https://www.warringtonguardian.co.uk/news/18034266.amateur-poets-urged-enter-radio-warringtons-poetry-competition/?fbclid=IwAR2303fXtW9imF23SMUYS6OgqU6h9RMupWPrmZIAmpFemVRvfhZ_-hTrAMg

In attendance: Milton, Rose, Jim, Brian, Anne, Collin and Sylvia

No minutes for the last meeting as I was unable to attend

Fun Palace. The Fun Palace event was discussed and although visitor numbers were low and we had the very unfortunately Rose’s scripts were taken early by mistake, it was an enjoyable event. Milton to pass John’s email address to Rose so that these can be returned

Facebook. Although not everyone at the meeting uses Facebook, Brian suggested a closed (private) group would be a good way to swap messages, ideas and stories for considered feedback. It was agreed that this may well add to the interaction of the group and Milton will set a group up for a trial. The web site will continue to be updated as our contact with potential new members. Milton reminded everyone that they can submit stories for publication on the website either for general interest or for considered feedback before the next meeting. Milton will alert members if a story is added.

Viewpoints. Brian suggested members may be interested in his collection of writings on the options of viewpoint when writing. All seemed interested in this, by email may be the best option

Writings

Anne continued with extracts from her play ‘Music with no Tune‘ to continued enthusiasm and compliments as well as welcomed feedback

Milton read the introduction to his fairy story which will form the basis of his Father of the Bride speech next June. An early start as he has a lot to live up to following his story written for his daughter who married in August

Brian read from chapter 5 of his work in progress book ‘The enemy has no face’

Sylvia read her story ‘Tulips from Amsterdam‘

All the stories were excellent and so varied, keeping up to our name

Royal Court Liverpool The rearranged trip from 24-Sept is the 29th October. Anne is now joining us. We can arrange sharing travel during our meeting on the same date. Thanks given to Rose for organising this. Rose doesn’t have richards contact details so is unsure if he can make this date. Milton to pass this on to Rose

Milton closed the meeting with a ghost story/joke

Next Meeting 29th October

• Stockton Heath Library
• Thursday 7th November 7.00-8.30pm
• Tickets £2 from the library or by calling 01925 26114

Three members of the Stockton Heath Writers Group – Michael, Carol and Liz are putting on an event at Stockton Heath Library where they are going to talk about their writing and publishing journeys and read extracts from their books.

In attendance: Milton, Rose, Richard, Jim, Brian and Sylvia

The visit to the Royal Court on Tuesday 24th was confirmed with all six at the meeting going.

Entry to the library was a bit tricky but eventually the Duty Manager was found and promised to put our meetings in the diary. It seems there was a little breakdown in communications on this first time. Going forward we should meet outside the main entrance at 11:00 and we will be let in. Latecomers should call one of the regular members who will let them in. Milton to circulate the numbers by email.

• Brian read a piece of dialogue from his book pulled out in preparation of the recent dialogue task.
• Five of the group performed Acts I-III of Rose’s play which we’ll perform at the Fun Palace
• Milton read the full story of Frank, the hapless conductor
• Sylvia read her piece ‘Harvest Festival’

Continue the great and inspiring writing. Milton won’t be able to make the next meeting on 1st October so apologies, make sure you have the alternative telephone numbers available.

Hi everyone, Rose has purchased four tickets for the above, herself, Sylvia, Jim and a friend. She has reserved, in her name, another 4 (not paid for yet – £5). See https://wordpress.com/block-editor/post/wonkywriters.home.blog/286 for more details

I will be going and I think Brian is too so that means 2 tickets are reserved (maybe 3 if Brian can no longer make it). Rose need to know final numbers by Tuesday 16th Sept. Please reply here or email me if you want to go. Thanks

Many thanks to the Gateway Café for letting use their space for our meeting. The café was very busy but as the hustle and bustle was constant it wasn’t distracting.

In attendance: Ann, Milton, Colin, Rose, Richard and Sylvia

What a great mixed session we had with lots of social chat but plenty of time for sharing some great writing

Milton told us about the wonderful wedding of his daughter and how well his Fairy Tail, written for the father of the bride speech, went down with half the audience in tears.

Ann read from her musical ‘Music with no Tune’ Admiration was shown especially for the lyrics of the songs. If anyone knows any musicians willing to help Ann put those lyrics to music. please let Ann know. Everyone agreed it had great potential

Task: Write a piece of dialogue: Rose, Milton, Collin, Richard and Sylvia all read their pieces

Visit to Royal Court Liverpool: Visits to the theatre was suggested to see professional actors perform scripts sent in by the public. £5 – 7:30pm 24th Sept and 19th Nov. Agreed that Milton would email the group to collate numbers

Fun Palace 5th October: We now need to collate commitment to participate in this event. Agreed that Milton would email the group so a schedule of performances can be put together.

Task for the next meeting: Anything goes, bring what your already working on or write a new piece

Date of next meeting: 17th September 11:00am when we’ll back at the library

With the Library closed next Tuesday we will meet instead at The Gateway Warrington (in their Café).  This is opposite the Town Hall, there is relatively cheap parking at the Town Hall.

The Café are OK with this but would of course like us to have a drink, I’ll probably have lunch there too.

Hope to see you there

Apologies everyone, I forgot to add the task to the minutes of the meeting on 6th August so we will roll it forward to the 3rd September meeting.

From Brian’s Book ‘Writing a Novel’ by Nigel Watts, in conclusion to his chapter on dialogue:

Write a scene of people disagreeing with each other, in around 300 words using mainly dialogue. Perhaps use the characters from something you’re working on even if it doesn’t make the cut.

Ideas:

• Some money has gone missing from the bank and the manager is interviewing the clerks one by one. He has his suspicion but that clerk is defensive and indignant, but also intimidated by the manager.
• There has been a three-way collision between drivers. One person is clearly at fault but is denying it. Another person is unsure whose fault it is but to make sure, blames someone else. The third is innocent but shaken by the accident
• A young couple are having a first date in a restaurant. They are trying not to spoil the evening. but they disagree about everything they talk about.