DEDICATED SUMMER WRITERS
Luke, Kay, Jason and Margaret joined me Wednesday for the latest Meeting of The Rams. Charity said she was going away camping.
Our votes were cast and Margaret won for the best piece of writing read at the last Meeting. She said if it wasn’t for this writers’ group, she wouldn’t be pushing herself to write her book. That’s probably true of most of us. We like to share our writing with each other.
Jason said he had re-written the last chapter he had read to us, and now some of those elements are mentioned in the chapter he was reading this time. This chapter shows Kwen alone after Damianos is taken and shackled out in the open elements. In flashback, she is going over the previous encounter with the Nobella and Tiber, where she was unable to persuade them to let Damianos lead them to Isen and Haligern. This was a chapter of introspection, but we mentioned we would like more detail of conversations and actions that were being recounted, rather than generalities. And Margaret and I both miss the dynamics of Damianos’s personality in the story. We have come to look at him as the hero we are rooting for.
Margaret read a chapter from “Babes In The Wood” that was about Vancouver in 1953. This chapter is written in story form, with Detective MacKay the main character. He interacts with a policeman by the name of Lyndsay who is taking him to the bones discovered in Stanley Park. It isn’t till the very end of the chapter that Lyndsay tells him the bones are those of children. Luke thought the chapter would make a wonderful prologue to the book. I asked if Margaret was confident that all she wrote was true to fact and she assured me everything came from personal interviews she had done herself. The chapter was very explicit at detailing the aspects of Vancouver at that period in time.
Kay read the beginning of a personal memoir she is writing called “3 White Knights”. The first chapter is called “Mayday” and introduces the people in a very dysfunctional family and the heartbreaking revelation of family violence, incest and pedophilia. Kay said she is writing the story to enlighten people about the horrors of these crimes and that very seldom is a pedophile charged or held criminally responsible in Canada at the present time. She also said the situation is exacerbated when the family or victims are non-white and/or immigrants. Law enforcement told her as much, that they are very loath to intervene. We admire Kay’s courage to write this story.
Luke read from the next chapter in “Debt Of Blood” about Akoni as she finishes climbing the stairs and then enters the cooler interior of an unused temple in her pursuit of the warrior she wants to capture. This chapter tells of her personal struggle growing up to prove herself worthy of becoming a Paladin. Even though she beat her brother at swordplay, her father was disappointed and said she should be pursuing feminine accomplishments instead. She had applied to become a Paladin once before, but was denied due to her gender. But if she captures the warrior, she thinks she will win acceptance.
I read another ‘Honey’ story, this one “Mr. Sticky”, about running into a product promotion at Sears one day. After bringing home the product, Honey and I tried out its various uses.
Jason and Kay were talking about attending the Surrey International Writers’ Conference in the fall. Jason said most networking is accomplished after the workshops, in the bar. He and Kay were planning to meet in the bar. So I asked why pay for the workshops, why not just go to the bar each evening? And Jason responded that you had to have something current from the workshops to open conversations with. Unfortunately, I’m not very experienced at attending bars and starting conversations.
The next Meeting will be Wednesday, July 20th at 7:00 p.m. here at my place. Please bring your vote for best piece of writing read at the last Meeting. Looking forward to seeing you then.
Lisa A. Hatton
Author
Friday, July 8, 2016
Friday, June 17, 2016
THE REVIEW
MIXED GENRES
Wednesday’s Meeting saw a mixture of genres on display. There was Charity’s young adult western, Margaret’s crime memoir, my senior’s memoir as a ‘Honey’ story, Jason’s fantasy, and Luke’s fantasy. The fantasies probably have sub-genres, but this writer doesn’t know what they are.
Luke won the prize for best piece of writing from the previous week.
Margaret said she had attended a writers’ conference at Crescent Beach put on by the Federation of B.C. Writers. She said she was surprised at all the specific writing techniques that were discussed compared to other conferences that have dealt only in generalities that aren’t very helpful to someone wanting to hone their craft. Margaret said she would let us all know the next time one of their conferences is offered.
