A message from Runshaw Writers to Ormskirk Owls

Dear Ormskirk Owls,

us folks at Runshaw Writers have been running a weekly soap opera on our website, http://runshawwriters.blogspot.com since May this year. This is deliberately intended to be an inclusive exercise in team writing. If you are interested, you can see all of the episodes so far at the link given. You are also quite welcome (a) to copy them to your own website if you wish, in effect 'syndicating' them (with due credit); (b) you are also invited to take part in writing episodes. I can supply the backstory details of the characters, locations, ongoing and proposed plot lines - please contact me at thepeterbird@talktalk.net.

Soaps may not to be to everybody's taste - indeed I myself am not really a fan. However, it has to be acknowledged as a very popular form of dramatic entertainment these days - yet it is nothing new - I gather that some of Charles Dickens' writing started off like this in printed periodicals. Writing for one, as a member of a team, is also a very good writing exercise in a large number of ways :

• writing within certain boundaries - such as characters that have already been created by someone else consistent with pre-existing plot lines,
• writing to a strict word count (1,000 words per episode)
• creating 'cliff-hangers' to make the read want to read on,
• writing to a deadline amd writing with other people, no longer the loneliest profession.
• Above all it can be great fun  and who know where it might lead? Soap writers at the BBC typically are paid £125k a year.

I hope you will find this proposal exciting and be interested in taking part. At the very least all feedback would be welcome and you can hone your critiquing skills.

Please let me know if you are interested or have any questions.

Yours sincerely,

Peter Bird.

Owls minutes 4th July 2011

Owls Minutes
4th July 2011

Fantasy Evening

Present: Liz, Alex, Margaret, Trish, Judy, Sarah Cec, Bryan, Saime, Keith, Tess (guest) and Nick (guest)

Apologies: Julie, Susan, Tim

Notices:

The MS magazine is still awaiting submissions and poems, of 500 words from Owl members. Please do see if you have anything suitable and email it on to Judy to forward to the magazine.

The Owls group has been contacted by Jenni Ashcroft from the West Lancs Arts services, who is developing aspects of creative writing for people in West Lancashire, with regular workshops and open mic sessions in Skelmersdale and Ormskirk. Jenni asked if she would be able to come along to one of our sessions to discuss the project in more detail and consult members. Owls members looked at the forthcoming programme and decided the best dates to offer were 15th August or 5th September. Sarah will liaise with Jenni to see if either of these dates are suitable and arrange details. Sarah will feedback information as soon as possible to owl members.

Readings
Cec kicked the night off with his story ‘Kanga’ which was read brilliantly by Liz. This was a story first broadcast on the radio a few years ago. We were launched into the energy of the characters Jane meeting Paul, who tells her about a situation that happened in Africa… we all loved the ending. Well twisted!! Owls loved the dialogue and felt it worked well as a single voice piece. Feeling it lends itself to broadcast. Owls wondered if the title would benefit from a rethink, suggesting ‘A lot has Happened’ as a possible alternative title.

Trisha read us the next Ted installment, ‘Ted’s first Christmas’. Ted is feeling happy about the general excitement around the house, and finds out from his friend Brutus in the park that ‘Christmas is when people try to be really nice to each other and usually fail.’ Brutus tells him about the presents and father Christmas. So on Christmas Eve, Ted is very excited to know what his present might be! Then, a certain someone in a red suit gets stuck in the chimney. As ever, Ted leaps to the rescue. And has an amazing adventure! And, of course, some sausages! Owls loved the ending of the story. Trisha explained she has completed 8 of the 10 she hopes to write in the Ted Series. It led to much discussion about children’s fiction, the aim of attracting both adult and child readers. Owls especially liked the images and asides of the tree being brought in and Ted’s response ‘handy’ and how long it took him to ‘get the squeak out of his new toy’ feeling this humour would appeal to both adults and children.

