linda Neckel White was selected to read “Fidelis,” by Adelaide Anne Proctor, May 11^th at the Florida Studio Theater. Congratulations, Linda! Linda started the evening by reading “Oh, the Irony!” then read “Fidelis,” just for us.

We also welcomed back Kerri Dieffenwierth who read another piece of her work, “Homemade Rodeos,” with writing that stands alone called “Dearly Beloved.” Great work, social commentary intertwined with reflections of an old, past Florida. (I have in my notes: “discussion – champagne.” Means great discussion and review.)

We welcomed Peter back who did not fail us. He announced his work, “My Frog Sings,” will be available on Amazon soon, and then treated us to a piece of his 18 part upcoming work named “Lilies of the Vlei.” This is Peter's third work, and again, we can't wait for more.

For the first time since I've been a member of the group, someone actually asked to read following Peter. Ed Ellis soon showed why by reading his science fiction piece set in 1933 called “Flight to Reality.” The piece was written specifically for, and dedicated to, Peter. Another great piece of writing. Or, was that an illusion of a good story? How long to the stroke of midnight?

After our 8:00pm break, Joanne Phillips regaled us with another chapter of her book, “Memoirs of a Sea Hag.” Once again we sailed away, but this time with a different destination. Ice is nice... The discussions following Joanne's readings are always unique and entertaining.

Don Westerfield again showed his flair with “Bryant Park, from his “dark” file of work. Don is always entertaining, and never fails to add the unexpected to his works.

George read “Places, Everyone!” by Cynthia Mallick from The Florida Writer, the FWA magazine, and we closed the meeting with another nice reading by Peter.

Peter read “Nelly,” proving that friendship is a precious thing to have, even if one of the friends is a dog. Welcome back, Peter.

We wrapped up another great evening, said goodnight and turned out the lights. See everyone Wednesday, May 16th.

George

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Our first get-together of November was another great meeting, with the return of both Susan Haley and long time member Linda White. We also welcomed Patricia La Barbera and look forward to her becoming a regular member of the group.

Rod's usual welcoming and introductions led to a great round of reading and interesting, often lighthearted, discussions. But first, Susan asked for volunteer assistance as our treasurer, Linda Malloy, will be unavailable until next March. The duties mainly include presenting the $5 we collect twice a year to the Nokomis Volunteer Fire Department where we meet. It is a donation we chip in to the Fire Department for allowing us to use their facilities. We do not collect dues, and there is no charge for being in the group. It is something we do to show our appreciation to our hosts. Anyone interested, please contact me at myakka@embarqmail.com, or Susan Haley directly at amberfawn@comcast.net.

The readings were as varied as the members themselves, Linda starting the evening with a beautiful, well written piece about her mother. New comer Patricia read next, presenting a piece of flash fiction that caught everybody off guard with its conclusion. Great writing. Good discussion afterward that led to comments about the Writer's Digest contest for short stories (1500 words or less), and on flash fiction, flash mobs, and just plain flashing.

Barbara then read a paragraph from the book “Vincent by Himself”, his own writing proves to be as descriptive as his paintings, followed by Peter Folaris who read two of his really great poems. First, from his work “Lucille and Other Manic Tales” and then another free form poem titled “Bronx Marie.' More great work. Peter Frickel then read a great piece “Darkness between the Shadows” and a piece from “A Writer's Book of Days” where writers such as ourselves are encouraged to present their work to groups such as ours for peer-review. We were warned, however, that “someone will always try to fry your banana.”

Jim Kelly did it again with a poem called “Chipmunk,” another great poem. Jim's book is being polished and we got to see the proof copy. “From the Embers” by James O. Kelly will be available soon. We'll post the information about availability as soon as we get it. Ben wrapped up the readings with the draft of Chapter Five of his science fiction novel, OneEarth. It is progressing well and has caught everyone's interest. He must be the ultimate researcher.

Discussions included Bart Stamper, a former member of the group who still stays in contact, and John Wolf, FOX & QUILL editor, a past visitor who is involved in writing contests in California, and somehow we got into a discussion about lizards. Never discuss lizards, geckos, anoles or any other form of lizard with a writer's group! Not this one anyway. Fabius Cunctator, indeed! It was an interesting, light hearted session.

We have added a Facebook page that allows everyone quick and easy access to our group. You can click into this blog from Facebook, or to there from here by clicking on the blog in the Facebook page. Please click the “Like” button to add your name to our list!

https://www.facebook.com/pages/FWA-Sarasota-Writers-Group/232280536832439

Take a look at the Lulu Short Story Contest at:
http://www.lulu.com/blog/2011/11/01/lulu-short-story-contest/

One of the comments of the meeting was a quote from Elmore Leonard: “I try to leave out the parts that people skip.” I hope I haven't left out something that no one would skip...

See you Nov 16,

George

Chilly Night, Warm Gathering

Despite the chilly weather this past Wednesday night, we had a great turnout for our "reading meeting" and the atmosphere (and camaraderie) inside the firehouse was definitely warmer than outside.

We had three visitors--Steve, Brenda and Judith--who shared with us a bit of their background as well as their writing goals. Steve also shared with us the opening chapter of his work-in-progress mystery novel which definitely generated a good jolt of opening suspense. We do hope all three of them will continue to join us at future meetings.

We also had a lot of regulars among the 20+ attendees and nearly all of them brought something to read. A few folks showed up whom we haven't seen for awhile. Bart Stamper and Linda Malloy have been out of town doing other things.

