25th November
Apologies were received from Joan, Joyce, Brian, Jacky, Linda and Marilyn.
The subject for the day was humorous writing and the workshop was delivered by Kilmarnock writer David F Ross and it proved to be a very enjoyable afternoon as he led us through his thoughts and strategies regarding the subject. He concentrated on both fiction and non-fiction and his talk was liberally salted with anecdotes ranging from running discoes in Masonic lodges through playing Subbuteo with a reknowned bully to exchanging the family budgie for a colour TV in time for the 1970 World Cup and all manner of subjects in between. The group were thoroughly gripped by David especially as he warmed to his subject.
The challenge he set is entitled “Laughing Through the Bruises” - a 250-400 word scene set in a small Scottish town where two characters deal with a mildly disastrous everyday situation (broken down bus, a botched haircut, a lost dog etc)
As we had a number of call-offs I will quote directly from David’s handout as to what must be included:
1. Humour with Bite Sharp, deadpan, character-driven humour
Let the comedy emerge from coping rather than formal jokes
2. Pathos under the Surface Reveal a quiet emotional truth (regret, loneliness, loyalty, resilience)
Let the emotion emerge naturally through action or subtext
3. Authentic Voice Include vivid, local details to ground the story
Use rhythm: snappy beats mixed with moments of stillness
4. The Turn End on a small but resonant shift that mixes tenderness with humour
Quite a challenge, especially given the number of words but if it helps David added that he liked “rulebreakers”!
Entries to be with Morag by midnight on 6th January.
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