OWLS - Ormskirk Writers & Literary Society

A message from Runshaw Writers to Ormskirk Owls

2011-09-24T06:50:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-08T09:54:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-24T01:35:00.000-07:00

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

2011-04-19T14:51:00.000-07:00

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

2011-03-09T05:09:00.000-08:00

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

2011-03-06T08:57:00.000-08:00

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

2011-02-23T05:59:00.000-08:00

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

2011-01-12T09:56:00.000-08:00

Next Meeting January17th Manuscripts for gentle criticism

CHRISTMAS MEETNIG

2010-12-13T07:25:00.000-08:00

OWLS minutes

6th December 2010

Christmas Meeting

Present: Helen, Tim, Sarah, Judy, Margaret, Graham, Carol, Julie, Saime, Tom,

Sheila.

Apologies: Jean Finch, Dave, Cecil, Pat, Ishbel, Tricia, Alex, Sue, Keith, Liz, Bryan.

As you all know, we have postponed the Murder Mystery Night as many people
were unable to attend tonight. New date for murder mystery is 21st February.

Those of us who were able to attend feasted on fabulous nibbles, homemade
samosas and delicious meringues and shared and listened to the 300 word
humorous pieces.

Tim wrote a short play, with a royal setting. In ‘Her Majesty’, the parts of The
Queen and Philip were played brilliantly by Judy and Graham. Margaret and Tom
played excellent servants. An entertaining script, which culminated in searching
for a special jade hair clip in the corgis poop bin.

Judy read excellently, ‘A Cheery Phone call’ a piece of performance prose. A
cleverly devised piece that definitely deserves another outing! so I won’t give too
much away here!

Margaret shared ‘Grandma at Christmas’; a clever and funny piece about
families at Christmas, the expectations, difficulties and clashes. Something
perhaps we can all relate to in one way or other.

Bryan’s poem, ‘Uncle Henry’ was read for the group. A very funny poem about
feeding up the Christmas bird that becomes somewhat of a family pet. Perhaps,
on Christmas day, they could have Chinese instead?!

Cec submitted his humorous piece ‘Big Bang’, which was enjoyed by all. A very
funny take on the current events on Strictly Come Dancing with the popular
dance duo, Widdecombe and Anton Du Beke.

Sarah read ‘My Santa List’ a letter to santa, in three categories; ‘things I would
love…’, ‘things that would be useful…’ and ‘things that should never appear in a
stocking…’

Tim was unanimously agreed as our winner for the humorous writing piece on
the night. Well done, Tim! A book voucher will be awarded. Tim gave a lengthy
and carefully written acceptance speech. It went; “Thank you.”

Carol had everyone giggling with some clever howlers taken from an article in
Writing Magazine, of the writing faux pas and other odd expressions where a
good edit would have been advisable. Two of these:

“The man was eating a fish that still had its head on and was drinking red
wine in great gulps.”
And

“Smoke curled round her shoulders like a ferret.”

Tom performed some brilliant recitals from the great Robb Wilton. This
proved both an entertainment for all and an education for those of us unfamiliar with
Wilton’s work.

Sheila gave a performance of an extract from Shirley Valentine, that she had
previously prepared for a U3A meeting. In the extract, Shirley is talking to
the wall, and recalling her son, Brian, in the nativity play. Excellently
delivered and much enjoyed.

A fantastic night with lots of humour and Christmas cheer! Wishing everyone a
lovely peaceful Christmas and New Year.

Next meeting, 17th January 2011, will be a manuscript night.

For Cats' Sake

2010-11-11T09:43:00.001-08:00

FREE CAT CALENDAR 2011 TO DOWNLOAD! PDF OR WORD DOC:

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/4692947/2011%20A%20Calendar.pdf

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/4692947/2011%20A%20Calendar.doc

Happy New Year everybody!

The minutes of the poetry evening

2010-11-03T10:07:00.000-07:00

Owls 1st November 2010 Poetry Night

Present: Judy, Cec, Keith, Liz, Tim, Sarah, Saime, Tricia and Dave Aplogies: Susan, Maragaret, Alex, Pat.

News and updates.

All OWLS encouraged to come to the next OWLS session on 15th November, which is the Jo Cowell Award night. Those who have entered are especially encouraged to come along. We will be welcoming judge Ron Ellis and enjoying light refreshments.

Waterstones have paid up for the copies of the recent OWLS anthology – a welcome boost to the funds.

Cec has some copies of past OWLS anthologies, and his own collections, which are available to purchase – all donations to go towards OWLS funds.

Sarah has agreed to take on the role of secretary for a twelve month period, beginning in January, with a short hand over period from Judy.

Readings.

Judy shared ‘Our Venice Cruise’; a light-hearted poem about her recent holiday. Touching on colourful images – eating pasta, Gaudi and noisy Americans! Members especially enjoyed the smuggled Bacardi and Coke.

Tim read part of his novel in progress, ‘2173’, taken this time from earlier on in the story. The family are searching for a place to make home. Tim was aiming for more dialogue. Members enjoyed the beautiful outdoors descriptions and the lovely poetic opening, the quick movement into action, the emotional content and the taste and senses evoked. Brilliantly read. Tim is considering creating a very brief synopsis of the novel to help listeners place the action for future manusript readings.

Dave read us ‘Autumn’. A gorgeous spare poem creating a picture of the season. “A drop of just a few degrees…/ Sun hangs lower in the sky…” A reflective piece reminding us how the changing seasons makes us stop and reflect.

Keith read us ‘A View From my window on a Winters Morning’. A poem reflecting the frozen still bleakness of winter, and the feelings of hope inspired by a small robin visitor. A beautiful poem with lots of strong imagery that had us convinced it was a true tale.

Cec read ‘What a Wonderful Party’, a poem inspired by an OWLS Christmas party he was unable to attend due to illness, when a play was performed, including songs, involving lots of members – some who are still with us today. A lovely reflection back for those who remembered it, and a pleasant insight into OWLS past for those who were not there.

Tricia shared ‘Dresses For Life’ a poem written for a Writers Magazine competition. The brief was that the last line had to be “and so she wore her little black dress.” No easy task! We loved the poignancy of the poem Tricia created, and also the ambiguity of the final lines.

Cec read another poem, reflecting an encounter with a computer virus. Something others could relate to. ‘Sinclair Open Windows’ explored his relationship with his grandson, teaching him basic computer skills as a child, so he was then able, as an adult, to come and fix the computer when its malfunctioned! A poem that spoke to us all in different ways.

Judy read ‘Autumn Leaves’, which started as a word play on leaves, leaving etc. a gorgeous evocative piece, creating the images of scattered leaves. Initially, the poem was planned with a cyclic structure, autumn leading to winter and eventually spring. But seemed to work better as a single season. This led to interesting discussion about poems as stories. Keith shared that he will often leave out verses he has written that at the time helped form the poem but later are excluded. Or reintroduced in the drafting and redrafting process. Helpful poetry thoughts!

Tricia shared a poem with three possible titles… pick your favourite. ‘Autumn / 1st September / September Morning’ the poem was a series of stoccatto illustrations of an autumn day.

‘Swallows gather, geese glide in/ skin covered, tan forgotten, fleece found / back door’s closed, lamps lit, cosy corners…’

One member described the poem like an artists palette. Very evocative.

Cec read us ‘Harvest’ a visually atmospheric poem about harvest time, focussing on new versus traditional styles of farming and agriculture. A poem that sparked memories for lots of members.

Tricia read her next ‘Ted’ instalment. ‘Ted in Kennels’ a humorous and heart warming tale of Ted the dog, following on from the previous ‘Ted in Love’ and ‘Ted in Trouble’. The plot was tense and entertaining for all. The lovely believable animal characters were especially highlighted by members. Some members felt it would work best as a children’s story, especially one to be read by an adult to a child, proving entertaining and engaging for both.

Dave shared ‘Circles we Turn’, new lyrics he has created to go to the melody of ‘Send in the Clowns’. An emotive and poignant piece.
And ‘Upon a Hillside’ a beautifully formed poem about the cold season sheltering from the weather. It was inspired by a moment on Snowdon. Very atmospheric.

Judy read a touching poem ‘A Bee – autiful Kindness’ a heart warming poem about rescuing a bumble bee. A lovely way to end a great poetry night.

A fantastic night of poetry, and a couple of manuscripts thrown in for good measure, with a common theme of Autumn and winter. We all seem to have been inspired by the recent cold snap.

Keep writing! And hope to see all at the Jo Cowell night on 15th November in the usual place and time.

Minutes written by Sarah Scholfield

2010-10-21T10:10:00.000-07:00

OWLS

Next meeting: 1st November. A poetry night – bring any of your poems to share with the group. (please note, this date has swapped with the Jo Cowell night, which is now scheduled for the 15th Nov)

Minutes by Sara 18th October 2010

Present: Margaret, Cec, Alex, Tim, Tricia, Ishbel, Sarah, Saime, Carol, Ben (Visitor-1st time)

Apologies: Julie, Michael, Susan, Liz, Graham, Jean H, Jean G, Judy

Special thanks to June Beach for the delicious cakes! We loved them.

Manuscript night.

Ishbel read us ‘House Moves’, a memoir piece exploring the six different houses Ishbel lived in before her early teens, then the seven moves in Iran before eventually settling in Greetby Hill. A fantastic piece based on research into social mobility, and how people historically have moved around an area, following work and family ties.

Tricia shared ‘Baby Snatch’ the tale of Hetty and her friend Peggy who are coping with difficult experiences in a home for Mothers and Babies. The story was set somewhere between 30s and 50s. And was based on Tricia’s research on a mothers and babies home in Southport.

