The Third Monday

News from the Pen & Ink Writers' Group...

Member, Vick Elberfeld, regularly appears at and coordinates activities for the 2nd Saturday Coffeehouse, Ethical Humanist Society, in Skokie. Call (847) 825-8580 for more information. Member, J. P. Scianna, presented a program on aging and forgetfulness on (What was that date again? Oh, I remember now) July 30 at Mather's Cafe and More.

Member, Theresa Choske, organized and presented a Mother and Daughter Tea at the Irish American Heritage Center the last weekend in July. She is currently planning additional cultural events.

Member, Phyllis Babbs, received notice that her submitted poem has been entered into the semi-final round of a poetry contest. Good luck, Phyllis.

At our October 18 meeting, a guest speaker will be presenting on the subject of "How to Tell a Good story." Judith Heineman is a professional story teller who has traveled throughout the nation giving performances and establishing Storytelling groups. She believes that a gesture, a word, a look tells so much and that within each of us there are many profound stories to tell. The event will be open to all. Registration is necessary and those interested may sign up at the Eisenhower library. The event starts promptly at 7:00 p.m.

Visit our monthly updated Web site to read current writings about what we "Believe," what's inside the "Locket," what we find in a "Fragrant Meadow," and some of our "Secrets."

A book of interest for writing...

In How to Read Novels Like a Professor (NY: Harper, 2008), Thomas C. Foster says "The reason for employing first-person narrators are nearly as numerous as the novels that employ them, but they tend to fall into one of a handful of categories. Here they are: Stories about characters who just don't get it...Stories about people who are hiding something...Stories about several people with competing versions of the same event, Stories about people who are picking up the pieces...Stories about the multiplicity of reality or where reality is up for grabs, Stories about really, really, really bad people and the odd monster" (p 60). He also says "Narrators are like cats. They may talk about other people, but the world is mostly about them. Even the omniscient sort tend to be smugly self-involved, for all their appearance as dispassionate observers. Point of view is about which cat is telling the story and whether he's looking at the world from the top of the rock or under it"(p.67). (Contributed by NANCY STEWART)

A line or two of inspiration...

My Wish To age, but not to grow old To mature, but not to grow overripe To mellow, but not to grow dull To yield to time, but not give up (BY Florence Zielinski)

A quick look at what we do...

The truth is, we all have to "write" and in our own particular style. That's the reason we gather on the third Monday of each month: to listen and to share in each other's work. Our simple method is to use a pre-selected word or phrase as the basis of a story, an idea, or an opinion. Our audience does not overly analyze or intensely criticize the writings, although positive feedback of the material is welcomed. The atmosphere is friendly and supportive, but charged with expectation in the variety of what we are hearing and reading. We welcome other writers, who find that they too "must write," who need to put their thoughts down on paper, and who seek the support, the discipline, and the challenge of a group. There is no age limit, no gender stipulation, no residential restriction, and no dues. We are small in number, and we hope to grow. Our commitment is strictly to produce and foster creativity among our members.

Curious? Always wanted to try writing for fun or entertainment? Think about it. Writing poems, essays, or stories is fun. And, if you are interested, visit any of our meetings. They are open to all. Sit in and see what we do. Bring along a sample of your writing, we'd love to listen to it. When you decide, we are always open to having new members join the group. So, come on, visit with us or join us.

We would like to get to know you...

Come join us at our meetings or call (773) 631- 8722 for information. Write a short 1 to 1 1/2 page double-spaced short story or essay, or bring your writing in the form of poetry.

Here are our coming meeting dates and topics:

Aug 16, 2010 selection is "Style." Sep 20, 2010 selection is "One More Time." Oct 18, 2010 selection is "Shadow."