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Saturday, September 09, 2017
Thursday, August 17, 2017
August 16, 2017
It was a small group this week but we managed to have an
interesting discussion anyway.
Research and character
development seems to come up in many of our discussions. Each member of the
group is striving to write well and develop characters as believable
individuals.
Pieces we've read from various
sources, print, e-books, and online fell under our literary microscope. We agreed,
there are a lot of poorly written works out there and many of these are taking
away from the quality indie works published. Much of which could be made better
by proper editing and the use of a quality writer’s group.
As writers, we want to publish only quality work that meets the
test of our readers and lend credence to our name. Also, good writing and
popular works gives a boost to all authors whether traditionally or self-published.
Each of tonight’s readers gave
us something to think about and welcomed our comments.
Continuing the reading of his
memoir, Don regaled us with Chapter 14, F84-F. The Indiana Air National Guard received a shipment of
F84's, planes considered less than acceptable by the Air Force after the Korean
War, but our National Guard units managed to fly them for 20 or more years with
a distinguished record. When Don saw the list of planes available he
immediately picked out a plane with a tail number matching his address and
phone number; what a coincidence. In another incident about the same time, the
FAA hadn't approved a device designed to catch a plane at the end of the runway
if it couldn't stop. The catch net was installed and operational but the tower
was ordered not to use the device until approved. While awaiting approval, a
pilot blew a tire on takeoff. Calling for the safety barrier to be raised, his
wingman watched as the pilot crashed and burned at the end of the runway.
As a Toastmaster member, Ernie
was tasked with writing a speech about something in his life. He chose to speak
about his writing in a piece entitled "The Accidental
Writer." His speech included recognition of our group, singling
out several members. We much appreciated his shout out.
Tish read a portion of a
chapter from her memoir, still in its infancy. She is attacking some sensitive
issues and it take a lot of guts to write her story. She admits, it's
therapeutic and the group encourages her to get her story on paper, worry about
editing later. She's a good writer and has a lot to tell.
A mystery writer whose
detective, Yale Larsson, has come to life in previous pieces, Doug once again
delivered a nice piece. Yale is a Private Investigator who stands up for the
little guy. In this case, it’s a blind homeless veteran and Medal of Honor
winner. Local authorities make little headway in finding the thugs who beat the
disabled man and stole his things, including his Medal of Honor. Yale goes
undercover, trash bags in hand to find the perpetrators.
The second draft of the second
chapter in the latest Charlie Bascomb Adventure was offered for critique. When
Charlie confides in his wife and tells her about an incident involving his unit
in Baghdad, the group questioned whether this character would do such a thing.
Maybe a rewrite is in the works.
We have a good time but it will
seem a lot longer until our next meeting, this month has five Wednesdays. Our
next meeting is September 6th, at 6:30 PM in the Nokomis Fire Station training
room. We hope you can join us. The discussions are lively and we would like
your input, plus, we want to hear your stories, memoirs, poems, or anything
else you write. Please join us.
Keep on Writing,
Rod
Tuesday, August 08, 2017
It was another good meeting
August 2nd, 2017
Another good meeting even with the inclement weather. We welcomed Lee, a first-time attendee who braved the downpour in order to visit with us, we hope he enjoyed our company and will return.
Our discussion centered on eight questions addressing a single question; ARE THERE GAPS IN YOUR STORY ARC?
In our previous blog I introduced the subject and previewed the questions as follows:
Our discussion took off with the first question and we were into it hot and heavy. Some of our authors do not write fiction but even they contributed saying, "Many of the perspectives used in developing fiction stories can be use in non-fiction pieces as well."
Another good meeting even with the inclement weather. We welcomed Lee, a first-time attendee who braved the downpour in order to visit with us, we hope he enjoyed our company and will return.
Our discussion centered on eight questions addressing a single question; ARE THERE GAPS IN YOUR STORY ARC?
In our previous blog I introduced the subject and previewed the questions as follows:
- Who is your main character (MC)?
- What does the MC want?
- What's the main conflict that keeps the MC from getting that want?
- What's the event/situation that sets the MC in motion to achieve the want?
- What are the obstacles the MC encounters, keeping him/her from the want? (Obstacles should escalate, building tension)
- What's the event/situation that makes the MC go "All-or-Nothing" to win the want? (This is a moment in which there is no turning back)
- Does the MC win or lose?
