Lucky for some! Thirteen of us attended the meeting, and as usual some important if diversionary chat preceded the business of the evening viz the merits of sherry and gin tasting events. Opinion was divided, not on the question of an event, but on the choice of libation!
Aileen in the chair then moved us to business.
We congratulated Roddie on his success in the Soutar Writing Competition. (See elsewhere on this site for details). His story is entitled “It’s Almost Time”.
Rosie agreed to follow up our decision to join SAW.
After discussion we agreed to produce a pamphlet giving brief details of NW, available by October. Ideas to Colin. We also put down a marker to produce something more extensive. Further discussion needed.
We noted that enrollment had begun for Zoe’s classes.
Dundee literary Festival Roddie to try to have us appear at next year’s.
NW meetings during term time. Rosie will ask Fiona to book for once a month on different days.
Pecha Kucha. Abby to follow up.
Exlibris book fair. Rosie to investigate.
Then we moved to the pieces that had been sent round.
Echoing the Past by David was liked in general. Discussion about the paternity issue, and suggestions for a change to a short section felt to be a bit too explicit; and give a reference for the reader to work out when the action takes place.
Strange Diversion by Roddie. Much enjoyed (Intriguing, interesting idea, effective dialogue, time shift well executed). Language register not persuasive for all. But willing suspension of disbelief gave the story power and credence.
Reunited. Sue had revised her short piece from last time, and re-titled it. We all liked it a great deal. Good to write about death.
Colin read his Our Favourite Shop and conveyed successfully the satire inherent, especially the initial section. As an attack on the amoral nature of big business it was highly effective, with a delicious twist at the end.
Susan and Craig had both written entries for the Scottish Book Trust 50 word fiction competition. And both were great! The typo in Susan’s added to the enjoyment. They have inspired others in the group to follow suit.
Abby will be in the chair at the next meeting, which is on 17 August, same time same place.
David Carson is the Chair of Nethergate Writers, and these are his sideways looks at the goings on at our regular meetings.