Write-on

This Thursday’s session of the Write-On Group offers three short stories and three poems. Our two-hour meetings take place every seven days, and usually there are more items on our programme than can be presented in the limited time – praise-worthy evidence of the productivity and creativity of our members! Congratulations to all active writers, and to those who are still ruminating!

Deirdre Anne Gialamas features twice tonight. Her short story, ‘Circles’, is set in Athens and introduces us to Dimitris, a former CEO turned street-dweller, a plot which promises strong emotional developments.

Ireland’s peat bogs are the setting for Anne’s poem, ‘Burdened Bog’. In it, she explores this hauntingly beautiful landscape, which is bound up with the history of those who worked in it and the struggles they endured.

Kathleen Greaney’s short story, ‘Spanish Doll’, also brings us to sunny foreign parts. A mysterious doll dressed in flamenco attire leads Maria to Madrid, and ultimately reveals secrets about her ancestry. We can expect an intriguing tale!

‘Breaking Altitude’, by Frank Fahy, promises daring and adventure as he transports us to higher spheres!

Mary Hawkshaw’s poem ‘A Broken Dove’, paints a vivid picture of despair and hopelessness driven by global indifference to suffering, a topic very much of our time.

Josephine McCann’s verses on ‘If the Prom Could Talk’ explore the conversations witnessed by the Salthill prom over the years, where the locals unwind, sharing their woes and joys, hopes and failures. The prom’s therapeutic values are celebrated here in Joephine’s sensitive words.

Finally, preparation of this year’s Anthology 2025 is well under way, and has reached the stage where members are being encouraged to proofread their contributions. This will be the subject of a discussion this evening.

We wish all member and guest participants an enjoyable and fruitful session!

Programme

Short Story Circles Deirdre Anne Gialamas

Short Story The Spanish Doll Kathleen Greaney

Short Story Breaking Altitude Frank Fahy

Poem A Broken Dove Mary Hawkshaw

Poem Burdened Bog Deirdre Anne Gialamas

Poem If the Prom Could Talk Josephine McCann

Discussion Proofreading Write-On Anthology 2025 All Members

It’s that time of the month once again: all our members are eagerly anticipating the announcement of the new holder of the coveted ‘Mug Of The Month‘ title. No fewer than eleven authors have crafted texts featuring the words GROUND and PITCH, showcasing a wide variety of themes and styles.

Our evening’s trio of short stories is as diverse as ever. Deirdre Anne Gialamas’ ‘Perfect Passage‘ explores how every ending paves the way for a new beginning, a universal theme. ‘Tobernault‘ by Mary Hodson delves into the sacred and mystical traditions of Holy Wells. ‘Migrant‘ by Molly Fogarty also tackles the themes of endings and new beginnings, with hope as the catalyst for those seeking new opportunities.

In our poetry section, Mary Hawkshaw presents two pieces: ‘The River‘, which uses nature’s relentless flow as a metaphor for life’s ups and downs, and ‘A Broken Dove‘, reflecting on the fragility of peace and the quest for solace amidst turmoil. Thomas MacMahon’s ‘A New Home‘ celebrates the joy and security of finding a place to call one’s own. Anne McManus’ ‘Emptiness‘ delves into the voids left behind and the eloquence of silence.

The Write-On Group is eagerly awaiting April 6th for the launch of Olga Peters’ novel ‘A Perfect Couple‘. Having already been read by most members, we anticipate a spirited discussion on its literary and narrative qualities, which will shed light on both the challenges and achievements in writing, offering valuable insights for everyone’s work.

Please note: There will be no Write-On Zoom Meeting in the week following Easter. We wish all our members and guests a Happy Holiday and look forward to welcoming you to our next session on Thursday, April 11, 2024.

