DEDICATED DUET
Luke and I were the only Rams here on Wednesday night. Charity had come down with a cold and Kay said she had to work late. I don’t know what happened with anyone else. But Luke and I had lots of time to discuss various issues, which was enjoyable.
I read first, a short piece called “Haunted” which was a second place winner in the Wired Monk writing contest back in 2005. It was about the guilt I felt after refusing to give money to a pregnant woman who stopped me at a fast food restaurant and said she hadn’t eaten in three days.
Luke read the next scene in his novel, which has Goren in the den of the spine snake, which is littered with the bones of previous victims. He is engaged in a battle with the snake but is able to pin it to the ground and then he slices its head off to take as a trophy. He lets the other animal live and they both dine on snake meat. Later in the chapter some backstory explains about Goren’s preference for tracking and exploring over military combat. After betrayal at school, he prefers solitude and freedom. The conflict for Goren will be in learning to accept help from others. I asked Luke if he could put more tension into the battle with the snake to better engage the reader. That’s when Luke said he is much more a world builder than an adventurer and that he prefers reading all the detail of foreign environments himself. It’s true there are all kinds of readers and that tastes differ enormously. Being a girl who doesn’t like snakes, I needed something to entice me to keep reading.
I then read another “Honey” story, this one called “Face To Face”. It’s about when I wanted a new cell phone mostly for taking pictures but ended up with an Android that has internet access on it with Wi-Fi, and how I became so absorbed with using it that Honey had to email me to get my attention. He had tried calling me with it but I didn’t know how to get out of the game I was playing and answer the phone. Luke said he liked the story and thought it was funny.
The next Meeting will be Wednesday, May 3rd at 7:00 p.m. here at my place. Keep writing even though it’s spring and you want to be outside playing!
Lisa A. Hatton
Author
Friday, April 21, 2017
Thursday, April 6, 2017
THE REVIEW
HIGH FIVE
Five of us met last night in spite of the rain. Shannon, Luke, Charity and Guy all joined me for an awesome evening of readings and conversation.
Charity read first, from “Trixie Trouble”, her next chapter. Trixie goes back to where her Pa had been hung, missing him, and she finishes off the flask of brandy. She nods off and dreams of her Pa, but is awakened by Brett Marley who assaults and tries to rape her. In a desperate struggle, she shoots him with his own shotgun. This chapter was a total surprise as it was in stark contrast to previous humorous chapters. Charity says she likes to surprise the reader.
Luke is working on his novel “The Heart Of The Earth” and has added a new first chapter, with the character Gorin. We see him hunting a beast known as a celiat, following it up a mountain. He suspects the beast is also hunting something. But when he follows it into a cave and finds it collapsed, he realizes the beast had been used to lure him, a bigger catch, into the cave of a spine snake. We don’t know yet who is at the top of the food chain here.
Guy didn’t read anything. He says he’s trying to sort out what he wants to write about the life of a seventeen year old boy. Guy did ask us about copyright. We all agreed that writers are automatically the owners of copyright to their work but if they want to register the copyright they can do so for a fee at the Copyright Office of the Canadian Intellectual Property Office. However, it is still up to the owner to do the policing for any possible theft of reproductive rights of their own material.
Shannon read Chapter 1 of her novel, “Senior Citizens’ Serial Killer”. As the ambulance sits outside Howard’s trailer where he died on top of Bethany, a crowd of seniors gathers outside, fueling the gossip mill. Julie, a private investigator wanting to be a detective, is there with two friends, speculating about the possibility of a crime having been committed, when the police arrive. Shannon wasn’t happy with this chapter and plans to re-write it to add more excitement to the appearance of an ambulance in this quiet seniors’ community.
I read “Honey’s Next Degree” about Honey suffering while I underwent surgery, and then finding his feet when he had to obtain specific medical and mobility aids for my recovery. He used his engineering skills to source the right equipment. I did say I had finished editing the collection and am now formatting the manuscript. I was struggling with inserting a table of contents, but Shannon gave me a tip I will try. And I still have to decide if I will submit hard copy or email copy to the publisher I’m thinking about. Charity said she thinks hard copy probably garners more attention than an email. A large chunk of actual mail is harder to ignore.
