Wednesday, April 7, 2004

Writers turn out for fair

In late March, the Fayette Writers Club presented a Writers Fair at the Fayette County Library to display their work. Members, their families and the general public were invited and there was a large turnout for the festivities.

Ken Babcock, who is writing his memories of flying the ‘Hump’ during World War II, started the program with his virtuosity at the piano, while his wife Blanche talked about putting together her family history for a family reunion. The simple beginning became two thick volumes.

Between acts, Mike Loyd read his humorous outtakes on the program and kept everyone laughing. Cheryl Davis, newly published author of Hope is Constant, a love story set in Revolutionary England, Scotland and Georgia, read something Scottish. Cheryl was dressed in a Scots Tartan outfit.

Roger Olivares, author of five books, spoke on how to physically build a book. Pauline Mallory talked about her life as one of the first female aviators in her book, ‘Racing in the Skies.’ Doris Carey read her poem “Hide and Seek,” then Carol Buckler brought down the house with her rendition of “Those Cats Hang Tough.” Carol gave us all lesson in how to perform.

Ogechi Oparah, an up-and-coming young writer, gave her performance of “Harmony.” This young lady is only twelve years old and a very talented writer and performer. Jean Lomax, of Hampton, read Soulmates Eternal, a poem from a love story now in re-write and seeking a publisher.

Sitka Karmakar, read three of her poems. Give Me Wings, Diversity and Best Friend. Sitka writes beautiful poems, which she incorporates with illustrations for children’s books. When I first read ‘Give Me Wings,’ I pictured gossamer words, floating in the sky.

Jim Gallagher read his short story, ‘The Mourning Dove’ a delightful tale of a man of compassion who is faced with a stubborn bird. Dorthy McLaren followed with a true story of a lost cocker spaniel air hopping around Alaska, hitching rides on airplanes trying to get home again. A publisher should pick up on “Curley, Our Hitchhiking Air Traveler.”

Joyce Jordan spoke on ‘Over Exposed,’ how our environment can be our enemy.

Carol Lunsford, retired teacher, writer and artist displayed her art and spoke extemporaneously.

Helen Steel, that lady of diversity, explained ‘Angelology’ and displayed her collection of angels. Joe Spensley, versifier extraordinaire, did not get back from England in time to be on the program, so Peggy Renfroe read his poem ‘Stages of Life.”

Helen Steele directed the festivities, which included lunch. The crowd attending deemed the Fayette Writers Guild Fair a literary success.