Judy read ‘Heralding a New Britain’ a wonderfully satirical piece about Britain, but not quite as we know it (but frighteningly believable!) At a conference with Cleggy and the PM, they are presenting a whole new set of policies involving prisoners and pensioners. They are to swap places – pensioners to go to prison and pensioners to go to care homes. The PM presents a relatively common sense argument for it, too!! Judy explained the idea for the story had been sparked by an email she had received. With the ‘Cleggy’ references, Owls wondered whether it could be extended to have last of the summer wine references. Judy shared this was something she had considered. A wonderfully wry and entertaining piece. Definitely fantasy, but not so far removed from the truth!

Bryan read ‘News’, about a man considering his garden, with the rough piece of grassy area at the end. Leaning on his lawnmower, he meets Charles Oberon Smith, who urges him not to destroy the grassland. The half acre of uncultivated land with wildflowers and toadstools might be perfect habitat for fairies. Charles Oberon Smith says he has some fairy blood in him. Due to some good news about a job, the uncultivated fairy land gets to remain. Owls enjoyed the fantasy element and the way the story teetered between two generations – the older one who would have reveled in the ideology of fairy and human worlds colliding, and the newer where the words ‘fairy’ carry a different connotation. Bryan may have created an entirely new fairy genre!

Keith read ‘When Two World’s Collide’. On a beautiful summer morning, we meet Lucy, overjoyed at the thought of cousins coming to visit. When Michael and Samantha arrive they go off for walks in the forest, with Pixie, the dog. When they start to stray near to the ruins of Saxmead House where Lucy’s mother has told her not to go, the temptation for Michael is too great. The children witness a chilling and terrifying scene. Years later, a housing estate is built over the ruins of Saxmead House, but as Lucy finds out, the chilling scenes may not have disappeared. Keith’s wonderful story inspired lots of ideas amongst Owls. Suggestions included adding a prologue, restructuring the story to start at the end and then unravel the tale, and to ensure there is a strong hook in the opening paragraph. Owls loved the dialogue and felt the story idea was strong enough to be a full novel, if this is the direction Keith wants to take it. Much enjoyed!

Nick shared a poem with Owls – ‘Seaside Daytrip Story’, brilliantly read by Liz. The poem was full of striking, arresting images; ‘Bleaching problems into the wave’s light blue gray / Girl in a red fleece blows pink bubblegum while pushing a pram / a drunk carrying a pub ashtray / shoddy and divine / leaving a ribbon of hope after the storm.’ Owls especially liked ‘segments of sea spray’. Nick explained it was set in Blackpool but could be any seaside town. And that his aim, as a poet was to take a few words to create an image; poetry’s what you leave out. Owls thoroughly enjoyed the striking images in the poem.

Alex rounded off the evening with an extract from his play, ‘Minus One’. It is an intense moment in the play where Julie is finally admitting to Greg that she’s been raped. The scene starts just after the cast has been discussing the Fritzl case. The scene freezes and the Greg steps forward to speak to the audience. Then into a memory scene. Owls found it very moving, and powerful, handling a difficult situation with skill. This play has been entered into the Bruntwood competition.

Another fantastic and varied evening.

Our next meeting is 18th July, and the evening will be our Jo Cowell Night!! This year we are having an inhouse competition for the best children’s story. So get scribbling and editing!!

Owls minutes 20th June 2011

Owls minutes 20th June 2011

Apologies: Liz, Alex, Tom, Susan, Angela, Carol.

Present: Saime, Keith, Tim, Trish, Judy, Bryan, Cec and Sarah

Tim shared two pieces with the group. The first was a sci fi piece under the
working title ‘1st draft of an idea’ another part of a previous work in progress,
set in the Imperium, we saw Joseph/George and Selina boarding an exquisite
spaceship with hovering lights rotating in the shape of the galaxy and self-
refilling sherry glasses. Tim described his vision for the spaceship as being
something like the titanic, only actually unsinkable.

The second piece ‘Scouts’ (is this the right title Tim?) was experimental and ‘less
serious’ told from the perspective of a puppy in a litter. Owls enjoyed the
lighthearted tone and the doggy focus on smells.

Trisha also had a wonderful dog tale for us; a new installment from Ted. ‘Ted
at the Vets’. Ted was feeling poorly, wouldn’t eat, couldn’t wag his tail. And
he didn’t even fancy sausages. A trip to the vet is the only solution, which is a
trauma in itself. But just as Ted is feeling better on the way back from the vets, he
smells trouble and indeed it is coming. Luckily Ted is at hand to be the hero once
again. Ted remembered all the films he’d seen of Lassie. And he ends up visiting
the human vets with his owner. Much enjoyed by all.