The next Meeting will be Wednesday, April 19th at 7:00 p.m. here at my place. Happy Easter to all the Rams in the meantime, and eat all those chocolate bunnies for me since I can’t have them any more.
TONGUE IN CHEEK: A bibliophile is one who loves or collects books, while a biblioklept is one who steals them.
Lisa A. Hatton
Author
Five of us met last night in spite of the rain. Shannon, Luke, Charity and Guy all joined me for an awesome evening of readings and conversation.
Charity read first, from “Trixie Trouble”, her next chapter. Trixie goes back to where her Pa had been hung, missing him, and she finishes off the flask of brandy. She nods off and dreams of her Pa, but is awakened by Brett Marley who assaults and tries to rape her. In a desperate struggle, she shoots him with his own shotgun. This chapter was a total surprise as it was in stark contrast to previous humorous chapters. Charity says she likes to surprise the reader.
Luke is working on his novel “The Heart Of The Earth” and has added a new first chapter, with the character Gorin. We see him hunting a beast known as a celiat, following it up a mountain. He suspects the beast is also hunting something. But when he follows it into a cave and finds it collapsed, he realizes the beast had been used to lure him, a bigger catch, into the cave of a spine snake. We don’t know yet who is at the top of the food chain here.
Guy didn’t read anything. He says he’s trying to sort out what he wants to write about the life of a seventeen year old boy. Guy did ask us about copyright. We all agreed that writers are automatically the owners of copyright to their work but if they want to register the copyright they can do so for a fee at the Copyright Office of the Canadian Intellectual Property Office. However, it is still up to the owner to do the policing for any possible theft of reproductive rights of their own material.
Shannon read Chapter 1 of her novel, “Senior Citizens’ Serial Killer”. As the ambulance sits outside Howard’s trailer where he died on top of Bethany, a crowd of seniors gathers outside, fueling the gossip mill. Julie, a private investigator wanting to be a detective, is there with two friends, speculating about the possibility of a crime having been committed, when the police arrive. Shannon wasn’t happy with this chapter and plans to re-write it to add more excitement to the appearance of an ambulance in this quiet seniors’ community.
I read “Honey’s Next Degree” about Honey suffering while I underwent surgery, and then finding his feet when he had to obtain specific medical and mobility aids for my recovery. He used his engineering skills to source the right equipment. I did say I had finished editing the collection and am now formatting the manuscript. I was struggling with inserting a table of contents, but Shannon gave me a tip I will try. And I still have to decide if I will submit hard copy or email copy to the publisher I’m thinking about. Charity said she thinks hard copy probably garners more attention than an email. A large chunk of actual mail is harder to ignore.
The next Meeting will be Wednesday, April 19th at 7:00 p.m. here at my place. Happy Easter to all the Rams in the meantime, and eat all those chocolate bunnies for me since I can’t have them any more.
TONGUE IN CHEEK: A bibliophile is one who loves or collects books, while a biblioklept is one who steals them.
Lisa A. Hatton
Author
Friday, March 17, 2017
THE REVIEW
THE GIFT OF THE GAB
Luke, Charity and Annette all joined me Wednesday and it was so nice to see Annette again after such a long absence. With only 4 of us present, we had lots of time for catching up with each other.
Luke read his final chapter that has Dalin cleaned up and in his new uniform, going to pick out the soldiers he will take with him to the city. Torch is one he wants but she resists until he assures her he needs her to watch his back, mostly as a friend he trusts. The ending of this chapter wrapped things up nicely, but also left room for continuation in a later story. Well done.
Charity read the next chapter about Trixie Trouble, after she runs from the barn when Fat Marley says he wants to become mayor. Donovan follows her and declines the brandy she offers. The two of them argue and he leaves. She is devastated that people who killed her father for horse stealing would elect for mayor someone who stole even more from people.
I read a ‘Honey’ story, “Friday The Thirteenth”, which shows a cast of strange characters at the local Legion branch one Friday night. Luke and Charity both wanted me to make the ending less abrupt and I will see what I can do with it.
Annette didn’t have a story to read, but shared with us the plot she has devised for a mystery night she has planned for ladies at her church. After a party, there is theft of some jewels and participants are given clues and alibis and must discover who stole the jewels. Annette promised to advise us of who the culprit was after the mystery night.
