Tuesday, 7 May 2013
Thursday, 18 April 2013
Minutes April 15th 2013
Present: Judy, Val, Saime, Tim, Sarah, Graham, Cec, and Alex.
Judy Shot to piece
Short story (mystery)
Agnes enjoys growing fruit and vegetables, when one she makes a startling discovery. The “metal
thing” turn out to be a riffle. Agnes debates who to call, the police? 999? How had the riffle
got there? And why? Had anyone been killed? Agnes remembers a police car at her next door
neighbour Maggie’s house, on boxing day looking for Maggie’s brothe who was suspected in a
shooting. Agnes remembered being given a number to call at the time, but can’t find it. Would the
police believe her? Would they think the gun was hers? Agnes finally calls the number.
Tim Freshers weeks
Short story (contemporary/comedy)
The antics of Freshers week between a group of very diverse students, all forced to live and
function together.
Cec Pocket dictionary
Short story (quirky)
From the point of view of personified lonely pocket dictionary.
Point of view a member of a fictional writers group, who struggles to write a piece on the uncanny
after a presentation. Sees an apportion of an old woman in a bonnet. Starts to write in an unfamiliar
hand, the story is about Ermintrude, the lady of the bonnet, who was due to marry a ship owner,
but ran off with a poor man. Her daughter dies before her, leaving a girlchild, who should have
inherited but was never found. One of her descendants was in the room.
Alex Henry the Camel book 2: Henry’s Adventures: The Journey of a Lifetime
A chapter from a longer work in the Henry the camel series.
Chapter, Expect the Unexpected
Henry tries to convince Oboe the gerbil that the elephants are his friends, but it all goes wrong when
the elephants mistake Oboe for a mouse and try to squash him.
We convinced Alex to read from the next chapter Travelling in Convoy as we feared Oboe had
died.
Graham Horror 1836
Short story (historical)
About reviewing child labour laws in the 1830s.
Members please Note:
Members please address Entries or remarks to me for insertion in this blog beachc05@gmail.com
Thursday, 8 March 2012
A G M 2012
Owls AGM minutes 5th March 2012
PRESENT: Cec, Alex, Keith, Sarah, Saime, Tim, Bryan, Tricia, Carol, Liz, Kate,Jean, Ishbel, Nick, Val.
APOLOGIES: Judy.
WELCOME FROM CHAIR, KEITH.
Keith pointed out that as the AGM is generally the meeting of any organisation
that people tend to avoid, we did really well to get such a good turn out.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT: KEITH.
Keith expressed his time as chair over the year had passed quickly.He has enjoyed the critique and company Owls have provided.
Poor weather can be off-putting, but when one makes the effort, evenings turn out to be rewarding with fun and excellent writing. He congratulated member’s successes in publication and thanked the committee for hard work behind the scenes, Sarah and Saime for minutes, Alex for financial work, and Judy for providing refreshments at her own expense. He highly he thanked everyone for great fellowship and fun, and for not
imposing stress upon him in his role as Chair.
SECRETARY’S REPORT: SARAH
We have had 21 meetings since the last Owl AGM. The following is a brief
synopsis. 9 m general manuscript nights, and 5 themed manuscript nights;
non fiction, fantasy, script, love on the rocks, a school play for
children night, a workshop on dealing with character and situation led by Tricia ,
and a a write on the night based around objects in stories led by Sarah . Also a
literary evening, and a meeting for magazine analysis, useful, critique of magazines accepting submissions. And a guest speaker evening with poet Stephen Beattie and novelist Mark Porter. And of
course the Jo Cowell night in-house competition for a children’s story, a Dora Doyle night with guest speaker poet Jim Bennett, and the Christmas party.
On average of 10 members attended each meeting and we have hosted 10 visitors, 2 of whom have signed up as members. Thank you to all members for attendance and support of the club, and all the written contributions and manuscripts. The members are what make the club.
an enormous thank you to Saime as stand in secretary and to other owl members who have filled in secretarial duties while I was away travelling. The minutes were brilliant – a real treat to read. Clearly a lot of time and effort went into them.. Thank you to all members for support and encouragement shown in making this group so successful and enjoyable to be a part of.
I’m looking forward to a really exciting year of OWLS ahead.