- What's the effect of the win or loss on the MC
Our discussion took off with the first question and we were into it hot and heavy. Some of our authors do not write fiction but even they contributed saying, "Many of the perspectives used in developing fiction stories can be use in non-fiction pieces as well."
Using a biography for a fictional character is as important as using a true biography for a person in real life. In writing the details of a person's life, the author must be accurate in stating facts, dates, and happenings. If inaccuracies occur in even a minor detail, the entire work comes into question.
A similar thing happens in fiction. Making a mistake about your character's history often leads to confusion and the reader will pick up on the error. Two things may happen, the reader will ignore the faux pas and continue, the best of circumstances or, the reader will lose interest and close the book never to pick it up again; nor will they purchase a work with the author's name attached in the future.
Even in fiction accuracy counts.
We rolled on with many thoughts and opinions, the characters cannot be bland, they must have a personality, they must grow and change with emotional rifts, highs and lows, love, hate, anger, happiness, sadness, selfish thoughts, and all the good and bad things people face everyday. We can make them too good to be true or too bad to believe, it's up to the author. But, no matter how we make them, we must make them true in their world, the world we create for them.
Our discussion went on a bit longer than normal but we finally wound down and coasted to a stopping point. After a short break we heard from six of our authors, reading from the latest work and looking for opinions and guidance.
Darienne read the travelogue detailing her summer vacation in touring some of the most beautiful vistas in the United States. Her descriptions were graphic and filled the pages with wonder. Some suggestions were given and she is going to do some editing and present the piece again in the near future.
Peter, in his ever magnificent style, read from his collection of letters. This one was from Morier, a friend of the Colonel, espousing the qualities and failing of Manon, a beautiful and seductive woman who is vying for the Colonel's love a second time. A wonderful and complicated story of love won and lost. Peter also read five selections of his poetry, Memory, Victim, Skin, Baboons, and Rising Sun.
Ed's poem, Songbird, taken from a bluebird remembered from childhood, gave us a metaphorical look at life.
Rod read the first chapter of his Charlie Bascomb Adventure still under construction.
Bruce gave us another installment of Promontory Castle, a wonderful tale in iambic pentameter. In this episode, the prince and princess escape the evil invaders and learn to become citizens of the realm, a boon if they ever regain the throne.
Noreen's wonderful wit and Irish brogue create a combination that brings happiness to whatever she reads. This piece entitled, God's Waiting Room, was not about Florida as one might expect but instead it was a humorous look a death and what it might be like awaiting assignment in the afterlife.
Because of our extended discussion we ran out of time and look forward to two readers, Don and Ernie, at our next session. We don't know where they'll take us but, we await the journey.
Our next meeting is on August 16th, at the Nokomis Fire Station, as usual. We hope to see you there and until then, KEEP ON WRITING!
Rod
as
Sunday, July 23, 2017
Last Meeting and Next Meeting
July 23, 2017
Our meeting began on by welcoming a new attendee. Diane drove all the way from Holmes Beach in pouring rain to attend. We are honored and hope you enjoyed and come back. She told of us of her plan to write about the pain and issues that come with being a second wife and stepmother.
Our meeting began on by welcoming a new attendee. Diane drove all the way from Holmes Beach in pouring rain to attend. We are honored and hope you enjoyed and come back. She told of us of her plan to write about the pain and issues that come with being a second wife and stepmother.
Kerri introduced us to a website, TinHouse.com a lovely little website with lots of magazine, book, and workshops available. You might want to check it out.
Jeff suggested a good read on Florida entitled "Oh Florida" Jeff claims it's as good if not better than Dave Barry's "Best State Ever."
Don led off the reading with a thrilling tale of being in an uncomfortable military cargo plane, low on fuel, stuck in a snowstorm over the mountains, and piloted by an man who's only aim was to get home, even if it means ignoring the safety rules. I doing so, he endangers the lives of an entire platoon of airmen.
When Ernie began, he brought us a rewrite of the first chapter of his latest work about the Emperor Constantine. He doing a great job telling us a tale of an historical figure that makes the reader feel as if they are there, witnessing history yet getting to know the humanity of the characters.
Bruce continued from where he left off at the last meeting with his reading of Promontory Castle, an epic story of Kings and Kingdoms in Iambic Pentameter.
