June 20, 2013

Notes from June 19 meeting
Next meeting:  July 3, 2013

We met at IHOP in Moreno Valley last night and I think we've found a home. We have a room to ourselves and Susan, our waitress, was great.

Lucio didn't bring anything except his wife and kids. Well, they ate dinner. He has two daughters just like i do. Dude? You're in for some interesting times with them. He did, however, discuss what he'd read and his contributions were welcomed. Dave brought another few chapters of Poorly Remembered...etc. I absolutely love his prose because it reads so easily. It's basically a memoir, a personal history. I especially liked Euphie, his cat. But the story of the hunters that killed that boy? I guess the moral of the story is don't get between an American and his gun. Don didn't bring anything but next time for sure. I'm waiting for the next installment of his Indian couple. Gene brought in a blockbuster chapter from The Pharmacist. Personally, I think it changes Jim's relationship with Juanita and her father, his bosses, because she told him about a PI they hired to investigate his past. I won't say the changes are bad, just that I can't see how their relationships can stay the same. Very good work, Gene. Alas, we're going to miss Gene at our next meeting when he goes to Montreal to visit his brother. Then, knee surgery. Good luck, Gene. And Nancy. Wow. Her latest chapter about Cassie included a scene that will change both Cassie's and Miguel's life forever. Stan gets her a bit tipsy and then tries to have his way with her. The last scene in that chapter will make you want to read the rest because Cassie's life will never be the same. And Ethan. He brought in three chapters of Splitting Zero and I think the story is turning into an excellent mystery. Aside from the cop getting shot, is the story a straight whodunnit or something out of the Twilight Zone? Even better, his prose is getting better and that's always a plus. Ethan, dude? You've got a good tale on your hands. I just hope Edwin survives the mayhem. The cop, too.

And me? Well, chapter 14 of Money Is was a hit for most folks. Personally? I thank every one of you guys because it's always nice to hear praise, no matter how faintly it's sprinkled. Seriously, folks. Thank you.

Finally? I think my gentle insistence on reading and posting our work earlier in the week is paying off because our meeting are getting both shorter and full of more discussion of everyone's efforts. The time we've gained is being used to good effect.

Thanks all.

Greg and Cat were no shows. Julia had health problems in her family.

July 3rd at IHOP! Be there.

*Post by James Rozhon

December 19, 2012

Notes from December 19 meeting.

Next meeting, January 2, 2012

Well, personally, I liked the meeting. Okay, Nancy and Dawn walked in an hour late, but that didn't spoil our fun. Also, I'm not really certain, but I think we got a new member last night. Brimstone the Dragon joined us and sat on the centerpiece in the middle of the table as befitting his stature as chief intimidator.

Dave brought two chapters from his work "Why It Is Hot This Summer". I thought that the way Fox News described the event was classic. But why won't the anomalies affect the coastlines? Stay tuned. Dave will let us know when he's good and ready. Lucio brought chapter 3 of "Powered". While it's interesting, I still can't tell if it's tongue-in-cheek because it sure seems that way. Every town has its own superhero? Classic. Dude, we'll read. You write. Dawn brought in Chapter 7 from "Stormborn". I love her prose and love her protagonists. While she called this chapter "transitional" that didn't mean she didn't write it well. Girl? Same advice. You write, we'll read. Nancy brought in the latest chapter on Cass's struggles in World War I - era Corona, California. I didn't get a chance to read it, but I brought home a copy of it, so i will. But Nancy? I still love Cass and I think you're telling a terrific story. Cat, Miss TLD, brought in her latest from The Legion and steadfastly defended the ending of her work. If you can't defend your own story, who can? Girl? Nicely done. I yield. Cassaundra brought in what she described as the start of a novel. It's a very good start to a very good mystery. Or, how would YOU react if you woke up in a strange room with bandages all over you? Nicely done, girl.

And me? I'M DONE with Suffer The Children. The reaction was fairly split between people like Dawn who thought the kids were going to suffer for what had happened to them way beyond what I described in the ending and those like Cat and Cassaundra who liked it. Either way, I'm going to re-read the last few chapters and make a decision on an ending. THANKS, FOLKS!

