Another Thursday evening of inspiring and impressive works by our Write-On members is approaching! This time we welcome a new member, who has submitted an exciting short story, full of unspoken emotions, culminating in the diverse nuances behind the little word ‘soon’. Welcome, Clare O’Malley – we’re delighted to have you with us!

Originally scheduled for last week’s meeting, Mary Hodson’s account of Jack: ‘So, the Story Goes’ introduces us to a neighbour in her childhood, well-loved by all. Mary paints a touching, warm-hearted tribute and calls up a host of memories that not only she but also her readers might or might not have experienced themselves.

In ‘Yossi’s Story, Part 1’, by Frank Fahy, a young man embarks on a new life in a rough Irish fishing community, far removed from his ancestral home. There are hints of a past of hope and anguish in further episodes of this moving tale.

Seamus Keogh’s ‘A Hollow Heart’ is a poignant glimpse of opportunities offered and lost, the result of a chance encounter between old friends whose lives have developed along radically different lines.

Two poems by poet Thomas MacMahon round off our list of entries for this evening. Thomas’s poems are gentle and heart-warming, appealing to the kinder side of human nature. ‘Venice’ brings us to the romance of this picturesque city, while ‘White Roses’ strives for hope amidst the chaos of the war in Gaza.

Time permitting, our members are called upon to study and discuss Seamus Heaney’s well-known poem ‘Postscript’. What can we learn from an analysis of its language, imagery and structure that will influence our own efforts?

Mary Rose Tobin was the clear winner of last week’s Mug of the Month competition with her entry ‘Samhain’s Echo’. Luckily, she is not allowed to compete in the next contest! Closing date for entries is 20 October 2024; send them to annemurraypost@yahoo.ie, and make sure your maximum of 50 words includes a form ‘PLAY’ and ‘TURN’. Good luck!

Programme

Short Story You’ll figure it out Clare O’Malley

Short Story So the Story Goes Mary Hodson

Short Story Yossi’s Story (Part 1) Frank Fahy

Short Story A Hollow Heart Seamus Keogh

Poem White Roses Thomas MacMahon

Poem Venice Thomas MacMahon

Discussion ‘Postscript’ by Seamus Heaney All Members

This evening we can look forward to another exciting session, in which the winner of our monthly Mug of the Month contest will be chosen by all participants. No fewer than ten entries have been received, all containing the required words LIVE and TREAT. As usual, these are terms that contain a multitude of possible meanings, helping us to meet the challenge of composing a closed text of no more than fifty words – an exercise that teaches us to be concise and eliminate all unnecessary phrases. And on top of that, it’s fun!

Deirdre Anne Gialamas leads the list of new submissions this evening. Her short story ‘Pay the Lady’ brings us back to the Dublin of 1969. We will hear a lively account that captures the high spirits and adventure of a 15-year-old’s first steps into the world of work as a cashier responsible for her own till.

In her poem ‘Wishes’, Elizabeth Hannon puzzles over an ambiguous compliment in a birthday greeting, but finally discerns its true meaning. It’s often worth while pondering over unclear messages, as first impressions are not always reliable.

Helena Clare is working on a book entitled ‘Delia’s Story’, the tale of an emigrant family from Ireland to Scotland in the late 1800s. In this excerpt we accompany Delia and her four boys on the steamer, and experience with them the excitement and anxiety that this entails, together with the bustle of the crowds and the kindness of an attentive sailor. Detail and precision lend this text authenticity and immediacy, and we look forward to further excerpts in the coming months.

Mary Hodson has submitted an account of Jack: ‘So, the Story Goes’. Jack was a neighbour in her childhood, well-loved by all. Mary paints a touching, warm-hearted tribute and calls up a host of memories that not only she but also her readers might or might not have experienced themselves.

Finally, Frank Fahy is offering us a revised version of last week’s story about Aunt Nora. Originally presented as a brief text for Radio, this is the full text of how Aunt Nora entertained her family and neighbours with her story-telling and songs in the author’s distant youth!

