tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71941235490785186932024-03-13T10:04:44.908+00:00Erskine WritersUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger355125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7194123549078518693.post-89269457420115863152024-03-12T16:56:00.001+00:002024-03-12T16:56:39.495+00:00Welcome to Erskine Writers.<div style="text-align: center;">
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7194123549078518693.post-29943977837412606552024-03-12T16:56:00.000+00:002024-03-12T16:56:01.844+00:00Erskine Writers Meeting 12th March 2024<p>The meeting was attended by six members from the group. There were readings from Donnie, an update on his wonderful 'Falkirk Story'. We all agreed that this should be transferred to the small screen as it would be a great watch. Jennie read another compelling chapter from her novel, and John presented three more Wordle/Quordle Flash Fiction pieces.</p><p>Next week is the deadline for The Young Adult Short Story.</p>John Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03560914879054100562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7194123549078518693.post-19677780633071470722024-03-06T08:59:00.001+00:002024-03-06T09:02:49.638+00:00Erskine e Writers Meeting 5th March 2024<p>We opened the meeting with birthday wishes for Rob celebrating his 21st birthday or maybe just slightly older than that. Box of Maltesers kept the energy levels up during the afternoon session this was on open manuscripts.</p><p>Sandra gave us a flavour of book 22 of the Lorimer series, reading the first chapter. Rob provided us with two short pieces that he is writing for his granddaughters in Canada. The first entitled ' Lightening Strikes Out' based on the Komodo Dragon 'Calat' who sadly passed away this year at the age of thirty. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGk3SeOyMt8R2xy1c7PXWux3YcrgoG2DqCZa_fvTSPzxi_Q-dwxwOGbkkCml4Bk-Shs41U66Y7JGcIn_2lZ5aYAmlUQgqTP3-9YMOoD72D4NYMjCEJs3BhEeffHNzsBqFiiEDl2D5Fq9W6G6l-NaIOgBslxe2rndTu5RB_KB83flOg8w26im-8xcXk1FbE/s4032/IMG_6073.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGk3SeOyMt8R2xy1c7PXWux3YcrgoG2DqCZa_fvTSPzxi_Q-dwxwOGbkkCml4Bk-Shs41U66Y7JGcIn_2lZ5aYAmlUQgqTP3-9YMOoD72D4NYMjCEJs3BhEeffHNzsBqFiiEDl2D5Fq9W6G6l-NaIOgBslxe2rndTu5RB_KB83flOg8w26im-8xcXk1FbE/s320/IMG_6073.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>The second was entitled 'Fried and Prejudice' this was informing us of Rob's love for a good breakfast which he has a top ten. This story was the breakfast he discovered at St Lawrence Market in Yianni's Kitchen a Greek Restaurant his piece left the group salivating but we had to make do with the Maltesers!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSxLzwfs55DasBt5JPdM9p5ijjoEQYbd9BFcLNuQSpeUU6kGRGq_n9gj2LZuaFqrYXjKEzfeed_UIsH0SySbOIDo5OcbJgiGMEBK3SQd865t0C13NkU5BOhLlBnUZP8JuZY4bQm6hhY45avoP2vnfEDgV9Kbn541O6h4a7Z-j-jRvSBD_bQeOwTBOCVZ93/s2732/IMG_6074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1826" data-original-width="2732" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSxLzwfs55DasBt5JPdM9p5ijjoEQYbd9BFcLNuQSpeUU6kGRGq_n9gj2LZuaFqrYXjKEzfeed_UIsH0SySbOIDo5OcbJgiGMEBK3SQd865t0C13NkU5BOhLlBnUZP8JuZY4bQm6hhY45avoP2vnfEDgV9Kbn541O6h4a7Z-j-jRvSBD_bQeOwTBOCVZ93/s320/IMG_6074.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>John provided a short flash fiction (100 words) based on the nine words extracted from Tuesday's Wordle and Quordle.</p><p>Jeannie read a nw chapter from the book she is currently writing. The chapter was entitled 'The Hawk' which centred on the first night of the Clydebank bombings. A very powerful piece of prose.</p><p>Jackie read her Woman's Short Story entitled "Nobody's Trophy, very well received by all the group.</p><p>The meeting closed with Lorna providing feedback from the event she attended in Musselburgh which was informing the audience on Kindle Direct Publishing. The group appreciated the information and handout from Lorna.</p>John Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03560914879054100562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7194123549078518693.post-77772571485637698312024-02-28T09:36:00.000+00:002024-02-28T09:36:18.365+00:00Erskine Writers Meeting 27th February 2024<p><span style="font-family: arial;">Our meeting today was attended by ten members of the group with eight apologies. There was clarification on dates and subject matter for competition entries and John will send an email out to all the group to update them on this. John will also update syllabus to reflect this.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The group selected two photos/pictures from the hat and tasked to write either short story or the opening of a story from what they had selected. We were given 20 minutes for the task and then read out our writings to the group. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Once again we saw how much imagination and diversity we have within the group with all the members achieving excellent pieces within the time given. The one that had brought us to tears with laughter was Mandy's piece, based on the photograph below. Interpreting this as a lads day out to Millport.</span></p><p><br /></p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ40m7BDSbNlJvDGmZ5kvQfYCa5Ryusfz9PFt1VrVNhN_7S9zFllq4QuxNABMRhDlZ2f77pQWS1QHmxW2G0txpZstTc8oBYr2G0tYFkFhwcd9HWTtwqC3YINuQ1_Q7OY7Azjq5MWtb1nfuscrYGOB-w1xFL8ix6yinIyDsB1GK_7-P1GfVRfbuX3f3LQ-D/s640/IMG_6020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ40m7BDSbNlJvDGmZ5kvQfYCa5Ryusfz9PFt1VrVNhN_7S9zFllq4QuxNABMRhDlZ2f77pQWS1QHmxW2G0txpZstTc8oBYr2G0tYFkFhwcd9HWTtwqC3YINuQ1_Q7OY7Azjq5MWtb1nfuscrYGOB-w1xFL8ix6yinIyDsB1GK_7-P1GfVRfbuX3f3LQ-D/w193-h257/IMG_6020.jpg" width="193" /></a></div><br /><p></p>John Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03560914879054100562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7194123549078518693.post-63966372205067371652024-02-23T14:36:00.002+00:002024-02-23T14:36:28.742+00:00Erskine Writers Meeting 20th February 2024<p> <span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">Minute of Meeting Erskine Writers 20 February 2024</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">14 Attended, 3 apologies.</p>