Judy read ‘Life Swapping’ a clever 5 minute play featuring two couples
discussing over dinner a plan to change their lives in the next week, following
the idea behind Wife swap. Owls loved the clever twist at the end and
characterization achieved in such a short piece. It was suggested the play would
also work well on the radio as well as stage. And could be enhanced with a few
light stage directions. Very entertaining, and it would have been even better with
professional actors reading it!

Bryan brought along his ‘Odd Bod Stories’ file, in which he keeps all the stories
he may one day scrap, but sometimes something in there tickles his fancy and
he revives it. This one, ‘Navigational Error’ saw a stranger in farmer Western’s
field, conducting some sort of project, and creating yet another crop circle. Zig
is waiting for his ship to arrive and for his people to collect him, whilst looking
for astronoid / humanoid similarities. Owls loved this one, especially the great
humorous ending.

Cec had us all giggling like schoolboys when he read ‘The Pleasure’ of tits. Blue
tits, that is. A factual piece written in a light tone, full of advice based on his
personal experience about how to position a blue tit box appropriately and the
mating habits of the birds, including the peeping, flirty mating rituals.

Cec’s second reading was an adapted piece he has prepared to read at his
granddaughters forthcoming wedding. At which he has been asked to do
a reading. The piece offered some wonderful advice to the newly weds,
including ‘two hearts can overcome everything’. A perfect piece for a very special
occasion.

Sarah read ‘Flyways’ a story about a man, Frank, whose daughter is away
travelling with her career as a photographer. She invites him over to visit her
in Australia, which is a challenge for Frank for a number of reasons. The story
was themed around the idea of migration and the flyways held by migratory
birds. Owls requested a little more clarity of character placement towards the
beginning and end of the story.

Minutes compiled by Sarah

Minutes April 18th 2011

Owls Minutes
18th April 2011

Manuscript Evening

Present: Bryan, Cec, Sarah, Saime, Margaret, Graham, Ishbel, Tim, Judy, Shelma, Keith.

Apologies: Carol, Alex, Tom, Liz and Susan

Notices:

Alex’s play ‘Biscuit and Gherkin’ is receiving a professional actor reading at the Write Now Festival for the Ten Tall Tower Tales this week. Owls extend our congratulations to him for this and a very big get well wish, too.

Competition update! Why not take a look at the Manchester Prize for fiction: www.manchesterwritingcompetition.co.uk for full details.

Subs are due to be paid.


Cec kicked the evening off to a great start with the next installment of ‘Squat 2’, renamed ‘The Runaways’. Last time we saw Charlie and Sheilagh escape from the grips of the ghostly derelict house and the priest hole. In this exciting installment they decide to return and befriend the theatrical ghost they met, who is now in need of rescue himself! They plan to travel to London. Cec explained how he wanted to create a series of cliff hangers but also include humour. We look forward to the next installment to see how British rail cope with selling tickets to apparitions! Thoroughly enjoyed by all.

Sarah read ‘The Leaver’s Gift’, a Flash / micro fiction of approx 400 words about a teacher struggling with the apathy of a difficult class in a challenging school, optimistically at first, but sliding gradually into despairing apathy herself, until a small gift she gave to a difficult class is returned in a beautiful way. Owls found it unfocussed, felt there was too much content and difficult to follow. But commented on the powerful style.

Margaret shared a story from her past portfolio ‘The Bejeweled Carpet’ We join our hero back in the Himalayan mountains with lots of exotic description, “saffron gowns rustling… a truly graceful Tibetan monk.” They make their way through the sacred grounds to the altar where the monks reveal behind a hidden panel a rolled up fine Persian carpet with beautifully illustrated cartouches. Owls found it very descriptive and atmospheric. Margaret explained how she wanted to write about the rich colours, feeling and taste of the people and place. Owls pointed out a couple of minor inaccuracies which if desired could be altered to make true, illustrating how helpful it is to read work to an audience with such a diverse range of knowledge and experience. Owls especially loved descriptions like “whispering of butterflies…” Look forward to hearing more!