PS: While our traditional host Frank was on holiday last week, his chair was very successfully taken by Mary Hodson. This leads to a discussion on possibly setting up a rota of deputy hosts for our meetings.

With the MOTM competition and these five enticing submissions, we can expect an evening filled with attentive listening and reading, lively discussions, some useful suggestions, and two hours of entertainment, thanks to our creative and talented Write-On friends!

Programme

Competition Mug of the Month September 2024 All Members

Short Story Pay the Lady Deirdre Anne Gialamas

Short Story An Excerpt from ‘Delia’s Story’ Helena Clare

Short Story So, the Story Goes: Jack, a Tribute Mary Hodson

Short Story Nights of Story and Song Frank Fahy

Poem Wishes Elizabeth Hannon

Discussion Rota of New Presenters All Members

After last week’s excitement of the cinema performance of our video for Culture Night 2024, as well as the launch itself – including a dedication by the President of Ireland personally – , it’s back to business this week. We have a collection of stories and a poem to offer, and, time allowing, discussions on two masterworks of the art by famous established writers.

Frank Fahy‘s stories generally focus on the human element and man’s struggle with the challenges thrown up by life. However, the title of tonight’s presentation alone indicates a tale with a lighter and more humorous touch.

Mary Hodson is establishing a collection of intimate memoirs showing traditions and rites of the Irish countryside which have been lost in the country’s surge into the twenty-first century. ‘The Ritual’ presents a detailed account of the daily saying of the Rosary, a custom gradually nudged aside by the appearance of TV and ‘The Riordans’.

Mary’s story ‘The Fence’, on the other hand, relates a whimsical encounter which might still be witnessed in the depths of Connemara or Kerry!

Josephine McCann‘s poem reflects on modern life and how our culture and attitudes have shifted in the year 2024. It’s a contemplative look at the present, examining both the changes and challenges of our times.

Raymond Carver‘s sparse story and Seamus Heaney‘s unique glimpse of the wonders of nature provide material for our members to learn from the great masters.

We welcome everyone to another session of inspiring, creative and enjoyable listening as well as lively discussions!

PS: Don’t forget to enter your text for the monthly Mug of the Month competition: a maximum of 50 words including a form of the words LIVE and TREAT. The deadline for entries is Sunday 29 September. Send to annemurraypost@yahoo.ie

Programme

Short Story Aunt Nora and Dangerous Dan Frank Fahy

Short Story The Ritual Mary Hodson

Short Story The Fence Mary Hodson

Poem The Now of 2024 Josephine McCann

Bonus Material Discussion re ‘Why Don’t We Dance?’ by Raymond Carver All Members

Bonus Material Discussion re ‘Postscript’ by Seamus Heaney All Members

Evening of Creativity!

Culture Night Movie
Mark your calendars for the Write-on Anthology 2025 launch on Culture Night, Friday, 20 September on YouTube! 

This is our chance to share the result of all our hard work with the world.Before that, join us for an exclusive preview of our Culture Night film at the Pálás Cinema on Thursday, September 19, at 6pm.

Come watch yourself and fellow writers on the big screen! Seats are limited, so arrive early and bring friends – it’s going to be a fantastic evening!

We’re all set for another engaging Write-on session this evening. We have a fantastic lineup of short stories and poems to enjoy, but as always, time is limited, and we may not get to everything on the agenda. Don’t worry—anything not covered tonight will be pushed forward to our next session.Please , however, that there will be no Write-on session next week, as we will be attending the Culture Night Movie Preview at the Pálás Cinema. This special event will give us a sneak peek at our Culture Night film, A Literary Kaleidoscope, and promises to be a night to remember! As for tonight’s session, here’s what we have in store: Joyce Butcher will present her short story, It All Happened So Long Ago, taking us on a journey through the past. Joanne Dowling shares Salthill, a story sure to evoke vivid imagery of the seaside. Insomnia, by Frances Dermody, will bring a thoughtful exploration of sleepless nights. Anne McManus introduces Bride and the Guards, a tale filled with intrigue. Frank Fahy’s Aunt Nora and Dangerous Dan promises lively characters and great fun. On the poetry front, we have:Bray Seafront, a reflective piece by Thomas MacMahon. Seamus Keogh will present Arise, sure to stir deep emotions.