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<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Members advised of recent successes. John Spence had been invited to write and direct a short film for an amateur dramatic group. The 10 minute film would be shown at 2 film festivals. Members would have the opportunity to see it in due course.</p>
<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Jeannie advised she had given up sending her young adult novel to publishers and decided to self publish. She felt this route gave her greater control and allowed her to choose front cover.</p>
<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Sandra handed formal invitations to the launch of her latest crime novel Out of Darkness. Waterstones, Sauchiehall Street on 28 March. She has lots of gigs in March, one in Bella Prison in Dundee. Also attending the launch of Marie Cassidy's first crime novel.</p>
<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The main part of meeting involved a workshop by Sandra on 'How to Start a Crime Novel'. She started by demonstrating openings from a variety of well known crime authors. She highlighted:</p>
<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">1. No right or wrong way but must hook the reader</p>
<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">2. Don't use a cliche as a first line.</p>
<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">3. Editors and agents are likely to only read first 3 chapters and synopsis if lucky.</p>
<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">4. Editors receive piles of possible manuscripts and they know what is a goer immediately</p>
<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Therefor vital you get the beginning right.</p>
<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">First paragraph must avoid minutiae and take reader straight to main thrust of the story and in doing so provide the hook that will make the reader want to know more. Writer could use dialogue, description of setting, a blunt first person account of the main facts of the story, or a mention of murder. They could use a short, sharp shock by beginning with the voice of a victim.</p>
<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">After discussion members given 15 minutes to write an effective opening paragraph. Everyone read their opening to the group and Sandra provided constructive feedback.</p>
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<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Finally we were given 2 silhouette pictures and tasked to write 1500 words as a short story for woman's magazine by 16th April. To be Adjudicated by Sandra's daughter.</p>John Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03560914879054100562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7194123549078518693.post-82400072735359748082024-02-14T10:37:00.002+00:002024-02-14T10:37:25.466+00:00Erskine Writers Meeting 13th February 2024<p>Today's meeting had 13 members attend and the group brought their readings based on events where they could say 'I was there' we had readings from Elizabeth where she met Princess Ann when she visited Crosshouse Hospital in Kilmarnock, Rob recalled his visit to Meadowbank Stadium where he witnessed Lachie Stewart win gold in the 10,000 metres. Sandra provided her first gig in Glasgow when she saw The Beatles but never heard any of the singing due to the screaming from the crowd. Jeannie recalled her first and last rugby match as a 14 year old spectator. Joyce had a piece being on the last tram in Glasgow. Brian relived the champions league final in 1999 when Manchester UTD dramatically beat Bayern Munich. Jackie gave her encounters meeting three of the Royal family including The Queen. Irene read a very emotional piece on the time she was selected to attend the memorial crevice following The Piper Alpha disaster in 1988. Hilary had a twist on her submission where she placed herself at the Battle of Bannockburn. Donnie recalled the London Olympics when he was sat amongst the Jamaican spectators and watched the athletes including Usain Bolt win gold in all the track events. John recalled the time his house blew up in 1973 and the miraculous escape for his mum. Joan provided her short story writing to her 16 year self. Rob read a piece regarding a competition set in Canada to rename the town in Ontario which was by Frank Holroyd with his suggestion of Ajax. The final reading was from Jeannie with the next chapter from her novel entitled 'The Tweed Coat'</p><p>We have received details from Greenock Writers Group regarding adjudicating their writing competition. Brian, Joyce, Rob and Jeannie agreed to form a small panel to carry out the adjudication. We will send submissions to GWG for them to reciprocate does to be finalised.</p><p>Jeannie asked the group to send any submissions for internal competitions and critiques under PDF format which will make it simpler to for all the group to open the documents under this format.</p>John Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03560914879054100562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7194123549078518693.post-36719630654563718972024-02-08T09:37:00.000+00:002024-02-08T09:37:17.357+00:00Erskine Writers Meeting 6th February 2024<p> </p><ol>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Apologies received from Sandra and Donnie, John H, Joan, Jackie, Elizabeth, Sandra R and Irene.</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Jeannie has sent flowers, chocolates and good wishes to Donnie from the club.</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">We discussed the submission of work for critique by members. </span></li>
</ol>
<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px 36px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">It was noted that it does not work if the person who submitted is unable to be present.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px 36px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">We also discussed the fact that members submit in different formats eg pages, pdf, Word </span></p>