Our last reader of the evening, Kerri, read a selection from her memoir entitled "Where Neck Meets Mane." A trail ride led by a ranch hand who leads his charges into the heart of Florida's mysterious natural beauty and possible dangers. Accompanied by her daughter, niece, and company of tourists, the crossing of a swollen creek holds a special meaning.
At our next meeting, August 2nd, our first readers will be, Darienne and Tish who did not get the opportunity to read this week.
This excerpt comes from an article on Linkedin, Author U.
The following questions were written by Shonell Bacon (shared with permission) and originally posted here: http://bloodredpencil.blogspot.com/2014/12/eight-questions-for-writers.html
Are There Gaps in your Story Arc?
A plot needs to have a beginning, a middle, and an end, but sometimes holes or gaps develop that need to be filled. While there is no formula to writing a novel, these eight questions can help guide an author in making sure the arc of their plot is complete.
Don led off the reading with a thrilling tale of being in an uncomfortable military cargo plane, low on fuel, stuck in a snowstorm over the mountains, and piloted by an man who's only aim was to get home, even if it means ignoring the safety rules. I doing so, he endangers the lives of an entire platoon of airmen.
When Ernie began, he brought us a rewrite of the first chapter of his latest work about the Emperor Constantine. He doing a great job telling us a tale of an historical figure that makes the reader feel as if they are there, witnessing history yet getting to know the humanity of the characters.
Bruce continued from where he left off at the last meeting with his reading of Promontory Castle, an epic story of Kings and Kingdoms in Iambic Pentameter.
Our last reader of the evening, Kerri, read a selection from her memoir entitled "Where Neck Meets Mane." A trail ride led by a ranch hand who leads his charges into the heart of Florida's mysterious natural beauty and possible dangers. Accompanied by her daughter, niece, and company of tourists, the crossing of a swollen creek holds a special meaning.
At our next meeting, August 2nd, our first readers will be, Darienne and Tish who did not get the opportunity to read this week.
This excerpt comes from an article on Linkedin, Author U.
The following questions were written by Shonell Bacon (shared with permission) and originally posted here: http://bloodredpencil.blogspot.com/2014/12/eight-questions-for-writers.html
Are There Gaps in your Story Arc?
A plot needs to have a beginning, a middle, and an end, but sometimes holes or gaps develop that need to be filled. While there is no formula to writing a novel, these eight questions can help guide an author in making sure the arc of their plot is complete.
- Who is your main character (MC)?
- What does the MC want?
- What's the main conflict that keeps the MC from getting that want?
- What's the event/situation that sets the MC in motion to achieve the want?
- What are the obstacles the MC encounters, keeping him/her from the want? (Obstacles should escalate, building tension)
- What's the event/situation that makes the MC go "All-or-Nothing" to win the want? (This is a moment in which there is no turning back)
- Does the MC win or lose?
- What's the effect of the win or loss on the MC?
Do these sound as if they'd be useful to you?
At our next meeting we will discuss these questions and more.
Until then; Keep On Writing
Rod
Saturday, July 15, 2017
Thanks to Darienne Oaks:
Here are the Merriam Webster dictionary definitions for the blog:
criticize is a verb: to consider the merits and demerits of and judge accordingly: evaluate
criticism is a noun: 1. act of criticizing, usually unfavorable 2. critique: the art of evaluating or analyzing works of art or literature
We engage in the act of criticizing, considering the merits and demerits of a piece of writing, by providing a critique, an evaluation or analysis of the work.
ALSO
THANKS TO KERRI DIEFFENWIERTH
Check out this web address for
"A Basic Guide to Getting Permissions + Sample Permissions Letter"
Thursday, July 06, 2017
Sunday, June 25, 2017
June 21, 2017
Our June 21st meeting was fun and informing. Two
new attendees were there and we welcomed them with open arms. One of them has
recently moved to the area and the other was her guest, a good friend from the Northwest.
They joined in our conversation and contributed information germane to our discussion.
The discussion covered a multitude of subjects; traditional
publishing vs. self-publishing was the highlight but several sub-themes came to
the fore among them, the difference between critique and criticism.
Darienne returned after a vacation wherein she traveled
across the country. She is itching to write many stories but shared with us the
good news that four of her pieces have been accepted for publication in various
magazines.