We’ll wrap up with a group discussion on volunteering for future Write-on tasks. With such a rich selection of work, tonight’s session is sure to be inspiring.Looking forward to seeing you all this evening!

29 August 2024, 7.00 – 9.00pm

We’re delighted to welcome you to the opening of our new season of online Zoom meetings. It’s hard to believe that this is already the eighth year in which the Write-On Group of aspiring and ambitious writers will be gathering every single Thursday evening between September and June to present their works to each other. Whether short stories, poems, memoirs, songs, extracts from longer works – all genres are received with keen attention, and then discussed by the members online on Zoom. This generally results in a wide spectrum of comments which highlight different aspects of the work in question, so that its creator is rewarded with ample stimuli to help them to review, fine-tune or proceed triumphantly to their next work! The atmosphere is very informal, yet disciplined, and (almost) every second of our two-hour session is aimed at listening, contributing constructively, and learning. It’s incredible how fast these 120 minutes pass!

Highlights of the year are the annual publication of the best of the past season’s contributions. Our amazing 371-page Write-On Anthology 2025 was issued in July of this year. In addition, Write-On published two further works by single authors during the year: a captivating collection of short stories by founding member Mary Rose Tobin, The Life and Times of Jimmy Mullins, and Olga Peters’ page-turner novel, A Normal Couple. Details about these and other publications can be found on this web-site.

Write-On also participates in Culture Night every year. For 2024, a fascinating collection of individual video contributions produced by the members has been assembled into an exciting full-length film, which can be viewed on Culture Night, Friday, September 20. But the excitement doesn’t stop there! You’re invited to an exclusive pre-view of our Culture Night event at the Pálás Cinema, Galway, on Thursday, September 19, at 6pm. This unusual showing is open to all members, their families and friends. A unique event which should not be missed! And last but not least, Culture Night will also see the formal launch of our Anthology 2025 on YouTube, showcasing the culmination of our collective efforts to a global audience.

Write-On offers even more activities – the AGM in our Zoom session on September 5, the monthly Mug of the Month competition, special sessions for Christmas and other holidays. Join us this coming Thursday to learn more about all the creativity, entertainment and inspiration provided by this successful and vibrant group.

Whether you’re a returning member or dropping in for the first time, we can’t wait to see your smiling faces and to hear your brilliant voices.

Programme

Short Story TV or the Sea? Mary Rose Tobin

Short Story A New Story Helena Clare

Short Story Extract from A Normal Couple 2 Olga Peters

Short Story Bridie and the Guards Anne McManus

Poem Venice Thomas MacMahon

Poem White Roses Thomas MacMahon

Poem Bray Seafront Thomas MacMahon

Poem Arise Seamus Keogh

Poem A Gibbous Moon’s Lament Ciara Keogh

Discussion Write-On Anthology 2025 All Members

Penultimate Session of the Season: Join Us for an Engaging Finale!

As we approach the end of our current season, we invite all Write-on members to join us for our penultimate session this Thursday, May 30th. Our meetings will take a brief hiatus over the summer, resuming in the last week of August. During this break, Mary Rose and Frank will be diligently editing the Write-on Anthology. Remember, the final date to submit your work for consideration is Friday, May 31st. If you’ve received early page proofs, please return your comments to Frank promptly—don’t delay! As always, authors are responsible for any mistakes in their work, so ensure your pieces are polished and ready for publication.

Now, let’s dive into the exciting lineup for this Thursday’s session:

Creative Chronicles

St Stephen’s Green by James Conway
Journey back in time with James Conway’s historical narrative, “St Stephen’s Green.” Discover the transformation of Dublin’s cherished park from a desolate field to a vibrant public space, enriched by notable events and figures that have shaped its history.

