He didn't know that he had been adopted until he came across the folio of letters and documents he had found in the bottom of the wardrobe after his mother's death. It had come as quite a shock because he had never suspected that he was anything other than the son of Margaret and Dave Tyler. In fact, neighbours had often remarked how he was his father's double, but how could he be? Dave was not his natural father.
The letters and documents from Social Services and the Adoption Agency had provided him with clues and details of his birth.
Now he sat in front of the computer, not sure if what he was about to do was the correct thing. He had agonised over his quandry, discussed it with his wife and family who had sympathised with his dilemma but had said that it was his decision and his alone.
He stared at the home screen of the genealogy site to which he had subscribed. What answers would he find? Would he find any? Was he opening a can of worms that might bring heartache? After all, who did he think he was?
Ian C
Thursday, 28 May 2015
Wednesday 27th May 2015
Today was a "Hot Pen" day and the word randomly chosen was "adopted". All 20 members attending took up the challenge and, as usual, we had a diversity of takes on the subject as well as styles. Many of those concentrated on the adoption of children, the search for birth parents, the dilemma of telling or not telling a child that he/she is adopted but there were one or two who revealed themselves or their loved ones with true stories of adoption.Also included in the story telling were those of adoption of animals, puppies and cats, while others took a different viewpoint with the adoption of attitudes and command some in the present day as well as the future.
All the readings were well received and some members were encouraged to expand and develop their writings. It was also pointed out to some that they should consider entering it onto this format in order that others could read them. So everyone feel free to make use of the blog.
The second half of the meeting consisted of further general readings along with discussion of the fotthcoming programme due to start on July 8th.
Next week's topic is "My Tyre Was Flat".
Ian C
All the readings were well received and some members were encouraged to expand and develop their writings. It was also pointed out to some that they should consider entering it onto this format in order that others could read them. So everyone feel free to make use of the blog.
The second half of the meeting consisted of further general readings along with discussion of the fotthcoming programme due to start on July 8th.
Next week's topic is "My Tyre Was Flat".
Ian C
Sunday, 24 May 2015
A Short Story - Killing Time
Killing Time
What was it that made me feel so uneasy? Something wasn’t right and I couldn’t put my finger on it. What was it? I had no answer to my question!
Night after night, I watch the same faceless people meandering about the station, mindless of time. Their expressionless faces as they purchase tickets, ascend or descend the escalators, or just stand around killing time. Could it be the incessant babble of noise made by people and machinery forever on the move? Or the unnerving silence on the now deserted platform that sent a shiver down my back? Was it my imagination or were the annoying flickering lights casting more shadows as they punctured the eerie stillness of the air. From a distance I could hear the rumble of the train approaching so I started to relax as with a blast of air the lead carriage exploded from the black tunnel with headlights blazing. Slowly and silently like a whisper the train came to a halt. As the doors opened I quickly stepped inside and gazed around the compartment. It was half empty as expected, four more stops and it was the end of the line. I made my way to an empty seat and sat down. I looked around and saw familiar faces that I see every night on my way back home. Like the little old lady sitting opposite, always sound asleep, her head slightly tilted back, her mouth wide open, swaying with the motion of the train., waking when the train stops and then drifting off again. There was the fidgety man constantly cleaning his glasses, and on the seat close to the door a young good looking lad with his eyes closed, oblivious to his surroundings listening to his walkman.
Gradually people left the carriage, I tried to read my book, but I couldn’t concentrate, the air had suddenly become thick and clammy making it hard to breath. Suddenly my senses became heightened when I felt something or someone penetrate my mind. Without moving my head I slowly lifted my eyes and scanned the now silent compartment. A strange man sitting just up from me was reading a newspaper. He was shabbily dressed, wearing a dark jacket over a crew neck jumper. His hair looked long and greasy, and the thick stubble on his chin said that he hadn’t shaved in days. His body language said that he was engrossed in his newspaper. Except I knew different! I could feel his black, cold lifeless eyes probe my mind searching for any sign of fear. He turned a page and I averted my eyes. Returning to my book I pretended to read. The last stop was approaching; I looked up and caught sight of the big black headline on the front page of the newspaper. LUNATIC ESCAPES AND IS ON THE RUN FROM BROADMOOR. Police are alerting people to be vigilant and to not approach the man. My eyes drift up and I could see that he was staring at me. His face was contorted into a cold, vile sneer. Was I asleep, lost in a nightmare from the horror book that I was reading? Could it have been that I was just so tired that my over active imagination had gone into overdrive? Or was I looking into the eyes of a mad man.
