Thursday, May 2nd meeting

In attendance:  Mike Redfern, Heather Wattie, Suzanne Shaw, and Sharla Smith

Summary provided by Mike Redfern

The group had studied workbook Chapter 3, Writing What You Know, continuing from our last meeting. Sue, Sharla, & Heather read their response to Activity 3.3, writing down what they had perceived in an indoor location using their five senses. Sharla used vivid imagery to enhance her descriptions of her sensory perceptions. Mike had not done his homework so had nothing to offer!

We then read an excerpt from Seamus Heaney's poem 'Death of a Naturalist' in which sensory perceptions were described with simile and metaphor, not a cliche to be seen, and an excerpt from Laurie Lee's coming-of-age memoir 'Cider with Rosie', in which the focus was on chronological ordering of memories.

We then read an excerpt from Lesley Glaister's 'Memory: the true key to real imagining' in which past memories were written in the present tense and clear memories were mixed with uncertain memories, creating an authentic feel to the memoir. We then each wrote about a personal memory using the present tense, except for Heather who ignored the instructions and did her own thing! (not quite true Mike but close enough) These were shared, discussed and enjoyed.

 

Sue agreed to prepare the next meeting's assignment and studies from Chapter 4 of the workbook. She will email assignments and reading materials to the members of the group.

 

The next meeting day has been changed to a Wednesday to accommodate a prospective group member (whose name I missed) so we will meet on Wednesday, May 22, at 7 p.m. in Centre 64.