Tim read some more from ‘2173’; a further part of the memoir section from the main character’s father. Some fantastic descriptions of life on the new planet – including native plants and ‘suspenser’ lights. Owls enjoyed the creativity of an entirely new world.

Carol read to us from the start of her new novel ‘Buried’, including the reworked prologue which occurs six months before the main story begins. A ten year old girl, Lily, has been abducted and is found six years later. The second section Carol shared was from the opening chapter. The police have given up on Lily’s case and cannot discover where she has been. Lily’s parents are seeking help from Jenna, a private detective. The story leads on from the first Jenna detective novel – ‘Love and Hate’ which is currently with Carol’s agent.

Alex shared ‘The Same Again?’, a poem based on a revisit to the area described in his poem ‘Bluebells’, but in a different season. Owls especially liked “A unique déjà vu”. When requested, Alex was able to recite ‘Bluebells’ for us, too.

Cec' read us ‘The Asylum is Run by the Loonies’ a cleverly written comedic poem that we all enjoyed. It discussed the nature of ‘free’ products and sparked a lively discussion about the cheat that is ‘buy one get one free’ and other similar offers.

Margaret shared ‘Holiday Blues’, an entertaining tale about Carol and her memories of disastrous holidays with her Aunt Jane who leaves a trail of chaos wherever she goes. A wonderful tale with a fun twist at the end.

Ben read us an extract from ‘The Nameless Adventure’ a children’s tale set in a surreal circus. OWLS were enchanted by the Elipig called Alfie, who is a cliff dweller with suckers on his feet, and loved the image of the sink plunger, and the clash of inter planet cultures and experiences.

Cec read a second poem, ‘I Remember Wolverhampton’, a moving and poignant poem with reflections on memory and Enoch Powell.

Margaret shared a second story, ‘The Two Wives’ a lively, entertaining ghost tale featuring Catherine and Ann, two of Henry VIII wives, on a mission to haunt tourists. An amusing story to end a great evening of creativity.

2010-10-04T07:40:00.000-07:00

OWLS LITERARY EVENING Sept.6th 10.

Present. Margaret, Sue, Ishbel, Graham, (welcome back) Liz, Sarah(Mrs Schofield Congrats ),Tricia, Tim, Carol, Alex, Cec, Saime, Julie, Sheila, Elizabeth, and Judy. (16)
Apologies. Dave, Jeans (F and G.), Pat, Helen, Michael, and anyone else whom I have not mentiones
Thanks to Julie for providing all the nibbles wine and juice for this evening, and to Treasurer for paying on our behalf.
Congrats to Carol who has a piece written about her achievements in Writers News and she has mentioned OWLS.

Please will someone give me a break and consider being Secretary from March next year. Job is not arduous and it would be nice to have a change. I’ll willingly help anyone interested.
Next meeting 20th Sept will be “Work in Progress” reading up to 1,000 words in place of one written into programme.

Recommended Books by those Present.
Elizabeth chose “A Walk to Remember” by Nicholas Sparks.

Sheila chose to read a piece from “Jane Eyre” Charlotte Bronte.

Tim read a piece from Laurie Lee’s classic, “Cider with Rosie.”

Sue read poems from R. L, Stevenson, Ogden Nash and Pam Ayers.

Alex horrified with an excerpt from Michael Crighton’s “State of Fear”

Cec Recommended “Boy in the World”& “Boy and Man” Niall Williams

Saime took us into the mad world of Patrick McGrath “ASYLUM”

Julie entertained with “Miss Bunckle’s Book” by D.E. Stevenson.

Judy advised “Mr Pip” by Lloyd Jones reflecting “Great Expectations.”

Carol recommended Graham Mort’s Short stories, esp. “Daniel”

Ishbel was taken by “The Memory Keeper’s Daughter” Kim Edwards.

Graham amused us with “Diary of a Nobody” George Grossmith.

Liz brought illustrated childhood favourites eg “Butterfly Ball”

Sarah got spooky with Bill Brody’s “Swimmer”

Tricia Recommended “The Secret Life of Bees” by Sue Monk Kidd

As usual a very varied and entertaining evening with lots of ideas for new reading. Sorry I’ve not added some extras brought by people but thought this was enough to be going on with. Thanks to all especially our Chair Margaret who couldn’t choose a favourite because it was either the one she had just finished or the new one begun!! How’s that for a get out clause!!!

All best wishes and as I won’t be there next time be prepared to be a volunteer to minute for me. (Committee please note someone needs to bring milk and biscuits) See you in October Judy

2010-08-18T04:24:00.000-07:00

AUG 16TH OWL MINUTES 2010

Present Ishbel, Cecil (Chair), Tricia, Jean, Keith Alex, Tom Mc. Judy and guests Saime, Sheila, Elizabeth and Shelma. (12)

Apologies Bryan, Pat, Margaret, Jean Finch, Liz, Sarah, Sue and Tim and all those others I have forgotten to mention.

1. Committee Minutes sent out to members and reminders to anyone not paid up to do so as in arranging new up to date list we will only be sending minutes and general information to members (and guests up to 3 visits.) £24 p.a. can be paid in 2 instalments see treasurer Alex.

2. Any comments on Committee minutes please mention to any one on committee and anyone wishing to help in any way please contact with ideas and suggestions.

Manuscript Night.

Tom began with his play called “Fools Mate” helped by Jean, Sheila and Alex. We were well entertained and concerned for the CAT!!!!

Cec enthralled with his new short story called “Amy’s Story,” involving a traumatic memory, a present concern re. a job and finding her Dad.

Judy read a little poem “A Bee-eautiful Kindness” about a dying Bee.

Ishbel interested us with a piece on “Penfriends” and delighted with her experiences which expanded her knowledge of far and near places.

Elizabeth shared her creative ideas but was encouraged to put pen to paper or type on computer and think about endings to spur her on.

Jean kept us on the edge of our seats with “I never saw that one coming” wonderful characterising of Lily and her relationships with Jim and Ted.

Shelma kept us spellbound with “The Wedding Day” especially the pesky robin!!

Keith shared the prologue of his thriller which was thrilling enough and hooked us all.

Alex finished us off with another extract of the vet stuck in the well and again I played the gossipy Marjory wanting to be the centre etc
Before we knew it, it was time to wash up and go home.

Next time is Sept. 6th and it is our Literary evening. Bring along a piece from your favourite book or published writings to read a small extract explaining why it is special. This is always a social occasion so wine juice and nibbles will be provided.

Please also be thinking if you would like to come in and share the Secretary’s job as I really do want to opt out after AGM next year. To find out more contact myself or Ishbel. All best Judy

AUGUST 2010 mEETINGS

2010-08-05T04:57:00.000-07:00

OWLS Meeting 7-30 p.m. At Ormskirk Church House rooms 16th August Manuscrips

OWL MINUTES AUG 2ND 10 compiled by Judy

PRESENT. Margaret (Chair) Tricia, Liz, Carol, Ron, Jean, Alex, Jean F., Cec, Ishbel, Saime, Judy and 2 Guests Ann and Sheila.
APOLOGIES Bryan, (get well soon,) Sue, (get well soon,) Tim, Michael, Helen (Enjoy Spain) Julie, Graham, and Sarah (getting married now what kind of excuse is that!! Have a lovely day and life.)
1. Jo Cowell. All entries with Ron Ellis, Judge.
2. Alex thanked everyone for the card on his recent loss.
3. Judy’s “My Journey’s Friend” appeared in M/S Mag. this month.

4. Committee meeting arranged for Monday 9th at NCH for committee members. Items to discuss, Paid up memberships, Future Jo Cowell, Preparations for meetings coming up and AOB. Any member wishing to add their thoughts please contact me or any committee member before Monday. Margaret, Pat, Tricia, Alex, Ishbel Cec or myself.

Manuscript Evening.

Carol entertained with Bizzy Wizzy a baby with cat’s head and tail!!
Ron took us on a journey up the Fells in Cumbria in the snow, brr cold.
Jean had developed her story re. the suit from Tricia’s writing workshop.
Alex carried on his play with his floundering vet falling into a well!!
Jean F.,took us into the angst of a non-white meeting prospective Inlaws.
Cec recited a neat little poem Pearls of wisdom don’t drink and drive.
Ishbel raised our anger against officials who tried to prevent her marriage
Margaret didn’t disappoint with digging for treasure on a dead body!!
Ann Shared “A Cup of Kindness” a New year story with lots of emotions.
Tricia, gave “Ted was in Lurve” A doggy story with lots of adventures.

Another very enjoyable night with lots of variety and Cec gave us all an exercise to finish with.
What is correct?? Does and Don’ts, Do’s and Don’t’s, or Do’s and Don’t’s. WELL YOU WORK IT OUT!!!

Next meeting Aug 16th another manuscript night.

OWLS MEETING MINUTES JULY 19TH 10.

2010-07-22T14:39:00.000-07:00

Hi All, Minutes from Monday meeting. See you next time hopefully All best Judy

OWLS MEETING MINUTES JULY 19TH 10.

Present. Margaret (Chair) Tricia, Liz, Tim, Jean, Keith, Cec, Carol, Julie, Dave and Judy (11)

Apologies Michael, Alex, Sue, Sarah, Sue J., Jean Finch, Helen, Saime, Ron, Lynn, Angela. Our best wishes go to Bryan who has been poorly again.

(And apology from me if I’ve left anyone out of Apologies.)

Event at Engine Rooms, Skelmersdale. 6th August “Letters Home”

Carol informed us that there is online Mag. Inviting articles and fictional stories regarding cats. Carol has had her “Scaredy Cat” accepted. Check online.

Comedy Script Night.

There were 5 offerings that gave most of us a chance to take parts in the plays.

