One of our newer members, Rupert Williams, has the rundown of our latest meeting.
Present
David (Chair), Craig, Rosie, Susan, Ian, Ray, Rupert, Martin.
Business
It was mentioned that literary criticism could form part of future meetings, whereby members talk about/recommend books.
Writing
Rosie – ‘Miss Hepburn’
Rosie read her piece, Miss Hepburn (which she clarified refers to Katharine!). This is a work-in-progress and a possible entry to the NG anthology.
Set in the Green Room Cinema in the Nethergate in the 1940s, the piece focuses on the nefarious activities of cinema manager Mr Kemp and a young usherette.
The piece was well-received and enjoyable due to its authenticity. Comments were made as to how the flavour and authenticity could be furthered, given the story unfolding during WW2.
It was also noted dialogue was a little long in places, and could be altered depending on the effect intended.
Martin – ‘Belief in Milk’ and ‘To Earth’
Martin read two of his poems, both of which were warmly received:
Belief in Milk was a piece on the notion of the lapsed Catholic. The imagery was powerful, particularly the last lines. It was commented how many ideas had been successfully integrated within the rhyme structure, leaving the reader feeling satisfied.
To Earth was a shorter poem playing on the word ‘belong’ and how we ‘long to be’. The poem was well received though Martin acknowledged the coincidence of Roddie’s piece using the same play on words this week.
Susan – ‘My Grandfather’s Head’
Susan read her short story which was enjoyed for its warm prose. The premise of the story, that we continue to grow taller with age, was revealed gradually, rather than as a sudden surprise.
Susan mentioned she was aiming for a change in voice to put together a short story collection; there was discussion about whether this was necessary. Susan cited Kirsty Logan’s collection of stories as a good example of an author using numerous voices.
In the story, the non-binary gender of the narrator was commended by the group.
Craig ‘Art Attack’
Craig read a short story he’s working on. Two amateur thieves are planning a grab and run robbery at the DCA. This is a potential submission for the NW anthology.
While still in progress, it was commented the narrator’s voice was perhaps overbearing, especially in describing the DCA, in contrast to the intriguing character dialogue.
Roddie – ‘Dreaming of belonging’
Roddie’s poem had the group discussing its merits and meaning for some time. It was commented the middle section did not seem to fit with the rest in terms of language and rhythm. Different members mentioned this middle section sounded variously as a sermon, speech or even paragraph of prose. There was confusion as to the italicization of need to cherish. There was also a feel that the ending was abrupt.
David – ‘Foot and Mouth’
David’s enjoyable piece was, by his own description, ‘just for fun.’ It followed a dialogue of two teachers car sharing. It was commended for its comic content and familiar characters. There was a feeling the voices could be distinguished to greater effect and whether the ending could have ended a line before it did.