Nethergate Writers                

                Note of the Meeting of Wednesday 6 October 2021

Present:  Sandra, (Chair), Susan, George, Chris, Roddie, David C (Minute).

Apologies:  Abby, David F., Sue, Rupert, Jake, Lynne, Fraser

Work presented:

Laird  (Susan). This is a beautifully written chapter, where the voice and language of the characters are sustained. We acknowledged the skill in maintaining this consistency.
There’s also a lot of tension built up conveying the dilemma and the proposed solution. It’s remarkable how Susan has combined the visceral (‘ I don’t remember the Earl of Mar. Am I to bed him too?’); with the delicate (‘rich in touch and warmth, the miniscule frictions, the tremor of skin on skin’).
Susan said that one element she wanted to include in the narrative was exemplification of some social and sexual mores, while avoiding comedic elements. We were in no doubt she had succeeded. And the text is studded with wonderful images and metaphors. 

Approach of the New Year (Sue). This chapter (8) was read out by Roddie. 
This is another text where the author has sustained authenticity of voice, of setting, of characters. There are well-drawn contrasts - Albert and his father, rural setting and slums of Dundee. The position of this chapter in the overall story was described as excellent, a pastoral interlude that increases the tension and arouses the readers’ emotions.
A suggestion was made that Frank might question, on the way to the station, the wisdom of taking the train in the storm. And there could be a reference as to how they got to Cupar at the start of the day. More broadly, we commented on the fact that writing a story where the ending, in general, is known by readers, is a challenge, yet one that Sue is rising to in splendid fashion.

Once Upon A time In A field (David C.) David explained that he wanted to write a detailed description of actions in the manner of a series of still photos; and also to try out the use of the second person in the memory sequence. He had been struck by Roddie’s use of it in his poem The Last Of The Clan.
Some of those present had found the sequence of events confusing, because of the allusion to two fields, and the reference to two houses. There was also a question as to whether enough reason had been given for the man to leave his house. Some folk would have liked to see what the lines of poetry were. And perhaps the ‘message’ about joy and pain could be made less obvious. David acknowledged that some editing was required. He will do this and send the amended version round.

Burying A Secret (David C.)  Once read, suggestions were made as to how the plot line might progress. It was agreed that many lines had been opened up by an intriguing introduction (or that the text as it stands could be a story in itself). David thanked everyone and will continue to work on the story.

It’s a Braw Doo  (Sandra).  Sandra explained that this began life as a monologue for PFT, but it was suggested there was material for a play in it.
The play was read with members taking different parts. We enjoyed it and thought the mix of fact and story-telling was well-judged. Roddie said it would make a good children’s story, and Susan said she could see it being acted as a puppet show. Sandra has managed to imbue (endoo?!) her pigeons with emotions, and a sense of humour. We encouraged her to complete it.

Ties Apart and Our Last Summer have been held over to the next Meeting.

Business

The Minutes of the last Meeting (22 September 2021) were accepted.

Anthology
Cuttings from reviews of previous Anthology launches have been sent to Waterstones.  Roddie will be interviewed on the history of NW and the current Anthology by the a  features writer for The Courier- arranged by Rupert).
Contact is ongoing with Waterstones to find out if the launch can be held there. Zoom launch is not ruled out.
Costs of production of Anthology have been covered by numbers so far sold (about 70).
More outlets for sale of Anthology have been identified.
Rupert is investigating getting more copies from the printer.
Overall plan at time of writing:
 - launch
 - review
 - publicity
 - distribution to members for onward distribution to outlets
 - agree percentage of sale income to go to outlets (eg 60 to NW, 40 to trader).

Venue for Meetings. 
Lengthy discussion has not resolved this. Fiona’s suggestion was appreciated, but some doubts remain as to accessibility and parking and price.
Sandra will contact Abertay University to identify possible accommodation.
‘Blended’ Meetings is a suggestion -  mix of face-to-face and Zoom. A lukewarm response from some quarters. 

Reflections, Memory and Anniversary (15th of NW next March).
Roddie will write a short paper giving background and suggestions for writing to mark this milestone and send round.

AGM. It was noted that our AGM has to be held within 15 months of the last one (November 2020), and that all positions are subject to annual election.

AOCB  None.

This was a lively and highly enjoyable Meeting. Many thanks to Sandra for Chairing.

Date of next Meeting - Wednesday 20 October 2021. Chair - Roddie   Minute - Sandra

David C.  8 October 2021.