CAPTAINS LOG 22nd February 2019
Sorry for the delay in this weekly
report but it’s been one of those weeks.
So, on Wednesday, Terry was back, which
is great, there was an apology from Kristen who is under the weather, Julee,
Tracey, Sonia and Janeen were on deck. I had an appointment with the fang
farrier, so I missed most of Julee’s critique, arriving just in time to hit her
with mine.
My thanks to everyone for their well
thought out comments and suggestions, a great help as always and much
appreciated.
Next week, Janeen and Terry will be
giving a combined workshop on publishing. Both have experiences which will
prove invaluable to the rest of us, so it will be interesting and enlightening.
I hope everyone can be there to support them.
Just a reminder that our first theme
day will be held on the 13th of March.
Finished pieces should be sent to me no
later than the Sunday prior to the day.
I hope to see you all next Wednesday.
Until then, ‘Live long and prosper.
CAPTAIN'S LOG: 29th January 2019
Happy New Year to you all.
I hope you have all been working away over Christmas and
have plenty to submit.
So, we are back on Wednesday the 6th February and
I’m happy to receive work at any time now to pass onto the group for our first
session. I confess, I’ve been slack and have not written a word.
As you know, Meg will not be with us this year due to her
new job. At this stage, I’ve had no word from the library about a replacement,
or even if we want one.
Ros did send me something that I’ve attached regarding
‘Library Lovers Day.’
Hope to see you all soon.
Regards
CAPTAINS LOG 22nd February 2019
Sorry for the delay in this weekly
report but it’s been one of those weeks.
So, on Wednesday, Terry was back, which
is great, there was an apology from Kristen who is under the weather, Julee,
Tracey, Sonia and Janeen were on deck. I had an appointment with the fang
farrier, so I missed most of Julee’s critique, arriving just in time to hit her
with mine.
Julee’s re-write is coming on very
well, with very little to comment on. She’s hoping to have it finished by the
end of the year and the way she’s going I feel she is well on track.
Then it was my turn. I submitted a
short story I’d adapted as the first chapter of a new book. I took a
well-deserved canning and am unsure whether to continue on with it or not. I’ll
submit my second chapter to see if the book has any merit and then I’ll make up
my mind from there.
My thanks to everyone for their well
thought out comments and suggestions, a great help as always and much
appreciated.
Next week, Janeen and Terry will be
giving a combined workshop on publishing. Both have experiences which will
prove invaluable to the rest of us, so it will be interesting and enlightening.
I hope everyone can be there to support them.
Just a reminder that our first theme
day will be held on the 13th of March.
Writing genre: Romance - Maximum of 500 words -
Beginning, Middle, Satisfactory end - No parts, or characters, from stories you
are writing or have previously written to be used- No first drafts, polished,
competition ready.
Don’t leave it until the last minute
because you think you have plenty of time, start now and be happy with what
you’ve written.
Finished pieces should be sent to me no
later than the Sunday prior to the day.
I hope to see you all next Wednesday.
Until then, ‘Live long and prosper.
CAPTAIN'S LOG: 29th January 2019
Captains Log
Log Entry: 18th April 2018
Julee, Sonia, Tracey, Janeen, Terry and I attended yesterday, with apologies from Kristen, who even though she was unwell, took the time to complete two very good critiques. Thanks, Kristen, it was much appreciated. No word from the long-range sniper, Kevin. He might be back in NZ for a spell.
We had two critiques. Terry’s re-write of his last chapter, and my chapter Twenty-Three. We had lots of laughs working through both with much helpful advice and suggestions given.
I don’t know about Terry, but I’m going to start on my re-write today. As always, thanks everyone, your comments are consistently on the mark and a great help in making my chapters come alive.
Sonia is on-board with the 11.30 start, as is Meg, so I’ll contact Ros later today, to see if that is okay with the library.
No session next week as it is Anzac Day and everyone will be too tired after the dawn service.
Excitement for Janeen. She has her book launch in Tasmania on the 28th. The house where she will be doing the launch was built by one of her ancestors, so it will be all the more special for her. On behalf of the Wordsmiths, I wish her much success and hope she has a fabulous day.
Our next session is the 2nd of May. It’s a Fun Day, so no critiques for that week. I have a couple of things in mind, so bring your pens, paper and laptops.