Programme

Competition Mug of the Month March 2024 Eleven Entries

Short Story Perfect Passings Deirdre Anne Gialamas

Short Story Tobernalt Mary Hodson

Short Story Migrant Molly Fogarty

Poem The River Mary Hawkshaw

Poem A New Home Thomas MacMahon

Poem A Broken Dove Mary Hawkshaw

Poem Emptiness Anne MacManus

Discussion Book Launch – A Normal Couple All Members

Our contributions this week include the traditional genres of short stories and poems. All members of the Write-On Group learn from reading and hearing other members’ works; we derive inspiration and encouragement by comparing, analysing, and enjoying the results of our co-members’ talents. Each writer has their own voice, yet there are often parallels which touch on our own aspirations and help us to move forward with our own work. A Write-On Session on a Thursday is thus not just an entertaining evening of consumption, but also a creative hub from which all participants can benefit.

Alice Sheridan is really finding her feet with her pithy, intriguing story ‘Mystery at Grange Hall’ (which is clearly heading towards book length). The speed with which she is producing new chapters is evidence of the joy that writing can bring, and how this joy is the impetus which drives us to keep going!

As we noted last week, when Mary Hodson’s text ‘Tubernalt’ was originally scheduled, Mary is assembling a wonderful collection of memories of country life and traditions that she herself experienced, but which are now fast disappearing in the highly technological New Ireland. We are grateful that Mary is recording these customs in her unmistakable style before they disappear completely.

Frances Dermody’s short story is a humorous account of misunderstandings due to homophones – words that sound the same but have different meanings. When these complications occur in a courtroom, we can expect developments with far-reaching results.

The themes covered in our four poems this evening are quite varied: from the flow of nature’s arteries to the anguish of being homeless, the poignancy of hiding a fatal illness in an otherwise joyous environment, and finally a whimsical exploration of the afterlife! Topics which evoke a wide range of emotional reaction in the listeners.

REMINDER: The closing date for entries to this month’s Mug of the Month competition is looming: send your 50-word text to annemurraypost@yahoo.ie by Sunday 24 March at the latest, and don’t forget the two key words: GROUND and PITCH.

And last but not least, the launch of ‘A Normal Couple’ by Olga Peters will take place in the Clybaun Hotel, Galway, on Saturday, 6 april, from 3.30pm to 5.30pm. All are welcome!

Programme

Short Story Mystery at Grange Hall 6,7,8 Alice Sheridan

Short Story Tubernalt Mary Hodson

Short Story Keeping the Piece Frances Dermody

Poem The River Mary Hawkshaw

Poem A New Home Thomas McMahon

Poem Constant Companions Deirdre Anne Gialamas

Poem Poker in Heaven (Frank Fahy) Mary Hawkshaw

Discussion The Write-On Anthology 2025 All Members

Once again we invite you to join us for an entertaining and rewarding evening of works from our gifted members. This week’s presentations showcase the evolution of specific talents within our group.

Alice Sheridan, for example, is emerging as a writer of thrillers and mystery stories, as she continues to keep us on tenterhooks in her suspense story ‘Mystery at Grange Hall’. 

Mary Hodson, on the other hand, has already assembled a small collection of gems in her accounts of life, customs and sayings from bygone times, and is adding another jewel in her report on the role of Holy Wells in the days when we were young.

The passing of time and its effect on human lives is also the topic of James Conway’s narrative this week. James is one of our most prolific poets, producing esoteric and highly poetic works, so that we can expect a work of high standard and deep introspection on this complex, universal theme. 

No fewer than six poems were received for presentation this Thursday. Mary Hawkshaw is a recently new member who has already established her own unmistakable voice in her poems. Kathleen Phelan constantly amazes with the variety of themes she so beautifully covers in her award-winning rhymes. Geraldine Warren, an original member of the group, is finding a new voice in short, precise texts which evoke an immediate response in the listener. And last but not least, new member Deirdre Anne Gialamas has also found her niche with appealing poems depicting individuals from an unusual perspective. 

