THE REVIEW

SEPTEMBER SEVEN


Wednesday saw another wonderful meeting with seven of us present: Bob, Margaret, Gemma, Jim, Jason, Ron and myself.

Bob has recently read a book called “Sweet Francaise”, about WWII in France. The author died before she finished the book, and the daughter later had it published. But the author had left notes on changes she wanted to make to her manuscript and they were included in the published version as a 16 page appendix. Now that is due diligence as an author, making notes on changes that should be made.

Margaret read her first chapter in her new book, “Coffin and Dye”. These two characters in later life meet up in a fish and chip shop and recall their school days together. We learn Detective Coffin is a widower and that Sir Donald Dye banishes ghosts. The two begin to chat about working together.

Gemma read a personal piece called “Collateral Damage”, about how she incurred her current injuries. She was walking Heidi on a leash when two other dogs approached aggressively and in the turmoil, Gemma still held the leash and ended up on the ground, with back injuries and dog bites. She is slowly recovering and will submit this piece to Today’s Senior Newsmagazine. So keep your eye out for it.

Jim read a revision of “Dimensions”, which he intends to submit to Writers’ Digest Short Story Contest. Some of us made suggestions and Jim has since rewritten again and sent us his 6th draft. The piece has really taken shape.

Ron read Chapter 2 of his novel. We see Joseph deciding to go with other friends to town to meet with an Agent from the North Atlantic Trading Co., who was recruiting immigrants to Canada. The group left early in the morning and walked 4 hours to town. They went first to view the Palace, and became upset with the disparity between rich and poor. In unison, they all peed on the fence.

Jason read us the end section of Chapter 2, still at the funeral reception in the backyard. A stranger with a German accent tells the boys he wants to show them something. Greg follows the stranger, and Dave unwillingly follows his brother. The stranger goes to his car parked on the road, a 1972 Olds Delta 88. He gives the boys a key and tells them to beware the dragon. We tend to feel this is the real beginning of the story as the action draws us right in at this point. Jason said with many rejections already received he needed to rethink his story.

I read the beginning chapter of my new novel, which I’m calling “Murder” as the working title. The first chapter is mostly background info to show setting and main characters from the previous novel now here in this one. But there is mention of a rapist, twice, which is where the mystery begins. I had some interesting experiences doing research. Wanting to know when the MSA News of Abbotsford changed its name to Abbotsford News, I called the paper. Can you believe it? Nobody there could tell me. I then went to the FVR Library and “Ask A Librarian” online. They got back to me the next day. Also wanting to get some info on restoration procedures for smoke damage, I called Edenvale Restoration. They told me to call their head office in Toronto. So I went online and found the info I wanted from another company. Another question I had was where would a seventeen year old from Abbotsford be held in custody after being charged with an offence. Since he was injured before that, I also wanted to know if he would have had a police guard in hospital. My brother put me in touch with a court clerk who canvassed several JPs and co-workers to get me the answers. I have now organized a 3” binder to hold all the pieces I am collecting for this latest literary endeavor.

Susan recently had an article in St. John’s Telegram about the Terry Fox Run, and will have another one on the collapse of the Berlin Wall published soon. She has also sent out two simultaneous submissions for her young adult novel “Geofind”. If you ever want to know anything about Newfoundland, ask Susan. She’s our East Coast Correspondent.

Members present on Wednesday were saying they find it hard to critique effectively without the written version to look at, and would also appreciate having time beforehand to read the pieces being read. Consequently, they have asked that those planning to read please email their chosen writings to them ahead of time. Can that be done?

Next meeting will be at 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 7th, here at my place. Really look forward to seeing you then.

Lisa