Until then, ‘Friður sé með þér.‘
Regards Les
Log Entry: 21st March 2018
A full house yesterday for an interesting session. First off, we welcomed our new mentor, Meg, a highly qualified and motivated lady who has made writing the main focus of her life (after her family of course). Meg will be conducting once a month workshops/talks. for us.
First off, we had a roundtable discussion get to know each other, to talk about our and Meg’s various writing backgrounds. Then, Meg sat through two of our critiques:
Terry’s chapter 7 - Hallelujah, praise the lord, Voss lives. I thought he was a goner for sure after the four-wheel drive incident. Was it an accident or deliberate?
Julee’s chapter 39 – As KT said, ‘What are you doing to us? First Emma and now Violet.’ Oh, and don’t worry, even though the fire brigade was called to attend the blaze caused by the unauthorised welding, no real harm was done.
Everyone was on their best behaviour this week, with no verbal fights, swearing or punches thrown.
Congratulations to Janeen for the Hobart bookshops who have asked to sell her book. And to Terry who’s first Voss is about to go into print.
Regards Les
Melton Library 29th November 2017
Sometimes there's a bit of bovine
by-product in our sessions
G’day Everyone,
Seven reported for duty today, Tracey, Terry, Janeen, Judy, Lena, KT, Damien and me. With two critiques sent in from our long-range sniper, Kevin and two more to follow.
We also had a drop-in visit from John, to show us a copy of his new book which has just been published. It looks pretty impressive.
I thought mine was doing okay, until Judy and Janeen both jumped on me from a great height for lack of emotion (Ouch, those steel cap boots hurt). I promise to do better next time.
Congratulations again to Judy for coming first in the Melton Comp, with her story – very exciting.
Mathew next week, hope to see you all there.
Until then, ‘selami ke’ānite gari yihuni
Regards Les
G’day Everyone,
It was a small group today, with Julee, Janeen, Terry and me attending.
Sonia, Judy, Tracey and KT were apologies and Kevin was missing in action. Lena will be off the books until October as she has managed to secure a part time job for the next three months.
First up, we had a chat about Janeen’s story. It appears to be coming along nicely and she has some interesting new layout developments, which I think will add an exciting twist to her story.
Then we worked through the three critiques, one each from Julee, Terry and me.
Mathew's week next week, so no critiques.'
Hope to see you all there.
Until then, amar amgalan ta nartai khamt baikh.
Captains Log 20th July 2017
My Dear Fellow Writers,
An interesting day yesterday. Apologies from Sonia, Kevin,
Lena and KT.
Tracey, Julee, Judy, Janeen, Terry and I discussed our three
critiques:
- Julee’s Chapter thirty-four, Janeen’s Chapter One, and my
Chapter seven.
As always, lively comments and much good advice was passed
on to the writers to use or disregard as they see fit.
On a personal note, I’d like to give an extra big ‘Thank
You,’ for the good advice and kind words I was given about Lennie’s demise. His
funeral is… Well, perhaps we won’t dwell on that.
We went a little overtime and were forcibly evicted by a
group of ladies storming the room with cutlass and boarding pikes (well they
knocked politely and were very nice. But doesn’t it sound better the other
way?)
I’ve e-mailed my latest offering for your dissection. So,
sharpen ya swords, load and cock ya muskets and prepare for battle. ‘Har, har,
Me Hearties. We’ll pluck a crow.’
Regards Les
Captains Log 12th July 2017
G’day Wordies,
Almost a full house today, with Tracey, Sonia, Julee,
Janeen, Lena, Terry and me in attendance. Apologies from JT, Judy and Kevin.
This proved a big hit
Arigatō,
Sonia. Well done.
Next was
Julee’s, Chapter 33.
Last in line
was Lena’s Prologue.
Hot off the press for next week.
Julee’s next
chapter has been e-mailed.
Janeen will
be submitting her revamped first chapter. I’ll send it on as soon as it hits my
inbox.
That will
give us three, which should keep us all busy.
As you all
know, several of us went into contract mode with Mathew last week.
Look forward
to seeing everyone next Wednesday.
Regards Les
Report 15/07/2017
Almost a full house yesterday, with only Julee absent from place of parade.
We had one critique on the table. Danny’s first effort. A 5,000-word crime/comedy short story.