Luke read first, the beginning of another fantasy called “Debt Of Blood”. This shows the young female character Akoni sweating in a suit of armor as she tries climbing a massive staircase on a hot day. She is tracking a dreaded warrior whom she wants to apprehend in order to be accepted by her father and brother in their league of paladins. This beginning was very attention grabbing and is a good start for his novel.
Charity read next from “Trixie Trouble”. She has lost a lot of money she doesn’t have and downs some brandy to give her courage. When Brett Marley tells her he’ll make her a woman and she’s his girl, she knocks him over and then also escapes from two other men trying to grab her. She leaves the bard as a fire starts, and steals a horse, trying to leave town. But the horse throws her and then the figure of Donovan, the preacher’s son, appears and starts cursing her. This was a chapter full of action and it was fun just listening to it.
Jason read the next chapter from his novel. The Nobella hold Kwen accountable for the loss of four Herodun and discount her attempt to spare Damianos from the torture they plan for him. She is torn between wanting to save Damianos and wanting to adhere to the teachings of her tribe. When she does question the Nobella, she is warned her fate could be the same as her grandfather’s, who was killed as a traitor. She is told to keep Damianos alive during the torture, and to tell them any secrets revealed. The tension was building in this chapter.
Margaret read Chapter 10 from “Babes In The Wood”. Finally Detective Ingram gives her the number for Sgt. Honeyburn, in charge of unsolved cases. She seeks her husband’s advice on how to ask Honeyburn to see the murder file for the Babes. He tells her not to ask directly, but to stroke the man’s ego by asking to interview him instead. She meets him in the fall, after five years of questioning, and is very nervous. Consequently she is very inept as an interviewer and Honeyburn just gives her the file to read. This chapter was full of personal insight into Margaret and her marriage and her struggle with Asperger’s. It was very brave writing about her vulnerabilities, and this personal account riveted our attention.
Lastly, I read a ‘Honey’ story called “Nostalgia”. It’s about the two of us spending one New Year’s Eve listening to old records and recalling our favourites through the years, as well as favourites of older generations. The story ended with me going to bed before midnight. Luke and Charity both said they could sense the seniors in this story. Margaret asked me to specify more songs from the different albums mentioned. And Charity said contrary to my assumption about her generation, she did, indeed, own a record player.
Kay said she couldn’t attend on Wednesday as she was going away. And Annette said something came up at the last minute that prevented her from attending. We missed them both.
We had some discussion about taking a summer break, and decided we will still have the two meetings in July, but will break during August.
So, the next Meeting will be Wednesday, July 6th, at 7:00 p.m. here at my place. Look forward to seeing you then, and please bring your vote for best piece of writing presented at the last Meeting. And Happy Canada Day in the meantime!
Lisa A. Hatton
Author
Wednesday’s Meeting saw a mixture of genres on display. There was Charity’s young adult western, Margaret’s crime memoir, my senior’s memoir as a ‘Honey’ story, Jason’s fantasy, and Luke’s fantasy. The fantasies probably have sub-genres, but this writer doesn’t know what they are.
Luke won the prize for best piece of writing from the previous week.
Margaret said she had attended a writers’ conference at Crescent Beach put on by the Federation of B.C. Writers. She said she was surprised at all the specific writing techniques that were discussed compared to other conferences that have dealt only in generalities that aren’t very helpful to someone wanting to hone their craft. Margaret said she would let us all know the next time one of their conferences is offered.
Luke read first, the beginning of another fantasy called “Debt Of Blood”. This shows the young female character Akoni sweating in a suit of armor as she tries climbing a massive staircase on a hot day. She is tracking a dreaded warrior whom she wants to apprehend in order to be accepted by her father and brother in their league of paladins. This beginning was very attention grabbing and is a good start for his novel.
Charity read next from “Trixie Trouble”. She has lost a lot of money she doesn’t have and downs some brandy to give her courage. When Brett Marley tells her he’ll make her a woman and she’s his girl, she knocks him over and then also escapes from two other men trying to grab her. She leaves the bard as a fire starts, and steals a horse, trying to leave town. But the horse throws her and then the figure of Donovan, the preacher’s son, appears and starts cursing her. This was a chapter full of action and it was fun just listening to it.