<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px 36px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> which some are unable to open.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px 36px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">We wondered about reducing the frequency of crit days and / or asking people to bring enough printed copies to share one between two on OM days, so that when it is read out we have the printed copy to refer back to.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px 36px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">All of the above will need to be discussed when more are present (there were 7 of us) or at AGM before next year’s programme is put together.</span></p>
<ol start="4">
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Jeannie read her submitted document, a prologue for a historical novel she is writing. We discussed the sprinkling of Scots and archaic words to indicate an earlier time and agreed that worked well. The discovery of a brooch in the prologue is based on a legend. A brooch found at Hunterston is believed to be of Viking origin. There was also the influence of a visit to the Boat Museum in Oslo. Nouns or phrases in groups of three worked well. We discussed the absence of dialogue particularly after John S’s helpful workshop on dialogue, but it was noted that the characters in the prologue would not reappear in the novel, so we don’t need to get to know them better. Also dialogue would have meant more Scots, more archaisms which might be difficult to follow. It was suggested that one or two paragraphs could be made into more, shorter paragraphs. There was a comment that reading the prologue made us want to read the book.</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Rob read his submission Katie’s Christmas Eve based on a real event which happened on a recent trip to Canada. We all enjoyed the amusing twist towards the end. It was advised it would be helpful to have more paragraphs. It was also suggested that dialogue could be introduced on the journey home, and that the ending could be made less abrupt. Some suggestions were given about expressions which might be changed eg consigned to bed ---tucked up in bed.</span></li>
</ol>
<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px 36px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The story is written to be passed on to grandchildren and Lorna suggested that it would be a good idea to do it also as an audio book, so that grandchildren and others would have the story in Rob’s melodious Welsh accent. We discussed various audio and printed formats, My Life a Book, Bonus Print with stories and photos, Lulu (cost £12), feed-A- read, publishing on Amazon, the fact that you can leave royalties to charity, and that once you have published with Amazon if you make changes, you have to pay for this.</span></p>
<ol start="6">
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Morag read The Follower her entry to the Flash Fiction competition and agreed with Vikki’s suggestion that tension could be ramped up a bit when the two characters meet on a bus before the denouement. </span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Joyce read an extract from a murder mystery novel set in the music scene in London which she worked on a number of years ago. It was suggested she might like to write a synopsis and bring this along with a chapter to a future meeting.</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Jeannie read a murder story set on the Treshnish Isles and there was discussion about where this might be submitted</span></li>
</ol>John Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03560914879054100562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7194123549078518693.post-15478660931864121602024-01-31T19:03:00.002+00:002024-01-31T19:03:36.295+00:00Erskine Writers Meeting 30th January 2024<p> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">PRESENT: Jeannie, John S, John H. Joan Fr, Sandra Mc, Rob, Morag, Jackie, Hilary, Brian. Lorna, Irene.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;">There was a short discussion on the Syllabus:</p>
<ul>
<li style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>No response from Greenock Writers on the Short Story, we will hang fire on collating submissions from members to send. </li>
<li style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>Also, because John Spence’s Workshop on Dialogue should have been held on 16<span style="font-size: 9.3px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><sup>th</sup></span> January & the Meeting was cancelled because of the weather, that Workshop would take place today – 30<span style="font-size: 9.3px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><sup>th</sup></span> January.</li>
<li style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>There were only 7 people at the meeting on 23<span style="font-size: 9.3px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><sup>rd</sup></span> January, but they had a very successful session on ‘A Letter to My 16yr Old Self’. Anyone who was unable to be present at that session may wish to write something on that topic for next week.</li>
<li style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>It was also agreed that because there are far fewer submissions coming in to be critiqued (2 at time of writing), we should have fewer of these sessions.</li>
</ul>
<p style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;">Successes:</p>
<ul>
<li style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>Sandra McGruther, aka Alex Gray, has had a new book by Alexander McColl Smith dedicated to her.</li>
<li style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>Jeannie McKechnie has had an Article called “A Sense of Belonging’ about her childhood on the Isle of Eigg, accepted by the Scots Magazine. It is due out in April.</li>
</ul>
<p style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px 36px; min-height: 16px;">NOTES ON DIALOGUE WORKSHOP:</p>
<p style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px; min-height: 16px;"><br /></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>John asked that questions should be limited to the end of his remarks. He gave Guidelines only, not Rules - &. John said this was not for Script Writing, but for enhancing the writing of Stories & Novel. He just gets the Story / Novel down, then applies the Guidelines later, which should enhance the writing.</li>
