Write-on

Once again, our Programme offers an amazing variety of styles, topics and moods; what unites them all is the high standard of the writing!

Veronica O’Neill’s unusual short story Sleeping Bag develops into an exquisite sequence of emotions: warmhearted childhood memories, drama, tension, with a hint of humour, and finally resignation lasting into adulthood and beyond. Don’t miss this gem of a story!

Mary Hodson’s two short stories also evolve from childhood memories. The Station touchingly recalls the time-honoured tradition of station masses, which provided an intersection of religious ceremony and social get-together. Sunday Visit mirrors the happy memories of special days spent on Granda’s farm, a text that comes alive through short comments and remarks typical for each occasion.

Deirdre Anne Gialamas’s impressive poem Orphans immerses us in man’s passage through birth into a labyrinthine world, to the revelation of moments of wonder in our surroundings and the magic of universal community. A complex text which, nevertheless, everyone can relate to.

Once again, Mary Hawkshaw has created images of great beauty, this time to illustrate her poem of the same title, Beauty. A video which one wishes would never end!

What can we learn from the great master, Seamus Heaney? His poem Postscript opens us to the transience of natural beauty, moments which cannot be grasped but which nonetheless move us deeply. Which are the key words and phrases that endow this poem with such power?

Finally, our Anthology 2026 – the collection of the best submissions in 2024/2025 – is in the making and warrants some organisation and planning.

And don’t forget! The closing date for Mug of the Month entries is looming: Sunday, 26 January! Be sure to send your texts of no more than 48 words plus a form of the key words COURT and SETTLE to annemurraypost@yahoo.ie before then! As usual, all entries will be read on the last Thursday of the month.

We wish all viewers and visitors a rewarding and stimulating evening!

Programme:

Short Story Sleeping Bag Veronica O’Neill

Short Story The Station Mary Hodson

Short Story Sunday Visit Mary Hodson

Poem Orphans Deirdre Anne Gialamas

Poem/Video Beauty Mary Hawkshaw

Discussion Postscript by Seamus Heaney All Members

Discussion Anthology 2026 and other Publishing Plans All Members

Short stories by our members dominate in this evening’s session.

Frank Fahy‘s brand new tale, ‘In Confidence’, confronts us with a snippet of real life, encapsulated in time and space to produce a text of extreme and unusual intensity. Frank is looking forward to members’ reactions to his story!

Life on the farm in bygone times have frequently inspired Mary Hodson. Her clear and detailed tales document forgotten rituals and traditions, which are presented in an empathetic manner that everyone can relate to. We look forward to hearing about ‘The Station’, which will revive pleasant memories in our older listeners.

Deirdre Anne Gialamas‘s versatility is demonstrated in the two stories being presented tonight. In ‘Pay the Lady’ , we can relive the excitement of our first paid job in the adult world. By contrast, ‘Strolling Towards Yesterday and Tomorrow’ transports us to Athens, specifically to the stunning Acropolis Museum, a modern structure housing magnificent artefacts that are thousands of years old.

Elizabeth Hannon‘s inspiration often derives from her immediate family, and in this evening’s poem she introduces us to Aunt Tess, a lady whose warm-heartedness and generosity was cherished, never to be forgotten by her whole family.The tiny details of Aunt Tess’s many activities give this poem a special sparkle.

The genres presented in our sessions have been expanded by a new literary art form, thanks to Mary Hawkshaw. A newcomer to computer technology and AI, Mary quickly excelled in implementing these novel possibilities. Tonight’s video ‘The Circle of Life’ includes text, music and moving images, demonstrating her ability as a writer and her expertise with the new technologies. Congratulations, Mary!

Finally, we expect an open discussion of the group’s publishing plans this year. Past years have seen the annual publication of our Anthology, as well as two volumes by individual members containing their collected poems, short stories, or a novel. A wonderful reward and honour for the members chosen, and an encouragement to all others to produce, practice, create, and write, write, write!

Have an enjoyable and stimulating evening on Thursday!

PS: Don’t forget to enter your text for our monthly Mug of the Month competition (MOTM). Write a maximum of fifty words in any genre containing the two given words, this month: SETTLE and COURT. Then send your work to annemurraypost@yahoo.ie. Closing date: 26 January 2025.