Last week we were privileged to hear and enjoy an extremely amusing excerpt from Jim Keary’s new comedy ‘The Other Man’s Grass’, so that we are delighted to include a scene from ‘A Fish Out Of Water’ in our coming session.

And don’t forget the next MOTM competition for the coveted title ‘Mug Of The Month’: a 50-word text of any genre containing the keywords GROUND and PITCH. Closing date for entries to annemurray@yahoo.ie is Sunday, 24 March.

Programme

Short Story Mystery at Grange Hall 4 Alice Sheridan

Short Story Tubernalt Mary Hodson

Short Story When They Were In Their Prime James Conway

Drama A Fish Out Of Water Jim Keary

Poem The River Mary Hawkshaw

Poem What Words Can Do Mary Hawkshaw

Poem Obsolete Kathleen Phelan

Poem ABC and Nursery Rhymes Deirdre Anne Gialamas

Poem Nobody Told Me Geraldine Warren

Discussion The Write-On Anthology 2025 All Members

Our session this Thursday opens with a continuation of Alice Sheridan’s lively novel, a social drama of the Jane Austen type set in modern times. A new family has moved into Grange Hall, and the locals are agog to know who they are and how they can engage with them. But all efforts at finding out are firmly and even mysteriously thwarted. To find out how this tug-of-war between the nosy villagers and the reclusive newcomers evolves, don’t miss the next episode on the evening of the 7th!

The short story is very much Mary Rose Tobin’s sphere, and she is a master of this genre, producing tales that are sensitive, empathetic, lively, poignant, often with a twist at the end. Who is the Piano Man? What can we learn from him? Prepare to be bemused by this presentation by Mary Rose.

Our newest member, Jim Keary, is a successful playwright of long standing. He has been presenting excerpts from his plays, and demonstrating how dialogue can be used to portray character, situation, setting, atmosphere, and all the other elements that go to make a written work of art alive and well-rounded. It’s a wonderful opportunity for our members to see great examples of ‘show, don’t tell’. Welcome, Jim, and thank you for sharing your expertise with us.

‘Intriguing, intelligent, highly poetic, with a clear physical context’ – these words well describe the poems of both Mary Hawkshaw and Deirdre Anne Gialamas. We look forward to hearing two works of the very first order.

Finally, Frank Fahy is engrossed in preparing this year’s anthology, and on Thursday our members will be encouraged to assist him in this mammoth and difficult task of assembling, selecting, rejecting, and ensuring that all details are correct. If your name is not among the authors, it is not yet too late to provide a text for inclusion in this impressive and entertaining work.

Once again we invite you – whether member or guest – to join us in what promises to be another outstanding meeting of our talented group. You can expect an enjoyable and profitable evening!

Programme

Short Story Mystery at Grange Hall 3 Alice Sheridan

Short Story Piano Man Mary Rose Tobin

Drama The Other Man’s Grass Jim Keary

Poem The River Mary Hawkshaw

Poem Miriam Deirdre Anne Gialamas

Discussion Write-On Anthology 2025 All Members

This Leap Year Thursday meeting of our writing group opens with our monthly competition. A record number of thirteen entries are vying for the coveted title ‘Mug of the Month’ and the accompanying trophy Mug. The key words to be included in the 50-word texts were TIME and TIDE. Each submission will be read and shown twice, so that we can expect a high level of tension to have built up by the time voting begins at the end of the presentation.

The rest of the programme promises a continuation of heightened interest, as recent and very welcome new members display their talents in a selection of short stories, poems and a drama. Established members are also represented, but our newcomers are definitely setting the tone this evening. We greatly appreciate their joining us and bringing in fresh ideas and new impulses. At the same time we are proud of being able to offer a forum which attracts so much diverse talent.

So be prepared for an evening full of variety, a high standard of writing, accompanied by lively verbal feedback and exchange.