After the critique, we did a fifteen-minute writing exercise, which, as per usual, produced some very interesting stories. In fact, I think that several of them could be expanded into competition pieces.
In the general discussion that followed, Sonia mentioned that she would like to do some more exercises, as well as fun days. I won’t try to hide the fact that I disagreed. I feel we are getting away from our core principal of critiquing. However, as I was the only dissenter, that is what we will do. I’ll work a new calendar out in the next day or so and email it out. Then Judy said we should do poetry. I shuddered, pouted and cried, but she was most insistent. So, be it on your own head (drum roll), I’m going to throw in a poetry exercise.
Next week (22nd) is a fun week, with both Tracey and Janeen bringing in an interesting exercise each for us.
See you all (except the ones I won’t) next week.
So, until then, Pax tibi Wordsmiths
Les
First Report for 2017
G’day Wordsmiths,
The second session for the year today, but my first. Tracey,
Terry, Judy and Kevin were in attendance. Sonia and Kirsten put in their
apologies and Joleen was missing in action.
Regards Les
CAPTAINS LOG
Wednesday 9th
November 2016
G’day
Wordies,
Melton Library 2/11/2016
G’day Everyone,
Great session with Mathew today.
General around the table on how each person is going before
getting down to the ‘Fire and Brimstones.’
Hope to see you all next week.
Regards Les
Melton Library. 1200hr Wednesday 2016.
Fear clutched at my stomach as I entered the room. Tracey
looked up and spoke, but I might as well have been deaf. Her mouth was moving
but I couldn’t hear a thing.
Sonia slid into the room all blond hair and pent up
aggravation. She moved to her chair and sat down daring me to look at her.
‘This had better be fun.’ She paused glaring at me with those stony eyes. ‘Or
you’ll pay dearly.’
My head swivelled in panic as I searched for an ally, but
Tracey and Julee both stared at me with pursed lips and steely eyes. It was no
good. I was on my own.
I swallowed hard and handed out the fun exercise.
Taking extra care to stay out of Sonia’s reach, I shielded my eyes in case she
threw it back in my face.
Then Sonia leaned forward and I thought I was a goner. But
she said sweetly, ‘Huuum, that wasn’t too bad. I’m going to let you live.’
A MIDDLE-AGED MAN RUNNING.
Use a minimum of 1200 and a maximum of 2,000 to weave
your magic. Send them to me no later than the 25th October and I
will forward them all to Mathew. He will read, assess, judge and comment on
them. Then we will discuss them at his session on the 2nd November,
where he will give us some pearls of wisdom.
Well, that’s about it for today (it was fun). Hope to see you all next week.
Les
Log Entry: 18th April 2018
Log Entry: 21st March 2018
Julee, Sonia, Tracey, Janeen, Terry and I attended yesterday, with apologies from Kristen, who even though she was unwell, took the time to complete two very good critiques. Thanks, Kristen, it was much appreciated. No word from the long-range sniper, Kevin. He might be back in NZ for a spell.
We had two critiques. Terry’s re-write of his last chapter, and my chapter Twenty-Three. We had lots of laughs working through both with much helpful advice and suggestions given.
I don’t know about Terry, but I’m going to start on my re-write today. As always, thanks everyone, your comments are consistently on the mark and a great help in making my chapters come alive.
We had a brief discussion as to things we would like Meg to cover in her workshops, which I will email to her later today.
Sonia is on-board with the 11.30 start, as is Meg, so I’ll contact Ros later today, to see if that is okay with the library.
No session next week as it is Anzac Day and everyone will be too tired after the dawn service.
Excitement for Janeen. She has her book launch in Tasmania on the 28th. The house where she will be doing the launch was built by one of her ancestors, so it will be all the more special for her. On behalf of the Wordsmiths, I wish her much success and hope she has a fabulous day.
Our next session is the 2nd of May. It’s a Fun Day, so no critiques for that week. I have a couple of things in mind, so bring your pens, paper and laptops.
Until then, ‘Friður sé með þér.‘
Regards Les
Log Entry: 21st March 2018
A full house yesterday for an interesting session. First off, we welcomed our new mentor, Meg, a highly qualified and motivated lady who has made writing the main focus of her life (after her family of course). Meg will be conducting once a month workshops/talks. for us.