Brenda Darling
Forthcoming Programme
The programme for the period July 8 to Dec 30 willl be published shortly but just as a teaser I thought I would let you know that included in the programme are :
Hot pens,
Writing exercises about which you will only be told about on the day of the meeting,
Open topics and
A number of writing exercises where you will be specifically tasked to write in a certain format.
The object of the Circle is to encourage the members to write. I hope the programme contains enough new elements to do this and stimulate the members thought processes.
I have always held the belief that to be a writer you have to be a reader and so on July15 the subject will be "Bookshelf". You will write a book review, good or bad. So get reading!!
Ian C
Hot pens,
Writing exercises about which you will only be told about on the day of the meeting,
Open topics and
A number of writing exercises where you will be specifically tasked to write in a certain format.
The object of the Circle is to encourage the members to write. I hope the programme contains enough new elements to do this and stimulate the members thought processes.
I have always held the belief that to be a writer you have to be a reader and so on July15 the subject will be "Bookshelf". You will write a book review, good or bad. So get reading!!
Ian C
Wednesday, 20 May 2015
A Book Review
The Murder Wall by Mari Hannah
THE MURDER WALL by MARI HANNAH
Where on earth has this author been hiding? The good news is that since The Murder Wall was published in April, 2012 she has four more books for her ace investigator, Detective Chief Inspector Kate Daniels, to show how very good she really is.
Okay back to the story. Saint Camillus would not have liked it. Victims already slaughtered and a trail to be followed within a page or two.
I was hooked before the end of the first paragraph. I loved the writing. I loved the way the characters were fleshed out as the stories were developed. I felt that I was living with Kate, sitting on her shoulder watching her fellow detectives doing the right thing or maybe 'cocking-it-up' and living with the story as the various plots emerged. Of course, there has to be some that are there to irritate, and one maybe I would have liked to have 'kicked in the balls', but that is what good writers can achieve.
Oh yes, people die, but I am not going to go into that; you can do that yourself. What I will say is that the intrigue Mari creates within the team, the personal relationships that are there and sometimes could be there, and of course throw in the personal elements in the life of DCI Kate Daniels. There is more to this story that is in excess of the usual. It is set in the north of England and this book has a very good relationship with that area. I do like to know where a story belongs.
This is a book written with care, with love, and an understanding of both, with ample empathy and sympathy, but it is(about the all consuming urge for revenge), unpleasant deaths, savoured by the killer.The search for a killer who has a reason to go on and on until....
If you call yourself a reader of crime then it is a must read and with four more to follow you are in for lots of treats.
THE MURDER WALL by MARI HANNAH
Where on earth has this author been hiding? The good news is that since The Murder Wall was published in April, 2012 she has four more books for her ace investigator, Detective Chief Inspector Kate Daniels, to show how very good she really is.
Okay back to the story. Saint Camillus would not have liked it. Victims already slaughtered and a trail to be followed within a page or two.
I was hooked before the end of the first paragraph. I loved the writing. I loved the way the characters were fleshed out as the stories were developed. I felt that I was living with Kate, sitting on her shoulder watching her fellow detectives doing the right thing or maybe 'cocking-it-up' and living with the story as the various plots emerged. Of course, there has to be some that are there to irritate, and one maybe I would have liked to have 'kicked in the balls', but that is what good writers can achieve.
Oh yes, people die, but I am not going to go into that; you can do that yourself. What I will say is that the intrigue Mari creates within the team, the personal relationships that are there and sometimes could be there, and of course throw in the personal elements in the life of DCI Kate Daniels. There is more to this story that is in excess of the usual. It is set in the north of England and this book has a very good relationship with that area. I do like to know where a story belongs.
This is a book written with care, with love, and an understanding of both, with ample empathy and sympathy, but it is(about the all consuming urge for revenge), unpleasant deaths, savoured by the killer.The search for a killer who has a reason to go on and on until....
If you call yourself a reader of crime then it is a must read and with four more to follow you are in for lots of treats.
Wednesday 20th May
There were lots of laughter this morning. Bucket loads of humour, all good of course, as some our members read their pieces on this week's theme of 'suspect'. More than a dozen members read with so many 'takes' on that one word. The variation was amazing and if you should think I am boasting - then make sure that you are there for next Wednesday. We had a crazy take derived from a bastardized headline; a change-of-heart that should have made the 'gaydar' ping, another arrived via an Aussie soap, and we even included ones with rhyme and a mention of a 'wanted poster' brought all the words out to culminate with an injustice.