Kay, Guy and Shannon were all unable to attend but we hope to see them again soon. Kay has said she will come back the middle of April. Guy said he will come back the next Meeting. And Annette has said she will come back in May. I look forward to seeing them all.
The next Meeting will be Wednesday, April 5th at 7:00 p.m. here at my place. So kiss the Blarney Stone today and write down all the words that flow!
Tomorrow, Saturday the 18th, I’m meeting Kay at the Lemon Bakery in Langley City at noon for probably a couple of hours for lunch, writing, gabbing, or whatever. If you want to join our writers’ corner there, you are welcome.
Lisa A. Hatton
Author
My Motto: Hook, Line and Printer!
Luke, Charity and Annette all joined me Wednesday and it was so nice to see Annette again after such a long absence. With only 4 of us present, we had lots of time for catching up with each other.
Luke read his final chapter that has Dalin cleaned up and in his new uniform, going to pick out the soldiers he will take with him to the city. Torch is one he wants but she resists until he assures her he needs her to watch his back, mostly as a friend he trusts. The ending of this chapter wrapped things up nicely, but also left room for continuation in a later story. Well done.
Charity read the next chapter about Trixie Trouble, after she runs from the barn when Fat Marley says he wants to become mayor. Donovan follows her and declines the brandy she offers. The two of them argue and he leaves. She is devastated that people who killed her father for horse stealing would elect for mayor someone who stole even more from people.
I read a ‘Honey’ story, “Friday The Thirteenth”, which shows a cast of strange characters at the local Legion branch one Friday night. Luke and Charity both wanted me to make the ending less abrupt and I will see what I can do with it.
Annette didn’t have a story to read, but shared with us the plot she has devised for a mystery night she has planned for ladies at her church. After a party, there is theft of some jewels and participants are given clues and alibis and must discover who stole the jewels. Annette promised to advise us of who the culprit was after the mystery night.
Kay, Guy and Shannon were all unable to attend but we hope to see them again soon. Kay has said she will come back the middle of April. Guy said he will come back the next Meeting. And Annette has said she will come back in May. I look forward to seeing them all.
The next Meeting will be Wednesday, April 5th at 7:00 p.m. here at my place. So kiss the Blarney Stone today and write down all the words that flow!
Tomorrow, Saturday the 18th, I’m meeting Kay at the Lemon Bakery in Langley City at noon for probably a couple of hours for lunch, writing, gabbing, or whatever. If you want to join our writers’ corner there, you are welcome.
Lisa A. Hatton
Author
My Motto: Hook, Line and Printer!
Saturday, March 4, 2017
THE REVIEW
FOUR LIONS
There were four Rams here on Wednesday, trying to roar like lions to bring in the first of March. We all had something to read, which made for a good start to the month.
Luke read first, his next chapter with Dalin and the General. The General admitted to Dalin there had been a spy among his support staff, but he blamed Dalin publicly to fool the spy, Commander Sark, and catch him. Dalin was promoted to Commader of Capital Garrison, and the General asked him to defend the city. We asked Luke if he could break up the constant dialogue in this chapter with relevant action on the part of the characters. And since it was not the end of the book, I thought it could use a small hook at the end rather than what seemed like closure. Now that I’m thinking again about the reading, I want to ask Luke if this piece was all one point of view, or if there was a switch made within this scene. You know me, I’m a stickler for not changing point of view willy-nilly in the same scene.
Guy read to us some more about George, called “Lost Upon Discovery”. We’re told George worked on one family farm where he socialized with the daughters, then went to work at a chicken eviscerating plant. As his mother wanted him back in school, he then went to live with another family where he did farm chores in return for room and board while he went to school. We suggested Guy give us some dialogue between characters and more detail of these various settings, and some idea of what George was thinking and feeling at the time. It’s great that Guy is listing all these events, but the reader needs more to connect with the character and care about him. However, it is becoming clear that George just packs up and moves on whenever something isn’t working out.
Shannon has written and published one cozy mystery called “Mobile Home Murder” in digital format with Amazon. She plans to write a series based on the shenanigans of seniors in a mobile home park in Florida. Her parents live in such a place and she has visited them and knows whereof she writes. She read to us the prologue of her second book “Senior Citizen Serial Killer”. It shows us a 68 year old Gertrude physically pinned on the bed by a very dead 89 year old lover on top of her. She can’t get him off her and is terrified of what everyone will think of her. Her predicament is revealed with humour and insight and we look forward to hearing more.