Don’t miss your chance – YOU could be the next proud holder of our precious Mug!

Programme:

Short Story In Confidence Frank Fahy

Short Story The Station Mary Hodson

Short Story Pay the Lady Deirdre Anne Gialamas

Short Story Strolling Towards Yesterday and Tomorrow Deirdre Anne Gialamas

Poem Aunt Tess Elizabeth Hannon

Video The Circle of Life Mary Hawkshaw

Discussion Publishing Plans for 2025 All Members

WOWO Thursday 9 January 2025 7-9pm

A warm Welcome to the New Year for all our members and friends. We’re looking forward to another exhilarating twelve months of creativity and stimulation in each other’s company, together with hours of pleasure reading and listening to the stories, poems and songs that we have produced.

In our last session before Christmas we enjoyed a much longer-than-usual list of texts. Some of these will be touched on in tonight’s programme, allowing comments and reactions for which there was no time in December.

Joanne Dowling‘s story moves with changing perspectives: the gentle anticipation of the returning traveller, and of those awaiting his or her arrival. The bonds of homeland, home and family emerge as the basic emotions of this quiet text.

A quest for ingredients for a Plum Pudding in 1960s Israel leads to insights into contrasting cultures and the universal quality of kindness. Humour and humanity set the tone in Jutta Rosen‘s memoir.

Deirdre Anne Gialamas chronicles the history of O’Donovan’s, a humble yet enduring Dublin deli that withstood the tides of modernisation. This piece celebrates resilience, community, and the heartwarming stories of those who make life a little brighter.

Helena Clare‘s pognant historical narrative unfolds in the form of a letter, detailing the hardships of 19th century Ireland. Through the voice of Paddy Connaughton, we glimpse acts of quiet heroism, familial love, and the compassion that sustains through adversity.

In ‘The Magic Proof’, Clare O’Malley captures the wonder of childhood belief. In this tender poem, a simple crack in the fireplace becomes a magical keepsake, evoking memories of love and innocence.

‘Let Peace be the Brightest Star’ by James Conway reminds us of the fragility of life and the enduring hope for peace. His poem weaves a tapestry of memory, loss, and the resilience of the human spirit.

In his second poem, James Conway delves into the enigmatic qualities of intuition and wisdom, painting a portrait of a world where insight triumphs over complexity.

Our discussion will cover points such as forthcoming publications, special events, competitions such as our monthly Mug of the Month, and much more!

Be sure not to miss what promises to be another lively and inspiring evening with a professional presentation of our own writings!

Programme:

Short Story Homecoming Joanne Dowling

Short Story My Palestinian Plum Pudding Jutta Rosen

Short Story O’Donovan’s Dublin Delight Deirdre Anne Gialamas

Short Story Paddy Connaughton’s Letter to Delia Helena Clare

Poem The Magic Proof Clare O’Malley

Poem Let Peace Be the Brightest Star James Conway

Poem A Seventh Sense James Conway

Discussion Write-On Plans for 2025 All Members

As Write-On Year 2024 comes to a close, we reflect on a truly remarkable twelve months. This year brought the publication of three books, a wealth of creative contributions from talented members, and an ever-expanding community of writers. Together, we’ve explored new techniques, savored live gatherings, and cherished the warmth, camaraderie, and collaboration that define our group.

To wrap up the year in style, we’re thrilled to present a rich programme of festive delights. Expect a vibrant mix of songs, short stories, poems, memoirs, comedy sketches, and more, all brought to life with animated segments featuring characters who just might feel familiar! It promises to be an unforgettable evening filled with emotion, humour, charm, inspiration, and exuberance.

Looking ahead to 2025, we feel excited and confident about the continued growth and evolution of our group. A heartfelt thank you goes out to Frank Fahy, Anne Murray, Mary Hodson, Mary Rose Tobin, and every contributor and participant who has played a part in making our gatherings such a tremendous success. Here’s to another extraordinary year of writing, sharing, and thriving together!

Programme

Introduction We Wish You A Merry Christmas!

