I have heard it said that everything happens for a reason.
Personally, I think that’s just a touch trite and fanciful. I don’t ascribe to any higher purpose or grand plan, and the only gears I see moving behind most things are the laws of physics, human stupidity and greed—or the awesome power of sheer bloody mindedness.
Then again…
The Force
IF, I could possibly be persuaded that the world we live in was part of some great, over-convoluted, badly put together, and possibly malicious plan, then the events of this weekend might (might) go someway to achieve this.
But, probably not.
No, I think the only forces that drove myself and my ever extraordinary wife, Tina to Clogg's coffee shop this past Friday lunch time were hunger, (I was coming out of a sixteen hour fast) and the need for some tasty caffeine.
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Nevertheless it was while in the aforementioned establishment that I spied a small display, set up in a shallow alcove that might have been a sill for some bricked up window.
Group Think
It wasn’t much. A book, leaning against an itinerary encased in plexiglass of some kind. The book was called Extraordinary Ordinary, and it was published by Serendipity Creative Writers, who, the itinerary told me, was a group who met a Clogg's every Monday (school holidays excepted).
As a community with whom to discuss my own literary aspirations and proclivities has been something I’ve wanted to explore for a while now (without, you know, actually doing anything about it—let’s not go crazy here) it felt like a coincidence too good to pass up. A gift horse whose dentures did not need inspecting.
So, emboldened as I often am by Tina, I enquired at the counter as to the etiquette, policies, and conventions of sitting in with the group.
It wasn’t much. A book, leaning against an itinerary encased in plexiglass of some kind. The book was called Extraordinary Ordinary, and it was published by Serendipity Creative Writers, who, the itinerary told me, was a group who met a Clogg's every Monday (school holidays excepted).
As a community with whom to discuss my own literary aspirations and proclivities has been something I’ve wanted to explore for a while now (without, you know, actually doing anything about it—let’s not go crazy here) it felt like a coincidence too good to pass up. A gift horse whose dentures did not need inspecting.
So, emboldened as I often am by Tina, I enquired at the counter as to the etiquette, policies, and conventions of sitting in with the group.
There was no fee, I was told. No need to apply for a place or wait for an invitation. All I needed to do was turn up at 2:30pm the following Monday and introduce myself.
Which I did.
The Write Stuff?
I’m not sure what I was expecting but my initial experience consisted of making the acquaintance of five people of mixed age and gender and Sonj the lady who runs the group. This was swiftly followed by the usual clumsy and embarrassing rites of introduction, the presentation of a notebook and pen, lots of chat, the reading of a couple of poems, and two ten minute writing exercises. Half way through we broke for a drink, which was paid for by the group, possibly thanks to its National Lottery funding. Cake was on offer as well, but as I’m typing to drop a couple of pounds, along with the odd stone, I politely refused.
I’m not sure what I was expecting but my initial experience consisted of making the acquaintance of five people of mixed age and gender and Sonj the lady who runs the group. This was swiftly followed by the usual clumsy and embarrassing rites of introduction, the presentation of a notebook and pen, lots of chat, the reading of a couple of poems, and two ten minute writing exercises. Half way through we broke for a drink, which was paid for by the group, possibly thanks to its National Lottery funding. Cake was on offer as well, but as I’m typing to drop a couple of pounds, along with the odd stone, I politely refused.
Overall, I enjoyed the ninety minutes I spent drinking good coffee and chatting to good people about good writing. The experience was perhaps a little different than I was expecting, but it was fun all the same, and felt like a positive use of my time. If nothing else, it got me out of the house and away from the computer, but I think it did a little more, besides.
The simple exercises and the meeting of like minds charged me in a way I think I’ve been needing. It recaptured the enthusiasm I felt when I first started writing and redirected me to the fun that the activity can provide.
Yes, I think there’s more than enough to my first exploration of the experience to chance a second visit to Serendipity Creative Writing. More than enough.
Now, how’s that or serendipity?
Until next time.
#
Hey, there! If you enjoyed reading any of the above, why not take a look at some of my published work? Below you’ll find links to a number of short stories I’m lucky enough to have included in anthologies. I’d love to know what you think.
New Tales Of Old
Death Ship
Pestilence: Drabbles 1
Reaperman: Drabbles 3
The Musketeers Vs Cthulhu
Eldritch Investigations
The simple exercises and the meeting of like minds charged me in a way I think I’ve been needing. It recaptured the enthusiasm I felt when I first started writing and redirected me to the fun that the activity can provide.
Yes, I think there’s more than enough to my first exploration of the experience to chance a second visit to Serendipity Creative Writing. More than enough.
Now, how’s that or serendipity?
Until next time.
#
Hey, there! If you enjoyed reading any of the above, why not take a look at some of my published work? Below you’ll find links to a number of short stories I’m lucky enough to have included in anthologies. I’d love to know what you think.
New Tales Of Old
Death Ship
Pestilence: Drabbles 1
Reaperman: Drabbles 3
The Musketeers Vs Cthulhu
Eldritch Investigations
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