Bart gave us a special treat this time. In addition to another one of his sensitive and powerful pieces related to the Vietnam War, he also shared with us a very funny piece about his current employment at a nuclear power plant. Doesn't sound like a funny topic but his treatment definitely was.

Weslynn McCallister read the opening chapters of her latest novel, which is definitely off to an intriguing start. Joe Porter gave us a few more of his powerful poems about the people of Appalachia. Joanne read a heart rending story from her new book, SHORT TAKES ON LIFE. Peter read some new poetry and a few short "experimental" pieces; all done with his usual delicate touch and vivid imagery. Sharon read another one of her hilarious poems, this time about a city girl who moves to the hillbilly mountains. Dewey read another boating-related story, plus an account of the Normandy landing during WWII.

I know I've forgotten some others who also read so we'll try to give you folks a double recognition next time.

Overall, it was a very productive meeting, one that everyone seemed to enjoy. Thanks again to all of you, for braving the frigid weather and for enduring the not-as-warm-as-it-should-have-been meeting room.

Our next meeting will be on the 20th; same time, same place. Keep in mind, too, that we'll be taking a collection at that time. We are suggesting a $5.00 contribution from everyone. This money will go directly to the Nokomis Volunteer Fire Department for generously allowing us to use their room for another year.

Posted by
Russ Heitz
www.russheitz.com

Reads for the Next Meeting

Don't forget, at the meeting this Wednesday night we'll be splitting into groups and each group can read as many stories as its members agree to. So bring a story if you have one you'd like to read. Each group will also be doing some critiquing of the stories that are being read. Each group member should also make an effort to get to know each other, and the kind of writing each member is most interested in.

For the first meeting, we'll be randomly assigning people to groups. We'll want to keep the groups relatively small, five or six people in each. But that, and the number of groups, will depend on how many people come to this first meeting. This is an experiment so we'll see how it goes. Once we get an idea of how many genres are represented by the various groups, we may be able to divide the groups according to genre, if that seems to be something that most of us want.

Posted by Russ Heitz
www.russheitz.com

New Venue, New Equipment

Most of the comments we have gotten regarding our new venue at the Nokomis Volunteer Fire Department have been positive. It is certainly roomier than our old library digs and we have a lot more flexibility about the number of meetings and the length of our sessions. Hats off to "chief facility negotiator" Howard, and also to his staff.

We quickly decided, however, that one of the few drawbacks of this larger room was the lack of a public address system. This was an especial problem for those of us who are hearing impaired. We have now remedied that issue by purchasing a used public address system which we will now donate to the fire department. That way we can use it for our meetings and the fire department can use it for their weekly training sessions.

Before the purchase, I did some research of the local music stores and sound-related electronics shops, as well as the Internet, regarding prices. What I found was that the price for a new unit that would be appropriate for our purposes would be between $300 and $400. All of the vendors had basically the same prices and the same equipment. Those amounts were more than we as an organization could afford since we don't have membership dues or ways of generating income beyond personal donations. I did, however, find a used public address system at a Sarasota electronics repair shop for $150. After a demonstration, I decided to purchase the equipment using, in part, the additional $75 we have recently collected from most of you. The other $75 came from my own personal funds. Additional contributions for the PA system, from those who can and want to donate, will be accepted at our next two meetings, which will be on August 5th and August 19th. Sharon Baker has volunteered to be our "tax" collector so you can give your donations to her. Thanks, Sharon!

Now, a personal toot of my own horn: one of my flash fiction stories has been accepted by the online ezine LongStoryShort (http://www.longstoryshort.com). The title of my 571-word flash is War. It is scheduled to appear in the September 7th issue. Comments or criticisms are always appreciated.

Posted by
Russ Heitz
http://www.russheitz.com

New Meeting Place

Just a reminder: our new meeting place starting Wednesday evening, June 17th, will be the Nokomis Volunteer Fire Department's conference/training room. The Fire Department is located at 111 Pavonia Road in Nokomis just off Route 41 (Tamiami Trail). The meeting will start at 6:30 and end about 9:00.

For those coming from Sarasota and north county, Pavonia Road is just south of Albee Road at the flashing yellow emergency vehicle lights. Turn right onto Pavonia Road.

For those coming from Venice and south county on Route 41 (Tamiami Trail), cross the Shakett Creek Bridge and turn left at Albee Road and then come south again on Route 41. Turn right onto Pavonia Road. There is an opening in the median at the flashing yellow emergency lights for north-bound vehicles but that is for emergency vehicles only. It should not be used to turn left off Route 41 onto Pavonia Road.

A prominent landmark at the Albee Road crossing is the large Matthews-Currie Ford dealer on the east side of Route 41.

The Nokomis Volunteer Fire Department is on the left side of Pavonia Road. Our meeting room will be in the second tan building. One of our members will be outside of the building to give directions. There is plenty of parking space just beyond the second building.

This is an excellent facility for us and we are very fortunate to be able to reserve it for our Wednesday night meetings. As Susan told you, our group as a whole has donated $100 to the Fire Department for the use of this facility for the coming year. This is an exceptionally low price and one that we should all be grateful for. The room will also be available to us for special events at other times, as needed. Bring your suggestions to the next meeting.

For those of you who would like to donate $5.00 to help us pay for this room, please bring the money to our next meeting on June 17th. For those who have already made their donation, a big THANK YOU to each one of you!

See you June 17th.

Susan Haley/Russ Heitz