1. Judy offered “Fantasy Playground” A follow up from her crude paragraph created in the last session.

2. Cec gave us another rather questionably crude French version of “A pp yness” in his “French Visitors.”

3. Carol entertained with another “Mop and Bucket” episode which carried on the theme!

4. Keith cleaned us all up with “Life’s little Dramas” Beastly Love!!!

5. Julie in true character finished us off with her version of “The Waste of Time Team in the Lost Pyramids of Burscough!!”

Laughter ruled the session and after the break handbags were emptied to give practical suggestions for writing on the hoof, using a baby furry giraffe, a lipstick, a tape-measure and other such sundries. Comedy continued to rule until we closed down just after 9.30pm.

NEXT TIME AUG. 2ND. Work in Progress/ Manuscript night.

In other words bring anything of around 1,000 words that you would like

Reply to anominous comment

2010-06-14T15:27:00.000-07:00

Re Jo' Cowell Competion

Apolologies to you regarding your comment
"It's very difficult to find the actual competitiondetails on your website. Is this competition for fiction or non/fiction - I have had conflicting information and it doesn't say in the rules. You really need to get your act together over this."

COMPETITION RULES

Entry is open to any writer and must be an original and unpublished work

The word count is up to 3,000 words and the The Competition is for an artical or non fiction piece.

All entries to be in double lined spacing on one side of A4 paper with the pages numbered.

Name of the author must not appear on the manuscript.

Fee for entry is is £4 plus £3 for each additional entry.

Cheques or postal orders whould be payable to Ormskirk Writers and Literary Society. Please do not send cash in the post.

Each Entry must be accompanied by an entry form.

Closing date is 30th JUNE 2010. Winners will be notified within three months of this date.

The judge is Ron Ellis Writer, Broadcaster and photographer.

Entry forms can be obtained by sending a post and sddressed envelope from the Co-ordinator, 65 School Lane, Downholland. West Lancs. L39 7JE

Or by mailing a comment including you address to this blog (your address will not be published).

C E B

Poetry evening

2010-04-24T15:13:00.000-07:00

During our poetry evening

We all had a good time.

More pictures  will          follow ~

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Dora Doyle Poetry Evening

2010-04-22T07:10:00.000-07:00

DORA DOYLE POETRY EVENING WITH DAVE WARD.

19th April OWLS meeting.
Present. Dave Ward visiting Poet Presenter. Cecil (President) Margaret (Chair) Alex, Tricia, Ishbel, Dave, Neil, Julie, Sue, Judy and guests June Beach and Helen.
Apologies. Sarah, Susan, Tim, Liz Pat and Angela. (We wish those unwell back to health soon.)
Dave was warmly welcomed and was encouraged to join in with wine fruit juice or nibbles kindly provided by Julie via Dora Doyle’s daughter Christine Chesshire. Dave read/sang his poem entitled “The Green Man Dances” He talked of how his ideas came to him and answered questions.
He then described an historic situation surrounding the Liverpool’s dockers’ strike in the past and how the ship “The Neptune” duped the dockers in Taiwan and were able to unload their cargo. Dave was asked by a Taiwanese to write a poem reflecting an apology from them and describing Liverpool.
He read us extracts which included an old Liverpool character “Sandy” well known at the Pierhead for selling the “Echo.”
He then let us know how the Windows’ Project began and how it is now well established where leaders visit schools and help inspire creative writing. For further info look up windowsproject@btinternet.com
After our usual break he led an exercise helping us to visualise a special place and to create our own poems/writings giving them depth. We all took part and the variation as one expects with OWLs was wide-ranging and entertaining to say the least.
A letter of thanks has been sent to Dave and behalf of us all.
NEXT EVENING IS MANUSCRIPT Any piece of writing you are working on and wish to share with the group.
MAY 3RD 7.30PM is bank holiday but it is all booked. Hope to see you all there. Again any members not yet paid up please do so a.s.a.p. Thanks Judy.

Notice for Monday APRIL 26TH

2010-04-19T10:14:00.000-07:00

Dear Sir/Madam
Re: Publicising your society at Ormskirk Library
I would like to invite you to a promotional event at Ormskirk Library on the morning of
Monday 26 April 2010 when you can publicise the work of your society.
We are publicising the library's online directory of local organisations, the Lancashire
Lantern WiCi. This provides contact details for local societies with information about their
aims, activities, times and place of meetings etc.
When a society is registered in this directory, it is possible for the entry to be updated
directly by one of your officials and you may publicise your own promotional events and
meetings in this way.
We are hoping to show society officials how to register and update their society's entry and,
in addition, show you and other library customers how to search the database to find
information about other groups and organisations in Lancashire.
If you would like to attend this event with your own publicity stand and/or information
leaflets to publicise your group and advertise for new members, please complete the form
below and return to Ormskirk Library. Early replies are advised since we will only have space
to host six societies with their stands and leaflets.
Even if you cannot or do not wish to bring a publicity stand to the event, I should be grateful
if you would bring this information to the attention of all your members who may be
interested in attending in an individual capacity. Staff will be available to show them both
how to search for information on groups in Lancashire and how to register their own society
details.
If you already have internet access, the Lantern WiCi can be found at:
www.lancashire.gov.uk/lanternwici
I do hope you or some of your members will be able to attend; for further information,
please contact Sheila Galligan at Ormskirk Library on 01695 573448 or
Sheila.galligan@lancashire.gov.uk
Yours sincerely
Jane Berry
District Manager

Jo’ Cowell Competition Is Back in 2010

2010-03-31T04:51:00.000-07:00

I remember Josephine, these days we call her Jo’
Though it was Mrs Cowell then, so very long ago
We were The Ormskirk Writer’s Club,
Met in a café, shilling sub
So genteel and polite.
‘Twas Mrs A. and Mr. B With courteous formality.
Nowadays days we still meet... When?
Each month’s first and third Monday night
From half past seven until ten,
Please won’t you come and meet us then
In Church house rooms upon the site
Of Ormskirk Church? We’ll help you write.

C E B

West Lancs Playwriter's Premiere Festival 2010

2010-03-30T15:29:00.000-07:00

Wed. 21st and Thurs. 22nd April in the Civic Hall Ormskirk.
Two plays both written by local writers will be performed each night.

Bernie Hughes "Escape from the Chateau D'or" and Jamie Gaskin's "Kiss Grandad Goodnight"

Tickets £6 and £5 (Concessions) Patrons may pay at the door.

Liz Wilkinson'a Review of the Novel A Kind of Intimacy by Jenn Ashworth

2010-03-28T10:57:00.000-07:00

A Kind of Intimacy by Jenn Ashworth

I was really excited when I decided to do a review on this book and then I started to worry. What if I didn’t like it and after all Jenn knows where I live, so it was with some trepidation that I opened the book and started to read, and read and read. This was a very easy book to read, the writer draws you in by allowing you to feel sympathy for the main character Annie and it is with a morbid curiosity that you want to know what happens next and then next. By the time I had worked out that all was not what it seemed I was near the end of the book and in my mind I was shouting NO! STOP! DON’T! and had switched my alliance to other characters.

Jenn writes with a maturity far beyond her years, she has a great insight into the human character and is able to keep your attention focused. I read this book as a night-time read so I had no interruptions and I savoured my time with it. At no time did I start to nod off as so often happens when you take a book to bed and the only disappointment I had was that I haven’t got anything to follow it. I look forward to her new novel with great anticipation!!

Liz Wilkinson
Ormskirk Writers' & Literary Society member

Publicising our society at Ormskirk Library

2010-03-19T04:47:00.000-07:00

Members are invited to assist at a promotional event at Ormskirk Library 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.on Monday April 26th 2010 to can publicise the work of our society.

The library's online directory of local organisations, the Lancashire Lantern WiCi provides contact details for local societies with information about their aims, activities, times and place of meetings etc.

When a society is registered in this directory, the entry can be updated directly by one of its officials. We may publicise our own promotional events and meetings in this way.

The library hope to show society officials how to register and update their society's entry and, in addition, show other library customers how to search the database to find information about other groups and organisations in Lancashire.

We have booked to attend this event with our own publicity table and information leaflets to publicise our group and advertise for new members.

Library Staff will be available to show how to search for information on groups in Lancashire and how to register our own society details.

If you already have internet access, the Lantern WiCi can be found at:

www.lancashire.gov.uk/lanternwici

An Invitation

2010-03-18T15:30:00.000-07:00

If you enjoy poetry why not come to our meeting 7.30 to 10 pm Monday April 19th our Dora Doyle Poetry Social Evening to participate in readings and workshop by Guest Speaker Dave Ward. Visitors welcome - £1 Wine and nibbles.

OWLS MINS. 15TH MARCH 2010

2010-03-18T12:24:00.000-07:00

Present. Margaret (Chair) Ishbel, Tim, Neil, Alex, Bryan, Julie Sue and Judy. (9)

Apologies. Angie, Cec, Sue, Sarah, Tricia and Pat.

1. Will Daunt Ormskirk poet sent fliers for his newly printed book “Powerless” which was joint winner of the Indigo-Dreams Winter Collection Competition. 2009. Several poems within have won prizes on their own. He is offering it to members of OWLS for £5 including postage made payable to Will Daunt at 48 Tower Hill Ormskirk L39 2EF.

2. Ishbel has offered to share Secretary job with Judy and will deal more with correspondence. Many thanks from Judy. (Margaret and Pat will jointly help as social secretary.) Judy has thanked everyone for their kind gesture of a book voucher.

This evening was a 500 word story/article competition, winner to receive prize from local M/S society. All contributions to be sent to Bryan Horne Editor, to be considered for printing in magazine.

In the event only 3 people produced stories as required.

Margaret, “A Scent of Lavender” (ghostly theme.)

Alex,“Margery,Community Information Officer (Professional gossip!)