Programme

Competition Mug of the Month 13 Authors

Short Story Mystery at Grange Hall 2 Alice Sheridan

Short Story Pat – the Legend Eileen Miller

Short Story ‘If Only …’ Brenda Silke

Short Story Smelling of Roses Frances Dermody

Poem On Finding a Dead Goose James Conway

Poem Sweet Citrus Fruits Deirdre Anne Gialamas

Drama Marrying Mike Jim Keary

What’s-on Write-on

This Thursday evening, from 7pm-9pm on Zoom, we have a session that’s not to be missed. We’re kicking off with an exclusive Discussion with the renowned playwright, Jimmy Keary. Known for his captivating plays, Jimmy will be sharing his insights on crafting DIALOGUE and CONVERSATION for the stage. This is a golden opportunity for all our members to dive deep into the art of the dramatist, learning how to bring characters to life through authentic and engaging dialogue. Prepare your questions and get ready for an illuminating tutorial.

Following Jimmy’s tutorial, our session promises a variety of literary treats that showcase the talent and diversity within our Write-on community. Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect:

• Short Stories: Get ready to be intrigued by ‘Mystery at Grange Hall 1’ by Alice Sheridan and transported to different realms with ‘Worlds Apart’ by Josephine McCann. The Oxford Dictionary provides the inspiration for Kathleen Phelan’s short story – a change of style from her familiar poetic works.
• Poetry: Our poets, Brenda Silke, Mary Hawkshaw, and Deirdre Anne Gialamas, will be enchanting us with verses ranging from the contemplative to the whimsical .
• Old Sayings: Mary Hodson will share some ‘Sayings and Riddles’, offering a dose of wisdom and wit.
• Song: Grit Metsch will present ‘Traveller’, a melody that takes the heart on a journey of love.
• Launch: And, a momentous occasion as we discuss the upcoming launch arrangements for Olga Peters’ A Normal Couple.
• Finally, a reminder that the deadline for submissions for our Write-on Anthology 2025 is fast approaching – 31 May 2024. This is a chance for all members to contribute and be a part of our collective legacy.

Our thriving community has been further energised by the influx of new members, each bringing their unique voice and perspective. Let’s make the most of this vibrant dynamic by actively participating and supporting each other’s creative endeavours. Remember, the deadline for ‘Mug of the Month’ entries is fast approaching on the 25th of February, and for those aiming to be featured in the 2025 Anthology, mark your calendars for the 31st of May deadline.

Join us this Thursday for an evening filled with creativity, inspiration, and community spirit. Whether you’re a long-standing member or new to the fold, your voice is valued here. Let’s continue to support and inspire each other on our creative journeys.

For any queries or to get involved, reach out to us at writeon.galway@gmail.com or visit our website at www.write-on.ie. We can’t wait to see you there!

‘A professional writer is an amateur who didn’t quit.’ – Richard Bach

WRITING TIP OF THE DAY: Dialogue in writing should be concise and impactful. It must advance the story or develop the character, not just fill space. Listen to real conversations to capture the rhythm and nuance of authentic speech.

For further information or support, you can contact Frank at 0862269330.

We look forward to seeing you on Zoom this Thursday evening from 7pm-9pm!

Valentine’s Day!

For our Valentine’s Day Special we have a wide selection of topics and genres from eight different writers plus ‘Anon’. With a number of the titles promising a reference to the romantic occasion, serious topics such as illness or death will also put in an appearance. So be prepared to be surprised!

Next Week’s session will take place at the usual time on Thursday, 22 February.

The closing date for entries to this month’s Mug of the Month competition, 25 February, is drawing closer! The key words, TIME and TIDE, must appear in your text of no more than 50 words (excluding the title); you can write a poem, a short short story, a memoir …. The winner of the hotly contested Mug will be selected on 29 February.

We wish all participants and visiting viewers an entertaining and enjoyable evening!

