Saturday, December 14, 2013

Headwaters Writers' Guild - TEN YEARS - December 9, 2013

 
Wednesday, December 9, 2009

HWG - BEGINNING

How was your drive into work today? If this had been Tuesday, December 9, 2003, possibly the first Headwaters Writers’ Guild session might not have happened.

The drive to Honeywood in the winter was horrendous and often the late Janet Bellinger and I would write at Coffee Way (now Duca). "It's too bad we don't have a writing group in Orangeville." Janet planted the seed for our group.

For almost two years, Janet Bellinger and I continued to take workshops from the late Ed Wildman. Janet and I would be up early on the day of the workshop, editing some of our writing to read at the group. Ed believed that it was paramount for a writer to read their work aloud. He followed Natalie Goldberg’s advice.
Ed would always serve us coffee and dessert during a fifteen-minute break. Sometimes I brought muffins and Janet brought cake, and occasionally we had a potluck lunch.

Michele joined Ed’s workshop in 2002, and J.C. in April of 2003. Ed’s last workshop was in early September 2003.

By the end of October 2003, J.C. missed going to Ed’s workshops and he begged me to start a new writing group in Orangeville.

We’d called the Grand Valley Library and they offered us a room for our sessions. But we didn’t relish the drive to Grand Valley in the winter.

In mid November, while I was in the process of starting the group, Michele emailed me complaining about withdrawal pains re the writing workshops. Another member of Ed’s writing group was supposed to join us but we had conflicting schedules. Finally, I emailed Michele, who had four children, to pick a date and J.C. and I would attend.

On Tuesday night, December 9, 2003, J.C., Michele and I sat at a long table upstairs at the Orangeville Library and began the first session of the Headwaters Writers’ Guild, although at that time we were nameless.

Ed was unable to attend our first writing session.
 
December 14, 2013
 
I can't believe that it's ten years already. Even as a writer, I couldn't have imagined this. At first, our group consisted of beginning writers. Now, most of us have been published. Or we are writing novels, short stories, or we're working on editing our completed novels or non-fiction books.
When we started this group, we wanted to connect with other writers. We knew that only other writers would know how hard it is to find the perfect word, write on a daily basis, edit, send our writing out into the world, read or share our writing, and become the writer of our dreams.
Thank you to all our members for sharing this journey. We miss all our members who for some reason are unable to attend. We are delighted when you join us.
And for our member who reside in heaven - the late Ed Wildman, Janet Bellinger, and Len Rich, I still miss you!
Nancy,
Founding Member.
 

Monday, December 9, 2013

Two Stories Accepted for Publication

Hey, all. Just heard the news that two more of my flash fiction stories have been accepted for publication. Check out the first one, ONCE UPON A TIME, A SOLDIER, at commuterLit.com today! The second story, LES CANAILLE, will be published at Cigale Literary Magazine (cigalelitmag.com) on December 20th.

Lot's of good things happening. Jeremy Grant and I (The Rubber Brothers--percussion and poetry) opened for the Dave Bidini book reading event at the Alton Mill yesterday afternoon. A great time was had by all. And...I organized the audience into a poetry writing jag (collected their scribblings and shaped them into a poem) so that together we created the Great Canadian Hockey Poem. This is what we came up with:


Dreams Live Forever

Dreams live forever
dad and me on a Saturday night
where cold meets warm at the edge
of the rink
at the edge of the hot chocolate cup
cold seeping into bones
frozen feet and numb fingers
sitting on the bench
putting rink boards up
the echo of the puck
hitting the boards in an empty rink

I love hockey
it makes me happy
soggy hot dogs and stinky popcorn
my couch coach father
and our Saturday night imperative
skates on ice, sticks on puck, the big hit
(but please, no fights)
Hull Hall Harvey Howe
the 4-H club
Johnny Bower, Tim Horton, Dave Keon
(because I wrote a speech about him in 7th grade)
I loved the edge catching, ankle twisting hurts
the bulrushes up the ice
fogged over in the morning light

oh, and
my father tying my skates
the smell of gloves
fights on the ice
fights in the stands
hey, and no helmets
no mouthguards
toothless
like a 7-year-old-child
but macho

like smelly brothers after a game
and thank god for
sweet smelling, nose saving, Febreeze-fresh hockey bags
leather goalie pads and sweat
and the thrill of the first Leafs game in Maple Leaf Gardens

And clear the track, here comes Shack
the arc of shaved ice on a sudden stop

See, I was at the big game
3-1 Leafs over the Habs, 1967
and Keon winning the Conn Smythe
a part of history
Jubilation in Canadian Pride
and I loved shinny
and I remember my old gear
“Make sure you hang it up.”