Graham read ‘New Spain’ or ‘Mexico’, The passage was the first chapter of a longer work in progress; a Western. “Now only bones are left of this once proud nation.” We are led into the story by the first person narrator, brought up by his grandfather, John Ward. We also meet other major figures; like the Jesuit Priest who teaches the narrator to play chess. The story then begins to unfold as we learn more about John Ward and how he gained employment as a cowboy in a predominantly Mexican society, and the heroic act that won him friends and respect in the community. Owls found the prose reminded them of Ernest Hemingway and Cormick McCarthy. They were impressed by the authentic language use and thorough research. And Owls discussed the return of the western genre. Graham explained his research was based on his wide reading on the American civil war, the Spanish American war, and cowboy books and films.

Ishbel made a welcome return to her memoirs and read part of her life in Iran. This time, from 1951, after marrying and returning to Iran at the difficult time when Iranians were claiming back possession of their oil and kicking the English out. There was a worldwide boycotting of Iranian oil which caused difficulties and worry for Iranians. The memoir covered the challenges of bringing up a young family with Ishbel’s husband having to live far away where the company was based, awaiting housing, in one of the prefab bungalows from Sweden. Ishbel wrote about the worry of caring for a young child with whooping cough and the kindness of the pilot flying them back to Abadan at a much higher altitude than usual much to the alarm of other travelers on the plane, used to a much lower flight.

Tim read a piece partly related to ‘Professor Verne’s Spaces’, where the professor is at the conference from a few meetings ago. We meet Luke and George on a long space flight. Boredom has set in and they are finding things to occupy them, including poetry writing with little outside the windows to inspire them. “There’s nothing to write about in space. Except emptiness.” Owl members really enjoyed the bits of humour, picking out the physical image of George flying into the back wall of the spacecraft. They found the action less ponderous and more dialogue driven which they really enjoyed. And thought that Tim read brilliantly. Tim explained how the work was building towards a political novel, extrapolating to a modern McCarthyism, to show this can happen at any time.

Judy read three poems to us written about, and while she visited, the Algarve. The first ‘Paddling in the Algarve’ focused on the rhythms and beauty of the sea. “Before me the sun bleached sea / ..altogether harmonizing senses”. The second, was based on a moment Judy captured of a young boy on the beach that reminded her of her son, called ‘The Boy on the Beach’. “Rolled, lived and played the waves… / This is the holiday of my lifetime.” The third, called ‘A Special Memory’ was based on a little girl Judy saw that held memories for Judy of her own daughter as a little girl. “Little girl in pink on the Algarve / Heartfelt memories flood and wash me.” Owls loved the little pictures created by the poems. It was suggested some words might be extraneous and taken out to increase the impact of the pieces. It led to an interesting and useful discussion about poetry, like art, that never may feel finished entirely. And how poetry is subjective and personal, but also can benefit from others reading it. It was suggested that the poems would work beautifully compiled in a book with illustrations too.

Shelma read a haunting short story called ‘Bright Splash of Colour’. The narrator is attracted to something wedged into a crack in a bolder at a cliff base. A bouquet. Then they notice the writing all over the surrounding rocks. It’s confusing, “…rather like missing a step.” A stranger appears and slowly the story begins to emerge. Liam, the one for whom the flowers and the messages are written in memory of fell tragically to his death there. His brother Ryan, always the misbehaving mischevious one of the pair, climbed the cliff and got stuck. His brother went to help. The story came to a powerful and moving conclusion as we found out who the stranger with the narrator really is and how he comes to terms with what’s happened. Owls found the story very moving and powerfully written.

Bryan read his story that has been accepted and published in Lancashire Evening Post on a two page spread, called ‘Take Away Cats’. Paula is concerned after the disappearance of her very precious cat Venus. Other cats in the community have gone missing, too. Suspicions and rumours are pointing towards the local takeaways, Chinese and Indian, after some mistakenly identified skinned rabbits. Paula blames her daughter’s boyfriend for letting Venus escape but he redeems himself after finding the cat, along with the other lost cats from the village at the old biddy Pendleton’s place, who had misguidedly thought she was protecting the local cat population from certain death in the local takeaways. She only got discovered because of the en mass catfood purchases. Very much enjoyed by all and a fantastic way to end the evening.

