An Author’s Voice blooms suddenly, unbidden, active within the writer’s unconscious, until it clamours to be released.

Writing tips:  Why a gallery night?

A gallery night thrills writers.

It reminds us of recitals and school plays and butterflies dancing in our stomach.

It allows us to honour and showcase our work, sharing it with others, watching their reactions.

Gallery Night also gives potential members a chance to come out and see what we’re all about.

And it entertains those who come for the joy of hearing a story in a writer’s own voice. 

Excerpts from gallery night,  September 2019:

The Children of Grimolea (excerpt) by Naomi Green

The minutes and hours passed and eventually bright shards of light flashed across the sky, in a sharp pointed zig zag form, almost striking the ground, as heavy lines of rain raced through the cold early morning air, pelting against the Conifer, Oak, Willow, Maple and Birch trees that were contained within the Gold Woods in Herratica. This was followed by a searing crack that resounded around the forest, as the rumbling thunder, wind and pelting rain almost concealed the sound of a lightning struck tree. The tree creaked in the strong winds, as if it was screaming, then groaned once more as the bark, wood and moss crumbled towards the forest floor, as the tree lurched forward and fell to the ground …

The reveal (excerpt from a series script pitch) by Justin Lahey © 2019

An obituary is the most challenging paragraph to write. After all, how do you faithfully and accurately capture and summarize one’s entire life in a limited paragraph? It sadly starts by announcing the passing of a person, then lists the surviving family members and very dear friends, and usually concludes with information on how to pay your respects. Some obituaries also contain personal anecdotes meant to properly illustrate the essence and uniqueness of the deceased individual. But what about that list of names, which in and of itself is not an easy task? Who decides what names make this list? How does one know that the list is complete? How long and how close must a person have been to the deceased to have their name on this most selective list? …

Mother’s Kitchen (excerpt) by Melba McGee 2019

House, home, kitchen, hob, hub, hearth, heartbeat of the family.

Morning kitchen order, pristine, cleanliness,

then transformation begins.

Coffee prepared, poured, leaving grounds and wet rings.

Breakfast prep, each choosing, sharings offered,

Short minutes of shared silence, individual thoughts.

Then rinsing, stacking, wiping up,

All else lie where they have fallen,

Testament to common moments and …

My Daughter’s Dog (excerpt) by Philip O’Brien

I like dogs. I did not say I love dogs but that I like them. I see no need to have them live with me nor for me to share my time with them. I am not a pet person. They tie me down. To go away means care has to be arranged. Walking a dog has no appeal. However, cuddled under my feet is a white bit of fur that is my constant companion. I am his buddy. He is mine. He can’t wait to see me any time. If I leave he pines to the point of illness. He lies as close as possible and attends to my every motion. He is my dog. This was not meant to be. …

Always Eve (excerpt) by Siobhan O’Brien

“Name?”

“They’ll say it’s my fault. They always do.”

“Who?”

“Everyone.”

“Well, let’s start with your name, then you can tell me how it really went.”

Lucy had started it. Eve wasn’t into that kind of thing, but …

Prairie Fires (excerpt) by Kathleen Saunders

The large, soot stained men, who had been fighting the nearby grass fire, had welcomed Mom’s offer of a meal.

“Dora took me by the hand and off we went to search under the chickens roosting in and around the barn. As we stopped to get the metal cans with wire handles to gather the eggs, my sister – your mother – noticed a box of matches Pa kept for his pipe.

I don’t know what possessed her, but she took me with her to the back of the barn where the hens often hid their eggs outside in the hay. I watch as she built a small pile of straw and struck the match against the side of the box. Dropping the lit match into the straw, it ignited slowly …

CCWG events

Sept. 25, 6:45 to 8 p.m.: CCWG at the Carp branch of the Ottawa Public Library.

Nov. 27: CCWG Guest Speaker: Ian Thomas Shaw: The Elements of Writing Fiction That Will Be of Interest to Publishers

CCWG (Carp Creative Writers’ Group) meetings:  We begin our regular meetings again on Wednesday, Sept. 25.  We gather together to inspire and be inspired, to find a safe space where we can ‘try on’ a piece of our writing, perhaps request some (gentle and inspiring) feedback, and bring tips and tidbits for help, and share in the leadership and organization of our group.

Wednesdays 6:45 to 8 p.m., Carp Branch – Ottawa Public Library. All writers invited. We look forward to becoming acquainted with you and your work. Pre-Registration: OPL online, Carp Branch + OPL card.  Note: inclement weather making dangerous roads may find us canceling the meeting for reasons of safety.  Check in re: attendance melbamcgee23@gmail.com