Memoir Christmas Memories Eileen Miller

Poem The Lone Holly Tree Mary Hodson

Short Story My Palestinian Plum Pudding Jutta Rosen

Christmas Wish Bill & Judith Geoghegan

Poem Happy Christmas James Conway

Song The Robin Frank Fahy

Song One big Solitary Tear Geraldine Warren

Short Story Santa’s Letter Mary Hodson

Poem Let Peace Be the Brightest Star James Conway

Comedy Piece Write-On Carol Service MaryRose Tobin

Song Write-On Christmas Song 2024

Song Death in December Geraldine Warren

Song Come Take My Hand Bill Geoghegan

Song Friends Grit Metsch

Short Story Christmas Miracle Seamus Keogh

Poem Childhood Memory Anne McManus

If time permits, we have more Christmas stories, poems, songs and memories to be enjoyed!

This is our last meeting before our Christmas Special next week. We offer a varied programme of prose, poetry and song, as well as the chance to examine a masterpiece of short story writing by a renowned craftsman.

Our new member, Veronica O’Neill, is presenting an unusual genre, a prose poem, where the stark realities of nature remind her of similar rites of passage in her own biography. Unusual and riveting.

The first excerpt from Seamus Keogh‘s novel continues last week’s account, which left Paudie in a dramatic situation. Later, a new scenario has two sisters defying tradition and social expectations against the backdrop of a lively folk festival. Vivid descriptions bring scenes and activities to life.

Geraldine Warren‘s poem captures the emotions of rejection and longing after the breakup of a very intimate relationship. Unspoken is the age-old question of how it could come to this!

The excitement of a child unwrapping her Christmas present is the theme of Deirdre Anne Gialamas’s heart-warming poem ‘The Shiny Red Couch’ – treasured memories that most people can relate to.

James Conway‘s poem ‘In a Picture’ brings an ancient photo to life, with tapping feet and happy smiles from a time when floors were strewn with sawdust, and Christmas brought the menfolk home from England. The joys of Christmasses long ago!

The song ‘Come Take My Hand’ celebrates two people dealing with life’s uncertainties side by side. Bill Geoghegan’s powerful lyrics will speak to many of us, offering comfort and a sense of solidarity.

‘Show, don’t tell’ is the key to the interpretation of this seemingly simple tale by the master story-teller Raymond Carver. Analysing his narrative techniques will benefit anyone and everyone who enjoys writing similar texts.

Once again, we offer a wonderful variety of original works to generate enjoyment, inspiration, discussion, and a feeling of interaction and connectivity. All members and visitors are welcome to participate!

Programme

Prose Poem Otter Veronica O’Neill

Novel Extract from: A Stained Collar 1 Seamus Keogh

Novel Extract from: A Stained collar 2 Seamus Keogh

Poem Death in December Geraldine Warren

Poem The Shiny Red Couch Deirdre Anne Gialamas

Poem In a Picture James Conway

Song Come Take My Hand Bill Geoghegan

Discussion Why Don’t You Dance? by Raymond Carver All Members

The busy Christmas season has opened, but our creative writers are still producing! Welcome to another session with works by our talented members.

Held over from last week, Deirdre Anne Gialamas is developing a strong personal style, with her own rich use of language. This cryptic poem is an example, and we look forward to her own comments on it!

Seamus Keogh is one of our original members, and has produced poems which have earned him admiration and awe from his fellow writers. Here he melds images from nature to lament the passing of a sister. A jewel of a poem.

A small child tries to come to grips with the illness of her father, aided by her little dog Ollie. Clare O’Malley’s charming story, related through the eyes of the child, continues this evening. Though intended for children, it captivates the adult heart too.

A warm welcome to our new member, Veronica O’Neill! She’s introducing herself with two texts (not really short stories) about observations of nature, keenly observed, lyrically described, and linked to personal human moments. Magical texts, Veronica. Thank you for joining our group!

Another established poet in Write-On is James Conway. His verses this evening are a homage to Gerard Manley Hopkins, Jesuit and secret poet, who refused to allow his poems to be published during his lifetime. Since then they have influenced many other famous artists. His mystical and innovative style is perfectly reflected in James’s poem this evening.

Seamus Keogh is not only a gifted poet, but has also embarked on a novel, from which we hear extracts all too rarely. Tonight’s offering is eagerly awaited, for Seamus is also an accomplished story-teller, who knows how to keep his readers on the edge of their seat.