First off, we had a roundtable discussion get to know each other, to talk about our and Meg’s various writing backgrounds. Then, Meg sat through two of our critiques:
Terry’s chapter 7 - Hallelujah, praise the lord, Voss lives. I thought he was a goner for sure after the four-wheel drive incident. Was it an accident or deliberate?
Julee’s chapter 39 – As KT said, ‘What are you doing to us? First Emma and now Violet.’ Oh, and don’t worry, even though the fire brigade was called to attend the blaze caused by the unauthorised welding, no real harm was done.
Two excellent chapter, which, with a little tweaking will both be even more excellenterer (I invented the word this morning and it will be in the Oxford dictionary by tonight).
Everyone was on their best behaviour this week, with no verbal fights, swearing or punches thrown.
It certainly was nice to meet Meg for the first time and I do feel, that after meeting us, she has our measure and will be able to put together some interesting and informative workshops for us. I have promised to include her in our critique post outs so that she can keep an eye on what we are producing.
I’ve prepared a new calendar, reflecting Meg’s sessions and am just waiting for her to get back to me about April (Meg can’t do the third week) before I send it out.
Congratulations to Janeen for the Hobart bookshops who have asked to sell her book. And to Terry who’s first Voss is about to go into print.
Regards Les
Melton Library 29th November 2017
 |
| Sometimes there's a bit of bovine by-product in our sessions |
G’day Everyone,
Seven reported for duty today, Tracey, Terry, Janeen, Judy, Lena, KT, Damien and me. With two critiques sent in from our long-range sniper, Kevin and two more to follow.
Apologies from Julee and Sonia.
We also had a drop-in visit from John, to show us a copy of his new book which has just been published. It looks pretty impressive.
We had four critiques to cover, chapters from Terry, Janeen and me, plus Lena’s chapter from last week.
Each had good reviews with only minor tweaking.
I thought mine was doing okay, until Judy and Janeen both jumped on me from a great height for lack of emotion (Ouch, those steel cap boots hurt). I promise to do better next time.
Congratulations again to Judy for coming first in the Melton Comp, with her story – very exciting.
Mathew next week, hope to see you all there.
Until then, ‘selami ke’ānite gari yihuni
Regards Les
G’day Everyone,
It was a small group today, with Julee, Janeen, Terry and me attending.
Sonia, Judy, Tracey and KT were apologies and Kevin was missing in action. Lena will be off the books until October as she has managed to secure a part time job for the next three months.
First up, we had a chat about Janeen’s story. It appears to be coming along nicely and she has some interesting new layout developments, which I think will add an exciting twist to her story.
Then we worked through the three critiques, one each from Julee, Terry and me.
Each chapter was discussed and critiques given. There were many good suggestions given and small errors highlighted, all designed to help the writer improve their story.
Mathew's week next week, so no critiques.'
Hope to see you all there.
Until then, amar amgalan ta nartai khamt baikh.
Captains Log 20th July 2017
My Dear Fellow Writers,
An interesting day yesterday. Apologies from Sonia, Kevin,
Lena and KT.
Tracey, Julee, Judy, Janeen, Terry and I discussed our three
critiques:
- Julee’s Chapter thirty-four, Janeen’s Chapter One, and my Chapter seven.
As always, lively comments and much good advice was passed
on to the writers to use or disregard as they see fit.
I would like to thank everyone for the effort put into each
critique, not an easy task as we all know.
On a personal note, I’d like to give an extra big ‘Thank
You,’ for the good advice and kind words I was given about Lennie’s demise. His
funeral is… Well, perhaps we won’t dwell on that.
We went a little overtime and were forcibly evicted by a
group of ladies storming the room with cutlass and boarding pikes (well they
knocked politely and were very nice. But doesn’t it sound better the other
way?)
I’ve e-mailed my latest offering for your dissection. So,
sharpen ya swords, load and cock ya muskets and prepare for battle. ‘Har, har,
Me Hearties. We’ll pluck a crow.’
Regards Les
Captains Log 12th July 2017
G’day Wordies,
Almost a full house today, with Tracey, Sonia, Julee,
Janeen, Lena, Terry and me in attendance. Apologies from JT, Judy and Kevin.
We had three critiques today:
Sonia’s long-awaited critique of her Haiku piece went down
well, with Tracey standing on the table and demanding, in fluent Japanese, that
we include Haiku in a fun day. You little pocket rocket Tracey.