I read another ‘Honey’ story I’ve edited. This was “Don’t Rock The Boat” about a funny attempt for us to watch the Canada Day fireworks over Lake Okanagan, with family and a friend, from onboard a houseboat when the barbecue catches fire and the boat rocks precariously as some passengers scramble to discard marijuana as the police boat approaches with siren wailing.
Margaret Moffatt’s goodbye to readers of Today’s Senior Newsmagazine was published in their March issue. We really hope her health will improve that she might again write and submit her articles on the history of B.C.
Kay and Charity were unable to attend, but Kay did say she had published her script, “Porcelain”. We wish her luck with it.
We give thanks to Guy for the chocolates he brought, which he and Luke seemed to really enjoy. Do I dare ask them if chocolate is as good as…..?
Next Meeting will be Wednesday, March 15th at 7:00 p.m. here at my place. Look forward to seeing you then.
Lisa A. Hatton
Author
There were four Rams here on Wednesday, trying to roar like lions to bring in the first of March. We all had something to read, which made for a good start to the month.
Luke read first, his next chapter with Dalin and the General. The General admitted to Dalin there had been a spy among his support staff, but he blamed Dalin publicly to fool the spy, Commander Sark, and catch him. Dalin was promoted to Commader of Capital Garrison, and the General asked him to defend the city. We asked Luke if he could break up the constant dialogue in this chapter with relevant action on the part of the characters. And since it was not the end of the book, I thought it could use a small hook at the end rather than what seemed like closure. Now that I’m thinking again about the reading, I want to ask Luke if this piece was all one point of view, or if there was a switch made within this scene. You know me, I’m a stickler for not changing point of view willy-nilly in the same scene.
Guy read to us some more about George, called “Lost Upon Discovery”. We’re told George worked on one family farm where he socialized with the daughters, then went to work at a chicken eviscerating plant. As his mother wanted him back in school, he then went to live with another family where he did farm chores in return for room and board while he went to school. We suggested Guy give us some dialogue between characters and more detail of these various settings, and some idea of what George was thinking and feeling at the time. It’s great that Guy is listing all these events, but the reader needs more to connect with the character and care about him. However, it is becoming clear that George just packs up and moves on whenever something isn’t working out.
Shannon has written and published one cozy mystery called “Mobile Home Murder” in digital format with Amazon. She plans to write a series based on the shenanigans of seniors in a mobile home park in Florida. Her parents live in such a place and she has visited them and knows whereof she writes. She read to us the prologue of her second book “Senior Citizen Serial Killer”. It shows us a 68 year old Gertrude physically pinned on the bed by a very dead 89 year old lover on top of her. She can’t get him off her and is terrified of what everyone will think of her. Her predicament is revealed with humour and insight and we look forward to hearing more.
I read another ‘Honey’ story I’ve edited. This was “Don’t Rock The Boat” about a funny attempt for us to watch the Canada Day fireworks over Lake Okanagan, with family and a friend, from onboard a houseboat when the barbecue catches fire and the boat rocks precariously as some passengers scramble to discard marijuana as the police boat approaches with siren wailing.
Margaret Moffatt’s goodbye to readers of Today’s Senior Newsmagazine was published in their March issue. We really hope her health will improve that she might again write and submit her articles on the history of B.C.
Kay and Charity were unable to attend, but Kay did say she had published her script, “Porcelain”. We wish her luck with it.
We give thanks to Guy for the chocolates he brought, which he and Luke seemed to really enjoy. Do I dare ask them if chocolate is as good as…..?
Next Meeting will be Wednesday, March 15th at 7:00 p.m. here at my place. Look forward to seeing you then.
