David Carson is the current chair of Nethergate Writers. This is the first of a regular series of updates on the goings on at our latest meeting.
12 members attended the latest NW meeting last Wednesday.
We began by thanking Craig for creating and modifying our website. We believe it will be an excellent shop window and communication hub. Roddie suggested a link to the Ties to the Tay project run by Susan Mains, and this was agreed. There may also be a section on helpful websites.
We also agreed to join the Scottish Association of Writers (SAW), and Rosie will liaise with Fiona.
There was then a humorous interlude while group photos were taken, destined for the website. There’s no hiding now! (See below! – Ed.)
Members had sent round seven pieces of writing.
We began with Rosie’s piece centred on the Club Bar in Dundee. There was a karaoke accompaniment (which she ducked out of singing!), but we enjoyed the piece a lot. Discussion concentrated on aspects of viewpoint and theme, and whether it might make a radio play. We agreed it was a very good idea with a lot of potential for some powerful drama.
Roddie’s When the Candyman Calls is visual, violent and visceral. We talked about the pacing of the story, and the way the backstory is revealed. Roddie hopes to enter it in a competition.
Sic Transit was David’s take on telling a life story in one hundred words. It is very amusing, and hinges on a typo.
NW members are very alive to what is happening round about. So perhaps it was no surprise that there would be a rant about the r-f-r-n-u-. Colin’s was apposite and it prompted heated comments. We felt the better for the blood-letting!
Colin also read his poem Wheatfield with Crows. We commented favourably as well as suggesting some changes. We also had an enlightening aside about theories about Van Gogh’s death.
After listening to Life Blood, inspired by a mountain view (and the birth of a grandchild!), the evening ended with the next instalment of Richard’s detective story starring Doris Schnabel. The asides and descriptions are as enjoyable as the action.
It was a full and varied meeting, characterised by good humour, enjoyment and serious discussion.