There were full stories, where a missing cake, with those threatening words 'was it you' was discussed with so much dialogue. In fact the spoken word featured in many readings. Our Chairman read a longer piece where a bounty hunter gets his 'package' and fooled us all until the last paragraph.
We heard of a wheel-chair resident that allowed us to reminisce, to reflect upon the passage of time, modernization and to balance social aspects with open spaces. There were two more items which will be additional posts. One being a short story and a book review.
We had time for the story of Pedro Zaragoza, a mayor of Benidorm and his quest to put it on the tourist map along with 'bare bosoms'. I think this will be a magazine item, but we heard it first!
There was ample critique and comment, but if you want a more analytical approach then send an email to members prior to the meeting.
Finally we discussed the blog, how it can be of use and how members can contribute individually.
The blog is to continue and we also have a Face Book group for forwarding items.
A 'hot pen' is for next week, but bring something else as well to read.
John Edwards 20th May, 2015
There were full stories, where a missing cake, with those threatening words 'was it you' was discussed with so much dialogue. In fact the spoken word featured in many readings. Our Chairman read a longer piece where a bounty hunter gets his 'package' and fooled us all until the last paragraph.
We heard of a wheel-chair resident that allowed us to reminisce, to reflect upon the passage of time, modernization and to balance social aspects with open spaces. There were two more items which will be additional posts. One being a short story and a book review.
We had time for the story of Pedro Zaragoza, a mayor of Benidorm and his quest to put it on the tourist map along with 'bare bosoms'. I think this will be a magazine item, but we heard it first!
There was ample critique and comment, but if you want a more analytical approach then send an email to members prior to the meeting.
Finally we discussed the blog, how it can be of use and how members can contribute individually.
The blog is to continue and we also have a Face Book group for forwarding items.
A 'hot pen' is for next week, but bring something else as well to read.
John Edwards 20th May, 2015
Wednesday, 13 May 2015
Another meeting
Meeting of 13th May, 2015
Once more we had a good number attending although there were some notable absentees who were away traveling. Twelve people read, and the work that was spoken ranged from incredibly personal and emotional recollections to one or two pieces that made us laugh.
Two others read, one from their own recently revised published book, and the other from a chapter of a 'work-in-progress' novel. There were several poems, including a love poem, where the thought had been triggered by a 'love poem' being read last week. We even had two poems that arose out of last week's election.
However, the story of the day based on the theme of ' I had a dream' was our opening one of almost a thousand words. It was a female take on meeting an 'ex' and making sure that she (the writer) looked 'trim enough' with no obvious bulges. It was well received with many comments and praise.
This morning saw one newcomer attend and June read to us. There was lovely rhythm in her words and this was on the theme too.
We had sufficient time to be able to examine fully a Dean Parkin poem entitled 'Quiet Road Home'.
I already had some peoples interpretation of it, but I elicited the views present in the room before declaring anyone else's ideas.
I had previously emailed the poem to members and the benefit of having a copy with them would allow for a much deeper analysis. I suggested that if individuals needed a greater depth of feedback that this was the way to do. I also think that there is so much worth in reading the work of others.
A great morning with critical, but supportive comments.
John Edwards
Once more we had a good number attending although there were some notable absentees who were away traveling. Twelve people read, and the work that was spoken ranged from incredibly personal and emotional recollections to one or two pieces that made us laugh.
Two others read, one from their own recently revised published book, and the other from a chapter of a 'work-in-progress' novel. There were several poems, including a love poem, where the thought had been triggered by a 'love poem' being read last week. We even had two poems that arose out of last week's election.
However, the story of the day based on the theme of ' I had a dream' was our opening one of almost a thousand words. It was a female take on meeting an 'ex' and making sure that she (the writer) looked 'trim enough' with no obvious bulges. It was well received with many comments and praise.
This morning saw one newcomer attend and June read to us. There was lovely rhythm in her words and this was on the theme too.
We had sufficient time to be able to examine fully a Dean Parkin poem entitled 'Quiet Road Home'.
I already had some peoples interpretation of it, but I elicited the views present in the room before declaring anyone else's ideas.
I had previously emailed the poem to members and the benefit of having a copy with them would allow for a much deeper analysis. I suggested that if individuals needed a greater depth of feedback that this was the way to do. I also think that there is so much worth in reading the work of others.