Jason read the next chapter from his novel. The Nobella hold Kwen accountable for the loss of four Herodun and discount her attempt to spare Damianos from the torture they plan for him. She is torn between wanting to save Damianos and wanting to adhere to the teachings of her tribe. When she does question the Nobella, she is warned her fate could be the same as her grandfather’s, who was killed as a traitor. She is told to keep Damianos alive during the torture, and to tell them any secrets revealed. The tension was building in this chapter.
Margaret read Chapter 10 from “Babes In The Wood”. Finally Detective Ingram gives her the number for Sgt. Honeyburn, in charge of unsolved cases. She seeks her husband’s advice on how to ask Honeyburn to see the murder file for the Babes. He tells her not to ask directly, but to stroke the man’s ego by asking to interview him instead. She meets him in the fall, after five years of questioning, and is very nervous. Consequently she is very inept as an interviewer and Honeyburn just gives her the file to read. This chapter was full of personal insight into Margaret and her marriage and her struggle with Asperger’s. It was very brave writing about her vulnerabilities, and this personal account riveted our attention.
Lastly, I read a ‘Honey’ story called “Nostalgia”. It’s about the two of us spending one New Year’s Eve listening to old records and recalling our favourites through the years, as well as favourites of older generations. The story ended with me going to bed before midnight. Luke and Charity both said they could sense the seniors in this story. Margaret asked me to specify more songs from the different albums mentioned. And Charity said contrary to my assumption about her generation, she did, indeed, own a record player.
Kay said she couldn’t attend on Wednesday as she was going away. And Annette said something came up at the last minute that prevented her from attending. We missed them both.
We had some discussion about taking a summer break, and decided we will still have the two meetings in July, but will break during August.
So, the next Meeting will be Wednesday, July 6th, at 7:00 p.m. here at my place. Look forward to seeing you then, and please bring your vote for best piece of writing presented at the last Meeting. And Happy Canada Day in the meantime!
Lisa A. Hatton
Author
Saturday, June 4, 2016
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
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
Friday, May 20, 2016
THE REVIEW
ACCUSABLY, ANACHRONISTIC, AND TWO SCHEMING UNCLES BOATING TO THE BEAT
As you can see, Wednesday’s Meeting was full of tongue twisting pronunciations of words and phrases. Lots of fun with Jason, Luke, Charity, Annette, and new member, Kay Jordan, joining me here.
Charity read first, the next chapter in “Trixie Trouble”. We see Gravedigger and Donovan square off to fight. After a faulty start, Donovan comes back to win the match and Trixie is faced with losing a lot of money she didn’t have. This was a great chapter documenting the fight, very vivid.
Dressed in costume that she wears for SCA, the Society for Creative Anachronism, Annette stood up to deliver a tale about three different stories of how the Selkie Folk came to be. Then she sang us a ballad, The Skye Boat Song. This was an amazing performance and we didn’t even have to pay for front row seats! Bravo, Annette, Bravo!
I read the next story, “It Was Time” from my Honey collection. This was about an outing with Honey up at Green Lake that had me struggling from the lakeshore up a winding track on a steep hillside in pursuit of the Lodge at Little Horse, and the subsequent stop of my trek at a cattle guard I couldn’t cross with my wobbly legs and two branches used as walking sticks. That was when I decided to take my cane with me whenever I went out with Honey.
Charity asked if I had submitted the story I read last time to Polar Expressions yet. I spent some time re-writing the ending and the story is ready to submit, but I still have to write a short author’s bio to go with the submission, as required. The deadline isn’t until July anyhow, if anyone else wants to submit a short story of 750 words or less.
Jason read his next chapter that shows us the appearance of the Nobella, Kwen’s and Tiber’s spiritual leaders. One of them, Bealunwit, knows who Damianos is, and it appears they are enemies. He threatens Damianos with a knife. Meanwhile, Tiber takes the mythical coin and hides it, though Kwen saw him do it. The plot thickens. And it was Jason who used the word ‘accusably’, which I erroneously questioned. It’s a synonym for ‘guiltily’.