</ul>
<p style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px 36px; min-height: 16px;"><br /></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>Guidelines were things like: Listen to Conversations: people don’t speak in proper sentences – they use contractions and repeat themselves a lot. There are rhythms to speech as well. Make characters different by showing in the way they speak. Show conflict & put in speech gestures – it’s better if it’s enhanced & interspersed with some prose – anything to keep the interest. Use contractions.</li>
</ul>
<p style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px 36px; min-height: 16px;"><br /></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>Should you use single, double or no quotation marks? Well, pay attention to the Requirements for Submissions!</li>
</ul>
<p style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px 36px; min-height: 16px;"><br /></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>Dialogue will add Conflict / Tension or give some new information.</li>
</ul>
<p style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px 36px; min-height: 16px;"><br /></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>Remember the Pace of your Conversation.</li>
</ul>
<p style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px 36px; min-height: 16px;"><br /></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>Give some distinct dialogue for your characters: e.g. a lisp, malapropisms, dialect etc.</li>
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<p style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px 36px; min-height: 16px;"><br /></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>Dialogue is a heavily edited version of real life.</li>
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<p style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px 36px; min-height: 16px;"><br /></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>You need a fresh paragraph / line for every character’s dialogue.</li>
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<p style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px 36px; min-height: 16px;"><br /></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>Read it aloud to make sure it’s authentic.</li>
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<p style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;">There is a website for language of the time – period. Also check Reedsy YouTube, Andy Maslin on a Wednesday night.</p>John Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03560914879054100562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7194123549078518693.post-50837296833087506812024-01-24T08:01:00.006+00:002024-01-24T08:02:36.906+00:00Erskine Writers Meeting 23rd January 2024<p> <span style="font-family: arial;">Today we had rain, winds and floods in between storms Isha and Jocelyn to contend with on our journeys. This meant that our numbers were unusually small with just seven brave souls attending.</span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Hilary was Chair today and thanked everyone for attending. A reminder from John that it was almost time to exchange short stories with Greenock Writers for adjudication. Stories are to be approximately 2000 words in any genre, and he would indicate the date soon.</span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Today’s homework was to write a letter to your sixteen-year-old self. The group found this a challenging task. What secrets might unfold this afternoon?</span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The letters were all very different in style and content. We had one member who moved from California to Scotland as a sixteen-year-old and of course she had all sorts of advice on how to deal with Scotland, its weather, quirks and traditions. A humorous and reflective tale, well told. </span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Several other letters gave advice on handling relationships, personal traits and values which should be fostered and encouraged. They all inspired their sixteen-year-old self to live life in all its aspects well, not being afraid to take opportunities, have faith that their careers will work and believe in themselves. Fashion choices, as you would expect did emerge and of course the fashion choice of an exuberant sixteen year old was not what the grown up version would advise. </span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The group decided that although challenging it provided an opportunity for reflection and all letters were well written and heartfelt. </span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Due to the weather the group closed early after all letters were read.</span></p>John Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03560914879054100562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7194123549078518693.post-12539145664934091082024-01-18T08:40:00.001+00:002024-01-18T08:40:08.478+00:00Erskine Writers Meeting 16th January 2024<p>Due to the inclement weather the meeting on Tuesday was cancelled. </p>John Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03560914879054100562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7194123549078518693.post-55214962129411407282024-01-14T09:38:00.001+00:002024-01-14T09:38:09.729+00:00Erskine Writers Meeting 9th January 2024<p><br /></p><div class="page" title="Page 1"><div class="section" style="background-color: white;"><div class="layoutArea"><div class="column"><p><span style="font-family: HelveticaNeue; font-size: 12pt;">This was the first meeting of 2024, following the traditional break in syllabus taken by members for the Christmas and New Year holiday period. Jeannie welcomed everyone back after the festive season, with particular mention for Morag who, although not seriously hurt, had been involved in a Road Tra</span><span style="font-family: HelveticaNeue; font-size: 12pt;">ffi</span><span style="font-family: HelveticaNeue; font-size: 12pt;">c Accident. She was duly thanked for still managing to process recent competition results.