Judy, “A Journey’s Friend” (Human! Sat nav?)

The winner was Alex for his highly entertaining story.

All 3 stories have been sent to Bryan Horne now plus a poem by Neil entitled “If I were a Ship you would be the sea.”

Anyone else wanting to submit 500 word stories for a chance to be published in Local M/S mag. Please email to me and I will forward them on.

We also listened to a further excerpt from Tim concerning his 21^st century Sci Fi story which he is working hard on.

Sue shared the beginnings of her story narrated by her main character a Co-Ordinator in a hospital. Good opening we want to hear more.

Bryan entertained with “The Apple Orchard Body” and kept us guessing right up to the end.

We took a collection for M/S and raised £25 which will be sent off as soon as I am given an address.

NEXT MEETING APRIL 19^TH DAVE WARD VISITING POET WILL READ HIS WORK, DISCUSS THE WINDOWS PROJECT, AND ALSO CONDUCT A SHORT WORKSHOP. 7.30PM NCH.

Judy.

Julie wants items for Newsletter

2010-03-17T09:12:00.000-07:00

please send any short stories poems etc. A S A P for Julie to assess suitability for our Newsletter.

500 word commission

2010-03-15T04:10:00.000-07:00

Hi All, Don't forget 500 word story for a prize and publish opportunity in local Multiple Schlerosis Newsletter. GET WRITING FOR TONIGHT IF NOT DONE ALREADY. jUDY

Lancaster event

2010-03-12T01:10:00.000-08:00

Spotlight
www.spotlightlancaster.co.uk

Friday March 19th
@ The Storey Auditorium
Meeting House Lane. Lancaster
Doors will be open from 8.00 pm
Admission £4 / £2 (conc.)
Open Mic 8.15 - 8.45 pm

Committeee minutes

2010-03-12T01:06:00.000-08:00

OWLS COMMITTEE MEETING MAR. 8^TH 10.

PRESENT. Pat, Cecil, Alex, Tricia, and Judy.

APOLOGIES. Margaret and Ishbel.

1.Cec our President explained the Blog further and recommended more use. (Members should now have received information on how to access BLOG.) Hopefully minutes in future will be there to read rather than sending out individual ones. Cec also made following statement for members.

“While regretting that illness prevented my attendance I would like to thank each and every committee member for another year of genuine work effort for the club. Alex our treasurer has produced an excellently concise balance sheet and I am pleased to note that so much of our current capital funding remains due to the earlier successes of the Jo Cowell Competitions. To all committee members past and present I give huge thanks.”

2. Judy thanked everyone for the Book Token.

3. Situation of Committee.

President Cec, Chair Margaret, Vice Chair Pat, Treasurer Alex, Minute Secretary Judy, Social Secretary shared between Margaret and Pat.

Please NB

General Correspondence Secretary Vacant open to volunteers.

Jo Cowell Co-Ordinator Tricia,

Owls publishing Liason person Ishbel

News editors for Magazine Julie and Angela.

Tricia has agreed to be a co-signatory.

4.Programme 2010 up to end of March 2011was completed and sent out to all members.

Helpful tip

2010-03-07T15:43:00.000-08:00

To make a copy of what is on your Computer screen e.g. a Jo’ Cowell Competition Entry form from our OWLS Ormskirk Writers & Literary blog.

Take a screenshot by simultaneously pressing the Ctrl Alt and Print Screen keys.

then press Ctrl and V, or copy to Paste it as a printable picture in your photo or word programme.

OWLS A.G.M. and Reports

2010-03-06T10:31:00.000-08:00

ORMSKIRK WRITERS & LITERARY SOCIETY

AGM held on 1^st March 2010

Present: Margaret (Chair), Alex(Treasurer), Ishbel (committee), Tricia (committee), Bryan, Neil, Tim, Keith, Dave. Visitor: Sue Johnson.Apologies: Judy, (Secretary), Cec. (President)

Annual Reports:

See attached reports from Margaret Forshaw (Chair); Judy Ingman (Secretary); Alex Munro (Treasurer); Tricia Statter (Jo Cowell Award Competition).

Margaret read her own report, and that of Judy Ingman (who sent her apologies). Alex presented the financial report, and distributed the summary to members present.

Report of the the Meeting

Disappointing few long-standing members attended. It was therefore gratifying that Neil, Tim, Keith and Dave, comparatively recent OWLS members, were present and contributed to the discussions.

Proposed: Membership fee remain at £24.00 p.a with the option to spread settlement in two payments of £12.00 through the year.

Seconded by Bryan

Proposed: That Judy Ingman (retiring secretary), receive a £20 Book Token in appreciation of her work while in post.

Seconded by Tricia.

Replacement of Secretary: At Judy (resigning as Secretary), had suggested that the secretarial work could be split between three people and outlined these as Minutes, Correspondence and Social. The Committee agreed and Judy said she is happy to continue taking minutes and distributing meeting reports to members. Margaret volunteered to undertake the Social aspect of the work. This left the correspondence to be allocated to a willing volunteer. Full information about the work involved can be obtained from Judy.

At the AGM, in Judy’s absence, Ishbel offered to take the minutes of this meeting and distribute them to members, together with the various Annual Reports.

Margaret then invited suggestions for the forthcoming Meetings Programme, starting next month, and the following list resulted:

Many more Manuscript meetings; Science Fiction; Poetry; Tragedy; Favourite Author (readings); Love Story; Themed evening (e.g. colour Red); Spontaneous writing; Memoirs (life experience); Adventures; Short radio script (Alex offered to give a workshop on this).

Some members suggested we extend the 1000 word limit at MSS meetings, and Tricia reminded us that OWLS used to have a ‘first come, first served’ system, whereby members on arrival would add their names to the list of people wanted to read their work. When time ran out, those who had not yet read their work would be given first choice at the next session.

ANNUAL REPORTS

From the Chair:

Having completed a year as Chairperson, I want to thank all the members for their support. It is satisfying to see the club entering another decade with a healthy number of members still attending regular meetings. Also a good number of new younger members taking an interest in our group; however I feel maybe more could be done to encourage the younger element to join. (Suggestions on a postcard please!)
This last year has also seen a few of our members struggle with illnesses, and whilst it is nice to see those members once again back on the road to recovery, it is with sadness that we note the passing of our dear friend Tom Hancox, a member not only of OWLS but also of the Playwright group.
I would like to thank all those members who have given so much of their time to organising and running OWLS. Without these people there would be no OWLS, as so much depends on their organisational skills.
I wish to donate £50.00 to OWLS funds in memory of Ron Bartholomew. This is part of the proceeds from the sale of my little book “A Taste of my Family”, (“recipes from before….”). It is selling well, and the rest of the money will go to charity, (www.niemannpick.org.uk), a rare, fatal genetic disorder which surfaces as a child grows).

Please forgive any omissions, and be assured they are not intentional.

Margaret Forshaw.

1^st March 2010

Secretary Report for AGM 2010.

We will have had 18 meetings up to AGM. (2 to go) The following are a synopsis. 4 Manuscript; Three workshops: Music and Writing led by Pat; Art inspiration led by Lynn; Article workshop led by Tricia. Two Speakers: Will Daunt was guest speaker at Dora Doyle evening on poetry, Jenn Ashworth spoke on Blogs for Beginners in January 2010. There were 3 short story evenings; a ‘First Line’ competition which Ishbel won, an Adult Fairy Story, and a children’s story. There was an Article evening, a Radio Sketch, a Literary evening, a Poetry evening, a further Article evening to come in preparation for this year’s Jo Cowell competition and our own internal Jo Cowell 2009 led by Graham and won by Tricia Statter. We had our usual Xmas party with games, food, etc.

Attendance. There was only one meeting with fewer than 10 members including some newcomers, otherwise the average was 12 at each meeting, 28 including guests at the Christmas party. We have had 9 interested new attendees with 5 signing up to join.
Ron Bartholomew commemoration. This year Cec and Ishbel finished the anthologies edited after the Network day held in 2008, (North West Writers Anthology). These were published under our revived imprint ‘OWL Publishing’ in 2009, for sale at £3.99.
Role of Secretary. A) Minute taking. B) liaising with members and reminders of meetings and content. C) Receiver of all correspondence and responsible for answering/acknowledgement. D) Answering queries by interested members of public, telephone, email etc E) Setting up committee meetings and alerting members as to venues. F) Following up lapse members. G) Keeping in touch with those members in bad health. H) Being part of committee to arrange programme and represent members requests.

Judy Ingman

Jan. 2010.

Jo Cowell Award Competition Report

The competition is for an article or non fiction piece. The judge is Ron Ellis who has written lots of crime novels as well as non fiction books on various local topics. He also writes for the Champion and has his own publishing business. The closing date of the competition is 30th June and the word count is up to 3,000 words.

I have approached the Writers News and Writers Forum with a press release. The Writers News have emails back to say they will publish our press release but Writers Forumacknowledged. We will be advertising locally and sending entry forms to local writers clubs. Also the entry form is on Owls blog.

So far I have received one entry.

Competition co-ordinator Tricia Statter

2^nd March 2010

Accounts details spreadsheets have proved too big to go on the blog. Members may obtain Copies from the treasurer

Screenwriting course

2010-03-05T08:39:00.000-08:00

Primary Creations are running a: Scriptwriting for Screen course

Writing for Tv Serial Dramas. Thursday 25th March

7pm -10pm £15 Manchester City Centre one off session with an experienced writer who’s credits include, Brookside, Hollyoakes, Holby City, Doctors and The Cops will give you a taster of what’s neccessary and the Do’s and Don’ts. To book your place email primarycreations@yahoo.co.uk

Also

Introduction to Scriptwriting for Screen 6 week course

Starts Tuesday 6th April

7pm - 9pm

£49.50

Primary Creations have been running very success scriptwriting for screen courses, previous participants have said the course 'has given me confidence in my writing', 'I've enjoyed meeting new people and sharing ideas', and that its 'inspiring and helped me build a portfolio of work'.