Programme

Short Story New Girls Anne McManus

Old Sayings Sayings and Riddles Mary Hodson

Poem A Ballad of a Wayward Gardener Mary Hawkshaw

Poem Big Hair Deirdre Anne Gialamas

Love Reflection Living and Loving in Old(er) Age Anon

Short Story Nora’s Journey Mary Hawkshaw

Short Story Les Amants d’un Jour (NEW) Mary Rose Tobin

Poem The Photograph Frank Fahy

Song Traveller Grit Metsch

Poem Old Loves Deirdre Anne Gialamas

Short Story World’s Apart Josephine McCann

Where would our Write-On sessions be without the input by our members, be it as presenters of the Website and Newsletter or the evening’s meeting, or as contributors of stories, poems, articles, songs! Everyone suffers from ‘dry’ periods now and again, and a constant flow of material cannot always be guaranteed. For this reason we are always glad of new members, eager to present their new and past works, and possibly also to participate in the running of the show! Or are we?! Do more new members mean more work for those behind the scenes? All this has been the topic of excited exchanges on our WhatsApp site recently, and we hope to discuss the various issues involved in writing/  presenting/ integrating new members this Thursday. As if to emphasise the theme above, three of our four contributions this week are ‘left-overs’ from last week’s list. But for all that they are all the more welcome.

A change of schedule is planned for next week: our usual Thursday session is being moved forward to Wednesday 14 February – Valentine’s Day. Please make a note of the date! Material suitable to this romantic and delicate occasion is more than welcome, be it song, poetry, memoirs or scandal of any kind!

We wish our members and viewers a lively and interesting evening!

Programme

Genre	Title	Author
Short Story	New Girls	Anne McManus
Short Story	The Storm	Joanne Dowling
Short Story	Worlds Apart	Josephine McCann
Poem	Hysterectomy	Kathleen Phelan
Poem	Big Hair	Deirdre Gialamas
Discussion	Should we take in new members or not?	All Members
Discussion	Why are people writing less this year?	All Members

Three new publications have been scheduled for Write-On this year. Mary Rose Tobin’s outstanding collection of short stories ‘The Life and Times of Jimmy Mullins’ appeared recently; our annual anthology will be published later this year; and now our new persona Olga Peters’ novel ‘A Normal couple’ is going to print. Our members have been following the evolution of this work for many months, and we might get a glimpse of the cover design this evening. So this should be an exciting moment for everyone!

Eileen Miller has already independently published a volume of poems by Patrick Kelly paying tribute to his love for Connemara. Tonight she will be presenting the background to this venture, from the first flicker of an idea to the birth of this exquisite anthology.

Grit Metsch, our resident and dedicated song writer, has written and composed a beautiful new lyric about love and closeness in the changing seasons of the year. We can look forward to hearing and talking about this unusual work this evening.

A topic which has resulted in reactions ranging from heated to fascinated is the use of AI in creating or improving texts. Tonight Mary Rose Tobin will be showing how she created a story and images using ChatGPT and Dall-E. We can expect another lively discussion!

And not to forget this evening’s literary offerings, which include short stories and poems from new, recently new, and established members of our very active group.

We wish all viewers an entertaining and stimulating meeting!

P.S. The meeting in two week’s time will take place one day sooner, on Wednesday February 14 (St Valentine’s Day!), at the usual time.

Programme:

Genre	Title	Author
Song	For you, for us	Grit Metsch
Short Story	New Girls	Anne McManus
Short Story	The Storm	Joanne Dowling
Short Story	A Mother’s Dilemma	Kathleen Phelan
Short Story	Worlds Apart	Josephine McCann
Poem	One Field, Once More	James Conway
Poem	Big Hair	Deirdre Gialamas
Demonstration	Creating a story with ChatGPT and Dall-E	Mary Rose Tobin
Publication	New cover for Olga Peters’ novel	Frank Fahy
Publication	Derryclare and Other Poems	Eileen Miller