All in all, we offer an interesting mix of genres in this session, so that we are sure all those attending will enjoy another entertaining and stimulating two hours of culture!

Programme

Poem unNatural World Deirdre Ann Gialamas

Poem An Cathaoir Folamh Seamus Keogh

Short Story Rachel & Ollie (Part 2 of 3) Clare O’Malley

Short Story Sparrow Hawk Veronica O’Neill

Poem Gerard Manley Hopkins James Conway

Short Story Otter Veronica O’Neill

Novel Extract Paudie McCoy Railway Scene Seamus Keogh

Welcome to this week’s session! It will open with our popular Mug of the Month competition, which has attracted eight entries that include the words SHIP and PLANE. Look forward to being surprised at the many meanings and uses these words have been given! And as usual, expect a high standard and a difficult decision when it comes to voting whose text will gain the Mug for its creator!

Deirdre Anne Gailamas’s short text is a tour de force of brief moments during which an author emerges from writer’s block back to the laptop. A powerful piece in only a few words!

Mary Hodson’s story about a little boy expecting an unusual birthday present will move every heart. The story captures the essence of innocent childhood in a magical manner.

James Conway’s mystery story ‘Manderville’ recalls a more famous Manderville where a body is also found in the water. From a quiet though eerie opening, the tale spins its way to a dramatic and satisfying close. Expect an entertaining fifteen minutes!

Poilín Brennan perfectly captures the feeling of awe released by the vision of the moon, and the realisation of all the possibilities that life holds in store. The poem urges us to open ourselves to the wonders around us.

Deirdre Anne Gialamas has written a cryptic poem on some of the problems of today’s difficult world. We hope for more illumination when she comments on our comments!

Jutta Rosen’s short poem is a personal reflection on how the senses can awaken longing for past times, an experience shared by many emigrants.

Kathleen Phelan has submitted a video composed of stills, many with a Christmas theme, but including some unexpected faces. Here too we look forward to her own comments on this entertaining, quixotic work!

Finally, Mary Hawkshaw’s anthem (an unfinished work) celebrates our group’s diversity in membership and creativity. An unusual but all the more welcome submission! Thank you Mary. Is there music, too?

As you can see, once again we have a great variety of works on many different themes, so that, together with comments and discussions, our two hours will hardly suffice. We wish all our viewers a highly enjoyable evening!

Programme

MOTM 8 Entries All Members

Short Story Writer’s Block Deirdre Anne Gialamas

Short Story Snake, Lizard and Frog Mary Hodson

Short Story Mandervillle James Conway

Poem Art of Admiration Poilín Brennan

Poem unNatural World Deirdre Anne Gialamas

Poem Signs Jutta Rosen

Video Write-On Kathleen Phelan

Song Write-On This Christmas Mary Hawkshaw

We have nine submissions for this evening’s session. Below is a summary of contents, which will demonstrate how varied and creative our members are! Have an enjoyable and stimulating evening!

The Search by Frank Fahy
A haunting poem about a seaside search, woven with poignant imagery and a chilling sense of loss. Frank’s words will linger in your mind​.
Blood Dreams by Deirdre Anne Gialamas
A mesmerizing haiku blending vivid surrealism with delicate undertones of hope and vulnerability. This piece invites deep contemplation.
B and B with Bridie by Anne McManus
A hilarious and chaotic account of running a no-frills B&B, filled with laugh-out-loud moments and unforgettable characters​.
unNatural World by Deirdre Anne Gialamas
A thought-provoking poem reflecting on humanity’s impact on nature, written with stark imagery and powerful emotion​.
Come Take My Hand (Lyrics) by Bill Geoghegan
Stirring lyrics celebrating unity, resilience, and the enduring spirit of democracy. A timely and heartfelt call for togetherness​.
Vigilance by Frank Fahy
A suspenseful short story capturing the inner turmoil of a man grappling with doubt and danger as he witnesses a troubling scene unfold​.
Writer’s Block by Deirdre Anne Gialamas
A poignant and unexpectedly uplifting narrative of a writer rediscovering their creative spark after hardship and rejection. A must-read for anyone seeking inspiration​.
Rachel & Ollie (Part 2 of 3) by Clare O’Malley
A tender continuation of a story about a young girl navigating life, love, and loss. Clare’s writing brings raw emotion and hope into focus​​.
Cuppa by Poilin Brennan
A whimsical and vividly descriptive ode to the art (and occasional chaos) of making tea. A playful and relatable slice of life​.