A great morning with critical, but supportive comments.
John Edwards
Thursday, 7 May 2015
TORREVIEJA WRITERS CIRCLE
Torrevieja Writers Meeting of Wednesday 6th May 2015.
Writing is definitely and firmly on the agenda - so read on.
The group now seems to be 'under starters orders' for something to really get going again. Ian has chaired the group before and has given consideration to the programme moving forward.
Since he does consider it an actual writing group it is his clear intention that there will be more writing activity during some of our meetings. We have written short pieces when 'hot pen' has been allocated space and he now has specific activities in mind. Since this group has 'writing' in the title that is exactly what he intends we should do. So sharpen those pencils, blow the dust away from the laptops and get at it.
This morning commenced with a twenty minute discussion that gave members an update on our blog and the instigating of a FaceBook site. The outcome being that it is hoped that there will be more blog entries and that an enclosed FB group will enable quicker communication. The blog is our exposure to the world and where our work we can be viewed.
Margaret introduced her poem 'Passing By' that had been inspired by reading 'A Walk Across the Sun' by Corban Addison. I could say that it does benefit any writer to read as often as one can. it was agreed that she had created some beautiful lines and still tell a story of child abuse. An ugly topic, but one that has inspired her to write on several other occasions. A line such as 'strokes her cheek with his knuckle' reverberated around the room and for Ian 'the shelf of the street step' made him comment.
She read this again, upon request, at the end of the meeting with much more discussion on the subject matter. During this MSLEXIA was discussed and members are invited to visit their web site at
https://mslexia.co.uk.
Heather read a story of 870 words beautifully and engrossed us with descriptions of places and then shocked us by revealing two brutal deaths had been committed by a teenage girl. The first one was a bully and the second one because she became annoyed, but there is more to this story than that. There is a line that was remarked upon which was 'hers for the walking over.' This story should be read.
Mery, as usual, came up with a 'couple of crackers' that brought humour into the room with 'Bed of Roses' that spoke of lust in rhyming couplets. Maybe a thorny issue for some! Then she had the temerity to read 'Drama Queen' and finished with a line involving a 'gay' prince. I thought that they were all 'Queens.' She uses simple language that is so effective with rhyme.
Heinke, as she often does, brought something else. She has an appetite for the bizarre and has ideas other than from this planet! It apparently involved something like a giraffe but also involved a full size poster of Eric Cantona. It was widely discussed and various suggestions made as to where she could 'go with this story.' Margaret seems to sum it up (well almost) when she remarked "It makes me giggle like a child, but I don't know why." Christina also liked this adolescent aspect. There is a wonderful imagination at work, with made-up-words, but somewhere in another sphere her mind is working.
Three people wrote with politics foremost in their minds. Well, it is election week. Sue trod the party line and stuck to our theme for this week that included 'skeletons in the cupboard' where a prospective candidate is faced with an angry ex-wife. How embarrassing can that be? Hmmmm., but it does ask a question about whether we would like everyone to be perfect or perhaps 'good old fashion honest' would do?
Ian stayed with the theme of, 'Blast from the Past,' with 'Political Scandal.' He used some great rhymes and a line that included 'condemnation with poor explanation' where he expects that nothing will change. John read a five verse poem on politicians not answering the question and he also mentioned 'lying' as well. It seems that we are following the national trend and having a go at all politicians.
A excellent thing about this group is that it is diverse. Anne too, stayed with the theme, with a look back at the past giving us a snapshot of an industrial scene of dirt and grime, but with a 'sense of family' which she things is now gone. A timely piece.
Brenda read a serious story that was well received and the lines below are her short account of the nub of the story. Brenda says:
'A young woman who finds comfort in the arms of the church hides a sad secret. A letter arrives that could ruin her life. Her reputation, her job and maybe her marriage would be on the line. To tell the truth and face the consequences or bury it back again in the past.'
Margaret had admitted before that she had written some 'love poems' and on request she read 'Live Wire Of Love.' The subject was discussed and again this shows the value in having listened to, analyzed and commented upon another persons writing. Feedback is essential as well as providing the stimuli for others to write. Ian commented on this piece.
These are two lines from that poem, selected by the writer.
'We felt the pull of desire and rode it
On the waves of that surf into the sunset'
For our next meeting - The Theme (not compulsory) is - I Have a Dream.
Should we have time I will suggest that we have some spontaneous writing of words.
John Edwards
Writing is definitely and firmly on the agenda - so read on.