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: HelveticaNeue; font-size: 12pt;">Adjudicator for the category of Flash Fiction, Vikki Gemmell, had praised the high standard of entries and had thoroughly enjoyed reading, and re- reading them as she deliberated on her decisions. Morag announced the award winners, in reverse order, as follows:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: HelveticaNeue; font-size: 12pt;">Commended - John Hughes for ‘Santa Goes Commando’</span></p><p><span style="font-family: HelveticaNeue; font-size: 12pt;">Highly Commended - Jackie Arthurs for ‘Code Red’ Highly Commended - Kate Gordon for ‘ The Inheritance’</span></p><p><span style="font-family: HelveticaNeue; font-size: 12pt;">Third Place - Jeannie MacKenzie for ‘Seven Times Seven’</span></p><p><span style="font-family: HelveticaNeue; font-size: 12pt;">Second Place - Sandra McGruther for ‘A Soldier’s Return’</span></p><p><span style="font-family: HelveticaNeue; font-size: 12pt;">First Place - Brian Harold for ‘Fisherman’s Friend’</span></p><p><span style="font-family: HelveticaNeue; font-size: 12pt;">Each of the above writers then read their own story and shared the individual feedback that was kindly provided for them by Vikki Gemmell.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: HelveticaNeue; font-size: 12pt;">John read ‘Santa Goes Commando’ the title of which Vikki loved. She thought this a well-written story, enjoying the opening line and<br />the humour contained throughout, as did the whole group! This entry particularly stuck in her mind with its great one liners.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: HelveticaNeue; font-size: 12pt;">Jackie read ‘Code Red’ which Vikki enjoyed very much. She particularly liked the various emotions in the story and the increase in tension leading up to the twist at the end. She spotted some signs this was coming but that didn’t detract from its impact. She thought the title was perfect.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: HelveticaNeue; font-size: 12pt;">In Kate’s absence, Morag read ‘The Inheritance’ for her. Vikki found this story to be very evocative, with its lovely memories and clever use of the senses. A genuine thread of care was obvious throughout. She thought it had a nice story arc and liked the ending with its real Aah moment</span></p></div></div><img alt="page1image34221312" height="0.600000" src="blob:https://www.blogger.com/93d66fba-20ec-4dbc-8745-725630e0c5ff" width="44.832000" /> <img alt="page1image34219776" height="0.600000" src="blob:https://www.blogger.com/b490ae28-ebf1-4a36-8824-610dd3f01c6c" width="32.376000" /> <img alt="page1image34223232" height="0.600000" src="blob:https://www.blogger.com/b4321fbe-a6bc-4330-af39-b929d2484686" width="57.264000" /> <img alt="page1image34222656" height="0.600000" src="blob:https://www.blogger.com/ee264c5e-9fbd-4b20-9bf9-31a275020f88" width="69.288000" /> <img alt="page1image34223808" height="0.600000" src="blob:https://www.blogger.com/63aeb90a-f113-4cbb-b30b-0d9b33677b8e" width="73.296000" /></div></div><div class="page" title="Page 2"><div class="section" style="background-color: white;"><div class="layoutArea"><div class="column"><p><span style="font-family: HelveticaNeue; font-size: 12pt;">Jeannie was unable to read her third placed entry today as she hadn’t brought a copy of it with her.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: HelveticaNeue; font-size: 12pt;">Sandra M read ‘A Soldier’s Return’ which Vikki thought was one of two entries that really stood out for her. She was able to sense the potential threat from an early stage. She liked the use of flashback contained in the protagonist’s back story, which lent a certain weight to the guilt he carried. Use of the word count was great and Vikki really felt the bang of the gun when it finally came.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: HelveticaNeue; font-size: 12pt;">Brian read ‘Fisherman’s Friend’ to which Vikki found herself returning time and again, because of its unusual narrative structure. In telling this story backwards, she thought it gave the tragedy more punch. She loved the brevity of the writing style and thought the last line was both clever and poignant. She felt the story deserves a more beautiful title and entry to a bigger competition.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: HelveticaNeue; font-size: 12pt;">The remaining entrants were then invited to read their own unplaced submissions to the group.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: HelveticaNeue; font-size: 12pt;">Jeannie read her second e</span><span style="font-family: HelveticaNeue; font-size: 12pt;">ff</span><span style="font-family: HelveticaNeue; font-size: 12pt;">ort entitled ‘Last Train To Largs’ and made particular apology to John Spence for her unwitting inclusion of a character called Chancer! Vikki enjoyed the humour in this story.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: HelveticaNeue; font-size: 12pt;">Lorna read out Sandra R’s story entitled ‘The Key’ based on a<br />true, personal experience about a hidden safe. Vikki appreciated the mystery and tension that was created and wondered why hell had been unleashed. Vikki thought this tale had lots of potential.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: HelveticaNeue; font-size: 12pt;">Irene read ‘A Day Like No Other’ the opening of which Vikki thought created a sense of intrigue. She felt it was a clever and original idea to use the episode of a TV show as the basis for this story, ending as it does with the ultimate surprise. Vikki saw so much potential here.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: HelveticaNeue; font-size: 12pt;">Hilary read out her admittedly short piece entitled ‘Still Sassy’ which, with lots of great humour, Vikki had wished were longer. She loved the ending but would have liked more of a chase before its final revelation. Vikki o</span><span style="font-family: HelveticaNeue; font-size: 12pt;">ff</span><span style="font-family: HelveticaNeue; font-size: 12pt;">ered useful advice about errors for formal competitions, but also thought that Grandad deserves his own series.