We moved on to the reading portion of our night. Ed Ellis
shared a poem entitled Bird House. The
free-verse poem depicted how we all live in some type of container.
Ernie Ovitz surprised us by reading the introduction to his handbook geared
toward the Englewood Real Property Market. A realtor, he wants to introduce
some of his personal history with the area to his clients and other realtors.
He read the rough draft and received a lot of feedback. We look forward to the
revised version.
Peter, who says, “I’m not going to write a memoir” elicited
laughter and a few tears from the listeners as he read his piece entitled, Me. Peter writes so much about his
homeland in South Africa and his travels across Africa and the European
continents. His writing is suburb. Although he chooses not to write a memoir,
his stories show the reader much about him and his life.
Our visitor, Barra, consented to read a selection from his
forthcoming book, And the Jester Cried.
The book shows signs of being a big hit as it is composed of a series of vignettes
written in a unique style using fast moving verbiage in the prose of a freeform
thinker.
When Don read his opening paragraphs, the listeners were
laughing so hard I think I missed some of the good stuff. When a private
attempted to smother an aircraft engine fire in front of an audience of military
brass, including the Base Commanding General, and handled a high-pressure foam
hose… Well, I’ll let your imagination prompt you to wait for his memoir’s
publication.
With the brogue of a true Irish woman, Noreen let us peek
into the private life of her dog, Rocky. When joining the family including
another pesky canine, Rocky was introduced to the realities of life when a trip
to the Vet for neutering was scheduled. The conversation between the two dogs,
as imagined by our Gaelic writer was funny, so funny I missed the name of the
second dog.
Saturday, June 10, 2017
First Meeting In June
As the weather cleared, members began to arrive. We were
pleased to see the number of attendees; we feared the summer exodus and threat
of rain would take its toll on this meeting.
Without a predetermined subject of discussion, we opened the floor to whatever subject happened to strike our fancy.
Taking the lead, I passed around an article on writing query letters. While the
members looked it over we began an informal discussion on memoirs that morphed
into an interesting and thoughtful conversation engaging all attendees.
Methods of using well placed thoughts and powerful wording make
what may well be described as mundane occurrences riveting passages worth
reading more than once. Examples of such work by distinguished memoirists
allowed us to see the results.
We attempted to avoid the legal issues discussed in the
previous meeting and concentrated on issues of craft. Although, use of signed permission forms, approving what is written about a person or the family of those no longer alive, was introduced by Kerri. It’s a good
idea and, if permission is given, it’s harder to recant.
After a short break, we moved on into the reading portion of
our evening.
Jim Kelly shared three winning poems from his program of
introducing poetry and writing to 5th Grade students. The poems
produced by these youngsters were high quality examples of the capabilities of
young poets can share with their classmates and the world. Jim also brought
three of his work, The Calico Cat, The Elevator, and The Sleeping Fox are typical of Jim’s mastery. Background for his
writing The Sleeping Fox was
beautiful yet eerie and gave a feeling of divine intervention.
An excerpt from Mary Clark’s Liars Club, as read by Kerri, highlighted the authors use of
sights, sounds, smells, and feelings to make the reader feel as if they were
with her when the incident occurred. It was a great follow-up to our discussion.
Peter was doing a bit of clean up on his computer and came
up with a good idea; he shared with us the way a story is born; his methods and
ways of developing the storyline. He also shared his views on the development
of memoirs from much earlier eras through the 1990’s. Early memoirists were
more reserved in revealing their innermost secrets whereas, by the 90’s, they
laid it all out there; “the good, the bad, and the ugly.” Then, he shared two
exquisite poems of his, Anger and Snowman.
In recent weeks, a woman has come to us and until last month
had not felt comfortable sharing her writing with us. Last meeting, Laticia read
a short opening to her work that was powerful and engaging, it left us wanting
more. This time she allowed us to consider her backstory. A span of a few weeks,
from birth to introduction into a dysfunctional family rift with abuse and alcoholism,
introduces us to a life not yet finished.