Programme

Short Story B & B with Bridie Anne McManus

Short Story Vigilence Frank Fahy

Short Story Writer’s Block Deirdre Anne Gialamas

Short Story Rachel & Ollie (Part 2 of 3) Clare O’Malley

Short Story Cuppa Polín Brennan

Poem The Search Frank Fahy

Poem Blood Dreams Deirdre Anne Gialamas

Poem unNatural World Deirdre Anne Gialamas

Lyrics Come Take My Hand Bill Geoghegan

After our definitive, spontaneous online production of the Hallowe’en Murder Mystery last week – suspects, clues, rumours, motives, accusations whirling through the ether like witches on broomsticks! – we are gradually coming back to earth. However, several Hallowe’en motivated works submitted for last week’s session had to be brought forward to this week, so that five of our texts tonight will recall the atmosphere of last Thursday’s lively Hallowe’en meeting. Be prepared for some more gruesome and eerie poems and stories this evening!

In addition, we can look forward to four more presentations, time allowing.

Joanne Dowling’s satisfying stories are characterised by their subtle handling of interaction between her characters. We suspect that ‘Work’ will once again demonstrate her unmistakable talent.

Both James Conway’s and Kathleen Phelan’s poems stand for a high level of poetic inspiration. Their use of imagery, rhythm, apposite choice of words and themes are the trademarks of the true poet, and we are proud of having these artists in our group.

Róisín McManus, daughter of our member Anne McManus, has written an anniversary poem for her parents’ 60th wedding anniversary. This unusual work compares the ups and downs of a long married life with the progression of a large orchestra through a moving and sometimes tumultuous symphony. We specially look forward to hearing this evocative poem.

Finally, Mary Hawkshaw is evolving as our own remarkable AI Artist! Inspired by Shakespeare’s beautiful Sonnet 18 (‘Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?’), she has cleverly used AI to create a spectacular video, complete with musical accompaniment.

All in all, tonight’s offerings show a typical mix of diverse Write-On talents, with a variety of styles, themes, media and genres. Congratulations to all contributors. And to our viewers: Have an enjoyable and stimulating evening with Write-On!

Hallowe’en texts and poems

Short Story It’s alive! Joanne Dowling

Short Story Pumpkin Costume Mary Hodson

Short Story A Little Bit of a Ghost Story Eileen Miller

Short Story A Memorable Night Josephine McCann

Poem Samhain Póilín Brennan

Short Story Work Joanne Dowling

Poem A Swatch of Hope James Conway

Poem Shadow Dancer Kathleen Phelan

Poem In Harmony Róisín McManus

Video …based on Shakespeare’s Sonnet 18 Mary Hawkshaw

Halloween Night

This Thursday sees us immersed in a Murder Mystery! Each member will play a designated character: suspect, detective, innocent bystander, or something more sinister – all trying to solve the mystery of ‘WHO MURDERED ROGAIRE CORPERSON?’

No preparation is needed! But spontaneity, quick thinking and convincing acting are an advantage! And why not dress up as the character whose role you’re playing in tune with the Halloween festivities!?

It’s all about having fun, creating an eerie atmosphere, hiding the truth or revealing secrets as we unravel the mystery together. No one knows ahead of time who the murderer is – except the murderer him- or herself!

So be prepared for surprises, screams and spine-tingling shocks!

If time allows, we may have the opportunity to present some of the following stories and poems. But if time runs out, rest assured that they will be presented next week.

And not to forget: a new Mug of the Month competition is underway. Or key words are SHIP and PLANE. The deadline for submissions is Sunday 24 November 2024, and your fifty-word text should be sent to annemurraypost@yahoo.ie. Good luck to all contestants!

Programme

Halloween Fun Murder Mystery All Members

Short Story A Little Bit of a Ghost Story Eileen Miller

Short Story Pumpkin Costume Mary Hodson

Short Story Work Joanne Dowling

Poem A Swatch of Hope James Conway

Poem Shadow Dancer Kathleen Phelan

Poem A Memorable Night Josephine McCann