Yet another diverse and exciting evening of readings. Great stuff everyone!

Next meeting is 2nd May. A manuscript evening.

AGM 2011

AGM 2011
7th March 2011

Present: Margaret (chair), Liz, Tricia (Jo Cowell coordinator), Jean, Ishbel, Keith, Tom, Carol, Bryan, Alex (Treasurer), Julie, Judy, Sarah, (Secretary) Saime.
Apologies: Cec, Tim, Susan. 4. Jo Cowell Report from Tricia

Jo Cowell Report from Tricia
The Entries:
The number of entries this year was disappointing at 41. But they did come from far afield, such as mid Glamorgan, Dorset, Solihull and Bristol. The majority of our competition queries were done via emails.
The Judge:
The judge was Ron Ellis who was very helpful throughout. With his background in writing, brodcasting and photography he was a great asset to our competition.

The Winners:

1st PrizeJackie WinterTesting Times
2nd PrizeRhoda WatsonMy Wonderful Radio Times
3rd PrizeClare HayesIt’s Not Easy Being Ben
Highly commended R BlackA Night in Heaven
Julia Anderson The Grocer’s Apprentice
Marion FieldJohn Nelson Darby

Club WinnerKeith VenablesLiving With a Maasai Family

The presentation Evening
Held on the 9th November.
Ron Ellis gave a talk telling us his background and how he had chosen the winners. The 3rd Prize winner had come down from Morecambe and read her piece with such feeling we were all nearly in tears.
Our own Keith was there to read his winning entry and an enjoyable evening was had by all.

The Sums:

The amount received from entries was £155
Judges fees paid £84.50
Prizes £310
Loss of £239.50


New Jo Cowell Format:
Since the competition made such a loss last year it has been decided to do an inhouse competition. This year, it will take the shape of a Jo Cowell evening on the 18th July when members will be asked to bring a Children’s Story. The members on the evening will vote which entry is the winner and a small prize will be awarded.
The Chair thanked Tricia for all her hard work coordinating and running the Jo Cowell Competition.

5. Newletter Report from Julie
Julie has had computer difficulities but hopes to have everything back up and running soon, hoping to retrieve some lost material. Julie is hoping to get back on track with the newsletter, producing a spring, summer, autumn and winter edition. And asks that Owls send material to be included. Please send anything quirky, stories or work not read at the club, literary crosswords, photographs or anything that members think will make the newsletter interesting for others.
The Chair thanked Julie for all her hard work and commitment to the Owls newsletter.

6. President’s Report
In Cec’s absence, Judy reported that Cec wanted to remind all Owl members to access and use the Owl Blog at http:ormskirkowls.blogspot.com . The Chair extended thanks to our President.

7. Election of the Committee.

All members of committee stepped down. The following is the outcome of the new committee election.

Position MemberProposed Seconded
ChairKeith Margaert judy
Vice Chair Margaret SarahBryan
TreasurerAlex (cont.) CaroL lMargaret
SecretarySarah (cont.) Ishbel Carol
Jo CowellTricia (cont.) Carol Margaret
Newletter EditorJulie (cont.) Ishbel Sarah
Committee memberSaime Margaret Carol
Committee memberLiz Carol Margaret