It’s all about the dream
that I’m the one with the puck
back and forth
momentum changes
exploding into a breakaway
bodies banging
sliding gliding sweeping
swooshing around the ice
and crack went the stick to the puck
oomph, crash, shoulders hurt

But we love the game
that’s why we think
it’s worth the stench of the hockey bag stink
because dreams live forever
and well
it’s kept the guys out of trouble

Cheers!


Sunday, December 1, 2013

Exercise at Meeting - December 1, 2013

I admit it. I stole the idea from the Georgetown Wordsmiths for today's exercise. I orginally participated in this exercise, November 2012. After I received my paper, it felt so good that I wanted to share the experience.

I didn't expect two new members, Louise and Sonia, to join us. But they were game and joined us in writing nice things about strangers! Thank you Louise and Sonia for being such good sports.

We were delighted when Michael (Judy's son) visited us. He enjoyed the exercise too.

And like Val, I of course, brought cake. I hope everybody enjoyed today's meeting.

Joan Doane, of course, is one of the funniest writers I know, gave me permission to publish this on our blog. Thanks Joan.

Her website is http://www.joandoane.com/

I hope you enjoy her minutes as much as I did!





November 26, 2012 – Minutes by  Joan Doane (Georgetown Wordsmiths)

 
I almost had to resort to calling my husband and asking him to bring the truck to get me home from the last meeting. Car troubles, you ask? No, but I was having a problem getting my swelled head into my small vehicle. My head barely fit through the door and, once I’d wedged it in, I then had to fumble about to get my seat to its lowest setting. As it was, my hair rubbed along the roof and my nose touched the front window, which became rather chilly during the 15 minute ride home (my nose AND the window.)

 
The problem started with Anne Marie who was acting as our illustrious Chair for the evening. She presented us with a very interesting opening exercise which consisted of us all writing nice things about each other! Imagine! We all went home with a sheet of paper, beautifully decorated with our names on the top, and 11 comments from our fellow Wordsmiths about how brilliant we are! Now that was certainly a great way to end a long day.
 
While I was hoping to receive accolades about my flowing mane of hair and lithe body (and received surprisingly few of those, for whatever reason), I was also happy to hear that I’m considered smart and caring, empathetic and organized (you obviously haven’t seen my desk lately!), and also, by a bit of a landslide majority, somewhat humorous. Go figure! It was a truly brilliant exercise and a great pick-me-up for everyone. Thanks, Anne Marie, for the neat idea! Thanks to all my fellow wordsmiths for the mutual I-think-you’re-great-too-lovefest! I’m still having difficulties going through narrrow doorways.

 Val brought cookies to share — a sweet gesture – in both kinds of ways. Nom, nom, nom. Thanks, Val!

 

Sunday, November 17, 2013

From November 17th prompts by Mary Patricia Bird

Prompt #4 Write a letter to Santa since Christmas is coming.


Dear Santa,

I write this in hopes that you will be coming to our house this year but I have a sneaking suspicion that you may pass us by. There are not very many individuals deserving of your gifts. But, perhaps my Christmas requests will change your mind. These requests are not just for me but for all the members of my family, though I would probably benefit the most.

Do you happen to have in that big, red sack of yours some chutzpah for my husband? He is oblivious to what goes on and lacks the emotions to react to situations.

I could use a housekeeper, especially a cook. I can't seem to produce meals that my family will eat or my stomach will digest.

Do you have a de-clutter fairy? Our home is so full of junk that it is probably the cause of all the bad feng shui. Or maybe we have mould.

Suzie needs a saw to remove the chip on her shoulder. Perhaps you have some Scentsy candle wax that will permeate her room with an overwhelming feeling of love.