TREASURER’S REPORT: ALEX
Alex circulated the financial report to owl members earlier this week.
This year Owls did several things in-house which incurred lower
Expenses but the room rent did dent the accounts by £400.50, Which the issue can be addressed at the committee meeting next week.
NAWG is costing us £40 annually and. Owls discussed the pros and cons of its membership:
• PROS: regular emails, competitions, a magazine open to submissions, e-zine, workshops,and club a national profile, links people together for appraisal.
• CONS: poor notification process from NAWG incurs fines if mailing list not kept up to date. Few read or benefits from its magazine. We can have a national profile in other ways, e.g. (websites / our blog /facebook)
Alex proposed to cease membership to NAWG in July when our current membership expires. Liz seconded this and the majority of Owls voted in favour of this proposal.
Jo Cowell being run in-house did not have the same expenses as a national competition – so no income, but little expenses / judging fee etc.
Dora Doyle Evening incurred a financial loss, but members agreed that there was a great gain in terms of morale and enjoyment.
A card was sent on behalf of the club notifying the family of the evening.
Cec and Bryan’s separate charity poetry books raised a total of £35, which members agreed would stay in the charity pot, to have in hand, or for charities connected with members. A pot to dip into.
Finances are a bit tight to pay for the room but we can rectify this by encouraging new membership. Alex proposed that fees stay the same at £24full membership and £10 for students.
A higher fee for students (£12/£15)was suggested but Alex’s proposal to maintain the fees as they are was seconded by Ishbel and carried on vote.
Bryan's suggestion that the accounts should be accepted as un-audited was seconded by Tricia and carried by Owlclub members.
. JO COWELL REPORT: TRICIA
The competition theme was a Children’s story. It was held in-house on 18th July. All present voted and Sarah won a £10 book token.
. The committee will discuss how to proceed with this competition for next year.
. Suggestions from Owls members included working with the library, on a
combined event celebrating all founder members. It was unanimously agreed
that the Jo Cowell will continue in one form or another, whether in house
or wider. There was a feeling that some things have disappeared that are
important to the club and must be continued.
. DORA DOYLE REPORT: CAROL
Ten Owls flocked to hear Jim Bennett,who runs The Poetry Kit: the second largest poetry site in the world, and is a well known figure on the poetry scene.
We were treated to work about Liverpool, and famous figures and historical events. Jim took questions from the owls. He said a poem is like an onion with layers. It must engage the emotions. He finished by saying that to be a poet you must read poetry.
. Suggestions were made for next year’s Dora Doyle evening. The committee
will discuss ideas. It was proposed that Dora Doyle will continue, Cec
seconded this, and it was carried by the group.
. Glass Owl prize: Alex
This was a bit of an experimental exercise in its first year. The marking
scheme turned out to be more complex than expected, taking a piece of
work, improving it three times and scoring became complicated, although it
was generally felt to be a great idea for improving work. The committee will
discuss an easier reformulation for the prize, to make it more user friendly.
Nonetheless in this first year, people did contribute and improve their work. The competition was especially close between two at the top. The prize wasawarded to Tim.Well done Tim!
. President’s Report: Cec
Cec has had to miss a few meetings due to health and bad weather. He thanked the committee for splendid efforts and noted that every member has contributed to the success over the year. Everyone has gained something, which is what it’s all about.
He encouraged everyone to do more, perhaps by serving on the committee to help reshape and improve the club.
He went on to lead a round of applause for all the committee members and members of the club.
. Election of committee.
Liz and Tricia are stepping down from the committee after a term of faithful service with Thanks for their commitment and hard work over the term .
New members stepping up to the committee are: Nick and Elaine. Positions will be clarified at the committee meeting on Monday 12th March.
The Committee as of March 2012 is:
President: Cec
Chair: Keith. Vice Chair: Margaret Secretary: Sarah
Treaseurer: Alex Committee member: Saime Committee member: Elaine
Committee member: Nick
. MembersSuggested nineteen items to go on next year’s programme:
Please continue to forward suggestions to the secretary for the committee to
fit into the programme in their planning meeting on Monday.
. We also had a fantastic suggestion that refreshments served at our
meetings could be run on a rota basis. We will discuss the best way forward
with this at the committee meeting. Thank you for the suggestion. Great idea
and many thanks to Judy for so faithfully providing refreshments for so long.