Luke read the next scene where Dalin is waiting for the return of Sgt. Torch. While waiting, he runs the troops through battle training. When Torch returns, the Commander and Captain are with her and ask Dalin how he came to know so much about their strategy because there seems to be a leak of info as the enemy always seems to pre-empt their movements. They ask him where the hole in their strategy seems to be.
Kay told us she is working on a humorous skit where a wife is admitting her guilt to a crime of infidelity, which happened to be her eating her husband’s dessert. Kay said she likes comedy and wants to write in that genre.
At the end of the Meeting, I confessed I had been playing on my computer with a plot generator app. I filled in a detailed questionnaire, clicked the button, and the app spewed out a short story, which I read to the group. It was very nonsensical and had us all laughing. The things we will do to postpone our own writing! But maybe I can get a story of my own out of the two scheming uncles boating to the beat?
Margaret F. emailed me to say she was away in Tofino this week. Hope she’s having fun.
The next Meeting will be Wednesday, June 1st at 7:00 p.m. here at my place. I look forward to seeing you then.
Lisa A. Hatton
Author
As you can see, Wednesday’s Meeting was full of tongue twisting pronunciations of words and phrases. Lots of fun with Jason, Luke, Charity, Annette, and new member, Kay Jordan, joining me here.
Charity read first, the next chapter in “Trixie Trouble”. We see Gravedigger and Donovan square off to fight. After a faulty start, Donovan comes back to win the match and Trixie is faced with losing a lot of money she didn’t have. This was a great chapter documenting the fight, very vivid.
Dressed in costume that she wears for SCA, the Society for Creative Anachronism, Annette stood up to deliver a tale about three different stories of how the Selkie Folk came to be. Then she sang us a ballad, The Skye Boat Song. This was an amazing performance and we didn’t even have to pay for front row seats! Bravo, Annette, Bravo!
I read the next story, “It Was Time” from my Honey collection. This was about an outing with Honey up at Green Lake that had me struggling from the lakeshore up a winding track on a steep hillside in pursuit of the Lodge at Little Horse, and the subsequent stop of my trek at a cattle guard I couldn’t cross with my wobbly legs and two branches used as walking sticks. That was when I decided to take my cane with me whenever I went out with Honey.
Charity asked if I had submitted the story I read last time to Polar Expressions yet. I spent some time re-writing the ending and the story is ready to submit, but I still have to write a short author’s bio to go with the submission, as required. The deadline isn’t until July anyhow, if anyone else wants to submit a short story of 750 words or less.
Jason read his next chapter that shows us the appearance of the Nobella, Kwen’s and Tiber’s spiritual leaders. One of them, Bealunwit, knows who Damianos is, and it appears they are enemies. He threatens Damianos with a knife. Meanwhile, Tiber takes the mythical coin and hides it, though Kwen saw him do it. The plot thickens. And it was Jason who used the word ‘accusably’, which I erroneously questioned. It’s a synonym for ‘guiltily’.
Luke read the next scene where Dalin is waiting for the return of Sgt. Torch. While waiting, he runs the troops through battle training. When Torch returns, the Commander and Captain are with her and ask Dalin how he came to know so much about their strategy because there seems to be a leak of info as the enemy always seems to pre-empt their movements. They ask him where the hole in their strategy seems to be.
Kay told us she is working on a humorous skit where a wife is admitting her guilt to a crime of infidelity, which happened to be her eating her husband’s dessert. Kay said she likes comedy and wants to write in that genre.
At the end of the Meeting, I confessed I had been playing on my computer with a plot generator app. I filled in a detailed questionnaire, clicked the button, and the app spewed out a short story, which I read to the group. It was very nonsensical and had us all laughing. The things we will do to postpone our own writing! But maybe I can get a story of my own out of the two scheming uncles boating to the beat?
Margaret F. emailed me to say she was away in Tofino this week. Hope she’s having fun.
The next Meeting will be Wednesday, June 1st at 7:00 p.m. here at my place. I look forward to seeing you then.
