MEETING OF WOKING WRITERS CIRCLE AT STROLLERS, 21 DECEMBER 2017

Present: Tricia, Heather, Liz, Alan, Cathy, Hilary, Greg.

Apologies: Sarah DD, Sarah SH, Dermot, Peter.

News:

Alan reported that his article about childhood memories of winter rail chaos, Snow, Farce and Fireworks, was published in the December issue of Best of British. Also published was his review of the series Love, Lies and Records in the 4 December issue of TV Choice. He has also been commissioned to write an article on road-rail vehicle, for a railway magazine.

Liz said that the reading group read Small Great Things by Jodi Piccoult. The group had mixed feelings about this. Next month the group is reading Huckleberry Finn. Anyone who wishes to join us more than welcome. Liz also handed out an article on the best Novels.

Greg reported that Woking Writers Circle meetings are set to continue at the same venue in 2018, even though Strollers has now closed. The room is owned by the local Guides and Scouts.

Readings

Tricia: Me Too. This piece explored issues of sexual harassment and rape connected with work following the Harvey Weinstein allegations. There were some good points. Members suggested some other works exploring this topic that Tricia should look at.  Everyone wanted to know how the piece would end, Tricia confessed she hadn’t got there yet. The piece gave rise to some interesting discussions.

Cathy: Family history piece. The exploration of Cathy’s Polish family background and her reasons for investigating it were well written in her usual witty style; it was fascinating and interesting. The group felt that all aspects needed to be captured. There were phrases such as borders crossing people and everything being Stalin’s fault that added to the piece. Alan referred to the book Stalin ate my homework. The piece was very rich, and everyone looks forward to the next instalment.

Hilary: The Fourth King: This short play explores the notion that there was a fourth king not mentioned in the nativity story, principally because she was, well, a she.  The first scene starts with a monologue and we are introduced to various elements, including time travel, Charlotte Perkins Gilbert, another unsung female hero, and the idea of androcentrism. This was lively, witty and created doubts to be resolved. Liz felt the language was too literary, but most people felt it was fine. We all look forward to the next scene.

Heather: Christmas with Kimberley. Heather read another reflection about her mother, poignant, yet very funny. Heather captures the individual nature of the central character, strong images leading to many laugh out loud moments. This will form part of a book and we all want to read it; the group suggested this might have quite a wide audience. Marvellous stuff, can’t wait for the next chapter.

Liz: The Lennie Year. Liz read her annual family update which included some sad moments around the loss of friends and her mum, but ended on a happy note, lifted by the nuptials of her daughter and the exciting trip to America. It was an interesting and reflective piece.

Alan: Flash fiction: The open secret. In 100 words Alan managed to lead us down the garden path and finish with a very nice twist. Cathy suggested that he enter this in a Lancashire competition. Alan also read his trains and tribulations article entitled Snow, Farce and Fireworks”, recounting a trip he had taken as a child. A bit of a departure for Alan but Greg was very impressed by the knowledge displayed and the mention of a certain type of train. A very well written piece deservedly published.

Greg: A Christmas Blog. Greg read a longish short story that he had written some time ago. This was an exceptionally well written modern version of A Christmas Carol. Somehow Greg had managed to create a believable story that paid tribute to Dickens whilst adding a fresh and exciting update; the choice of names and characters together with the settings were well crafted. Liz reminded Greg that she had always liked his stories and wished he wrote more like this.

Next meeting: Thursday 18 January 2018 at the venue formerly known as Strollers.

Homework theme: Everything Must Go

Chair: Cathy

Minutes: Heather

Wine: Greg

Milk and Biscuits: Hilary