By the end of our programmes each participant will have written a 10 minute short film. During the course the aim is to provide information about structuring and developing a sound script.

You do not need to have written before to benefit from this programme as you will work step by step through the principles, if you have ideas but don't know where to start or you feel like you never to get finish this is your chance to experiment.

The programme will work through the basic principles in creating a sound script;

-Dialogue

-character

-Formatting

-Structure

For more information or to book your place email primarycreations@yahoo.co.uk or call 07857906 014

March 15th 2010

2010-02-24T09:05:00.000-08:00

At our most recent meeting March 15th 2010 we were delighted to welcome Shelma Vaughan from Poole Westmore Writers and new prospective member Steve Walker from Southport. The meeting was was well attended.

Read any good books lately?

2010-02-21T14:26:00.000-08:00

Orm the Owl says "Writers needs to read well written books. " Orm the Owl recommends FIFTEEN EASY TALES AND STRANGE STORIES by Bryan George; ISBN: 978-0-9559852-2-5 short stories with a touch of humour and irony from a master story teller. Published by Diadem Books,
For information, please contact:
   Diadem Books
   Ocean Surf
   CLASHNESSIE
   IV27 4JF
   Scotland UK
www. diadembooks. corn Available from Amazon, any good book shop or the author."

2010-02-10T15:24:00.000-08:00

Next meeting February 10th. Non fiction articles

Blog Meeting Video

2010-02-04T11:16:00.000-08:00

Jen Ashworth telling us about blogs.

Downloading the Jo' Cowell Competition Entry Form

2010-01-27T15:34:00.000-08:00

Computer Literate Experts should have no difficulty in downloading this form. However those who cannot may write to to the Compettion Organiser for one to be posted to them. an s.a.e. would be appreciated.

Jo' Cowell Competition Entry Form 2010

2010-01-27T14:42:00.000-08:00

Email blogging

2010-01-27T10:59:00.001-08:00

As the first email blog entry,
a small milestone for these times,
I hope this makes it easier to share,
Your thoughts, your says, your rhymes.

Jo Cowell Competition

2010-01-27T05:50:00.000-08:00

This year the 2010 Jo Cowell Compoetition is for and Article or piece of non fiction writing.

Committee Please Note

2010-01-23T15:29:00.000-08:00

Committee Meeting at Ishbel's evening of January 25th

2010-01-21T04:14:00.000-08:00

JAN 18TH MEETING OWLS.
SPEAKER JENN ASHWORTH ON BLOGS.

PRESENT. Margaret (Chair),Alex, Tim, Carol, Cec, Tom Mc., Sarah, Ishbel, Liz, Tricia, Neil, Julie, Dave Smith, and Keith Venables (latter prospective new members.) and myself Judy.
APOLOGIES. Bryan, Sue, Michael, Mike, Lynn and Pat.

Jenn Ashworth is a writer who also teaches creative writing groups about a range of subjects including blogs. She brought with her a good clear handout which I have tried sending you all but I’ve heard since that a member has received it 3 times where it has not shown my address. If anyone else is having difficulties and suspects spam then don’t open but I do urge you all to look at the OWLS BLOG which Cec helped create. This can be accessed by googling Ormskirk Writers and experimenting with various buttons to access what is on there already. It mostly consists of past minutes.

However if we as group decide to use the blog more frequently then we need to sign in and use it for commenting and encouraging those of us who need support for our writing in between sessions and if we can’t attend. My aim for minutes would be to end up putting them on BLOG only and then members access them there rather than in their own emails. Do remember though that I am hoping to resign as secretary at next AGM and new one may have different ideas. Comments please to blog before next meeting!!!
Now for the big news, Neil has already begun his own Blog which we can access and comment on. At next meeting we can ask him whether it has been useful to him and already he has 2 comments from Alex and myself.
I’m not going to go into any more detail over the evening other than to say it was very interesting and informative and we need to decide as a group if it is a useful way for us to go. COMMENTS TO BLOG please.
Committee meeting Mon 25th at Ishbel’s if interested in attending please contact me or just turn up. 7.30pm start.
NEXT MAIN MEETING FEB 1ST 7.30PM PRESENTATION FROM TRICIA ON ARTICLE WRITING IN PREPARATION FOR ORMSKIRK’S JO COWELL COMPETITION 2010.

2010-01-19T05:25:00.000-08:00

Progression

2010-01-19T03:32:00.000-08:00

We are trying to improve this blog and put in fresh content. OWL Members please email your thoughts with any ideas

Work in progress Evening. Jan 4 2010

2010-01-05T09:58:00.000-08:00

OWLS MINUTES JAN 4TH 010.

Present. Margaret, (Chair), Neil, Sarah, Tim, Alex, Ishbel, Cecil , Mike Hill, Myself Judy, and 3 visitors, Sarah and Natalie who came to our Xmas party and Dave Smith.

Apologies. Michael Lonsdale, Sue, Pat and Bryan. (A mixture of being unwell and not wishing to risk the weather.)

Margaret opened the evening by welcoming everyone and wishing all of us a good new year. She thanked everyone who helped in some way at the Xmas party esp. Alex over the new starting game and all who came and took part.

I let everyone know that we received a Christmas card from Christine Chessyre and a cheque for £50 for our next Dora Doyle poetry evening. (Christine is Dora’s daughter who was a founder member of the club) I have sent a thank you card from us all.

1.I, Judy, read a brief New Year poem hoping for a better year. I also read a story I wish to try and get published “Half a Story” and received good comments and advice from those present.

2. Margaret read “Freedom to Live”, a short story aiming for a 600 word outlet. Well written, smacking of Shirley Valentine but to Egypt not Greece! Good luck.

3.Neil treated us yet again to a wonderfully descriptive poem written that morning watching the sun rise and the moon go down behind his house. Excellent.

4. Tim introduced us again to another very detailed world of a police force situation, real and full of imagery of the future or fantasy? Makings of a good story.

5. Mike read the beginning of his novel set in Africa with an exciting plot, lots of tension and descriptive scenes past and present. We were all hooked by “The Opportunist.”

6. Sarah flew us into the world of “The Autometer Birds” a 4,000 word story, very detailed, Characterising emotion as well as storyline. Extremely original and gripping.

7. Alex gave us the chance to hear first part of a second Act play, but one that stands on its own, too. Full of humour, action and tittle tattle with a main character stuck down a well. Well, I’m not saying any more, but would love to see it on stage.

8. Ishbel read us her piece on Festivals, could be part of her Memoirs but fascinating contrasts of Iranian Festivals and British ones. Could be an Article??! (Thinking of this year’s Jo Cowell Competition!)

9. Dave read a beautifully tragic little poem called “Pirouettes and Little Steps.” Brought tears to my eyes. Also read out a piece from his first chapter of “Touches” graphically described elderly infirm man receiving a letter raising all sorts of issues from his past. We want to hear more.

Cec rounded the evening off with a short excerpt from his memoirs called “The New Job.” Very interesting details on Typewriter Mechanics. Held all our attention.

Next meeting 18th Jan 7.30 N.C.H. Speaker to talk on “BLOGS”.

Committee meeting at Ishbel’s next Monday 7.30pm. Anyone expressing a wish to become more involved or with issues to discuss please contact me ASAP. Thanks to you all Judy

Going Back (The Moon Can't Wait)

2009-12-07T14:57:00.000-08:00

This an extract from the opening of my new novella, Going Back (The Moon Can't Wait) which is available in the anthology The Moon Can't Wait available from Lulu.Com, £9.95, from 7th December 2009.
The anthology is a collection of 35 short stories of romance, comedy and the occasional murder. The novella is a mystery thriller, set on the Moon in the near future. It commemorates the 1969 Apollo Moon landings and coincides with the Copenhagen Treaty on Climate Change.