Lisa A. Hatton
Author
Saturday, February 18, 2017
THE REVIEW
GENERATION X
Had a great turnout for the Meeting on Wednesday. Shannon, Jason, Luke, Guy, Charity and Kay all joined me in honour of The Muse. Guy is my generation, but everyone else is much younger and the difference in age and experience was brought home to me three times. Once was when I said my favourite author, Stuart McLean had passed away, and somebody didn’t know who that was or what the Vinyl Café was. Then Guy and I mentioned the book “Lady Chatterley’s Lover” and we were the only two who knew about its importance in ‘sex education’ during our formative years. And then I read a “Honey” story about a birthday lunch at the Seniors’ Center, and everyone looked blank and politely refrained from comment. Too funny. I am just so thankful to see the younger generation is interested in writing and storytelling and hope they find The Rams a comfortable place to share their musings, in spite of my elderly presence.
Guy read first, a short piece that is the beginning of a biography about George. He is a young man in the 1950’s who is trying to figure out where he belongs in the world and what he should be doing with his life. We asked Guy if he could add some more detail to the story to better inform the reader of its setting and of George’s thoughts and feelings at the time.
Kay is working on a movie script about a Canadian girl and her misfortunate trip abroad. She explained to us how the story plot has to have precise timing in order to fit the parameters of a movie.
Luke read his next scene where Dalin is taken before the General and they discuss his possible punishment. But then the General says Dalin was right, that there was a spy. That’s a wonderful hook to end the scene, or chapter.
Shannon told us she produces a comic strip with her husband. She writes the story, and he does the graphics. They post a new episode online each week and have about 80,000 followers. It’s about a 30 year old male and his dog, trying to make his way in the world.
Charity read the next chapter from “Trixie Trouble”, and we see her in the hot barn during the church service, with all the sinners from the night before. Donovan tells her that her debt has been paid, that she is safe. Then Fat Marley announces he has absolved all gambling debts and hands out leaflets saying he is running for mayor. Trixie turns and runs out of the church for her own salvation.
I read “The Birthday Gift”, about Honey taking me to the Seniors’ Center for lunch on my 62nd birthday, and realizing I was still pretty young in comparison to other attendees.
Jason said he had contacted Good Reads and asked some beta readers to read “Provoked” and give him some reviews. He had been going to read us one or more, but the conversation segued into Jason saying he is going to leave writing for the time being and move on to other things in his life. On leaving the Meeting, he told me he will let me know any time he plans to attend any Meeting in the future. We all wish Jason well and will miss him greatly.
The next Meeting will be Wednesday, March 1st, at 7:00 p.m. here at my place. Hope to see you then. And may the vault of your inspiration be unlocked and open wide for you.
TONGUE IN CHEEK: What did the thesaurus eat for breakfast? A synonym roll.
Lisa A. Hatton
Author
Had a great turnout for the Meeting on Wednesday. Shannon, Jason, Luke, Guy, Charity and Kay all joined me in honour of The Muse. Guy is my generation, but everyone else is much younger and the difference in age and experience was brought home to me three times. Once was when I said my favourite author, Stuart McLean had passed away, and somebody didn’t know who that was or what the Vinyl Café was. Then Guy and I mentioned the book “Lady Chatterley’s Lover” and we were the only two who knew about its importance in ‘sex education’ during our formative years. And then I read a “Honey” story about a birthday lunch at the Seniors’ Center, and everyone looked blank and politely refrained from comment. Too funny. I am just so thankful to see the younger generation is interested in writing and storytelling and hope they find The Rams a comfortable place to share their musings, in spite of my elderly presence.
Guy read first, a short piece that is the beginning of a biography about George. He is a young man in the 1950’s who is trying to figure out where he belongs in the world and what he should be doing with his life. We asked Guy if he could add some more detail to the story to better inform the reader of its setting and of George’s thoughts and feelings at the time.
Kay is working on a movie script about a Canadian girl and her misfortunate trip abroad. She explained to us how the story plot has to have precise timing in order to fit the parameters of a movie.
Luke read his next scene where Dalin is taken before the General and they discuss his possible punishment. But then the General says Dalin was right, that there was a spy. That’s a wonderful hook to end the scene, or chapter.
Shannon told us she produces a comic strip with her husband. She writes the story, and he does the graphics. They post a new episode online each week and have about 80,000 followers. It’s about a 30 year old male and his dog, trying to make his way in the world.
Charity read the next chapter from “Trixie Trouble”, and we see her in the hot barn during the church service, with all the sinners from the night before. Donovan tells her that her debt has been paid, that she is safe. Then Fat Marley announces he has absolved all gambling debts and hands out leaflets saying he is running for mayor. Trixie turns and runs out of the church for her own salvation.