8. Any Other Business
• Thank you was extended to Pat for all her hard work, commitment and help over the years, although not able to make it to the group as frequently, Pat is still a valued hon. Member and we send her our thanks and best wishes.
• Judy suggested an afternoon to discuss publishing, extra to our normal meetings to go into more detail and depth. Others mentioned the Ron Bartholomew events that have historically taken place at Owls. Members discussed whether this would take an informal discussion, learning or social aspect and whether we would meet for food. Places were suggested including The Sandpiper, The Red Lion, (both having suitable meeting rooms) or our usual venue. The Committee will meet to discuss this in depth in an extraordinary meeting on 28th March in the church meeting room.
• Sarah put it to Owl members that she had been approached by two published writers enquiring whether they could come and do readings. Members response was generally positive to this. We will also discuss this at the Committee meeting on the 28th March.
• Suggestions were made for a possible reader for the Dora Doyle poetry event. Carol will contact a potential reader, Sarah to follow up.
• Bryan, Ishbel and other Owl members have various paper, documents and anthologies from Owls history. The question was discussed as to what to do with this growing archive. It was suggested someone could collate and hold them, and the possibilities of scanning and electronic archiving. Saime volunteered to scan and electronically save some sample items.
Alex, on his travels, has found a glass/ resin cast owl, which he proposed could be a trophy to be awarded annually to the member with most progress shown in their writing. This would involve submitting three pieces over the year, to encourage writer development. Owls responded very positively to this suggestion.
Judy said she had been approached by Twinkle House to ask if we wanted to donate to be included in their community advertising pamphlet.
Jean raised concerns at security when using email and address security. An important point for all of us to bear in mind.
Bryan closed the night brilliantly with a reading of his story ‘The Apple Orchard’, which has just been printed in Lancashire Evening Post.

SECRETARY'S REPORT

Secretary’s AGM report March 2010 - March 2011

7th March 2011
1. Meetings
We have had 20 meetings since the last Owl AGM. The following is a
synopsis.
8 manuscript nights, 2 workshops; a dialogue workshop from Alex
and a write on the night led by Tricia. We have had 4 themed manuscript
nights; love story, comedy script, science fiction and children’s fiction. We have had a poetry evening with members reading their own work, and a
literary night where members read an extract of their favourite texts. One firstliner night, starting “what do you mean, he’s not in his room?” We also had the 500 word story competition night for the local M/S society. Alex’s submission won overall. All stories and poems have been printed in the Local M/S Society newsletters.
TheJo Cowell Awards night, and the Dora Doyle poetry evening when Dave Ward
from the Windows Project in Liverpool presented and gave some exercises,
and the Christmas party, which although many were unable to come due to
illness and the poor weather, we still had an entertaining evening, with lovely nibbles.

We have had an average of 11 members at each meeting, with only one
meeting with just 8 members attending. We have hosted 13 visitors, four
of which have signed up as members. Thank you to all members for your
attendance and support of the club, and all the written contributions and
manuscripts. The members are what make the club.

3. Thank you to outgoing secretary
Thank outgoing secretaries, Judy and Ishbel who supported her, for all their fantastic work and organization over the years they have held the role.

4. Thank you to members for support.
Thank you for the support and encouragement shown by the Owls members
as I’ve stepped into the secretary position. A lot to learn, I’m sure I will make mistakes – thank you for all your help and patience.of which have signed up as members. Thank you to all members for your
attendance and support of the club, and all the written contributions and
manuscripts. The members are what make the club.
As I've stepped into the secretary position I have alot to learn, I’m sure.

Sarah Schofield

Owls minutes

Owls minutes


20th February 2011 First-Liner Manuscript Night:
‘What do you mean he’s not in his room?’
Present: Margaret, Ishbel, Neil, Tim, Judy, Keith, Tom, Bryan, Alex, Carol, Saime, Sarah
Apologies: Dave (happy birthday!!), Liz, Cec, Pat, Susan
News

Alex is having his play ‘Gherkin and Biscuit’ performed as part of the Write Now Liverpool festival on 20th April. This is part of the Ten Tall Tower Tales Challenge, at the Actors Studio, Seel Street. See www.writenowfestival.co.uk for more details. Well done, Alex!

Readings

Judy shared the next installment of her therapeutic fiction for young people, following on from last time, called ‘Hidden Life’. The series, hopefully of ten stories in total, aims to focus on and reflect challenging issues that young people might face – creating a scenario that can then be discussed as a class. In this one, fifteen-year-old Sam has run away from home. The story is told from the perspective of his brother, nine-year-old Joe, who is aware that his older brother has been treated badly by his stepfather. The story explores this dysfunctional family as the younger brother wonders what he should do next. Owls found the story moving, and hoped to hear some of the questions that might go along side the story. Thoughts went into length of the stories to be appropriate for the young, shared-reading audience. We look forward to seeing how the series develops.