It was a great evening, with lots to think about and look forward to in the year ahead.
Next group meeting on 19th March 2012, is a manuscript night. Public and prospective members will be welcomed.
PRESENT: Cec, Alex, Keith, Sarah, Saime, Tim, Bryan, Tricia, Carol, Liz, Kate,Jean, Ishbel, Nick, Val.
APOLOGIES: Judy.
WELCOME FROM CHAIR, KEITH.
Keith pointed out that as the AGM is generally the meeting of any organisation
that people tend to avoid, we did really well to get such a good turn out.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT: KEITH.
Keith expressed his time as chair over the year had passed quickly.He has enjoyed the critique and company Owls have provided.
Poor weather can be off-putting, but when one makes the effort, evenings turn out to be rewarding with fun and excellent writing. He congratulated member’s successes in publication and thanked the committee for hard work behind the scenes, Sarah and Saime for minutes, Alex for financial work, and Judy for providing refreshments at her own expense. He highly he thanked everyone for great fellowship and fun, and for not
imposing stress upon him in his role as Chair.
SECRETARY’S REPORT: SARAH
We have had 21 meetings since the last Owl AGM. The following is a brief
synopsis. 9 m general manuscript nights, and 5 themed manuscript nights;
non fiction, fantasy, script, love on the rocks, a school play for
children night, a workshop on dealing with character and situation led by Tricia ,
and a a write on the night based around objects in stories led by Sarah . Also a
literary evening, and a meeting for magazine analysis, useful, critique of magazines accepting submissions. And a guest speaker evening with poet Stephen Beattie and novelist Mark Porter. And of
course the Jo Cowell night in-house competition for a children’s story, a Dora Doyle night with guest speaker poet Jim Bennett, and the Christmas party.
On average of 10 members attended each meeting and we have hosted 10 visitors, 2 of whom have signed up as members. Thank you to all members for attendance and support of the club, and all the written contributions and manuscripts. The members are what make the club.
an enormous thank you to Saime as stand in secretary and to other owl members who have filled in secretarial duties while I was away travelling. The minutes were brilliant – a real treat to read. Clearly a lot of time and effort went into them.. Thank you to all members for support and encouragement shown in making this group so successful and enjoyable to be a part of.
I’m looking forward to a really exciting year of OWLS ahead.
TREASURER’S REPORT: ALEX
Alex circulated the financial report to owl members earlier this week.
This year Owls did several things in-house which incurred lower
Expenses but the room rent did dent the accounts by £400.50, Which the issue can be addressed at the committee meeting next week.
NAWG is costing us £40 annually and. Owls discussed the pros and cons of its membership:
• PROS: regular emails, competitions, a magazine open to submissions, e-zine, workshops,and club a national profile, links people together for appraisal.
• CONS: poor notification process from NAWG incurs fines if mailing list not kept up to date. Few read or benefits from its magazine. We can have a national profile in other ways, e.g. (websites / our blog /facebook)
Alex proposed to cease membership to NAWG in July when our current membership expires. Liz seconded this and the majority of Owls voted in favour of this proposal.
Jo Cowell being run in-house did not have the same expenses as a national competition – so no income, but little expenses / judging fee etc.
Dora Doyle Evening incurred a financial loss, but members agreed that there was a great gain in terms of morale and enjoyment.
A card was sent on behalf of the club notifying the family of the evening.
Cec and Bryan’s separate charity poetry books raised a total of £35, which members agreed would stay in the charity pot, to have in hand, or for charities connected with members. A pot to dip into.
Finances are a bit tight to pay for the room but we can rectify this by encouraging new membership. Alex proposed that fees stay the same at £24full membership and £10 for students.
A higher fee for students (£12/£15)was suggested but Alex’s proposal to maintain the fees as they are was seconded by Ishbel and carried on vote.
Bryan's suggestion that the accounts should be accepted as un-audited was seconded by Tricia and carried by Owlclub members.
. JO COWELL REPORT: TRICIA
The competition theme was a Children’s story. It was held in-house on 18th July. All present voted and Sarah won a £10 book token.
. The committee will discuss how to proceed with this competition for next year.