Westy shared a portion of his memoir from 1951, the beginning
his tour of active duty. From standing guard on a flight-line in sub-zero
weather, were the facilities were non-existent and his cohort couldn’t hold it,
he describes how his overzealous attention to the boiler made water too hot for
showers and caused discomfort in using a latrine, his confrontation with a
Korean War Ace pilot, personal hygiene of a comrade, the attempts of his
compadres to help another of their company lose his virginity, and mustering
out of active duty into the Indiana Air National Guard, all provide numerous
chuckles. Don’s homespun way of telling a tale is engaging and well taken.
As time ran out, two members were unable to share their
work, they will be at the top of the list next meeting. Bruce and Ernie, we
look forward to your stories.
Until next time, KEEP ON WRITING.
See you at the June 21st meeting.
Rod
Wednesday, May 24, 2017
May 17th Meeting
Another meeting with excellent attendance. Even though
summer is upon us, writers still gather to learn and share.
We began our meeting with introductions, accompanying me
were two guests, my wife Betsy, and my neighbor Margie. Bob, returning after an absence of over a year, joined us once again. Welcome to all.
I opened a discussion which touched on Legal and Ethical
Issues in Memoir Writing. An attorney, who’d committed to come earlier in the
month, was unable to attend due to a last-minute schedule change. We hope he’ll
be able to attend a later meeting.
Regardless of the attorney’s absence, we pressed on with our
discussion. A longtime group member, Kerri Dieffenwierth, contributed a great
piece. Despite being on vacation halfway across the country, she asked that I
read it to the group and it was well received. The discussion touched on many
aspects encountered when writing a memoir and a major concern quickly came to
the fore. How do we deal with horrific happenings in one’s life without causing
extreme distress in the family dynamic? The discussion drew opinions from every
member of the group. Although we could not conclude anything legally, the
opinions were substantial and we did determine, the truth must be told if you want your readers to hear the entire
story.
We took a short break as we tabled the discussion and, upon
reconvening, we heard from five members wishing to share their work.
Noreen’s poem, Ode to
Bally Murphy, a tribute to her village in Ireland where the Murphy clan
abides, was well written and touching. The lilt of her voice and the touch of
the Gallic gave the listeners the feeling they’d been there.
Don regaled us with the second chapter of his memoir. In
this episode, a mere 19-year-old who hadn’t had the opportunity to attend basic
training, encounters a situation while on guard duty that is not defined in the
manual. The story was beyond amusing, it was downright funny.
A first-time reader, Letitia, shared the introduction to her
memoir. It was short but powerful and had listeners wanting more. We hope to
hear more in future readings.
A Bishop fleeing persecution in ancient Rome held our
attention as Ernie read from his early writings. Unpublished to date, this was
a precursor to his published book, The Seventh
King. The tale was riveting and gave us a clearer picture of how things
once were.
Closing out the evening, Peter shared a sampler of his work.
He referred to this collection as Bits
and Pieces. Beginning with a letter to an old heartthrob, composed as he treads
upon the soil of Africa, he leaves us with the realization he is a true
romantic. He followed this with nine poems touching on subjects ranging from a Girl in a Vineyard to the dead,
withering under the sun in the deserts of the Sudan. Each piece was powerful, evoking
visions in his listener’s mind.
Our evening ended with these images of Ireland, military
life, a child’s fear and confusion, the Roman Bishop fleeing into the
mountains, and Africa with its splendor and shocking reality ensconced in our
minds.
We look forward to June 7th, when we meet again.
Keep on writing!
Rod
Friday, May 12, 2017
What Happened Last Meeting? What's In Store for the Next Meeting?
May is here and many of our winter members have already
departed for their homes in the north. Thanks to the internet they can still
follow what we do here all summer. We strive to continue the quality of meetings throughout the
following months.
We heard tales of starting out in one direction and
performing an about-face after a few chapters. Some admitted to chucking
massive amounts of prose to clarify the plot. We all agree what we envisioned
in the beginning is seldom the result.
As we moved into the reading portion of our meeting, Jeff
shared a new piece with us chronicling a moment in the life of two strangers
meeting at a restaurant while racing inside after being caught a driving rainstorm. The
story gets a little dicey when the woman’s blouse is soaked through. Oh well,
we look forward to the next installment.
Peter shared an enticing and provoking story about a dog and
master whose lives are intertwined with patrons and owner of a
sidewalk café. A Walk in the Shadows, makes us ask, how well do animals understand their surroundings and masters?