The group now seems to be 'under starters orders' for something to really get going again. Ian has chaired the group before and has given consideration to the programme moving forward.
Since he does consider it an actual writing group it is his clear intention that there will be more writing activity during some of our meetings. We have written short pieces when 'hot pen' has been allocated space and he now has specific activities in mind. Since this group has 'writing' in the title that is exactly what he intends we should do. So sharpen those pencils, blow the dust away from the laptops and get at it.
This morning commenced with a twenty minute discussion that gave members an update on our blog and the instigating of a FaceBook site. The outcome being that it is hoped that there will be more blog entries and that an enclosed FB group will enable quicker communication. The blog is our exposure to the world and where our work we can be viewed.
Margaret introduced her poem 'Passing By' that had been inspired by reading 'A Walk Across the Sun' by Corban Addison. I could say that it does benefit any writer to read as often as one can. it was agreed that she had created some beautiful lines and still tell a story of child abuse. An ugly topic, but one that has inspired her to write on several other occasions. A line such as 'strokes her cheek with his knuckle' reverberated around the room and for Ian 'the shelf of the street step' made him comment.
She read this again, upon request, at the end of the meeting with much more discussion on the subject matter. During this MSLEXIA was discussed and members are invited to visit their web site at
https://mslexia.co.uk.
Heather read a story of 870 words beautifully and engrossed us with descriptions of places and then shocked us by revealing two brutal deaths had been committed by a teenage girl. The first one was a bully and the second one because she became annoyed, but there is more to this story than that. There is a line that was remarked upon which was 'hers for the walking over.' This story should be read.
Mery, as usual, came up with a 'couple of crackers' that brought humour into the room with 'Bed of Roses' that spoke of lust in rhyming couplets. Maybe a thorny issue for some! Then she had the temerity to read 'Drama Queen' and finished with a line involving a 'gay' prince. I thought that they were all 'Queens.' She uses simple language that is so effective with rhyme.
Heinke, as she often does, brought something else. She has an appetite for the bizarre and has ideas other than from this planet! It apparently involved something like a giraffe but also involved a full size poster of Eric Cantona. It was widely discussed and various suggestions made as to where she could 'go with this story.' Margaret seems to sum it up (well almost) when she remarked "It makes me giggle like a child, but I don't know why." Christina also liked this adolescent aspect. There is a wonderful imagination at work, with made-up-words, but somewhere in another sphere her mind is working.
Three people wrote with politics foremost in their minds. Well, it is election week. Sue trod the party line and stuck to our theme for this week that included 'skeletons in the cupboard' where a prospective candidate is faced with an angry ex-wife. How embarrassing can that be? Hmmmm., but it does ask a question about whether we would like everyone to be perfect or perhaps 'good old fashion honest' would do?
Ian stayed with the theme of, 'Blast from the Past,' with 'Political Scandal.' He used some great rhymes and a line that included 'condemnation with poor explanation' where he expects that nothing will change. John read a five verse poem on politicians not answering the question and he also mentioned 'lying' as well. It seems that we are following the national trend and having a go at all politicians.
A excellent thing about this group is that it is diverse. Anne too, stayed with the theme, with a look back at the past giving us a snapshot of an industrial scene of dirt and grime, but with a 'sense of family' which she things is now gone. A timely piece.
Brenda read a serious story that was well received and the lines below are her short account of the nub of the story. Brenda says:
'A young woman who finds comfort in the arms of the church hides a sad secret. A letter arrives that could ruin her life. Her reputation, her job and maybe her marriage would be on the line. To tell the truth and face the consequences or bury it back again in the past.'
Margaret had admitted before that she had written some 'love poems' and on request she read 'Live Wire Of Love.' The subject was discussed and again this shows the value in having listened to, analyzed and commented upon another persons writing. Feedback is essential as well as providing the stimuli for others to write. Ian commented on this piece.
These are two lines from that poem, selected by the writer.
'We felt the pull of desire and rode it
On the waves of that surf into the sunset'
For our next meeting - The Theme (not compulsory) is - I Have a Dream.
Should we have time I will suggest that we have some spontaneous writing of words.
John Edwards
Sunday, 3 May 2015
Give Voice to Verse
My collection of poetry is now available on Amazon. No pressure to buy, your good wishes will suffice. If anyone would like a copy and have difficulty ordering from Amazon, I am bringing some copies back with me when I return at the end of May, beginning of June
Many thanks for your encouragement and enthusiasm.
Margaret Rowland
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