Cleckheaton Writers Group minutes Meeting 18 March 2024

With thanks to Kathy for taking these minutes in my absence :)  

Cleckheaton Writers Group

Monday 18^th March 2024

Present: Kathy, Molly, Reuben, David & Ivy

Apologies: Karen

Welcome / Attendance

No new members tonight

Minutes of Last meeting

Taken as read

WIP / Updates

Kathy - nothing of note.

David – wrote a short story on the theme for March – Hares.  Also finished an intro for his short stories compilation, Listening to Frogs, as well as a further 2 stories to add.  Wrote a poem which was a variation on his Haggas poem around Burn’s Night – called Black Pudding Night (or rather - neet).

Reuben – Writing a character called Astrid now but sees a need to change the location he’s originally thought of.  There is a lot set there and going on but getting the layout of the building he has in mind is proving tricky – so has enlisted help from his brother to ‘plot it out’.

Ivy – Booked herself on a short story telling course.  In Sheffield, monthly; set over 4 months.  It centres around performing, which is a medium Ivy wants to pursue – not so much publishing for others to read themselves but storytelling her creations.

Molly – Further to contemplations, she is trying to a third part or stanza to better finish it.  Has also been watching her recordings of Nadia Colburn – which she is finding really and good and quite helpful.

Competitions/Workshops/Events

Karen left details of:

Free to enter Wergle Flomp Poetry (see Karen’s blog for details – 21/1/24) deadline 1 st April and York Literature festival, Retreat West monthly micro competition on the theme of LIE, 150 words, New Writing North FREE YA Fiction workshop 27 March 12.30pm online (see Karen’s blog for details – 4/3/24), Leeds Lit Fest in March (see Karen’s blog on Leeds Central Library newsletter)** including Agent event 9/3/24 and more, and Magma Poetry Pamphlet competition Magma open property pamphlet competition 22024 – magma Poetry and holistic writing class for women https://nadiacolburn.com/free-holistic-writing-class/

** 15-23 June – Leeds Lit fest – think this date has changed 

Bradford Lit fest – end of June perhaps – start of July – to watch out for.

Feedback

David read out his short story relating to March – The Hare.  This was based on a folk story originating from Devon/Cornwall, and was about sightings of a white hare which depicted forthcoming events that were tragic in nature – so a real evocative story full of intrigue!

Ivy also as also a story based on the ‘Hare/Hair’ theme, but decided against reading as it was actually inspired by the tune (and title) of ‘5 Colours in her Hair’ – by McFly.  However, because of the hair theme, she chose instead read out story of Blondilocks that she has been working to finesse.   It had real zing and some quirky phrases, and it was easy to conjure up the scenes - she has a friend who will help with illustrations on this.

Reuben – read a chapter he had written over Christmas, centering on a character called Steven/Stephen (?).  The man in black character also appeared in this – so decidedly dark overtones as he clearly has manipulated Steven into a position that is now uncomfortable and using him to produce his mysterious pills.  Intriguing as to how/where this fits in – thinks perhaps this may sit somewhere around Chapter 6 in the overall story.

Writing Plans

Molly – will continue with contemplation / enter competition.  Also, will still dip into Beth Kempton courses and try and finish when she can.  These are still available until end of July.

Ivy – Not sure yet – is occupied trying to assemble plans for working right now, which she wants to prioritise.

Reuben – to continue the Astrid chapter and sort that building layout!

David – intends to compose 2 more shorts (Listening to Frogs).  Has compiled a list of 21 titles for possible stories so will pick 2 of these.  Also, will do a bit more on Black Pudding Neet.

Kathy – Try to do something, other than write these minutes!

Date of Next Meeting

Due to the fact the next meeting would take place 1^st April – Easter Monday, then decided to move to week after – Monday 8^th.  Can decide from there whether to step back into current fortnightly rhythm or just go with the change.

 

Meeting closed.