Joe, our in-house humorist, presented his satirical outlook
on estrogen. Need to Elucidate highlights
incidents involving issues encountered by a woman as she engages in estrogen
therapy. Physical and mental discomfort brought on by hot flashes and radical
shifts in temperament led to situations shown in a most humorous light.
Don introduced us to the first installment of his memoir, Swords and Plowshares. His story documents
memories of over 40 years in the Indiana Air National Guard. From raw recruit
to the highest rank an enlisted man can achieve, his memories give us insight
into a man dedicated to his job.
Bruce read from the latest in his Dan Marin mystery series. Finding Cloe is the 8th book
in the series. The first chapter leaves us wanting more.
Noreen and Doug are the first to read at our next meeting.
I asked, and this week, I received a suggestion for our
discussion. In past weeks, most of our discussions appear to have been more relevant
for fiction writers than non-fiction or memoirists. So, this week, I propose we
discuss some of the legal and ethical issues encountered by the writers who produce
creative non-fiction and memoirs.
One question I’m often asked is, “What if I write my memoir
and members of my family, or others portrayed in the piece, become upset by
what I’ve written, am I in legal trouble?”
I’m not an attorney and therefore cannot answer this
question with authority. Has anyone encountered this issue? How was it
resolved?
Must you have proof of any statement made in a memoir? If
you make an accusation in writing, even if it’s a very private thing, (i.e.
sexual abuse by a family member or close acquaintance,) must you have legal
proof or have filed charges over the incident(s). What degree of proof is
needed?
Non-fiction material often encounters similar issues. A
writer puts forth a theory in a paper or publication, others in the field
disagree with the writer. One or more of the detractors take umbrage with the
statements and publicly attempt to discredit the writer for breaching the subject
and demand published proof. Another claims the writer purloined the idea, impinging
on an opportunity to publish a paper in the future.
What liabilities are encountered in these situations? If
theories are advanced, are the same rules in effect as when making a statement
of fact?
Join us on Wednesday, May 17th to hear writer’s
express their opinions and share experiences.
Sunday, April 23, 2017
April 19th
It looks like summer is fast approaching and our attendance shows the departure of the sun-birds. I'ts inevitable, happens every year about this time. Thank you all for coming to the meetings each month. Your input and wisdom are invaluable and needed.
But, there is an advantage to
be found in even the most undesirable situations.
With fewer attendees we have time for more in-depth
discussions, longer reading time for each reader, and time to analyze the
pieces read more thoroughly. We’ll miss our friends until next fall but, we’ll
muddle through.
As we discussed character development at this meeting it might
seem appropriate to follow up on a few more basic things at this meeting. I
suggest we discuss where do we get our ideas for plots and plot development,
how do we name our characters, why do we give our characters some of the foibles
and strengths. Do plots develop as we write or do you know where you’re going
when you start?
Are you involved in the story while writing? If so, to what
degree? Do you ever find yourself thinking like your character when you’re not
writing? Do others recognize themselves in your writing? Why?
Fun isn’t it.
Come prepared to discuss these and other things that pop up at our
next meeting, May 3rd at 6:30 PM. Bring a few paragraphs to read,
more if you can and there’s time, and be prepared to listen to other authors
give you suggestions, critique, and, most of all, help.
Keep on writing!
See you there,
Rod
Tuesday, April 11, 2017
Learning is Part of Writing
Learning
about your craft is always important. Writers are craftsmen as are mechanics,
carpenters, and anyone working with their hands and minds to create things. All
writers create with style, like a signature and we all use tools. As Ed Ellis presented
a workshop on using models last Wednesday evening, I couldn’t help but think, “Dang, I hadn’t thought of that before.”
His presentation was filled with tips, tricks, and methods of organizing thoughts.
As with any tool, it doesn’t work in the same way for all of us. But, with a
little modification, a form of the tool can help most of us in one way or
another.
Non-Fiction
writers probably benefit the most using Ed’s methods but Fiction writers can
make use of the principles shown in the presentation. Outlines, charts, graphs,
and timelines are all part of the model group and all are useful in some form.
I can’t say I know any with the thinking power of Albert Einstein, but I know
many who can use his methods.
Thank
you Ed, your presentation was informative and helpful in many ways.
