The Circle met on the 12th of September and we welcomed George Cromack to Newby & Scalby Library for an evening of humour and enlightenment. We learnt about the story arc and how writers need to be aware of the shape and structure of their plot, be it a short story, a novel, or something in between. Most important is the character or characters. Who are they and what is their mission? In a story of highs and lows (gains and losses) how do they achieve their goals? Or do they?
It was pen-to-paper time when we were asked to create a short narrative using the story arc George had outlined. Stories were swiftly generated: a brother lost in a tsunami, a pair of old shoes given new life, a family of friendly rodents, and inevitably, a canine in trouble.
There’s a lot more to writing than most of us envisage. However, there’s a broad range of expertise and skill at the Circle from beginners through to authors with several publications to their name. Sessions are designed to cater for this varied group and there’s a general consensus that members and visitors alike enjoy not only the focus of the evening but also the chit-chat and useful information gleaned from one another.
The next session will be on Tuesday 10th October when the winner of the Shirley Waite Poetry Competition will be revealed. We look forward to welcoming Charlotte Oliver, a prestigious local poet, who has very kindly agreed to judge the entries. In line with National Poetry Day on the 5th of October our theme this year is ‘Refuge’. Whilst poetry is generally not the main thrust of our group we welcome diversity within the written word and are not afraid to have a go.
Visitors old and new will be given a warm welcome. The library doors open for us around seven o’clock with a start time of seven-fifteen. There’s tea, coffee and putting-the-world-to-rights at half-time, and superior biscuits: not the cheap and boring kind. What more could a creative soul want?
(£1 for refreshments to the library and guest admission is £4 for the session.)
report submitted by Jill Young, SWC Member
Scarborough Writers' Circle 