This update email was sent to members by email today (15 Feb)
Hello everyone,
Welcome to 'As Time Goes By' for 2021. I am hoping we will be able to return to meeting in the U3A Meeting Room next Monday 22nd February from 2 to 4 pm as currently scheduled. Covid restrictions may, however, make this impossible, added to which we are still waiting for final confirmation that the room has been readied for occupation following building renovations/maintenance.
We need a fallback position! Last year's submission of stories by email to be added to a story collection each month proved to be quite effective. Let's make the submission of stories to [email protected] by the fourth Monday the plan for 2021. Members have described enjoying reading each month's 'collection' online. We can still bring along stories or almost completed stories each month, even if incomplete or in the 'ideas' stage requiring input from the group.
A special welcome to new members! It is wonderful to have you on board. If you would like to take the plunge and contribute a 500 word story (topics below) in February, that would be excellent, however don't feel you have to. It's fine to 'pass' until you feel comfortable. Feel free to use and develop your own writing style, to use your own voice. While 500 words is suggested as a word limit, there is no penalty if you go over this! if you haven't written for a while and are finding it hard to get started - I've attached two documents which might be helpful.
Two topics were set over the holiday period - 'One Moment, This Year' and 'A Love Letter to Travel'. A few stories have been sent in already so you can click on the links to receive inspiration. I've also added a topic 'Grandparent/s', which has proven to be an enjoyable way to begin writing reminiscence based stories. (It may also appeal to existing members who are keen to look at another side of their family.)
______________________
Topic Details for Monday 22nd February
'One Moment, This Year' “Looking back on 2020, what single moment stands out for you? Whether it be loss, love, discovery or disappointment, share your unforgettable moment.”
‘A Love Letter to Travel’
This topic was suggested by the New York Times... "while the coronavirus pandemic has disrupted global travel in unprecedented ways ...and we can’t know what lies ahead, we can still share the places we’ve loved, and continue to inspire curiosity, open-mindedness and awe for the wider world."
The brief: "Write a love letter to travel about one place in the world that is special to you. It can be a popular tourist destination, or a place that’s largely overlooked. You might inspire someone else to go there one day, or to reconsider their assumptions, or to spark their inquisitiveness about a new piece of the world — all the empowering things that travel brings to our lives. (Some additional prompts to help you: How did this place change your perception about something? What do you wish more people understood about this destination? Did you have an experience there that couldn’t have happened anywhere else? What would you miss most if you couldn’t visit this place for a long time).
Grandparents
Describe your relationship with a grandparent using one fond memory. Draw on your senses to recall specific details and reflect on the impact he or she made on your life. It may be the time Gran nearly set the kitchen on fire with the Christmas pudding, or the time your 92 year old Grandpa rode the Octopus with you at Luna Park. It could be a story about your Grandmother’s heritage and how she came to Australia. Your story could be about the era your grandfather represents, and the role he played in your upbringing or a special ritual you shared.
_____________________________
If you would like to dip in to the website for some Covid Lockdown reading and/or inspiration, here is the link to the 'Our Stories' page.
I look forward to seeing you at the U3A Meeting Room next Monday at 2pm (fingers crossed) and/or to receiving emailed stories in my inbox. Please do not hesitate to call me if you have any questions or would like to run something past me.
Best wishes,
Beverley Lee
5762 8171 or 0478 607 838
Attachments:
Tips for Writing 500 Words Stories
Planning a story for 500 Words Topics - sample
Hello everyone,
Welcome to 'As Time Goes By' for 2021. I am hoping we will be able to return to meeting in the U3A Meeting Room next Monday 22nd February from 2 to 4 pm as currently scheduled. Covid restrictions may, however, make this impossible, added to which we are still waiting for final confirmation that the room has been readied for occupation following building renovations/maintenance.
We need a fallback position! Last year's submission of stories by email to be added to a story collection each month proved to be quite effective. Let's make the submission of stories to [email protected] by the fourth Monday the plan for 2021. Members have described enjoying reading each month's 'collection' online. We can still bring along stories or almost completed stories each month, even if incomplete or in the 'ideas' stage requiring input from the group.
A special welcome to new members! It is wonderful to have you on board. If you would like to take the plunge and contribute a 500 word story (topics below) in February, that would be excellent, however don't feel you have to. It's fine to 'pass' until you feel comfortable. Feel free to use and develop your own writing style, to use your own voice. While 500 words is suggested as a word limit, there is no penalty if you go over this! if you haven't written for a while and are finding it hard to get started - I've attached two documents which might be helpful.
Two topics were set over the holiday period - 'One Moment, This Year' and 'A Love Letter to Travel'. A few stories have been sent in already so you can click on the links to receive inspiration. I've also added a topic 'Grandparent/s', which has proven to be an enjoyable way to begin writing reminiscence based stories. (It may also appeal to existing members who are keen to look at another side of their family.)
______________________
Topic Details for Monday 22nd February
'One Moment, This Year' “Looking back on 2020, what single moment stands out for you? Whether it be loss, love, discovery or disappointment, share your unforgettable moment.”
‘A Love Letter to Travel’
This topic was suggested by the New York Times... "while the coronavirus pandemic has disrupted global travel in unprecedented ways ...and we can’t know what lies ahead, we can still share the places we’ve loved, and continue to inspire curiosity, open-mindedness and awe for the wider world."
The brief: "Write a love letter to travel about one place in the world that is special to you. It can be a popular tourist destination, or a place that’s largely overlooked. You might inspire someone else to go there one day, or to reconsider their assumptions, or to spark their inquisitiveness about a new piece of the world — all the empowering things that travel brings to our lives. (Some additional prompts to help you: How did this place change your perception about something? What do you wish more people understood about this destination? Did you have an experience there that couldn’t have happened anywhere else? What would you miss most if you couldn’t visit this place for a long time).
Grandparents
Describe your relationship with a grandparent using one fond memory. Draw on your senses to recall specific details and reflect on the impact he or she made on your life. It may be the time Gran nearly set the kitchen on fire with the Christmas pudding, or the time your 92 year old Grandpa rode the Octopus with you at Luna Park. It could be a story about your Grandmother’s heritage and how she came to Australia. Your story could be about the era your grandfather represents, and the role he played in your upbringing or a special ritual you shared.
_____________________________
If you would like to dip in to the website for some Covid Lockdown reading and/or inspiration, here is the link to the 'Our Stories' page.
I look forward to seeing you at the U3A Meeting Room next Monday at 2pm (fingers crossed) and/or to receiving emailed stories in my inbox. Please do not hesitate to call me if you have any questions or would like to run something past me.
Best wishes,
Beverley Lee
5762 8171 or 0478 607 838
Attachments:
Tips for Writing 500 Words Stories
Planning a story for 500 Words Topics - sample