Lisa A. Hatton
Author
Saturday, May 7, 2016
THE REVIEW
Re-Writing Class
Charity, Luke, Annette and Jason all joined me Wednesday for our latest Meeting. We started with Charity giving us a demonstration on her laptop of how she uses different MS Word features to supply a list of chapters and scenes and comments that she can use as an outline to find something specific she wants to look at in her manuscript. Luke says he uses Scrivener story writing software. I write an outline manually as I go along, since I like to use the printed page when I edit, rather than the computer. We guess it all boils down to what works best for each writer. But I will spend some time working with the ideas for MS Word. Jason didn’t say what he would like to try, even though he did say trying to remember everything in his head wasn’t working. And we can all relate to that problem.
We did the blind voting for a prize from the box for best writing from the last Meeting and Charity was the winner for her chapter from “Trixie Trouble”.
I read first, a re-write of the story I had read last time. I changed names and places of characters’ origins, and did the storyline inside the framework of a police interview. It is approximately 730 words long, so I will enter it in the Polar Expressions contest/anthology this year.
Luke read us a chapter about the soldier, Dalin, and an encounter he has with his immediate superior. Dalin tries unsuccessfully to convince the other soldier that there is something terribly wrong with the army’s plan to extricate itself from a tight situation. Dalin then talks the female soldier, Sgt. Torch, into telling another officer for him as he is forbidden to do so himself.
Jason read us the next chapter where Tiber is still browbeating Kwen, and threatening to turn her in for stealing the mystical coin. And Damianos is still suffering excruciating pain, but deep inside hears a voice that gives him hope. At the end of the chapter he hears the voice of his stolen sister calling his name.
Charity read the next chapter in “Trixie Trouble”. At the bar she runs into Brett Marley, who makes sexual suggestions. She plays along briefly, but doesn’t give in. She then goes to make her bet on the boxer Grave Digger, asking who will be his challenger in the ring. That’s when she sees the preacher’s son get in the ring as the other contestant.
Both Jason and Charity are very good at ending each chapter with a hook that leaves the reader wanting to keep turning pages to see what happens next.
Annette didn’t read anything, but gave us hints on what the story she read last time would contain going forward.
The next Meeting will be Wednesday, May 18th at 7:00 p.m. here at my place. Again, bring your vote for best piece of writing from this last Meeting. I do look forward to seeing you all next time and wish you successful writing in the meantime.
Lisa A. Hatton
Author
Charity, Luke, Annette and Jason all joined me Wednesday for our latest Meeting. We started with Charity giving us a demonstration on her laptop of how she uses different MS Word features to supply a list of chapters and scenes and comments that she can use as an outline to find something specific she wants to look at in her manuscript. Luke says he uses Scrivener story writing software. I write an outline manually as I go along, since I like to use the printed page when I edit, rather than the computer. We guess it all boils down to what works best for each writer. But I will spend some time working with the ideas for MS Word. Jason didn’t say what he would like to try, even though he did say trying to remember everything in his head wasn’t working. And we can all relate to that problem.
We did the blind voting for a prize from the box for best writing from the last Meeting and Charity was the winner for her chapter from “Trixie Trouble”.
I read first, a re-write of the story I had read last time. I changed names and places of characters’ origins, and did the storyline inside the framework of a police interview. It is approximately 730 words long, so I will enter it in the Polar Expressions contest/anthology this year.
Luke read us a chapter about the soldier, Dalin, and an encounter he has with his immediate superior. Dalin tries unsuccessfully to convince the other soldier that there is something terribly wrong with the army’s plan to extricate itself from a tight situation. Dalin then talks the female soldier, Sgt. Torch, into telling another officer for him as he is forbidden to do so himself.
Jason read us the next chapter where Tiber is still browbeating Kwen, and threatening to turn her in for stealing the mystical coin. And Damianos is still suffering excruciating pain, but deep inside hears a voice that gives him hope. At the end of the chapter he hears the voice of his stolen sister calling his name.
Charity read the next chapter in “Trixie Trouble”. At the bar she runs into Brett Marley, who makes sexual suggestions. She plays along briefly, but doesn’t give in. She then goes to make her bet on the boxer Grave Digger, asking who will be his challenger in the ring. That’s when she sees the preacher’s son get in the ring as the other contestant.
Both Jason and Charity are very good at ending each chapter with a hook that leaves the reader wanting to keep turning pages to see what happens next.
