Month: November 2024

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