THE REVIEW

AUTUMN RAINS

Four of us still had a Meeting of the Rams last night in spite of the pouring rain. Luke, Charity and Margaret F. all joined me to share our writing and some Halloween chocolate.

We started with a discussion about the Scrivener software for managing writing projects. Charity and Luke are both using it and find it very helpful. You can find a free download of a trial version online, or you can look to buy it on sale. I believe Luke said he was able to buy his for about $20.00.

Going first for a change, I read another ‘Honey’ story, “Five Star Day”. It was about Honey needing to find some purpose after he retired and his traveling to the cabin where fixing a leaky roof and replacing a chimney pipe claimed his attention.

Luke read a scene from his novel “The Heart Of The Earth” in which the character Goren is being tutored by Mose. He is trying to learn how to manipulate tension/energy fields in order to eventually be able to control another being. He was learning through trial and error, sometimes quite humorous. There was interesting interaction between these two characters.

Charity read her re-write of Chapter 1 from “Trixie Trouble”. Trixie, being escorted by Mrs. Fisher, is leaving the site of where her father was hung. As they reach Mrs. Fisher’s place, Trixie meets Donovan, a black boy she immediately dislikes. The two trade verbal insults and then Trixie attacks him. As the two are fighting, the Reverend, Donovan’s white father, separates them. This was a chapter that caught your attention and also shattered stereotypes about late 19th century Texas.

Margaret read a prose poem called “Infrastructure – Inquest Regarding the Death of Ross Allen”. It highlights the heartbreaking consequences of the community and the health care system failing to anticipate and prevent a teenage suicide, based on a true event. We all agreed this is a pertinent piece of writing that needs to be out in the public somewhere. It could be so advantageous for anyone who deals with young people to read.

Margaret Moffatt has an article about Carcross, Yukon in the November issue of Today’s Senior Newsmagazine.

Kay was feeling ill and unable to attend. And Jason said he and his family were just back from Disneyland so he was unable to attend. Hope to see them both next time. And I heard a rumor that Jason might have some news for us from his visit to the Surrey International Writers’ Conference. Can’t wait to hear all about it!

Next Meeting will be Wednesday, November 16th at 7:00 p.m. here at my place. Look forward to seeing you then.

Lisa A. Hatton
Author