I read “The Birthday Gift”, about Honey taking me to the Seniors’ Center for lunch on my 62nd birthday, and realizing I was still pretty young in comparison to other attendees.
Jason said he had contacted Good Reads and asked some beta readers to read “Provoked” and give him some reviews. He had been going to read us one or more, but the conversation segued into Jason saying he is going to leave writing for the time being and move on to other things in his life. On leaving the Meeting, he told me he will let me know any time he plans to attend any Meeting in the future. We all wish Jason well and will miss him greatly.
The next Meeting will be Wednesday, March 1st, at 7:00 p.m. here at my place. Hope to see you then. And may the vault of your inspiration be unlocked and open wide for you.
TONGUE IN CHEEK: What did the thesaurus eat for breakfast? A synonym roll.
Lisa A. Hatton
Author
Thursday, February 2, 2017
THE REVIEW
STAY HEALTHY!
Luke, Charity, Kay and new member Guy, joined me last night for our Meeting even though three of us were not feeling very well. Jason said he was spending the evening celebrating his wife’s birthday.
Guy asked how the group functioned in our Meetings, and what was expected. So I read a story of mine called “Predator and Prey” about a woman calling to ask about the group, but who was very sarcastic and nasty with her comments and then hung up on me after I explained we were mostly a support group and not a writing class. We learn from each other.
Then Guy mentioned the comments I had made to him about his character Ursula, a waitress in a bar, in his short story that I had read. I had said I could see where she was encouraging George as a suitor, but then pushing him away, more than once. Upon later reflection, I said I thought that could be typical behavior of a waitress in a bar, who is flirtatious with male patrons who could be big tippers, but not wanting a relationship with them otherwise. Guy also said he needs to change the ending of his story, to make it have a bigger impact.
Kay told us about thoroughly enjoying the screenwriter’s workshop she attended last weekend in Vancouver. It was very informative about story structure for screenplays, and how they differ from novels. She learned about all the rights the author signs away when selling a screenplay, and the possibility it might never be produced. But she was also given a list of contacts to sell a screenplay. She said she loved this form of writing and thought she had found her niche.
Charity read from “Trixie Trouble” and we see her on Sunday morning, in her room at Mrs. Fisher’s. Not wanting to face going to church, she sips some brandy. But Mrs. Fisher brings her a cup of coffee and helps her get ready for breakfast and church. As she heads to church in her bonnet and new shiny shoes, she still has the bottle of brandy in her pocket.
Luke read the next scene of Dalin locked in the wagon in camp. He’s stiff and sore after a long and painful night, and then endures the hot and sticky day. He hears the sounds of war as the wagon moves in starts and stops, through the pass and then enters the broad valley. Still locked in the wagon, he realizes he had been terribly wrong about what he thought would happen.
In honour of Valentine’s Day, I read first a poem that asks Bryon if he will be my valentine, written in 1994. Then I read a short prose piece demonstrating how we still hunger for each other’s smile after more than twenty years together.
Margaret Moffatt had an article about the history of Sandon, B.C. in the February issue of Today’s Senior Newsmagazine. Margaret’s been battling ill health and may no longer be writing her historical articles. We wish her all the best.
The next Meeting will be Wednesday, February 15th at 7:00 p.m. here at my place. Hope to see you then. Stay healthy and keep on writing!
Lisa A. Hatton
Author
Luke, Charity, Kay and new member Guy, joined me last night for our Meeting even though three of us were not feeling very well. Jason said he was spending the evening celebrating his wife’s birthday.
Guy asked how the group functioned in our Meetings, and what was expected. So I read a story of mine called “Predator and Prey” about a woman calling to ask about the group, but who was very sarcastic and nasty with her comments and then hung up on me after I explained we were mostly a support group and not a writing class. We learn from each other.
Then Guy mentioned the comments I had made to him about his character Ursula, a waitress in a bar, in his short story that I had read. I had said I could see where she was encouraging George as a suitor, but then pushing him away, more than once. Upon later reflection, I said I thought that could be typical behavior of a waitress in a bar, who is flirtatious with male patrons who could be big tippers, but not wanting a relationship with them otherwise. Guy also said he needs to change the ending of his story, to make it have a bigger impact.