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: HelveticaNeue; font-size: 12pt;">Rob read his story ‘The Unexpected Gift’ behind which Vikki particularly liked the simplicity and the message. She found this very personal tale had a good sense of place and she also referenced Rob’s thoughtful<br />and caring qualities. She commented on this kindly portrayal of refugees, whose genuine gratitude seemed a powerful note on which to end.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: HelveticaNeue; font-size: 12pt;">Jackie read out another entry ‘Christmas Concession’ which had made Vikki smile and only finally clicked for her at the workshop scene. She was drawn in by the dialogue and felt this was a very modern tale to which many people could relate. She was impressed by the clever contrast between the workers outside, and those inside.</span></p></div></div></div></div><div class="page" title="Page 3"><div class="section" style="background-color: white;"><div class="layoutArea"><div class="column"><p><span style="font-family: HelveticaNeue; font-size: 12pt;">Homework: Members had brought a series of photographs today which were to be drawn, unseen, from a hat with the intention of writing about them. This activity was postponed after Jeannie proposed the meeting should close early, at 3.00pm, due to an unusually low ambient temperature in the room. There was unanimous agreement for this proposal!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: HelveticaNeue; font-size: 12pt;">Next Meeting: Tuesday 16th January, 2023, within Bargarran Community Centre, at which John Spence will be holding a Dialogue Workshop.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: HelveticaNeue; font-size: 12pt;">* Minutes taken by Brian Harold</span></p></div></div></div></div>John Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03560914879054100562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7194123549078518693.post-37861316741117548582023-12-12T22:44:00.005+00:002023-12-12T22:45:36.319+00:00Erskine Writers Meeting 12th December 2023<p> <span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">Under grey skies and with rain lashing down, the ‘Mince pies and coffee’ today was far more than that. Cheese, pate, biscuits, sausage rolls, cake, Brownies, Welsh cake, tablet and much more left us with a feeling of ‘fullness’ and satisfaction with too much food.</span></p><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">John S did a wonderful compilation of the 8 desert island discs each one of us chose and we guessed who had chosen each song. It was incredible, (but then aren’t Erskine writers always incredible! ) that there was only one song voted by two people. Some even suggested the book they would take with them and an item deemed to be ‘luxury’ </span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">We blethered in a relaxed way before attempting the quiz set by John S . Sandra M and Irene gained the highest points of 10 out of 15. The questions were of a reasonable difficulty but some of us were not very good!</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">This was a lovely afternoon to end the session and look forward to starting back, refreshed, on 9th. January 2024.</span>John Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03560914879054100562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7194123549078518693.post-70544876671810436952023-12-05T17:43:00.007+00:002023-12-05T17:50:33.448+00:00Erskine Writers Meeting 5th December 2023<p><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11px;">Our homework set for this week was to write 500 words based on a piece about something you admired and wish you had written - a book, a poem or a song. We had a total of 10 readings. Sandra R. chose 'The Boy, The mole, The Fox and The Horse' by Charlie Mackesy. Brian chose JFK's </span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 11px;">inaugural speech in 1961. Irene 'War of the Worlds' H.G. Wells. Sandra M. 'The Lord of the Rings' Rob 'Under Milkwood' by Dylan Thomas. Jackie 'Vincent' by Don McLean. John H 'Garden of Remembrance' by Fish. John S 'Amelia' by Joni Mitchell and finally Jeannie chose the play by Bill Bryden 'The Ship'. A wide selection again from the group. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 11px;">There were two further readings from competition 2. Brian read 'Kissed by a Saint' and John H 'Mosley to Floyd'.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 11px;">Our final meeting of the calendar year next Tuesday will have festive pies and a selection of our desert island discs.</span></span></p>John Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03560914879054100562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7194123549078518693.post-6813893268793389682023-12-04T11:05:00.000+00:002023-12-04T11:05:33.345+00:00Erskine Writers Meeting 28th November 2023<p> <span style="font-family: arial;"> Today we enjoyed readings from those who had submitted entries to our poetry and research competitions. Our previous guest speakers Iona Lee (poetry) and Sarah Smith (research) adjudicated the competition entries and both reported back to the group that the standard of work had been exceptional, which made choosing winners very difficult. They also provided very helpful feedback for each piece submitted which was very much appreciated. </span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Iona Lee had set the task for the poetry competition which was to write a poem showcasing a favourite word. 1<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><sup>st</sup></span> Place was awarded to Jeannie for her poem ‘Eavesdropping On The Rookery at Dusk’. 2<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><sup>nd</sup></span> place went to Rob for ‘Hiraeth’ and 3<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><sup>rd</sup></span> place was given to Kate for ‘Noises off’. Joan received a Highly commended award for ‘The Penitent Magdalene’ and Morag was commended for her poem ‘Upset’.</span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>The task set by Sarah Smith was to research and write about an aspect of personal history. 