Annette didn’t read anything, but gave us hints on what the story she read last time would contain going forward.
The next Meeting will be Wednesday, May 18th at 7:00 p.m. here at my place. Again, bring your vote for best piece of writing from this last Meeting. I do look forward to seeing you all next time and wish you successful writing in the meantime.
Lisa A. Hatton
Author
Saturday, April 23, 2016
THE REVIEW
A MIX OF GENRES
We had a fantastic Meeting here on Wednesday when Luke, Jason, Charity, Annette, Hayden and Margaret F. all joined me to showcase a variety of genres among the group.
I read first, this time a piece of fiction, a short story, based on two people who did actually attend the group on two different occasions. It was in response to Kristi’s question as to whether or not they might have been gay. And I started thinking ‘what if?’ and proceeded from there. Charity noticed, though, when I switched from recounting true events to creating fiction. And Luke thought I should put the whole story in another context, perhaps a police interview. Somebody said they liked the ending. And then Charity said she hopes I never decide to write about her! Too funny. I thought it felt good to actually write something new for a change but maybe I should go back to editing my ‘Honey’ stories.
Margaret F. read Chapter 7 from ‘Babes In The Wood’. She is still doing research in the library but has progressed to the investigation by Detective McKay. There end up being many more questions about the age of the children, genders of same, false information about a French woman who was a suspect, and so on. Margaret decides she has to see the real police file.
Luke read some more from his fantasy novel. We see Goren winning a mixed combat competition against his opponent, Kennet, who had beat him before. This earns him recognition by a master. I did tell Luke I would like to know more of what Goren is thinking and feeling during the bout.
Hayden has started writing a fantasy novel called ‘The Dragonformer’. He read from the Prologue which informs us that Svelt is required to kill one group of people at the behest of another in order to save his own people. We see him commit a gruesome killing. Details of the actual killing were very vivid.
Charity read the next chapter in ‘Trixie Trouble’. Trixie sneaks out of the house at night and roves through the wild part of town looking for Marley, whom her father knew, and a job. He offers her one as a whore but she refuses. Then she decides she will bet on a fighter. This chapter was full of colour and sights and sounds and smells and gave us a very vivid picture of the world she was travelling in.
Annette read from her Victorian novel. We see sixteen year old Jane dancing at a birthday party and talking to her cousin, Robert. Then she sneaks outside to meet Ronin in the garden, but she is attacked by an unknown assailant and her dress is torn, her breasts fondled, and she is thrown on the ground and left. Ronin finds her and picks her up, covered with his coat. This scene went from the prim normalcy of Victorian life to the terror of sexual assault, a vivid contrast.
Jason read his next chapter where Kwen confronts Tiber, who is still holding a naked Damianos over a bed of hot coals. Tiber drops Damianos who is badly burned. Kwen pours water on him, but that makes things worse, and he just wants to be left alone to heal himself with his own special powers. Meanwhile, Tiber is furious and jealous and turns on Kwen. To appease him, she becomes submissive and says things to swell his egotistic pride. That is probably true to human nature.
Pat and Kristi were unable to attend, but we hope to see them next time.
Four of us who had been at the previous Meeting voted for who deserved to pick from the prize box. But the vote was a stalemate. And people seemed to want to do a secret vote. So now, for the next Meeting, those who were here Wednesday are asked to bring their vote for best piece of writing on a piece of paper (author’s name, I guess). Don’t forget!
The next Meeting will be Wednesday, May 4th at 7:00 p.m. here at my place. Hope to see you then.
Lisa A. Hatton
Author
We had a fantastic Meeting here on Wednesday when Luke, Jason, Charity, Annette, Hayden and Margaret F. all joined me to showcase a variety of genres among the group.
I read first, this time a piece of fiction, a short story, based on two people who did actually attend the group on two different occasions. It was in response to Kristi’s question as to whether or not they might have been gay. And I started thinking ‘what if?’ and proceeded from there. Charity noticed, though, when I switched from recounting true events to creating fiction. And Luke thought I should put the whole story in another context, perhaps a police interview. Somebody said they liked the ending. And then Charity said she hopes I never decide to write about her! Too funny. I thought it felt good to actually write something new for a change but maybe I should go back to editing my ‘Honey’ stories.