I want
to thank all those writers from other groups who attended the meeting. I hope
you enjoyed your visit and found it informative. You are always welcome to
come back. Our next meeting is April 19th, and we will be discussing
character development. Bring your ideas, an open mind, and be prepared to learn
something, even if it’s something you already knew but have simply forgotten.
Andrew
Parker will be the first scheduled reader after the discussion but we should
have time for a good number of readers. Come early and get you name on the list.
Write
often and well,
Rod
Monday, March 20, 2017
April 5th
Ed Ellis will make a presentation at our next meeting.
The presentation is entitled:
ORGANIZATIONAL MODELS FOR QUALITY WRITING
Meeting Date: April 5th, 2017
Location: Nokomis Fire Station Training Room, (rear of building) Parking available behind fire station
Time: Doors open at 6 PM, presentation will be at 6:30 PM
Everyone is invited, if you have special need, such as limited driving at night, please let Ed know and suitable arrangements will be made.
We hope to see you there.
The presentation is entitled:
ORGANIZATIONAL MODELS FOR QUALITY WRITING
Meeting Date: April 5th, 2017
Location: Nokomis Fire Station Training Room, (rear of building) Parking available behind fire station
Time: Doors open at 6 PM, presentation will be at 6:30 PM
Everyone is invited, if you have special need, such as limited driving at night, please let Ed know and suitable arrangements will be made.
We hope to see you there.
Thursday, March 16, 2017
March 15th Meeting
Wow!
Our meeting began
with a report from Florida Writers Association. Several workshops are available
and well worth the nominal membership fees and event charges. We urge all
writers to consider joining the FWA.
Our discussion
began with a look at websites and design. Many of our members have websites and
maintain them, most on a less-than-daily basis; once a month is more common.
Several expressed financial reasons for not hiring a professional but others
say the simply want more control and feel they can "do it themselves"
while keeping it simple.
The discussion
morphed in blogging and continued its transformation as we moved on to reasons
for writing. Although all seemed to be interested in having their work read, it
was not always for commercial reasons. Most of us seem to write for pleasure
and to put forth ideas in whatever genre we've chosen. Few, if any, expressed a
desire to become rich and famous from our craft but all wished to share our
work with others.
This was an
interesting, if not enlightening, discussion and was well worth the time.
Russ Heitz, one of the founders of the group, joined us this
evening, it’s been a while and we always enjoy his visits. I hope we’re holding
up our end.
We took an early break around 7:30 and reconvened at 7:45
for readings. In Ian Schagen’s work presented for our consideration, we heard
of a Flying Mermaid. This remarkable creature was based on a statue at the foot
of the Pyrenees mountain range in Spain created to honor those men and women
who aided refugees fleeing the persecution of the Nazis during WWII.
In that vein, Darienne Oaks offered an edited version of a
previous chapter wherein a young Jewish boy is separated from his family while
fleeing the Nazis and finding refuge in a Romanian Village where he plays a
violin his father made for the village, including the commandant of the German
garrison and his wife.
Hearing two poems written by the son of Peter Frickel, one
of our regular contributors, was refreshing and proved the talent stays in the
family.
Joe Giorgianni brought us a piece called The Other Side, here a man who lost his
beloved wife is given a dog to help fill the void. As years pass they develop a
bond that lasts until he is once again able to join his true love. Touching, it
drew comments and suggestions from the audience aimed at making it even more
powerful.
Bill Elam gave us a
fresh chapter and viewpoint of an emotional experience. The officer charged
with delivering the news a man’s wife was the victim of a murder has a connection
with the victim but must do his duty. Powerful and well written, this piece
gives an outlook not normally seen in print or visual media.
Jim Kelly read two of his poems. Charley Horse had the group in stiches with its imagery and humor
while Time presented a though
provoking look at life. Jim’s work is always met with a desire to hear more.
The final chapter of Don Westerfield’s It’s Only Business gave us the conclusion to a fascinating look at
life surrounding the finest brothel in early 20th century San
Francisco.
It was a great meeting but not all members had a chance to
read. Next meeting is April 5th and we will hear first from those who did
not read this time. I’m looking forward to seeing all of you at that
meeting. I’m looking for subject(s) to research and discuss at that meeting.
Please email me your suggestions and I will do my best to get a discussion
ready. No matter how mundane it may seem, we always learn something with the
talent represented by our group.
Hang in there,
Keep on writing!
Rod
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