Kay told us about thoroughly enjoying the screenwriter’s workshop she attended last weekend in Vancouver. It was very informative about story structure for screenplays, and how they differ from novels. She learned about all the rights the author signs away when selling a screenplay, and the possibility it might never be produced. But she was also given a list of contacts to sell a screenplay. She said she loved this form of writing and thought she had found her niche.
Charity read from “Trixie Trouble” and we see her on Sunday morning, in her room at Mrs. Fisher’s. Not wanting to face going to church, she sips some brandy. But Mrs. Fisher brings her a cup of coffee and helps her get ready for breakfast and church. As she heads to church in her bonnet and new shiny shoes, she still has the bottle of brandy in her pocket.
Luke read the next scene of Dalin locked in the wagon in camp. He’s stiff and sore after a long and painful night, and then endures the hot and sticky day. He hears the sounds of war as the wagon moves in starts and stops, through the pass and then enters the broad valley. Still locked in the wagon, he realizes he had been terribly wrong about what he thought would happen.
In honour of Valentine’s Day, I read first a poem that asks Bryon if he will be my valentine, written in 1994. Then I read a short prose piece demonstrating how we still hunger for each other’s smile after more than twenty years together.
Margaret Moffatt had an article about the history of Sandon, B.C. in the February issue of Today’s Senior Newsmagazine. Margaret’s been battling ill health and may no longer be writing her historical articles. We wish her all the best.
The next Meeting will be Wednesday, February 15th at 7:00 p.m. here at my place. Hope to see you then. Stay healthy and keep on writing!
Lisa A. Hatton
Author
Friday, January 20, 2017
THE REVIEW
SEVEN SCRIBES
The end of the cold snap saw the end of our long hiatus from meeting as writers. Jason, Kay, Luke, Monica, Charity and Margaret all joined me Wednesday for a very inspiring Meeting. We talked a bit about our writing goals for 2017. Kay wants to finish her novel and then turn it into a screenplay. She is going to a screenplay workshop later this month. Jason wants something to happen with his submission, but feels at this point in his life, he needs to get back out into the world in some way he finds satisfying. He will probably always be a writer, but wants a greater connection with the real world than he’s had as a stay at home parent. Monica will keep working on her dissertation, but also wants to work on more creative writings to reconnect with her soul. Charity wants to finish “Trixie Trouble” and find an agent for it. Luke wants to finish his novel and take it to the Surrey International Writers’ Conference. Margaret is still working on “Babes In The Wood”. And I’m going to finish re-writing “Honey Signed The Waiver” and submit it somewhere this year. We’ll have to check our progress at the end of the year.
Luke read a scene from his novel about the young soldier, Dalin. The scene shows him being blamed after the army was trapped when they followed his suggestions to counter a supposed ambush. He tells the General to look for a spy amongst them, but the General is very angry at the loss of 500 soldiers. Dalin is taken to lock up.
Charity read the next chapter from “Trixie Trouble” where Donovan stops her from being caught stealing a horse and covers for her when Brett comes looking for her. Donovan talks her out of running away and into coming to church the next day.
Monica read a short piece saying goodbye to 2016 and the losses she endured, and welcoming the hope and opportunity of the New Year. Then she read a poem, “Goodbye My Friend, You Live Within”. It was a heartfelt tribute to a friend who died, but also a look at her own remorse for not being able to visit her at the end or attend her funeral. It was a poem full of raw emotion.
Margaret read Chapter 11, “The File” from “Babes In The Wood”. After reading the file at the Vancouver Police Station, she goes home and tells her husband about dates and events and reports not making sense. She tells Chris she thinks somebody has re-written the report. And we all assumed it was to hide something.
Jason said he had updated “Provoked” for submission to the agent, but that he hadn’t also updated the version still available on Amazon. He is thinking of asking for reviews from readers at Good Reads.
I brought up the Whistler Independent Book Awards competition where the entry fee is $100.00 and the prize is help self-publishing, 100 hard copies of the published book, and a book launch at Whistler. I said I had emailed them to ask if my ‘Honey’ story collection would qualify, but hadn’t heard back. However, since that Meeting, I’ve received their response and my collection would qualify as non-fiction. I’m still thinking about submitting.