Margaret F. read Chapter 7 from ‘Babes In The Wood’. She is still doing research in the library but has progressed to the investigation by Detective McKay. There end up being many more questions about the age of the children, genders of same, false information about a French woman who was a suspect, and so on. Margaret decides she has to see the real police file.
Luke read some more from his fantasy novel. We see Goren winning a mixed combat competition against his opponent, Kennet, who had beat him before. This earns him recognition by a master. I did tell Luke I would like to know more of what Goren is thinking and feeling during the bout.
Hayden has started writing a fantasy novel called ‘The Dragonformer’. He read from the Prologue which informs us that Svelt is required to kill one group of people at the behest of another in order to save his own people. We see him commit a gruesome killing. Details of the actual killing were very vivid.
Charity read the next chapter in ‘Trixie Trouble’. Trixie sneaks out of the house at night and roves through the wild part of town looking for Marley, whom her father knew, and a job. He offers her one as a whore but she refuses. Then she decides she will bet on a fighter. This chapter was full of colour and sights and sounds and smells and gave us a very vivid picture of the world she was travelling in.
Annette read from her Victorian novel. We see sixteen year old Jane dancing at a birthday party and talking to her cousin, Robert. Then she sneaks outside to meet Ronin in the garden, but she is attacked by an unknown assailant and her dress is torn, her breasts fondled, and she is thrown on the ground and left. Ronin finds her and picks her up, covered with his coat. This scene went from the prim normalcy of Victorian life to the terror of sexual assault, a vivid contrast.
Jason read his next chapter where Kwen confronts Tiber, who is still holding a naked Damianos over a bed of hot coals. Tiber drops Damianos who is badly burned. Kwen pours water on him, but that makes things worse, and he just wants to be left alone to heal himself with his own special powers. Meanwhile, Tiber is furious and jealous and turns on Kwen. To appease him, she becomes submissive and says things to swell his egotistic pride. That is probably true to human nature.
Pat and Kristi were unable to attend, but we hope to see them next time.
Four of us who had been at the previous Meeting voted for who deserved to pick from the prize box. But the vote was a stalemate. And people seemed to want to do a secret vote. So now, for the next Meeting, those who were here Wednesday are asked to bring their vote for best piece of writing on a piece of paper (author’s name, I guess). Don’t forget!
The next Meeting will be Wednesday, May 4th at 7:00 p.m. here at my place. Hope to see you then.
Lisa A. Hatton
Author
Thursday, April 7, 2016
THE REVIEW
WRITING ROUNDUP
Charity, Jason, Luke and new member, Pat Burnett, joined me last night for a great meeting of The Rams.
I started the meeting by handing out some things I had copied. There was a one page plan for writing a book, one page for a character chart, one page of writing tips, and one page on points to consider when critiquing.
Luke read a middle chapter from his novel, “The Heart Of The Earth”. The main character, Goren, and his two bodyguards are seeking information. They take a trip to the underground archives of the library, and we are shown a setting where they are not allowed to browse to look for the information they seek.
Pat read the prologue from her novel “Black Caul”. It was a short scene showing a girl experiencing either terror or an anxiety attack in an underground parkade. The scene was riveting and would definitely hook the reader. Then Pat read some research she had done on Bowen Island during the 1940s and 1950s. We asked her if there had been a blackout required of ferries visiting Bowen during the war years, but Pat didn’t know and said she would look that up. If any of our members remember about that, please let us know.
Charity read the next chapter from “Trixie Trouble”, entitled “A Lick And A Promise”. We see Trixie and the preacher’s son, Donovan, still bickering after their fight is broken up by the preacher. Trixie is sent indoors to clean up and is shown to her room by another rescued girl named Charlotte. Trixie is bothered that she doesn’t know where she belongs, and even more so when she sees a black mourning dress she is expected to wear.