Friday 1200 Zulu
“We’ve lost contact with South Pole Base.”
This was big news. I could only speculate why Mission Director Lavrov was telling me first – if I was the first.
“Who’s this ‘we’?”
“Both us and Mission Control on Earth. All radio and data contact, telemetry, complete works became silent at 0900 Zulu, Friday.”
“The Sat links?”
“Both Sat links to us and direct feeds to Earth. Whole show went off at once. No warning, no prior emergency, nothing. Just like somebody pulled plug on entire base.”
“What does Mission Control say?”
“Somebody’s got to get ass down there and find out what’s happened.” I don’t know why, but I always find it amusing when Russians try to use American slang. Especially when agitated. “Assuming worst, till we know better.”
“When do we go?”
“We can’t prep a sub-orbital flight in under four weeks – ”
“Four weeks?” I was surprised. “Why the delay?”
“The Selena is undergoing routine overhaul and maintenance. Right now she’s lying around in Engineering Bay in about three thousand pieces.”
“Why is the car always in the shop just when you need it?” I said. Perhaps my levity was out of place. Certainly, Lavrov scowled at me.
“So we are sending team in one of the Marathons,” he added, somehow coping with his bad mood – at least he was regaining his fluency in English – “along with trailer carrying supplies for every kind of eventuality. That’s another reason for going by lunar surface route – bigger load.”
“But the surface trip from here to South Base is over five thousand kilometres – and that’s not counting the detours around craters. Especially as you get nearer – it’s, what? –– like a thousand kilometres of Himalayas.”
“It’s been done before – and that was before rougher sections were bulldozed to make causeways and cuttings,” said Lavrov. “About the same as crossing the Sahara, end to end.” His expression had not improved any, so it still didn’t sound like some kind of picnic he was suggesting. “You can average 40 kilometres an hour which means 140 hours to get there – about six Earth days. Which is just as well as it’s only seven Earth days till Lunar night on the Earth side.”
“So who’s going on this jolly jaunt?” I asked. It was a safe bet I already knew one person who would be going. John Patterson. Me.
“Jim Sellars, Dr Li, Françoise Lagrange from medical and Ajali Ndege. Then there are two newcomers. Dr Ahmed Zubaydi and his assistant, Ibrahim Rashid.”
Newcomers indeed – I recognised their names from a recent passenger manifest, but knew nothing else. “Who are they?”
“They came in on the last trip from South Base before the Selena went for her overhaul.”
“What are their specialities?”
“Apart from having visited South Base and seen how it was just days ago?” Lavrov picked up and glanced at a slim folder for several seconds like he had never read it before. “Dr Zubaydi was expert in geological survey – oil prospecting, I gather – before he joined our team.” A pause. “Rashid is – ah – his right-hand man… been with him for years. Deputy-Directory Kennedy at South will have done a more thorough debriefing, seeing as they were joining his staff. They are visiting North just to get to know whole operation.”
“And who else?”
“And your good self, of course.” He still didn’t stop scowling.
“Why just seven of us?”
His scowl worsened, if that were possible. “If nothing serious has happened, there will be plenty of people there who can take care of themselves.”
“And if it is serious?”
“You won’t need more than seven of you.”
He filled me in on a few other details for my own speciality. “One last thing,” Lavrov added. “Keep in touch with us here at North Pole Base, every six hours. You know the protocol.”
I nodded. I knew the protocol. “Anything else?”
“Get back in one piece.”
I’d kind of planned that already.

Friday 1600 Zulu
Let me introduce you to a Marathon. It’s one hell of a bit of kit. It has twelve wheels, six in the forward tractor unit and six in the so-called trailer which was attached to the tractor by a fully sealed gimballed mid-section, like a flexible bus, although it could be jettisoned in an emergency, such as sliding down a crater wall and the like. It was unfair to call it a trailer, as drive went to all of its six wheels, just like the forward unit, which in turn wasn’t really a tractor in that it didn’t pull anything. In fact, each wheel has its own drive motor which could be cross-linked to any other wheel in case any motor failed. It could carry up to sixteen people, suitably equipped, though, on this occasion the rear unit would be full of stores with no passenger space. The whole thing weighed twelve thousand kilos on Earth, or just two thousand on the Moon. All of them were nick-named the “recreational vehicle” or “RV” by everyone that used them, both at North Pole Base where I normally spent my time, and at South Pole Base. There were five on the Moon in all with at least two stationed at each base and the fifth as a kind of spare. Each one cost one point eight billion dollars. Some RV.
The reason for always having at least two at each base was for contingency. Contingency and redundancy. When you live on the Moon you never adopt the mode of thought, “What if something goes wrong?” It’s always: “When things go wrong, I can do so-and-so.” There’s always a back-up, a spare, of everything from a spanner to a spacesuit. The only exceptions at all were the Selenas – the sub-orbital spacecraft – and the Atlases, the Earth-Moon shuttle/cargo craft – it simply wasn’t feasible to have duplicates of these hugely expensive transporters at both bases – we shared one a piece at each base with at least one either on Earth and one en route – four in all – and this was thought sufficient. That had worked out well, I couldn’t help thinking, considering the current circumstances, but then no-one had anticipated a whole base simply shutting down like a blown-out candle. As for our Selena, giving it regular and thorough maintenance was our way of covering our asses. That had worked out well, too, again given the same considerations. I can be quite cynical when I put my mind to it.
Considering what was about to happen, I was probably justified.

OWLS Christmas Party

2009-11-17T12:42:00.000-08:00

The Ormskirk Writers' Christmas Party is on Monday December 7th in the large downstairs room of New Church House Ormskirk.

Members admission is free and only £2 is charged for each of their guests.

There will be competions for :-

1 A Christmas Poem or Carol No more that 30 Lines.

2 A story to read at the Party Must be 100 words exactly and contain the following ten words once only in the order given. 1.french 2. terribly 3. brief 4. action 5. people 6.air 7.capable 8. glowering 9. lanuage 10. wheedling.

There will be a prize for the entry voted the most entertaining.

The guests can enter the competitions

The Magic Sword

2009-11-06T04:50:00.001-08:00

King Boden, in despair at losing yet another battle to defend his kingdom, the Kingdom of Icia, was sheltering in a cave and in fear for his life, when suddenly he was trapped by a Tall Stranger.

“What do you want?” cried King Boden. “I cannot defend myself for I have no weapon.”

“What would you wish for yourself?” said the Tall Stranger.

“If I could have anything right now, it would be a sword so that I could strike down any who threaten me or cause me fear.”

“Then take this,” said the stranger, producing from inside his voluminous cloak a sword. It was a sword like no other King Boden had ever seen. Its balance in the hand was perfection, its blade gleamed and its edge would make shame of a razor. King Boden hefted the sword in his hand. “You give me this, yet are unarmed. Do you not fear me now?”

“No,” said stranger, “I have fear of no man.”

“But why do you give me this sword?”

“I tell you this,” said the stranger. “This sword is a Magic Sword. With this, and as King, you will never taste defeat again. But you will never know love...”

And with that, the Tall Stranger was gone.

Sure enough, from that day on, King Boden was victorious in every battle. His armies grew stronger till all feared the power of Icia. Then one day he captured the Princess Alsanda, daughter of King Ezeck of the neighbouring land of Maggedor and took her hostage. Ezeck swore revenge against King Boden and declared war. But on the eve of battle, King Boden realised he was falling in love with his prisoner.

“You are indeed a beautiful princess,” he said. “I feel my heart yearning for your affection. What would it take for you to become my bride?”

“More than you have in your power to give!” she vowed. “Take yourself from me, for your presence poisons the very air.”

“But, Princess, if you would be mine there is nothing I would deny you. For without your love my heart will surely break.”

“Then let it break. Your destiny is on the battlefield and not within my affection.”

Angrily, King Boden left the Princess and went to prepare for victory or death at the hands of Ezeck and his warriors of Maggedor.

That day, on the vast Plain of Ildion, the mighty armies of Icia and Maggedor faced each other. Their weapons glinted in the pale cold sun shining balefully down upon them. King Boden had the unwilling Princess brought by guards to watch the battle.

“I ask you one last time,” said King Boden to the Princess, "If you would surrender to me as I demand, and be my bride, I would recall my soldiers. But if you deny me, you will see the men of your homeland scythed down like ripe corn.”

The Princess raised her noble head. “I and all the troops of Maggedor would sooner die than suffer such dishonour.” And she lowered her head once more and wept.

“That is your answer?” roared King Boden.

“That is the answer of all of the line of Maggedor,” whispered the Princess.

“Then so shall it be,” said Boden. With a curse, he wheeled his horse and galloped off to the head of his troops.

Arranged in the first line of battle upon the Plain of Ildion were the two cavalries, the horsemen of Icia decked in their colours of blue and gold, the knights of Maggedor in purple. The crests of their colours stood proud in the wind on the manes of the battle horses. But when at last the order to charge was given, not an animal would move from either side. The riders urged them on fiercely with blood-curdling battle cries, but the horses, snorting and pounding the earth with their hooves, refused to move forward, even an inch.

Realising the peril if his horsemen remained still and were charged by a powerful enemy, King Boden raced to the front of his troops. He had the Magic Sword, the ownership of which had made him the victor of so many battles. He could not be defeated.

King Ezeck, too, saw the danger his army was in, if the horses would not charge and attack the enemy. He galloped to the head of his army to urge them to attack. But to no avail. It was as if the horses had no wish to be a part of the wars of men.

Across the plain, the two kings dismounted from their steeds and turned to face each other. King Boden raised his sword in signal, and shouted. “King Ezeck. Our armies are evenly matched. There is no need for them to fight this day. We two can determine the outcome of this battle. Let us fight, just you and I, to decide the day.”

Ezeck knew of King Boden’s recent successes on the field of war. He had heard rumours of the Magic Sword, of how King Boden had come by it, in the cave with the Tall Stranger. He knew the promise the stranger had made that King Boden would never taste defeat as king while he had the sword. Yet he was not afraid. “I accept your challenge! He who wins our duel will win the war between Maggedor and Icia!”

“Victory in war!” cried King Boden.

“Victory in war!” Ezeck shouted back.

The two paced across the plain till they were in sword’s reach. A pause stayed them. The two armies looked on in thrall. Princess Alsanda swept the tears from her eyes upon seeing her father, standing proud. Then King Boden raised the Magic Sword and swung it fearsomely at King Ezeck’s head.
It was a mighty blow. Yet Ezeck parried, and deflected the lethal blade harmlessly. He too struck out with his weapon, but Boden denied the steel a target in his flesh.

And so the fight was joined. On it raged, blow followed by counter blow. Sometimes the fight seemed to favour one man, then the advantage would swing the other way. But neither man took wound.

“Surely I cannot be defeated,” King Boden thought between thrust and parry, “for I have the Magic Sword. The Tall Stranger swore to me.”
For hour upon hour the epic struggle raged without rest, quarter neither given nor taken. But then, just as the sun that had blazed down upon this momentous day seemed to weary, and kissed the horizon, King Boden lofted the Magic Sword high above his head and brought it down with a crashing fury greater than any before.

King Ezeck raised his sword in defence and, as steel clanged on steel, the blade of his weapon shattered. The broken tip fell to the ground. King Ezeck, in despair, let the hilt slip from his hand and join the rest of the now-useless weapon in the dirt.