Don't get me wrong, she is a lovely girl most of the time. She just needs an attitude adjustment. Do they make contraptions for that? Perhaps there is a way to remove that high horse she seems to be gallivanting around on? Did you give her that for Christmas a previous year?

Beth needs nothing. Show her that. She does not need another piece of Under Armour clothing. Is there such a thing as you taking instead of giving? Honestly, her bedroom door won't stay open for all the hoodies hanging on the back. Transport that child to a third world country so she can see how a person can have too much. She has a wonderful heart. I'm sure she would be moved by the sight of half-naked children digging through garbage for food. Then maybe she would stop eating me out of house and home.

Back to me. You know, if a full-time housekeeper, or even secretary, is a tall order, then a one-way ticket to Hawaii would suit me just fine.

Thank you for reading my letter, Santa. I'll leave you some milk and cookies if you leave the coal at home.


Mary Patricia Bird, November 17, 2013

From November 17th Writing Prompt by Jayne E. Self

From Prompt #2 - Write each letter of the word "WRITING" on its own line and use each letter as the start of another word to write an acrostic poem. The poem should detail how you feel about writing (using the word "WRITINGS").


Wonder, the well-springing source of beginnings,
Reason and logic defining my path driven by
Instinct I turn and I question
Thoughts, fears and doubts. Have I courage to last? Searching for 
Insight, searching for wisdom
Needing alone time for respite and rest,
Growth and improvement. Each draft and revision brings
Satisfaction, firm ground 'neath my steps.


Jayne E. Self, November 17, 2013

From November 17th Prompt from Sonja Wolter

From Prompt #2 - Write each letter of the word "WRITING" on its own line and use each letter as the start of another word to write an acrostic poem. The poem should detail how you feel about writing.

Winged beings fly into my mind and
Rest on passive thoughts
Inviting me to write of
Timeless forgotten worlds
Imagination awakens
Never to sleep again as
Gabriel looks over my shoulder.

Sonja Wolter, November 17, 2013

HWG Meeting November 17, 2013

Marilyn shared two more books she recently published for her clients:



Both are currently available on Amazon.

Nancy suggested a letter be written to The Orangeville Banner newspaper to praise the Orangeville Public Library for the Richard Scarsbrook series of Round Table workshops in hopes the library will keep up with these kinds of programs. Nancy will prepare a draft of this letter.


Writing Prompts:

1. Look at the image supplied (on the leader's laptop). It was painted by a fantasy artist by the name of Nick Deligaris (go to deligaris.com if you want to see more of his artwork). Write a personal diary entry for one of the characters in the picture.

2. Write each letter of the word "WRITING" on its own line and use each letter as the start of another word to write an acrostic poem. The poem should detail how you feel about writing.

3. Pick an event of personal significance that happened to you recently. Write an article about it that would be suitable for a newspaper.

4. Write a letter to Santa since Christmas is coming.

5. Pretend you're putting together a time capsule for the purpose of imparting wisdom to future generations. Write a paragraph or two about something you learned that you'd like them to know.

The following two writing prompts are courtesy of www.cracked.com.

6. Try beginning at the end for a change! Write the final scene in a climactic ending to your story.

7. Take a piece of writing you have already started but have abandoned unfinished for whatever reason. Introduce a completely unexpected plot twist at the point where you stopped writing. For example: the home of your main character gets invaded by aliens, or someone gets a phone call from a serial killer. See where it takes you.


The next meeting takes place on Sunday, December 1st. Nancy will be leading. This is the last official meeting of the year.

The Christmas Luncheon will take place on Sunday, December 15th at noon at the Happiness Buffet in Orangeville (please check your email for details).

Monday, November 4, 2013

Anne Lamott on Writing


 
In your opinion, why is order and discipline essential elements in life?

Discipline has always been the path to freedom for me as an artist. I can't just wait around for inspiration. I never really feel like writing, but in 35 years I have established the habit of being strict and firm with myself. I get my work done, rain or shine.


