Dragonfly Arts Contest

Dragonfly Arts on Broadway in Orangeville had a contest recently. Anyone was welcome to stop by the store and take a look at one particular painting created by S.J. Pringle, and then submit a story about the picture. The winner of this contest was our own Sonja Wolter.

Today S.J. Pringle (Jill) read stories she chose as runners-up before Sonja read her winning story. The difference between Sonja's story and the others was that Sonja's story included dialogue. Jill then presented Sonja with a print of the oil painting.

I thought this contest was a great idea and encouraged Dragonfly Arts to present this opportunity again, perhaps with a different artist. I was just sorry I didn't participate myself. Note: If you are ever stuck with your own writing I recommend you stroll through an art gallery.

Thanks to HWG members Ron, Jayne, Patricia and former member Laura for attending Sonja's prize presentation. Below are pictures of Sonja with the artist (S.J. Pringle) and the painting. To read all submitted stories you can drop in at Dragonfly Arts at 189 Broadway in Orangeville. I understand all submissions will be put into a binder for all to read.

 Artist S.J. (Jill) Pringle                  

 Sonja Wolter reads her story next to the portrait.

                                                                   

                                                                     

 The artist presents Sonja with a print of the     portrait now entitled "Emma's Resolve".

Congratulations Sonja!

Charivari by Harry Posner

Last night HWG member Harry Posner debuted his novel Charivari at BookLore in Orangeville. As you can see by the photos below, there was a good number of people in attendance to support their good friend. Harry read eloquently an exerpt from the novel and fielded a few questions. He autographed some books and chatted amongst friends.

Thanks to Clare, Ruth, Gloria, Marilyn, Judy, and Sonja for coming out to support our fellow writer.

Brian Henry Workshop February 25th Report

Sorry for the delay in posting this. I had to post to Triond first, then I have been sick with a cold.

The Brian Henry Workshop on February 25th did not have the biggest turn-out ever, but the biggest HWG turn-out. Out of 13 people, 6 were HWG members. For those who did not attend, you missed a great workshop. Thanks to those attended for your great support.

Here is the link to my report http://writinghood.com/writing/how-to-write-a-page-turner/

Meeting Minutes March 4, 2012

We had a very small group today, 6 of us, but a lot of laughs.
Clare was our fearless leader.

News
Clare's wife Dorothy is recovering nicely after her fall on ice a while ago. We all send hugs!

Harry Posner's booklaunch for Charivari takes place March 27, 2012 at 7pm BookLore in Orangeville. Proceeds of the sales of his book go to The University Health Network.

The Brian Henry workshop Feb 25 was the best one yet. Half the crowd was made up of HWG members who all got a great deal of information about writing a page turner. Patricia will write a blog post about the session at a later date.

There is a contest being run by Dragonfly called "Tell Me Her Story" where writers tell a story about an oil painting done by SJ Pringle. The painting is on display inside Dragonfly. Writers can submit a short story or even just a premise or title about the painting. Please have your entry in at Dragonfly before March 24. There is an open house March 31st at 2pm when the winning story will be read. The winner will win "naming rights" and a print.

Readings

Sonja - read the final version of her Toronto Star Short Story contest entry called "In the Palm of his Hand." After all the edits, it has turned into a very strong, riveting story.

Danielle - read part of a short story that had us all in the palm of her hand.

Marilyn - is working on an anthology "Short Tales from a Short Person." This will be her own ecclectic collection of poems and short stories. Today she read an Isaac Asimov inspired poem called "Inspiration."

Clare - talked about a column he wrote for the Orangeville Banner called "Dufferin Storyteller with the heart and soul of a Bard" about Jim Tramble. Jim's widow enjoyed his "meanderings."

Prompt

Clare versed us on PARAPROSDOKIANS. Definition: "Figures of speech in which the latter part of a sentence or phrase is surprising or unexpected: frequently used in a humorous situation." Winston Churchill loved them!

Examples: 
1) Where there's a will, I want to be in it.
2) Do not argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level and beat you with experience.
3) The last thing I want to do is hurt you. But it's still on my list.

Some of the ones we came up with:

Old King Cole was a merry old soul, until he was dragged through divorce court.

Time flies, except at the airport.

All you need is love, and an iron-clad prenuptual agreement.

It's better to give than to receive, particularly if it's crabs.

The recipe for success is a good bowel movement.

A fool and his money are great to take on vacation.

Only an idiot would run for government office. Obviously.

And in closing....

We came, we saw, we had some laughs.
Our next meeting is March 18. Marilyn will be leading.

Keep on Writing!

Harry's Book Launch

The launch of Charivari, by Harry Posner, is happening on Tuesday, March 27th, starting at 7 PM, at Booklore in Orangeville, 121 First Street. Wine, nibblies, chat with the author, signed copies, a reading, mingle with booklovers. A percentage of profits will go to The University Health Network, an organization that for 200 years has been an integral part of the medical support community in Ontario. If you plan on attending, please RSVP Harry at zencha.teabar@sympatico.ca. "Hope to see every last one of you on the 27th," says Harry.