Quietly he spoke. “King Boden, you have your victory.” He stole one last look at his daughter, Princess Alsanda, in the lines of the men of Icia. Then he closed his eyes and waited for the inevitable death.

But death did not come. Kind Boden, following the gaze of his adversary, also spotted the beautiful princess. He saw, even at this distance, the tears upon her face, and the sadness in her eyes, and he felt his heart leap.

“As King, you will never taste defeat again. But you will never know love.” The words of the Tall Stranger who had handed him the Magic Sword repeated themselves on his lips. He raised the Magic Sword one final time.

But the blow never fell.

Lowering the sword, he spoke, almost in a whisper, to King Ezeck. “Open your eyes, King Ezeck. I cannot strike you down.”

King Ezeck looked into the face of Boden. “What do you mean?”

“As a king, with this sword, I can never taste defeat.”

“So strike me down, for I will not live if my daughter is to remain your prisoner!”

Again Boden looked to the princess. “But, as a king, I will never know love.” He looked again at King Ezeck. “Therefore I choose no longer to be King! I am now a common man, and a common man cannot strike down a king.” And with that he laid the Magic Sword at King Ezeck’s feet.

“And what of my daughter?” said Ezeck, in a bare whisper.

“She is free,” he said. With a wave, he commanded his guards to release her. For a moment, Princess Alsanda was frozen to the spot. Then she, tearfully, ran into the arms of her father.

“Oh, my beautiful daughter,” cried King Ezeck, for tears had come to his battle-drawn face also, “I thought that I should never see your sweet face ever again.”

Ezeck turned to face Boden. “So how do we decide the battle?”

“What battle? There is no battle. There is no war. We should leave this place in peace, with honour.”

For a moment, Ezeck was unable to speak. “You could have won the day,” he said.

“I would have won nothing.”

“But is there nothing you would wish for?” said Ezeck.

Boden hesitated. “I can barely say this. But if I could have one thing, it would be to ask for the hand of your daughter, the beautiful Princess Alsanda, in marriage, for I am under her spell, a spell greater than that of any sword or weapon. And I ask, not demand. I would have her answer freely, as only her heart dictates, and I would be content with any answer, though I hope for only one.”

Princess Alsanda looked at Boden. Suddenly, now that he was no longer a king, it was as if a blindfold fell from her eyes, and she could see a handsome, wise and generous man. She turned to King Ezeck. “Father, this man is more noble than any I have ever met, nor even dreamed of. With your permission, nothing would make me happier than to be his bride.”

King Ezeck wiped the tears from his face, and for the first time since news of her capture in Icia had come to him, he smiled. “Then his bride you shall be, with my blessing.” Upon these words, she let go of her father, and embraced Boden.

At that moment, as the shade of evening was drawing upon them, a figure appeared from between the two now-silent battle lines. It was the Tall Stranger who had given Boden the sword so long ago.

Boden, recognising him, said, “How can we be of service to you?”

“It is you who have served me,” said the stranger. “I have merely come to collect the possession I lent to you.”

“You lent to me?” said Boden, astonished. “So it was never really in my ownership?”

“No man can own this sword. I take it back now, for its magic is done.”

“And what magic is that?” asked King Ezeck in awe.

The Tall Stranger faced both of them. “Know this truth,” he said. “It is a truth equally for king and peasant, high-born and humble, rich or poor. War is not the true purpose of any living thing.” He paused to smile at Boden and Princess Alsanda, hiding the sword away in his cloak.

“Then what is life’s true purpose?” Boden asked the Tall Stranger in a hushed voice.

The Tall Stranger looked one last time at the two former enemies. “Love is.”

And, with that, taking the Magic Sword with him, the Tall Stranger was gone.

THE END.

2009-10-20T10:08:00.000-07:00

2009-10-20T09:50:00.000-07:00

MINUTES OWLS MEETING 19TH 0CT. 09.

PRESENT. Margaret (Chair), Tricia, Sue, Neil, Michael H., Pat, Cec, Bryan, Lynn, Liz, Michael L., Guest Chris,(Sue’s friend),and myself Judy.

APOLOGIES Tim, Carol, Alex, Tom H., Ishbel and Julie. (Get well wishes to all unwell)

Sue has had a poem accepted for a “Flow for All” Anthology, well done.
BEFORE AND AFTER WORKSHOP WRITING EVENING.

Led by Lynn who had brought several photos of well known paintings. We were asked to choose one and after looking at the picture to write either what happened before or after the painting.

Michael L. composed a letter to a soldier’s mother based on fact.
Judy wrote a story based how she saw the body language of child and parent.
Margaret had us in stitches over Botticelli’s Cupid and his harem.
Bryan wrote of a lost soldier looking out for the beautiful face haunting him.
Cecil wrote sensitively of a child ghost watching his earthly family grow old.
Pat hilariously composed the come uppence for Charley Green, swinging from a tight rope after showing off to the girls.
Michael H. began a mystery story inspired by 3 girls in a fishing boat by Monet.
Chris our guest gave a very descriptive piece about Monet’s mist into Death.
Van Neil Gogh!Entertained with a ghostly poetic piece heralding a new dawn.
Sue wrote imaginatively about a secret tryst surrounding a secret relationship.
Tricia wrote an horrific creepy piece of a lost girl being tempted to the home of a predator. We were all calling to the child not to go.
Liz led us to follow the antics of 2 drunken builders finali-ing in “THE SCREAM! “ (Which she did very frighteningly.)
Lynn completed the evening using an Italian picture of a terrace to tell of intrigue jealousy and murder around the corner.
All agreed yet another very enjoyable evening. Thanks Lynn.

NEXT TIME NOV. 2ND. THIS YEAR’S JO COWELL COMPETITION.

See you there All best Judy

Next Meeting and Meeting of October 5th 2009

2009-10-09T10:00:00.000-07:00

The next meeting of the OWLS will be held in a room in Church House Ormskirk 7-30 'til 10-pm on Monday October 19th will be a workshop evening run by Lynn. Then at the next meeting on November 2nd everybody is invited to contribute an adult 'Fairy Story.

The meeting on October 5th was a well attended Manuscript evening.
Carol Fenlon: read from her next novel about adoption which led to an interesting discussion about the legal legislation changes and affects on those concerned.
Michael: read more of Blakey's adventures in England from Australia.
Tim: an article on Science and Faith
Alex: more adventures of Henry the Camel and his friend Brock.
Bryan: read about Alex the Alien and
Ishbel: took us on a word and pictures tour of her early homes.

Next meeting September 21st

2009-09-12T13:29:00.000-07:00

The meeting on Monday September 21st was for a children's story of up to 10,000 words.

Sept 7th 2009

2009-09-08T12:12:00.000-07:00

Competition night for a story with the first line“The boy was a disappointment to his father…"
As usual we had a varied response including a play from Alex and a poem from Margaret. Cecil ingeniously surprised us in punchline as he had written from Joseph’s position as father to Jesus. Tim, newcomer Joanne, Bryan and myself all wrote stories surrounding these words in various settings. Pat actually started a book!! (we want more) developing a very appealing character of a young boy with outstandingly amazing talents, but it was Ishbel who won with her excellent story about the father wanting a son with a good solid career ahead of him when the boy himself yearned to be a chef and who ended up winning a talent competition on TV and being hugged by his proud father at last. So Ishbel won the wine and we were all delighted to see her back after her long absence.
We had a very worthwhile critique session on the contributions after the break and finished off with a masterful short piece by Neil of a shooting amidst a blizzard which held some marvellous descriptive phraseology.
Committee meeting my house tomorrow evening 9th Sept. anyone welcome and any issues to be discussed contact me.
Agenda so far to cover, Jo Cowells, Anthologies, Storing of club records, membership, further programming and Christmas.
NEXT MEETING SEPT 21ST 7.30PM N.C.H.
A CHILDREN’S STORY IN UP TO 1,000 WORDS.

Next meeting

2009-08-25T05:05:00.000-07:00

Next meeting Monday September 2nd. 7.30 in Ormskirk Church house. Bring a short story up to 1,000 words beginning "The Boy was a disappointment to his father..
Committe meeting Wednesday Sptember 9th at Judy's house.

2009-08-22T08:48:00.000-07:00

Our latest publication entitled 'Anthology of works by North West Writers' is a handy holiday or leisure read, full of stories, poems and even a short playlet. ISBN 9 78173553022 @£3-99 from Waterstones bookshops or Pritchards bookshops Formby. single copies post free from Ormskirk Writers c/o 43 Noel Gate, Ormskirk, Aughton, Lancs L39 5EE.
Posted by beachc05

2009-08-22T08:14:00.000-07:00

Our meetings are lively and varied.