And all the people who have lives I admire--for their commitment to meaningful work, and the ability to have joy and radical playfulness and a sense of having both a strong center and an expansiveness--well, all these people practice a spiritual path. They tend to have a spiritual community in which they are regular members, a meditation practice, certain rituals they adhere to, scripture to which they regularly turn etc. And I have witnessed my whole life that those practices lead to a sense of freedom.
So I adopted that way of life too.

To read the whole interview go to:


 

Monday, October 28, 2013

The Invisible Boy

Hey all. Check out my just published flash ficiton story, The Invisible Boy, today at CommuterLit.com, second one published within two months. It's all good...cheers. Miss our Sunday meetings.

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Good News

Hi all.  Recently found out that I won second prize for adult poetry in the Click Create Celebrate literary competition, sponsored by the Caledon Library.  Here is the poem:



Untitled

the sky is charged tonight
timorous stars, ears turned earthward
listen for their true voices, that
like blind gospel psalms—echoing
upwards from upturned palms
—rise out of the vocal sacs
of a sea of peeper frogs
who fill the wetland bogs
with intense ululations
a sexuality of supernovic proportions

light years separate star and frog
yet are they not one being
as the hand is, at heart, no different
from the head in its seeing?

they sing, these tiny astral amphibians
to give cruciform voice to a longing
felt in the farthest reaches of inner space
to teach me something
I cannot fully comprehend
like a dream I cannot quite place

the sky is charged tonight
it needs us to attend
it needs to birth universes
stir up cosmic dust dances
toss its connecting light
like a seine net over us all
drag creature-Earth to shore
so that we finally find each other
the way a hand searches for and caresses
the furrowed field of a brow
to share in its many sadnesses

my yes, my heart cups
the hive of the world
whose shiver chatters bones
its heft-sensuous curves
braille-like textures intone
the warp and weft of
Being in its becoming

and when I look at you
with my stars singing in your eyes
your frogs peeping in my ponds
I am made to ask
where do I end and you begin?


Meanwhile, we carry on writing towards the collection of flash fiction now tentatively titled AND MAYBE YOU FLOAT AWAY, with the goal of completing it and shopping it around for Spring of 2014. Working with a professional editor has really helped my understanding of 'conscious' writing, which is to say that I am more aware now, as I write, of the intertwining of narrative/character/thematic elements inherent to good storytelling. It is very much an art and a craft, this business of scribbling.

Next up, Anthony Carnovale and I will be offering a presentation and workshop series for seniors in Snelgrove, Ontario, on Nov. 7th, on the topic of MEMORY, IMAGINATION and the POWER OF STORYTELLING. We're also working on a series of workshops for autism spectrum teens. Busy period! Keep you posted.  Cheers.

Saturday, October 12, 2013

Diane Bator on Virtual Tour!

I will be part of Patricia Gligor's "Getting to know you" post that goes live Sunday morning Oct 13 and will run through the following Saturday. Here's the link:  http://pat-writersforum.blogspot.com/
Come by and say hello!


Wednesday, October 9, 2013

HWG Meeting Notes October 6, 2013

S.J. Faerlind announced that the third book in her Liriea's Children series is now available on Amazon.ca and Amazon.com in both e-book and print editions. The book is called "Destiny" with the first two books called "Prophecy" and "Affirmation".

Jayne, as leader this week, asked us to write down an answer to the following questions:

Name one for each of the following:

A season
A time of day
A colour
Weather
A body part
Mood
Fruit
Favourite place
Scent
Texture
Least Favourite Place
Flavour
Emotion
Sound

We were then asked to write a poem keeping the Thanksgiving theme in mind.

I, Patricia, chose the following words:

winter, dinner time, green, snow, back, miserable, apple, Hawaii, pine, smooth, caves, chocolate, anger, pitter-patter.

And below is my poem. Keep in mind that this was written in 15 minutes with no time to edit. I have not edited here... well, maybe a little. I did not count out syllables. It's not perfect but it meets the challenge:

My family together at dinner time
causes me to break into rhyme.
Their laughter and jokes behind my back,
and the ones we shared; we never lack.

For being miserable is hard to do
even throughout the winter blues.
The fun we have as a family
brings back memories of Hawaii.

Away from the snow and cold weather,
on the smooth sandy beaches together.
No place or cause for anger there.
Chocolate and green apples the midday fare.