1<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><sup>st</sup></span> Place was awarded to Jeannie for her piece titled ‘End of the Line’. 2<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><sup>nd</sup></span> Place went to Jackie for ‘The Daphne Clock’ and 3<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><sup>rd</sup></span> Place was given to Hilary for ‘The Silver Biscuit Barrel’. John H received a Highly commended award for ‘Mosley to Floyd’ and Sandra R was commended for her piece ‘The Little Red Book’. </span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Well done to everyone who entered the competitions and a special thanks to Morag, our Competition Secretary for her hard work behind the scenes, putting it all together.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px; min-height: 15px;"> </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px; min-height: 15px;"> </p><div><br /></div>John Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03560914879054100562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7194123549078518693.post-37254345274089889992023-11-27T06:42:00.000+00:002023-11-27T06:42:16.864+00:00Erskine Writers Meeting 21st November<p><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">This</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"> weeks meeting was centred around traditions - curious ones, family ones, friends ones, work related ones. We had a wide variety of readings from the group. We also heard a short story from John S.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">A reminder that the closing date for the Flash Fiction competition is 5th December.</span></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> Following out meeting we had afternoon tea at the Willows Restaurant at Caulkers `Garden Centre. Great chance to have a chat but far too many cakes!!</p>John Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03560914879054100562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7194123549078518693.post-20799094676869932782023-11-15T06:49:00.000+00:002023-11-15T06:49:06.260+00:00Erskine Writers Meeting 14th November 2023<p> Today we welcomed guest speaker Vikki Gemmell. Vikki was a former member of the group and now an established author. Her workshop was on how we write Flash Fiction stories. The stories are normally a 500 word limit, but can be up to 1000 words. She also informed us about micro fiction where the word limit can be as little as saw words. She read out some examples of short stories including 'Ghosts' and 'Crushing Big'.</p><p> Vikki set the group an exercise to write a six word story or memoir which proved very challenging indeed. The group then worked in pairs to write a story around an unexpected call. this generated a lot of hard thinking and scribbling from group.</p><p>Overall a very informative and productive day. Vikki set the competition details a piece of 500 words with the deadline set for 5th December.</p>John Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03560914879054100562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7194123549078518693.post-71957723695658746912023-11-08T08:21:00.003+00:002023-11-08T08:21:47.644+00:00Erskine Writers Meeting 7th November 2023<p> <span style="font-family: arial;">We provided our second round of critiques today, to submissions received from the group in the previous week. We also had one open manuscript from Brian which was an article on 'The Kennedys' he had written when he was seventeen. It was great piece of work very well received by the group.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">John reminded the group that today was the final day to send in their entries for competition two.</span></p>John Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03560914879054100562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7194123549078518693.post-81390959856662409582023-11-01T09:12:00.001+00:002023-11-01T09:12:24.919+00:00Erskine Writers Meeting 31st October 2023<p> Todays readings would as you would suspect focused on Halloween. We had a total of 14 readings ranging from short stories, poems and an opinion piece. The standard was as usual very high, funny and dark.</p><p>Jeannie reminded the group that we were fast approaching the closing dates for SAW competitions.</p><p>John confirmed that he had received two submissions for critique and encouraged the group to send any further submissions in by close of play tonight</p><p>John S presented a short film that he had written for 48 Hour Flickers. Great way to end today's meeting.</p>John Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03560914879054100562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7194123549078518693.post-53383289478838748332023-10-24T16:53:00.000+01:002023-10-24T16:53:14.158+01:00Erskine Writers Meeting 24th October 2023<p><span style="font-family: arial;"> Todays meeting was a w<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">orkshop on writing for radio programme led by Sandra. John S talked </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">about his</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"> monologue that was aired on BBC Radio Scotland and gave the group advice and web links that we would find useful.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">Sandra </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">played two recordings that the group listened to with a set of questions to prompt the group to make comments as the tapes were played. She also provided the group with a very informative handout to look at the different skills required when writing a story for radio.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Sandra's book 'Questions for a Dead Man's now been published in paperback.