. Suggestions from Owls members included working with the library, on a
combined event celebrating all founder members. It was unanimously agreed
that the Jo Cowell will continue in one form or another, whether in house
or wider. There was a feeling that some things have disappeared that are
important to the club and must be continued.
. DORA DOYLE REPORT: CAROL
Ten Owls flocked to hear Jim Bennett,who runs The Poetry Kit: the second largest poetry site in the world, and is a well known figure on the poetry scene.
We were treated to work about Liverpool, and famous figures and historical events. Jim took questions from the owls. He said a poem is like an onion with layers. It must engage the emotions. He finished by saying that to be a poet you must read poetry.
. Suggestions were made for next year’s Dora Doyle evening. The committee
will discuss ideas. It was proposed that Dora Doyle will continue, Cec
seconded this, and it was carried by the group.
. Glass Owl prize: Alex
This was a bit of an experimental exercise in its first year. The marking
scheme turned out to be more complex than expected, taking a piece of
work, improving it three times and scoring became complicated, although it
was generally felt to be a great idea for improving work. The committee will
discuss an easier reformulation for the prize, to make it more user friendly.
Nonetheless in this first year, people did contribute and improve their work. The competition was especially close between two at the top. The prize wasawarded to Tim.Well done Tim!
. President’s Report: Cec
Cec has had to miss a few meetings due to health and bad weather. He thanked the committee for splendid efforts and noted that every member has contributed to the success over the year. Everyone has gained something, which is what it’s all about.
He encouraged everyone to do more, perhaps by serving on the committee to help reshape and improve the club.
He went on to lead a round of applause for all the committee members and members of the club.
. Election of committee.
Liz and Tricia are stepping down from the committee after a term of faithful service with Thanks for their commitment and hard work over the term .
New members stepping up to the committee are: Nick and Elaine. Positions will be clarified at the committee meeting on Monday 12th March.
The Committee as of March 2012 is:
President: Cec
Chair: Keith. Vice Chair: Margaret Secretary: Sarah
Treaseurer: Alex Committee member: Saime Committee member: Elaine
Committee member: Nick
. MembersSuggested nineteen items to go on next year’s programme:
Please continue to forward suggestions to the secretary for the committee to
fit into the programme in their planning meeting on Monday.
. We also had a fantastic suggestion that refreshments served at our
meetings could be run on a rota basis. We will discuss the best way forward
with this at the committee meeting. Thank you for the suggestion. Great idea
and many thanks to Judy for so faithfully providing refreshments for so long.
It was a great evening, with lots to think about and look forward to in the year ahead.
Next group meeting on 19th March 2012, is a manuscript night. Public and prospective members will be welcomed.
Saturday, 24 September 2011
A message from Runshaw Writers to Ormskirk Owls
Dear Ormskirk Owls,
us folks at Runshaw Writers have been running a weekly soap opera on our website, http://runshawwriters.blogspot.com since May this year. This is deliberately intended to be an inclusive exercise in team writing. If you are interested, you can see all of the episodes so far at the link given. You are also quite welcome (a) to copy them to your own website if you wish, in effect 'syndicating' them (with due credit); (b) you are also invited to take part in writing episodes. I can supply the backstory details of the characters, locations, ongoing and proposed plot lines - please contact me at thepeterbird@talktalk.net.
Soaps may not to be to everybody's taste - indeed I myself am not really a fan. However, it has to be acknowledged as a very popular form of dramatic entertainment these days - yet it is nothing new - I gather that some of Charles Dickens' writing started off like this in printed periodicals. Writing for one, as a member of a team, is also a very good writing exercise in a large number of ways :
Please let me know if you are interested or have any questions.
Yours sincerely,
Peter Bird.
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.
Please let me know if you are interested or have any questions.
Yours sincerely,
Peter Bird.
Friday, 8 July 2011
Owls minutes 4th July 2011
Owls Minutes
4th July 2011
Fantasy Evening
Present: Liz, Alex, Margaret, Trish, Judy, Sarah Cec, Bryan, Saime, Keith, Tess (guest) and Nick (guest)
Apologies: Julie, Susan, Tim
Notices:
The MS magazine is still awaiting submissions and poems, of 500 words from Owl members. Please do see if you have anything suitable and email it on to Judy to forward to the magazine.
