Life of a Writer. 23. Writer as Reader (continued).

One of my favourite reads of late, Lisa Moore's 'Caught'. A thriller with a difference. Hard to put down, characters I felt I knew, poetic descriptions. And not only that, it is a Canadian thriller. And a literary one. The latest novel in the hands of one of our most exciting up and coming authors. Although that description is probably not accurate any longer as Moore has already arrived, and sparkles, on the literary scene. Indeed, we know already to watch for her work.

Another favourite read was by the established and Pen/Faulkner award winning American author, James Salter. 'All That Is' is a haunting novel of the life of one man that begins in the final days of WWII in the Pacific. After that it wends its way through Philip Bowman's life and that of his friends as he succeeds in the world of the literary editor and flounders in his personal life. The landscape is the American publishing industry and the story of this one man's personal journey through many entanglements. Beautifully written, I also gobbled it up.

Other Readers?

Life of a Writer. #22.Moosecall 10. Moose in Wonderland. Chapbook Launch.

Every two weeks, the writers of the Moosemeat Writing Group meet to critique each others work. It is a productive group with a structure that allows everyone a turn to comment followed by a free for all and finally for the writer being critiqued to respond. Often just to say thank you for the feedback. It is never easy for the writer in question, as the critiques are wide ranging and thorough. However, it is always the prerogative of the writer in question to decide what to use in further revisions. Some suggestions are helpful, others get rejected. In my experience, the work improves as I consider what has been suggested. Early on in my experience of this kind of critique, two stories of mine were published. So I have continued, and continue,  to value the feedback of the group and the interaction there. Also when I am not subjecting my own work to this scrutiny, participating to offer constructive feedback to other writers continues to sharpen my eye and motivates me to come back to the solitary work of writing.

All of this commentary on the group is prelude to saying our annual chapbook launch of this year's flash fiction occurred last night in Toronto at the Arts and Letters Club. There wasn't a dull moment as Isabel Matwawana and Jerry Schaefer co hosted with good humour and creativity the readings of thirteen of our members. Lots of laughter, lots of applause! And a performance of a song sung by Isabel with Jerry on guitar was a lovely surprise addition to the evening. Needless to say, there was also lively conversation during the intermission.

The weather was quite threatening, as it has been often this summer and was last year for our launch as well. It didn't daunt our spirits and everyone turned out accompanied as well by friends and relatives.

Life of a Writer. 21. Writing in Summer.

When the weather is fine, I would rather be outside than writing. And often am! Even so, the mystery progresses with Jack Cosser, the detective, unravelling the identity of the murder victim. And starting to seek out the killer. The writer eventually needs to know who this is also. Actually, I do know, but won't reveal that, of course. For now, just that Jack will close in on this villain sooner or later. How and when and why remains in my hands and I am working on it.

However, today on this gorgeous day, I will venture out into the sunshine. All too precious after the record breaking rain just a few days ago in Toronto.