Cleckheaton Writers Group minutes, meeting 17 February 2020

Cleckheaton Writers Group met on Monday 17 February at Cleckheaton Library and with thanks to Gemma, here are the minutes:

Attendance: Lisa, Cassie, Kathy, Gemma, Barbara and Julia
Apologies: Sarah, Mandy, Daniel, Karen and Sam

The previous minutes accepted.

The group welcomed new member Lisa, each introducing themselves and what they write. 

WIP updates: 

Cassie wrote a short story for children. Kathy wrote 2 pieces in response to the challenge, 1 poem and 1 prose.  Barbara hasn't written anything. Julia wrote a descriptive piece for the U3A. I had written more of book 2.

Events:

HLF, LBF, the Bronte event that Cassie and Julia are attending. 

Feedback: 

Cassie read her short story, about a Lord visiting 4 lands looking for his Lady. Everyone thought it was good and could picture it being read to a class of children. The U3A teacher Colin had told Cassie it sounded appropriate for kids, which she was pleased about. Barbara noted good use of smell, and suggested the kids could draw pictures to accompany the story. 

Kathy wrote 2 pieces in response to the challenge set for Valentine's Day. The prose about her mum was about reawakened grief and was very emotional. The poem was also deep and emotional, about feeling bereft. Everyone felt they were powerful and moving. Barbara added the rhymes in the poem felt natural. 

Barbara read the start of her ongoing story called The Girl in the Red Coat. It's written in diary for and consists of 8,000 words so far, but with plenty of scope to continue. Barbara is definitely developing it further, which the group were pleased to hear as they found it intriguing. 

Julia read a piece called Zen Garden, which was written for U3A. We all agreed we could visualise the garden very well. Julia had also written 3 other pieces for the U3A challenge, but Zen was her favourite. 

The next meeting of the Cleckheaton Writers Group will be on Monday 2 March 2020 5.30-7.00pm at Cleckheaton Library.