Present: Dave, Cathy, Tony,
Suzie, Tom, Barry, Liliane, Gerry
Apologies: Jane, Carolyn, Derek, Katy, Caz,
Richard, Beryl
Although
numbers were low, those of us there enjoyed an excellent meeting. Richard’s
chosen homework topic of ‘Troubles’ brought forth some very varied work. It’s
always amazing to see what we all do with the same subject!
Before we settled
down to hear each other’s work, Dave spoke briefly about the Felixstowe Book
Festival. The organiser, Meg Reid, has been in contact with him, and is
enthusiastic about our suggestion that Scribblers has a space in the café
section of The Orwell Hotel. We now need to work out a programme of
readings/activities to cover both days of the festival. To this end we need to
know how many of us are interested in taking part. The current idea is that there will be hourly
slots, with a specified reading taking place each hour, then discussion about
the piece/writing in general etc with the ‘audience’.
I know that
those of us who attended last year’s festival thoroughly enjoyed it, and can
recommend getting involved.
Also, we have
about twenty copies of our recent anthology left, so we plan to take them there
to sell – probably at around £2/£2.50 per copy.
Titles of work heard, with synopses
where provided
Gerry: A
Scrap of Paper
Killing time in a run-down public library, a man browses through a
book that nobody seems to have opened in decades. He is about to return
it to the shelves when a scrap of paper falls out, bearing a cryptic message
and the address of a website. Intrigued, that evening tries to call up
the website - and rapidly wishes he hadn't.
Dave: Strife
They said it would be for life but the wedding certificate
changed all that. She spent money on luxuries whilst I saved for the house.
Then the baby arrived and she became more demanding despite me having two jobs.
Then I caught her with her lover and eureka! My escape...
3rd February
2015.
Tom: Same
strife, different city (This was part of a longer story )
John wakes up to find he has been hit by a sniper. He has received
a head wound is a state of shock and is delirious. He is picked up by a
couple of comrades and put into the rear of an armored vehicle. As it moves off
some local yobs use a sectarian expression which reminds him of his youth. he
smiles wryly.
Barry:
Numbers – no synopsis available
Liliane: The
trouble with Mother
Willy's wife, Carla left him. He now fears that
his domineering mother will want to move in with him. Temporarily he can
stall her, having taken in his wife's brother, who had nowhere else to
go. It doesn't last and he accepts the inevitable. He will likely have
Mother with him for the rest of her days on earth...
Suzie: 38
Troubles
Using the word 'trouble' and its variations as many times as
possible in the story of Mr. and Mrs. Trouble's weekend holiday with Auntie
Norah in Wapping leaving their nine little Troubles at home. It caused me
no end of trouble to count the 'troubles', but I think there were 38.
Tony: An apology
Stuck with writers block. Turned to various music to gain
inspiration. During which much tea, black coffee and alcohol was consumed.
Unfortunately keys kept disappearing which is something we all hat. I was also
unable to spell net due to lower case X not working.
Eventually a story came.
It.................
Cathy: Troubles
Gerald, ex-butcher, has endured his wife’s superiority and
condescension all their married life. Now retired, he becomes a ‘silver
surfer’. Embraces online family history research. Discovers his wife is
illegitimate! Tells her he’s found her out. She realises his retirement will be
spent tormenting her as she had tormented him.
Next
meeting: Tuesday 17 February. This is the Jack Wilkinson Trophy night,
when we write a story of up to 1000 words either about or for children. Stories will be judged by Caz.