Breaking Altitude by Frank Fahy
Prepare for a suspenseful ride in Frank Fahy’s “Breaking Altitude.” Follow a pilot’s gripping journey through a critical flight, where skill and survival are put to the ultimate test. This story promises tension and unexpected twists that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

A Bond Through Time by Mary Rose Tobin
Explore the depths of enduring friendship in Mary Rose Tobin’s touching short story, “A Bond Through Time.” Through vivid memories and poignant reflections, the narrative delves into themes of loss, resilience, and the intricate bonds that shape our lives.

The White Cliffs of Dover by Deirdre Anne Gialamas
Embark on a quest for freedom and self-discovery in “The White Cliffs of Dover.” Follow Candice as she leaves her home and boyfriend Max, navigating inner turmoil and ultimate realization. Deirdre Anne Gialamas masterfully captures themes of love, identity, and belonging through evocative descriptions.

A Delicate Bond by Mary Hawkshaw
Mary Hawkshaw’s introspective poem, “A Delicate Bond,” explores the fragile nature of love and truth. Through nuanced verses, she ponders the interplay between words and emotions, emphasizing the power of silence over empty promises.

Coming Home by Deirdre Anne Gialamas
In “Coming Home,” Deirdre Anne Gialamas tells the poignant story of an elderly couple returning to their homeland after fifty years abroad. Facing disappointment and isolation, their journey culminates in a somber reflection on belonging and the passage of time.

Writer’s Block by Deirdre Anne Gialamas
Experience the transformative journey of a struggling writer in the narrative poem, “Writer’s Block.” After a fire forces him to relocate, he finds hope and inspiration in a new environment, overcoming his creative block and rekindling his passion for writing.

Merry Masked Christmas by Deirdre Anne Gialamas
Reflect on the unique challenges of celebrating Christmas during a pandemic with “Merry Masked Christmas.” This timely poem emphasizes resilience and collective effort in combating COVID-19, urging readers to stay vigilant and hopeful for a safe and merry holiday season.

Join us for an enriching session filled with captivating stories and thought-provoking poetry. Let’s make this penultimate meeting a memorable one!

Our session this Thursday opens with a discussion about the new ChatGPT4o and the opportunities, inspiration and creative processes it offers writers. Once again our Write-On Zoom meeting allows our members to experience revolutionary new technology and techniques which they might not encounter at first hand otherwise.

In our third last session for this Write-On season, Deirdre Anne Gialamas shows her prolific creativity with four short stories. Laced with humour and mystery, they are all sure to captivate and entertain her listeners; nonetheless, she can also expect constructive comments and helpful feedback, an essential component of our Write-On community.

Frank Fahy‘s beautifully crafted stories are always a pleasure to read. Human nature, its weaknesses and strengths are what moves his characters, allowing us all to identify with them. Not to be missed.

Kathleen Phelan‘s and Elizabeth Hannon‘s poems this evening are characterised by special sensitivity to the passing of time and how this affects us and our memories.

Seamus Keogh‘s poem opens our eyes and senses to a wider view of war in Palestine as contrasted with the tranquility of life in Ireland, a poignant reminder of what it means to lose one’s home.

Finally, by careful proofreading all members can participate in the shaping of our Anthology 2025, the collection of the past writing season’s best offerings. Hints and help will again be offered in this session.

For all our members and guests: have an enjoyable, entertaining and instructive two hours in our Write-On zoom meeting this Thursday!

Programme

Discussion Launch of ChatGPT4o All Members

Short Story Breaking Altitude Frank Fahy

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

Short Story The Shiny Red Couch Deirdre Anne Gialamas

Short Story Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow Deirdre Anne Gialamas

Short Story A Long Hot Summer Deirdre Anne Gialamas

Poem Marine Blue Sky Seamus Keogh

Poem Blessing Kathleen Phelan

Poem The Stolen Kiss Elizabeth Hannon

Discussion Proofreading Write-On Anthology 2025 All Members

The themes of this evening’s submissions cover universal themes touching on friendship and rivalry, nature and war, family connectedness and dissension – an impressive showcase of our group’s talents!