This proved a big hit
Was enjoyed by all today
Much more is required
Arigatō,
Sonia. Well done.
Next was
Julee’s, Chapter 33.
This splendid
chapter caused much debate, with Robin being told to ‘Get your act together, or
get out of the book.’ And Julee saying, ‘No. I need him. He’ll do better next
chapter. I promise.’ I think her fingers were crossed behind her back, but I’m
not sure.
Great chapter
Julee, keep them rolling in.
Last in line
was Lena’s Prologue.
A worthy piece
of writing, dragged from another dimension to titillate our senses. This also
caused much debate with sensible advice freely given from everyone.
Wow Lena, you
certainly have everyone’s attention. Let’s see some more soon.
Hot off the press for next week.
Julee’s next
chapter has been e-mailed.
Janeen will
be submitting her revamped first chapter. I’ll send it on as soon as it hits my
inbox.
And, when I
get a few minutes, I’ll submit my next chapter.
That will
give us three, which should keep us all busy.
As you all
know, several of us went into contract mode with Mathew last week.
I would like
to report that Tracey is up and running again, so we should be seeing some
chapters rolling in there, ‘Yay, Tracey’. And I am well
on my way to completing my deadline of the first of December.
Look forward
to seeing everyone next Wednesday.
Regards Les
Almost a full house yesterday, with only Julee absent from place of parade.
We had one critique on the table. Danny’s first effort. A 5,000-word crime/comedy short story.
He received a lot of help and support and I do believe it was also a good exercise in critiquing for everyone. Well done Danny, we all look forward to seeing the rewrite in due course. I’d like to thank the Wordsmiths for once again, taking time out to read, critique and help to improve someone’s work.
After the critique, we did a fifteen-minute writing exercise, which, as per usual, produced some very interesting stories. In fact, I think that several of them could be expanded into competition pieces.
In the general discussion that followed, Sonia mentioned that she would like to do some more exercises, as well as fun days. I won’t try to hide the fact that I disagreed. I feel we are getting away from our core principal of critiquing. However, as I was the only dissenter, that is what we will do. I’ll work a new calendar out in the next day or so and email it out. Then Judy said we should do poetry. I shuddered, pouted and cried, but she was most insistent. So, be it on your own head (drum roll), I’m going to throw in a poetry exercise.
Next week (22nd) is a fun week, with both Tracey and Janeen bringing in an interesting exercise each for us.
See you all (except the ones I won’t) next week.
So, until then, Pax tibi Wordsmiths
Les
First Report for 2017
G’day Wordsmiths,
The second session for the year today, but my first. Tracey,
Terry, Judy and Kevin were in attendance. Sonia and Kirsten put in their
apologies and Joleen was missing in action.
We had a general chat, to catch up on everyone’s writing
progress and what we’ve been reading over the break. Tracey has suggested that
we start work on a new anthology and everyone though it a great idea. We threw
around a few ideas and then, as is generally the case, we found ourselves
talking about a dozen other things, all unrelated to an anthology. This
conversation is – ‘To be continued’.
We only had one critique to do. My ‘Contemplation’.
Tracey is suffering from battle fatigue from her cruise, so
she didn’t do it (she promised to do it over the next day or so and email it to
me). Thank you, Tracey, I look forward to seeing your critique in due course.
Judy took me at my word and didn’t do it because it was way
too long (I don’t blame her).
We had one from Terry and one from Kevin, so it didn’t take
too long. Thank you boys, much appreciated. I look forward to reviewing your
comments and improving my story. It wasn’t a long session today, but it was
good to catch up with everyone.
Julee, Judy, Terry and I will be away next week, so it will
only be Tracey, Kevin, Kristen and possibly Joleen next week.
Hope to see you all the following week.
Regards Les
CAPTAINS LOG
Wednesday 9th
November 2016
G’day
Wordies,
Great
session today, with Tracey, Sonia, Julee, Kristen (AKA: KT), Joleen, Kevin and
me in attendance. Terry is still roaming the country having fun and Judy was
unable to attend but did send in the two critiques (Thank you Judy, much
appreciated).
Julee was up first, and as to be
expected there was very little to comment on other than it was a great chapter.
Not that it wasn’t a lively debate, with much toing and froing.
