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

Our session starts this evening with the popular Mug of the Month contest, followed by a rich collection of works of various kinds.

Mary Hodson explores the ancient Irish origins of Halloween, and reminds us of the innocent games that used to be enjoyed by all the family to celebrate the holiday.

A man’s willingness to take a risk in order to secure much needed care for his wife brings us into a tale full of mystery and tension. A work by that master of the twist-at-the-end, Frank Fahy!

Unexpected twists are also instrumental in changing Yossi’s life in the third part of Frank’s unusual story about an Israeli who settled in an Irish fishing village.

Anyone who has tried to learn the piano will recognise the mood of this seemingly simple poem by Frank Fahy. Success results from patience and perseverence!

Mary Rose Tobin catches a moment in childhood experienced by many. This time, the underdog comes out on top!

Decay and resiliance are the themes in Kathleen Phelan’s moving poem, as both a house and its inhabitant move towards the inevitable.

We end this evening with a humorous video on the tricks of AI by Mary Hawkshaw, and another extract from Olga Peters’ work in progress, which is set in Germany during the war.

With this varied and versatile selection of new works, we are sure our two-hour meeting will be over much too soon!

Programme

Competition Mug of the Month October 2024 All Members

Short Story The Pumpkin Costume Mary Hodson

Short Story The Wager Frank Fahy

Short Story Yossi’s Story Part 3 Frank Fahy

Poem Learning to Play Piano Frank Fahy

Poem Wait Your Turn Mary Rose Tobin

Poem The House that Talks Back Kathleen Phelan

Video Mary Hawkshaw

Novel A Normal Couple, Bk. 2, Extract from Ch. 1 Olga Peters

In this evening’s presentations the focus lies on songs and poetry.

Mary Hawkshaw‘s dramatic song is based on the biblical account of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Created with the help of ChatGPT Canvas, it demonstrates not only the power of this very new AI tool, but also Mary’s skill in applying it.

Anyone who has heard or seen Grit Metsch singing one of her own moving and gentle songs will know they are in for a treat with her new work this evening.

Treachery and revenge in classical Rome form the dramatic background to Joyce Butcher’s account of Tiro, a humble scribe. Be prepared for surprises in this unusual tale!

In his unmistakable voice, James Conway lauds autumn in a poem full of symbolism and mystery. A work which will profit from several readings to fully explore its highly poetic depths.

The wise and gentle voice of Anne McManus reveals the anguish of those compelled to leave their home for ever to find work abroad. This is a theme from an era that, fortunately, is closed.

Yossi, the protagonist in Frank Fahy’s short story, has also left his home for a new life abroad. From sunny Mediterranean climes he found a new home in a rough fishing village in Ireland. This week we learn more about him and what fate time had in store for him and his family.

Finally, join us for an evocative tribute to Jack, a man who charmed a whole community as he travelled the bog road to Brow-Hill – a story rich with memories and local colour. Thank you, Mary Hodson.

This month, our Mug of the Month contest is being moved forward to allow us to celebrate Hallowe’en in our meeting on Thursday, 31 October. So don’t delay: the deadline for submission is the coming Sunday, 20 October, and the key words this month are TURN and PLAY. Anne Murray is awaiting your 50 word texts at: annemurraypost@yahoo.ie

We welcome all our members and guests to another lively and inspiring session of song, poetry and story this coming Thursday!

Programme

Song The Four Horsemen Mary Hawkshaw

Song The Difference Today Grit Metsch

Short Story Tiro’s Story Joyce Butcher

Poem Autumn’s Joy James Conway

Poem Homesickness Anne McManus

Short Story Yossi’s Tale, Part Two Frank Fahy

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

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