Jason’s next chapter shows us Kwen walking through the soldiers’ encampment, on her way to find Damianos. She is accosted by the young soldier, Tement, who blames her for the deaths of four soldiers. She is the only female warrior, but can still defend herself against him, even with her injured shoulder. When she gets to the tent where she expects to find Damianos and her special coin, they aren’t there. This was a well written, edgy chapter. But we did tease Jason about using one humdrum cliché (getting sick and tired of it) when his writing is almost always descriptively unique. He never uses clichés. Beware the cliché, for the Rams will pounce on it! And again, Jason used ‘passed’ when it should have been ‘past’. Examples of use would be: The football player passed the football to another player, who ran it past the goal line for a touchdown. The years passed quickly until they were all in the past. But I’m still working on who’s and whose.
I read another ‘Honey’ story, “Rodeo of Fabrics”. It was about Honey wanting me to sew him a cowboy shirt and his having trouble choosing proper fabrics to make one. This was a very short story, around 300 words. Luke said he was waiting for the story to continue and tell him about actually making the shirt. I’ll have to think about that.
Kristi was unable to attend. Margaret F. said she was up at 3:00 a.m. and then would be working a long day, therefore in bed about the time we started the meeting. Annette said they were doing a lot of yard clean-up. And Hayden said his wife wasn’t well and he needed to stay home for her and their daughter. We missed all these writers.
The next Meeting will be Wednesday, April 20th at 7:00 p.m. here at my place. Hope to see you then.
Lisa A. Hatton
Author
Charity, Jason, Luke and new member, Pat Burnett, joined me last night for a great meeting of The Rams.
I started the meeting by handing out some things I had copied. There was a one page plan for writing a book, one page for a character chart, one page of writing tips, and one page on points to consider when critiquing.
Luke read a middle chapter from his novel, “The Heart Of The Earth”. The main character, Goren, and his two bodyguards are seeking information. They take a trip to the underground archives of the library, and we are shown a setting where they are not allowed to browse to look for the information they seek.
Pat read the prologue from her novel “Black Caul”. It was a short scene showing a girl experiencing either terror or an anxiety attack in an underground parkade. The scene was riveting and would definitely hook the reader. Then Pat read some research she had done on Bowen Island during the 1940s and 1950s. We asked her if there had been a blackout required of ferries visiting Bowen during the war years, but Pat didn’t know and said she would look that up. If any of our members remember about that, please let us know.
Charity read the next chapter from “Trixie Trouble”, entitled “A Lick And A Promise”. We see Trixie and the preacher’s son, Donovan, still bickering after their fight is broken up by the preacher. Trixie is sent indoors to clean up and is shown to her room by another rescued girl named Charlotte. Trixie is bothered that she doesn’t know where she belongs, and even more so when she sees a black mourning dress she is expected to wear.
Jason’s next chapter shows us Kwen walking through the soldiers’ encampment, on her way to find Damianos. She is accosted by the young soldier, Tement, who blames her for the deaths of four soldiers. She is the only female warrior, but can still defend herself against him, even with her injured shoulder. When she gets to the tent where she expects to find Damianos and her special coin, they aren’t there. This was a well written, edgy chapter. But we did tease Jason about using one humdrum cliché (getting sick and tired of it) when his writing is almost always descriptively unique. He never uses clichés. Beware the cliché, for the Rams will pounce on it! And again, Jason used ‘passed’ when it should have been ‘past’. Examples of use would be: The football player passed the football to another player, who ran it past the goal line for a touchdown. The years passed quickly until they were all in the past. But I’m still working on who’s and whose.
I read another ‘Honey’ story, “Rodeo of Fabrics”. It was about Honey wanting me to sew him a cowboy shirt and his having trouble choosing proper fabrics to make one. This was a very short story, around 300 words. Luke said he was waiting for the story to continue and tell him about actually making the shirt. I’ll have to think about that.
Kristi was unable to attend. Margaret F. said she was up at 3:00 a.m. and then would be working a long day, therefore in bed about the time we started the meeting. Annette said they were doing a lot of yard clean-up. And Hayden said his wife wasn’t well and he needed to stay home for her and their daughter. We missed all these writers.
The next Meeting will be Wednesday, April 20th at 7:00 p.m. here at my place. Hope to see you then.
Lisa A. Hatton
Author
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