The Owls group has been contacted by Jenni Ashcroft from the West Lancs Arts services, who is developing aspects of creative writing for people in West Lancashire, with regular workshops and open mic sessions in Skelmersdale and Ormskirk. Jenni asked if she would be able to come along to one of our sessions to discuss the project in more detail and consult members. Owls members looked at the forthcoming programme and decided the best dates to offer were 15th August or 5th September. Sarah will liaise with Jenni to see if either of these dates are suitable and arrange details. Sarah will feedback information as soon as possible to owl members.
Readings
Cec kicked the night off with his story ‘Kanga’ which was read brilliantly by Liz. This was a story first broadcast on the radio a few years ago. We were launched into the energy of the characters Jane meeting Paul, who tells her about a situation that happened in Africa… we all loved the ending. Well twisted!! Owls loved the dialogue and felt it worked well as a single voice piece. Feeling it lends itself to broadcast. Owls wondered if the title would benefit from a rethink, suggesting ‘A lot has Happened’ as a possible alternative title.
Trisha read us the next Ted installment, ‘Ted’s first Christmas’. Ted is feeling happy about the general excitement around the house, and finds out from his friend Brutus in the park that ‘Christmas is when people try to be really nice to each other and usually fail.’ Brutus tells him about the presents and father Christmas. So on Christmas Eve, Ted is very excited to know what his present might be! Then, a certain someone in a red suit gets stuck in the chimney. As ever, Ted leaps to the rescue. And has an amazing adventure! And, of course, some sausages! Owls loved the ending of the story. Trisha explained she has completed 8 of the 10 she hopes to write in the Ted Series. It led to much discussion about children’s fiction, the aim of attracting both adult and child readers. Owls especially liked the images and asides of the tree being brought in and Ted’s response ‘handy’ and how long it took him to ‘get the squeak out of his new toy’ feeling this humour would appeal to both adults and children.
Judy read ‘Heralding a New Britain’ a wonderfully satirical piece about Britain, but not quite as we know it (but frighteningly believable!) At a conference with Cleggy and the PM, they are presenting a whole new set of policies involving prisoners and pensioners. They are to swap places – pensioners to go to prison and pensioners to go to care homes. The PM presents a relatively common sense argument for it, too!! Judy explained the idea for the story had been sparked by an email she had received. With the ‘Cleggy’ references, Owls wondered whether it could be extended to have last of the summer wine references. Judy shared this was something she had considered. A wonderfully wry and entertaining piece. Definitely fantasy, but not so far removed from the truth!
Bryan read ‘News’, about a man considering his garden, with the rough piece of grassy area at the end. Leaning on his lawnmower, he meets Charles Oberon Smith, who urges him not to destroy the grassland. The half acre of uncultivated land with wildflowers and toadstools might be perfect habitat for fairies. Charles Oberon Smith says he has some fairy blood in him. Due to some good news about a job, the uncultivated fairy land gets to remain. Owls enjoyed the fantasy element and the way the story teetered between two generations – the older one who would have reveled in the ideology of fairy and human worlds colliding, and the newer where the words ‘fairy’ carry a different connotation. Bryan may have created an entirely new fairy genre!
Keith read ‘When Two World’s Collide’. On a beautiful summer morning, we meet Lucy, overjoyed at the thought of cousins coming to visit. When Michael and Samantha arrive they go off for walks in the forest, with Pixie, the dog. When they start to stray near to the ruins of Saxmead House where Lucy’s mother has told her not to go, the temptation for Michael is too great. The children witness a chilling and terrifying scene. Years later, a housing estate is built over the ruins of Saxmead House, but as Lucy finds out, the chilling scenes may not have disappeared. Keith’s wonderful story inspired lots of ideas amongst Owls. Suggestions included adding a prologue, restructuring the story to start at the end and then unravel the tale, and to ensure there is a strong hook in the opening paragraph. Owls loved the dialogue and felt the story idea was strong enough to be a full novel, if this is the direction Keith wants to take it. Much enjoyed!