I asked Margaret and Kay, since they both belong to the Federation of B.C. Writers, if they could get the on-line listing for The Ram’s Head Writers’ Group updated. The listing still has us meeting on Thursdays and still has Susan Flanagan as a local contact. Though Susan still receives all emails, she did move back to Newfoundland about ten years ago. Most inquiries I receive about the group now originate from that one internet listing and people are sometime dismayed that we meet Wednesdays instead. I’ve asked them to update the listing before, but it’s never happened. I wasn’t too concerned when we still had the Rams website, but that is no longer there to provide information. Although lots of viewers in Russia and the U.S. seem to be finding The Review on the blog, I don’t think that gets us inquiries about joining the group.
The next Meeting will be Wednesday, February 1st at 7:00 p.m. here at my place. Good luck working toward your goals and I so look forward to seeing you on the 1st!
Lisa A. Hatton
Author
The end of the cold snap saw the end of our long hiatus from meeting as writers. Jason, Kay, Luke, Monica, Charity and Margaret all joined me Wednesday for a very inspiring Meeting. We talked a bit about our writing goals for 2017. Kay wants to finish her novel and then turn it into a screenplay. She is going to a screenplay workshop later this month. Jason wants something to happen with his submission, but feels at this point in his life, he needs to get back out into the world in some way he finds satisfying. He will probably always be a writer, but wants a greater connection with the real world than he’s had as a stay at home parent. Monica will keep working on her dissertation, but also wants to work on more creative writings to reconnect with her soul. Charity wants to finish “Trixie Trouble” and find an agent for it. Luke wants to finish his novel and take it to the Surrey International Writers’ Conference. Margaret is still working on “Babes In The Wood”. And I’m going to finish re-writing “Honey Signed The Waiver” and submit it somewhere this year. We’ll have to check our progress at the end of the year.
Luke read a scene from his novel about the young soldier, Dalin. The scene shows him being blamed after the army was trapped when they followed his suggestions to counter a supposed ambush. He tells the General to look for a spy amongst them, but the General is very angry at the loss of 500 soldiers. Dalin is taken to lock up.
Charity read the next chapter from “Trixie Trouble” where Donovan stops her from being caught stealing a horse and covers for her when Brett comes looking for her. Donovan talks her out of running away and into coming to church the next day.
Monica read a short piece saying goodbye to 2016 and the losses she endured, and welcoming the hope and opportunity of the New Year. Then she read a poem, “Goodbye My Friend, You Live Within”. It was a heartfelt tribute to a friend who died, but also a look at her own remorse for not being able to visit her at the end or attend her funeral. It was a poem full of raw emotion.
Margaret read Chapter 11, “The File” from “Babes In The Wood”. After reading the file at the Vancouver Police Station, she goes home and tells her husband about dates and events and reports not making sense. She tells Chris she thinks somebody has re-written the report. And we all assumed it was to hide something.
Jason said he had updated “Provoked” for submission to the agent, but that he hadn’t also updated the version still available on Amazon. He is thinking of asking for reviews from readers at Good Reads.
I brought up the Whistler Independent Book Awards competition where the entry fee is $100.00 and the prize is help self-publishing, 100 hard copies of the published book, and a book launch at Whistler. I said I had emailed them to ask if my ‘Honey’ story collection would qualify, but hadn’t heard back. However, since that Meeting, I’ve received their response and my collection would qualify as non-fiction. I’m still thinking about submitting.
I asked Margaret and Kay, since they both belong to the Federation of B.C. Writers, if they could get the on-line listing for The Ram’s Head Writers’ Group updated. The listing still has us meeting on Thursdays and still has Susan Flanagan as a local contact. Though Susan still receives all emails, she did move back to Newfoundland about ten years ago. Most inquiries I receive about the group now originate from that one internet listing and people are sometime dismayed that we meet Wednesdays instead. I’ve asked them to update the listing before, but it’s never happened. I wasn’t too concerned when we still had the Rams website, but that is no longer there to provide information. Although lots of viewers in Russia and the U.S. seem to be finding The Review on the blog, I don’t think that gets us inquiries about joining the group.
The next Meeting will be Wednesday, February 1st at 7:00 p.m. here at my place. Good luck working toward your goals and I so look forward to seeing you on the 1st!
Lisa A. Hatton
Author
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