Then HMS Amazing Chapter sailed into a
storm of shot and fire.
First off was the buccaneer ship, Black
sail Kristen. She slipped alongside and unleashed a devastating broadside,
ripping the sails and rigging of Amazing Chapter’s story to pieces.
Then the rest of the black-hearted
pirate critiques rolled out in line of battle, all guns blazing. While the
shore based, Captain Joleen Kidd, peppered the chapter with musket balls.
Sadly, HMS Amazing Chapter sunk with all
hands and only her master, Captain Great Writer survived. Can she be re-floated
and re-fitted? Only time will tell.
Throughout today’s session, Joleen (when
she wasn’t shooting) was scribbling fit to bust. Here’s what she wrote:
One should never refer to
their own story as ‘HMS Perfect.’ This is not only tempting the gods of fate,
but also sets one up for the ultimate ‘sinking’ of this aforesaid ship. (I think my tongue in cheek humour
might have been lost on this pirate).
As the critiquing began,
continued and finalised, HMS Perfect was hit, over and over again with
‘perfectly’ aimed remarks from K.T., Tracey and Julee.
To the amusement of those
watching from the ‘shoreline’, the ship went down; the lifeboats were bullet
pierced with a ferocity not experienced even by those on the Titanic; and the
floaties and life-saving buoys were attacked by the flares of SOS.
Like all great ships, HMS
Perfect sunk to the bottom of the ocean floor, its crew either drowned or
defected to the enemy boats, and the Captain decided to ask for refugee status:
He should have stayed on land.
Even the resuscitation
attempts from Kevin and Sonia did nothing to help the despondent Captain raise
his beloved ship.
Luckily, having found his
refugee status accepted, he was ‘shipped off’ to fight another battle with another
ship, fully stocked with new-improved safety equipment – including flippers
donated by Sonia.
Thus,
endeth a day of monumental critiques, great advice and good fellowship.
Now,
should anyone have anything for next week, can you please send it to Blackheart
– oops, I mean Tracey, as I will be in Ipswich.
Also,
if anyone gets notification of their stories being finalists, can you let
Tracey know.
Hope
to see you all next Wednesday.
Regards
Les
Melton Library 2/11/2016
G’day Everyone,
Great session with Mathew today.
General around the table on how each person is going before
getting down to the ‘Fire and Brimstones.’
Tracey, Sonia, Julee, Judy, Kristen, Kevin and I were in
attendance, with apologies from Terry. Joleen was missing in action.
Five of us were able to complete the challenge, Julee,
Sonia, Tracey, Kevin and little old me.
First each person read out their story, then there were
general comments before Mathew passed judgment.
It was a bit frightening when, after each reading and
general discussion, Mathew became all solemn, placed a black cap on his head
and said, ‘You have been found guilty, etc. etc.’ (the hanging part was the
worse).
I must say, each writer’s story was excellent and with a
little work, will be worthy of a short story competition. Well done everyone.
In a couple of minutes, I will forward on Julee’s next
chapter for critique. If anyone else has anything for next week, please send it
to Tracey as I will be away working in Sydney.
Hope to see you all next week.
Regards Les
Melton Library. 1200hr Wednesday 2016.
Pilots Log Wednesday the seventh of September 2016
It was Mathew’s day on Wednesday – as per normal, interesting and helpful. We discussed our individual writing progress, short story writing and competitions in general, then finished up with a discussion on the Melbourne Writers Festival and its motivational implications. Everyone joined in the discussions and as usual, it was frenetic and jolly, with a dozen different conversations going at once. Of course, I tried valiantly to get everyone on track and of course, as usual, I was completely ignored. Still, it was all good natured, lots of fun and I think we achieved quite a bit.
Then Mathew pulled out a punctuation exercise (cue dramatic music – Da, da, da, daaaa). It was, interesting to say the least and caused an interesting differing of opinion and quite a bit of discussion. Which, of course is exactly what we want.
Please remember that entries to the Melton competition will close on the 7th October. It would be nice if we could all put in entries.
Pilots log Wednesday the Thirty-first of August, 2016.
This morning, I climbed aboard my shiny craft, the Mark I
Ego, and flew into what I thought would be a warm welcome at the Wordsmiths.
Little did I know. Warm? Warm indeed.
