‘An exercise in rewriting, revising, and editing’ with the Scribblers

Scribblers met at the home of Mary Shy on Monday evening, Feb. 18. Eight members were present.

President Karen Osborn called the business meeting to order. The minutes were read and accepted. Treasurer Marilyn Vincent gave her report. Since the location of the meeting had been changed, the group was reminded that the April meeting will be held at the home of Mary Hoyer, on April 15.

The program for the evening was presented by Mary Hoyer. It was called 'An exercise in rewriting, revising, and editing.” Mary explained that in a newspaper article or a letter to the editor, there is a limit of 500 words. Using Ursula LeGuin as a guide, Mary found several ideas to practice. One idea was to write 200 words on a subject without using adjectives or adverbs. The idea chosen for the evening was to use a piece already written and condense it. Time was allowed for members to write something, if they had not brought a piece of writing, and all the members tried condensing what had been written. When members had finished, they shared what they had written.

Karen Osborn wrote about picking a college, explaining where she had edited.

Waunita Hobbie read from a notebook dated September 12-November 4, 1982. The selection chronicled a trip to the west.

Martha Wiley shared, 'And What did You Learn from That?” This was a childhood memory about sledding routes next to her home.

Ann Porter read a piece in which she pretended to be a traveler visiting the Sahara Desert.

Claudia Streeter read about a recent trip through Texas.

Mary Hoyer had written about meeting her husband at a Saturday night dance in West Point.

Mary Shy wrote about a shopping trip.

Marilyn Vincent simplified a story previously written, about a shopping trip to Younkers, as a child.

At the close of the meeting, the hostess and co-hostess Karen Osborn, served refreshments.

Next month's meeting will be at Martha Wiley's.