</span></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><div><br /></div>John Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03560914879054100562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7194123549078518693.post-84980779466062161322023-10-17T17:39:00.002+01:002023-10-17T17:39:53.215+01:00Erskine Writers Meeting 17th October 2023<p><span style="font-family: arial;"> Today the group welcomed the author Sarah Smith who delivered a workshop <span style="color: #262626;">aiming to give members confidence finding and using archival material. The aim was to demystify what archives are, demonstrate the range of materials available to writers, and use them as jumping off points for our own writing, whatever <span style="caret-color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">medium</span> we choose to write or create in. Sarah </span></span><span style="color: #262626; font-family: arial;">completed the workshop by encouraging the group to identify archival material that we may want to explore and gave space to write. S<span style="caret-color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">everal</span> members provided feedback to the group which received comments from Sarah who thought each ex<span style="caret-color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">ample showed a real grasp of what had been discussed at the meeting.</span></span></p><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Garamond; font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></div>John Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03560914879054100562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7194123549078518693.post-76695150750003877922023-10-11T12:03:00.002+01:002023-10-11T12:03:57.618+01:00Erskine Writers Meeting 10th October 2023<p>The meeting was attended by 15 members of the group with two apologies. Feedback was provided to members of the group who had submitted a writing that they were wishing to be critiqued. There were four submissions in total. They were all given full critiques, including formatting, dialogue and inserting page numbers. This was well received by each of the members. Reminder that the Poetry Competition deadline is Tuesday 17th October. There were no SAW summer competition winners and there was also technical issues with the Zoom meeting delivered by SAW the previous Sunday.</p><p>Guest speaker next week is author Sarah Smith.</p>John Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03560914879054100562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7194123549078518693.post-34006838454850076252023-10-03T17:06:00.003+01:002023-10-03T17:06:55.464+01:00Erskine Writers Meeting 3rd October 2023<p> Today's meeting welcomed writer and poet Iona Lee as guest speaker where she delivered an excellent workshop starting the group with an exercise on free writing followed on by a couple of exercises on poetry writing. Ioan also read several poems from her book 'Anamnesis'. Competition was set for the group with a deadline for entries of the 24th October.</p><p>Jeannie wished to acknowledge the sterling work carried by our outgoing president Sandra whose support and advice has been greatly appreciated, although Sandra will be stepping back from this role we are delighted she will continue to play a big part in the group in the years to follow.</p>John Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03560914879054100562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7194123549078518693.post-31937879049025760642023-09-27T14:13:00.004+01:002023-09-27T14:13:55.629+01:00Erskine Writers Meeting 26th September 2023<p>Meetings held on 12th of September featured Hilary's 'Box Of Tricks' and our meeting on the 19th saw guest speaker Val Thornton delivered her workshop on educational writing.</p><p>Today's was the writers AGM which included the President's report, Treasurers report and Secretary's report. We discussed the new office bearers with one major change seeing Sandra step down as President and the mantle being handed over to Jeannie. We received volunteers for next year's syllabus meeting. We acknowledged the successful application for the Live Literature Funding from Scottish Book Trust which granted all four applications for this session. Annual afternoon tea was discussed and agreed that we will return to the Willows Restaurant for a second year on the 21st of November.</p><p>The group showed their appreciation from our outgoing president who has done a fantastic job over the last three years and we know she will be a continual arm of support to the group and Jeannie our new president.</p><p>We finished the afternoon with two readings Rob with 'From my bedroom window' and John ' Celebrity Tom Cruise.</p>John Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03560914879054100562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7194123549078518693.post-37578457649105105032023-09-07T09:23:00.003+01:002023-09-07T09:23:54.441+01:00Erskine Writers Meeting 5th September 2023<p>The group returned today for the start of the new session, welcoming one new member to the group. The syllabus for the year ahead was discussed and confirmation of the guest authors that will attend throughout the year. Subscriptions were collected from the group. We had readings from Donnie, Joan, John and Rob together the group up and running. The AGM will be held on 26th September with the normal reports and review of the post holders, with the opportunity for members to put their name forward for any of the roles.</p>John Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03560914879054100562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7194123549078518693.post-46016079397012540102023-05-16T17:32:00.001+01:002023-05-16T17:32:26.082+01:00Erskine Writers Meeting 16th May 2023<p style="font-family: Arial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Our final group meeting today, the group were asked to write a review (500 words) from a restaurant they had visited. The review could be good or bad based on their experience aptly titled ‘Mince or Caviar?</p><p style="font-family: Arial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">We heard nine reviews including a couple presented in rhyme. The restaurants reviewed were from Erskine to Washington, France, Loch Fyne finishing in Johannesburg. Another great selection of readings for our final group session.</p><p style="font-family: Arial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">We will be holding our prize giving awards on 23rd May and then putting down our pens for a few weeks before we get back to our writing in September.</p>John Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03560914879054100562noreply@blogger.com1