2009-08-18T08:44:00.000-07:00

PRESENT. Tom H., Trish, Liz, Neil, Michael L., Alex, Michael H., Carol, Pat, Bryan, Margaret, (Chair) and Judy.
APOLOGIES. Cec, (Get well soon), Sue, Ishbel, Lynn.
Minutes read of last meeting Matters arising.
Jo Cowell Competition. Please send in your entries asap Further details from myself or Graham, or previous minutes.
Anyone wishing to help sell anthologies contact Cecil or Ishbel.
Committee meeting Wed. Sept 9th 7.30pm Any member wishing to attend or ask for issues to be brought up please contact Judy.
Carol has invited everyone to her "back to school party." Please contact her if going Sat. Sept 5th 111 Blaguegate Lane. Tel no. 01695728320. It will be fun. Thanks Carol for hosting this.
Pat’s workshop "The influence of music on writing."
Pat played 2 short pieces,
1. Gymnopedie- Eric Satie 1866-1925.
This first piece led our writers to envisage scenes of tranquillity cornfields, blue seas and skies, rivers with or without punts set in both modern and more period times. Contributions were as varied and interesting as usual with dancing romantic themes right through to murder, outlinings of plot and searching for identity.
2. Gigue-from St paul’s Suite Gustav Holst 1874-1934.
The second piece was much more rousing but time prevented from doing it full justice. However many saw galloping horses leading to full blooded romantic scenes, domestic violence, murder, Devil work, shootings sparked from a long ago true story and both Dickens, Hardy, times and regal stories of the past. Much imaginative talent was created throughout the exercise hopefully inspiring new works to be heard at meetings in the future. A BIG THANK YOU TO PAT for all her work in presentation.
NEXT MEETING MON SEPT 7TH. A Short story up to 1,000 words beginning with the line, "The boy was a disappointment to his father…. There may be a vote on best contribution by secret ballot! So bring your best to read out on the night. All best Judy

GREETINGS

2009-08-05T08:13:00.000-07:00

HELLO FOLKS WE ARE NOW UP AND RUNNING CEC

Minutes Aug 3rd 2009

2009-08-05T07:50:00.000-07:00

OWLS MEETING AUG 3RD 09.
Present. Carol, Michael, Sarah, Neil, Tom H. Alex(welcome back both of you) Cec, Bryan, Julie, Pat,(Chair), myself and guest Michael Hill.
Apologies. Graham, Lynn, Liz, Tricia, Sue, Margaret, Ishbel,Tim Angela.
Matters arising from read Minutes.
Jo Cowell competition. All members still urged to send Graham their anonymised contributions. Up to 1,000 words any genre to Graham Walker,13 Dorchester Rd., Upholland, Skelmersdale WN8 OAD. Cheque to OWLS £3.00 first entry and £2.00 for any additional ones.(Can be sent separately to Alex 12 Alexandra Rd. Southport PR9)NB or to Graham or handed in at next meeting.) For clarification contact myself or Graham on grahamwalker13@btinternet Results evening will be Nov. 3rd 09.
Anthologies. Cec been doing lots of hard selling but any member who can help with sales please offer services.
Committee Meeting due as soon as all members available ie Margaret, Pat, Alex, Tricia, Ishbel, Graham, Cec, myself and any members opting to join in. Issues for discussion.
a) Making final arrangements for this year Jo Cowell.
b)Signatories for cheques. c) Anthologies. d) Keeping OWL Records.
e) Next year Jo Cowell. F) AOB
Please note any member can add comments or attend committee meeting when arranged. All views welcomed.
Poetry Evening.
There was throughout general discussion surrounding poetry, its origins in song and verse, particular poets eg John Donne, Edward Lear, Adrien Henri, and GK Chesterton, with poems read out by members. Also read were poems from newspapers, our own past member Clara Sheen and a cheerful limerick re. "There was a Young Lady from Clyde. The mood dived between the serious war poems read, and the Nonsense supplied by Bryan. Julie had us all singing "The Owl and the Pussycat"!!!
There were also contributions from members own poems, not least Michael with his political one re expenses. The prize though must go to Pat for introducing most of us to Haiku with their 17 syllable 3 liners. She shared a few, added to by Carol well versed in Hiaku and a lovely finisher by Tom H. on "Metamorphasis". This concerned a caterpillar watching a butterfly wondering if he’d ever be able to fly.
Hope I’ve summarised satisfactorily but another thoroughly enjoyable evening.
Next time Aug 17th come ready to write. Pat will organise a workshop. (Just in case she is not well at the time also bring any work in progress for sharing and discussion as back up to the evening.) All Best Judy
THANKS TO ALL FOR TAKING PART. See you next time Judy

MINUTES OWLS 6TH APRIL 09.

2009-04-14T09:57:00.000-07:00

Present

Margaret (Chair), Julie, Tom Mc. Cec, Carol, Alex, Sylvia, Trish, Ishbel and Judy.

Apologies.

Lynn, Liz, Sue, Graham, Tim, Pat, Bryan, Tom H. (We all wish you well) (Sorry if I’ve not included anyone I should have done.)
Jo Cowell. Please send entries to Graham, any Genre about 1,000 words before end of June. (We are clarifying whether you identify yourself on each entry which will cost £3.50p. and let you know later. In meantime please be thinking of your entry.
Anthology. Much thanks to Cec and Ishbel for all their hard work. They should be ready for sale by next meeting.
Next meeting is our Dora Doyle poetry evening 20th April and we have hired the larger room downstairs on the left as courtesy of hard work by Julie it will be open to the public and other groups for a nominal fee of £1 as wine and juice and nibbles will be offered as well as usual tea and coffee.
Carol reminded us of Pulp Idol Comp. which has been sent to you all who would like to send in first 3 chapters of your novel and meet at Engine rooms May 5th for one of the heats. Tonight at Engine rooms are readings from their own Skelmersdale Anthology. All welcome.

ARTICLE EVENING.

Tom Mc. "An Independent View of the Welfare State." Centring mainly on idea to pay Grandparents for minding their own grandchildren.
Julie gave an entertaining and humorous account of "Love your Papergirl or Else!!"
Margaret treated us to a very informative history and up to present day on "Costume Jewellery"
Judy had an axe to grind over there being no minimum wage for small time employers in "The Minimum Wage in today’s climate"
Ishbel also had a bee in her bonnet this time about cars parking on pavements and wrote about "Paths are for Pedestrians!"
Sylvia amused us all with an unfinished but definitely worth finishing piece on "Bombardments from the Media."
Carol treated us to a piece entitled "Dolls Prams on Parade" and again informed many of us about the development and changes in pram styles.
Cec finished with a very apt article to remind us "Do Not Despair." This told us the reasons why our works could be rejected and warned us all how to avoid the pitfalls.
All pieces created a great deal of varied discussion and all of us were encouraged to try and get our writings published and come back and inform the club.

DON’T FORGET NEXT MEETING WILL DAUNT ON POETRY. APRIL 20^TH See you there, all best Judy.

FIRST OWL MEETING 2009 (JAN 5TH)

2009-01-06T13:43:00.000-08:00

Present. Tim, Sarah, Tom H., Alex, Tom Mc. And myself Judy.
Apologies. Pat, Bryan, Cecil, Margaret, Julie, Sue, Ishbel, Liz and Lynn. (Apologies if I’ve missed anyone out). Get well soon, Pat, Bryan and Liz. For others hope problems resolve soon and a happy new year.

Notices.

Letter and Cheque for £50 from Christine Chesshyre, (Dora Doyle’s daughter.)

Cecil wrote in response to Mike Wilson’s request for 400 word summary of network day to put into Link. Thanks Cec.

Thank you letter from Jackie, Inklings, for Network Day.

New Church House being decorayed. Next meeting may need to be in a different room so be prepared.

Manuscript News.

Alex’ play has been accepted for Premiership and for Leverhulme Competition which links to All England Festival. Congrats.

MANUSCRIPT EVENING.

Tom Mc presented a short play “The Gobstopper” using Tim Judy and himself which he’d been given as an exercise to include the following phrases: a) Did I ever tell you what happened to Brian, b) I had to distract him in the garden from erecting a bouncing castle, c) Well I think Mars bars are the answer. Thanks Tom a lot of fun and maybe we can use a similar idea for one of our workshops or for a homework task prior to a meeting.

Judy brought her poem called February’s Children. Her first copy and a copy she has worked on since. Thankfully all there could see the improvement. Group were also able to give her some good advice to help her to continue working on it Thanks esp Tom H.

Alex shared his first scene from “One More Rainbow” read by Sarah and Tom H. Excellent doialogue and so intriguing we’ll all have to go to see it at Civic Hall in March. Date to be given out later.

Tim and Sarah shared some thoughts about what is interesting them at present. Tim feels he’s concentrating on the future from teenage perspective and Sarah is targeting particular short story competitions.

Recommended books discussed were as follows. Enders Game by Orson Scott Card, Cloud Atlas by Mitchell, The Road by Cormack McCarthy.

The meeting finished 9.15pm NEXT MEETING Mon. Jan.19^th Manuscript again so please bring any writing you are involved in with a view to reading 1,000 words Max.

Please note Committee meeting Tuesday 13th Jan at Ishbel’s garden house 7.0pm. We will be looking at programme for coming year so if anyone has suggestions please pass them on to any committee member and if any member would like to attend meeting with view to becoming a committee member please come along. We are short on the ground.

All best for 2009

Judy

ORMSKIRK WRITERS' JO COWELL COMPETITION PRESENTATION EVENING. Dec 1st 2008.

2008-12-13T01:17:00.000-08:00

Alison Chisolm, Judge of competion, said she found it both a privilege and a very responsible task to be chosen as our adjudicator and was very pleased to be back with friends in OWLS. She looked for 5 main elements when judging and they are as follows.

1. An inspired idea with originality.

2. Vivid concrete images.

3. Technical accomplishment

4. Thorough revision.

5. Ultra memorable.

She then read the 2 highly commended, one of whom came from Lytham.

3^rd was Roger Elkin Staffs. “Putting Graham in the picture”

2^nd was “Tea” by Anna Whitly from Cardiff

1^ST was our own Carol Fenlon with “Lithopedion.”

Carol was duly presented with cheque and shield and as it was also her birthday we sang to her.

After the tea/coffee break Alison read the shortlisted poems discussing and answering questions regarding why they hadn’t made the top 5.

Footnote. Jo Cowell Competition judges are never allowed to know any entrant's identity until after the winner has been proclaimed.

Networking Day

2008-12-10T11:09:00.000-08:00

Here are a few pictures from the recent Networking Day in November where writing groups from all over the Northwest got together to listen to a speaker from NAWG, the National Association of Writing Groups, give some readings of their material and generally make contact with one another and have a natter.