THE REVIEW

SUMMER’S COMING

There was a lively Meeting here on Wednesday when Jason, Annette, Luke, Kay and Margaret F. joined me in honour of our Muse.

We started by voting for the best presentation from the last Meeting, and Annette won and chose a book from our prize box. A couple of people asked if they can contribute anything to the box, and of course I said yes, donations are welcome.

Annette read first, another story she wrote for her Bardic circle called “Protect Your Sons and Daughters”. It exhorts those listening to make sure their offspring are not enticed by the Selkie fold who would lure them into love and lust, and then forsake them. This spoke of mythical tales from out of the past.

Luke read the next scene in his novel which shows Dalin explaining to the General and the gathered command about the hole in their plans. He tells them they would be attacked from above, out of the rocks, if they try to move through a narrow gap. He says their army would be split in two with no way to regroup. The General agrees there is a problem and they need to make changes immediately. This chapter held our attention and we definitely want to know what ensues.

Kay gave us the plot outline for her play, which she was calling “Northwest Of Sixty”. In a culture that does not allow divorce, the wife will be tried for adultery. Through the introduction of characters, the wife’s trial, and the reaction of the general public, Kay hopes to portray society’s biases and bigotry that are never acknowledged publicly. We had lots of fun discussing this topic and look forward to hearing the play.

Margaret read Chapter 9 from “Babes In The Wood” where Margaret wants info directly from the police on this case, but doesn’t know how to proceed. Then her husband, Chris, meets a cop who offers to put her in touch with the cop in charge of cold cases, but that cop is unable to make the arranged appointment. Months go by where she researches Clifford Olsen who lured his victims by offering them work, and left their bodies in wooded areas similar to the victims in Stanley Park. Then one day her husband comes home and gives her the private number of Detective Ingram. I enjoyed the personal aspects of this chapter where she described the climate of Vancouver, and the interactions she had with her husband. Jason was strongly encouraging Margaret to intersperse her recounting of her research with various fictional stories of how the murders might have happened.

Jason read his next chapter, a riveting account of Damianos reviving and raging that he knows what’s happening, and he seems to be talking to an unseen presence. He tells Kwen he can find the secret in the jungle before her people do, and before the dragon comes to consume them all. It was good to see Damianos regain his driving force even while amid these giants.

I read last, a ‘Honey’ story called “It’s Honey’s Fault”. This is where I blame Honey because I didn’t get any writing done over one Christmas season due to a number of episodes dealing with errant electronics such as a VCR/DVD player, Bryon’s computer, a new robotic vacuum, an MP3 player and stereo system, and our TV. And all this during Christmas and then while a new kitchen countertop was being installed. But in the end I did admit life with Honey was more compelling than a blank page sometimes.

The next Meeting will be Wednesday, June 15th at 7:00 p.m. here at my place. Please bring your vote for the best presentation from this last meeting. And we should discuss whether or not we want to take a break of some kind over the summer months this year. I look forward to seeing you on the 15th.

Lisa A. Hatton
Author