At night the pitter-patter of tropical rain
brings memories of Canada to mind again.
Where pine trees grow and caves are dark
Where children play games in neighbourhood parks.

I'm grateful for a country of peace
from the west coast and shores on east.
A land where I was born and raised
and will live until my dying days.

And although I long for Hawaii
With my family is where I want to be.


Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

The next meeting is Sunday, October 20th. Nancy will be leading.

Thursday, October 3, 2013

Authors & Armchairs 2013

Every year for the past nine years as part of the Headwaters Arts Festival there is an author night. Four Canadian authors are invited to read from their latest publications and converse with each other about their writing. Then audience members are invited to ask questions. This year's authors were Don Gillmor, whose latest release is the novel Mount Pleasant; Maureen Jennings author of the Murdoch Mysteries series and Bomb Girls. Her latest release is Beware This Boy. Also present was Wayne Johnston, author of Son of a Certain Woman (recently long-listed for the Giller Award); and Oakland Ross, author of Empire Yearning.

The sub-theme for the evening was writing fiction vs. non-fiction as all authors have written both. Maureen Jennings said she loves researching real facts. It's one of the best parts of writing for her. Oakland mentioned taking history and injecting fiction. It wasn't until I read over my notes that I realized what they were referring to when they said fictionalizing history is becoming a growing trend. I am currently reading a book called In Falling Snow by Mary-Rose MacColl which speaks of WWI and a real place called Royaumont. It wasn't until I googled it that I found it was a real place. Oakland's story takes place in Mexico where he went to research and use old buildings in his story. Don Gillmor uses Toronto as the setting for his story but avoided being too specific about places. Wayne Johnston wondered allowed whether the address he used in his book, 44 Bonaventure, is a real place and whether some psycho from that address would come after him.

When it comes to locations like London and Mexico, Maureen said she can hardly wait to get writing when she is there while Oakland said he preferred to be "away from the place" before he started writing about it. Maureen Jennings also shared photos she found in antique stores, photos of people who she brought to life as characters in her novels.

The Son of a Certain Woman is Wayne Johnston's tenth novel. It is an engaging, humorous yet naughty novel. Sex, homosexuality, religion, and incest are topics that could offend some people. When asked if, while writing the book, he feared any backlash he said it was not a book he would have written as his first novel especially since 20 years ago it would have created more of an uproar. But while writing the story he felt if he toned it down then why write it at all.

The story takes place in St. John's, Newfoundland, a strong Catholic community. He said he has heard nothing from the people there and as he was heading there the following week he jokingly asked people to pray for him.

An audience member asked about e-books. We were informed that e-books are not as big in Canada as they are in the U.S. Publishers believe it will not get as big. The purchases of e-books vs. hard copy books is 50% in the U.S. and 25% in Canada. Royalties to authors is about the same, however authors like to be in the subway, coffee shop, airplane, or anywhere else, and see someone reading their book.

I had the opportunity to chat with Don Gillmor afterwards about my work-in-progress. I admitted that I was stalled for several reasons - one being some sexually graphic scenes I wrote which have since frightened me off. Mr. Gillmor, after hearing a brief outline of the story, insisted they are pertinent to the story and I must carry on. "Go way out there," he said. "Even with my first novel?" I joked. Another issue I had was that the novel, I was told by an agent, is too short at 55,000 words. He pointed out that another successful author wrote a novel that was only 52,000 words. He encouraged me to carry on.

I have been attending this event for the last 5 or 6 years. I will never miss one. This is the most enjoyable author evening. I wouldn't miss it for the world. I am always astounded as to how funny all these authors are. I said to one of my writing colleagues, "Are all authors this funny? They always seem to be so funny." She has attended several of these events as well and agreed with me. We always laugh our way through the evening. Getting to meet the authors one-on-one afterwards is a bonus.


 Nancy and author Maureen Jennings

Nancy, Judy and Sonja

Thursday, September 26, 2013

A Few Lines from The Bookstore Lady

Looking for a fun read? Check out A Few Lines from The Bookstore Lady...
 