My next project is "The Lambs Lay Down".

See you on the 2nd! See you in the New Year!

Unless, of course, the Mayans were right about tomorrow.

December 5, 2012

Notes from December 5 meeting.

Next meeting, December 19, 2012

Yeah, we met for the first time at Cellar Door Books last night. I'd say we did fairly well because despite sitting next to the kid's section, we only managed one f-bomb all night. Even Linda Nurick, the owner, approved of us - <fist pump>...

Don brought chapter 1 of his work - Double Crossing. It's a spy novel, so stay tuned for some super sleuthing. It's a good start to a good subject - Italy just prior to the outbreak of World War II. Lucio brought in a worked he titled Powered. It's seems that all the super heroes are in trouble. Holy Conspiracy, Batman! What will we do without our superheroes? Stay tuned because Lucio has the answer. Nancy brought in her latest chapter of Cass's story. She's beginning to see how the world works - and even as it pertains to horse jumping. I still think there's a time bomb named Uncle Stan in the middle of all this. Again, stay tuned. Our little and adorable CAT found a new friend last night, Belch the Dragon. He even puffs smoke just before he belches. And The Legion? There's nothing wrong with it that a new ending won't cure. KIDDING, CAT!!! Tell belch to stand down! Our newest member, Cassie Moses brought in Miracle and I thought it was very well done. It's a story of how a young girl is left pregnant after a one-night stand. Very well done, Cassie. Dawn, alas, was story-less, but she brought her gavel nonetheless and kept Cat in line...for most of the night.

And me? Well, Dawn hates it Suffer The Children, Cat hates it, Don hates it, Lucio hates it, Nancy hates it and Cass hates it but is too new to admit it. Oh well, three more chapters and you won't have it to kick around any more.

And that's it until the 19th , same time, same station.

 *Post by James Rozhon

Reminder!

Reminder!  December 5 meeting location changed to:

Cellar Door Books,

5225 Canyon Crest Drive, Suite 30A/B,

Riverside, CA

I'm adding a "Directions to Cellar Door Books" map icon to the right--just input where you're coming from, and you should get a functional map and directions.

 

In the image below, the Green square is the location of Cellar Door Books, and the Red area is Jammin' Bread. 

Obviously the picture is an actual picture of Cellar Door  Books--the sky may even be that color by the time we start our meeting.

 

 Looking forward to seeing you all!

-LR

November 21, 2012

Notes from November 21 meeting
Next Meeting:  December 5, 2012 in a new location:

Cellar Door Books,

5225 Canyon Crest Drive, Suite 30A/B,

Riverside, CA

Okay, we met last night - and maybe for the last time - at Goodwin's. There were five of us, but we managed to run two and a half hours anyway. If forms counts, it was a disaster. If enthusiasm is the rule, we were a grand success. Also, something happened last night that had never happened before. We were interrupted by a baby crying. A young couple brought their two young kids to the meeting room where we were each discussing our best sellers when their youngest started to cry. He must have been very sad to be seeing us leave Goodwin's.

Dawn brought in chapter six of Stormborn. Personally? I think she's sitting on a best seller. She's also writing Instinct - and as much as I hate stories about vampires and werewolves - this one is THAT good. Props to you, Dawn. Cat brought in another chapter from The Legion, but all we could talk about was her new ending. She's adamant. THIS ONE is permanent. Either way, she's written a good novel and I hope she continues EDITING IT!!!! Julia brought in chapter two of Fauxmytes, but talked about the art and craft of writing as much as she did her story. Either way, she's one of us now - AND YOU CAN'T HAVE HER! Nancy brought in the last chapter of Part Two of her novel wherein Cass learns about homosexuality and the truth about Lady Fowler. I can't brag enough about Nancy's book. She's handling Cass's most turbulent years with a grace and sensitivity that is astounding.

And me? I cried a lot because these four women are just so good - and all I had was 35 and 36 of Suffer The Children. Peace, ladies. There's only five more chapters.

Next time?

Cellar Doors Books in the Canyon Crest Towne Center.

*Post by Jim Rozhon