Deirdre Anne Gialamas has provided no fewer than three short stories as well as a poem!

‘Millicent’s Dilemma’ and ‘Mrs O’Donovan’s Dublin Delight’ are centred around individual characters who prove their resilience and daring in very different settings: one in a city morgue, the other in a Dublin deli.

By contrast, Deirdre’s short story ‘The Shiny Red Couch’ harks back to childhood memories of the excitement of Christmas mornings, something everyone can relate to.

Deirdre’s poems often depict an unusual perspective on individuals, and are usually highly poetic. ‘What IF?’ playfully examines alternate realities and whimsical possibilities of life’s different choices and their impact on familiy and society.

Anne McManus is a master of subtle psychological portrayal. In ‘New Girls’, the unexpected reunion of two former schoolmates with very different careers and life experiences opens the set for revelations of shared secrets and past grievances.

‘New Jerusalem’ by Kathleen Greaney tells the tale of Isaac, a Jewish butcher in Dublin, whose tranquillity is shattered by the invasion of Poland, where his daughter lives, at the outbreak of World War 2. The poem reflects on themes of family, fear, and hope.

Very different is Póilín Brennan’s ‘Beith Geal’. Here, a birch tree serves as a symbol of love and connectedness between the poet and the natural world.

A further poem by Póilín, ‘Hearth’, focusses on the hearth as the centre of traditional Irish family life and as a keeper of folklore.

Last but not least, Seamus Keogh‘s poem, ‘Marine Blue Sky’, carries the poet on a journey between the beauty of Ireland’s landscapes and the sorrow of brutal conflict in the world.

A further discussion of the simplicities and complexities of proof-reading, and its importance for an immaculate Write-On Anthology 2025, round up this Thursday’s offerings. We wish all of our participants and viewers a lively, profitable and enjoyable evening.

Programme

Short Story New Girls Anne McManus

Short Story New Jerusalem Kathleen Greaney

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

Short Story The Shiny Red Couch Deirdre Anne Gialamas

Short Story Millicent’s Dilemma Deirdre Anne Gialamas

Poem Marine Blue Sky Seamus Keogh

Poem Beith Geal Póilín Brennan

Poem Hearth Póilín Brennan

Poem What IF? Deirdre Anne Gialamas

Discussion Proofreading Write-On Anthology 2025 All Members

Objective: Each member will select their favourite poem or short story from Anthology 2025 and create a video highlighting a place that is personally significant or relevant to the selected piece. The final product will be a short film that combines visual and auditory elements to enhance the audience’s experience during the Culture Night event.

Instructions:

1. Selection of Piece

   – Choose a poem or short story from Anthology 2025 that resonates with you.

   – Consider how the themes or settings within your chosen work could be visually represented.

2. Video Recording

   – Location: Select a location that reflects the themes or settings of your chosen piece.

   – Camera Orientation: Use a smartphone or camera to record your video. Remember to hold your device horizontally (landscape mode) to avoid black bars on the sides of the screen.

   – Visual Focus: Capture the essence of the location. You can include scenes of you walking or interacting with the environment, but do not speak directly to the camera.

3. Audio Recording

   – Environment: Record your audio separately in a quiet, indoor environment to avoid background noise such as wind or waves.

   – Content: The audio can be a reading of the selected poem or story, or a reflection on the themes, recorded clearly without background interference.

4. Combining Video and Audio

   – Do not attempt to synchronise your lips with the audio in the video.

   – Think of the audio as a voiceover or soundtrack that enhances the visual experience, such as narrating the poem while the video shows you looking contemplatively at the sea.

5. Submission Guidelines

   – Submit both the video and audio files to Frank by 30 June 2024. Ensure that the files are clearly labeled with your name and the title of the selected work.

   – Frank will handle the technical aspect of merging the audio with your video to ensure clear sound and seamless integration.

Reminder

Holding the camera horizontally and recording the audio separately are crucial for creating a professional-quality video. Let’s make sure to adhere to these guidelines to improve upon last year’s submissions.