 
When the hunched over, balding pharmacist next door called out, “Good morning, Katie,” her hand flinched and her heart raced. It took her nearly a full minute to remember she’d been Katie Mullins for two months and she’d better answer before he got offended.

“Hi.” She nodded.

The drugstore opened at eight every morning and it was now quarter to ten. Must have been a slow morning if he had time to stand in the doorway with a large cup of coffee rather than hanging out behind the back counter. “You’d best convince Ray to get some air-conditioning for that store before your new books curl up and warp. It’s beyond me how he’s never lost half his books every summer.”

“Dust absorbs the humidity.” She smiled wryly. “I don’t think we can afford air-conditioning this year.”

“I know a guy who’ll give you a quote. He’s not bad looking once you get past the bug eyes and scars. I can call him, if you’d like.”

“Maybe some other time.” Like when hell froze over.

He waved and went back into the drugstore.

Katie drew in a deep breath. The air was fresh from last night’s rain and the hint of a breeze mussed her hair. In two months, the only thing to find her was the sunshine and a case of withdrawals that made renovations hell. Nate, bless his heart, had had more compassion while she fought “the flu” than any man she’d ever met.

She blew a strand of stray copper hair out of her mouth and jiggled the door lock. Another thing that needed to be fixed before winter. She should have done it during renovations, but it hadn’t seemed as important as books and workmen. Luckily, Nate worked cheap and she hadn’t had to dig into the money from Dunnsforth. The money was tucked up in a box in the backroom, fastened with half a roll of duct tape. She’d ask him to fix the lock when he delivered her order later.

The door opened with a groan. “It’s about time.”

Want to read more? Order The Bookstore Lady (published by Books We Love) available at:
http://www.amazon.com/The-Bookstore-Lady-ebook/dp/B00DWKNGPQ/
 

Thursday, September 19, 2013

Richard Scarsbrook Double Book Launch

 The Orangeville Public Library invites you to celebrate the launch of Richard Scarsbrook’s two new books. 

Author Richard Scarsbrook Double Book Launch

Come and celebrate with award-winning Canadian author Richard Scarsbrook as he launches Nothing Man and the Purple Zero,his funny and thought-provoking new novel, and Six Weeks, his first book of prize winning poetry.

Richard Scarsbrook has won numerous awards for his stories and poetry, including the Ontario Library Association's 2011 White Pine Award for his novel, The Monkeyface Chronicles.

Scarsbrook makes his home in Toronto, Ontario, where he teaches creative writing courses at Humber College and George Brown College. He also plays and sings with various rock bands, and has performed at The Rivoli, The Guverment, Healey's Roadhouse, The Opera House, The Tattoo Rock Parlour, The Royal York Hotel, The Hard Rock Cafe and The Black Swan (all in Toronto), The Hard Rock Cafe and The Liquor Store Bar in Ottawa, and The Just For Laughs Studio in Montreal.

No registration is required. Everyone is welcome. Light refreshments will be provided.

  • Date: Monday, September 23, 2013
  • Time: 6:30pm - 8:30pm
  • Location: Mill Street Branch

Monday, September 9, 2013

September 8, 2013 Meeting

The following announcements were made:

June's two books Kindred and Death Spiral are currently available in e-book on Amazon. Unfortunately I was unable to find Death Spiral at this time.


Diane announced that her latest novel The Bookstore Lady will be available for free on Kindle from September 12th-14th. This can be purchased through our Amazon.ca bookstore here: http://astore.amazon.ca/headwritguil-20?node=16&page=2. I am not sure whether you can get the freebie during the 12th-14th through our Amazon store or whether you have to go directly to Amazon.

Marilyn announced that a short story she wrote has been short listed to the final five in the Alice Munro Short Story Contest, adult division.

Sonja advised that the Orangeville Public Library has some of our writers' books on their shelves:  Death of a Highland Heavyweight by Jayne Self, Short Tales from a Tall Person by Marilyn Kleiber, and A Softness in the Eyes by Harry Posner.

Please support our writers by posting reviews on Amazon and any other websites where you may post book reviews.

A reminder that Richard Scarsbrook returns to the Orangeville Public Library September 9th, October 7th and November 4th for a Creative Writing Roundtable Series from 6:30pm-8:30pm.