Nick shared a poem with Owls – ‘Seaside Daytrip Story’, brilliantly read by Liz. The poem was full of striking, arresting images; ‘Bleaching problems into the wave’s light blue gray / Girl in a red fleece blows pink bubblegum while pushing a pram / a drunk carrying a pub ashtray / shoddy and divine / leaving a ribbon of hope after the storm.’ Owls especially liked ‘segments of sea spray’. Nick explained it was set in Blackpool but could be any seaside town. And that his aim, as a poet was to take a few words to create an image; poetry’s what you leave out. Owls thoroughly enjoyed the striking images in the poem.
Alex rounded off the evening with an extract from his play, ‘Minus One’. It is an intense moment in the play where Julie is finally admitting to Greg that she’s been raped. The scene starts just after the cast has been discussing the Fritzl case. The scene freezes and the Greg steps forward to speak to the audience. Then into a memory scene. Owls found it very moving, and powerful, handling a difficult situation with skill. This play has been entered into the Bruntwood competition.
Another fantastic and varied evening.
Our next meeting is 18th July, and the evening will be our Jo Cowell Night!! This year we are having an inhouse competition for the best children’s story. So get scribbling and editing!!
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!!
Friday, 24 June 2011
Owls minutes 20th June 2011
Owls minutes 20th June 2011
Apologies: Liz, Alex, Tom, Susan, Angela, Carol.
Present: Saime, Keith, Tim, Trish, Judy, Bryan, Cec and Sarah
Tim shared two pieces with the group. The first was a sci fi piece under the
working title ‘1st draft of an idea’ another part of a previous work in progress,
set in the Imperium, we saw Joseph/George and Selina boarding an exquisite
spaceship with hovering lights rotating in the shape of the galaxy and self-
refilling sherry glasses. Tim described his vision for the spaceship as being
something like the titanic, only actually unsinkable.
The second piece ‘Scouts’ (is this the right title Tim?) was experimental and ‘less
serious’ told from the perspective of a puppy in a litter. Owls enjoyed the
lighthearted tone and the doggy focus on smells.
Trisha also had a wonderful dog tale for us; a new installment from Ted. ‘Ted
at the Vets’. Ted was feeling poorly, wouldn’t eat, couldn’t wag his tail. And
he didn’t even fancy sausages. A trip to the vet is the only solution, which is a
trauma in itself. But just as Ted is feeling better on the way back from the vets, he
smells trouble and indeed it is coming. Luckily Ted is at hand to be the hero once
again. Ted remembered all the films he’d seen of Lassie. And he ends up visiting
the human vets with his owner. Much enjoyed by all.
Judy read ‘Life Swapping’ a clever 5 minute play featuring two couples
discussing over dinner a plan to change their lives in the next week, following
the idea behind Wife swap. Owls loved the clever twist at the end and
characterization achieved in such a short piece. It was suggested the play would
also work well on the radio as well as stage. And could be enhanced with a few
light stage directions. Very entertaining, and it would have been even better with
professional actors reading it!
Bryan brought along his ‘Odd Bod Stories’ file, in which he keeps all the stories
he may one day scrap, but sometimes something in there tickles his fancy and
he revives it. This one, ‘Navigational Error’ saw a stranger in farmer Western’s
field, conducting some sort of project, and creating yet another crop circle. Zig
is waiting for his ship to arrive and for his people to collect him, whilst looking
for astronoid / humanoid similarities. Owls loved this one, especially the great
humorous ending.
Cec had us all giggling like schoolboys when he read ‘The Pleasure’ of tits. Blue
tits, that is. A factual piece written in a light tone, full of advice based on his
personal experience about how to position a blue tit box appropriately and the
mating habits of the birds, including the peeping, flirty mating rituals.
Cec’s second reading was an adapted piece he has prepared to read at his
granddaughters forthcoming wedding. At which he has been asked to do
a reading. The piece offered some wonderful advice to the newly weds,
including ‘two hearts can overcome everything’. A perfect piece for a very special
occasion.
Sarah read ‘Flyways’ a story about a man, Frank, whose daughter is away
travelling with her career as a photographer. She invites him over to visit her
in Australia, which is a challenge for Frank for a number of reasons. The story
was themed around the idea of migration and the flyways held by migratory
birds. Owls requested a little more clarity of character placement towards the
beginning and end of the story.
Minutes compiled by Sarah
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
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