As I entered the controlled space of the library, a dark
shadow flitted above my craft and opened fire. The rat-a-tat-tat
of cannon and bursts of, ‘More like homework – More life homework – More
like homework’ exploded around my ears as it tore holes in the Mark I
Ego.
In a sweat of panic, I took evasive action and escaped, only
to fly into heavy artillery fire from below. ‘Not fun - Not fun - Not fun’
burst around my intrepid craft, ripping into the Mark I Ego’s fuselage and
sending it into a death spiral.
As the flames crackled and blinding smoke billowed from the
doomed craft, I bailed out.
Landing in front of my attackers, I held my hands high in
surrender and cried out, ‘Don’t hurt me, I’ll do better next time. I promise
I’ll make it fun.’
I was let off with a dire warning of extreme punishment if I
mucked up again. ‘Next time, it will be fun.’
It was a full crew today, except for Kristen who is on a
temporary sabbatical.
Everyone put the two pieces together (except for Terry who
was away and didn’t get a chance to put pen to paper this time). We all
read out our stories and there were some cracking yarns, most of which would
make good competition entries.
If you would like your story put up on our blog, please send
it direct to Terry. However, if you want to send it into a competition, don’t
put it onto the blog.
After that, we tried a progressive story, based on a picture
of a bride in a tractor with the groom running behind. With each person, in
turn, adding a few lines to the yarn, the story stumbled ahead, weaving and
jerking its progress. Chaos reigned and it sounded like a chicken pen at feed
time.
At the start, before anyone else could move, Joleen grabbed
the best job – scribe. She scrawled away furiously on the white board. In
constant motion, she wrote comments, rubbed them out, changed them as the crowd
roared their advice, until at last we had a rather good, totally disjointed
story about a failed wedding, death, and mayhem.
After that, it was general chit chat time until, one by one,
we limped away ready to re-charge our batteries ready for next week’s session
at the Wordsmiths.
See you all next week
Les
25/08/2016
G’day Fellow Wordies,
A great session today, with
Tracey, Terry, Kevin, Judy and me in attendance. We had apologies from Sonia
(babysitting duties) and Julee (sick granddaughter), however, both very kindly
did the three critiques for us. We also have a new member, Joleen, who joined
us today after a brief email correspondence. A gentleman called Con stopped by
and stayed through the session. I’m not sure we would be of value to him, but
he’s going to think about it.
We battled through three
critiques today, one each from Terry and me, plus a short story from Judy who
joined us last week. This was Judy’s initiation in both giving and receiving
Wordsmiths’ critiques and I must say, she passed with flying colours.
We hacked and slashed our way through the three
critiques with very little bloodshed, only a few tears and abject wails of
despair (mostly from me) and as per usual, lots of helpful comments and
suggested possibilities.
As to my chapter, after I’d received my first two
broadsides, I thought I’d been sunk, but no, I was able to limp away, battle
damaged hull, sails tattered but with colours still flying.
Next week is our designated ‘Fun Day’ and the
following week is Mathew's day, so no critiques now until the 14th
September. Plenty of time for everyone to gear up and put something in.
I’ve attached the fun exercise for next week, nice
and early so no-one can say they didn’t have time.
Also attached is our schedule calendar for our new
members.
During the school holidays, Sonia, Julee and I will
be away. I’m guessing Joleen will be unable to attend due to the kids being
home and I’m not sure about Judy. During that time, I’ll pass the captains hat
onto Tracey, I’m sure she will find some interesting things to amuse you.
‘Th-th-th-that's
all folks!’
Les
A depleted crew this week, with Keven away at an appointment and Tracey lolling around at home pretending to be sick – Okay, she really is sick.
I’d like to welcome Judy to the fold, she attended our first
session today and providing we didn’t frighten her off, she would like to join our
happy crew. In fact, she might even be putting in a short story for critique
next week.
We did three critiques – Julee, Terry and mine. Both Julee
and Terry had a few points to look at, while I copped a well-deserved flogging.
However, I do appreciate all comments and will fix them ASAP.
Don’t forget to drop into the library on Saturday, Terry
will be lounging around doing his author thing and it’ll be good to see him in
action.
Terry, Julee and I will be attending Rosalie Ham’s talk,
which should be good. You need to book in if you want to attend.
See you all next week.
Regards Les
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