Due to a field trip to Theatre Orangeville for a table reading of "Near Mrs." on Sunday, September 22nd at 3:00pm, there will be no meeting on September 22nd. If you plan to attend the event you must arrive well early in order to get a seat.


Writing Prompts provided by Diane (via Writer's Digest)

1. She looked out the window only to see a face staring right back at her...

2. A fortune teller at the local county fair tells you two things: something good that will happen and something awful that will happen.

3. "Every day of the week I ______________, but Sundays are different. On Sundays ____________"

4. Your kids love watching CSI, so you buy them a forsenic starter's kit for Christmas. They begin running simple, fake experiments, collecting DNA, and dusting for fingerprints around the house. When you look at all of the powder and prints they pull, you find there are more fingerprints there than just you and your family's.

5. On your way into work, you look at the car on the left. Inside are two men dressed in dark suits, wearing sunglasses. They simultaneously look at you and meet your gaze. The one in the passenger seat rolls down his window and says something. Write what he says, and what happens next.

"I write because I'm afraid to say some things out loud." - Gordon Atkinson, reallivepreacher.com


Our next meeting will be on Sunday, October 6th, at 1:30pm. Jayne is scheduled to lead.





Friday, September 6, 2013

The Rubber Brothers in Guelph

Hi all.  Jeremy Grant and I (The Rubber Brothers) will be performing our percussion/poetry schtuff tomorrow night in Guelph at 515 Woolwich Ave. (it's a residence), 7-11 pm. $10 by donation.  Hope to see y'all there.  Cheers.

Sunday, August 25, 2013

HWG Meeting Minutes August 25, 2013

It's late in the summer and many people are away. We had a small group of people attend the meeting but that's okay. Lots of information was shared.

Patricia connected with an Orangeville author via Facebook. She met J.L. (Janet) Morrison for tea and was given a copy of her Y.A. novel to read. It's a great read for teens and parents of teens. Patricia's review of the book can be found here: http://quazen.com/shopping/book-review-surviving-seventeen/.

Hopefully Janet will be able to join our group soon.

Marilyn shared a novel by her newest author, Lynn Albrecht. It looks like a fun story.



Both books are available at Amazon.

Patricia also reminded everyone about the annual Armchairs & Authors event as part of the Headwaters Arts Festival. Information was posted on a previous blog. Buy your tickets now as they sell out fast. The date is a Thursday this year, September 26th.

Richard Scarsbrook is returning to the Orangeville Library for a Creative Writing Roundtable Series. The goal is to give and receive encouragement and editorial feedback. The series takes place over three Monday evenings - September 9th, October 7th, November 4th - from 6:30-8:30pm at the Mill Street branch. Adults 18 years and older. No registration required. Light refreshments provided.

Also coming to the Orangeville Public Library is Orangeville author Graham McLeod (nom-de-plume Russ Graham) for an informal talk on how an 'unknown' gets published, marketing books, and his recipe for a really good mystery. This event takes place at the Mill Street branch on Tuesday, September 17th, 2013, from 1pm to 2pm. You can check out his website and books here: http://russgrahamnovel.com/.

And now for the writing prompts provided by Judy:

1. He was surprised to find that after twenty years apart, he still felt _______ for her.

2. On hearing the explosion, the people of Banion's Corners rushed out doors to see ________ spiraling down into John Carrigan's corn field.

3. She had followed her dream to Nashville, slept on the river bank, hounded agents offices, sang at open mic nights week after week all along the strip, until ___________

4. The plants along aunt Janet's back fence went through an unusual growth spurt that August, opening up huge bell shaped blossoms in reds and violets which oozed a sticky cream coloured substance.

5. She married Clarence in spite of her own secret misgivings and the upshot was ______________

6. Cassandra stared in amazement at the strange script appearing on the paper, which leapt from her printer.

7. Roy awoke in the basement of the _____________

8. When she opened her eyes, she saw a huge creature with shimmering gold wings hovering in the corner of her room at the ceiling.

9. The real estate agent was not there when she arrived at the address.


Next meeting is Sunday, September 8th. Diane is scheduled to lead.