Encounters are important in any story. How does a story change after an encounter? Which sort of encounters are the most effective? This was the topic for our discussion.
Get to the Point
Our book sales have stalled a bit. We have sold 24 e-books and 44 paperbacks. There is still time to buy the book before Christmas. It’s the ideal stocking filler!
https://rugbycafewriters.com/buy-our-new-book
Social media
We have passed 100 followers on Instagram. Our website has had 1,589 hits and our Facebook group has 28 members.
Writing Project
Simon P shared the latest chapter in our ongoing Writing Project, Thrapston Mansions. Wendy is next followed by Lindsay. We think we will bring this to a close at the end of the year. If you have an idea for a New Year project, which we can all take part in, please let us know.
https://rugbycafewriters.com/writing-project/
Publishing news
There were updates from Lindsay, Christine, Bella and Madalyn on their current book sales. Bella has managed to reach number 26 in the Amazon charts. I checked today and she seems to be number 12. Brilliant!
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Best-Sellers-Kindle-Store-Romance/zgbs/digital-text/362723031
Christmas meeting
Our Christmas meeting will be on Friday December 18th. Everyone is invited to write a short story (maximum 200 words) which begins: ‘Twas the week before Christmas… (This start is not included in the 200 words). Any genre is welcome – romance, science fiction, horror…To add to the fun, I am going to award a small prize for the most popular story. I will invite you to choose your favourite three and email the list to me after the meeting. The story with the most votes will get the spot prize.If you cannot make the meeting, please send your story to me in advance and we will read it out at the meeting. Christmas hats or jumpers can be worn.
Encounters
Fran led our discussion on the theme of Encounters. Some of us talked about books which turn on a specific encounter. Others read out original work featuring encounters. I will be putting some of this work on the website shortly. Here is a list of some of the books mentioned (thanks to Fran for this):
Strangers on a Train – Patricia Highsmith
Robinson Crusoe – Daniel Defoe
Pride and Prejudice – Jane Austen
Trains and Lovers – Alexander McCall Smith
A Wicked World – Benjamin Zephaniah
The Spanish Bride – Georgette Heyer
Oh Her Majesty’s Secret Service – Ian Fleming
A Horse and his Boy – C. S. Lewis
Caves of Steel – Isaac Asimov
Far From the Madding Crowd – Thomas Hardy
A Christmas Carol – Charles Dickens
Rugby Cafe Writers 