Keith read the beginning of a work in progress, called ‘Rebuilding’. Chris, an eleven-year-old boy, has disappeared with a bag and some clothing. As the story unfolds, we learn that the boy has left due to the endless arguments happening in the family. His mum and dad say: “He’s gone and it’s all your fault. You never leave him alone.” And “It takes two to make an argument.” We see the complexity of this family dynamic, including touching moments; the couple cease their arguments to hold hands as comfort for one another as they decide what to do next. Keith is still working on the crafting the ending. Owls found it an engaging and it sparked an interesting discussion about the nuances of words we, as writers, choose to use, in this example – haversack / rucksack / bags / satchels. Definitely a story to be completed and shared at Owls again!
Tom had worked the first liner into a couple of brilliantly funny poems. The first was a swift review of the difficulties of working the first line into a poem that scanned and rhymed effectively.


The second was ‘Empty Rooms at mine and Mabel’s’ a sparkling witty poem about a errant best man on a groom’s wedding day; “missing in the line of duty in a bachelor’s ultimate hour.” It turns out that not only the best man, but the ring and the bride have also done a bunk to sea… “in a cabin financed by me.” Owls loved the twist at the end and were impressed by the humour gleaned from a challenging first line!


Bryan shared two stories; one sad and one humorous. Firstly, the sad one, ‘In the Well’ was a haunting tale of a close-knit Wiltshire village where a local, Lily, kept seeing a face appearing at her window. The speculation of a stranger staying at the village inn added to the tension. Then the face at the window is identified, and we hear the story of the baby lost in the well. Owls found the story intriguing, especially the historic details about the house. And enjoyed the understated well written style; “I was helping Mother move the table when it happened.”

Bryan’s second story, ‘Uncle Bill’ was a comedy about unwanted house guests and a missing painting affectionately named Uncle Bill, that, although not greatly loved, could be worth a bob or two if it really was as suspected an original Picasso. Owls loved the light tone and the great ending line.

Alex read ‘Not Again’, a clever story with an intriguing twist and an interesting two perspective structure, from two brothers. One has escaped from a hospital and the other is wondering where to find him. Worrying about what he might do. Owls enjoyed the fresh structure and the ambiguity woven through the plot right through until the ending. Very well handled.

Margaret shared ‘Bloody Madonna’, a harrowing tale about a pedophile ring. Liza has been dragged into picking children off the streets for sex trafficking. Liza finds a way to rescue the boy they have locked in the room upstairs but Dawson discovers the plan. And only one person will escape. An intriguing tale that sparked discussion about place and setting.
Neil created a poem from the first line called ‘Seasons of Sorrow,’ an evocative poem, with a gothic edge, that left Owls marveling. Neil expressed that he had aimed not to go too far from the line. “He is the living corpse on that cart drawn horse / whose remorse we did follow, /once our son’s heart became hollow.” An effective poem that left owls intrigued by its time and place. Definitely one that requires more than one read through.

Tim read a new piece of Sci –fi, cleverly using the first line. ‘Professor Verne’s Spaces’ saw a young student, Luke, attempting to get in contact with Professor Verne, who was in the middle of a very important conference, as an iron producing asteroid approaches. Owls thoroughly enjoyed this story, with lots of well written dialogue, and great descriptions; “manicured voice of the receptionist” and “amazing ability to project voice without shouting.” Great observational writing.

Carol read an extract from her new novel in progress. In this one, we see more from Jenna and the complexities of her relationship with her daughter Mandy. The passage drew out some parallels between Jenna and Mandy’s situation and the family of Lily, who have gone through a similar experience of a missing child, albeit on a longer time frame. Carol explained that her next completed novel is being processed, and she is working hard on this new title in the mean time. Carol’s reading led to a discussion on how to get on with big projects without distraction, and about prioritising our writing. And how distracting emails can be!

A wonderfully varied evening of readings. A smorgasbord of quality and different genres and themes, all produced from the same first line. Great stuff.

Next meeting will be on 7th March. The AGM.

Next Meeting

Next Meeting January17th Manuscripts for gentle criticism